Bold innovation driven by interdisciplinary collaboration: A profile of Jingjing Tian

Dr. Jingjing Tian currently holds the position of lecturer at Nanjing Agricultural University. She also serves as a Secretary of the International Association of Dietetic Nutrition and Safety (http://www.iadns.cn/), and acts as Deputy Editor for eFood (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/26663066). Her research is primarily focused on intelligent food processing and precision nutrition. As the lead author, Dr. Jingjing Tian has published papers in renowned journals, including Small, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and Food Chemistry.

Beyond her scholarly pursuits of becoming a food chemist, Dr. Jingjing Tian aspires to excel as an academic editor. Her academic journey includes a bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering from Hebei Agricultural University, a master's degree in Agricultural Products Processing and Storage Engineering from Beijing University of Agriculture, and a doctoral degree in Food Nutrition and Safety from China Agricultural University. Her interdisciplinary background fosters a holistic approach to research, and she expresses her keen interest in the dynamic nature of scientific inquiry: “My interdisciplinary education fuels my passion for staying abreast of the latest advancements in scientific research,” she notes.

During her undergraduate studies, she demonstrated exceptional proficiency in molecular biology and genetic engineering, achieving nearly perfect scores in her courses. In her master's program, she adeptly applied her knowledge to the expression of acetylcholinesterase in yeast cells, facilitating rapid detection of organophosphorus pesticides and gaining insight into the interdisciplinary allure of biotechnology in the realm of food science. Embarking on her doctoral journey, she delved into the realm of Functional Nucleic Acids, a core focus of her research. Expanding on her expertise, she explored rapid detection methods for food safety risk factors, integrating principles from chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology into her investigations. Her interdisciplinary approach not only broadened the scope of food safety research but also cultivated a robust scientific mindset, characterized by resilience and a relentless pursuit of innovation. In the final years of her doctoral studies, she welcomed motherhood, a role that inspired her to push the boundaries of her research once again. Leveraging the concept of DNA Nanoflowers, she innovatively applied these functional nucleic acid elements to the field of nutrition and health (https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202205933), devising targeted strategies for obesity prevention through the precise delivery of functional factors in food.

Upon assuming the role of lecturer in Nanjing Agricultural University, she seamlessly blended her academic expertise with interdisciplinary perspectives, driving forward scientific inquiry in intelligent food processing and precision nutrition. Reflecting on her journey, she attests to the invaluable benefits of interdisciplinary research, which have not only fueled her academic achievements but also equipped her with the critical thinking skills essential for editorial roles within academic journals. Wishing her continued progress in her scholarly pursuits and her editorial endeavors.

National Natural Science Foundation of China; 32302065.