Nagamaniammai Govindarajan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nagamaniammai Govindarajan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

SRM Institute of Science and Technology | India

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nagamaniammai Govindarajan's academic journey is marked by a deep passion for food science and technology. She earned her Ph.D. from SRM Institute of Science and Technology, focusing on the process development, optimization, and quality evaluation of nutraceutical and functional foods derived from amla. Prior to that, she completed her Master of Technology in Food Technology and Biochemical Engineering from Jadavpur University and her Bachelor of Engineering in Food Processing and Preservation Technology from Avinashilingam Deemed University. These formative years laid the foundation for her expertise in food processing and quality enhancement.

Professional Endeavors

With over 21 years of experience, Dr. Nagamaniammai has made significant contributions to both academia and industry. She currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Process Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, where she mentors M.Tech and Ph.D. students, engages in academic research, and collaborates with industries for knowledge exchange. Her previous roles include Professor and Head at AMET University and leadership positions in the food industry, such as Assistant General Manager (QA – R&D) at Sri Varadaraja Food Exports Pvt. Ltd and Senior Manager (R&D) at Aachi Masala Foods Pvt. Ltd. Her expertise spans teaching, quality assurance, research, product development, and industry consulting.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Nagamaniammai's research revolves around food processing, nutraceuticals, functional foods, and quality evaluation. She has filed eleven patents related to designer foods, technology development, and AI/ML-based quality monitoring systems. Her work includes advancements in plant-based food substitutes, novel food processing techniques, and quality enhancement of agricultural products. Through her extensive research, she has contributed to developing healthier and more sustainable food solutions.

Accolades and Recognition

Her contributions to food science have been recognized through various awards and distinctions. She has published numerous research papers in high-impact journals indexed in SCI, focusing on food safety, nutraceuticals, and process optimization. Additionally, she has actively participated in faculty development programs, upskilling workshops, and international collaborations, further strengthening her expertise and academic influence.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Nagamaniammai’s impact extends beyond academia into the food industry and research community. She has played a crucial role in establishing quality systems for food processing industries, ensuring compliance with global standards such as ISO 22000 and HACCP. Her innovative approach to food product development has led to the creation of new food formulations that cater to both health-conscious consumers and industry demands. Moreover, her mentorship has shaped the careers of numerous students and researchers in food technology.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a leading expert in food processing and quality evaluation, Dr. Nagamaniammai continues to push the boundaries of research and innovation. Her future endeavors aim to integrate cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning into food quality monitoring and processing. By bridging the gap between academia and industry, she is poised to contribute further to the evolution of sustainable and functional food solutions, leaving a lasting impact on the field of food science.

 

Publications

Engineering plant-based chicken substitutes: Application of fava bean (Vicia Faba) and wheat gluten blend (Triticum Aestivum) via novel layering technique
 Authors: Nishaant, N.B., Govindarajan, N., Pandiselvam, R.
 Journal: Food Chemistry
 Year: 2025

Traditional weaning foods and processing methods with fortification for sustainable development of infants to combat zero hunger: a review
 Authors: Kabeer, S., Mary, S.J., Govindarajan, N., Essa, M.M., Qoronfleh, M.W.
 Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology
 Year: 2024

Unlocking the potential of underutilized legumes: nutritional benefits, anti-nutritional challenges, and mitigation strategies
 Authors: Navin Venketeish, K.S., Govindarajan, N., Pandiselvam, R., Mousavi Khaneghah, A.
 Journal: Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization
 Year: 2024

Optimization and extraction of annatto pigments obtained from Bixa orellana L. using supercritical fluid extraction
 Authors: Paramadhas, S., Selvi, P., Shridar, B., Govindarajan, N., Pandiselvam, R.
 Journal: Microchemical Journal
 Year: 2024

Effect of drying methods on the biochemical and functional qualities of ready-to-mix traditional pearl millet porridge (Pennisetum glaucum)
 Authors: Sivasubramaniyan, V., Govindarajan, N., Kottur Senthilkumar, N.V., Kabeer, S.
 Journal: International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases
 Year: 2024

 

Rajni Kamboj | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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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

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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