Renar João Bender | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Renar João Bender | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul | Brazil

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Prof. Dr. Renar João Bender embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering from Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) in 1977. He then pursued a Master's of Science in Agronomy from UFRGS, completing it in 1982. His keen interest in horticulture led him to further his education, obtaining a Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences with a focus on Postharvest Physiology from the University of Florida in 1996. His doctoral research, under the mentorship of Jeffrey K. Brecht, explored the effects of elevated CO2 in controlled atmosphere storage and mango ripening regulation.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Currently, Prof. Bender is a full professor at the Horticultural Sciences Department of UFRGS, where he has dedicated much of his career to studying postharvest physiology and technology of horticultural crops. His research spans a variety of areas, including fruit and vegetable storage, decay control, and the management of mechanical injuries during postharvest processes. His expertise also extends to alternative postharvest treatments to improve the longevity and quality of horticultural produce.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Prof. Bender’s contributions to the field of postharvest physiology are invaluable, with a particular focus on the storage and preservation of fruits and vegetables. His work addresses critical aspects such as minimizing mechanical damage during harvesting and handling, developing alternative treatments for decay control, and improving the overall shelf life of produce. His research not only enhances the quality of food post-harvest but also contributes significantly to reducing waste and improving food security.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Prof. Bender’s outstanding academic and professional work has earned him numerous prestigious awards. Among these, the 2019 O Futuro da Terra in the Innovation and Rural Technology category, awarded by Fapergs - Sistema Farsul - Jornal do Comércio, stands out. He was also recognized with the Mérito Caiense award from the Prefeitura Municipal de São Sebastião do Caí, RS, in 2012. His remarkable work was further acknowledged with several awards from the University of Florida, including the Muriel Rumsey Award and the prestigious Presidential Recognition in 1996.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Prof. Bender’s research and work have had a far-reaching impact on the horticultural industry, particularly in the areas of food preservation and postharvest management. His studies have not only advanced academic knowledge but have also been instrumental in improving the practical handling and storage of fruits and vegetables. As an educator, his mentorship has guided many students, shaping the next generation of experts in agricultural sciences and postharvest technologies.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Prof. Bender’s legacy is built on his extensive contributions to the science of postharvest physiology and horticulture. His commitment to advancing knowledge in these fields ensures that his work will continue to influence agricultural practices for years to come. With his vast experience and continued research, Prof. Bender is poised to further contribute to the optimization of food production and storage systems, addressing challenges like food waste, sustainability, and global food security.

 

Publications


📄White-button mushroom storage in trays with layerings of chitosan and turmeric

  • Authors: de Oliveira Mariano Pilger, M.L., da Silva, S.B., Radunz, L.L., Bender, R.J.
  • Journal: Packaging Technology and Science
  • Year: 2024

📄Deterministic and probabilistic risk of strawberry consumption with pesticide residues

  • Authors: Berlitz, F., Elias, S.O., Fraga, G.P., Bender, R.J.
  • Journal: Ciencia Rural
  • Year: 2023

📄Ethylene concentrations and temperatures on degreening of bananas from a subtropical area

  • Authors: Paulo, B.K., de Almeida, G.K., Bender, R.J.
  • Journal: Ciencia Rural
  • Year: 2023

📄Inorganic solar filters incorporated to carnauba wax and incidence of citrus black spot on tangerine 

  • Authors: Nascimento, F.V., Valdebenito-Sanhueza, R.M., Bender, R.J.
  • Journal: Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira
  • Year: 2022

📄Yield and quality of gerbera floral stalks in substrate supplemented with different doses of nitrogen and calcium 

  • Authors: Milani, M., Pradella, E.M., Heintze, W., Lopes, S.J., Bender, R.J.
  • Journal: Ornamental Horticulture
  • Year: 2022

 

Rajni Kamboj | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rajni Kamboj | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ch. Devi Lal State Institute of Engineering and Technology | India

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Rajni Kamboj embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in Food Engineering and Technology. She completed her M.Tech. with distinction from Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, followed by a Ph.D. that focused on the characterization and quality evaluation of Indian honey. Her research interests were evident early on, shaping her future contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kamboj's professional career spans over two decades, primarily dedicated to teaching and research in Food Engineering and Technology. She progressed to hold significant roles in academia, including her current position where she continues to inspire and educate students.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kamboj's research contributions are notable in the realm of food science, particularly in honey characterization, mass transfer kinetics, and nutritional profiling of legumes. Her work includes extensive publications in international journals and presentations at prestigious conferences, highlighting her expertise in optimizing food processing techniques and evaluating food quality parameters.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Kamboj has received recognition for her scholarly achievements. Her research on honey quality and food processing has been published in renowned journals such as the International Journal of Food Science and Technology and the Journal of Food Science and Technology. She has also presented her findings at international and national conferences, earning accolades for her contributions to the field.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kamboj's research has made a significant impact on the understanding of food quality and processing methods, particularly in the context of Indian food products like honey and legumes. Her insights into mass transfer kinetics and nutritional benefits have contributed to advancements in food technology and safety assessment, influencing both academic research and industry practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kamboj's legacy is characterized by her dedication to advancing knowledge in food engineering, fostering a culture of research excellence, and mentoring the next generation of food scientists. Her ongoing commitment to innovative research and academic leadership ensures continued contributions to the field, promising future advancements in food quality evaluation and processing methodologies.

 

Notable Publications

Effect of heating and pH on hydroxymethylfurfural content, diastase and invertase activity of Dalbergia honey using response surface methodology 2024

Sugar profile and rheological behaviour of four different Indian honey varieties 2020 (13)

Proximate composition, nutritional profile and health benefits of legumes – A review 2017 (95)

Mass Transfer Kinetic Study of Honey Based Apple Preserve through Osmotic Dehydration 2017 (3)

Chemometric classification of Northern India unifloral honey 2013 (7)

 

 

Mr. Pouya Farshbaf Aghajani | Food Engineering |Best Researcher Award

Mr. Pouya Farshbaf Aghajani | Food Engineering |Best Researcher Award

University of Tehran | Iran

 Author Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Pouya Farshbaf Aghajani began his academic journey at the University of Tabriz, excelling in Biosystem Mechanical Engineering, where he ranked fourth among his peers. His undergraduate thesis on the development and optimization of a Combined Ultrasound-Assisted Cultivation and Growing System of Chlorella vulgaris microalgae hinted at his early interest in sustainable resource development and innovative extraction technologies.

Professional Endeavors

Transitioning to the University of Tehran for his Master's in Mechanics of Biosystem Engineering, Pouya swiftly rose to the top, ranking first among his peers with a thesis that revolutionized the use of ultrasound in cultivating microalgae. His research experiences as a Research Assistant, particularly in designing advanced ultrasonic devices for frying, freezing, and cultivation, showcased his prowess in implementing cutting-edge technology in food processing.

Contributions and Research Focus

Pouya's contributions are evident in his publications exploring ultrasound's applications in enhancing frozen mushroom quality, improving oil extraction from microalgae for biofuel production, and even leveraging deep learning techniques for mushroom identification. His focus on sustainable resource development, food safety, and ultrasound technology within food processing reflects his commitment to advancing these domains.

Accolades and Recognition

His academic excellence has been repeatedly acknowledged, from securing scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate studies to ranking within the top percentiles in Iranian University Entrance Exams. Awards such as being ranked first in GPA among master's students and his research contributions that led to publications in prestigious journals underscore his recognition in the academic sphere.

Impact and Influence

Pouya's work in ultrasound-assisted technologies for food processing has already made a substantial impact. His research not only enhances food quality but also promotes more sustainable and efficient methods of resource utilization. By sharing his expertise and collaborating with esteemed professors, he's contributing to the advancement of biosystem engineering and food technology.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Pouya Farshbaf Aghajani's legacy lies in his pioneering work at the intersection of ultrasound technology and food processing. His dedication to sustainable practices and innovative techniques will likely inspire future researchers in the field. His ongoing research and collaborations are poised to further elevate the efficiency and sustainability of food production methods, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Notable Publications

The improvement of freezing time and functional quality of frozen mushrooms by application of probe-type power ultrasound 2023 (1)

Revolutionizing Mushroom Identification: Improving efficiency with ultrasound-assisted frozen sample analysis and deep learning techniques 2024