Vitalice Owuor | Food Research | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Vitalice Owuor |  Food Research |  Best Researcher Award

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,  Kenya

Calvin Owuor Vitalice is a dedicated environmental and fisheries professional from Kenya. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Environmental Legislation and Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), with a funded project in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Calvin holds a BSc in Fisheries from JKUAT and has worked as a Part-time Teaching Assistant at JKUAT, where he supports students in various academic capacities. His experience also includes serving as a Fisheries Officer in Siaya County, where he contributed to sustainable fisheries practices and beach management. Prior to this, he taught biology and business studies at Unibridge High School. Calvin’s expertise extends to data categorization.

Profile:

Education:

  • MSC in Environmental Legislation and Management (2021 – Present), JKUAT (Funded project with JICA)
  • BSc in Fisheries (2015 – 2019), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) (2011 – 2014), Chulaimbo Secondary School
  • Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E.) (2001 – 2010), Ochok Kadongo Primary School

Employment:

  • Part-time Teaching Assistant (Jan 2020 – Present), JKUAT, Nairobi
    Responsibilities include invigilating exams, consultancy services, student counseling, teaching, and data entry.
  • Fisheries Officer (May 2019 – Aug 2019), Siaya County, Rarieda Sub-county
    Oversaw beach cleanliness, maintained order among fishermen, and ensured the use of appropriate fishing gear and compliance with fishing regulations.
  • High School Teacher (May 2016 – Aug 2018), Unibridge High School, Nairobi
    Taught biology and business studies, managed timetabling, and ensured student discipline.

Skills:

  • Excellent in categorizing data, integrity, patience, communication, and teamwork.

Publication:

Nitrogenous Waste Removal in Closed Freshwater Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Using an Innovative DHS-USB Bioreactor
Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
March 2025 | Journal Article
DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101577

 

 

Tilahun Abera | Food Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Tilahun Abera |  Food Sciences |  Best Researcher Award

Instructor and Researcher at Jimma University,  Ethiopia

 

Dr. Tilahun Abera Teka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Postharvest Management at Jimma University, Ethiopia. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition from Addis Ababa University, with research focused on the nutritional and phenolic composition of cowpea varieties in Ethiopia. His expertise spans food chemistry, nutrition, and postharvest management, with a particular interest in the nutritional and phytochemical characterization of grains and the development of functional foods. Dr. Teka has contributed significantly to food security research and has received several grants to address postharvest loss and improve nutritional security in Ethiopia.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (2019)
    Dissertation: Nutritional and phenolic composition of improved cowpea varieties and landraces in Ethiopia
  • M.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (2009)
    Thesis: Effect of processing on physicochemical composition and antinutritional factors of cassava
  • B.Sc. in Chemistry, Alemaya University, Ethiopia (2000)

Research Interests:

  • Nutritional and phytochemical characterization of grains
  • Functional foods and nutraceuticals from bioactive compounds of cereals and legumes
  • Process-induced chemical and biochemical changes in foods
  • Food safety and quality analysis across food value chains

Notable Research Grants:

  • Harnessing food, feed, and pharmaceutical potentials of wild plants (2023) – Jimma University, Ethiopia
  • Postharvest loss reduction of selected cereals (2022) – Jimma University, Ethiopia

Short-Term Trainings & Certifications:

  • Advanced Postharvest Management, Wageningen University, Netherlands (2015)
  • Customized Training in Food Quality and Chemical Analysis, Jimma University (2012)

Teaching & Administrative Experience:

  • Teaches Ph.D. and MSc courses in Food Science, Nutrition, and Postharvest Management
  • Previously served as Treasurer at Jimma University and Department Head of Chemistry at the School of Tomorrow

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 486
  • Citations Since 2020: 430

h-index:

  • Overall: 11
  • Since 2020: 11

i10-index:

  • Overall: 12
  • Since 2020: 12

Publication Top Notes:

  • Analysis of the effect of maturity stage on the postharvest biochemical quality characteristics of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit
    TA Teka
    International Research Journal of Pharmaceutical and Applied Sciences, 3(5), 130, 2013
  • Protein fractions, in vitro protein digestibility and amino acid composition of select cowpea varieties grown in Ethiopia
    TA Teka, N Retta, G Bultosa, H Admassu, T Astatkie
    Food Bioscience, 36, 100634, 2020
  • Fruit by-products and their industrial applications for nutritional benefits and health promotion: a comprehensive review
    E Teshome, TA Teka, R Nandasiri, JR Rout, DV Harouna, T Astatkie, et al.
    Sustainability, 15(10), 7840, 2023
  • Palm oil processing and controversies over its health effect: overview of positive and negative consequences
    MM Urugo, TA Teka, PG Teshome, TT Tringo
    Journal of Oleo Science, 70(12), 1693-1706, 2021
  • Food flavor enhancement, preservation, and bio-functionality of ginger (Zingiber officinale): a review
    T Laelago Ersedo, TA Teka, S Fikreyesus Forsido, E Dessalegn, et al.
    International Journal of Food Properties, 26(1), 928-951, 2023
  • Effect of soybean varieties and processing methods on nutritional and sensory properties of soymilk
    NA Abagoshu, AM Ibrahim, TA Teka, TB Mekonnen
    Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 41(4), e13014, 2017
  • Effects of processing on nutritional composition and anti-nutritional factors of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L): A review
    D Hailu, S Abera, TA Teka, PO Box, E Jimma
    Food Science & Quality Management, 36, 61-71, 2015
  • Nutrient and antinutrient composition of improved sweet potato [Ipomea batatas (L) Lam] varieties grown in eastern Ethiopia
    DH Mitiku, TA Teka
    Nutrition & Food Science, 47(3), 369-380, 2017
  • Bio-based smart materials for fish product packaging: A review
    AL Abelti, TA Teka, S Fikreyesus Forsido, M Tamiru, G Bultosa, A Alkhtib, et al.
    International Journal of Food Properties, 25(1), 857-871, 2022
  • Review on edible water lilies and lotus: Future food, nutrition and their health benefits
    AL Abelti, TA Teka, G Bultosa
    Applied Food Research, 3(1), 100264, 2023