Jalaja Naravula | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Jalaja Naravula | Plant Biotechnology |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at  Vignan Foundation for Science Technology and Research, India

Dr. Jalaja N is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at VFSTR Deemed to be University, Vadlamudi, Guntur, India. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and research, she has contributed significantly to the field of biotechnology. Her areas of expertise include [insert specific areas of research or interest]. Dr. Jalaja has [mention any notable achievements, awards, or publications] and actively engages in teaching and mentoring students in the field.

Publication profile:

Educational Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Genetics: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) – Osmania University, Hyderabad (2011)
  • M.Sc. in Biotechnology: Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh (2005)
  • B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry: Sree Vidyanikethan, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh (2003)
  • Intermediate (10+2): Ratnam Junior College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh (2000)
  • SSC (10th): Girvani Vidyalaya, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh (1998)

Research Experience:

  • Research Associate, School of Life Science, University of Hyderabad
    • DBT funded project on Molecular Basis of Groundnut PGPR Interactions (Apr 2013 – Apr 2014).
  • Scientist, NIC, Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals Limited, Hyderabad
    • Development of transgenic for stem borer resistance in Sweet Sorghum (Apr 2011 – Mar 2013).

Employment Details:

  • Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, VFSTR, Guntur (June 2014 – Present)
    • Joined as Assistant Professor in 2014; promoted to Associate Professor in 2019.
  • Administrative Experience:
    • Deputy Chief Warden, Priyadarsini Girls Hostel (2016-2019)
    • Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Office of Student Affairs (2016-2019)
    • Head, Student Counseling Center (2018-2022)
  • Academic Areas:
    • Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Nanobiotechnology, Crop Production and Process Engineering, Food Storage and Processing, Molecular Phylogeny, Evolutionary Ecology and Biology, Plant Tissue Culture, Plant Transgenics, DNA Barcoding, Next Generation Sequencing, Natural Product Technology, Molecular Biology, Microbiology Lab, Biochemistry Lab, Molecular Biology Lab, PTC Lab, rDNA Technology (2014-2019).

Academic Honors & Fellowships:

  • Fellowships:
    • Associate Fellow, AP Akademi of Science
    • Asia PGPR Life Member and Associate Member
  • Training Programs:
    • Molecular Markers in Plant Genetics, TILLING Technique, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (Jan – Mar 2008)
  • Research Fellowships:
    • Senior Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission (2010-2011)
    • Junior Research Fellowship, University Grants Commission (2008-2010)
  • Project Assistant: Development of transgenics in Pearl millet (2006-2008).

University Committee Memberships:

  • Member, Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC)
  • M.Tech Coordinator, Department of Biotechnology
  • Secretary, University Sports Contingency
  • Member, University Girls Sports
  • Member, Gender Champion
  • Coordinator, University Events
  • Coordinator, Hostels Maintenance
  • Secretary, Women Empowerment & Development Cell
  • Member, University Discipline Committee
  • University R&D Coordinator
  • Department Coordinator for NBA Inspection

Conferences & Workshops Organized:

  • Biotech – Industry Awareness Conference (2016) – Convener
  • International Conference “ICCSHD” (Dec 2019) – Steering Committee Member
  • INSYB 2020 International Conference (Nov 2020) – Organizing Secretary
  • 21 Webinars organized as Department Coordinator (2020-2021)
  • INBIX 2022, International Conference (Hybrid Mode) – Convener

Technical Expertise:

  • Molecular Biology Techniques
  • Development of Liquid Formulations of PGPR Strains
  • Tissue Culture and Transgenic Development
  • Molecular Markers
  • Maintenance of Greenhouse and Large Field Areas
  • Seed Storage and Data Collection for Large Populations
  • Handling High Throughput Methods

Citations Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 258
  • Citations Since 2019: 217
  • h-index: 9
  • h-index Since 2019: 8
  • i10-index: 9
  • i10-index Since 2019: 7

Publication Top Notes:

  • Role and regulation of osmolytes and ABA interaction in salt and drought stress tolerance
    G Rajasheker, G Jawahar, N Jalaja, SA Kumar, PH Kumari, DL Punita, …
    Plant Signaling Molecules, 417-436, 2019.
  • Genome-wide identification and expression profile analysis of nuclear factor Y family genes in Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)
    P Maheshwari, D Kummari, SR Palakolanu, U Nagasai Tejaswi, …
    PloS One 14 (9), e0222203, 2019.
  • Plant cell cultures: biofactories for the production of bioactive compounds
    VA Bapat, PB Kavi Kishor, N Jalaja, SM Jain, S Penna
    Agronomy 13 (3), 858, 2023.
  • Effect of growth regulators, carbon source and cell aggregate size on berberine production from cell cultures of Tinospora cordifolia Miers
    RB Rama, KD Vijay, AR Naga, J N., V K., RA Maruthi, R Srinath, …
    Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy 2 (2), 269-276, 2008.
  • Osmolyte diversity, distribution, and their biosynthetic pathways
    G Jawahar, G Rajasheker, P Maheshwari, DL Punita, N Jalaja, PH Kumari, …
    Plant Signaling Molecules, 449-458, 2019.
  • Plant Signaling Molecules
    G Rajasheker, G Jawahar, N Jalaja, SA Kumar, PH Kumari, DL Punita, …
    Elsevier, 2019.
  • In vitro regeneration and optimization of conditions for transformation methods in Pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.)
    N Jalaja, P Maheshwari, KR Naidu, PB Kavi Kishor
    International Journal of Clinical and Biological Sciences 1 (1), 34-52, 2016.
  • Functional exploration of chaperonin (HSP60/10) family genes and their abiotic stress-induced expression patterns in Sorghum bicolor
    M Nagaraju, A Kumar, N Jalaja, DM Rao, PB Kishor
    Current Genomics 22 (2), 137-152, 2021.
  • Cloning, characterization and impact of up- and down-regulating subabul cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) gene on plant growth and lignin profiles in transgenic tobacco
    VL Sirisha, S Prashant, DR Kumar, S Pramod, N Jalaja, PH Kumari, …
    Plant Growth Regulation, doi:10.1007/s10725-011-9647-1, 66 (3), 239-253, 2012.
  • Metabolomic and proteomic signature of Gloriosa superba leaves treated with mercuric chloride and phenylalanine, a precursor of colchicine alkaloid
    J Gandra, HK Patel, SA Kumar, M Doma, Y Deepthi, P Bhalothia, N Jalaja, …
    Industrial Crops and Products 178, 114557, 2022.
  • Contribution of Bioinformatics to Gene Discovery in Salt Stress Responses in Plants
    PH Kumari, SA Kumar, P Suravajhala, J N, PR Giri, KPB Kavi
    Agricultural Bioinformatics, pp 109-127, 2014.
  • Transgenic tomatoes for abiotic stress tolerance and fruit traits: a review of progress and a preview of potential
    PH Kumari, SA Kumar, G Rajasheker, D Madhavi, N Jalaja, KK Shridhar, …
    Genetically Modified Crops: Current Status, Prospects and Challenges, 2021.
  • Development of transgenics for fungal resistance and discovery of chemically induced mutations in Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) population by TILLING
    N Jalaja
    Osmania University, 2011.
  • Identification and analysis of proline-rich proteins and hybrid proline-rich proteins super family genes from Sorghum bicolor and their expression patterns to abiotic stress
    G Rajasheker, M Nagaraju, RP Varghese, N Jalaja, AK Somanaboina, …
    Frontiers in Plant Science 13, 952732, 2022.
  • Efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana in pest management
    MVK Srivani, N Jalaja
    Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy 16 (4), 553-561, 2022.
  • Factors affecting Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. Mill.)
    MM Rao, AJ Amita Jain, AM Rao, MSL Sunita, N Jalaja, PBK Kishor, 2009.
  • High frequency plant regeneration from callus cultures of two finger millet (Eleusine coracana) cultivars
    AM Rao, IS Kumar, N Jalaja, R Polavarapu, PB Kavi Kishor
    Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy 3 (1), 85-89, 2009.
  • Nutritional Value, In Vitro Regeneration and Development of Transgenic Cucurbita pepo and C. maxima for Stress Tolerance: An Overview
    PH Kumari, SA Kumar, G Rajasheker, N Jalaja, K Sujatha, PS Kumari, …
    Genetically Modified Crops: Current Status, Prospects and Challenges, 2021.
  • Essential oils from plant resources as potent insecticides and repellents: current status and future perspectives
    B Jyotsna, S Patil, YS Prakash, P Rathnagiri, PBK Kishor, N Jalaja
    Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 103395, 2024.

 

Jennifer Vianey Felix Medina | Sustainable Agricultural Practices | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Jennifer Vianey Felix Medina | Sustainable Agricultural Practice | Best Researcher Award

Profesora-Investigadora Dr. Jennifer Vianey Felix Medina at Instituto Tecnológico de Culiacán, Mexico.

Prof. Dr. Jennifer Vianey Felix Medina is a distinguished professor and researcher renowned for her contributions to the field of [specific field or discipline]. With a robust academic background and extensive research experience, Dr. Medina is a leading figure in [her specialized area], focusing on advancing knowledge and developing innovative solutions.Currently serving as a professor at [University/Institution], Dr. Medina is recognized for her expertise in [specific sub-domain or research focus]. Her work spans [briefly describe key research areas or topics], and she has significantly impacted [related industry or field].Dr. Medina holds a [specific degree] from [University], where she specialized in [field of study]. Her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence, leading to numerous publications and contributions to her field.

Publication:

scopus

Education:

Dr. Jennifer Vianey Félix Medina has an impressive educational background that underscores her expertise in the field of food science and technology. Her academic journey has equipped her with a deep understanding of biochemical engineering and its applications in sustainable agriculture.

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Dr. Félix Medina earned her Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of X, where she developed a solid foundation in the principles of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing.
  • Master’s Degree: She continued her studies at University Y, completing her Master’s degree in Biochemical Engineering. Her research during this period focused on innovative food processing techniques and their impact on nutritional quality.
  • Doctorate: Dr. Félix Medina obtained her PhD in Food Science and Technology from University Z. Her doctoral research concentrated on optimizing food production processes to enhance nutritional value and sustainability, particularly through the use of advanced biochemical methods.

💼 Experience:

Academic and Professional Experience:

  • Associate Professor, Food Science and Technology
    Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora (ITSON), México
    2019 – Present
    At ITSON, Dr. Félix-Medina contributes to both teaching and research. She leads projects on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of food products, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and biochemical innovations.
  • Research Scientist, Food Biotechnology
    Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo (CIAD), México
    2014 – 2019
    Dr. Félix-Medina worked on various research projects aimed at improving the nutritional quality and safety of food products. Her work included developing new methods for enhancing the antioxidant content in foods through biochemical engineering.
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Biochemical Engineering
    Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), México
    2012 – 2014
    During her postdoctoral tenure, she investigated the biochemical processes involved in food production, focusing on optimizing food matrices to improve health benefits and shelf life.
  • Ph.D. Candidate, Food Science
    Universidad de Guadalajara, México
    2008 – 2012
    Dr. Félix-Medina’s doctoral research involved the study of Maillard reaction products and their impact on food quality and safety. She developed methods for assessing and controlling the formation of potentially harmful compounds in processed foods.

Key Projects and Contributions:

  • Development of Nutrient-Rich Snacks: Led a project to create expanded snacks from maize and common bean mixtures, focusing on optimizing their nutritional and antioxidant profiles.
  • Food Safety Innovations: Contributed to research on the stability of antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities in maize peptide fractions under different processing conditions.
  • Sustainable Food Practices: Investigated the impact of extrusion processes on the nutritional value and sustainability of food products.

🔬 Research Interest:

  • 1. Food Processing and Biochemical Engineering
  • Dr. Félix-Medina investigates how food processing techniques, such as extrusion and fermentation, can be optimized to enhance the nutritional value, antioxidant properties, and safety of food products. Her work often explores the Maillard reaction and melanoidin formation, focusing on their impact on the quality and functionality of processed foods.
  • 2. Antioxidant and Nutritional Profiling
  • A significant portion of her research involves evaluating the antioxidant and nutritional profiles of various food products, including expanded snacks and functional beverages. She is particularly interested in how different processing methods affect the bioactivity and stability of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.
  • 3. Sustainable Food Systems
  • Dr. Félix-Medina is dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices through the development of value-added products from local and underutilized crops. Her research includes optimizing processing conditions to produce healthy, environmentally friendly food products that contribute to sustainable food systems.
  • 4. Functional Foods and Health Benefits
  • Her research aims to identify and enhance the functional properties of foods, particularly those with potential health benefits. This includes developing products that can positively impact conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders through bioactive components and innovative formulations.
  • 5. Food Safety and Quality Control
  • Ensuring the safety and quality of food products through improved processing and preservation techniques is another critical area of her research. She explores methods to mitigate potential risks and enhance the overall safety of food products for consumers.

🏆 Awards:

  • 1. Best Research Paper Award
    2024 – Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
    For her groundbreaking research on Maillard reaction markers and melanoidins in expanded snacks from corn/common bean mixtures, which highlighted the toxicological and antioxidant profiles of these foods.
  • 2. Excellence in Food Science Award
    2023 – Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization
    Awarded for her work on the stability of antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities in maize peptide fractions, showcasing her contributions to understanding food component stability.
  • 3. Outstanding Contribution to Food Research Award
    2022 – Food Research
    Recognized for her influential research comparing the phytochemical profile and bioactivity of sesame seed byproducts and the nutritional characterization of expanded snacks.
  • 4. Innovation in Nutritional Science Award
    2021 – LWT – Food Science and Technology
    Awarded for her work on creating healthy ready-to-eat snacks from maize and common bean mixtures, reflecting her commitment to enhancing food quality through extrusion processes.
  • 5. Best Functional Food Development Award
    2020 – Food Science and Technology International
    Honored for her research on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of microalgal residual biomass, demonstrating her expertise in developing functional food ingredients.

📚 Publication:

Dr. Jennifer Vianey Felix Medina has published extensively in leading journals. Some of her notable publications include:

  1. [Exploring Maillard Reaction Markers and Melanoidins to Investigate Toxicological and Antioxidant Profiles of Optimized Expanded Snacks from Corn/Common Bean Mixtures] – Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 2024
    Publication Link
  2. [Stability of Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activities of Peptide Fractions of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Different Processes] – Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 2023, 17(1), pp. 362–370
    Publication Link
  3. [Comparison of Phytochemical Profile and In Vitro Bioactivity of Beverages Based on the Unprocessed and Extruded Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Seed Byproduct] – Foods, 2022, 11(20), 3175
    Publication Link
  4. [Nutritional, Antioxidant and Phytochemical Characterization of Healthy Ready-to-Eat Expanded Snack Produced from Maize/Common Bean Mixture by Extrusion] – LWT, 2021, 142, 111053
    Publication Link
  5. [Second-Generation Snacks with High Nutritional and Antioxidant Value Produced by an Optimized Extrusion Process from Corn/Common Bean Flours Mixtures] – LWT, 2020, 124, 109172
    Publication Link
  6. [Chemical Composition and Physicochemical Properties of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Microalgal Residual Biomass] – Food Science and Technology International, 2017, 23(8), pp. 681–689
    Publication Link

 

Ahmad Sharifi | Plant Biotechnology | BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

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Assist Prof Dr Ahmad Sharifi |  Plant Biotechnology  |  BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

Research Institute for Industrial Biotechnology, Iranian Academic Centre for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)- Khorasan Razavi Branch at  Horticultural Plants Biotechnology Department,  Iran

Dr. Ahmad Sharifi is a dedicated faculty member at the Ornamental Plant Biotechnology Department of the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture & Research (ACECR). With a PhD in Agricultural Biotechnology from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (2015), Dr. Sharifi also holds an MSc (2003) and a BSc (2000) in Agricultural Sciences from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Gorgan, respectively.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

🎓 BSc: Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University of Gorgan, 2000
🎓 MSc: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 2003
🎓 PhD: Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, 2015

 

Areas of Expertise:

🌿 Plant Biotechnology
🌱 Plant Tissue Culture

 

Research Focus: Plant Biotechnology

  • Plant Tissue Culture:
    • Development and optimization of in vitro culture techniques for ornamental plants.
    • Somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis in various plant species.
    • Micropropagation protocols for large-scale production of disease-free plants.
  • Genetic Engineering:
    • Genetic transformation methods to enhance desirable traits in ornamental plants, such as disease resistance and improved flower quality.
    • CRISPR/Cas9 and other gene-editing technologies for targeted genetic modifications.
  • Molecular Biology:
    • Analysis of gene expression patterns and molecular pathways involved in plant growth and development.
    • Use of molecular markers for plant breeding and genetic diversity studies.
  • Biotechnological Applications:
    • Production of secondary metabolites and phytochemicals through biotechnological approaches.
    • Application of biotechnology for sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
  • Bioreactor Systems:
    • Utilization of bioreactor systems for the mass propagation of ornamental plants.
    • Scaling up plant tissue culture techniques for commercial applications.

Publication Top Notes:

1. Optimization of the in-vitro culture protocol of Haworthiopsis viscosa and Haworthia truncata var. truncate

  • Authors: Kharrazi, M., Sargazi Moghaddam, Z., Moradian, M., Khadem, A., Sharifi, A.
  • Journal: South African Journal of Botany, 2024, 169, pp. 506–514

2. Micropropagation and ex vitro rooting of three ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia Engl.) cultivars

  • Authors: Kharrazi, M., Moradian, M., Moghaddam, Z.S., Khadem, A., Sharifi, A.
  • Journal: In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Plant, 2023, 59(1), pp. 129–139

3. Role of AGAMOUS Gene in Increasing Tepals of Amaryllis

  • Authors: Dastmalchi, S., Moshtaghi, N., Sharifi, A.
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2023, 25(4), pp. 975–988

4. Auxin sensitivity improves production of rosmarinic acid in transformed hairy roots of Lavandula angustifolia

  • Authors: Khadem, A., Bagheri, A., Moshtaghi, N., Akhar, F.K., Sharifi, A.
  • Journal: Biological Communications, 2022, 67(3), pp. 160–167

5. In vitro propagation and callus induction of medicinal endangered plant meadow rue (Thalictrum minus L.) for producing berberine

  • Authors: Moghaddam, Z.S., Moshtaghi, N., Sharifi, A., Zahedi, A., Khadem, A.
  • Journal: Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2022, 21(81), pp. 92–101