I am working in the area of cancer research, mechanism of carcinogenesis by environmental pollutants.
I earned my Ph.D degree in Biology and MS degree in Computer Science in US.
I have got 7 recommendation letters, two from my current employer (my boss and Chairman), two from my former mentors, one from NIH, one from a College, and one from China.
I submitted 12 publications, 7 of which were published in English (2 home and 3 abroad,one of them is a published review in the current research area. all are first authorship), two of which were published as part of book chapters. All rest of them were published in Chinese. I am holding the title of Associate Professor before I came here. I also have different types of awards from home or abroad, provincially, nationally or internationally, such as excellant papep award etc.
I am the members of Sigma Xi Resrach Society, National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi etc
Based on my experienc for NIW application, I think the strong background is a plus but may not be essential. The important things are strong recommendation letters, well-prepared petition letter (i used a template from one of my friend whose backgound is similar to mine, After I finished, I got help from my current department secretary to polish my petition letter in order to make it more understandable for immigration officers).
Hope it helps. Good luck to you all.