Prof. Yu Zhen | Molecular Ecology of Marine Plankton | Best Researcher Award

Dean at Ocean University of China, China

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

 

Professor ZHEN Yu embarked on his academic journey with a passion for marine ecological research, focusing on the intricate relationships within oceanic ecosystems. His early studies laid a strong foundation in molecular ecology, microbial oceanography, and environmental sustainability. As he progressed, he developed expertise in understanding marine plankton dynamics, their molecular structures, and the ecological impact of microbial communities.

🔬 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Professor at the Ocean University of China, Professor ZHEN has dedicated decades to advancing environmental science. His academic career includes positions as a Lecturer and Associate Professor (2006-2020) before his promotion to full professorship in 2021. His international exposure includes a tenure as a Visiting Scholar at Stony Brook University, USA (2013-2014), where he collaborated with leading scientists in marine and atmospheric sciences.

📖 Contributions and Research Focus

Professor ZHEN Yu’s research primarily revolves around molecular ecology of marine plankton and microbial oceanography. His work has significantly contributed to:

  • Molecular identification and detection of harmful algae and jellyfish, crucial for monitoring harmful algal blooms.
  • Development of molecular markers to study phytoplankton growth and evolution.
  • Plankton diversity and community structure analysis, enhancing our understanding of marine ecosystem dynamics.
  • Microbial geochemical cycling of nitrogen and other elements, with a focus on estuarine ecosystems and their role in global biogeochemical processes.

His research has not only expanded scientific knowledge but also influenced environmental conservation policies and sustainable marine resource management.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Professor ZHEN’s contributions to marine environmental science have been widely recognized through numerous high-impact journal publications in renowned scientific journals such as Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Marine Pollution Bulletin, and Science of the Total Environment. His research on ocean acidification, microplastic contamination, and marine diatom responses has been instrumental in shaping global discourse on climate change and marine sustainability.

🌍 Impact and Influence

As a leading expert in marine molecular ecology, Professor ZHEN’s work has:

  • Enhanced early-warning systems for marine pollution and harmful algal blooms.
  • Provided new insights into carbon assimilation and nitrogen metabolism in marine ecosystems.
  • Developed cutting-edge molecular tools for rapid detection of marine species.

His collaborative efforts with international scientists continue to drive innovations in marine biotechnology and environmental sustainability.

🔭 Legacy and Future Contributions

With an ever-growing list of publications and ongoing research projects, Professor ZHEN Yu is committed to advancing ocean sustainability, marine biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. His legacy is defined by his pioneering research, mentorship of future scientists, and contributions to global marine ecological health. As he continues his academic journey, his future work promises to further revolutionize marine ecosystem monitoring and environmental preservation strategies.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Impacts of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase gene silencing on photosynthetic efficiency and carbon fixation in Skeletonema costatum
    Authors: Yu Zhen, Jiwei Zhu, Ming Yue, Tiezhu Mi
    Journal: Gene
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Effects of ocean acidification on nitrogen metabolism of Skeletonema costatum
    Authors: Shuxing Wang, Tiezhu Mi, Yu Zhen, Jianbin Zhu
    Journal: Journal of Ocean University of China
    Year: 2024

  3. Title: Development of a rapid detection method to Prorocentrum lima by loop-mediated isothermal amplification with hydroxy naphthol blue
    Authors: Chao Yang, Yu Zhen, Jialin Hou, Tiezhu Mi
    Journal: Marine Biotechnology
    Year: 2024

  4. Title: Molecular monitoring plankton community during jellyfish blooms in the water near the Liaoning Hongyan River nuclear power plant
    Authors: Ming Yue, Tiezhu Mi, Ying Li, Xianyu Gong, Yu Zhen
    Journal: Journal of Oceanology and Limnology
    Year: 2023

  5. Title: The prevalence and potential implications of microplastic contamination in marine fishes from Xiamen Bay, China
    Authors: Lili Wei, Daling Wang, Reyilamu Aierken, Fuxing Wu, Yufei Dai, Xianyan Wang, Chao Fang, Liyuan Zhao, Yu Zhen
    Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin
    Year: 2022

  6. Title: Regulation of carbon assimilation in Skeletonema costatum under diel variations
    Authors: Ying Li, Yu Zhen, Jianbin Zhu, Qian Liu, Zhigang Yu, Dongyan Liu
    Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    Year: 2021

  7. Title: Integrated RNA-seq and proteomic studies reveal resource reallocation towards energy metabolism and defense in Skeletonema marinoi in response to CO₂ increase
    Authors: Mei Zhang, Yu Zhen, Tiezhu Mi, Senjie Lin
    Journal: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
    Year: 2021

  8. Title: Species-specific detection and quantification of scyphomedusae in Jiaozhou Bay, China, using a quantitative real-time PCR assay
    Authors: Jianyan Wang, Tiezhu Mi, Zhigang Yu, Guoshan Wang, Qinsheng Wei, Jing Yang, Yu Zhen
    Journal: Journal of Oceanology and Limnology
    Year: 2021

  9. Title: Responses of triacylglycerol synthesis in Skeletonema marinoi to nitrogen and phosphate starvations
    Authors: Mei Zhang, Yongze Xing, Fuwen Wang, Tiezhu Mi, Yu Zhen
    Journal: Journal of Phycology
    Year: 2020

  10. Title: Responses of marine diatom Skeletonema marinoi to nutrient deficiency: programmed cell death
    Authors: Hualong Wang, Feng Chen, Tiezhu Mi, Qian Liu, Zhigang Yu, Yu Zhen
    Journal: Applied and Environmental Microbiology
    Year: 2020

Prof. Yu Zhen | Molecular Ecology of Marine Plankton | Best Researcher Award