Desta Dugassa Fufa | Nutritional Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr Desta Dugassa Fufa | Nutritional Science | Best Researcher Award

Addis Ababa University,  Ethiopia

Desta Dugassa Fufa is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Food Science and Nutrition and a Lecturer at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With a strong passion for advancing knowledge in food science, Desta actively engages in academic and research pursuits, contributing to the field’s growth and development. His research interests include nutritional science, food safety, and innovative approaches to enhancing food quality.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. Candidate: Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University (2021–present)
  • MPH: Public Health (Environmental Health & Water Sanitation Management), Haramaya University (2020)
  • M.Sc.: Food Science and Technology, Haramaya University (2017)
  • B.Sc.: Food Science and Technology, Hawassa University (2011)

Professional Experience:

  • Lecturer: Haramaya University (2017–present)
  • Associate Director: Haramaya Institute of Technology (2018–2020)
  • Coordinator for Postgraduate Studies: Haramaya University (2015–2017)
  • Expertise in ISO, SOP, HACCP, food quality analysis, and environmental risk assessments.
  • Media consultant for nutrition programs on Haramaya FM 104.5.

Research Interests:

  • Food product development and fortification
  • Functional foods and nutraceuticals
  • Food safety, microbiota, and postharvest technology
  • Environmental risk analysis (air and water quality)

Publication Top Note:

  • Inadequate dietary diversity during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal anemia and low birth weight in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    A. Seid, D. Dugassa Fufa, M. Weldeyohannes, Z. Tadesse, S.L. Fenta, …
    Food Science & Nutrition, 11(7), 3706–3717 (2023)
  • Hygienic practice of complementary food preparation and associated factors among mothers with children aged from 6 to 24 months in rural kebeles of Harari region, Ethiopia
    D.D. Fufa, A. Abhram, K.T. Awgichew Teshome, F. Abera, M.Y. Maleda Tefera, …
    Food Science & Technology, 8, 34–42 (2020)
  • Effect of using plant extracts with coating materials on physicochemical quality of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum L.) stored at ambient temperature
    D.D. Fufa, S. Abera, A. Haile, V. Kumar
    Forte Journal of Agriculture, 1(1), 1–16 (2019)
  • Antenatal care utilization and nutrition counseling are strongly associated with infant and young child feeding knowledge among rural/semi-urban women in Harari region, Eastern Ethiopia
    A.A. Roba, A. Tola, D. Dugassa, M. Tefera, T. Gure, T. Worku, A.T. Ayele, …
    Frontiers in Pediatrics, 10, 1013051 (2022)
  • The use of internet-based smartphone apps consistently improved consumers’ healthy eating behaviors: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
    F.D.D.B.Z.W. Seid, A.
    Frontiers in Digital Health, 6, 1282570 (2024)
  • Quality and therapeutic aspect of camel milk: A review paper
    D.D. Fufa, A. Haile
    Journal of Current Research in Food Science, 1(1), 37–45 (2020)
  • Hygienic practice of complementary food preparation and associated factors among mothers with children aged from 6 to 24 months in rural kebeles of Harari region, Ethiopia
    A.A. Desta Dugassa Fufa, K.T. Awgichew Teshome, M.T. Fistum Abera
    Food Science and Technology, 8(2), 34–42 (2020)
  • Food safety
    D.D. Fufa
    Health Risks of Food Additives – Recent Developments and Trends in Food (2024)
  • Biological activities of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) oil
    D.D. Zekeria Yusuf, B. Assefa, M. Desta, S. Mengistu, J. …
    Journal Impact Anti-Infective Agents, 20(4), 6 (2022)
  • Suitability of bio-extracts with coating materials on physicochemical quality of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) stored at ambient temperature
    D.D. Fufa
    Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 7(3), 347–354 (2021)
  • Participatory gender analysis of sorghum production, processing, and utilization in Eastern Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
    A. Bekele, B. Ahmed, D. Tolosa, D. Dugassa, N. Alemu (Year not specified)

 

Jingjing Tao | Food | Best Researcher Award

Ms Jingjing Tao | Food |  Best Researcher Award

PhD student at  University of Washington, United States

Jingjing (Tina) Tao is a dedicated researcher in the fields of environmental and agricultural economics. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington, she previously earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, achieving high academic honors. With a strong foundation in agricultural economics and environmental sciences, Jingjing actively engages in research addressing contemporary challenges in these domains.

Publication profile:

Education:

Jingjing is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington (2024 – 2029). She earned her Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, where she graduated with a GPA of 3.98 (2022 – 2024), and previously obtained her Bachelor of Science (with highest distinction) in Agricultural Economics from the same institution, achieving a GPA of 3.99 (2020 – 2022). She also studied Agricultural Economics at China Agricultural University (2018 – 2020).

Research and Publications:

Jingjing’s research focuses on topics such as climate change impacts on fisheries, online media sentiment analysis in aquaculture, and local food systems. She has published multiple papers in reputable journals, including Aquaculture and Natural Resource Modeling. Her work on the online media sentiment analysis of shrimp and salmon has received significant attention, and she has several publications currently under review.

Professional Experience

Jingjing has gained valuable industry experience through internships, including a Data Scientist Intern position at Happy the Movement and a Recruitment and Operation Intern at Baidu, Inc. She also has teaching experience as a teaching assistant at both the University of Washington and Purdue University.

Awards and Grants:

Throughout her academic career, Jingjing has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the 2024 SEFS Recruitment Fellowship and the 2023 Department Travel Grant.

Professional Affiliations:

She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Ecological Society of America (ESA) and the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA).

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Quantifying “Local Food” Online and Social Media in the United States for 2018–2021
    J Jung, J Tao, NO Widmar
    Agriculture & Food Security, 11(1), 59 (2022)
  • Online Grocery Shopping Practices and Intentions Shaped by Pandemic-era Experiences
    C Bir, J Jung, J Tao, NO Widmar
    Journal of Food Distribution Research, 54(3), 1-29 (2023)
  • Exploring the Blue Economy Nexus: Government, Industry, and Market’s Perspectives on Seafood
    J Tao
    Purdue University Graduate School (2024)
  • A Regional Analysis of Climate Change Effects on Global Snow Crab Fishery
    J Tao, KK Quagrainie, KA Foster, NO Widmar
    Natural Resource Modeling, e12406 (2024)
  • Alert: Ultra-processed Food Is Overwhelming Americans’ Diet
    J Tao
    Journal of Agricultural Science, 14(4) (2022)
  • Environmental Problem Analysis and Policy Recommendations on Pacific Northwest Salmon
    J Tao
    Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 3(2), 1-6 (2021)
  • From Novelty to Normalcy: Making Entomophagy a Common Diet
    J Tao
    NASS Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 3(2), 23-27 (2021)
  • Online Media Sentiment Analysis of Shrimp and Salmon in the United States
    J Tao, K Quagrainie
    Available at SSRN 4754216
  • Climate Change and Snow Crab Harvest: Applying Random Effects Estimators with Instrumental Variable
    J Tao, K Quagrainie
    Available at SSRN 4684246

 

Guiran Xiao | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Guiran Xiao |  Nutrition |  Best Researcher Award

Professor at  Hefei University of Technology, Chile

Guiran Xiao, PhD, is a distinguished Professor at Hefei University of Technology, specializing in Nutrition and Health with a focus on metal elements homeostasis. She received her PhD in Biology from Tsinghua University and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northeast Forestry University.

Profile:

Education

PhD in Biology, Tsinghua University, 2010.09 – 2015.07. Bachelor in Biology, Northeast Forestry University, 2006.09 – 2010.07

Professional Experience

Professor, Hefei University of Technology, School of Food and Bioengineering, 2015.07 – Present. Postdoctoral Researcher, Hefei University of Technology, School of Food and Bioengineering, 2016.10 – 2019.09

Academic Achievements

Published over 10 impactful research papers in renowned journals such as Cell Death and Differentiation, BMC Biology, and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Contributed significantly to understanding metal homeostasis, especially in relation to nutrition and health. Developed novel methodologies using drosophila and mice models to investigate trace metal element metabolism. Identified key iron transporters and elucidated new pathways for iron absorption. Demonstrated the impact of metal elements on neurodegenerative diseases and tumors. Investigated the benefits of using potassium salt as a substitute for sodium to mitigate liver injury from high-salt diets.

Nutrition Research Focus:

Prof. Guiran Xiao, a distinguished Professor at the School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, has made significant contributions to the field of nutrition and health, with a specialization in metal elements homeostasis. With a PhD qualification and over a decade of experience in academia, Prof. Xiao’s research focuses on elucidating the intricate relationship between metal elements and human health, particularly in the context of nutrition. Her work has shed light on the following key areas: Metal Homeostasis Mechanisms: Prof. Xiao’s research delves into understanding the mechanisms underlying the balance of essential metal elements in the body, such as iron, zinc, and copper. She has identified key iron transporters and established novel pathways for iron absorption, providing crucial insights into maintaining optimal metal homeostasis. Impact on Health and Disease: Through her research endeavors, Prof. Xiao has uncovered the profound impact of metal elements on human health and disease. She has investigated the role of metal imbalances in the pathogenesis of various conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, highlighting the importance of maintaining proper metal homeostasis for overall well-being. Nutritional Interventions: Prof. Xiao’s work extends to proposing scientific and evidence-based nutritional interventions to address imbalances in metal element levels. Her research suggests innovative strategies, such as using potassium salt as a substitute for sodium, to mitigate health risks associated with excessive metal intake. Precision Nutrition: As a proponent of precision nutrition, Prof. Xiao emphasizes the need for personalized approaches to dietary recommendations, considering individual variations in metal metabolism and requirements. Her research provides a scientific basis for tailored nutrition interventions aimed at optimizing metal element levels and promoting overall health. Prof. Xiao’s groundbreaking research has not only advanced our understanding of metal element metabolism but also paved the way for novel nutritional strategies to combat nutritional deficiencies and associated health risks. Through her dedication to unraveling the complexities of metal homeostasis, Prof. Xiao continues to make significant contributions to the field of nutrition science, driving innovations in personalized dietary interventions for improved health outcomes.

Citations:

 

  • Citations: 772
  • Documents: 628
  • h-index: 35

Publication Top Notes:

  1. “Fear-of-intimacy-mediated zinc transport is required for Drosophila fat body endoreplication”
    • Authors: Ji, X., Gao, J., Wei, T., Jin, L., Xiao, G.
    • Published in: BMC Biology, 2023, 21(1), 88
    • Citations: 1
  2. “Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Two Peptides Derived from In Vitro Digestion Products of Pork Sausage with Partial Substitution of NaCl by KCl”
    • Authors: Zou, L., Zhou, Y., Yu, X., Chen, C., Xiao, G.
    • Published in: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2023, 71(28), pp. 10638–10646
    • Citations: 4
  3. “In vitro digestibility of proteins, peptidomic analysis and antioxidant ability of sodium-reduced pork sausage with partial substitution of NaCl by KCl”
    • Authors: Zou, L., Yu, X., Zhou, Y., Chen, C., Xiao, G.
    • Published in: Meat Science, 2023, 197, 109049
    • Citations: 5
  4. “The expression of Catsup in escort cells affects Drosophila ovarian stem cell niche establishment and germline stem cells self-renewal via Notch signaling”
    • Authors: Gao, J., Gao, Y., Xiao, G.
    • Published in: Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2023, 641, pp. 1–9
    • Citations: 1
  5. “Assessing metal ion transporting activity of ZIPs: Intracellular zinc and iron detection”
    • Authors: Xiao, G., Li, H., Zhao, M., Zhou, B.
    • Published in: Methods in Enzymology, 2023, 687, pp. 157–184
    • Citations: 1