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

 

Workiye Abera | Food | Best Scholar Award

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Mr Workiye Abera |  Food  |  Best Scholar Award

Lecturer and Researcher at  Debre Tabor University,  Ethiopia

Workiye Getnet Abera is a dedicated Ethiopian academic and researcher born on October 12, 1991, in South Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (Environmental Engineering Stream, 2017) and an M.Sc. in Process Engineering (2020) from Jimma University.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Educational Background:

  • M.Sc. in Process Engineering: Jimma University (2018–2020), Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Bioplastic Film from Banana Peel Starch Blending with Banana Pseudo-Stem Fiber.
  • B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering: Jimma University (2013–2017), Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Furfural from Sugar Cane Bagasse for Engine Fuel Application.

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Lecturer: Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia (Feb 2024 – Present)
  • Lecturer: Dilla University, Ethiopia (Feb 2020 – Feb 2024)
  • Internship Trainer: Fincha Sugar Factory, Ethiopia (Oct 2015 – Feb 2016)
  • Reviewer: Elsevier (2023–Present) & Springer (2024–Present)

🛠️ Skills:

Proficient in software such as MATLAB, Aspen Plus, Design Expert, MiniTab, and Ansys.

Publication Top Note:

  • “Quality Assessment of Gluten-Free Sorghum Bread Prepared with Sourdough and the Addition of Sweet Lupin Flour”
    CYTA – Journal of Food, 2024.
    DOI: 10.1080/19476337.2024.2397022.
  • “Synthesis, Characterization, and Optimization of Antimicrobial Biolubricant Derived from Ocimum lamiifolium and Lactic Acid”
    Heliyon, 2024.
    DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38972.
  • “Synthesis and Characterization of Bioplastic Film from Banana (Musa Cavendish Species) Peel Starch Blending with Banana Pseudo-Stem Cellulosic Fiber”
    Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 2023.
    DOI: 10.1007/s13399-023-04207-8.

 

 

Assefa Abelieneh | Food Research | Best Scholar Award

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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.

 

Reem Hashad | Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Reem Hashad |  Food Systems |  Best Researcher Award

Collaborator at  International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI),  Egypt

Reem Nabil Hashad is a dual U.S. and Egyptian citizen and an economist specializing in development economics, food policy, and public finance. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 2021, with a dissertation on public policy’s impact on nutrition, childhood stunting, and corruption. She holds two master’s degrees in economics from UIC and the American University in Cairo (AUC), where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in Economics.

Publication profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Economics – University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), 2021
    Dissertation: “The Role of Public Policy in Nutrition, Childhood Stunting, and Corruption”
  • M.A. in Economics – UIC, 2017
  • M.A. in Economics – American University in Cairo (AUC), 2014
    Dissertation: “Repayment Determinants for Egyptian Microfinance Institutions”
  • B.A. in Economics – AUC, Magna Cum Laude, 2012

🔬 Research Fields:

  • Development Economics
  • Food Policy
  • Public Finance
  • Applied Microeconomics

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Consultant – International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) & World Bank, 2023-24
    Designed and implemented projects related to smallholder farmers, gender equality, and entrepreneurship.
  • Research Economist – USDA, 2021-22
    Focused on food security research, policy evaluation, and nutrition assistance programs.
  • Financial, Market, and Economic Analyst – HLB Egypt Makary Consulting, 2014-15
    Conducted feasibility studies and market research for national projects.

📊 Research & Teaching Experience:

  • Research Assistant – UIC, 2018-19
    Collaborated on economic and health research projects.
  • Instructor – Econometrics, UIC, 2017-18
    Taught graduate and undergraduate courses in econometrics, microeconomics, and statistics.

🏅 Awards & Honors:

  • Team Recognition – CIA’s Center for the Study of Intelligence, 2022
  • Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award – UIC, Honorable Mention, 2021
  • Top GPA – Master’s in Economics, AUC, 2014

Publication Top Notes:

  • Global food value chains and obesity in low- and middle-income countries