Dr. Peng Zhang | Forensic Medicine | Best Research Article Award
Hainan Medical University | China
Author Profile
ZHANG PENG: A TRAILBLAZER IN FORENSIC SCIENCE AND OMICS RESEARCH
EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS
Zhang Peng embarked on his academic journey in Forensic Medicine at Chongqing Medical University, where he completed both his Bachelor’s degree (2008–2013) and Doctoral studies (2013–2018). His undergraduate training encompassed a broad range of forensic disciplines, including Forensic Evidence Science, Toxicology, Pathology, Clinical Science, Psychiatry, and Anthropology. During his doctoral research, he demonstrated early promise by delving into toxicological mechanisms, specifically focusing on the hepatotoxic effects of acaricin toxins in rats using multidimensional omics technologies. His foundational training and focused doctoral work laid a solid platform for his future research directions.
PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS
Following his doctoral graduation, Zhang Peng advanced into research leadership roles, successfully hosting and leading multiple national and provincial projects. These included prestigious grants such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Project, the China Postdoctoral Fund, and several programs supported by the Hainan Provincial Government. His research initiatives spanned fields like epilepsy-related brain metabolism, diffuse axonal injury, hyperthyroidism-induced heart metabolism, and forensic entomology. Currently affiliated with Hainan Medical College, he continues to lead projects that integrate proteomics, metabolomics, and other omics platforms to decode complex biological mechanisms with significant forensic and clinical implications.
CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON FORENSIC MEDICINE
Zhang Peng has cultivated a highly interdisciplinary research portfolio, with a central focus on biomarker discovery and mechanistic exploration of disease and injury using multi-omics integration. His work is particularly notable in the context of epileptic brain tissue metabolism, where he seeks to understand the metabolic underpinnings of sudden epilepsy death. Another significant branch of his research addresses diffuse axonal brain injuries—a key area in forensic pathology—through the development of biomarker screening methods. Additionally, his investigations into carnivorous flies and fly pupae have furthered forensic entomology, particularly in time-since-death estimations.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE
Zhang Peng’s influence extends beyond academic circles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he gained national recognition for participating in the autopsy of the only confirmed COVID-19 death case outside Hubei Province. His contribution was honored with the title of "Advanced Individual in COVID-19 Prevention and Control Work" by the Hainan Provincial Department of Justice. In 2021, he received the "Outstanding Communist Party Member" award from Hainan Medical University, reflecting both his scientific commitment and civic responsibility.
ACADEMIC CITES AND SCHOLARSHIP
With over 20 published research papers, including 13 SCI-indexed articles (featuring 2 in JCR Zone 1 and 1 in Zone 2 journals), Zhang Peng stands as a productive contributor to forensic and medical science. His work has attracted increasing academic attention, positioning him as an emerging expert in forensic metabolomics and pathology. In addition, he co-authored the influential textbook “Forensic Radiology: From Identification to Autopsy Imaging” (2023), enriching educational resources in this specialized field.
INNOVATION AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Demonstrating an aptitude for technological innovation, Zhang Peng has secured two computer software copyrights:
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"Diatom Experiment Data Recording and Comparison System V1.0"
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"Artificial Intelligence-based Drug Identification and Detection Platform V1.0"
These platforms reflect his commitment to developing digital tools for forensic data analysis and drug detection, paving the way for automation and AI integration in forensic investigations.
LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS
Zhang Peng is actively building a legacy rooted in scientific innovation, interdisciplinary research, and public service. His contributions to multi-omics biomarker discovery, especially in epilepsy and brain injury, continue to influence emerging research directions in forensic pathology and toxicology. Going forward, his efforts are expected to contribute significantly to precision forensic diagnostics, forensic entomology, and AI-assisted investigations. With multiple ongoing grants and collaborative ventures, Zhang Peng is well-positioned to lead transformative research in the years to come.
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS
"Theoretical study of the sequence-dependent distribution of Na+ ions around DNA"
- Author: Hui-ting Xu; Xiao-wei Jiang; Yu-jie Song; Bin Gu
- Journal: Results in Chemistry
- Year: 2025
"The Influence of Sequence Dependence and External Solvents on DNA Conformation"
- Authors: Hui-Ting Xu; Nan Zhang; Ming-Ru Li; Feng-Shou Zhang
- Journal: Springer Proceedings in Physics
- Year: 2022
"Comparison of the ionic effects of Ca2+ and Mg2+ on nucleic acids in liquids"
- Authors: Hui-Ting Xu; Nan Zhang; Ming-Ru Li; Feng-Shou Zhang
- Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids
- Year: 2021
"Anion effect of Cl−, I−, and F− on counterions condensation within nucleic acid ion atmosphere"
- Authors: Hui-Ting Xu; Nan Zhang; Ming-Ru Li; Feng-Shou Zhang
- Journal: Journal of Molecular Liquids
- Year: 2021