Dr. Hengyu Zhang | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Soochow University, China.

Dr. Hengyu Zhang (张恒宇), is a passionate Chinese researcher specializing in thermal management and electromagnetic functional textile materials. With a strong academic foundation in textile engineering and chemistry, he is currently serving as a postdoctoral fellow at Soochow University. Dr. Zhang's research bridges innovation and application, particularly in the development of advanced textiles using supercritical processes and electromagnetic functionalities. His work has been widely recognized through awards, publications, and patents.

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🎓 Education

Dr. Hengyu Zhang holds a solid academic background in textile science and engineering. He is currently serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Textile Chemistry and Dyeing & Finishing at Soochow University, Suzhou, China (April 2024–Present). Prior to this, he earned his Ph.D. in Textile Materials and Textile Design from Donghua University, Shanghai, China (September 2018–March 2024). His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Textile Engineering from Qingdao University, Qingdao, China (September 2014–June 2018). This progression reflects his deepening expertise in textile research and innovation, with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied aspects of textile science.

💼 Experience

Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Soochow University, Dr. Zhang previously completed his Ph.D. at Donghua University, one of China's leading textile research institutions. Throughout his academic career, he actively participated in multiple research projects, including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Donghua University's Graduate Innovation Fund. His practical experience also includes work on advanced instruments such as SEM, FTIR, and XRD, alongside simulation tools like CST.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Zhang’s primary research interests include:

👕 Thermal management textile materials developed using supercritical processes

📡 Electromagnetic functional textiles for wave absorption, shielding, and stealth applications

🧪 Composite materials and nanoarchitectures for multifunctional smart fabrics

📐 Frequency-selective surfaces and gradient impedance structures

🏅 Awards & Honors

🥇 National Scholarship – Sep 2023

🧵 First Prize, China Textile Industry Federation Science & Tech Award – Aug 2023

🎤 Outstanding Reporter, Shanghai Intl. Textile Graduate Summer School – Jul 2023

🥈 Silver Award, 9th China Intl. "Internet +" Innovation Competition

🗣️ Outstanding Oral Report, 2nd Textile Graduate Forum – Apr 2023

📝 Finalist, 23rd Chen Weiji Outstanding Paper Award – Mar 2023

💰 Comprehensive Scholarship, Donghua University – Sep 2022

🏆 22nd Chen Weiji Excellent Paper Award – Oct 2021

📚 Selected Publications

Here’s a selection of Dr. Hengyu Zhang’s representative research works:

Zhang, H.Y. et al. (2024). MXene/PPy electromagnetic wave absorbing felt with impedance continuous gradient structure prepared by freezing interface polymerization. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 7(1), 1289–1399.

Zhang, H.Y. et al. (2023). Frequency-selective/impedance gradient MXene/PPy nanocomposite polyester felt. Composites Part A, 175, 107776.

Zhang, H.Y. et al. (2022). Nanoarchitectonics of MXene/PPy/polyester composite fabric. Composites Part A, 163, 107163.

Zhang, H.Y. et al. (2022). Washable conductive cotton yarn using MXene coating. Industrial Crops and Products, 188, 115653.

Zhang, H.Y. et al. (2022). Multilayer flexible EMI shielding fabric. Textile Research Journal, 92(5-6), 851–859.

Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa | Obesity Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa is an accomplished Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery and Research Scholar with over 15 years of expertise in academic medicine, medical education, and strategic program development. His work spans clinical research, innovative teaching, and securing significant research funding. Passionate about fostering global research collaborations and mentoring future medical professionals, he has contributed extensively to medical education and research advancements in the Middle East and beyond.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa began his academic journey at Colegio La Salle in Bucaramanga, Colombia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in November 2002. Pursuing his passion for medicine, he completed a medical internship at the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Hospital Universitario San Jorge, Colombia, in July 2009. Shortly thereafter, he further enriched his clinical experience by undertaking a medical internship at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in June 2010. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in Medicine and Surgery from the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, Colombia, in July 2010. Following this, Dr. Barajas-Gamboa advanced his research career as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational and Clinical Research at UCSD, completing the program in December 2011, and continued as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Clinical Research at the same institution until July 2013.

Experience 🩺

Dr. Juan S. Barajas-Gamboa currently serves as an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery at Khalifa University, UAE (2021–Present), where he focuses on developing research-driven curricula, mentoring faculty, and promoting research excellence. Since 2018, he has also been a Research Scholar at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE, where he leads groundbreaking research in bariatric surgery, metabolic disorders, and personalized medicine, having successfully secured over $1.3 million in research grants. Between 2010 and 2018, Dr. Barajas-Gamboa held various research and teaching positions at institutions including UCSD and Universidad Industrial de Santander, concentrating on clinical and translational research to advance medical knowledge and practice.

Research Interests 🔬

Minimally invasive and robotic surgery

Bariatric and metabolic surgery

Surgical oncology

Precision medicine and patient-specific treatments

Innovations in medical education

Awards & Honors 🏆

2023: Research Scholar of the Year, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

2022: IFSO MENAC Research Scholarship, Saudi Arabia

2021: Best Abstract, Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Congress, UAE

2009: Honorary Mention, UNAB School of Medicine

2003: Scholarship for Best Results in ICFES Examination, UNAB, Colombia

Selected Publications 📚

Conversion of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass to Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass: Mid-Term Results from the United Arab Emirates

Authors: Alshamsi, A., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Piechowska-Jóźwiak, M.I., Kroh, M., Rodriguez, J.

Journal: Surgical Endoscopy, 2025, 39(1), pp. 417–424, e13314.

Focuses on outcomes of surgical conversion procedures in bariatric patients in the UAE.

Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Primary Bariatric Surgery: A Comparative Study of Weight Loss Trajectories and Perioperative Outcomes

Authors: Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Khan, M.S.I., Romero-Velez, G., Kroh, M., Rodriguez, J.H.

Journal: Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2024, 34(12), pp. 1107–1110.

Analyzes the effects of the pandemic on bariatric surgical outcomes and weight-loss progress.

Management of Abdominal Wall Hernias in Bariatric Patients: A Narrative Review

Authors: Restrepo-Rodas, G., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Fuentes, J.L.G., Vargas-Cordova, R., Guerrón, A.D.

Journal: Annals of Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgery, 2024, 9.

Explores surgical management strategies for abdominal wall hernias in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Diastasis Recti with Concomitant Ventral Hernia Repair: An Initial Experience in the United Arab Emirates Population

Authors: Guerron, A.D., Restrepo-Rodas, G., Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Cherubino, M., Rodriguez, J.

Journal: Journal of Laparoendoscopic and Advanced Surgical Techniques, 2024, 34(10), pp. 904–909.

Reports on the outcomes of managing diastasis recti alongside hernia repair in UAE patients.

Pain Assessment and Analgesic Requirements after Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Comparison Study of Robotic versus Laparoscopic Approaches

Authors: Barajas-Gamboa, J.S., Ihsan Khan, M.S., Mocanu, V., Kroh, M., Corcelles, R.

Journal: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, 13(17), 5168.

Compares pain management outcomes between robotic and laparoscopic techniques in sleeve gastrectomy.