Yunyi Zhang | Cognitive Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Yunyi Zhang | Cognitive Sciences | Research Excellence Award

University of Wisconsin-Madison | United States

Dr. Yunyi (Icy) Zhang is a learning sciences researcher focused on embodied cognition, gesture, and visual representations in learning, with particular emphasis on statistics, data science, and computing education. Her work integrates cognitive developmental theory, experimental methods, and learning analytics to design evidence-based, scalable pedagogical approaches that enhance conceptual understanding across learners with varied prior knowledge. She has authored 13 scholarly documents with 61 citations across 52 citing documents and an h-index of 4, reflecting consistent impact across educational psychology and cognitive science. Her research advances theory-driven instructional design with strong relevance for technology-enhanced and equitable learning environments.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations 61

Documents 13

h-index 4

Citations

Documents

h-index

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Featured Publications

Designing Interactive Learning Tools for Enhancing Computational Thinking in Middle School Students

– Computers & Education, 2024

Using Eye-Tracking Data to Inform the Design of Programming Tutorials

– Journal of Learning Analytics, 2024

Exploring Collaborative Problem Solving in Online Coding Environments

– Computers in Human Behavior, 2023

Improving Novice Programmer Engagement Through Gamified Learning Modules

– Journal of Educational Technology, 2023

Zhanyang Qian | Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Zhanyang Qian | Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award

Nantong University | China

Dr. Zhanyang Qian is a neural regeneration scientist specializing in innovative therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury, with a strong focus on immunomodulation, neuroinflammation, and cellular repair mechanisms. His research integrates advanced molecular immunology, mitochondrial biology, and translational animal models to uncover pathways that drive neural protection and functional recovery. He has secured multiple national-level grants and prestigious provincial talent recognitions, reflecting his rapidly rising impact in the field. Dr. Qian has authored a robust portfolio of high-impact publications, including several first- and corresponding-author papers in top-tier journals, with his work cited by leading neuroscience outlets. His studies have advanced understanding of microglial and astrocytic responses, efferocytosis in senescent macrophages, and mitophagy-driven neuroprotection, contributing valuable insights to the development of targeted interventions for central nervous system injury. Beyond research, he contributes to the scientific community as a committee member in neurological regeneration, serves on an editorial board, and reviews for reputable journals. Dr. Qian is recognized for his leadership in pioneering mechanistic discoveries and translating them toward clinically relevant therapeutic strategies, positioning him as an emerging expert in spinal cord injury repair and neural regeneration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Xia, M., Li, C., Zhang, Y., Wang, T., Zhang, C., Zhou, J., Zhu, X., Hong, H., Li, H., Qian, Z., et al. (2025). GLP-1R activation restores Gas6-driven efferocytosis in senescent foamy macrophages to promote neural repair. Redox Biology, 103857.

Xia, M., Li, C., Chen, J., Wu, C., Zhang, J., Hong, H., Jiang, J., Xu, G., Qian, Z., & Cui, Z. (2025). Activation of FANCC attenuates mitochondrial ROS-driven necroptosis by targeting TBK1-dependent mitophagy in astrocytes after spinal cord injury. Theranostics.

Qian, Z., Li, R., Zhao, T., Xie, K., Li, P., Li, G., Shen, N., Gong, J., Hong, X., & Yang, L., et al. (2024). Blockade of the ADAM8–Fra-1 complex attenuates neuroinflammation by suppressing the Map3k4/MAPKs axis after spinal cord injury. Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters, 29, Article 589.

Qian, Z., Xia, M., Zhao, T., Li, Y., Li, G., Zhang, Y., Li, H., & Yang, L. (2024). ACOD1, rather than itaconate, facilitates p62-mediated activation of Nrf2 in microglia post spinal cord contusion. Clinical and Translational Medicine, 14, Article e1661.

Chang, J., Qian, Z., Wang, B., Cao, J., Zhang, S., Jiang, F., Kong, R., Yu, X., Cao, X., & Yang, L., et al. (2023). Transplantation of A2 type astrocytes promotes neural repair and remyelination after spinal cord injury. Cell Communication and Signaling, 21(1).