Messenbet Kassa | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr Messenbet Kassa |  Food Science |  Best Researcher Award

Injibara University ,  Ethiopia

Messenbet Geremew Kassa is a lecturer and researcher in Food Technology at Injibara University, Ethiopia. He holds a Master’s degree in Food Technology from Bahir Dar University and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Post-Harvest Technology from Jimma University. His research focuses on post-harvest grain storage, food safety, and sustainable food processing technologies, with published works in respected journals, including topics such as maize grain storage conditions and solar drying techniques.

Profile:

Academic Background:

  • MSc in Food Technology | Bahir Dar University (2020-2022)
  • BSc in Food Science & Post-Harvest Technology | Jimma University (2013-2017)

Research Focus & Experience:

Messenbet is a researcher and lecturer in Food Technology at Injibara University since 2022. His research primarily focuses on post-harvest handling, grain storage, and food safety, with notable publications such as:

  1. Effect of threshing and storage conditions on post-harvest insect infestation and physical characteristics of maize grain (2023, Journal of Stored Products Research).
  2. Performance evaluation of GrainPro collapsible natural convection solar dryer for maize grain in Ethiopia (2023).
  3. Effect of threshing moisture content, threshing methods, and storage bags on mold contamination of stored maize grain (2023).
  4. Role of coffee in Ethiopian ethnic culture (2022, Review on Coffee Festivals).

Skills & Certifications:

  • Languages: Amharic (native), English (fluent)
  • Computer Skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SPSS, STATA, ARC GIS, R-Software
  • Certifications:
    • Performance Evaluation of GrainPro Solar Dryer
    • Food Safety and Quality

Professional Experience:

  • Lecturer | Injibara University (2022-present)
  • Supervisor | Solla Milk Processing Company (2018-2019)

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Evaluation of nutritional composition, functional and pasting properties of pearl millet, teff, and buckwheat grain composite flour
    SM Anberbir, N Satheesh, AA Abera, MG Kassa, MW Tenagashaw, …
    Applied Food Research, 4 (1), 100390 (2024)
  2. Review on the application, health usage, and negative effects of molasses
    M Geremew Kassa, AM Asemu, MT Belachew, N Satheesh, BD Abera, …
    CyTA-Journal of Food, 22 (1), 2321984 (2024)
  3. Effects of threshing and storage conditions on post-harvest insect infestation and physical characteristics of maize grain
    M Geremew, A Molla, N Gabbiye, J Harvey, R Mahroof, F Abay
    Journal of Stored Products Research, 103, 102131 (2023)
  4. Optimization of blending ratios of germinated cowpea and extrusion parameters on physical, functional, mineral, and anti-nutritional content of Ethiopian emmer wheat-based food products
    DA Teferi, N Satheesh, MG Kassa
    Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 19, 101586 (2025)
  5. Impact of ripening stages and drying techniques on the physicochemical and sensory attributes of apple mango chips
    MG Kassa, DA Teferi
    Journal of Food Science, 90 (1), e17585 (2025)
  6. Review on psyllium husk: nutritional, functional, health benefits, food industry applications, waste treatment, and potential negative effects
    M Geremew Kassa, D Alemu Teferi, AM Asemu, MT Belachew, …
    CyTA-Journal of Food, 22 (1), 2409174 (2024)
  7. The effect of fermentation temperature and duration on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory attributes of kocho
    SJAMGK Amare Melaku, Neela Satheesh
    Discover Food, 170 (4), 1-10 (2024)
  8. Optimization of germinated cowpea flour ratios and extrusion conditions on the nutritional composition and sensory quality of Ethiopian emmer wheat-based extruded porridge
    DA Teferi, N Satheesh, MG Kassa
    Applied Food Research, 4 (2), 100442 (2024)
  9. Optimization of malted cowpea compositions and extrusion parameters for best quality Ethiopian emmer wheat-based snack food
    MTB Desye Alemu Teferi, Neela Satheesh, Messenbet Geremew Kassa
    Discover Food, 4 (66) (2024)
  10. Effect of Threshing and Storage Conditions on Mold Contamination of Stored Maize Grain (Zea mays L.)
    MG Kassa, NG Habtu, AF Worku, BD Abera, AM Asemu
    Advancement of Science and Technology in Sustainable Manufacturing and Food Security (2023)
  11. Performance Evaluation of Grain Pro Collapsible Natural Convection Solar Dryer for Maize Grain Drying in Ethiopia
    NGHAMA Messenbet Geremew Kassa
    Springer Nature, 163–176 (2023)
  12. Role of Coffee in Ethiopian Ethnic Culture—A Coffee Festival
    SW Messenbet Geremew, Neela Sathesh
    Springer Nature (2022)

 

Kedir Jebo | Food Science | Young Scientist Award

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.

 

 

Reem Hashad | Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

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

 

Pothiyappan Karthik | Food Technology | Best Researcher Award

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:

 

Xue Qu | Agricultural Resources | Best Researcher Award

Dr Xue Qu |  Agricultural Resources |  Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at  School of Management/Chengdu University of Information Technology, China

Dr. Xue Qu is a distinguished researcher at the School of Management, Chengdu University of Information Technology. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from China Agricultural University and a doctoral degree from the University of Tokyo, funded by the China Scholarship Council. Her research focuses on agricultural resources, the environment, and food security, with specific interest in food loss and waste, agriculture outsourcing services, and resource and environmental footprints. Dr. Qu has published 12 papers in reputed journals such as Applied Economics and the Journal of Integrative Agriculture. She has participated in several significant projects funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the State Administration of Grain. Dr. Qu’s work offers valuable insights into agricultural outsourcing’s impact on harvest losses, contributing empirical evidence for regulating moral hazards in these services as agricultural marketization expands in the future.

Profile:

🎓 Academic and Professional Background:

Dr. Xue Qu is currently affiliated with the School of Management at Chengdu University of Information Technology. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from China Agricultural University and her doctoral degree from the University of Tokyo under the China Scholarship Council’s funding. Her research interests span agricultural resources and environment, food security, food loss and waste, agriculture outsourcing service, and resource and environmental footprint. She has published 12 papers in esteemed journals such as Applied Economics, Journal of Integrative Agriculture, and Agriculture.

🔬 Research and Innovations:

Dr. Qu has been involved in several significant research projects, including the “Technology System for Modern Agricultural Industry—Rabbit Industry” funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and “Research on the Investigation and Evaluation Technology of Post-harvest Loss and Waste of Grain” funded by the State Administration of Grain.

📚 Publications and Contributions:

Dr. Qu has contributed significantly to the academic community with her research on rice harvest losses, food security, and agricultural sustainability. Her notable works include articles published in high-impact journals like Applied Economics and Agriculture, where she explores the effects of farming scale, mechanization, and outsourcing services on harvest losses in China. Additionally, she has authored a book chapter on field harvest losses in China.

🏆 Achievements and Recognitions:

With 94 citations on Google Scholar, Dr. Qu’s research has garnered attention and impact in her field. Her work provides empirical evidence on the moral hazards associated with agricultural outsourcing services, a crucial insight as the marketization of agricultural production continues to expand.

🌱 Areas of Research:

  • Food Security
  • Food Economy
  • Agricultural Sustainability

🤝 Collaborations and Memberships:

Dr. Qu collaborates with notable researchers such as Laping Wu, Daizo Kojima, Mitsuyoshi Ando, Yi Luo, Dong Huang, and Fangfang Cao, contributing to advancements in agricultural research.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Can Harvest Outsourcing Services Reduce Field Harvest Losses of Rice in China?
    QU Xue, D Kojima, Y Nishihara, L Wu, A Mitsuyoshi
    Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 20(5), 1396-1406, 2021 (Citations: 39)
  • The Losses in the Rice Harvest Process: A Review
    X Qu, D Kojima, L Wu, M Ando
    Sustainability, 13(17), 9627, 2021 (Citations: 16)
  • Impact of Rice Harvest Loss by Mechanization or Outsourcing: Comparison of Specialized and Part-Time Farmers
    X Qu, D Kojima, Y Nishihara, L Wu, M Ando
    Agricultural Economics/Zemědělská Ekonomika, 66(12), 2020 (Citations: 12)
  • Effects of Different Harvesting Ways on Grain Loss: Based on the Field Survey of 3251 Rural Households in China
    X LI, D HUANG, X QU, J ZHU
    Journal of Natural Resources, 35(5), 1043-1054, 2020 (Citations: 6)
  • Do Farming Scale and Mechanization Affect Moral Hazard in Rice Harvest Outsourcing Service in China?
    X Qu, D Kojima, L Wu, M Ando
    Agriculture, 12(8), 1205, 2022 (Citations: 5)
  • A Study of Rice Harvest Losses in China: Do Mechanization and Farming Scale Matter?
    X Qu, D Kojima, Y Nishihara, L Wu, M Ando
    Japanese Journal of Agricultural Economics, 23, 83-88, 2021 (Citations: 5)
  • Rice Harvest Losses Caused by Agency Slack in China: A Mediation Analysis
    X Qu, D Kojima, L Wu, M Ando
    Applied Economics, 55(10), 1129-1141, 2023 (Citations: 2)
  • An Inverse Relationship between Farm Size and Rice Harvest Loss: Evidence from China
    Y Luo, D Huang, X Qu, L Wu
    Land, 11(10), 1760, 2022 (Citations: 2)
  • Impacts of Work Attitude of Outsourcing Services on Food Losses: Evidence from Rice Harvest in China
    X Qu, D Kojima, L Wu, M Ando
    International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 25(4), 587-599, 2022 (Citations: 1)
  • Does Outsourcing Skimp Work Attitude? Comparative Analysis between Business and Part-Time Farmers in China
    X Qu, D Kojima, L Wu, M Ando
    Japanese Journal of Farm Management, 60(2), 41-46, 2022 (Citations: 1)
  • Does Outsourcing Skimp Work Attitude?
    Q Xue, K Daizo, W Laping, A Mitsuyoshi
    Agricultural Economics Research, 60(2), 41-46, 2022
  • Harvest Loss Rate of Sweet Potato and Its Influencing Factors
    HY Han Yan, QX Qu Xue, HD Huang Dong, WLP Wu LaPing
    Southwest China Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2019

 

Sewareg Demelash | Sustainable Food System | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Sewareg Demelash | Sustainable Food System | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Sewareg Demelash, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Mrs. Sewareg Adamu Demelash is a seasoned Ethiopian researcher and consultant with extensive experience in international trade policy, food systems sustainability, and social development. She holds a Master’s in International Trade Policy and Trade Law from Lund University and is currently a PhD student at Addis Ababa University. Sewareg has worked on various impactful projects, including drought resilience programs and social cash transfers, with notable organizations like the World Bank and UNICEF. Her publications focus on sustainable food systems and trade dynamics. Fluent in Amharic and English, she brings exceptional skills in research, consultancy, and project management. 📊🌍✍️

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

PhD Student, Addis Ababa University

Masters in International Trade Policy and Trade Law, Lund University & TRAPCA

B.A. in Economics, Haramaya University

Experience 💼

Sewareg Adamu Demelash is an Ethiopian researcher with extensive experience in economic and policy consultancy. She has managed significant projects, including baseline surveys for various programs and consultancy roles for major organizations such as the World Bank and UNICEF. Sewareg has also contributed to academic research on sustainable food systems and development projects.

Professional Achievements 🏆

Sewareg has successfully led various projects, supported youth employment initiatives, and contributed to the development of technical proposals worth over $500,000. She has held key roles in different organizations, including Big Win Philanthropy and Frontieri Consult.

 

Research Focus

Sewareg Adamu Demelash’s research primarily focuses on sustainable food systems and economic policy. Her recent work includes examining the sustainability of food systems in Ethiopia from a multi-dimensional perspective and analyzing national performance in a global context. Her research contributes to understanding and improving food security, resilience, and policy frameworks in developing regions. This focus is crucial for developing strategies to enhance food system sustainability and address challenges related to economic development and environmental impact. Her expertise is instrumental in shaping policies for more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. 🌍📈

 

Publication Top Notes

Measuring food system sustainability in Ethiopia: Towards a Multi-Dimensional perspective

Investigating the Dynamics and Trends of Sustainable Food Systems in Ethiopia: Characterizing the National Performance within the Global Context