Dr. Mei Wang - Analytical Chemistry - Women Researcher Award
USDA - United States
Professional Profiles
Early Academic Pursuits:
Dr. Mei Wang's journey into the realm of analytical chemistry and natural products research began with her undergraduate studies at Nankai University, China, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the College of Chemistry. Her early academic endeavors laid the foundation for a future dedicated to unraveling the complexities of natural compounds.
Professional Endeavors:
Dr. Wang's professional trajectory encompasses a rich blend of academic research, industrial experience, and international collaborations. After completing her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Mississippi, where she delved into the innovative realm of chromatography with no stationary phase under the guidance of Dr. Jon F. Parcher, Mei Wang embarked on a multifaceted career. Her postdoctoral roles at the University of Mississippi and subsequent positions at PerkinElmer in Boston, MA, and GlaxoSmithKline in Parsippany, NJ, provided her with diverse perspectives in academia and industry. This period served as a crucible for honing her analytical skills and gaining practical insights into the application of chemistry in real-world contexts. In 2015, Dr. Wang joined the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi as a Research Scientist, marking a pivotal juncture in her career. In 2020, she assumed the role of Research Chemist at the Natural Products Utilization Research Unit (NPURU), part of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Contributions and Research Focus:
Dr. Mei Wang is renowned for her expertise in natural products analysis and the discovery of bioactive compounds. Her extensive skill set encompasses a broad spectrum of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, which she has adeptly applied in the analysis, isolation, and structure elucidation of natural products. Over the past two decades, she has excelled in designing and implementing innovative analytical methods, particularly for identifying bioactive compounds in complex natural product mixtures. Her contributions to the field are evident in her impressive portfolio, which includes 126 peer-reviewed publications and four Agilent application notes. Dr. Wang's research focus revolves around unraveling the mysteries of biologically active natural products, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community and advancing the understanding of these compounds' potential applications.
Accolades and Recognition:
Dr. Wang's dedication and contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her work has been recognized through numerous accolades and presentations at conferences. Her 126 peer-reviewed publications stand as a testament to the impact of her research on the scientific community. Additionally, the four Agilent application notes underscore her ability to translate her expertise into practical applications in the analytical chemistry domain.
Impact and Influence:
Dr. Wang's influence extends beyond the confines of her laboratory. Her work in natural products analysis and bioactive compound discovery has a direct impact on agricultural research, contributing to the development of innovative solutions in utilizing natural resources. Her research has the potential to influence various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science.
Legacy and Future Contributions:
As Dr. Mei Wang continues her journey at USDA, ARS, NPURU, her legacy is one of continual dedication to advancing knowledge in natural products utilization. Her future contributions are poised to build upon her existing body of work, with potential breakthroughs that could shape the trajectory of natural products research and their applications in diverse fields
Notable Publications
Yellow tea (Camellia sinensis L.), a promising Chinese tea: Processing, chemical constituents and health benefits 2018/5/1 (117)
Analysis of terpenes in Cannabis sativa L. using GC/MS: method development, validation, and application 2019/3 (79)