Tawanda Makopa | Yeast Ecology Award | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Tawanda Makopa | Yeast Ecology Award | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Tawanda Makopa, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Botswana

🌱 Tawanda Makopa is a passionate researcher specializing in Fermentation Technology. Currently pursuing a Masters in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at BIUST, Botswana, Tawanda explores the intricate world of insect-microbe interactions for industrial yeast applications. With a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology and Biochemistry from NUST, Zimbabwe, they’ve delved into microbiology and quality control analysis at Zimbabwe Pharmaceuticals. Their expertise spans yeast biotechnology, microbial analysis, and laboratory practices. Notably, Tawanda’s research has been acknowledged with publications and a prestigious FEMS Early Career Investigator Fellowship. Committed to academia, they’ve also served as a Teaching Assistant and contributed to postgraduate student representation at BIUST. 🧪📚

 

Publication Profile

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Education

 

🎓 Tawanda Makopa’s academic journey reflects a deep-seated commitment to the exploration of biological sciences. Graduating with honors from the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe, Tawanda’s Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology and Biochemistry provided a solid foundation in microbiology. Presently, at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, they are immersed in pursuing a Master’s degree in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology with a focus on Fermentation Technology. Their thesis delves into the intriguing realm of insect-microbe interactions, aiming to unearth valuable yeasts for industrial applications. This academic trajectory underscores Tawanda’s dedication to unlocking nature’s secrets for technological advancements. 🧪🔬

 

Research Experience 

 

🔬 During their tenure as a Graduate Research Assistant at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Tawanda Makopa delved into the realm of natural product discovery, particularly focusing on extremophilic microorganisms native to the Kalahari Desert. Their investigations centered on unraveling the carbon metabolism of yeast collections while also managing yeast collection databases. Additionally, they actively contributed to various projects within the Yeast Biotechnology Research Group, aiming to develop indigenous industrial yeast strains for applications in brewing, baking, and biofuel production. Tawanda’s dedication to yeast research was further recognized with the prestigious FEMS Early Career Investigator Fellowship, leading to their participation in the 31st International Conference on Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology in Florence, Italy. 🌵🧬

 

Work Experience

 

🔬 Tawanda Makopa’s professional journey embodies a fusion of academia and industry expertise. As a Teaching Assistant at Botswana International University of Science and Technology, they imparted knowledge to students in Bioprocessing and Microbial Fermentation Technology, as well as Introduction to Biology. Through laboratory demonstrations and tutorial sessions, they facilitated practical learning experiences and ensured academic rigor during examinations. Transitioning to industry, Tawanda served as a Quality Control Analyst at Zimbabwe Pharmaceuticals, where they meticulously conducted microbial analysis, ensured compliance with SOPs, and supervised personnel, emphasizing Good Manufacturing Practices. Their multifaceted experience underscores a commitment to both education and quality assurance in pharmaceuticals. 💼🔍

 

Research Focus

🔬 Tawanda P. Makopa’s research focuses on the intricate dynamics of yeast interactions within ecological niches, particularly exploring the relationship between yeasts and insects in southern Africa. Through their investigations, they aim to tap into the diverse array of yeast species for modern bioprocessing applications, uncovering potential innovations in industrial fermentation technologies. Additionally, Makopa has delved into the biodiversity of fermenting yeasts associated with marula fruits, debunking the myth of elephant intoxication while assessing the microbial richness of this ecological niche. Their work underscores a commitment to understanding and harnessing yeast diversity for biotechnological advancements. 🌿

 

Publication Top Notes 

Raman Gurusamy | Biological Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Dr.Raman Gurusamy | Biological Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

PhD at Yeungnam University, South Korea

Dr. Raman Gurusamy is a dedicated professional with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Pondicherry Central University. 🎓 His academic journey includes an M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology, showcasing his commitment to excellence. With a teaching tenure as a Foreign Research Professor in South Korea since 2014, he imparts knowledge in Plant Physiology and Functional Genomics to both graduate and undergraduate students. 🌱🧬 Dr. Gurusamy’s expertise extends to Genomics and Proteomics, reflecting his passion for cutting-edge biological sciences. His impactful contributions make him a valuable asset to the academic community. 🌍🔬

Publication Profile :

Scopus 

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Education :

Dr. Raman Gurusamy, a distinguished academician, earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Pondicherry Central University, India, in 2013, receiving high commendation for his research endeavors. 🎓 His academic journey also includes an M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, securing a noteworthy 7.23/10.0 CGPA, and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology with an impressive 79.97% from Madurai Kamaraj University. 🏆 Dr. Gurusamy’s commitment to excellence is evident through consistently achieving First Division standings in his academic pursuits. His diverse educational background lays the foundation for his role as a dedicated educator and researcher in the field of biotechnology. 🌐🔬

Fellowships/Awards/Membership:

Dr. Raman Gurusamy’s academic journey is adorned with notable fellowships, awards, and memberships. 🏆 He successfully qualified the State Level Eligibility Test (SET) by Bharathiar University, showcasing his academic prowess. As a Senior Research Fellow (SRF), he was honored with the prestigious fellowship from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India. 🌐 The University Grant Commission National Fellowship (UGC-NF) supported his Ph.D. pursuits from 2008 to 2013, emphasizing his commitment to research excellence. Dr. Gurusamy’s expertise is further recognized through a Project Fellow fellowship by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and as a life member of the American Society for Microbiology, USA, and Biotech Research Society of India. 🌍🔬

Teaching experience:

Dr. Raman Gurusamy, serving as a Foreign Research Professor since 2014, brings an enriching academic experience to South Korea. 🌏 Currently at Yeungnam University, he passionately instructs Plant Physiology to both graduate and undergraduate students since March 2014. 🌱 His dedication extends to teaching Functional Genomics, a course he initiated in March 2017 at the same institution. Additionally, from September 2016 to January 2017, Dr. Gurusamy shared his expertise in Genomics and Proteomics with students at Keimyung University. 🧬📚 His dynamic and diverse contributions to the Departments of Life Sciences and Biological Sciences underscore his commitment to advancing education in these specialized fields.

Skills:

Dr. Raman Gurusamy possesses a wealth of expertise with seven years dedicated to isolating and cultivating diverse soil, plant, and marine microbes. 🌿🔬 His skills extend to the comprehensive characterization of these microorganisms through physical, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Currently, he is immersed in the intricate analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data, utilizing advanced sequencing platforms like Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio. With a remarkable nine years of experience, Dr. Gurusamy excels in the assembly, annotation, and functional exploration of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, including viral, bacterial, and plant organelles. 🧬💻 His proficiency in next-generation sequencing data analysis, employing Linux and Python programming languages along with R and Perl scripts, underscores his prowess in bioinformatics.

Research Focus :

Dr. Raman Gurusamy’s research focus spans a diverse range of fields, with a primary emphasis on microbial genomics and plant biology. 🧬 His contributions include in-depth analyses of population structures and genetic diversity in endemic species, such as Aster spathulifolius Maxim. His expertise extends to terpene synthase gene identification in Convallaria keiskei and the complete genome characterization of various organisms, including phages and medicinal plants. Dr. Gurusamy’s work showcases a keen interest in the evolutionary dynamics of chloroplast genomes and their implications in the Asparagales order. His multidisciplinary research integrates genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics, making a significant impact on the fields of microbiology, plant sciences, and biotechnology. 🌱🔍

Publication Top Notes :

1. Population Structure and Genetic Diversity Analyses Provide New Insight into the Endemic Species Aster spathulifolius Maxim. and Its Evolutionary History

2. Comparative Analysis and Identification of Terpene Synthase Genes in Convallaria keiskei Leaf, Flower and Root Using RNA-Sequencing Profiling

3. Genome Characterization of the Novel Lytic Genome Sequence of Phage YUEEL01 of the Myoviridae Family

4. Metabolites of fluorescent pseudomonads and their antimicrobial and anticancer potentials

5. The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of the Speirantha gardenii: Comparative and Adaptive Evolutionary Analysis

6.The complete plastome sequence of Rumex japonicus Houtt.: a medicinal plant

7. Microbiome of rhizospheric soil and vermicompost and their applications in soil fertility, pest and pathogen management for sustainable agriculture

8. Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome sequence of the giant knotweed, Fallopia sachalinensis from the volcanic island Dokdo, Republic of Korea

9. Evidence of mitochondrial DNA in the chloroplast genome of Convallaria keiskei and its subsequent evolution in the Asparagales

10. Erratum to: The complete chloroplast genome sequence of ampelopsis: Gene organization, comparative analysis, and phylogenetic relationships to other angiosperms (Frontiers in plant science, (2016), 7, 10.3389/fpls.2016.00341)

 

Abdullah Awadh | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr AbdullahAwadh :  Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdullah Awadh is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in microbiology and medical education. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Microbiology at the College of Medicine, KSAU-HS in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, since May 2018, he brings extensive expertise to the field. With roots in diagnostic microbiology as a Medical Lab Technologist at King Abdulaziz Medical City, he has contributed significantly to healthcare. Dr. Awadh holds a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology & Immunology (Virology) from the University of Alberta, Canada. His commitment to education is evident through roles like Pre-Scholarship Teaching Assistant and completion of a Master of Medical Education. 🌐🔬📚

Publication Profile :

Scopus Profile

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Google Scholar

Education :

Dr. Abdullah Awadh’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and expertise. He earned a BSc in Medical Lab Technology from King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) in Sep 1999 – Dec 2003, laying the foundation for his illustrious career. Subsequently, he pursued an MSc in Medical Microbiology at the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada) from May 2009 to May 2011. Dr. Awadh further enriched his knowledge with a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology & Immunology (Virology) at the University of Alberta (Edmonton, Canada) from Sep 2011 to Nov 2017. His commitment to advancing medical education is evident through the completion of a Master of Medical Education at the College of Medicine, KSAU-HS (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) from Jan 2019 to Dec 2021. 🎓🔬📚

Employment :

Dr. Abdullah Awadh, an accomplished professional in the field of microbiology, currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, KSAU-HS in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, since May 2018. His journey in academia began as a Pre-Scholarship Teaching Assistant at the same department from Sep 2008 to Mar 2009. Prior to his teaching roles, Dr. Awadh contributed to healthcare as a Medical Lab Technologist in Diagnostic Microbiology at the Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City (Apr 2006 – Aug 2008), and Diagnostic Hematology at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (Dec 2004 – Feb 2006). 🧪📚

Professional Classification :

Dr. Abdullah Awadh has achieved significant milestones in his professional classification, attaining the title of Consultant in Microbiology-Virology from the Saudi Committee for Health Specialties on Aug 22, 2021. This recognition showcases his expertise and dedication to the field. Prior to this, he held the esteemed position of Senior Specialist in Microbiology-Virology, a testament to his continuous growth and contributions, starting from Feb 08, 2021. These designations reflect Dr. Awadh’s commitment to advancing healthcare standards and his proficiency in the intricate realms of microbiology and virology. 🩺🔬👨‍⚕️

Professional Membership :

Dr. Abdullah Awadh is an active member of prestigious professional societies, reflecting his global engagement and commitment to advancing knowledge in microbiology and medical education. He holds memberships in the World Society for Virology, American Society for Virology, and American Society for Microbiology, showcasing his involvement in international scientific communities. Additionally, he is affiliated with the European Society of Clinical Virology and the European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infection Diseases, emphasizing his dedication to cutting-edge research and practices. Dr. Awadh’s commitment to medical education is evident through memberships in the International Association of Medical Science Educators, Association for Medical Education in Europe, and the Saudi Society for Medical Education. 🌐🔬👨‍🔬

Research Focus :

Dr. Abdullah Awadh’s research spans a broad spectrum, showcasing his versatility and expertise in various aspects of virology, microbiology, and public health. His notable contributions include studies on the prevention of hepatitis C virus membrane fusion, with a focus on genotype-dependent mechanisms. Additionally, he has delved into topics such as human papillomavirus awareness among health profession students, the role of cytosolic lipid droplets in hepatitis C virus replication, lifestyle modifications in diabetes management, and vaccine hesitancy among medical students. Dr. Awadh’s extensive research portfolio underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge in infectious diseases, public health, and molecular virology. 🦠🔬🌐

Publication Profile :