Assist. Prof. Dr. Anqi Chen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Anqi Chen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Jiangnan University | China

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🌟 Early Academic Pursuits

Assist. Prof. Dr. Anqi Chen began her illustrious journey at Cornell University, where she excelled academically in Food Science, achieving a magna cum laude distinction during her B.S. studies. Her exceptional undergraduate research in biological science earned her the Distinguished Research Honors and multiple awards, showcasing her passion for food science and microbiology. Pursuing a Ph.D. at Cornell, she delved deep into the molecular mechanisms of yeast stress tolerance, completing a groundbreaking dissertation on trehalose metabolism.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Chen currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Jiangnan University's Science Center for Future Foods, focusing on microbial interactions in fermentation and synthetic biology applications. Her previous roles include Adjunct Assistant Professor at Cornell University and Program Coordinator for the CAU-Cornell dual-degree program, where she bridged academic excellence and global collaboration. Her career reflects a commitment to blending cutting-edge research with innovative teaching.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Chen’s research centers on optimizing microbial fermentation to enhance food quality and nutritional value. Her pioneering work includes engineering yeast strains to improve stress resistance and flavor profiles in food products. Her expertise extends to bioactive compound synthesis, where she uses advanced microbial engineering to create sustainable, health-focused food systems.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Chen's excellence has been recognized with numerous prestigious grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the China Postdoctoral Science Fund. Her achievements also include awards such as the Academic Excellence Award in Food Science and several research scholarships. These accolades underscore her significant contributions to the field of food science and microbial biotechnology.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Chen has significantly influenced the fields of food microbiology and fermentation science. Her research has led to novel insights into yeast metabolism and practical applications in the food and bioethanol industries. She has also mentored students globally, contributing to the next generation of food scientists and researchers.

✨ Legacy and Future Contributions Highlight

Dr. Chen’s legacy lies in her ability to integrate academic rigor with real-world applications. Her work on yeast fermentation and microbial engineering is paving the way for healthier, sustainable food production. As she continues to innovate, her contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of food science, fostering global collaboration and scientific advancement.

 

Publications


  • 📄 Comparative Analysis of Bread Quality Using Yeast Strains from Alcoholic Beverage Production
     Journal: Microorganisms
     Year: 2024-12-17
     Authors: Anqi Chen, Chenwei Pan, Jian Chen

  • 📄 Key Amino Acid Residues of the Agt1 Transporter for Trehalose Transport by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
     Journal: Journal of Fungi
     Year: 2024-11-11
     Authors: Anqi Chen, Yuhan Cheng, Liushi Meng, Jian Chen

  • 📄 Osmotic Tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Implications for Food and Bioethanol Industries
     Journal: Food Bioscience
     Year: 2024-08
     Authors: Anqi Chen, Tianzhi Qu, Jeremy R. Smith, Jianghua Li, Guocheng Du, Jian Chen

  • 📄 Phenotypic Characterization of Fermentation Performance and Stress Tolerance in Commercial Ale Yeast Strains
     Journal: Fermentation
     Year: 2024-07-18
     Authors: Anqi Chen, Qiqi Si, Qingyun Xu, Chenwei Pan, Yuhan Cheng, Jian Chen

  • 📄 Auxotrophy-Independent Plasmid Shuttle Vectors for Applications in Diverse Yeasts
    Journal: Applied Microbiology
    Year: 2024-02-28
    Authors: Jeremy Smith, Christine Sislak, Pedro Fernandez Mendoza, Laurin Carmichael, Alisha Lewis, Anqi Chen, Glycine Jiang, Patrick Gibney

 

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

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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

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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)

 

 

Alessandra Silva Araújo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Alessandra Silva Araújo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Pernambuco | Brazil

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Early Academic Pursuits

Mrs. Alessandra Silva Araújo embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition from the Federal University of Pernambuco, followed by a Master's degree in Nutrition with a focus on the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles for food preservation. She further pursued a PhD in Nutrition, emphasizing the microencapsulation of probiotics using natural polymers. Her educational background also includes a postgraduate degree in Environmental Management and a degree in Chemistry, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to learning.

Professional Endeavors

With a diverse skill set, Mrs. Araújo has contributed significantly to various industries. She gained extensive experience in the beer industry, working for ten years at AMBEV in beer production, quality management, and industrial asepsis. Additionally, she has experience in biscuit manufacturing, having worked for six years at the MDias Branco group, where she coordinated manufacturing and packaging operations, ensuring adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices, HACCP, and quality control standards.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mrs. Araújo's research focuses on innovative applications of nanotechnology in the field of nutrition. Her work includes the development of chitosan nanoparticles for food preservation and the microencapsulation of probiotics using natural polymers. Through her expertise in nutritional biochemistry and chemistry, she has made significant contributions to scientific literature, with publications in both journals and event proceedings.

Accolades and Recognition

Mrs. Araújo's contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous accolades and presentations at various conferences, seminars, and congresses. Her research has been published in reputable scientific journals and event proceedings, highlighting the impact of her work on advancing knowledge in the field of nutrition.

Impact and Influence

Mrs. Araújo's research has the potential to revolutionize food preservation and nutritional supplementation through the use of innovative nanotechnological approaches. Her interdisciplinary background and extensive industry experience equip her with a unique perspective to address complex challenges in the field, making her a prominent figure in the intersection of nutrition, nanotechnology, and food science.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Mrs. Araújo's legacy lies in her commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in nutrition and food science. Her research not only contributes to academic scholarship but also has practical implications for improving food safety and nutritional quality. Moving forward, she aims to continue her interdisciplinary research, bridging the gap between academia and industry to develop sustainable solutions for food preservation and nutritional supplementation.

Notable Publications

Microencapsulação de Lacticaseibacillus: Uma revisão sistemática 2023

Avaliação do conhecimento de universitários de Vitória de Santo Antão sobre a sífilis 2022

Chitosan hydrochloride-gum Arabic-passion fruit seed oil nanoparticle edible coating to control fungal infection and maintain quality parameters of strawberries 2024 

Ultrasound pretreatment application in dehydration: its influence on the microstructure, antioxidant activity and carotenoid retention of biofortified Beauregard sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) 2021 (3)