Xiaojuan Xu | Functional Foods | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Xiaojuan Xu | Functional Foods | Research Excellence Award

Nanyang Technological University | Singapore

Dr. Xiaojuan Xu is an emerging researcher in food science, nutrition, and biomolecular innovation, with research spanning functional foods, alternative proteins, nutraceuticals, and bioactive compounds. Her work emphasizes structure–function relationships influencing digestibility, nutrient bioavailability, and biological activity, alongside advanced studies on peptides and plant-derived compounds. She has contributed to 11 Scopus-indexed publications, achieving over 430 citations and an h-index of 7, reflecting steady scholarly impact. Her research includes innovative applications of betacyanin-rich extracts in food systems, investigation of anti-nutritional factors in plant proteins, and mechanistic studies of flavonoids, demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise bridging food chemistry, biotechnology, and applied nutrition research.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations 432

Documents 11

h-index 7

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Featured Publications

Amparo Gamero | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Amparo Gamero | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

University of Valencia | Spain

Prof. Dr. Amparo Gamero is a distinguished researcher and full professor at the Universitat de València, Spain, in the Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Science, Toxicology, and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, holding a full-time civil servant position since November 2022. She also serves as a collaborating professor at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya for the Master’s programs in Nutrition and Health and Food in Physical Activity and Sport. Prof. Dr. Amparo Gamero has an extensive research career spanning over 18 years, including postdoctoral research through the Marie Curie Program at NIZO Food Research B.V. Her research focuses on food science, nutrition, biotechnology, fermented plant-based beverages, bioaccessibility of phytochemicals, antioxidant capacity, probiotic viability, and Mediterranean lifestyle adherence. She has authored 59 publications cited 1,016 times, with an h-index of 18, reflecting her significant impact in the field. Prof. Dr. Amparo Gamero integrates high-quality research with teaching and management, collaborating with over 176 international co-authors, establishing her as a leading expert in nutritional science and public health.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Tronchoni, J., Gamero, A., Arroyo-López, F. N., Barrio, E., & Querol, A. (2009). Differences in the glucose and fructose consumption profiles in diverse Saccharomyces wine species and their hybrids during grape juice fermentation. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 134(3), 237–243.

  • Gamero, A., Quintilla, R., Groenewald, M., Alkema, W., Boekhout, T., … (2016). High-throughput screening of a large collection of non-conventional yeasts reveals their potential for aroma formation in food fermentation. Food Microbiology, 60, 147–159.

  • Gamero, A., Tronchoni, J., Querol, A., & Belloch, C. (2013). Production of aroma compounds by cryotolerant Saccharomyces species and hybrids at low and moderate fermentation temperatures. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 114(5), 1405–1414.

  • Stribny, J., Gamero, A., Pérez-Torrado, R., & Querol, A. (2015). Saccharomyces kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces uvarum differ from Saccharomyces cerevisiae during the production of aroma-active higher alcohols and acetate esters using their … International Journal of Food Microbiology, 205, 41–46.

  • Gamero, A., Manzanares, P., Querol, A., & Belloch, C. (2011). Monoterpene alcohols release and bioconversion by Saccharomyces species and hybrids. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 145(1), 92–97.

Monica Rubilar | Food science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Monica Rubilar | Food science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Monica Rubilar, Universidad de La Frontera, Chile

Dr. Monica Rubilar is a Food Engineer with a Ph.D. in Chemical and Environmental Engineering from the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain. She is currently the Academic Secretary of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of La Frontera (UFRO), Chile. With expertise in agro-food waste valorization, food biotechnology, and encapsulation technology, her research focuses on developing bioproducts and innovative food processes. Dr. Rubilar has received several awards, including the Henri Nestlé Award (2012). She has led numerous research projects and has international collaborations in Canada and Argentina. 🌱🍽️🔬🧬

Publication Profile

Scopus

Academic Background 🎓🌍

Dr. Monica Rubilar holds a degree in Food Engineering from the University of La Frontera (UFRO), Temuco, Chile, earned in 1997, and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Sciences from the same institution in 1996. She completed her Doctorate in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain, in 2004. With an extensive academic background, Dr. Rubilar has contributed to the fields of food biotechnology, agro-food waste valorization, and encapsulation technology, helping advance innovation in food production and sustainability. 🌱🔬

Research Focus 🔬🌱

Dr. Monica Rubilar’s research primarily focuses on food science, bioprocesses, and the development of functional ingredients. She explores the use of plant-based gels, hydrogels, oleogels, and microencapsulation techniques for various applications, including nutraceuticals and functional food delivery. Her studies also examine the mechanical properties of these materials and their potential to replace traditional fat sources in food products. Furthermore, Dr. Rubilar investigates sustainable practices in food engineering and environmental aspects of food processing, contributing to advancements in bioengineering and the development of healthier food products. 🌿🍽️

 

Awards and Recognition 🏅

Dr. Rubilar’s dedication to research and teaching has been recognized with multiple accolades, including distinctions for teaching excellence at the University of La Frontera and a Henri Nestlé Prize for her work in food technology. These awards highlight her outstanding contributions to the field.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Evaluation of Mixing Temperature in the Preparation of Plant-Based Bigels” (2024) – 0 citations 🔬🍃
  • “Pectin–Chitosan Hydrogel Beads for Delivery of Functional Food Ingredients” (2024) – 2 citations 🍽️💡
  • “Mechanical properties of wax-oleogels: Assessing their potential to mimic commercial margarine functionality under small and large deformations” (2024) – 2 citations 🧈🔬
  • “R-phycoerythrin alginate/shellac beads by external gelation: Process optimization and the effects of gastrointestinal digestion for nutraceutical applications” (2024) – 3 citations 🧪🍃
  • “Impact of cooling rate and shear flow on crystallization and mechanical properties of wax-crystal networks” (2023) – 5 citations 🧊💪
  • “Fat replacers based on oleogelation of beeswax/shellac wax and healthy vegetable oils” (2023) – 7 citations 🌱🧴
  • “A sequential recovery extraction and biological activity of water-soluble sulfated polysaccharides from the polar red macroalgae Sarcopeltis skottsbergii” (2023) – 10 citations 🌊🍀
  • “Structuring of oils with high PUFA content: Evaluation of the formulation conditions on the oxidative stability and structural properties of ethylcellulose oleogels” (2023) – 20 citations 🌿💧
  • “Forward osmosis, reverse osmosis, and distillation membranes evaluation for ethanol extraction in osmotic and thermic equilibrium” (2023) – 4 citations 💧🔬
  • “Microencapsulation of Piscirickettsia salmonis Antigens for Fish Oral Immunization: Optimization and Stability Studies” (2022) – 1 citation 🐟🧬

Conclusion 📜

Dr. Monica Rubilar’s exceptional academic background, extensive research experience, leadership roles in academia, and numerous awards and recognitions make her a strong contender for the “Research for Best Researcher Award.” Her ongoing contributions to food science, environmental sustainability, and bioprocessing position her as a distinguished researcher in her field.

 

 

 

 

Marsha Dizitha | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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Marsha Dizitha | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Master Student at  University of Indonesia, Indonesia.

Marsha Dizitha is a dedicated public servant and researcher with a strong focus on social issues, community empowerment, and sustainable development. Based in Bogor, Indonesia, Marsha is currently advancing her expertise in anthropology as a master’s student at Universitas Indonesia, where she delves into complex topics such as multispecies ethnography in tourism. Her background in both anthropology and business management gives her a unique interdisciplinary perspective, blending cultural insights with strategic policy understanding. With over a decade of experience in the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Marsha has developed and contributed to impactful policies promoting sustainable tourism. Her work is characterized by a commitment to marginalized communities, especially focusing on the protection of women and children. Marsha’s research endeavors and dedication to social advocacy reflect her ambition to create a meaningful difference in society through sustainable and equitable initiatives.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Marsha Dizitha’s educational background spans both business management and anthropology, enriching her with a multidisciplinary approach to social research. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, specializing in Telecommunications and Informatics, from Telkom University in 2009, where she achieved an impressive GPA of 3.50. Her interest in cultural studies and social issues later led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Anthropology at Universitas Indonesia, starting in 2023. This advanced study allows her to deepen her knowledge of social structures and ethnographic research methodologies. Her current studies focus on multispecies ethnography in tourism, where she examines sustainable living practices and human-environment interactions. Through her academic journey, Marsha has gained a solid foundation in both quantitative and qualitative research, preparing her to address complex social issues with a well-rounded and analytical perspective.

Experience

Marsha Dizitha brings over a decade of experience in the public sector, particularly through her role as a Public Servant with the Deputy for Strategic Policy at Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. Since 2013, she has played a crucial part in shaping key tourism and creative economy policies that prioritize sustainability and cross-departmental collaboration. Her insights have contributed to initiatives aimed at developing a sustainable tourism framework for Indonesia, balancing economic growth with environmental conservation.

Research Focus

Marsha’s research is primarily centered on sustainable tourism, community empowerment, and the intersection of human and environmental relationships. Her recent work on multispecies ethnography in the Hanjeli Tourism Village, Sukabumi, highlights her commitment to promoting sustainable living and fostering equitable relationships between communities and their environments. This research, published in the Environmental Sociology journal, explores how human-animal-environment dynamics can influence tourism practices and support local economies while preserving natural resources. Marsha’s research is also guided by her dedication to marginalized communities, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as women and children. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropology with public policy insights, positions her as a valuable contributor to initiatives aimed at achieving social equity and sustainable development, making her research relevant not only academically but also for practical implementation.

Awards and Honors 

Marsha has been recognized for her academic excellence and commitment to social impact with prestigious awards and honors. In 2022, she received the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency Scholarship, a highly competitive award supporting her pursuit of a Master’s in Anthropology at Universitas Indonesia. This scholarship acknowledges her potential to contribute significantly to Indonesia’s academic and social landscape, particularly through her research on community empowerment and sustainable tourism. Additionally, her research publication in a top-tier journal like Environmental Sociology underscores her academic merit and commitment to high-quality, impactful research. Marsha’s accolades reflect her dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing real-world social issues, further establishing her as a committed researcher and public servant with a vision for creating sustainable, positive change in her community and beyond.

Conclusion

Dr. Mukwevho’s dedication to advancing Food Science, particularly through his pioneering research on Bambara groundnut processing techniques, makes him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions have tangible impacts on food safety and nutrition, particularly within the African context, making his work both regionally relevant and globally significant.

Publication Top Notes  

Title: Multispecies Ethnography: Fostering Equal Relations in Hanjeli Tourism Village, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia
Author: Marsha Dizitha
Year: 2024
Citation: Dizitha, M. (2024). Multispecies Ethnography: Fostering Equal Relations in Hanjeli Tourism Village, Sukabumi, West Java, Indonesia. Environmental Sociology. DOI: 10.1080/23251042.2024.2422012

Title: New Comedy Paradigm: The Ascendancy of Stand-Up Comics in Indonesian Film
Author: Marsha Dizitha
Year: 2024
Citation: Dizitha, M. (2024). New Comedy Paradigm: The Ascendancy of Stand-Up Comics in Indonesian Film. Tha 5th Kyoto Conference in Arts, Media, and Culture. Conference Abstract.

Title: Transforming Hanjeli Village: The Role of Technology in Promoting Educational Tourism
Author: Marsha Dizitha
Year: 2024
Citation: Dizitha, M. (2024). Transforming Hanjeli Village: The Role of Technology in Promoting Educational Tourism. EdInnovate 2024: Innovation in Education and E-Learning. Conference Abstract.

Peter Mukwevho | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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Peter Mukwevho | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at  University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Dr. Peter Mukwevho is a distinguished Food Scientist and academic with a robust track record in research, teaching, and industry engagement. Known for his innovative work on food processing techniques, particularly with Bambara groundnut, he has contributed extensively to improving food safety, nutrition, and product development. Dr. Mukwevho’s expertise spans multiple facets of food science, including food safety systems, culinary sciences, and advanced hygienic engineering. His career reflects a commitment to advancing food technology and supporting small businesses through technical training. With his research widely published and presented at international conferences, he is recognized as a leader in functional food research and an educator passionate about guiding the next generation of food scientists. Dr. Mukwevho’s achievements underline his impact on both the academic and practical applications of food science, as well as his dedication to addressing food security and nutritional challenges.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. Mukwevho’s educational background is marked by academic excellence and international experience. He earned his PhD in Food Science from the University of Pretoria, where he focused on food product development and nutritional advancements. He also holds a Master of Science in Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Sciences from Clemson University in the United States, further enhancing his expertise in food science. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Voorhees University, where he was awarded the prestigious Presidential Scholarship and recognized as an Honours College member. Dr. Mukwevho has also expanded his professional knowledge through certifications, including Project Management from the University of Cape Town and Food Safety System Certification (FSSC/ISO 22000) from the SABS Training Academy, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards in food safety and management.

Experience

Dr. Mukwevho has accumulated extensive experience in academia and industry, highlighting his dual role as a researcher and educator. Currently, he is a lecturer in Food Science at the University of Pretoria, where he teaches undergraduate and honors-level courses such as Food Product Development, Animal Food Science, and Food Safety and Hygiene. He previously lectured part-time at the University of Limpopo and served as a Senior Food Technologist at the Limpopo Agrofood Technology Station (LATS), where he led food product development initiatives and provided small business training. His practical experience is further enriched by his memberships in professional organizations, including the South African Association for Food Science and Technology (SAFFoST) and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), which keep him engaged with industry developments and standards.

Research Focus

Dr. Mukwevho’s research primarily focuses on food science and food technology, with particular expertise in the functional properties of Bambara groundnut and other underutilized crops. His work emphasizes innovative processing techniques, such as infrared and microwave treatments, to enhance the nutritional and functional properties of food products. His recent studies explore ways to reduce undesirable flavors in Bambara groundnut flour, increase the digestibility of protein hydrolysates, and improve the textural properties of game meat products. His research aims to promote food security, improve nutrition, and support sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Mukwevho’s publications in reputable journals and presentations at international conferences demonstrate his commitment to pioneering solutions that address both local and global food challenges.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Mukwevho’s academic and professional achievements have been recognized through various honors. As an undergraduate, he was awarded the Presidential Scholarship at Voorhees University and became an Honours College member, demonstrating his dedication to academic excellence early in his career. Throughout his professional journey, he has received multiple accolades for his contributions to food science, particularly in his work on Bambara groundnut, which has implications for nutrition and food security. His research has garnered attention at international conferences, such as IUFOST and the International Congress of Meat Science and Technology (ICoMST), where he has presented several times. Dr. Mukwevho’s accolades reflect his impact on advancing food science and underscore his potential to contribute further to global food technology innovations.

Conclusion

Dr. Mukwevho’s dedication to advancing Food Science, particularly through his pioneering research on Bambara groundnut processing techniques, makes him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions have tangible impacts on food safety and nutrition, particularly within the African context, making his work both regionally relevant and globally significant.

Publication Top Notes  

Title: Effects of added resulting flours from heat-treated Bambara groundnut seeds on properties of composite Bambara groundnuts–wheat dough and bread
Authors: Mukwevho, P., Emmambux, M.N.
Journal: Cereal Chemistry
Year: 2024
Citation Count: 0

Title: Effect of infrared and microwave treatments alone and in combination on the functional properties of resulting flours from Bambara groundnut seeds
Authors: Mukwevho, P., Emmambux, M.N.
Journal: LWT
Year: 2022
Citation Count: 21

Lulu Zhang | Food Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lulu Zhang | Food Science and Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lulu Zhang, Henan University of Technology, China

Lecturer at the College of Food Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Dr. Lulu Zhang obtained her Ph.D. in Food Science from Huazhong Agricultural University in 2020. Her research focuses on microbial fermentation, flavor chemistry, and the biosynthesis of natural flavor compounds, including limonene, α-terpineol, and perillyl alcohol. She has led several notable projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Dr. Zhang’s work has been recognized with the Second Prize of Science and Technology Achievement Award from the Henan Provincial Department of Education and the Cultivation Programme for Young Backbone Teachers. 📚🌱

Publication profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Lulu Zhang earned her Ph.D. in Food Science from Huazhong Agricultural University (2015-2020). She completed her undergraduate studies in Food Quality and Safety at Shanxi Agricultural University (2011-2015).

💼 Professional Experience

Since January 2021, Dr. Zhang has been a lecturer at the College of Food Science and Technology, Henan University of Technology.

Research Focus

Dr. Lulu Zhang specializes in microbial fermentation, flavor chemistry, and the biosynthesis of natural flavor compounds. Her research focuses on transforming low-value products into high-value ones through de novo synthesis, enzymatic conversion, and microbial transformation. She has extensively studied the biosynthesis and biological activities of compounds like limonene, α-terpineol, carveol, carvone, and nootkatone. Dr. Zhang’s work aims to meet the needs of the fragrance and flavor industry by exploring molecular mechanisms and optimizing biotransformation processes. Her notable contributions include research on monoterpenes and the bioactive properties of essential oils. 🌿🧪🔍

 

Publication Top Notes

  • “Molecular pharmacology and therapeutic advances of monoterpene perillyl alcohol” – Zhang, L., Wang, G., Li, Z., … Li, Z., Li, H. (2024), Phytomedicine, 0 citations. 🌿🧪
  • “Characteristics of whole wheat steamed bread production by two-stage fermentation procedure with Jiaozi as starter” – Li, Z., Liu, T., Zhang, L. (2024), Journal of Cereal Science, 0 citations. 🍞🔬
  • “Heterologous expression and characterization of the carveol dehydrogenase from Klebsiella sp. O852” – Li, Z., Wang, W., Wang, G., … Zhang, L., Yang, J. (2024), Molecular Catalysis, 0 citations. 🧫🧬
  • “Improved properties of dough fermented with rice wine prepared by mixed Saccharomycopsis fibuligera SF7 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC1” – Li, Z., Liu, T., Zhang, T., Zhang, L. (2024), Food Science and Biotechnology, 0 citations. 🍚🍷
  • “Isolation, purification, and mass spectrometry identification of the enzyme involved in citrus flavor (+)-valencene biotransformation to (+)-nootkatone by Yarrowia lipolytica” – Li, X., Ren, J.-N., Fan, G., Zhang, L.-L., Pan, S.-Y. (2023), Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 0 citations. 🍊🧪
  • “Recent updates on bioactive properties of α-terpineol” – Chen, Y., Zhang, L.-L., Wang, W., Wang, G. (2023), Journal of Essential Oil Research, 9 citations. 🌿🧬
  • “Differential proteomic analysis of citrus flavor (+)-valencene biotransformation to (+)-nootkatone by Yarrowia lipolytica” – Li, X., An, Q., Qu, S.-S., … Zhang, L.-L., Pan, S.-Y. (2022), International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2 citations. 🧫🔬
  • “Separation and purification of nootkatone from fermentation broth of Yarrowia lipolytica with high-speed counter-current chromatography” – Li, X., Ren, J.-N., Fan, G., … Zhang, L.-L., Pan, S.-Y. (2022), Journal of Food Science and Technology, 3 citations. 🧪🧬
  • “Characterization of scalded dough and its impact on the growth of mixed yeasts originating from Jiaozi” – Li, H., Dai, F., Zhang, L., Li, Z. (2022), Food Bioscience, 6 citations. 🍞🧫
  • “Genomic and transcriptomic analysis screening key genes for (+)-valencene biotransformation to (+)-nootkatone in Yarrowia lipolytica” – Li, X., Ren, J.-N., Fan, G., … Zhang, L.-L., Pan, S.-Y. (2022), Microbiological Research, 3 citations. 🧬🔍