Atul K Singh | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Atul K Singh | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Atul K Singh, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, India

Dr. Atul K. Singh is a dedicated NextGen Sequencing Scientist specializing in assay development and method validation across various sequencing platforms. With expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility, he has led the preparation of proficiency standards for WGS products under GMP guidelines. Dr. Singh previously worked as a Clinical Laboratory Associate in a CLIA laboratory for two years. His strong soft skills include scientific communication and data analysis. Notably, he has developed molecular methods for Preimplantation Genetic Disorder (PGD-Seq) testing and pathogen characterization, with over 30 peer-reviewed publications to his name. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŒŸ

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Atul K. Singh earned his PhD in Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, from July 2004 to May 2010. Prior to that, he completed his M.Sc. in Biotechnology at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, from August 2000 to September 2002. Dr. Singh began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Botany from Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, Faizabad, from July 1996 to December 1999. His solid educational background has equipped him with the skills necessary for a successful career in biotechnology and NextGen Sequencing. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ”ฌ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“š

Employment

Dr. Atul K. Singh currently serves as a Scientist-Laboratory Supervisor at NextGen Genetics LLC in Santa Carla, California, since October 2023. Previously, he was a Scientist II in R&D at Clear Labs in the San Francisco Bay Area from January 2018 to June 2023. Before that, he worked at the University of Georgia from May 2017 to January 2018 and held two positions at Purdue University: first as a Postdoctoral Research Associate from June 2010 to May 2015 and then as a Research Scientist in Food Science (molecular and diagnostic microbiology) from November 2015 to April 2017. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ’ผ๐Ÿ“ˆ๐Ÿ”

Research Focus

Dr. Atul K. Singh’s research focus centers on the development and application of innovative techniques in microbiology, particularly in NextGen sequencing and pathogen detection. His work includes the use of optical scattering sensors and molecular methods to identify foodborne pathogens like Listeria and Salmonella. Dr. Singh is involved in developing antimicrobial nanoparticles and characterizing biofilms, enhancing food safety through precise detection methods. His contributions extend to understanding antibiotic resistance and improving methodologies for preimplantation genetic testing. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications, his research significantly impacts food safety and microbial diagnostics. ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿฝ๏ธโœจ

Publication Top Notes

Petri-plate, bacteria, and laser optical scattering sensor

Receptor-targeted engineered probiotics mitigate lethal Listeria infection.

Animal-Use Antibiotics Induce Cross-Resistance in Bacterial Pathogens to Human Therapeutic Antibiotics.

Antilisterial and Antibiofilm Activities of Pediocin and LAP Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles

Rapid detection and differentiation of Staphylococcus colonies using an optical scattering technology.

Conclusion

Dr. Atul K. Singhโ€™s extensive qualifications, impactful research contributions, and commitment to excellence in scientific practices make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His achievements are not only noteworthy but also align with the values of innovation and quality that such an award represents

Stanley Sharaunga | Agricultural Econmics Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stanley Sharaunga | Agricultural Econmics Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Stanley Sharaunga, Naye Business Consultants, South Africa

๐ŸŒฑ Dr. Stanley Sharaunga, a dynamic leader in agricultural economics, holds a PhD and MSc from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. With expertise in gender equity and rural development, he champions empowering women through water security and agricultural training. His roles span academia, where he lectured and supervised students, to managerial positions at uMhlosinga Development Agency, driving local economic development strategies. Notably, his impactful research and project management have garnered numerous awards, including recognition from the Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa. Dr. Sharaunga’s commitment to sustainable livelihoods and community empowerment marks him as a beacon in agricultural economics and development. ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ†

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Stanley Sharaunga embarked on a remarkable academic journey, culminating in a PhD in Agricultural Economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Prior to this, he earned an MSc in Agribusiness and a BSc in Agribusiness, both from the same institution. His foundational education began with a BSc Honours in Physiotherapy from the University of Zimbabwe.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ’ผ Professional Experience

Dr. Sharaunga has held pivotal roles, notably as Manager of Local Economic Development at uMhlosinga Development Agency. He has also served as a District Agribusiness Development Officer and a Post-Doctoral Fellow, contributing significantly to research and community development.

Research Focus

๐Ÿ” Dr. Stanley Sharaunga’s research focuses on empowering rural women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, through various livelihood strategies. His work delves into understanding the determinants of women’s empowerment, factors influencing water-use security among smallholder farmers, and the impact of women’s skills development on poverty reduction. Through detailed analysis, he explores dimensions of empowerment, forest value orientations, and the nexus between women’s empowerment in agriculture and household food security. Dr. Sharaunga’s research not only sheds light on critical socio-economic issues but also provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to alleviate poverty and promote gender equity in rural communities. ๐ŸŒพ

Publication Top Notesย 

  1. “Analysis of Livelihood Strategies for Reducing Poverty Among Rural Women’s Households: A Case Study of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa” (2021) – cited by 8 ๐Ÿ“Š
  2. “The Effectiveness of Women’s Skills Development to Household Poverty Reduction: The Case of Msinga Rural Areas” (2019) – cited by 2 ๐Ÿ’ผ
  3. “Conceptualisation and Measurement of Women’s Empowerment Revisited” (2019) – cited by 27 ๐Ÿ”
  4. “Determinants of farmers’ participation in collective maintenance of irrigation infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal” (2018) – cited by 19 ๐ŸŒฑ
  5. “The impact of improved โ€˜water-use securityโ€™ on womenโ€™s reliance on agricultural incomes in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa” (2016) – cited by 0 ๐Ÿšฐ
  6. “Factors influencing water-use security among smallholder irrigating farmers in Msinga, KwaZulu-Natal Province” (2016) – cited by 11 ๐Ÿ’ง
  7. “Dimensions of Empowerment Influencing Women in KwaZulu-Natal to diversify away from agricultural-based livelihoods” (2016) – cited by 10 ๐ŸŒพ
  8. “Factors influencing forest value orientations among rural households in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa” (2015) – cited by 4 ๐ŸŒณ
  9. “The impact of ‘women’s empowerment in agriculture’ on household vulnerability to food insecurity in the KwaZulu-Natal province” (2015) – cited by 34 ๐Ÿฅš
  10. “The impact of feed costs on the production of eggs in South Africa in period 1970-2007: An analysis using a demand-supply simultaneous equation model” (2014)