Dr. MENGYING YAN | biomaterial | Women Researcher Award

Dr. MENGYING YAN, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Mengying Yan is an accomplished researcher specializing in neural interface materials, bio-3D printing, and cell culture technology. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical, Food, and Cosmetic Sciences from the University of Genoa, Italy, and has extensive experience in food science and nutrition. Mengying’s career spans over five years in academic and research environments, primarily at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. She has worked as an assistant researcher and postdoctoral fellow, focusing on cutting-edge materials for neural interfaces and flexible electronic materials. Fluent in Italian and English, Mengying’s linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills have been honed by her nine years of international experience. Her research contributions have led to numerous publications in high-impact journals, showcasing her expertise in materials science and bioengineering. Mengying also has a passion for art, particularly traditional Chinese painting, and enjoys integrating creativity into her scientific endeavors.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Women Researcher Award

Mengying Yan is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. With over 10 years of academic and research experience in the fields of pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic sciences, her expertise spans across cell culture, 3D printing, neural interface materials, and conductive polymers. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Genoa, Italy, and has contributed to advanced research during her time as a postdoctoral researcher and assistant researcher at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her research has resulted in several high-impact publications, and she has been recognized as a co-first author in notable journals like Advanced Healthcare Materials and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

   Education 

Mengying Yan’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to science and research. She earned her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical, Food, and Cosmetic Sciences from the University of Genoa, Italy, in 2018. During her doctoral studies, she focused on hydrogels for 3D cell culture, further expanding her expertise with an internship at the EU Institute on Membrane Technology (ITM-CNR), where she worked on developing drug-loaded microspheres using membrane emulsification techniques. Prior to this, Mengying completed her Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Calabria, Italy, and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Engineering from Sichuan University, China. Her education equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of food science, membrane technology, and cellular systems. This strong foundation has been crucial in her current research work on neural interfaces and flexible materials, driving innovation and advancing the boundaries of biomedical technology.

   Experience 

Mengying Yan’s professional experience spans diverse areas of materials science and biomedical research. Currently, she serves as an Assistant Researcher at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where she focuses on 3D cell culture systems, flexible electronic materials, and neural interface technologies. Previously, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the same institution, contributing to significant advancements in bio-3D printing and conductive ink development. Her responsibilities included daily laboratory management, training new employees, and overseeing the maintenance of sophisticated research equipment. Mengying’s hands-on expertise with instruments such as UV spectrophotometers, DSC, and electrochemical workstations has enabled her to excel in experimental research. Her extensive academic background and practical experience, combined with her organizational skills and technical proficiency, make her a well-rounded researcher with the ability to lead innovative projects in biomedical engineering.

   Awards and Honors 

Mengying Yan’s academic and research excellence has been recognized through multiple awards and honors. During her doctoral studies at the University of Genoa, she received a prestigious research grant from the European Union’s Institute on Membrane Technology (ITM-CNR), which funded her innovative work on developing drug-loaded microspheres for therapeutic applications. Her contributions to neural interface technology and bio-3D printing have garnered attention in the scientific community, resulting in her being selected as a co-author in several high-impact publications. In addition to academic recognition, Mengying has been honored for her mentorship and leadership in guiding new researchers at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology. Her proficiency in integrating advanced scientific techniques with practical applications has set her apart as a leader in her field, earning her accolades from both peers and institutions. Mengying’s achievements are a testament to her dedication, innovation, and contributions to biomedical research.

   Research Focus 

Mengying Yan’s research focuses on the intersection of materials science and biomedical engineering, with a particular emphasis on neural interface technologies and 3D cell culture systems. She has made significant contributions to developing flexible electronic materials and conducting polymers that improve the electrode-neural interface, facilitating better communication between electronic devices and biological tissues. Mengying’s work also explores bio-3D printing and the creation of hydrogel scaffolds that mimic natural tissue environments, enabling more effective tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Her research aims to solve critical challenges in neural interface systems, enhancing their integration with the human body for medical applications such as brain-computer interfaces. By combining materials innovation with biological applications, Mengying’s research holds promise for advancing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and improving prosthetic technologies. Her interdisciplinary approach ensures her research stays at the forefront of biomedical advancements.

  Publications Top Notes

• Three-dimensional highly porous hydrogel scaffold for neural circuit dissection and modulation

• Flexible and stretchable polymer optical fibers for chronic brain and vagus nerve optogenetic stimulations in free-behaving animals

• Low‐Cost Paper‐Based Conducting Polymer‐Hydrogel Flexible Bio‐Radar Sensor for Detecting Biological Objects

• Development of enzyme-loaded PVA microspheres by membrane emulsification

  Development and characterization of a mucoadhesive sublingual formulation for pain control: Extemporaneous oxycodone films in personalized therapy