Meng Liu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Meng Liu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms Meng Liu, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Institute of Food Science and Technology, China

Meng Liu is a PhD Joint Student at the University of Liège and the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). She holds a Master’s degree from CAAS and a Bachelor’s degree from Inner Mongolia Agricultural University. Her research focuses on extracting natural pectic polysaccharides from peaches, evaluating their structure and immunomodulatory effects. Meng has published several articles, including a comparative study on physicochemical properties of peach gums and the potential of peach gum polysaccharides in β-carotene emulsions. Proficient in data analysis and software like SPSS and Photoshop, she is fluent in English (IELTS score: 6.5). 📚🍑✨

Publication profile

Scopus

Educational Background

Ms. Meng Liu is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology at the University of Liège and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) since September 2021. She completed her Master’s degree at CAAS (2018-2021) and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Inner Mongolia Agricultural University (2014-2018). Her strong academic foundation supports her research endeavors in the food science domain.

Language Skills and Technical Proficiency

Meng is proficient in English, with an IELTS score of 6.5. Her job-related skills include expertise in various software applications such as SPSS, Origin, Prism, Simca, Ominic, and Photoshop, along with a strong capability in data analysis. These skills enhance her ability to conduct detailed research and data interpretation.

Research Experience

As a Ph.D. student, Meng focuses on the extraction and characterization of natural pectic polysaccharides from peaches, evaluating their immunomodulatory effects and fermentation characteristics. During her Master’s, she compared the physicochemical characteristics of peach gum from different varieties and explored the emulsifying capacity of peach gum polysaccharides. Her thesis examined the stability of β-carotene emulsions derived from various sources of peach gum, highlighting her proficiency in both theoretical and practical aspects of food science.

Research focus

The research primarily explores the interactions between food matrices and the bioaccessibility of nutrients, particularly focusing on vitamin D3 in beverage systems like juice and liquid milk. It investigates the stability of anthocyanins and carotenoid absorption, emphasizing the effects of different pectin sources and structures. The work also delves into the use of novel materials, such as intelligent films for monitoring food freshness. This research is significant for improving nutritional quality and shelf life in food products, contributing to advancements in food science and technology. 🌿📊

Publication top notes

Effect of different food matrices on the bioaccessibility of vitamin D3 in beverage systems: Comparison between juice and liquid milk

Effect of different pectin sources and structures on the stability of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G)

The M/G ratio of alginate oligosaccharides: The key to enhance the coloration of strawberries

Polygalacturonase treatment affects carotenoid absorption from veggie juice

Purification and characterization of cutinase from Botrytis cinerea and effect on blueberry cuticle

Conclusion

Ms. Meng Liu stands out as a candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her comprehensive education, specialized research experience, and significant contributions to food science. Her innovative work on peach gum polysaccharides not only advances academic knowledge but also has practical implications for the food industry. Her commitment to research and her ability to produce high-quality publications demonstrate her potential to make substantial contributions in her field.

 

Jehona Shkodra | Agriculture economy | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jehona Shkodra | Agriculture economy | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jehona Shkodra, University of Prishtina, Albania

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jehona Shkodra is an esteemed academic in the field of Finance and Accounting, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Prishtina, Kosovo. She earned her Doctorate in Finance and Accounting from the University of Tirana in 2014, with a focus on agricultural development and financial institutions. With extensive experience in academia and various governmental roles, she actively contributes to projects aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity in Kosovo. Dr. Shkodra is passionate about teaching courses in economics and finance within the agricultural sector. 📚🌱✍️

Academic Contributions

Dr. Shkodra has held various positions at the University of Prishtina, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary. Her teaching encompasses critical subjects such as Micro and Macro Economics, Finance in Agriculture, and Rural Development Management. Dr. Shkodra’s research focuses on agricultural development and the role of financial institutions, notably through her work on the impact of agricultural loans on productivity in Kosovo. This research addresses significant issues in agricultural finance and supports the empowerment of women in rural economies.

Professional Experience

Her work extends beyond academia, as she collaborates with governmental institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development, where she contributes to projects like drafting concept documents for agricultural cooperatives. Her leadership roles, such as Head of the Study Committee at the University of Prishtina and Team Leader for various projects, reflect her ability to lead and mentor others in the field.

Training and Development

Dr. Shkodra has participated in numerous training programs, enhancing her skills in risk management, grant writing, and teaching methodologies. Her involvement in international training initiatives, such as those organized by the Erasmus+ program and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), showcases her commitment to continuous professional development and knowledge sharing.

Recognition

As a member of several prestigious associations, including the European Finance Association and the American Finance Association, Dr. Shkodra actively engages with the broader academic community. Her role as a reviewer for various journals underscores her expertise and recognition in her field. Dr. Shkodra is also involved in organizing international conferences, further solidifying her status as a leader in finance and agricultural research.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jehona Shkodra is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her contributions significantly advance understanding in the fields of finance and agriculture, making her an exemplary model for aspiring female researchers.

Publication Top Notes  

  • Financial performance of microfinance institutions in Kosovo – 45 citations (2019) 📊
  • Role of microfinance institutions for developing women entrepreneurship-the case study of Kosovo – 31 citations (2021) 👩‍💼
  • Impact of agricultural finance in rural areas–case study Kosovo – 22 citations (2018) 🌾
  • Determinants of the credit risk in developing countries: a case of Kosovo banking sector – 22 citations (2017) 💳
  • The impact of government expenditure on economic growth in Southeast European countries – 21 citations (2022) 📈
  • Kosovo beer markets–Consumer preferences and buying behaviour – 10 citations (2010) 🍻
  • Analysis of income determinants among rural households in Kosovo – 8 citations (2020) 🏡
  • Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth–Case Study of SEE Countries – 7 citations (2022) 🌍
  • The role of demographic and socioeconomic factors on consumption patterns and demand for dairy products in Kosovo – 7 citations (2011) 🥛
  • Agricultural credits in development of small farms in Kosovo – 6 citations (2011) 🌱

 

 

Poliana Mendes de Souza | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Innovation

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Poliana Mendes de Souza | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Innovation

Prof Dr Poliana Mendes de Souza, UM6P, Morocco

Prof. Dr. Poliana Mendes de Souza is a distinguished expert in food science and technology, with a postdoctoral focus on nitrate reduction in processed meat products. Her innovative Ph.D. research on non-thermal preservation techniques for liquid egg products showcases her commitment to food safety 🥚. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to food technology and authored several publications, establishing her as a thought leader 📚. Actively involved in significant research projects and collaborations with esteemed institutions like the USDA, Prof. Mendes de Souza is also a dedicated educator and mentor, shaping future innovators in her field 🎓. Her leadership in organizing national and international congresses further underscores her impact on advancing food technology 🌍.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Prof. Dr. Poliana Mendes de Souza is a highly accomplished food scientist with extensive education in food technology and engineering. She completed her Ph.D. at Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, focusing on non-thermal preservation techniques for liquid egg products 🥚. Her postdoctoral research at Universidade Federal de Lavras emphasized reducing nitrates in processed meats. With a Master’s in Food Engineering from Universidade Estadual de Campinas and advanced studies in agricultural engineering, she has contributed significantly to food safety and preservation 🌱. Prof. Mendes de Souza’s expertise includes innovative packaging solutions for minced meat and bioprospection of natural products, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field 📦.

Awards & Honors

Prof. Dr. Poliana Mendes de Souza has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions to food science and technology. In 2023, she was honored for the best work in food technology at the II Simpósio Online Sulamericano de Tecnologia, Engenharia e Ciência de Alimentos for her research on papaya seed flour 🍃. She also garnered recognition at the IV Congresso Brasileiro Interdisciplinar em Ciência e Tecnologia. Earlier achievements include multiple honorific mentions for studies on gamma irradiation and pasteurization in 2020 🥛. In 2017, she won the JEA Cookies competition and received awards for her innovative work on probiotics and UV-C processing 🌟, showcasing her commitment to advancing food safety and quality.

Plenary Lectures

Prof. Dr. Poliana Mendes de Souza has made significant contributions to interdisciplinary science and technology through her engaging presentations at various online conferences. Notably, she delivered the opening keynote at the III Congresso Brasileiro Interdisciplinar em Ciência e Tecnologia in 2022, discussing the historical and current perspectives of interdisciplinary degrees in C&T 🌐. Her work on short-wave ultraviolet applications for food processing and preservation has been showcased at international events, including the 2nd Science International Conference and the I Congreso Euroamericano de Procesos y Productos Alimentarios 🍳. Her presentations reflect her expertise in food microbiology and non-thermal preservation techniques, emphasizing her commitment to advancing food safety and technology 🍽️.

Research Focus

Prof. Dr. Poliana Mendes de Souza’s research primarily focuses on innovative food preservation technologies, particularly utilizing ultraviolet (UV-C) light and radiation methods to enhance food safety and quality. Her work explores the physicochemical properties of liquid egg products and fresh beverages, evaluating the effectiveness of UV-C treatments against harmful pathogens like Salmonella. Additionally, she investigates the impact of these technologies on the nutritional quality of food items, consumer acceptance, and the safety of cured meats using gamma radiation. Her contributions significantly advance the field of food science and technology, promoting safer and healthier food products. 🍳🌟🔬

Publication Profile

Modified sodium caseinate films as releasing carriers of lysozyme

Effects of the decontamination of a fresh tiger nuts’ milk beverage (horchata) with short wave ultraviolet treatments (UV-C) on quality attributes

Effects of UV-C on physicochemical quality attributes and Salmonella enteritidis inactivation in liquid egg products

Effects of radiation technologies on food nutritional quality

Rheological properties and protein quality of UV-C processed liquid egg products

Influence of temperature on the inactivation kinetics of Salmonella Enteritidis by the application of UV-C technology in soymilk

Microbiological efficacy in liquid egg products of a UV-C treatment in a coiled reactor

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Poliana Mendes de Souza’s combination of innovative research, recognized contributions to food technology, and leadership in academic and professional settings makes her an excellent candidate for the Research for Excellence in Innovation initiative.

Zohreh Hamidi-Esfahani | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Zohreh Hamidi-Esfahani | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Faculty member at Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

Zohreh Hamidi-Esfahani is a distinguished academic in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran, Iran. With a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (Food Technology) and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Biotechnology), she has held various academic positions, rising to the rank of Professor in 2021. Her research interests include biotechnology in food industries, solid-state fermentation, and the production of microbial enzymes and probiotic foods. An active member of several scientific societies, she has contributed significantly to the field through her extensive publication record, including numerous journal articles focused on food science and biotechnology. Additionally, she serves as a referee for several reputable journals, underscoring her expertise and commitment to advancing research in her field.

Publication profile

Scopus Profile

Educational Background

Zohreh Hamidi-Esfahani holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a specialization in Food Technology from the University of Tehran, completed in 1989. She pursued her Master of Science in Food Science and Technology at Tarbiat Modares University, graduating in 1991. Further advancing her academic credentials, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biotechnology from Tarbiat Modares University in 2003. This strong educational foundation in food science and biotechnology has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary for her research and teaching career in the field of food science and technology.

Teaching and Research Experience

Zohreh Hamidi-Esfahani has extensive academic experience, having served as an instructor at Tarbiat Modares University since 1993, where she progressed from Assistant Professor to Professor by 2021. Her research interests encompass various aspects of biotechnology and engineering in food industries, including solid-state fermentation, microbial enzyme production, and the application of novel technologies in food processing. She has authored numerous publications in reputable journals, contributing significantly to the fields of food science and biotechnology. Her role as a referee for several scientific journals demonstrates her active engagement in the academic community, while her memberships in various scientific societies highlight her commitment to advancing research in food technology and agricultural engineering.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

Zohreh Hamidi-Esfahani stands out as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive academic background, diverse research interests, and significant contributions to food science and technology. Her work has advanced our understanding of critical areas in the field and has the potential to influence both academia and industry. By addressing areas for improvement, she can further enhance her impact and foster a collaborative research environment. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her contributions but also encourage continued excellence in the field of food science and technology.