Ms. Steji Raphel | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Steji Raphel, CSIR-SRF, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, India.

🌟 Steji Raphel is a highly motivated PhD scholar in Biological Sciences, currently pursuing his research at the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute in Mysuru, Karnataka, India. With over six years of extensive experience in probiotics, microbiology, molecular biology, bacterial genomics, and bioinformatics, he is dedicated to addressing critical questions related to drug discovery and developing healthier food formulations.

Profile

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Strengths for the Award 💪

Steji Raphel possesses several strengths that make him an outstanding candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” in the field of biological sciences. With over six years of focused experience in probiotics, microbiology, bacterial genomics, and bioinformatics, Steji has demonstrated strong research capabilities, particularly in the characterization of antimicrobial compounds from probiotic bacteria. His research is critical to health innovation, especially in the areas of drug discovery and food formulation. Notably, his proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, bioinformatics, and protein purification, coupled with his practical knowledge of experimental design, has led to significant contributions in probiotics and antimicrobial research.

Steji has also been highly recognized in his field, winning the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 8th IFCoN-2018, CSIR-CFTRI, Mysore, for his work on the antimicrobial activity of Bacillus licheniformis. His consistent publication record, including journal articles and book chapters, demonstrates his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, with notable work on genome mining and probiotic bacteria. His ability to work across interdisciplinary projects, blending microbiology with food science and health technology, is a strong indicator of his innovation and research excellence.

Areas for Improvement 📈

While Steji Raphel has an impressive skill set and research portfolio, there are areas where further growth can enhance his potential for the award. Expanding collaborations with international research groups and industry partners could strengthen the global impact of his work, particularly in translating research findings into commercial applications. Additionally, diversifying his research beyond probiotics and antimicrobial studies into more applied clinical trials or environmental microbiology could broaden his research scope and relevance. Furthermore, gaining more leadership roles in managing research teams or projects would reinforce his candidacy by showcasing his abilities as a research leader.

Education

🎓 Steji is currently pursuing his PhD in Biological Sciences since October 2017, focusing on the identification of the biosynthetic gene involved in the synthesis of the peptide antibiotic from Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514. He holds an M.Sc. in Microbiology from the Amrita School of Biotechnology, where he achieved a CGPA of 3.74, and a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Calicut University, with a CGPA of 3.64.

Experience

💼 With a solid foundation in microbiology, Steji has honed his skills in bacterial culturing, peptide purification, protein modeling, in silico analysis, and DNA/RNA handling. His passion for translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions drives him to contribute to interdisciplinary projects that foster innovation in health and biotechnology.

Research Interest

🔬 Steji’s research interests lie primarily in the characterization of antimicrobial compounds from probiotic bacteria and the development of probiotic products. His expertise in molecular biology techniques and bioinformatics supports his ambition to contribute to advancements in drug discovery and food safety.

Awards

🏆 Steji has received multiple accolades throughout his academic journey, including the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 8th IFCoN-2018 for his research on the antimicrobial activity of Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514. He has also qualified for prestigious scholarships and examinations, such as the CSIR-JRF and GATE.

Publications

📚 Steji has contributed to several publications, enhancing the scientific community’s understanding of probiotics and their applications:

1. Raphel, S., & Halami, P. M. (2024). Genome mining of Bacillus licheniformis MCC2514 for the identification of lasso peptide biosynthetic gene cluster and its characterization. Archives of Microbiology, 206(4), 143.
2. Raphel, S., & Halami, P. M. (2024). Bioactive compounds from food grade Bacillus. Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture (doi:10.1002/jsfa.13935).
3. Dindhoria, K., Kumar, S., Baliyan, N., Raphel, S., Halami, P. M., & Kumar, R. (2022). Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514 genome sequencing and functional annotation for providing genetic evidence for probiotic gut adhesion properties and its applicability as a bio-preservative agent. Gene, 840, 146744.
4. Achi, S. C., Chetana, R., Asha, M. R., Raphel, S., & Halami, P. M. (2024). Dark chocolate: delivery medium for probiotic Bifidobacterium breve NCIM 5671. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 1-5.

Conclusion 🏅

Overall, Steji Raphel is a highly suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” given his strong background in life sciences, significant contributions to microbiology, and his impactful research on probiotic bacteria and antimicrobial compounds. His work has the potential to address important challenges in health and biotechnology, making him a valuable asset to the scientific community. With continued growth in leadership and international collaboration, Steji is well-positioned to make even more significant contributions to his field.