Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiao Wang | Forestry science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Researcher | Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University | China

Jiao Wang is an accomplished Associate Researcher at Zhejiang A&F University with a strong background in plant growth, development, and stress resistance. With expertise in molecular plant biology, she has made significant contributions to understanding the role of G-protein and glucose signaling networks in crop resilience and productivity. Her academic journey began with a foundation in horticulture, which evolved into advanced research in vegetable science and crop physiology. Over the years, she has built a strong publication record in internationally recognized journals such as Plant Cell, Plant Physiology, New Phytologist, Horticulture Research, and Cell Reports. Her work integrates molecular genetics, biochemistry, and transcriptomics to uncover key regulatory mechanisms underlying yield formation, stress tolerance, and plant vigor. In addition to her publications, she has contributed to book chapters on advanced breeding technologies, emphasizing CRISPR/Cas9-based precision breeding approaches. Wang’s career demonstrates a consistent focus on bridging basic plant science with applied crop improvement.

Profile

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Education

Jiao Wang has received comprehensive education and training in plant sciences, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture that provided her with fundamental knowledge in crop production, plant physiology, and agronomy. She then pursued doctoral research in vegetable science, where she specialized in the molecular regulation of plant growth, stress responses, and gene function exploration. Her doctoral work integrated laboratory research and field-oriented approaches, focusing on genetic and signaling pathways that shape tomato growth and development. Following her Ph.D. studies, she continued her academic journey as a postdoctoral researcher in crop science, expanding her expertise to include plant signaling pathways related to environmental adaptation, carbon dioxide regulation, and glucose-mediated defense mechanisms. This stage strengthened her proficiency in experimental design, transcriptomics, and systems biology approaches to dissect complex traits. Her educational path reflects a progressive transition from broad plant science foundations to highly specialized, cutting-edge research in plant molecular biology.

Professional Experience

Jiao Wang’s professional experience reflects a progression from student researcher to independent investigator. She initially engaged in undergraduate research in horticulture, where she developed skills in crop physiology and plant cultivation. Her doctoral studies allowed her to explore molecular mechanisms regulating plant growth and stress resilience, which laid the foundation for her future research. As a postdoctoral researcher in crop science, she deepened her expertise in signaling networks, particularly in G-protein and glucose-related pathways, and conducted research that linked molecular regulation with agronomic performance in tomato. These experiences led to influential publications and collaborations with leading scientists in plant biology. Currently, as an Associate Researcher at Zhejiang A&F University, she leads projects funded by national and provincial foundations, investigating molecular mechanisms of plant growth regulation, stress response, and germplasm innovation. Her professional trajectory illustrates a strong commitment to advancing plant science through both fundamental research and applied innovation.

Awards and Honors

Jiao Wang has been recognized with multiple prestigious research grants and honors that highlight her contributions to plant science. She has secured support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China through the Youth Science Fund Project, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of G-protein subunits in tomato. In addition, she has been awarded funding from the Zhejiang Natural Science Foundation for exploratory projects investigating the role of subunit interactions in yield formation. She has also received China Postdoctoral Science Foundation grants, both general and special funding, which enabled her to advance her research on glucose and G-protein signaling in plant growth and disease resistance. These competitive awards not only acknowledge her innovative research proposals but also demonstrate the recognition she has earned within the scientific community. Collectively, these achievements highlight her ability to secure resources for high-level research and underscore her status as an emerging leader in plant molecular biology.

Research Focus

Jiao Wang’s research focus centers on the molecular regulation of plant growth, development, and resilience under environmental stress. She is particularly interested in the role of G-protein signaling networks and glucose sensing pathways in coordinating plant physiological responses. Her studies explore how signaling cascades influence shoot apical meristem activity, yield formation, and adaptation to biotic and abiotic challenges such as temperature fluctuations, light variation, and disease pressure. By combining transcriptomic, genetic, and biochemical approaches, she dissects key molecular players like G-protein subunits, RGS1 regulators, and transcription factors that modulate plant metabolism and growth-defense trade-offs. Her research also emphasizes germplasm innovation, employing advanced technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 to accelerate breeding for improved crop varieties. Through this integrated approach, she aims to link fundamental molecular mechanisms with practical crop improvement strategies, contributing both to scientific knowledge and agricultural sustainability in the context of global food security challenges.

Publication

The G-protein β subunit SlGB1 regulates tyramine-derived phenolamide metabolism for shoot apex growth and development in tomato
Year: 2025

Glucose-G protein signaling plays a crucial role in tomato resilience to high temperature and elevated CO2
Year: 2024

Phytosulfokine promotes fruit ripening and quality via phosphorylation of transcription factor DREB2F in tomato
Year: 2024

Glucose sensing by regulator of G protein signaling 1 (RGS1) plays a crucial role in coordinating defense in response to environmental variation in tomato
Year: 2022

Transcriptomic and genetic approaches reveal an essential role of the NAC transcription factor SlNAP1 in the growth and defense response of tomato
Year: 2020

Conclusion

Jiao Wang is highly suitable for recognition through a research award, given her strong scientific achievements, innovative projects, and potential for future breakthroughs. Her work contributes directly to understanding plant resilience and crop productivity, making her a valuable leader in plant molecular biology and applied crop science. With further emphasis on global partnerships and practical applications, she is well-positioned to make sustained contributions to both scientific advancement and agricultural innovation.