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.

Mr. Chamuka Thebulo | Agriculture Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Chamuka Thebulo, ICRAF, Malawi

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo is an agricultural economist with over five years of experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Business Management at the University of Malawi, he previously earned an M.Sc. in Agricultural & Applied Economics from Lilongwe University and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Malawi. Chamuka’s research interests focus on food security, gender issues, climate change, and microeconomics. He has held various positions, including Research Associate at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF)-Malawi and Research Manager at the International Crops Research Institute for Sem-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)-Zimbabwe, where he has contributed to numerous publications and project reports. Chamuka is also proficient in data management and analysis, and he has demonstrated leadership in research coordination and capacity building for project teams.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Suitability Summary for the Best Researcher Award: Chamuka Dickson Thebulo

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo’s extensive background as an agricultural economist, combined with his over five years of hands-on experience in research and project management, positions him as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His educational qualifications, including a PhD in Business Management in progress and a Master’s in Agricultural & Applied Economics, underpin his robust analytical skills and theoretical knowledge.

🎓Education:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Management at the University of Malawi, expected to be completed between 2024 and 2027. He holds a Master of Science in Agricultural & Applied Economics, which he earned from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 2017. Additionally, Chamuka completed his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics at the University of Malawi’s Bunda College of Agriculture in 2014.

🏢Work Experience:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo has held several key positions in the field of agricultural research and project management. Currently, as a Research Associate and Socio-Economist at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Malawi since January 2023, he supports the development of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for the RESAf project, contributes to data collection tools, and leads field data collection for impact assessments. From January 2018 to November 2022, he served as a Research Manager at the International Crops Research Institute for Sem-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Zimbabwe, where he coordinated multiple research activities, managed data collection and analysis using STATA and SPSS, and built capacity in project management while conducting market situation analyses for legumes. Prior to that, he worked as a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Zimbabwe from July 2016 to December 2017, where he developed monitoring and evaluation tools and conducted market situation analyses for inclusive red meat value chains. Chamuka also gained experience as a Field Research Manager at the Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CARD) at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) from July 2014 to October 2015, leading crop and livestock value chain analyses and managing data collection and reporting

🏅Achievements:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo has authored and contributed to various research articles and reports, focusing on food security, agricultural practices, and market analysis. His notable contributions have significantly influenced research and policy recommendations, positively impacting agricultural practices and promoting gender equity in Malawi. Through his work, Chamuka has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge and improving the livelihoods of communities through informed agricultural strategies.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Factors influencing adoption and use of Tephrosia vogelii in Malawi: Role of by-laws and other drivers

Title: Effectiveness of Bylaws in Promoting Adoption and Extent of Adoption for Tephrosia Vogelii in Malawi