Khirod Kumar Sahoo | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Khirod Kumar Sahoo |  Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ravenshaw University, Cuttack,  India

Dr. Khirod Kumar Sahoo is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, with over 14 years of research experience. His work primarily focuses on plant biotechnology and molecular biology, including the development of transgenic rice for salinity and drought tolerance. He has a robust publication record with more than 26 peer-reviewed international journal articles and holds 2 national patents.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Life Sciences: ICGEB, New Delhi (2011).
  • M.Sc. in Biotechnology: North Orissa University, Odisha (2004).
  • B.Sc. in Botany (Honours): North Orissa University, Odisha (2002).

Professional Memberships:

  • Life Member, Odisha Botanical Society
  • Life Member, Indian Society of Biological Chemist
  • Member Secretary, IBSC, DBT, Govt of India

Research Guidance:

  • Ph.D. Students: 3 awarded, 1 thesis submitted, 4 ongoing
  • M.Phil Students: 5 awarded
  • M.Sc. Students: 30 completed dissertation projects

Dr. Sahoo continues to contribute significantly to the field of plant biotechnology through his research, teaching, and collaborative projects.

Plant Biotechnology Research Focus:

Dr. Khirod Kumar Sahoo’s research in plant biotechnology encompasses developing transgenic plants to enhance tolerance to environmental stresses such as salinity and drought. His notable work includes:

  1. Transgenic Rice Development:
    • Ph.D. Research: Developed salinity and drought-tolerant transgenic rice through gene pyramiding at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, in collaboration with the School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
    • Postdoctoral Research: Furthered this work by developing transgenic rice with enhanced environmental stress tolerance at ICGEB.
  2. Hydroponics Cultivation:
    • Current Research: Since 2020, Dr. Sahoo has been optimizing hydroponic cultivation methods for high-yield strawberry production. This research led to a recent publication in the South African Journal of Botany.
  3. Micropropagation Techniques:
    • Developed efficient micropropagation systems for strawberry plants, resulting in a provisional patent application.
  4. Phytoremediation Studies:
    • Recent Project: Received funding from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) to screen and characterize various Brassica species for phytoremediation of toxic heavy metals in industrial and mining areas of Odisha. This project aims to reduce the negative impact of heavy metals on the food chain and environment.
  5. Gene Silencing for Enhanced Yield:
    • Postdoctoral Project: Worked on enhancing grain yield in salinity-tolerant rice by silencing the cytokinin oxidase gene using RNA interference (RNAi) technology.

Research Metrics:

  • Citations: 701 (cited by 657 documents)
  • Documents: 20
  • h-index: 11

Publication Top Notes:

  • Silicon nutrition stimulates Salt-Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway to enhance salinity stress tolerance and yield in rice
    • Gupta, B.K., Sahoo, K.K., Anwar, K., …, Pareek, A., Singla-Pareek, S.L.
    • Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2021, 166, pp. 593–604.
    • 31 Citations
  • Isolation of a broad spectrum antimicrobial producing thermophilic Bacillus and characterization of its antimicrobial protein
    • Ojha, P., Kar, N.P., Nayak, S., Patra, A.K., Sahoo, K.K.
    • Archives of Microbiology, 2021, 203(5), pp. 2059–2073.
    • 5 Citations
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Rice Research
    • Donde, R., Gouda, G., Sabarinathan, S., …, Vadde, R., Behera, L.
    • Applications of Bioinformatics in Rice Research, 2021, pp. 239–275.
    • 2 Citations
  • Identification of QTLs for high grain yield and component traits in new plant types of rice
    • Donde, R., Mohapatra, S., Yasin Baksh, S.K., …, Behera, L., Dash, S.K.
    • PLoS ONE, 2020, 15(7 July), e0227785.
    • 18 Citations
  • Enhancing trehalose biosynthesis improves yield potential in marker-free transgenic rice under drought, saline, and sodic conditions
    • Joshi, R., Sahoo, K.K., Singh, A.K., …, Pareek, A., Singla-Pareek, S.L.
    • Journal of Experimental Botany, 2020, 71(2), pp. 653–668.
    • 86 Citations

 

Elham Soliman | Plant science | Women Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Elham Soliman |  Plant science |  Women Researcher Award

Helwan University faculty of science at  Helwan University, Egypt

Dr. Elham Riad Salama Soliman is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge, focusing on plant molecular responses to environmental cues and their impact on growth and development. With a strong background in molecular identification and genetic characterization, she employs bioinformatics tools to analyze molecular data.

Profile

Education:

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (2009-2014), Faculty of Biological Science, Leeds University, UK. Research: Arabidopsis promoter mechanisms and tissue-stress responsiveness. M.Sc. in Cytology and Genetics (2003-2007), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Research: Effects of mycorrhiza and Rhizobium biofertilizers on Vicia faba. B.Sc. in Chemistry and Botany (1998-2002), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt.

Work Experience:

Lecturer (2014-present), Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Responsibilities include teaching, supervising research, and coordinating quality assurance. General Quality Assurance Coordinator (2015-present), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Voluntary Postdoctoral Researcher (2014), Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, UK. Focused on transgenic Arabidopsis lines. Assistant Lecturer (2007-2014) and Demonstrator (2002-2007), Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt.

Skills:

Laboratory techniques: Gene expression analysis, PCR, DNA methylation, characterization of Arabidopsis plants, and various molecular techniques. Bioinformatics: Data analysis using Clone Manager, Gel Documentation System, WASABI, and other software. Teaching: Expertise in practical genetics, molecular biology, and plant biotechnology.

Research Interests:

  • Plant growth and development under environmental stress
  • Epigenetic mechanisms and stress-induced memory
  • Gene signaling pathways and transgenic plants
  • Application of nanotechnology in biology

Academic Awards and Activities:

  • Awarded at Multi-theme Hackathon on climate change (2022)
  • Participated in various conferences and workshops on molecular biology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology
  • Jury member for INTEL ISEF science and engineering fairs

Professional Memberships:

  • Academic staff member, Faculty of Science, Helwan University
  • Member, Syndicate of Scientific Professions, Egypt

Research Focus: Plant science

Dr. Elham Riad Salama Soliman’s research in plant science is centered on understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses at the molecular level and utilizing this knowledge for practical applications. Her primary areas of focus include:

  1. Plant Molecular Responses to Environmental Stress: Investigating how various environmental factors affect plant molecular mechanisms, growth, and development. This includes studying stress-responsive genes and pathways.
  2. Epigenetic Mechanisms: Exploring how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, influence gene expression in response to environmental stresses. This involves understanding gene silencing, activation, and stress-induced memory.
  3. Transgenic Plants: Developing genetically modified plants with enhanced resistance to environmental stresses. This research aims to improve crop resilience and productivity under adverse conditions.
  4. Bioinformatics in Plant Science: Utilizing bioinformatics tools to analyze molecular data, including gene expression profiles and genetic variations. This helps in identifying key genes and pathways involved in stress responses.
  5. Nanotechnology Applications: Applying nanotechnology to advance plant science research, including the development of nanomaterials and techniques for enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance.
  6. Plant Biotechnology: Employing molecular techniques and genetic engineering to improve plant traits and develop new biotechnological applications for agriculture.

Dr. Soliman’s work integrates these areas to contribute to the advancement of plant science, with a focus on improving crop resilience and understanding the complex interactions between plants and their environment.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Malva parviflora Plants Through Metabolic and Genetic Modulation Using Beauveria bassiana Inoculation
    • Journal: BMC Plant Biology
    • Date: July 11, 2024
    • DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05340-w
    • Contributors: Reda E. Abdelhameed, Elham R. S. Soliman, Hanan Gahin, Rabab A. Metwally
    • Summary: This study explores the use of the fungal inoculant Beauveria bassiana to enhance drought tolerance in Malva parviflora, focusing on both metabolic and genetic responses.
  • Costly Effective Bioleaching of Valuable Metals from Low-Grade Ore Using Aspergillus nidulans
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
    • Date: March 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s13762-023-05355-0
    • Contributors: B. M. Ahmed, A. A. Mohammed, N. A. Kawady, I. E. Elaasy, E. R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This article investigates the use of Aspergillus nidulans for bioleaching valuable metals from low-grade ore, emphasizing cost-effective approaches.
  • Preserving the Adaptive Salt Stress Response Activity of a Tissue-Specific Promoter with Modulating Activity
    • Journal: Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
    • Date: March 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100354
    • Contributors: Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This research focuses on maintaining the salt stress response activity of a tissue-specific promoter, with implications for genetic engineering and stress tolerance.
  • Biological Control of Pepper Soft Rot Disease Caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum Using Rahnella aquatilis
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: January 1, 2024
    • DOI: 10.21608/ejbo.2023.248458.2566
    • Contributors: Kareem A. Abdelmeguid, Elham R. S. Soliman, Marwa A. Hamada, Hoda H. El-Hendawy
    • Summary: This paper evaluates the use of Rahnella aquatilis for controlling pepper soft rot disease, highlighting biological control strategies.
  • Antagonistic Activity of Bacillus atrophaeus (MZ741525) Against Some Phytopathogenic Microorganisms
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: 2023
    • DOI: 10.21608/EJBO.2022.161144.2133
    • Contributors: Korany, Shereen M.; El-Hendawy, Hoda H.; Soliman, Elham R. S.; Elsaba, Yasmin M.
    • Summary: This article investigates the antagonistic properties of Bacillus atrophaeus against various phytopathogenic microorganisms.
  • Rapid and Efficient DNA Extraction Method from High Oily Content Seeds
    • Journal: Acta Agriculturae Slovenica
    • Date: December 13, 2023
    • DOI: 10.14720/aas.2023.119.4.16094
    • Contributors: Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This paper presents a novel method for extracting DNA from seeds with high oil content, aimed at improving molecular analysis.
  • Partial Genome Detection, Characterization of TYLCV (MZ546492) Infecting Tomato Plants and siRNA Sequences Detection for Alternative Control Strategy
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: September 20, 2023
    • DOI: 10.21608/ejbo.2023.208980.2321
    • Contributors: Hager Abd ElRahman, Mohamed A. Nasr-Eldin, Sabah A. Abo-Elmaaty, Mohamed A. Abdelwahed, Mahmoud ElHefnawi, Asmaa M. ElFiky, Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This study focuses on the genome detection and characterization of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and explores siRNA sequences for potential control strategies.