Mingdong Yao | Food | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr  Mingdong  Yao | Food |  Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at  Tianjin University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mingdong Yao is an Associate Professor at Tianjin University, where he works at the Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Life Chemistry from the University of Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Yao has made significant contributions to the fields of synthetic biology, microbial cell factories, biocatalysis, and enzyme engineering.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

Dr. Mingdong Yao received his PhD in Applied Life Chemistry from the University of Tokyo, Japan. He is currently an Associate Professor at the Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tianjin University, China.

Research Focus:

Dr. Yao’s research expertise includes synthetic biology, microbial cell factories, biocatalysis, and enzyme engineering. His work focuses on the design, development, and optimization of key functional enzymes in biosynthetic pathways.

Key Contributions:

Dr. Yao has significantly advanced the construction of cell factories, improving the production of lipophilic compounds in yeast by extending the cellular G1 phase and enhancing enzyme expression. He also developed a rational enzyme assembly strategy, improving the biosynthesis efficiency of terpenoid products. Additionally, his work in enzyme design has led to the functional expansion of adenosinase to halogenase.

Research Projects:

He has completed several major research projects, including a National Natural Science Foundation project, two subprojects of the National Key Research and Development Program of China, and a Tianjin Natural Science Foundation project. He is currently leading another subproject of the National Key Research and Development Program of China.

Awards and Recognition:

Dr. Yao’s research has been widely recognized internationally, contributing significantly to the fields of synthetic biology and enzyme engineering.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 1,276
  • Citations by Documents: 1,015
  • Number of Documents: 65
  • h-index: 20

Publication Top Note:

  • Systematic metabolic engineering enables highly efficient production of vitamin A in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
    Shi, Y., Lu, S., Zhou, X., Xiao, W., Yao, M.
    Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology, 2025, 10(1), pp. 58–67.
  • Extending the G1 phase improves the production of lipophilic compounds in yeast by boosting enzyme expression and increasing cell size
    Hao, H., Yao, M., Wang, Y., Xiao, W., Yuan, Y.
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2024, 121(47), e2413486121.
  • A customized self-assembled synergistic biocatalyst for plastic depolymerization
    Zhang, W., Han, Y., Yang, F., Yao, M., Qin, H.-M.
    Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2024, 477, 135380.
  • Improving the expression of taxadiene synthase to enhance the titer of taxadiene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
    Zhang, C., Wang, J., Shi, Y., Yao, M., Yuan, Y.
    Green Chemistry, 2024, 26(20), pp. 10604–10616.
  • Highly efficient synthesis of lysergic acid using engineered budding yeast
    Wu, N., Yao, M., Xiao, W., Wang, Y., Yuan, Y.-J.
    Green Chemistry, 2024, 26(19), pp. 10330–10343.
  • Systematic Engineering to Enhance β-Myrcene Production in Yeast
    Shu, Y., Dong, T., Zhou, X., Wang, Y., Xiao, W.
    Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2024, 72(35), pp. 19395–19402.
  • Biotransformation of ethylene glycol by engineered Escherichia coli
    Yan, W., Qi, X., Cao, Z., Ding, M., Yuan, Y.
    Synthetic and Systems Biotechnology, 2024, 9(3), pp. 531–539.
  • Multidimensional combinatorial screening for high-level production of erythritol in Yarrowia lipolytica
    Li, L., Zhang, Q., Shi, R., Lu, F., Qin, H.-M.
    Bioresource Technology, 2024, 406, 131035.
  • Research Progress in the Synthesis of Astaxanthin by Yeast
    Shu, Y., Wang, Y., Yao, M., Xiao, W.
    China Biotechnology, 2024, 44(6), pp. 116–128.
  • Molecular Insights into Converting Hydroxide Adenosyltransferase into Halogenase
    Jiang, Y., Yao, M., Feng, J., Dong, M., Yuan, Y.
    Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2024, 72(22), pp. 12685–12695.

 

Kedir Jebo | Food Science | Young Scientist Award

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Mr Kedir Jebo | Food Science |  Young Scientist Award

Researcher at  Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Ethiopia

Kedir Kebero Jebo is a Food Science and Nutrition Researcher at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research. He holds a Master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition from Addis Ababa University and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Post-Harvest Technology from Hawassa University. His research focuses on food science and nutrition, including the analysis of microbial, chemical, and anti-nutritional contents of agricultural commodities and animal products.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Education:

  • MSc in Food Science and Nutrition – Addis Ababa University (2019–2021)
    Thesis: Development and Optimization of Wheat-Sorghum-based Bread Enhanced with Orange Flashed Sweet Potato.
  • BSc in Food Science and Post-Harvest Technology – Hawassa University (2008–2013)
    Thesis: Development of Chips from Cassava and Sensory Characteristics of Sweet Variety Cassava Chips.

💼 Work Experience:

  1. Researcher (Food Science and Nutrition) – Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (2017–Present)
    • Conducts research on food science, nutrition, and bioactive compounds.
    • Provides community training on nutrition education, food processing, and post-harvest management.
  2. Food Processing Associate – TechnoServe Ethiopia (June–November 2023)
    • Coordinated technical assistance and supported sector-wide training events.
  3. Researcher (Food Technology) – Ethiopian Food, Beverage, and Pharmaceutical Industry Development (2016–2017)
    • Conducted research on food science and performed dietary behavior assessments.
  4. Plant Operator – Selale Dairy Cooperative Union (2014–2016)
    • Operated pasteurized milk processing and supervised production shifts.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions:

  • Certificate of Presentation at Biennial Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Stakeholders Conference (2022).
  • Recognition for participation in “Food Factory 4-Us Sustainable Supply Chain Competition” (2021).
  • Training completion certificates in food safety and thermal processing.

🌟 Skills:

  • Research: Expertise in food formulation, bioactive compounds, and data analysis.
  • Languages: Fluent in Oromo, Amharic, and English; basic Arabic.
  • Digital Tools: Proficient in Microsoft Office, statistical software, and data collection tools.

🌱 Memberships:

  • Food and Nutrition Society of Ethiopia.
  • Ethiopian Crop Science Society.
  • Ethiopian Society of Post-Harvest Management.

Publication Top Note:

  • Formulation and Quality Evaluation of Finger Millet-Based Composite Food Products
    M. Feyera, F. Dasa, K. Kebero, M. Esvaran, P.L. Conway, L. Aifeng
    International Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences, 10(3), 59-65, 2021.
  • Finger Millet—A Possible Source of Human Nourishment and Health
    K. Dida, K. Kebero
    Advances in Nutrition and Food Science, 8(1), 17-25, 2023.
  • Bio-Fortification of Cereals-Based Bread Using OFSP for Alleviating Vitamin-A Deficiency
    K. Kebero, K. Urga
    Asian Journal of Research in Biochemistry, 11(3-4), 36-44, 2022.
  • Nutritional and Organoleptic Properties of Wheat-Based Snack Foods Incorporated with Common Bean or Cowpea Flours
    K. Kebero, W. Bajo, B. Abdeta
    Tamirat Kore, Semhal Marsha, 2022.
  • Evaluation of Physicochemical and Product-Making Quality of Candidate Tomato Varieties
    K. Kebero, D. Abera, K. Dida, 2020.
  • Developing Tef-Based Biscuits
    K. Kebero, W. Bajo, 2020.
  • Bio-Fortification of Cereals-Based Bread Using Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato
    K. Kebero, K. Urga, 2023.
  • International Journal of Current Research and Academic Review
    C. Bajji, R.K.R. Kosana, R.M. Kanumuri, M.K.R. Tummuru
    Int. J. Curr. Res. Acad. Rev., 6(5), 50-65, 2018.

 

 

Jingjing Tao | Food | Best Researcher Award

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Ms Jingjing Tao | Food |  Best Researcher Award

PhD student at  University of Washington, United States

Jingjing (Tina) Tao is a dedicated researcher in the fields of environmental and agricultural economics. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington, she previously earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, achieving high academic honors. With a strong foundation in agricultural economics and environmental sciences, Jingjing actively engages in research addressing contemporary challenges in these domains.

Publication profile:

Education:

Jingjing is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington (2024 – 2029). She earned her Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, where she graduated with a GPA of 3.98 (2022 – 2024), and previously obtained her Bachelor of Science (with highest distinction) in Agricultural Economics from the same institution, achieving a GPA of 3.99 (2020 – 2022). She also studied Agricultural Economics at China Agricultural University (2018 – 2020).

Research and Publications:

Jingjing’s research focuses on topics such as climate change impacts on fisheries, online media sentiment analysis in aquaculture, and local food systems. She has published multiple papers in reputable journals, including Aquaculture and Natural Resource Modeling. Her work on the online media sentiment analysis of shrimp and salmon has received significant attention, and she has several publications currently under review.

Professional Experience

Jingjing has gained valuable industry experience through internships, including a Data Scientist Intern position at Happy the Movement and a Recruitment and Operation Intern at Baidu, Inc. She also has teaching experience as a teaching assistant at both the University of Washington and Purdue University.

Awards and Grants:

Throughout her academic career, Jingjing has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the 2024 SEFS Recruitment Fellowship and the 2023 Department Travel Grant.

Professional Affiliations:

She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Ecological Society of America (ESA) and the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA).

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Quantifying “Local Food” Online and Social Media in the United States for 2018–2021
    J Jung, J Tao, NO Widmar
    Agriculture & Food Security, 11(1), 59 (2022)
  • Online Grocery Shopping Practices and Intentions Shaped by Pandemic-era Experiences
    C Bir, J Jung, J Tao, NO Widmar
    Journal of Food Distribution Research, 54(3), 1-29 (2023)
  • Exploring the Blue Economy Nexus: Government, Industry, and Market’s Perspectives on Seafood
    J Tao
    Purdue University Graduate School (2024)
  • A Regional Analysis of Climate Change Effects on Global Snow Crab Fishery
    J Tao, KK Quagrainie, KA Foster, NO Widmar
    Natural Resource Modeling, e12406 (2024)
  • Alert: Ultra-processed Food Is Overwhelming Americans’ Diet
    J Tao
    Journal of Agricultural Science, 14(4) (2022)
  • Environmental Problem Analysis and Policy Recommendations on Pacific Northwest Salmon
    J Tao
    Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 3(2), 1-6 (2021)
  • From Novelty to Normalcy: Making Entomophagy a Common Diet
    J Tao
    NASS Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 3(2), 23-27 (2021)
  • Online Media Sentiment Analysis of Shrimp and Salmon in the United States
    J Tao, K Quagrainie
    Available at SSRN 4754216
  • Climate Change and Snow Crab Harvest: Applying Random Effects Estimators with Instrumental Variable
    J Tao, K Quagrainie
    Available at SSRN 4684246

 

Pothiyappan Karthik | Food Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr Pothiyappan Karthik |  Food Technology |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor & Head at  Karpagam Academy of Higher Education,  India

Dr. Pothiyappan Karthik is an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Food Technology at Karpagam Academy of Higher Education. He earned his Ph.D. in Food Technology from the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysore and completed post-doctoral research at Zhejiang Gongshang University, China. Dr. Karthik has received the CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship and has led a major research project funded by the DST, amounting to Rs. 75 lakhs. He has published extensively with 24 journal articles and holds multiple patents in food technology.

Publication profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

Dr. Pothiyappan Karthik completed his Ph.D. in Food Technology at CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, India. He pursued post-doctoral research at Zhejiang Gongshang University, China, in collaboration with the University of Leeds, UK. He has received the CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship and led a major research project funded by the DST, India.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Karthik’s research centers on food technology, including:

  • Development of sustainable millet resources
  • Nanoencapsulation techniques for nutraceutical delivery
  • Biobased food packaging solutions

📚 Publications & Patents:

  • Citations: 2,475 (1,834 since 2019)
  • h-index: 15 (same since 2019)
  • i10-index: 17 (same since 2019)
  • Journals Published: 24, including notable works in Food Hydrocolloids and Food Science and Biotechnology.
  • Patents: 3 published, including innovations in food emulsifiers and probiotic drinks.

Publication Top Notes:

 

Victor Vicent | Food Processing | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Victor Vicent |  Food Processing |  Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at  University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Dr. Victor Vicent Matabura is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. With a Ph.D. in Bioscience Engineering from KU Leuven, Belgium, and AgroParisTech, France, and an MSc. in Food Technology from KU Leuven and Ghent Universities, Dr. Matabura has extensive expertise in food processing, preservation engineering, and cold chain storage technology.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • PhD in Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, Belgium
  • PhD in Food Processing and Preservation, AgroParisTech, France
  • MSc in Food Technology, KU Leuven and Ghent Universities, Belgium
  • BSc in Food and Biochemical Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

💼 Work Experience:

  • Senior Lecturer, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Dar es Salaam (2022 – Present)
  • Lecturer, Department of Food Science and Technology (2019 – 2022)
  • Assistant Lecturer, Department of Chemical and Mining Engineering (2013 – 2019)
  • Tutorial Assistant, Department of Chemical and Mining Engineering (2010 – 2013)

🔬 Research Interests:

Dr. Matabura’s research spans Food Processing and Preservation Engineering, Cold Chain Storage Technology, Quality Kinetic Modelling, and Value Addition in Food Product Development.

🌟 Research Interests:

  • AI Drone Design and Application
  • Smart Health/Healthcare
  • Crowd Detection and Measurement Analysis
  • Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Citations: 380 (286 since 2019)
  • h-index: 8 (7 since 2019)
  • i10-index: 8 (7 since 2019)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Pectin modifications and the role of pectin-degrading enzymes during postharvest softening of Jonagold apples
    SG Gwanpua, S Van Buggenhout, BE Verlinden, S Christiaens, …
    Food Chemistry, 158, 283-291 (2014)
    Citations: 172
  • A new method developed to characterize the 3D microstructure of frozen apple using X-ray micro-CT
    V Vicent, P Verboven, FT Ndoye, G Alvarez, B Nicolaï
    Journal of Food Engineering, 212, 154-164 (2017)
    Citations: 51
  • Effect of dynamic storage temperatures on the microstructure of frozen carrot imaged using X-ray micro-CT
    V Vicent, FT Ndoye, P Verboven, B Nicolaï, G Alvarez
    Journal of Food Engineering (2018)
    Citations: 45
  • Quality changes kinetics of apple tissue during frozen storage with temperature fluctuations
    V Vicent, FT Ndoye, P Verboven, BM Nicolaï, G Alvarez
    International Journal of Refrigeration, 92, 165-175 (2018)
    Citations: 32
  • Managing biological variation in skin background colour along the postharvest chain of ‘Jonagold’ apples
    SG Gwanpua, V Vicent, BE Verlinden, M Hertog, BM Nicolai, …
    Postharvest Biology and Technology, 93, 61-71 (2014)
    Citations: 20
  • Physicochemical and Sensory Evaluation of Mixed Juices from Banana, Pineapple, and Passion Fruits during Storage
    VV Matabura, O Kibazohi
    Tanzania Journal of Science, 47(1), 332-343 (2021)
    Citations: 16
  • Modelling of firmness variability of Jonagold apple during postharvest storage
    VV Matabura
    Journal of Food Science and Technology, 59(4), 1487-1498 (2022)
    Citations: 10
  • Modeling ice recrystallization in frozen carrot tissue during storage under dynamic temperature conditions
    V Vicent, FT Ndoye, P Verboven, B Nicolai, G Alvarez
    Food Engineering, 278, 109911 (2020)
    Citations: 10
  • Effects of xanthan gum on rheological properties of Aloe vera-moringa leaf juice blends
    VV Matabura, LMP Rweyemamu
    Tanzania Journal of Science, 47(2), 583-596 (2021)
    Citations: 6
  • Formulation of plant-based food and characterization of the nutritional composition: A case study on soy-moringa beverage
    VV Matabura, LMP Rweyemamu
    Journal of Food Science and Technology, 1-12 (2022)
    Citations: 5
  • Modelling biological variation in the skin background colour of ‘Jonagold’ apples during controlled atmosphere storage
    SG Gwanpua, V Vicent, M Hertog, BM Nicolaï, AH Geeraerd, …
    XI International Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Research Conference, 1071 (2013)
    Citations: 4
  • Managing quality changes of green beans and carrots along storage with temperature fluctuations
    V Vicent, FT Ndoye, P Verboven, B Nicolai, G Alvarez
    5th IIR Conference on Sustainability and the Cold Chain 2018, 138-143 (2018)
    Citations: 3
  • Impact of temperature fluctuations on quality changes of frozen green beans and carrots during storage
    VV Matabura
    Food Science and Technology International, 29(1), 62-74 (2023)
    Citations: 2
  • Evaluation of the proximate composition, functional, and pasting properties of ichipipi maize flour
    P Mpili, V Vicent, L Rweyemamu
    Applied Food Research, 4(1), 100408 (2024)
    Citations: 1