Assist. Prof. Dr Sae-Yeon Won | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sae-Yeon Won 🧠⚕️ is a distinguished neurosurgeon and researcher at Rostock University Medical Center, Germany. With an MD and PhD in Neurological Surgery 🎓, he has over 85 peer-reviewed publications 📚 and an H-index of 17 📊. His research focuses on neurovascular diseases, brain trauma, and innovative surgical materials 🧪🔬. A former scholar at Harvard University 🌍, he has received prestigious grants and leads collaborative projects across Germany 🇩🇪. As founder of the Posterior Fossa Community 🧩 and active member of top neurosurgical societies, Dr. Won’s work bridges clinical excellence with groundbreaking biomedical research 💡🏥.

Assist. Prof. Dr Sae-Yeon Won, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany

Profile

ORCID

SCOPUS

Education 🎓

Dr. Sae-Yeon Won earned his MD from J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt 🇩🇪 (2007–2014), complemented by a research stint at Harvard University 🧠🇺🇸 in 2012. He received his Doctor of Medicine (Dr. med.) in 2015, graduating summa cum laude 🏅 with a dissertation on dual-energy CT imaging in brain hemorrhages 🧪🩻. In 2021, he achieved a PhD (Habilitation) in Neurological Surgery from Rostock University Medical Centre 🏥, focusing on epilepsy in subdural hematoma patients 💡⚡. His academic journey reflects deep commitment to neurosurgical research and clinical excellence across global institutions 📚🌐.

Professional Journey 🧠🏥

Dr. Sae-Yeon Won began his neurosurgical residency at J.W. Goethe University Frankfurt 🇩🇪 (2014–2020) under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Volker Seifert. He continued his residency at University Medical Centre Rostock 🏥, followed by a clinical fellowship (2020–2021) 🩺. Since June 2021, he has served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery under Prof. Dr. Thomas M. Freiman 🎓. His continuous advancement in clinical neurosurgery reflects exceptional dedication, hands-on expertise in complex brain disorders 🧬, and a strong commitment to academic medicine 📚👨‍⚕️.

Grants & Scholarships 🎓💰

Dr. Sae-Yeon Won has been awarded multiple prestigious grants, including the Clinical Price in NeuroWiss (€1,500) in 2019 for his research on aneurysms 🧠. In 2021, he received the FORUN 2021 Research Award (€18,867) and DePuy Spine Scholarship (€2,000) 🏆. He was also awarded State Graduate Funding (€24,000) for coagulation disorder research and the DGNI Young Scientist Award (€20,000) for intracranial pressure monitoring 🧬. Additionally, his Teaching Grant (€8,800) supports innovative virtual reality training for neurosurgical students 🎮💡.

Contributions 💡

Dr. Sae-Yeon Won’s research demonstrates the potential of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a safer hemostatic agent in neurosurgery 🩺. Unlike traditional bipolar coagulation, H₂O₂ showed minimal neuronal damage, with limited impact (≤1mm from the surface) 🧬. This suggests it could be a viable alternative to conventional methods, reducing risks during surgery. Additionally, his study found H₂O₂ had visible effects on tumor cells, opening new possibilities for its use in brain tumor treatment 🎯. This research holds promise for more effective brain tumor surgeries, prioritizing tumor removal while preserving surrounding brain tissue 🌟.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Sae-Yeon Won’s research spans several critical areas in neurosurgery and neurology. His work focuses on stroke 🩸, exploring innovative treatments and early detection methods. He also investigates neurovascular diseases 🩺, aiming to improve understanding and management of conditions like aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. In neurooncology 🎯, his studies explore novel approaches for treating brain tumors, especially in minimizing damage to healthy tissue during surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Won’s research addresses traumatic brain injury 💥, seeking new solutions for recovery and minimizing long-term effects on patients. His work combines cutting-edge treatments with clinical practice.

Publications 📝

Enhancing Surgical Education for Medical Students Through Virtual Reality: The Digital Surgical Operating Theatre Tour

Authors: D. Dubinski, S. Won, C. Hardung, F.A. Gessler, B.F.M. Romeike
Journal: World Neurosurgery, 2025

The Velocity of Temporalis Muscle Wasting in Cerebral Metastasis Is Prognostic for Poor Survival

Authors: A. Rafaelian, S. Won, B. Behmanesh, F.A. Gessler, D. Dubinski
Journal: Frontiers in Oncology, 2025

Surgical Infarct Volume Reduction and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Ischemic Cerebellar Stroke: Results from a Multicentric Retrospective Study

Authors: S. Hernández-Durán, J. Walter, B. Behmanesh, S. Won, F.A. Gessler
Journal: Journal of Neurosurgery, 2024

Hybrid-3D Robotic Suite in Spine and Trauma Surgery – Experiences in 210 Patients

Authors: D.M. Haida, P. Mohr, S. Won, M. Hanschen, S.M. Huber-Wagner
Journal: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2024

Efficacy and Safety of Bedside Percutaneous Three-Millimeter Twist-Drill Trephination Under Local Anesthesia—A Retrospective Study of 1000 Patients

Authors: B. Puhahn-Schmeiser, H. Wegent, S. Won, J.F. Zentner, T.M. Freiman
Journal: Acta Neurochirurgica, 2024

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Neurosurgery—Unveiling ChatGPT for Neurosurgical Discharge Summaries and Operative Reports

Authors: D. Dubinski, S. Won, S. Trnovec, T.M. Freiman, F.A. Gessler
Journal: Acta Neurochirurgica, 2024

Dr Binod Dhakal | Biomaterials | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Binod Dhakal is an esteemed hematologist-oncologist 🩸🎗️ and Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin 🏥. He holds an M.D. from Saint Francis Hospital and an MBBS from Manipal College of Medical Sciences, with an M.S. in Clinical & Translational Science. His research focuses on multiple myeloma, CAR-T cell therapy, and cancer immunotherapy 🧬. Dr. Dhakal has secured multimillion-dollar grants 💰, received prestigious awards 🏅, and serves as a reviewer for leading oncology journals 📖. His contributions to oncology research and education make him a top contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Education🎓

Dr. Binod Dhakal has an impressive academic journey in medicine and oncology 🏥🔬. He earned his MBBS from Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Nepal 🇳🇵 (1999-2004) and later completed his M.D. at Saint Francis Hospital, Evanston, IL, USA 🇺🇸 (2007-2010). He specialized further as a Hematology/Oncology Fellow at the Medical College of Wisconsin (2013-2016) 🩸🎗️. To strengthen his research expertise, he obtained an M.S. in Clinical & Translational Science from the Clinical and Translational Institute of Southeast Wisconsin (2015-2016) 📊🧬. His extensive education underscores his commitment to advancing cancer research and patient care.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Binod Dhakal is a highly acclaimed hematologist-oncologist 🎗️, recognized for his excellence in medical research and education 📚. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including the American Society of Oncology Travel Trainee Award ✈️, Best Oral Abstract Award 🏅, and Outstanding Medical Student Teacher Award 🏫. His leadership was further acknowledged as Chief Fellow in Hematology/Oncology 🏥. Dr. Dhakal’s groundbreaking work in multiple myeloma and cancer immunotherapy 🧬 has earned him esteemed fellowships and research accolades. His dedication to advancing oncology and mentoring future physicians makes him a leading figure in the field.

Contributions 👨‍🏫

Dr. Binod Dhakal is a dedicated mentor and faculty leader, guiding numerous fellows and researchers in multiple myeloma studies 🩸🧬. Since 2016, he has mentored Guru Subramaniam in research and MS thesis development. His mentorship extends to esteemed fellows like Smith Giri (2018-Present), Madan Aryal (2018-2022), Lindsay Hammons (2021-2023), and Ramsha Ahmed (2022-Present) 📚🔍. His contributions continue with Bicky Thapa, Gulrayz Ahmed, Ravi Narra, Jennifer Obasi, Othman Akhtar, Fumou Sun, and Kritika Yadav, ensuring future advancements in hematology and oncology. His commitment to training the next generation of experts solidifies his impact in medical research.

Books Chapters 📖

Dr. Binod Dhakal has made significant contributions to medical literature through books, chapters, and editorial works 📚📝. His 2011 piece, Medical Student Perspectives: Journey Through Different Worlds, explores user-driven healthcare. He co-authored statistical analysis discussions in Current Concepts and Controversies in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (2014) 📊📖. His works on allogeneic stem cell transplantation and CAR-T therapy in multiple myeloma (2015-2020) in Bone Marrow Transplantation and Blood Reviews provide crucial insights into hematology and oncology 🩸🧬. His expertise in narrative medicine, stem cell therapy, and cancer research continues to shape the field.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Binod Dhakal’s research primarily focuses on multiple myeloma, hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), and CAR-T cell therapy 🧬🧑‍⚕️. His work explores stem cell mobilization with novel induction therapies, B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed immunotherapy, and cytokine release syndrome in HCT patients 💉🦠. He has investigated the role of beta-blockers like propranolol in reducing molecular risk markers and examined the ethical challenges in CAR-T cell therapy slot allocation ⚖️🔍. His research provides groundbreaking insights into improving transplant success rates and reducing treatment-related complications, shaping the future of oncology and hematology. 🚀📚

Publications 📚

“Cilta-cel or standard care in lenalidomide-refractory multiple myeloma” 🧬💊
🖊 Authors: J. San-Miguel, B. Dhakal, K. Yong, A. Spencer, S. Anguille, M.V. Mateos, et al.
📖 Journal: New England Journal of Medicine 🏥
📅 Year: 2023
📊 Citations: 400

“Pomalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (OPTIMISMM): a randomised, open-label study” 💉🔬
🖊 Authors: P.G. Richardson, A. Oriol, M. Beksac, A.M. Liberati, M. Galli, F. Schjesvold, et al.
📖 Journal: The Lancet Oncology 🏥
📅 Year: 2019
📊 Citations: 400

“Daratumumab, carfilzomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone with minimal residual disease response-adapted therapy in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma” 🦠🩸
🖊 Authors: L.J. Costa, S. Chhabra, E. Medvedova, B.R. Dholaria, T.M. Schmidt, K.N. Godby, et al.
📖 Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology 🏥
📅 Year: 2022
📊 Citations: 220

“Autologous transplantation for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in the era of novel agent induction: a systematic review and meta-analysis” 🏥📊
🖊 Authors: B. Dhakal, A. Szabo, S. Chhabra, M. Hamadani, A. D’Souza, S.Z. Usmani, et al.
📖 Journal: JAMA Oncology 🩺
📅 Year: 2018
📊 Citations: 187