Mingdong Yao | Food | Best Researcher Award

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.

 

Amer Mahdi | Functional Food | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Amer Mahdi |  Functional Food  |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  Sana’a University, Yemen

Dr. Amer Ali Mahdi Amer is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Sana’a University, Yemen. He earned his Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University, China (2020), and his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from Sana’a University, Yemen.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering (2015–2020), Jiangnan University, China
  • M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology (2012–2015), Sana’a University, Yemen
  • B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology (2003–2007), Sana’a University, Yemen

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor (2023–Present), Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Sana’a University
  • Head of Scientific Research Unit (2024–Present), Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Sana’a University
  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2020–2023), Jiangsu University, China
  • Lecturer (2015–2015) and Teaching Assistant (2009–2015), Sana’a University
  • Quality Inspector (2007–2009), Coca-Cola Company, Yemen

🔬 Research Interests:

Functional Foods, Essential Oils, Nanofibers, Smart Packaging, Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidants, Encapsulation, and Sensory Evaluation.

📚 Teaching Areas:

Essentials of Food Science, Food Preservation, Food Quality, Chemistry, and Biochemistry.

🏆 Honors and Awards:

  • Jiangnan University President Scholarship (2017–2018)
  • Certificate of Appreciation from Sana’a University’s President (2024)
  • Multiple recognitions from the Yemeni Ministry of Higher Education and the Embassy of Yemen in China

Citation Metrics:

🔢 Total Citations: 1,770
📅 Citations Since 2019: 1,763
📊 h-index: 24 (overall and since 2019)
📈 i10-index: 45 (overall and since 2019)

Publication Top Note:

  • Microencapsulation of fingered citron extract with gum arabic, modified starch, whey protein, and maltodextrin using spray drying
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 152, 1125-1134 (2020).
    Citations: 152
  • Effect of maltodextrin combination with gum arabic and whey protein isolate on the microencapsulation of gurum seed oil using a spray-drying method
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 171, 208-216 (2021).
    Citations: 136
  • Preparation, deproteinization, characterization, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide from Medemia argun fruit
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 155, 919-926 (2020).
    Citations: 96
  • Application of essential oils as preservatives in food systems: Challenges and future prospectives – A review
    Phytochemistry Reviews, 1-38 (2021).
    Citations: 91
  • Intelligent colorimetric pH sensoring packaging films based on sugarcane wax/agar integrated with butterfly pea flower extract for optical tracking of shrimp freshness
    Food Chemistry, 373, 131514 (2022).
    Citations: 76
  • Enhancement of antioxidant activity, antifungal activity, and oxidation stability of Citrus reticulata essential oil nanocapsules by clove and cinnamon essential oils
    Food Bioscience, 43, 101226 (2021).
    Citations: 72
  • Molecular structure, morphological, and physicochemical properties of highlands barley starch as affected by natural fermentation
    Food Chemistry, 356, 129665 (2021).
    Citations: 64
  • Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/gelatin films loaded with microcapsules of Pulicaria jaubertii extract
    Food Hydrocolloids, 129, 107624 (2022).
    Citations: 58
  • Physicochemical properties, microstructure, and storage stability of Pulicaria jaubertii extract microencapsulated with different protein biopolymers and gum arabic as wall materials
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 187, 939-954 (2021).
    Citations: 54
  • Role of peppermint oil in improving the oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity of borage seed oil-loaded nanoemulsions fabricated by modified starch
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 153, 697-707 (2020).
    Citations: 52

 

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.

 

Hashini Abeysuriya | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

 

Neha Singh | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms Neha Singh |  Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at  Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, India

Neha Singh is a dedicated research scholar with a focus on the intersection of food science and medicinal plants. Currently pursuing a PhD in Home Science with a specialization in Food and Nutrition at Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, Neha aims to revolutionize food products by integrating medicinal plants to enhance their nutritional and therapeutic values.

Profile:

Education:

  • Class X (CBSE): D.A.V Public School, 2010 – 70.3%
  • Class XII (CBSE): Sarvodaya Girls SSS, 2012 – 71%
  • BSc in Food Technology: Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi, 2015 – 67.5%
  • MSc in Food and Nutrition: Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, 2018 – 73%
  • PhD in Home Science (Food and Nutrition): Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences, University of Delhi (April 2021 – ongoing)

Achievements and Expertise:

  • 1st prize in poster presentation on food additives (2017)
  • Consolation prize for a scientific idea presentation (2024)
  • Oral presentation on optimizing cookies with Moringa oleifera (2023)
  • Workshop on research proposal writing (2023)
  • Resource person for bakery science and technology training (2022)

Skills:

  • Proficient in SPSS, Design Expert, OriginPro, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
  • Expertise in medicinal plants, functional foods, antioxidant activity, food microbiology, and phytochemicals

Research Focus: Food Science

Neha Singh’s research focus in Food Science centers on integrating medicinal plants into food products to enhance their nutritional and functional properties. Her work includes:

  1. Medicinal Plants: Exploring the use of underutilized medicinal plants for their phytochemical content and health benefits.
  2. Functional Foods: Developing and optimizing food products enriched with medicinal plant extracts to promote health and well-being.
  3. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties: Investigating the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of medicinal plants and their impact on food preservation and quality.
  4. Food Microbiology: Studying the effects of medicinal plant extracts on food microbiology, including their potential to combat foodborne pathogens.
  5. Nutraceuticals: Focusing on the development of nutraceuticals—food products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, particularly through the inclusion of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants.
  6. Phytochemicals: Analyzing the bioactive components of medicinal plants and their potential applications in food science, including sensory evaluation and shelf-life enhancement.

Her research aims to transform everyday food products by harnessing the power of medicinal plants, ultimately contributing to healthier dietary options.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Singh, N., Tyagi, N., Singh, M., Kushwaha, H. R., Sharma, R. K., Shree, P., … & Garg, M. (2024). Characterization, phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity of underutilized medicinal plants and composite flour. Food Chemistry, 456, 139985.
  • Singh, N., Garg, M., Prajapati, P., Kumari, A., Mittal, A. (2023). Adaptogenic property of Asparagus racemosus: Future trends and prospects. Heliyon, 9(4), e14932.

 

Li Zheng | Plant Food Components | Best Researcher Award

Dr Li Zheng | Plant Food Components | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Northeast Agricultural University, China

Dr. Li Zheng is a distinguished lecturer at the College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, specializing in Food Science and Engineering with a focus on the processing and storage of agricultural products. Born on May 4, 1990, she completed her joint doctoral studies at Cornell University, USA, a prestigious Ivy League institution, before joining Northeast Agricultural University in July 2021 under the fifth-level B talent introduction program.

Profile:

🎓 Educational and Professional Journey:

Dr. Zheng’s academic journey is highlighted by her joint Ph.D. training at Cornell University, an Ivy League institution in the United States. Her research primarily focuses on the interactions of plant food components and the formation of colloidal structures, gels, and proteins.

📜 Academic Achievements:

Dr. Zheng has authored 20 scientific papers in renowned international journals, with 13 as the first or corresponding author, including publications in JCR-Q1 journals. Her work includes two highly cited papers and one hot paper, boasting a cumulative impact factor of 138.1. She has also published an article in a prestigious Science journal. Her innovative contributions are marked by four pending invention patents.

🏅 Honors and Recognition:

She has been honored as an “Academic Backbone” of Northeast Agricultural University, “Sanjiang Talents” of Jiamusi City, and “Science and Technology Special Correspondent” of Guangdong Province.

🔬 Research and Development:

Dr. Zheng has actively participated in numerous research projects, with a notable grant portfolio totaling $220,000. Her efforts have advanced scientific knowledge, improved industry practices, and facilitated cost-effective innovations. She has also been instrumental in extension activities, bridging the gap between research and practical applications through workshops and training programs.

Research Focus: Plant Food Components

Dr. Li Zheng’s research in plant food components primarily revolves around understanding and leveraging the intricate interactions within plant-based foods. Her work aims to enhance the quality, functionality, and storage of agricultural products. Key areas of her research include:

  1. Interaction of Plant Food Components:
    • Colloidal Structure Formation: Investigating how plant food components such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids interact to form stable colloidal systems.
    • Gel Formation: Exploring the mechanisms behind gelation in plant-based foods to develop improved textural properties in food products.
    • Protein Functionality: Studying the functional properties of plant proteins, including their solubility, emulsification, and foaming abilities, to enhance their use in various food applications.
  2. Innovation and Application:
    • Developing novel plant-based food products with improved nutritional and sensory properties.
    • Enhancing the shelf-life and stability of food products through advanced processing and storage techniques.
  3. Publications and Patents:
    • Authored 20 scientific papers in internationally recognized journals, including 9 in JCR-Q1 journals.
    • Holds 4 pending invention patents related to her research in plant food components.
  4. Project Involvement:
    • Principal investigator or participant in national and provincial research projects, focusing on high-impact studies in food science.
  5. Industry Collaboration:
    • Collaborating with industry partners to implement research findings into practical applications, improving food quality and sustainability.

Dr. Li Zheng’s dedication to plant food components research has significantly advanced the understanding of food science, driving innovation and enhancing the quality and efficiency of agricultural product processing and storage.

Publication Top Notes:

  • 3D Printing of Smart Labels with Curcumin-loaded Soy Protein Isolate
    • Authors: Li, H., Liu, M., Li, J., Wei, A., Hua, S.
    • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
    • Citations: 5
  • Understanding the Structure, Interfacial Properties, and Digestion Fate of High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Food-Grade Coacervates
    • Authors: Wang, L., Liu, M., Guo, P., Cui, Q., Hua, S.
    • Journal: Food Chemistry, 2023
    • Citations: 15
  • Gel Properties and Structural Characteristics of Composite Gels of Soy Protein Isolate and Silver Carp Protein
    • Authors: Zheng, L., Regenstein, J.M., Zhou, L., Mokhtar, S.M., Wang, Z.
    • Journal: Gels, 2023
    • Citations: 3
  • Reconstituted Rice Protein: The Raw Materials, Techniques, and Challenges
    • Authors: Zheng, L., Regenstein, J.M., Wang, Z., Zhang, H., Zhou, L.
    • Journal: Trends in Food Science and Technology, 2023
    • Citations: 6
  • The Amur Tiger Needs Transborder Protection
    • Authors: Zheng, L., Regenstein, J.M., Jiang, L., Wang, Z.
    • Journal: Science, 2022