Sanjay Kumar | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

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

 

Mohammadreza Asghari | Food safety | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

Prof. Dr. Mohammadreza Asghari |  Food safety | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Urmia University,  Iran

Prof. Dr. Mohammadreza Asghari is a distinguished professor in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture at Urmia University, Iran. He earned his Ph.D. in Postharvest Horticulture from Tehran University and has built a robust academic and research career specializing in crop physiology, crop quality, postharvest technology, food safety, plant hormones, and modern and organic horticulture.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Postharvest Horticulture – University of Tehran

  • Professor, Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Iran

🌱 Areas of Expertise:

  • Crop Physiology & Quality

  • Postharvest Physiology & Technology

  • Food Safety

  • Plant Hormones & Growth Regulators

  • Fruit Production, Intensive & Organic Orchards

  • Modern Horticulture

🧪 Research & Innovation:

  • 92 Journal Articles | 65 Conference Papers | 4 Books

  • Editor-in-Chief of Pomology Research Journal

  • 47 Supervised Theses

  • 1 Invention: A safe, anti-stress compound for use during crop growth and postharvest

  • Research focus includes improving crop resistance, marketability, and nutritional quality

🏆 Awards & Recognition:

  • 🏅 Top 2% Scientist (Stanford University) – 2021 & 2024

  • 🎓 Top Student in National Ph.D. & M.Sc. Entrance Exams, Tehran University

📈 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 2,871

  • Citations Since 2020: 1,783

  • h-index: 27

  • h-index Since 2020: 23

  • i10-index: 38

  • i10-index Since 2020: 31

Publication Top Notes:

  • Impact of Salicylic Acid on Post-Harvest Physiology of Horticultural Crops
    Asghari, M.R., Soleimani Aghdam, M.
    Trends in Food Science & Technology, 21, 502–509 (2010) — Cited: 614

  • Effect of Pre- and Postharvest Salicylic Acid Treatment on Ethylene Production, Fungal Decay, and Overall Quality of Selva Strawberry Fruit
    Babalar, M., Asghari, M., Talaei, A., Khosroshahi, A.
    Food Chemistry, 105(2), 449–453 (2007) — Cited: 441

  • Impact of Postharvest Brassinosteroids Treatment on PAL Activity in Tomato Fruit in Response to Chilling Stress
    Aghdam, M.S., Asghari, M., Farmani, B., Mohayeji, M., Moradbeygi, H.
    Scientia Horticulturae, 144, 116–120 (2012) — Cited: 141

  • Effects of Foliar Applications of Nitric Oxide and Spermidine on Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Citrus Seedlings Under Salinity Stress
    Asghari, M.R., Khoshbakht, D.
    Photosynthetica, 56(4), 1313–1325 (2018) — Cited: 109

  • Alleviation of Postharvest Chilling Injury of Tomato Fruit by Salicylic Acid Treatment
    Aghdam, M.S., Asghari, M., Khorsandi, O., Mohayeji, M.
    Journal of Food Science and Technology, 51, 2815–2820 (2014) — Cited: 98

  • Interaction Effects of Salicylic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate on Antioxidant Content and Enzyme Activity in ‘Sabrosa’ Strawberry During Storage
    Asghari, M., Hasanlooe, A.R.
    Scientia Horticulturae, 197, 490–495 (2015) — Cited: 89

  • Eco-Friendly Technology for Postharvest Produce Quality
    Siddiqui, M.W. (Ed.), includes chapter by Asghari, M.R.
    Academic Press (2016) — Cited: 80

  • Impact of Jasmonates on Safety, Productivity, and Physiology of Food Crops
    Asghari, M.
    Trends in Food Science & Technology, 91, 169–183 (2019) — Cited: 76

  • Methyl Jasmonate Enhances Defense Enzyme Activity and Antioxidant Content in ‘Sabrosa’ Strawberry Fruit
    Asghari, M., Hasanlooe, A.R.
    Food Science & Nutrition, 4(3), 377–383 (2016) — Cited: 70

  • Influence of Foliar-Applied Polyamines on Growth and Photosynthetic Characteristics in Citrus Under Saline Conditions
    Khoshbakht, D., Asghari, M.R., Haghighi, M.
    Photosynthetica, 56, 731–742 (2018) — Cited: 65

 

Messenbet Kassa | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

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)

 

Qadreyah Almatawah | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

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.

 

 

Barbara Sawicka | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Agri Scientist

Prof Dr Barbara Sawicka | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

professor emeritus at  University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland

Barbara Sawicka is a distinguished professor at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland, where she has been actively involved since 1973. Her academic journey includes obtaining a magister degree in agriculture in 1973, followed by a PhD, habilitation, and professorship at the same institution. Dr. Sawicka’s expertise lies in plant production technology and commodities science.

 

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences
  • Dr habilitowany (post-doctoral degree)
  • M.Sc. in Agriculture

🌍 Professional Activities:

  • Editorial Board Member for multiple journals including Crop Breeding, Genetics and Genomics and Commodities
  • Deputy Editor in Chief, Algerian Journal of Engineering and Technology
  • Member of various international editorial boards and committees

🔍 Research Focus: Food Safety

Barbara Sawicka has been a dedicated researcher at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin since 1973, focusing notably on Food Safety. Her research aims to enhance the quality and safety of food products through innovative agricultural practices and technologies.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 3743
  • Citations Since 2019: 2526
  • h-index: 28
  • i10-index: 109

Publication Top Notes:

  • Cassava, a 21st Century Staple Crop: How can Nigeria Harness Its Enormous Trade Potentials?
    • Authors: BS Olutosin, A Otekunrin
    • Journal: Acta Scientific Agriculture (ISSN: 2581-365X)
    • Volume: 3
    • Issue: 8
    • Pages: 194-202
    • Citations: 145
    • Year: 2019
  • Ficus plants: State of the art from a phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological perspective
    • Authors: BS Bahare Salehi, Abhay Prakash, Mishra Manisha Nigam, Natallia Karazhan, et al.
    • Journal: Phytotherapy Research
    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6884
    • Citations: 91
    • Year: 2020
  • Post harvest losses
    • Author: B Sawicka
    • Book: Encyclopedia of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Zero Hunger
    • Volume: 1
    • Pages: 1-16
    • Citations: 80
    • Year: 2019
  • Crop prediction based on characteristics of the agricultural environment using various feature selection techniques and classifiers
    • Authors: SP Raja, B Sawicka, Z Stamenkovic, G Mariammal
    • Journal: IEEE Access
    • Volume: 10
    • Pages: 23625-23641
    • Citations: 64
    • Year: 2022
  • Three decades of fighting against hunger in Africa: Progress, challenges and opportunities
    • Authors: IAA Olutosin A. Otekunrin, Oluwaseun A. Otekunrin, Barbara Sawicka
    • Journal: World Nutrition
    • Volume: 11
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 86-111
    • Citations: 63
    • Year: 2010
  • Convolvulus plant—A comprehensive review from phytochemical composition to pharmacy
    • Authors: B Salehi, B Krochmal-Marczak, D Skiba, JK Patra, SK Das, G Das, et al.
    • Journal: Phytotherapy Research
    • Volume: 34
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 315-328
    • Citations: 62
    • Year: 2020
  • Nutrition value of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) cultivated in south-eastern Polish conditions
    • Authors: PK Krochmal-Marczak, B Sawicka, Słupski J, Cybulak T
    • Journal: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research
    • Volume: 4
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 169-178
    • Citations: 59
    • Year: 2014
  • Natural remedies for pest, disease and weed control
    • Authors: C Egbuna, B Sawicka
    • Publisher: Academic Press
    • Citations: 58
    • Year: 2019
  • Effect of Extraction Methods on Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Mineral Elements, and Biological Activities of Essential Oil and Extracts of Mentha pulegium L.
    • Authors: MAF Mohammed MESSAOUDI, Rebiai-Abdelkrim, Barbara Sawicka, Chukwuebuka, et al.
    • Journal: Molecules
    • Volume: 27
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 1-20
    • Citations: 51
    • Year: 2022
  • Gorczyce jako rośliny wielofunkcyjne
    • Authors: B Sawicka, E Kotiuk
    • Journal: Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Agricultura
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 2
    • Year: 2007
  • Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) as a medicinal plant and its natural products
    • Authors: B Sawicka, D Skiba, P Pszczół, I Aslan, J Sharifi, B Krochmal-Marczak
    • Journal: Cellular and Molecular Biology
    • Volume: 66
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 160-177
    • Citations: 49
    • Year: 2020
  • Plants of the Genus Terminalia: An Insight on Its Biological Potentials, Pre-Clinical and Clinical Studies
    • Authors: G Das, DY Kim, C Fan, EP Gutiérrez-Grijalva, JB Heredia, V Nissapatorn, et al.
    • Journal: Frontiers in Pharmacology
    • Volume: 11
    • Article: 561248
    • Citations: 47
    • Year: 2020