Kongrui Zhu: A Multidisciplinary Researcher Advancing Global Health and Environmental Safety

NY Weekly Staff on August 23, 2024

By: Ethan Moore

The papers “Occurrence, distribution and risk assessment of organophosphate esters (OPEs) in water sources from Northeast to Southeast China” and “In Vitro Multibiomarker Approaches for Assessing the Immunotoxicity of Certain Sections in Yangtze River” are of significant importance in the fields of public health and environmental protection, deepening our understanding of water pollution and its impact on ecosystems. Dr. Zhu’s research includes a comprehensive survey of water sources across China, providing a detailed analysis of the distribution of organophosphate esters and systematically assessing their potential ecological risks. Additionally, he assisted in developing new biomarker methods to evaluate the impact of water quality in the Yangtze River on the immune system. These research findings not only offer crucial support for the development of environmental monitoring tools but also provide scientific evidence for formulating water environment protection policies. Dr. Zhu’s contributions to understanding and addressing water pollution issues will aid in future environmental protection and public health strategies.

Dr. Zhu’s paper, “Occurrence, Distribution and Risk Assessment of Organophosphate Esters (OPEs) in Water Sources from Northeast to Southeast China,” published in Environmental Pollution, provides a comprehensive study of the distribution of OPEs in China’s drinking water sources. The research indicated that southern cities had higher OPE concentrations than northern cities, with chlorinated OPEs accounting for 64.74% of the total concentration. Rainfall was identified as a significant factor affecting OPE concentrations. The ecological risk assessment suggested that most OPEs posed low risks to biota, but trimethyl phosphate (TMP) exhibited medium risk, especially in areas with lower rainfall.

The paper was published in the journal *Environmental Pollution*, which is one of the leading journals in the field of environmental science with a high impact factor (the latest impact factor is 9.988). The impact factor is a metric used to measure the influence of an academic journal, representing the average number of citations to articles published in the journal over a specific period. The primary audience of *Environmental Pollution* includes environmental scientists, policymakers, and environmental organizations, focusing on environmental pollution and its effects on ecosystems and human health. Additionally, the paper has been indexed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. NLM-NIH is one of the world’s most authoritative and influential medical literature databases, and being indexed there means that the research has been recognized by the government, further proving the paper’s academic value and social impact. Since its publication, this paper has been cited 23 times, reflecting its significant impact in the academic community.

Dr. Zhu’s paper, “In Vitro Multibiomarker Approaches for Assessing the Immunotoxicity of Certain Sections in Yangtze River,” published in ACS ES&T Water, evaluates the immunotoxicity of surface water extracts from the Yangtze River using high-throughput multibiomarker methods. The study found that macrophage morphology and adhesion were highly sensitive indicators of surface water quality, closely linked to inflammation, with significant changes observed after exposure to 10-fold water extracts. This research is pioneering in using surface water extracts to assess multiple immunotoxicity endpoints, providing new insights for in vitro immunotoxicity evaluation methods.

Since its publication, the paper has been cited twice, indicating the innovation and scientific value of its research content. Moreover, the paper’s findings offer new perspectives and methods for subsequent related research, contributing to a deeper understanding of the immunotoxicity issues of water bodies in specific areas of the Yangtze River. As one of the authors of the paper, the research not only provides an effective multibiomarker approach for assessing the immunotoxicity of Yangtze River water but also offers valuable references for environmental health risk assessment and water quality monitoring.

As the author of two important academic papers, Kongrui Zhu has made significant contributions to the field of scientific research. He has extensively explored the distribution and risk of organophosphate esters in water sources across China, providing valuable data and insights for environmental pollution studies. His team also pioneered the use of in vitro multibiomarker methods to assess the immunotoxicity in specific sections of the Yangtze River, offering new tools and perspectives for environmental health risk assessment. These research findings demonstrate his innovative problem-solving skills and scientific expertise. Through these high-quality studies, Kongrui Zhu contributes to global environmental protection and public health safety, underscoring his academic influence.

During his doctoral research, Kongrui Zhu developed his own AI screening method for genotoxic cellular images using real cell data and algorithm models. The primary equipment he used was a high-content imaging system. When cells undergo division and are affected by genotoxic compounds, they may exhibit chromosome breakage or irregular division, differentiating them from normal cells. Kongrui Zhu built algorithm models and used real data for simulation training to successfully create an AI screening model for detecting damaged cells, which was later applied to cell testing. 

Kongrui Zhu: Multidisciplinary Researcher Advancing Global Health

Photo Courtesy: Kongrui Zhu

Kongrui Zhu’s growth in academic research laid a solid foundation for his development in the medical device industry. He combines his expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis with his experience in toxicological research to advance the translational application of medical device technologies. His work demonstrates the close connection between scientific research and practical applications, offering valuable experience and insights for future developments. The application of AI technology in healthcare, especially in personalized medicine and disease risk prediction, has revolutionary significance. Kongrui Zhu will continue to seek collaboration with multinational healthcare institutions and technology companies, focusing on AI and health to improve patients’ quality of life and promote global health technology development. Due to his research experience in the field of micro-nanorobotics, Dr. Kongrui Zhu hopes to apply micro-nanorobots in the medical field in the future to achieve precise treatment outcomes.

Dr. Kongrui Zhu’s experience demonstrates that scientific research and social responsibility can complement each other, driving social progress and development. We believe that with Kongrui Zhu’s involvement, the AI health field will achieve better development. We look forward to him continuing to push his boundaries and contributing to global healthcare in the future.

 

Published By: Aize Perez

Empowering Women Through Hair Care: Atilola Moronfolu’s Vision for Accessible Trichology

NY Weekly Staff on August 23, 2024

By: Maria Williams

Atilola Moronfolu’s journey into the hair care industry began in 2009, sparked by personal frustration over the lack of accessible resources and products for natural hair in Nigeria. Like many women with natural hair, Atilola struggled to find affordable products that catered to her specific hair needs. The situation was compounded by a scarcity of reliable information on how to care for natural hair, particularly for women living in high-humidity regions like Nigeria.

The available resources, largely coming from Western countries, catered to women with looser curl patterns and environments that didn’t reflect the realities of women living in tropical climates. This lack of inclusivity in hair care solutions pushed Atilola to take matters into her own hands.

In 2011, she launched her blog, African Naturalistas, which became an early voice in the Nigerian natural hair movement. What started as an effort to share her own journey and tips for hair care soon led to a flood of requests from her readers for personalized hair care solutions. As a result, Atilola began creating products from her home, all while still working as a consultant at PwC.

With growing demand and her own increasing passion for hair care, Atilola made the bold decision to leave her corporate career behind and focus full-time on African Naturalistas. The brand grew quickly, fueled by a need for natural, safe, and effective hair care products in Nigeria. Her commitment to quality led her to become a cosmetic scientist, ensuring that she could produce safer, scientifically-backed products.

But Atilola didn’t stop at product development. While African Naturalistas helped many women achieve healthier hair, Atilola realized that products alone wouldn’t solve the hair issues she witnessed daily. There was a deeper problem—a lack of hair care literacy and proper techniques used by both individuals and professionals. Hair loss and scalp disorders were often exacerbated by improper handling, poor knowledge of hair science, and stylists using damaging techniques.

This epiphany led to the birth of The Good Hair Tribe in 2021. Atilola saw education as the missing link in the hair care industry, especially in Nigeria and other parts of the world where trichology and hair science were not mainstream. The Good Hair Tribe is a tech-driven hair care literacy and coaching company that aims to bridge the knowledge gap. Atilola’s mission is to educate stylists, influencers, and hair coaches, providing them with the skills and understanding they need to truly care for their clients’ hair.

The Good Hair Tribe offers a variety of educational resources, including memberships, courses, and certifications. One of its core goals is to equip professionals with the knowledge needed to prevent hair loss and scalp disorders, rather than just treat them after the damage is done. This proactive approach to hair health sets the organization apart from the usual focus on products alone.

Atilola believes that by empowering women with knowledge—whether they are individual consumers or hair professionals—she can create a ripple effect in the industry. Her vision is a world where every woman has access to the resources, tools, and techniques to achieve healthy hair, no matter their location or background.

Through her work at African Naturalistas and The Good Hair Tribe, Atilola continues to break down barriers and raise the standard of hair care worldwide. Her journey from a frustrated consumer to a globally recognized trichologist and entrepreneur is a testament to the power of passion and persistence. And in her own words, “We help you achieve your goal of healthy hair… naturally.”

The future of hair care is not just in the products we use but in the knowledge we gain—and Atilola Moronfolu is leading that charge.

Published by: Nelly Chavez

Elevate Your Wellness: What Osaki Wants You to Consider When Buying a Massage Chair

NY Weekly Staff on August 23, 2024

Elevate Your Wellness with an Osaki Massage Chair

When it comes to ensuring the quality of soothing massages, the foundation lies in a high-quality massage chair. At Osaki, we believe a high-quality massage chair must be functional, stable, and exceptionally comfortable to enhance your wellness journey.

Why Comfort Matters

A massage chair is more than just a wellness machine; it’s the cornerstone of effective treatment. For generations, specialist practitioners have evolved from only using massage therapy and simple tools to advanced, purpose-built chairs designed specifically for therapeutic purposes. These chairs are essential in providing a supportive base for wellness professionals to properly treat patients for a more fulsome massage experience and wellness path.

In today’s modern wellness world, high-quality massage chairs form the foundation for effective massage treatment and overall wellness. They are not just utility items but significant contributors to the efficacy of treatments. A well-designed massage chair can significantly improve both the therapist’s and the patient’s experience, making it an indispensable tool in any practice.

The Impact on Mental and Physical Well-being

Beyond physical comfort, the right massage chair can profoundly influence your mental and emotional well-being. Stress relief is a significant benefit of massage therapy, and the right chair can enhance this by creating an environment where patients can fully relax and let go of their day-to-day tensions. A massage chair that envelops you in comfort allows your mind to unwind, making the therapy more effective.

For therapists, this translates into more effective sessions, as the patient’s body responds better when they are truly at ease. This relaxation aids in deeper tissue penetration, leading to better results and overall satisfaction. The mental clarity and emotional stability that follow a good massage session are just as important as the physical benefits.

Professionalism and First Impressions

Creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere is crucial, especially for new therapists. A high-quality massage chair conveys professionalism and builds trust with patients. An excellent massage chair is a sign of professionalism and gives a positive first impression. It helps in building trust with future patients and ensures they feel at home and comfortable.

Moreover, a high-quality massage chair provides additional comfort and helps patients relax before the actual treatment begins. This relaxation can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy and encourage patients to engage fully in the process.

Benefits for Both Patients and Therapists

The right massage chair offers multiple benefits:

  • For Patients: It ensures comfort, proper posture, loosens and treats current tight/sore areas, provides preventative treatment, and supports the musculoskeletal system.
  • For Therapists: It allows them to perform more focused treatments as the massage chair helps to provide overall treatment, allowing both the therapist and the patient to benefit from the focused treatment.

 

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing a massage chair, several essential aspects should guide your decision:

  • Functionality: Does the chair meet your specific treatment needs?
  • Practicality: Is it easy to use and maintain?
  • Stability: Is it a stable, consistent, and well-known brand?
  • Price-Performance Ratio: Is it worth the investment in terms of durability and features?
  • Quality: Are the materials and construction of high quality?
  • Material Properties: Are the materials durable and easy to clean?
  • Care Effort: Is the chair easy to maintain?
  • Design: Does it complement the aesthetic and looks of your practice?

 

Long-Term Investment

Investing in a high-quality massage chair is a long-term decision. It’s crucial to balance functionality, durability, and cost to ensure you choose a product that will serve your practice well for years to come. Each practice has unique needs, whether you require state-of-the-art functions, classic design, or a budget-friendly option.

How Osaki Stands Out

Osaki is dedicated to delivering excellence, ensuring that every chair we offer embodies the perfect blend of innovation and comfort. Our massage chairs are crafted with the latest technology to mimic the hands of a skilled therapist, offering a personalized experience that meets your unique needs. Whether it’s a deep tissue massage or a relaxing session aimed at stress relief, our chairs adapt to provide the most effective treatment possible.

Additionally, Osaki places a strong emphasis on sustainability. We source eco-friendly materials without compromising on quality, ensuring that our products are not only good for your body but also for the environment. Our commitment to customer satisfaction goes beyond just the sale; we offer comprehensive after-sales support to ensure your chair continues to perform at its best for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right massage chair can significantly impact your treatments and patient satisfaction. At Osaki Canada, we are committed to providing chairs that meet the highest standards of quality and functionality. Explore our vast range of chairs to find the perfect fit for your practice, ensuring a professional, comfortable, and effective treatment environment for your clients.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Osaki Canada
Contact Person: Asif Khan
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1 888-858-1122
Address: 7895 Tranmere Drive, Unit 14
City: Mississauga
State: Ontario
Country: Canada
Website: https://osaki.ca

 

Published By: Aize Perez

Behind “Godless”: Michael Ricigliano Jr. on Faith & Ambition

NY Weekly Staff on August 23, 2024

By: Tally Daniels

Michael Ricigliano Jr. is a filmmaker whose work is defined by its depth, complexity, and a keen understanding of the human condition. His latest film, Godless, is no exception. Set to premiere on October 1, 2024, Godless explores the tumultuous intersection of faith, ambition, and politics, presenting a narrative that challenges audiences to reflect on their own beliefs and the often-complicated relationship between personal conviction and public duty.

Ricigliano, based in Long Island, New York, is not just a filmmaker; he’s an abstract painter, screenwriter, and producer with a diverse body of work. From his previous projects like The Brooklyn Banker to his successful stage play A Queen for a Day, Ricigliano has consistently shown his ability to navigate complex themes with nuance and sensitivity. However, with Godless, he delves into one of the most contentious issues of our time: the conflict between religious faith and political responsibility.

In a recent conversation, Ricigliano opened up about the creative journey behind Godless, from its initial conception as a stage play to its evolution into a feature film. “Originally, Godless was written as a play about a Tribunal of Catholic priests and the canon lawyers who are litigating a case before them,” Ricigliano shares. “As I researched more of the canon laws, the play developed into an excommunication of a politician and the circumstances surrounding it.”

This transformation from stage to screen required Ricigliano to rethink how the story would unfold, particularly in developing the film’s central characters, Governor Angela Porra and Bishop Reginald Roland. Drawing on his personal experiences and upbringing around politics, Ricigliano infused these characters with a deep sense of authenticity. “My father’s law partner was the former Republican Chairman of Nassau County and later became my partner when I joined the firm,” Ricigliano reflects. “Since the film involves the political fallout from the excommunication of a politician, I was able to draw on issues that he faced.”

Behind “Godless”: Michael Ricigliano Jr. on Faith & Ambition

Ana Ortiz and Harry Lennix in Michael Ricigliano Jr.’s film Godless / Photo Courtesy: Godless

Ricigliano’s approach to character development is grounded in a fundamental belief in the shared humanity of all individuals, regardless of their roles or power. “Regardless of what the character does for a living or the power that person may wield, they are, in essence, a human being with the same hopes, dreams, and failings we all have,” he explains. “I try and build from there and then do the research I need to make that character believable.”

While Godless deals with highly charged themes, Ricigliano carefully avoids passing judgment, instead presenting a balanced exploration of the issues at hand. “I’m a practicing Catholic, but I wanted to write a story that does not make any judgments; it just lays out the facts and lets the audience come away with hopefully a better understanding of each point of view,” he says.

The process of directing Godless was not without its challenges, particularly given the tight shooting schedule. “We shot Godless in just over 12 days,” Ricigliano recalls. “The crew we had was fantastic, along with our producers and my first AD. They were so organized and in sync with everyone that we were able to get everything completed on time.”

Casting was another crucial element in bringing Ricigliano’s vision to life. Ana Ortiz, who plays Governor Angela Porra, was someone Ricigliano had worked with before and was eager to collaborate with again. “I had worked with Ana before on a play I wrote called Phelan House. It was such a great experience that I was hoping for an opportunity to work with her again,” he notes. “We were extremely fortunate to get her on board.”

Harry Lennix, who portrays Bishop Reginald Roland, was also a natural fit for the role. “Harry Lennix was one of the first actors I pictured playing the role. One of our producers, Jennice Fuentes, sent him the script, and within a few days, he accepted the role. Since then, Harry has become a very close friend,” Ricigliano shares.

As both writer and director, Ricigliano had to balance his creative vision with the practical demands of filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the process. “For me, it was important to get other thoughts as to how a scene should play out, but ultimately, it needed to be my choice,” he says. “Collaboration is a very important part of my filmmaking process.”

Behind “Godless”: Michael Ricigliano Jr. on Faith & Ambition

Photo Courtesy: Godless

Ultimately, Ricigliano hopes that Godless will offer audiences a deeper understanding of the complex issues it presents. “I hope viewers come away with a better understanding of other points of view as it relates to a politician’s obligations to their faith as well as their constituents,” he explains.

Godless is more than just a film; it reflects the difficult choices faced by those in power and is a testament to Michael Ricigliano Jr.’s ability to craft stories that resonate on a profound level. As the film prepares for its release, there is no doubt that it will spark meaningful discussions and leave a lasting impact on its audience.

 

Published By: Aize Perez

Pushing Boundaries: The Remarkable Journey of Tianyang Shi in XR Production and Creative Innovation

NY Weekly Staff on August 23, 2024

By: Maria Williams

Tianyang Shi is the co-founder and the XR Producer of WLAB Studio. Located in Brooklyn, New York, WLAB Studio is a creative studio that focuses on integrating extended reality technologies into films, commercials, and other forms of digital content. Tianyang has achieved excellent work through WLAB Studio, earning numerous accolades and having the opportunity to work with big corporate clients, such as Sony, Netflix, and Mercedes, just to mention a few.

 Tianyang Shi is also an active member of The One Club for Creativity. This non-profit organization promotes excellence in design, advertising, and other similar creative aspects. The fact that the XR producer is an active member of this organization proves that she is committed to innovating and excelling in the film industry. Her dedication, zeal, and experience in this field have made her an asset in the industry. So far, Tianyang has worked as a director, producer, and creative executive for various films, music videos, and commercials.

Tianyang Ziva Shi is a passionate filmmaker who has developed her profession in the creative and entertainment industry. She studied at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a reputable institution that teaches traditional artistic skills in the filmmaking industry and practical modern technological applications. Interestingly, the same year when Tianyang joined SCAD, the Mandalorian was also released. It is through this adventure-science fiction film that Tianyang first heard about virtual production, and she developed a great interest in this field.

Fortunately, not long after that, SCAD opened a virtual production studio within the school vicinity and equipped it with modern technology and crucial equipment in the virtual production industry. Through the several assignments that they were given at college, Tianyang got the opportunity to use the technology and experience the world of virtual production.

Pushing Boundaries: The Remarkable Journey of Tianyang Shi in XR Production and Creative Innovation

Photo Courtesy: Tianyang Shi

For instance, she once worked as an assistant director for her friend’s directing assignment. While working on this assignment, she learned about the rules of virtual production, the pros and cons, and the problems and potentials of the technologies used. The knowledge and experience that she acquired helped her develop great skills in filmmaking and virtual production, skills that became the strong foundation of her future roles and endeavors.

By the time she graduated from SCAD, Tianyang had already decided to pursue a virtual production career. She put in great effort to find a job in this field. She would send emails, make calls daily, and look for opportunities in the field. Her efforts eventually paid off when one of her old high school friends reached out, requesting her help opening a new virtual production studio in New York. Considering that this was her dream, Tianyang accepted the offer immediately, so her solid career as an X.R. producer began.

Tianyang has achieved major milestones in the filmmaking industry, earning major awards and recognition in various programs. One significant highlight in her career is her role in the Mercedes Benz Miami commercial. For this project, Tianyang was contracted to enhance the quality and visual appeal of the commercial, which she successfully did by using extended reality (X.R.) technology.

Her success in the Mercedes Benz Miami project earned her a good reputation in the filmmaking industry and opened many other job opportunities with high-profile clients. Some of the major clients that Tianyang has worked with include E.L.F. Makeup, Sony, Netflix, Opentext, Visible, Raising Cane’s, Manuel Albarran, Iniko, Iqiyi x Satine, U.S. Open x Ralph Lauren, Posh, The Canvas N.Y.C., Loreine and Hubane. Besides, her outstanding work and expertise in the industry have earned her medium coverage from major news outlets, such as the World Journal, N.Y.U. News, and Medium.

WLAB studio provided the perfect place where she could experiment and push the boundaries of virtual production. The producer was able to achieve her mission, as the studio delivered high-quality, engaging creations that captivated clients and audiences alike. Indeed, her inspiration and zeal had paid off in the end.

The life of an XR producer and manager is not an easy one. This role comes with so many responsibilities, which could eat up on someone’s personal life. Yet, despite being a busy soul herself, Tianyang has found a way to balance her personal and professional life. She has done so by setting a clear distinction between working hours and her personal time. As she mentions, the XR producer has set rules for herself on the amount of time to spend at work and how much time to spend on personal activities. And to ensure that work does not creep into her personal time, Tianyang delegates roles to other team members.

The filmmaker learnt how to manage her personal and professional time back when she was in college. While studying, Tianyang would still participate in the SCAD’s equestrian team. Since then, she mastered the art of time management. Now, Tianyang has a life outside work. When she is not working, she participates in different hobbies. For example, she goes to the gym at least two times a week. And whenever she has some extra free time, she goes horse riding on Long Island. This approach on time management has helped the young producer stay productive in the virtual production industry, while also maintaining a healthy social life.

Each person has a role model or mentor whom they look up to, and Tianyang’s mentor is Maggie Evans. Maggie was Tianyang’s professor during her first year at SCAD. Besides being a professor, Maggie also goes by many titles; she is a professional cyclist, a painter, a popular jazz singer and a bass player.

What Tianyang loves about Maggie is the great passion she has for whatever she does.  Commenting about her role model, Tianyang says, “She does so many things that she loves, and she does them so well.” Maggie’s life story has also greatly inspired the XR producer to continue with her career endeavors. Just like her, Maggie also experienced failures and made mistakes, yet she never gave up. Her resilient attitude and positive outlook towards life has had such a great impact on Tianyang, encouraging her to keep pursuing her dreams despite the challenges that she goes through.

The biggest challenge that Tianyang has faced in the filmmaking industry is finding clients. The XR industry is still relatively new in the world of filmmaking. Being an untapped industry,  clients have doubts on how it will turn out. Hence, they opt to continue using the old green screen technology that they have been using over many years, rather than risk and try out the new technologies used in XR.

To gain more clients and build their trust in the XR industry, Tianyang mostly found herself explaining all the details about XR and answering very many questions about it. She even went ahead to try out different marketing strategies, such as advertising XR in the events that she got invited into. However, her efforts were not really helping, as clients still chose not to try out the new technologies.

During one of her marketing activities, Tianyang met another founder of a VFX company, who talked her out of these marketing strategies. On the contrary, the VFX founder encouraged her to focus on building her brand first. After all, with a well-built brand, her work would do all the advertising for her and attract clients to her company. Following that practical advice, Tianyang and her team started doing some specs and R&D projects for local businesses. And now, more and more clients have started reaching out to the company, and they have even been able to maintain a good percentage of these clients.

When asked about what core values she follows in her work and life, Tianyang Shi mentioned three:

  • Belief
  • Trust
  • Work ethic

 

These three core values are what distinguish between an amateur in the filmmaking industry and a professional. Belief entails having confidence in one’s own choices, their dreams, the path they choose to follow in life and the kind of future that they envision themselves in. It is this conviction that propels a person forward, fueling their passion and encouraging them to keep pursuing their goals. A professional in the filmmaking industry should have strong belief, otherwise all their endeavors would lose purpose and direction.

On the other hand, as Tianyang further comments, trust is the cornerstone of any successful partnership or team. A good producer should do more than just learn to trust and rely on those that they work with; they should also prove to be someone that others can trust in. A team built on trust creates an environment where everyone can thrive, in turn ensuring the success of projects.

Pushing Boundaries: The Remarkable Journey of Tianyang Shi in XR Production and Creative Innovation

Photo Courtesy: Tianyang Shi

Work ethic is a practical demonstration of belief and trust. Tianyang emphasizes that a good work ethic means keeping promises and striving for excellence in every task. A person with a strong work ethic is a reliable and dependable part of the team, consistently delivering quality work and handling challenges effectively. This approach not only helps build respect and trust among colleagues but also fosters positive relationships with clients.

According to Tianyang, those three core values are a must-have for anyone looking to succeed in the filmmaking and XR industry. And while other technical and soft skills are still crucial in this industry, these three principles are what truly sets one apart. This is why the XR producer herself constantly strives to embody these values and considers these three core principles in all who she chooses to work with.

Tianyang also looks forward to a future where WLAB Studio collaborates with major brands and leading companies to enhance their projects and reach audiences worldwide. She believes that such a future is possible provided that the studio stays at the forefront of technological advancements and keeps setting benchmarks in the XR industry. As she mentions, the goal is to place WLAB Studio among the leading virtual production studios in the world.

Tianyang Shi offers two pieces of advice to individuals looking to start their own business in whichever field: One, have a clear vision, and two, stay passionate about your goals. Before starting any business, an individual must have a strong sense of direction and purpose. Such a clear vision would not only help them stay focused, but also help them navigate any challenges that they encounter. Being passionate about their endeavors is also very important, as it keeps a person motivated to keep working towards their goal.

Another key factor for aspiring entrepreneurs is building a supportive team that shares their vision and complements their skills. It’s also important to remember that entrepreneurship comes with its challenges, so developing resilience and perseverance is essential for long-term success.

On a personal level, Tianyang looks forward to a time when she can create a film about horses and Chinese Olympic riders. After all, film and horse riding are her two major passions, and she would be thrilled to combine these two in the near future.

Professionally, the XR producer intends to create a company that would open more job opportunities for young individuals looking to develop their career in the film production industry. It has always been Tianyang’s desire to help more young creatives complete their vision in film, and she hopes to achieve this dream through her WLAB studio.

Follow Tianyang Shi on her journey and follow her on her social media:

Personal Website

Tiashi21

Linkedin

Tianyang Ziva Shi

WLAB

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/wlab.xr/

Fame Media

www.famemediaus.com

Writer Sherry Lee,

Hollywood Legends Editor-in-Chief

 

Published By: Aize Perez

Asil Greer: An Inspiring Young Entrepreneur Championing Literacy

NY Weekly Staff on August 23, 2024

By: Sherry Lee

At just 11 years old, Asil Greer is a remarkable entrepreneur from Philadelphia on a mission to promote the importance of reading and literacy among children. With aspirations of making a global impact, Asil passionately advocates for literacy in his community, believing that access to books can empower young minds.

Asil’s journey began at the tender age of five when he became a published author with his first book, “I Can Read So I Can Lead.” This pivotal achievement not only marked his entry into the world of literature but also advanced his mission across various cities and states, encouraging children to embrace the power of reading. His love for literature is matched by his talent for oration; he actively participates in oratorical competitions, memorizing and reciting famous poems and verses to large audiences, further honing his public speaking skills.

Currently, Asil is hard at work on his next book while excelling in oratorical contests at school, showcasing his multifaceted talents. His mother, Mecca, is a source of unwavering support, reminding everyone that while Asil is exceptional, he is not without his challenges. “I don’t expect him to be flawless. I embrace his imperfections and don’t want him to be seen as a model kid. He faces challenges too, and accepting those struggles helps him grow into a better version of himself,” she states. This summer, Asil was enrolled at the Freedom School Literacy Academy and currently he is enrolled at Greene Street Friends School, a private school, where he aims to further enhance his literacy skills, cherishing the positive experiences he has had with the program.

Asil Greer An Inspiring Young Entrepreneur Championing Literacy

Photo Courtesy: Asil Greer

Asil’s Journey to Jamaica: A Literacy Crusade


Asil’s commitment to literacy has taken him beyond Philadelphia, with an exciting tour planned in Jamaica. His first visit, scheduled from May 7th to May 16th, 2024, will see him conducting a tour of ten primary schools, engaging students in grades K-6 about the importance of reading. His efforts will be broadcasted when he is interviewed on Jamaica TV, where he will emphasize the value of literacy and reading.

In recognition of his groundbreaking achievements, a library will be named in Asil’s honor on June 23, 2024. Upon his return to the United States, he will be celebrated with the prestigious Philly Youth Award for his exceptional dedication to the betterment of his community.

Asil’s second visit to Jamaica is set for June 26, 2024, where he has been invited back as the guest keynote speaker for the Blossoming Into Excellence Commencement. During this visit, he will present the distinguished “I Can Read, So I Can Lead” award to the boy in Jamaica’s graduating class of 2024, who has shown exceptional reading proficiency.

Asil’s influence will continue to grow, as he is scheduled to return to Jamaica on August 27, 2024, to receive the Keynote Speaker Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to literacy. A billboard featuring Asil’s distinctive logo will be displayed, symbolizing inspiration and motivation for readers of all ages, as he builds a community of avid readers one day at a time.

Additionally, Asil is set to meet with a Member of Parliament in Jamaica, further solidifying his role as a young leader in literacy advocacy.

A Year of Accomplishments and Future Endeavors

Asil’s recent trips to Jamaica have been filled with impactful moments, including interviews on “Smile Jamaica,” visiting ten primary schools, and participating in the opening of a library in May. In June, he served as the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony at New Garden Primary School, presenting the “I Can Read, So I Can Lead” awards to readers in three schools.

Looking ahead, Asil’s journey is far from over. He will continue to advocate for literacy, with more awards and certificates to be presented in July, and his impactful visits scheduled for August. Asil Greer is not just a young entrepreneur; he is a beacon of hope and inspiration for children everywhere, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference in the world.

Follow Asil on his social media:

I Can Read So I Can Lead – About, More

Asil The kidprenuer/Author📚 Founder/Ceo/Actor | ASIL GREER AUTHOR/FOUNDER OF I CAN READ SO I CAN LEAD LLC “APRIL AUTHOR OF THE MONTH” | Instagram

 

Published by: Khy Talara

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