Sanjay Kumar | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sanjay Kumar | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Principal Scientist at Niagara Bottling, United States

Dr. Sanjay Kumar is a Principal Scientist specializing in food safety and microbiology with over two decades of international research experience. He holds a Ph.D. from ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, India, with a strong foundation in microbial ecology and antimicrobial interventions. Dr. Kumar’s research centers on the inactivation of foodborne pathogens using novel, GRAS-status antimicrobials, quantitative microbiological risk assessment, and the microbiome of food animals.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, India (2010)

  • M.S. in Microbiology, Kurukshetra University, India (2001)

  • B.S. in Industrial Microbiology, Kurukshetra University, India (1998)

🔬 Research Interests:

  • Control of foodborne pathogens using GRAS-status antimicrobials

  • Microbial ecology and contamination in food processing systems

  • Risk assessment through omics-based microbial exposure evaluation

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Principal Scientist, Niagara Bottling LLC (2019–Present)
    Leads microbiological R&D, food safety strategy, and regulatory compliance across 40+ plants.

  • Staff Scientist, Poultry Science, University of Georgia (2015–2019)
    Focused on microbiome, food safety interventions, and poultry gut health.

  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Pennsylvania (2013–2015)
    Investigated antimicrobial resistance and microbiome shifts in dairy cattle.

  • Postdoctoral Fellow, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (2012–2013)
    Characterized rumen methanogens and enzymes for methane mitigation.

🧪 Notable Funded Projects (Co-PI):

  • U.S. Soybean Board: Gut health in antibiotic-free broilers

  • Innovation Enzymes: Enzyme supplementation and poultry performance

  • Huvepharma: Probiotics against poultry pathogens

🏆 Awards and Honors:

  • Best Poster Awards (CAES, Center for Food Safety, ASAS)

  • ICAR Senior Research Fellowship

  • DBT Travel Award (BioMicroWorld, Lisbon)

  • Outstanding Teacher Award – Dolphin College, India

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 3,680

  • Citations Since 2020: 2,237

  • h-index: 29 (26 since 2020)

  • i10-index: 41 (30 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Chicken Gut Microbiota: Importance and Detection Technology
    BOWKK Yue Shang, Sanjay Kumar
    Frontiers in Veterinary Sciences, 2018
    📚 Citations: 479

  • Magnesium ammonium phosphate formation, recovery and its application as valuable resources: a review
    YH Liu, S Kumar, JH Kwag, CS Ra
    Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, 2012
    📚 Citations: 229

  • Probiotics and atopic dermatitis: an overview
    YHP IA Rather, VK Bajpai, S Kumar, J Lim, WK Paek
    Frontiers in Microbiology, 2016
    📚 Citations: 224

  • New aspects and strategies for methane mitigation from ruminants
    S Kumar et al.
    Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2014
    📚 Citations: 205

  • Effect of antibiotic withdrawal in feed on chicken gut microbial dynamics…
    HT S Kumar et al.
    PLoS ONE, 2018
    📚 Citations: 199

  • Factors affecting rumen methanogens and methane mitigation strategies
    S Kumar et al.
    World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2009
    📚 Citations: 169

  • Associative patterns among anaerobic fungi, methanogenic archaea and bacteria…
    D Kumar, S., Indugu, N., Vecchiarelli, B., Pitta
    Frontiers in Microbiology, 2015
    📚 Citations: 168

  • Temporal dynamics in the ruminal microbiome of dairy cows during the transition period
    Pitta, Kumar, et al.
    Journal of Animal Science, 2014
    📚 Citations: 155

  • Metagenomic assessment of the functional potential of the rumen microbiome…
    Pitta, Kumar, et al.
    Anaerobe, 2016
    📚 Citations: 133

  • Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Salmonella…
    Velasquez, Macklin, Kumar, et al.
    Poultry Science, 2018
    📚 Citations: 118

 

Hashini Abeysuriya | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs Hashini Abeysuriya | Food Science |  Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka

Hashini Imalsha Abeysuriya is a dedicated academic and researcher specializing in Food Science and Technology. She earned her M.Phil. in Natural Product Chemistry from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, in November 2020, where her thesis focused on the vitamin C content and antioxidant properties of various fruits. She also holds a B.Sc. Special degree in Food Science & Technology (1st Class, GPA: 3.9/4.0) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Qualifications:

  • M.Phil. in Natural Product Chemistry (2020)
    University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
    Thesis: Vitamin C content, antioxidant properties, and iron content in common, underutilized, and wild fruits of Sri Lanka under various storage conditions.
  • B.Sc. Special Degree in Food Science & Technology (2014, 1st Class, GPA: 3.9/4.0)
    University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
    Thesis: Design and development of a low-cost prototype food penetrometer to measure food quality.

Professional Experience:

  • Lecturer, Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna (2021 – Present)
  • Visiting Lecturer, University College of Matara (2021 – Present)
  • Temporary Demonstrator, University College of Matara (2019 – 2021)
  • Graduate Intern, Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) (2015)
  • Trainee, Harischandra Mills PLC (2014)

Research Interests:

A.P.H.I. Abeysuriya’s research focuses on the nutritional properties of fruits, particularly the antioxidant capacities and vitamin C content of underutilized and wild fruits in Sri Lanka. She has contributed to various studies published in reputed journals and holds a patent for the industrial design of a food penetrometer.

Awards and Recognition:

  • Best Presenter (Poster) at the 16th Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna.
  • First and third place at the Ruhuna Invention and Innovation Exhibition 2023 in the Southern Province Competition.

Publication Top Notes

  • Total Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid, Dehydroascorbic Acid, Antioxidant Properties, and Iron Content of Underutilized and Commonly Consumed Fruits in Sri Lanka
    HI Abeysuriya, VP Bulugahapitiya, J Loku Pulukkuttige
    International Journal of Food Science, 2020 (1), 4783029.
  • Comparative Account of Vitamin C Contents, Antioxidant Properties and Iron Contents of Minor Fruits in Sri Lanka
    HI Abeysuriya, VP Bulugahapitiya, LP Jayatissa
    Plant Science Today, 8 (4), 795–803, 2021.
  • Variation of Vitamin C Content and Antioxidant Capacities During the Post-Harvest Storage of Fresh Fruits Under Different Temperatures
    LPJ Hashini I. Abeysuriya, Vajira P. Bulugahapitiya
    Journal of Stored Products Research, 109, 2024.
  • Characterization of Physico-Functional, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Properties of Jackfruit By-Product Flour and Assess Its Potential Use in the Development of Pasta
    GSN Fernando, A Abeysuriya, HA Dilrukshi
    Tropical Agricultural Research & Extension, 27 (3), 171-181, 2024.
  • Applications of Biomimicry in Food Analysis
    APHIA N.T. Nanayakkara, G.H.H.D. Jayasekara
    The International Conference on Biomimicry for Sustainability, 2024.
  • Functional and Nutritional Properties of Musa Paradisiaca (Ash Plantain) Flour (Peel and Flesh of Fruit) and Development of Ready-to-Serve Flakes from Musa Paradisiaca Flesh Flour
    APHIA N.T. Nanayakkara, A.A.M. Subodinee
    Agro Food, 2024.
  • Development of Novel Functional Foods from Guava (Psidium Guajava) and Veralu (Elaeocarpus Serratus) Fruits
    H Jayampathi, VP Bulugahapitiya, HI Abeysuriya
    Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2023.
  • Research Article: Total Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid, Dehydroascorbic Acid, Antioxidant Properties, and Iron Content of Underutilized and Commonly Consumed Fruits in Sri Lanka
    HI Abeysuriya, VP Bulugahapitiya, JL Pulukkuttige, 2020.
  • Comparing Accuracy and Precision of Different Analytical Methods for Determination of Vitamin C Content in Fruits and Vegetables
    HI Abeysuriya, VP Bulugahapitiya, LP Jayatissa
    Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka, 2020.
  • Change in Contents of Vitamin C, Total Phenolic, Total Flavonoid, and Antioxidant Capacities of Selected Fruits Under Refrigeration
    VP Bulugahapitiya, HI Abeysuriya, LP Jayatissa
    University of Ruhuna, 2019.
  • Determination of Vitamin C Content and Antioxidant Properties of Sri Lankan Wild Fruit Species
    VP Bulugahapitiya, HI Abeysuriya, LP Jayatissa
    University of Ruhuna, 2018.
  • Determination of Total Vitamin C and Antioxidant Capacity of Selected Underutilized Fruits in Sri Lanka and the Stability of Vitamin C Under Different Storage Conditions
    HI Abeysuriya, VP Bulugahapitiya, LP Jayatissa
    Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 2018.
  • Antioxidant Properties, Contents of Vitamin C, Total Phenolic, Total Flavonoid, and Dietary Iron of Selected Sri Lankan Fruit Species
    VP Bulugahapitiya, HI Abeysuriya, DNA Arachchi, LP Jayatissa, 2018.
  • Design and Development of a Low Cost Prototype Food Penetrometer to Evaluate Quality of Foods
    APHI Abeysuriya, SB Navaratne, P Alwis
    International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 2015.

 

Qadreyah Almatawah | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Qadreyah Almatawah |  Food Safety |  Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist at  Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait

Dr. Qadreyah Almatawah is an accomplished Research Scientist at the Biotechnology Program, Center for Environmental and Life Science Research at KISR. She holds a B.Sc. in Microbiology (1987) and an M.Sc. in Medical Microbiology (1992) from Kuwait University. She earned her Ph.D. in Microbial Biochemistry from University College London in 1999, specializing in the inducible nitrilase from thermophilic Bacillus. Since joining KISR in 1992, she has contributed to various research projects, focusing on microbial identification, molecular biology, and environmental microbiology. Dr. Almatawah has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and actively leads research on environmental pathogens and beneficial microorganisms for industrial use. She holds an h-index of 8 with 343 citations.

Publication profile:

📚 Academic Background:

Dr. Qadreyah Almatawah earned her B.Sc. in Microbiology from Kuwait University in 1987, followed by an MSc in Medical Microbiology in 1992, and a Ph.D. in Microbial Biochemistry from University College London in 1999. Her doctoral research focused on the “Inducible Nitrilase from a Thermophilic Bacillus.”

🔬 Research Expertise:

An expert in microbial identification and molecular biology, Dr. Almatawah has been at KISR since 1992, working on numerous projects related to microbial bioremediation, biosurfactants, and environmental monitoring. Her research includes identifying beneficial microorganisms for industrial use and studying pathogenic microorganisms in environmental samples.

📊 Key Projects:

  • Development of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria to improve desert soil fertility
  • Monitoring and controlling Legionella in water systems
  • Assessment of microbial pathogens in food and air quality in poultry houses

🏆 Research and Achievements:

  • 245 citations by 206 documents.
  • 6 h-index with 11 research papers published.
  • Key published works on Legionella monitoring, biosurfactants, and microbial contamination.
  • Led several notable projects such as the development of sulfur-based soil amendments and monitoring of foodborne pathogens.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Monitoring foodborne pathogens of food served at an institutional cafeteria
    Almatawah, Q., Al-Mutairi, S., Varghese, J.
    Applied Food Research, 2024, 4(2), 100497.
  • Microbiological contamination of indoor and outdoor environments in a desert climate
    Almatawah, Q.A., Al-Rashidi, M.S., Yassin, M.F., Varghese, J.S.
    Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2022, 194(5), 355.
  • Legionella detection and subgrouping in water air-conditioning cooling tower systems in Kuwait
    Al-Matawah, Q., Al-Zenki, S., Al-Azmi, A., Al-Salameen, F., Hejji, A.B.
    Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015, 22(13), pp. 10235–10241.
  • Characterisation of quality and safety of tomatoes sold in the state of Kuwait
    Al-Zenki, S.F., Al-Mazeedi, H.M., Al-Hooti, S.N., Alomirah, H.F., Sidhu, J.S.
    International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation, 2008, 1(3), pp. 298–311.
  • Quality and safety characteristics of milk sold in the state of Kuwait
    Al-Zenki, S.F., Al-Mazeedi, H.M., Al-Hooti, S.N., Alomirah, H.F., Sidhu, J.S.
    Journal of Food Processing and Preservation, 2007, 31(6), pp. 702–713.
  • Isolation and characterization of oil-desulphurizing bacteria
    Guerinik, K., Al-Mutawah, Q.
    World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2003, 19(9), pp. 941–945.
  • Thermostable nitrilase catalysed production of nicotinic acid from 3-cyanopyridine
    Almatawah, Q.A., Cowan, D.A.
    Enzyme and Microbial Technology, 1999, 25(8-9), pp. 718–724.
  • Characterization of an inducible nitrilase from a thermophilic bacillus
    Almatawah, Q.A., Cramp, R., Cowan, D.A.
    Extremophiles, 1999, 3(4), pp. 283–291.
  • The use of an arbitrarily primed PCR product for the specific detection of Brucella
    AlMomin, S., Saleem, M., Al-Mutawa, Q.
    World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 1999, 15(3), pp. 381–385.
  • Biochemistry and biotechnology of mesophilic and thermophilic nitrile metabolizing enzymes
    Cowan, D., Cramp, R., Graham, R.P.D., Almatawah, Q.
    Extremophiles, 1998, 2(3), pp. 207–216.