Mohsen Mokhtarain | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mohsen Mokhtarain | Food Science |  Best Researcher Award

College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, China

Mohsen Mokhtarian is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University (CAU), Beijing. His academic interests lie in food science and nutrition, with a focus on research-driven innovation in food processing and safety. Mohsen is actively engaged in international academic collaboration and brings a strong interdisciplinary background to his research.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

Holding an M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology, I specialize in food processing, preservation, and food engineering. Over the past decade, I have supervised graduate students and conducted innovative research, resulting in high-impact journal publications, translated books, and authored textbooks. My technical expertise spans HPLC, FTIR, rheology, and food drying technologies. Notably, I contributed to the development of cold plasma drying methods and the extraction of bioactive compounds, serving as a reviewer for international journals and contributing meaningfully to both academia and industry.

🔬 Research & Innovations:

  • Key Research Areas:

    • Food Engineering & Rheology

    • Drying of Food & Agri-Products

    • Advanced Technologies (Ultrasound, Cold Plasma)

    • ANN, RSM, Fuzzy Logic for Process Optimization

    • Dryer Design (Solar, Nano-Spray)

    • Bioactive Compound Extraction

    • Edible Coatings for Preservation

  • Notable Contributions:
    I’ve advanced food preservation methods by leveraging deep learning for monitoring drying processes, improving product quality via moisture and color tracking. I developed nutrient-rich yogurt fortified with bitter orange seed powder and created edible coatings to extend shelf-life. These innovations have improved both industrial practices and consumer health outcomes.

📚 Books Published (Selected Titles & ISBNs):

Total: 17 books (translated and authored)
Examples:

  1. Drying in the Dairy Industry – ISBN: 978-622-294-637-1

  2. Food Lipids – ISBN: 978-622-91867-0-1

  3. Probiotics in Mental Health – ISBN: 978-622-294-400-1

  4. Fundamentals of Osmotic Dehydration of Food – ISBN: 978-600-8588-72-6

  5. Adapting High Hydrostatic Pressure (HPP) for Food Processing – ISBN: 978-964-8195-61-3
    Full list available upon request.

🧪 Experience:

  • 2025–2024: TA, CAU–Cornell Dual Program

  • 2016–2023: Asst. Professor, Azad University, Tehran

  • 2014–2024: Lecturer, Universities in Iran

  • Executed roles in academic administration, curriculum development, and journal management.

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 771

  • Citations Since 2020: 587

  • h-index: 14 (since 2020: 13)

  • i10-index: 22 (since 2020: 16)

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Energy and exergy analysis in solar drying of pistachio with air recycling system
    M Mokhtarian, H Tavakolipour, A Kalbasi-Ashtari
    Drying Technology 34 (12), 1484-1500, 75 citations, 2016

  2. Application of innovative processing methods for the extraction of bioactive compounds from saffron (Crocus sativus) petals
    HH Gahruie, K Parastouei, M Mokhtarian, H Rostami, M Niakousari, …
    Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 19, 100264, 71 citations, 2020

  3. Aflatoxin B1 in the Iranian pistachio nut and decontamination methods: A systematic review
    M Mohsen, T Hamid, B Foroud, OCA Fernandes, CC Humberto, …
    Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods 12 (4), 15-25, 69 citations, 2020

  4. Modeling of drying kiwi slices and its sensory evaluation
    A Mahjoorian, M Mokhtarian, N Fayyaz, F Rahmati, S Sayyadi, P Ariaii
    Food Science & Nutrition 5 (3), 466-473, 52 citations, 2017

  5. Effects of solar drying along with air recycling system on physicochemical and sensory properties of dehydrated pistachio nuts
    M Mokhtarian, H Tavakolipour, AK Ashtari
    Lwt 75, 202-209, 51 citations, 2017

  6. Optimisation of pumpkin mass transfer kinetic during osmotic dehydration using artificial neural network and response surface methodology modelling
    M Mokhtarian, MH Majd, F Koushki, H Bakhshabadi, AD Garmakhany, …
    Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods 6 (2), 201-214, 42 citations, 2014

  7. Neural network approaches for prediction of pistachio drying kinetics
    H Tavakolipour, M Mokhtarian
    International Journal of Food Engineering 8 (3), 39 citations, 2012

  8. Intelligent monitoring of zucchini drying process based on fuzzy expert engine and ANN
    H Tavakolipour, M Mokhtarian, A Kalbasi‐Ashtari
    Journal of Food Process Engineering 37 (5), 474-481, 30 citations, 2014

  9. Co‐encapsulation of vitamin D3 and saffron petals’ bioactive compounds in nanoemulsions: Effects of emulsifier and homogenizer types
    HH Gahruie, M Niakousari, K Parastouei, M Mokhtarian, I Eş, …
    Journal of Food Processing and Preservation 44 (8), e14629, 25 citations, 2020

  10. Effects of solar drying operation equipped with a finned and double-pass heat collector on energy utilization, essential oil extraction and bio-active compounds of peppermint
    M Mokhtarian, A Kalbasi-Ashtari, HW Xiao
    Drying Technology, 1-27, 23 citations, 2020

Assefa Abelieneh | Food Research | Best Scholar Award

Mr Assefa Abelieneh | Food Research |  Best Scholar Award

Assistant Professor at  Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Assefa Abelieneh Berhanu is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in project leadership and management. With a strong commitment to excellence, he has successfully guided various initiatives in Ethiopia. His expertise spans project planning, implementation, and team coordination, ensuring timely delivery of objectives. Assefa is recognized for his leadership skills and ability to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Rural Development (Bahir Dar University, Dissertation submitted, awaiting defense, CGPA: 3.96/4).
  • Master’s in Development Studies (Environment and Development, Addis Ababa University, CGPA: 3.65/4).
  • B.Sc. in Agriculture (Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, Haramaya University, CGPA: 3.74/4).
  • Diploma in General Agriculture (Addis Ababa University, CGPA: 3.55/4).

🧑‍🏫 Professional Expertise:

Assefa has extensive experience in rural development and agricultural extension, including:

  • Coordinating integrated rural development projects such as solar model villages and watershed management.
  • Teaching and mentoring university students in environment, rural development, and agricultural extension.
  • Advising postgraduate students on theses related to rural development.
  • Leading research on climate-smart agriculture, farmers’ resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
  • Designing and managing community-based development projects with a focus on women’s empowerment, youth inclusion, and conservation.

🌟 Memberships and Skills:

  • Member of the Ethiopian Society of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension.
  • Certified in Environmental Consultancy and Microsoft Project Management.
  • Skilled in project planning, monitoring, evaluation, and community engagement.

Publication Top Notes

  • Impact of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices on Smallholder Farmers’ Resilience in Ethiopia
  • Smallholder Farmers’ Coping Strategies to Climate Change and Variability: Evidence from Ethiopia
  • Smallholder Farmers’ Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Upper Blue Nile, Ethiopia
  • Determinants of Adoption of Land Management Practices in Ethiopia as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
  • The Impact of Watershed Development on Food Security in Northwest Ethiopia
  • Factors Affecting Farm Management Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change
  • Effects of Land Fragmentation on Productivity in Northwestern Ethiopia
  • Development-Induced Displacement and Its Impacts on Urban Livelihoods in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
    • Published in African Human Mobility Review, 2015.