Mulat Erkihun | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Mulat Erkihun | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mulat Erkihun, Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia

Mr. Mulat Erkihun Agaje is a passionate lecturer and clinical microbiologist at Debre Tabor University, Ethiopia. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and diagnostics, he also serves at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Previously, he contributed significantly as a clinical microbiologist and laboratory technologist at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. His expertise spans infectious disease microbiology, laboratory quality assurance, and academic curriculum development. He is deeply committed to enhancing medical education, public health diagnostics, and antimicrobial resistance research. Mr. Mulat is also actively engaged in community service and has served on university committees focused on quality assurance and curriculum review. 🧫📘👨‍⚕️

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Mr. Mulat holds a Master of Science in Medical Microbiology from Bahir Dar University (2019), graduating with “Very Great Distinction.” His curriculum included advanced bacteriology, virology, immunology, molecular techniques, and clinical microbiology. His thesis focused on Helicobacter pylori and antimicrobial resistance. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Haramaya University (2016), also with “Very Great Distinction.” His undergraduate program covered diagnostic microbiology, parasitology, hematology, pathology, genetics, molecular biology, and biostatistics, incorporating research and community training. Both degrees were taught in English and emphasized practical, clinical, and research-based learning. 🎓🧪📊

🧪 Experience

Mr. Mulat has been a lecturer at Debre Tabor University since March 2022, teaching medical microbiology, supervising assessments, conducting research, and offering clinical services. From 2020 to 2022, he worked as a clinical microbiologist at Felege Hiwot Hospital, managing SOPs, inter-institutional collaborations, and antimicrobial testing. Between 2016 and 2020, he served as a medical laboratory technologist at the same hospital, performing microbiological diagnostics, microscopy, chemical analyses, and sterilization procedures. His work integrates laboratory proficiency with community engagement and academic mentorship. His commitment to diagnostic excellence and quality assurance highlights his leadership in medical microbiology. 🧬🧑‍🏫🔍

🏆 Awards and Honors

Mr. Mulat was awarded “Very Great Distinction” for both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees, recognizing his academic excellence. He received recognition from Bahir Dar University for his outstanding research thesis on Helicobacter pylori resistance. In 2024, he successfully secured and completed a research grant from Debre Tabor University on Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in clinical laboratory services. His contributions to committee work in curriculum review, quality assurance, and problem-based learning at Debre Tabor University have earned institutional appreciation. His dedication to clinical service and academic contribution continues to distinguish his professional journey. 🏅📜🧑‍🔬

🔍 Research Focus

Mr. Mulat’s research centers on microbial pathogens causing infectious diseases and their mechanisms of pathogenesis. His focus includes antimicrobial resistance (AMR), vaccine development, microbial genetics, and molecular diagnostics. He is particularly interested in applying nanomaterials in medical microbiology, especially concerning AMR. His expertise includes clinical bacteriology, molecular techniques like PCR, and infection control strategies. His research also explores laboratory quality improvement using methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. Through interdisciplinary approaches, he aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy, reduce healthcare-associated infections, and combat global health challenges posed by resistant microorganisms. 🦠🧬💉

Publication Top Notes

  • 📘 Medical scope of biofilm and quorum sensing during biofilm formation: Systematic review – 11 citations, 2024

  • 🧬 Recent application of DNA microarray techniques to diagnose infectious disease – 9 citations, 2023

  • 🚽 Catheter-associated urinary tract infections in Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis – 7 citations, 2024

  • 🧫 Current Updates on Variants of SARS‐CoV‐2: Systematic Review – 6 citations, 2024

  • 🧍 Tuberculosis treatment outcome and associated factors… in Ethiopia – 4 citations, 2023

  • 🧪 Antimicrobial‐Resistance Profile of Helicobacter pylori… in Bahir Dar – 3 citations, 2023

  • 💊 Antimicrobial resistance and ESBL production in uropathogenic E. coli… in Ethiopia – 2 citations, 2024

  • 🧾 Common bacterial isolates and antibiotic susceptibility… at Felege Hiwot Hospital – 2 citations, 2023

  • 🧴 The role of extracorporeal photopheresis in graft versus host disease – 1 citation, 2024

  • 🧯 Antimicrobial resistance profile from hospital wastewater in Bahir Dar – 1 citation, 2024

 

Zohreh Mashak | Food microbiology | Excellence in Academia Award

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Prof. Dr. Zohreh Mashak | Food Microbiology | Excellence in Academia Award

Research Scholar at Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran

Dr. Zohreh Mashak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control at Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Iran. With over 25 years of academic experience, she has contributed extensively to food microbiology, hygiene, and safety. Her research spans foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial effects of natural preservatives, and food irradiation. She has led multiple research projects and has published widely in peer-reviewed journals. As an educator, she has mentored numerous students at undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels. Her commitment to food safety and quality has made her a respected figure in academia. 📚🔬

Publication Profile

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Educational Background🎓

Dr. Zohreh Mashak holds a Ph.D. in Food Hygiene and Quality Control from the Science and Research Branch of Islamic Azad University, Tehran (2004), where her thesis focused on Clostridium botulinum growth under various conditions. She also earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) from Shiraz University (1988), where she studied metabolic profiles of bovine pregnancy in embryo recipients. Her strong academic foundation in veterinary medicine and food safety has shaped her research and teaching career, contributing significantly to the field of microbiology, food safety, and public health. 🏫🔬

Professional Experience🏢

Dr. Mashak has been an educator at Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch, from 1996 to 2023, and previously taught at Ahvaz Medical Science University (1989-1992). She has taught a wide range of courses, including food hygiene, meat and milk safety, zoonotic diseases, and microbiology. Her expertise extends beyond academia to laboratory research, where she has been involved in food safety and antimicrobial studies. She has actively contributed to establishing accredited laboratories for food quality assessment and has conducted various national and international workshops, training professionals in food safety and hygiene. 🧪📖

Awards and Honors🏆

Dr. Mashak has received numerous accolades for her contributions to food safety and microbiology. She has been a key speaker at international workshops, including the Asia-Pacific Probiotics Workshop and the OIE Animal Welfare Program. She has obtained lecturer certifications for scientific webinars and industry training programs. She has also played a significant role in obtaining government approvals for laboratory research in food hygiene. Recognized for her outstanding teaching and research, her dedication to public health and food quality has earned her widespread respect in academia and the food industry. 🎖️🌍

Research Focus🔬

Dr. Mashak’s research focuses on food microbiology, antimicrobial properties of essential oils, food irradiation, and biodegradable packaging. She investigates microbial contamination in dairy, meat, and ready-to-eat foods, antibiotic resistance in foodborne pathogens, and the presence of mycotoxins in food products. She has also studied the molecular analysis of probiotics and the safety of traditional fermented foods. Her work aims to enhance food safety standards, improve food preservation techniques, and develop natural antimicrobial agents to reduce health risks associated with foodborne illnesses. 🍽️🦠

Publication Top Notes

📄 One-year prevalence of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus recovered from raw meat 🥩🦠
Year: 2017 | Cited by: 121

📄 Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antibiotic resistance in the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from hospital cockroaches 🏥🪳🦠
Year: 2019 | Cited by: 109

📄 Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella serotypes isolated from retail chicken meat and giblets in Iran 🍗🦠
Year: 2015 | Cited by: 95

📄 Microbiological Investigation of O‐Serogroups, Virulence Factors and Antimicrobial Resistance Properties of Shiga Toxin‐Producing Escherichia Coli Isolated from Food 🍽️🦠
Year: 2015 | Cited by: 82

Conclusion

Dr. Zohreh Mashak is a distinguished academic and researcher with a Ph.D. in Food Hygiene and Quality Control and a D.V.M. in Veterinary Medicine, specializing in food safety, microbiology, and antimicrobial interventions. With over 27 years of teaching experience across Ph.D., D.V.M., Master’s, and Bachelor’s levels, she has contributed extensively to student mentorship and curriculum development. Her research focuses on foodborne pathogens, antimicrobial packaging, probiotics, and antibiotic resistance, with multiple high-impact publications. She has played a vital role in laboratory accreditations, industry collaborations, and international workshops, reflecting her leadership in academia and applied research. These achievements make her a strong candidate for the Research for Excellence in Academia Award.

 

Leila Asadpour | Antimicrobial Resistance | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Leila Asadpour | Antimicrobial Resistance | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Leila Asadpour, Department of Biology, Rasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran

🔬 Dr. Leila Asadpour is a dedicated researcher with expertise in microbiology and veterinary science. Graduating from Sanandaj Islamic Azad University, she has contributed significantly to understanding antimicrobial resistance, focusing on bacterial pathogens like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With numerous publications in prestigious journals, her work spans topics such as biofilm formation, antibiotic efficacy, and novel treatment approaches. Her studies also encompass the impact of natural extracts on wound healing and infection control. Dr. Asadpour’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in combating infectious diseases, coupled with her innovative research methods, marks her as a pivotal figure in her field. 🌱🔍

 

Publication Profile

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Employment

🔬 Dr. Leila Asadpour has been a devoted member of the faculty at Islamic Azad University Rasht Branch in Gilan, Iran, since 2007. With a focus on biology, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape through her teaching and research endeavors. Her commitment to education is evident in her mentorship of students and dedication to fostering a stimulating learning environment. Alongside her academic duties, Dr. Asadpour has pursued an illustrious research career, making significant contributions to microbiology and veterinary science. Her unwavering passion for discovery and education has earned her recognition as a respected figure in her field. 🌱🎓

 

Research Focus

🔬 Dr. Leila Asadpour’s research focus spans various aspects of poultry health and antimicrobial resistance. Her work encompasses probiotics, synbiotics, and dietary supplements to enhance broiler growth, immunity, and carcass traits. Additionally, she investigates the antimicrobial properties of natural compounds like herbal extracts and nanoparticles for potential therapeutic applications. Through her studies on antibiotic resistance mechanisms in bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Dr. Asadpour contributes to our understanding of infectious diseases and the development of effective treatment strategies. Her dedication to exploring innovative solutions in poultry health and microbial resistance is reflected in her diverse research portfolio. 🐔🧬

 

Publication Top Notes

📚 Probiotic level effects on growth performance, carcass traits, blood parameters, cecal microbiota, and immune response of broilers 📅 2016 📖 Cited by 133
📚 Effect of a synbiotic on the intestinal microflora of chickens 📅 2014 📖 Cited by 111
📚 Investigation on the effect of different levels of dried sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) pulp on performance, carcass characteristics and physiological and biochemical 📅 2015 📖 Cited by 106
📚 A comparison of the effects of antibiotics, probiotics, synbiotics and prebiotics on the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers 📅 2018 📖 Cited by 91
📚 Effects of physical form of diet and intensity and duration of feed restriction on the growth performance, blood variables, microbial flora, immunity, and carcass and organ 📅 2015 📖 Cited by 78

Effects of dietary fish oil and green tea powder supplementation on broiler chickens immunity

Effect of litter treatment on growth performance, intestinal development, and selected cecum microbiota in broiler chickens

Antimicrobial resistance, biofilm-forming ability and virulence potential of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn patients in northern Iran

Effect of dietary inclusion of the synbiotic Biomin IMBO on broilers’ some blood metabolites.

Blood biochemical parameters of broilers fed differently thermal processed soybean meal

Sinethemba Yakobi | Antimicrobial Resistance | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Sinethemba Yakobi | Antimicrobial Resistance | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sinethemba Yakobi, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Sinethemba Hopewell Yakobi, a South African geneticist and medical technologist 🧬. With a PhD in Biochemistry and extensive experience in clinical research, Yakobi specializes in genetics and assay development, particularly in Medical Microbiology and Virology. He has a proven track record in laboratory management, research, and publication. His work focuses on antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. With leadership roles in academic and clinical settings, Yakobi is known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to advancing medical knowledge. 🏥💡

Publication Profile:

Orcid

Education:

Sinethemba Hopewell Yakobi embarked on his academic journey at Lady Grey Arts Academy, where he completed his Grade 12 education in 2008. Driven by a passion for science, he pursued a National Diploma in Biomedical Technology at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2011, specializing in Clinical Pathology. Building on this foundation, he obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Biomedical Technology in 2012, majoring in Molecular Biology and Laboratory Management. His pursuit of knowledge led him to complete a Master of Technology in Biomedical Technology at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2016, focusing on Molecular Biology and Microbiology. Currently, Yakobi is on the brink of receiving his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of KwaZulu Natal, with a thesis submission in February 2024 and graduation anticipated in April 2024. His academic journey reflects a relentless dedication to advancing scientific understanding and contributing to the field of medicine. 🎓🔬

 

Research Experience:

Sinethemba Hopewell Yakobi’s research journey spans across esteemed institutions, showcasing his dedication to advancing medical science. At the University of KwaZulu Natal, Yakobi directed groundbreaking laboratory research on drug development for uncomplicated gonorrhoeae, aligning with FDA perspectives. 🧫 His tenure at the Department of Biochemistry delved into isolating antimicrobial bioactive components from Pleurotus ostreatus mushrooms, exploring their potential against drug-resistant pathogens. 🍄 Prior, at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, his investigation into antibiotic-resistant strains in wastewater underscored his commitment to understanding and combating microbial challenges. Yakobi’s research endeavors exemplify his pursuit of innovative solutions to pressing medical issues. 🌱

 

Research Focus:

Sinethemba Yakobi’s research primarily focuses on combating antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 🦠 His studies delve into understanding the mechanisms of resistance and developing novel therapeutic strategies against drug-resistant strains. Yakobi’s contributions range from identifying emerging multidrug-resistant isolates to screening antimicrobial properties of natural compounds against various pathogens. Through molecular docking studies and structure-activity relationship analyses, he aims to elucidate potential targets for drug development, as seen in his investigation of compounds against glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in azithromycin-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 🎯 His dedication to addressing pressing public health concerns underscores his commitment to advancing medical science.

Publication Top Notes:

Molecular Docking and Structure‐Activity Relationship Analysis of Target Compounds against Glyceraldehyde‐3‐Phosphate Dehydrogenase in Azithromycin‐Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The Influence of Organic Phenolic Compounds on the Proliferation and Kinetic Growth of Pathogenic Multi-Drug Resistant Neisseria Gonorrhoeae Strains

Screening of Antimicrobial Properties and Bioactive Compounds of Pleurotus Ostreatus Extracts against Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia coli, and Neisseria Gonorrhoeae

Identification of Emerging Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates against Five Major Antimicrobial Agent Options

Antimicrobial Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Sub-Saharan Populations

Monocyte-mediated inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical and clinical studies