Assist Prof Dr. Parastoo Majidian | Agricultural Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Parastoo Majidian | Agricultural Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department at Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Iran

Parastoo Majidian is an assistant professor at the Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department of the Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center in Sari, Iran. She was born on June 7, 1984, and is Iranian.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Dr. Parastoo Majidian completed her Ph.D. in Plant Breeding-Genetic Engineering and Molecular Genetics from the Department of Plant Breeding at Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran, from 2012 to 2016. Her Ph.D. program comprised 2 years of a taught program, followed by a comprehensive examination and 2 years of research work. She achieved a GPA of 17.56 out of 20, ranking third among five students. Her thesis, titled “Evaluation of artificial regulation system in Bacillus subtilis in order to transcriptional control,” earned a score of 19.70 out of 20 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. H. Najafi Zarini and Prof. Dr. K.I. Yoshida. Earlier, she obtained her M.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering-Plant Biotechnology from the same university, following a similar program structure from 2009 to 2011. She secured a GPA of 17.46 out of 20 and her thesis on “Evaluation of genetic diversity of some apricot cultivars and genotypes using SSR and AFLP markers” received a score of 19.90 out of 20. Prof. Dr. H. Najafi Zarini and Prof. Dr. M. Zeinalabedini supervised her during this period. Dr. Majidian began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Plant Pathology from the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran, from 2003 to 2007, achieving a GPA of 16.38 out of 20.

Skills:

Dr. Parastoo Majidian is proficient in a range of molecular biology techniques, including PCR and primer designing, qRT-PCR, cDNA synthesis, and agarose gel electrophoresis. She is also experienced in statistical genomics software such as Gcluto, NTSYS, Splitstree, xlstat, genalex, power marker, Oligo7, structure, tassel, and microsatellite toolkit. Her expertise extends to genetic engineering techniques, including the isolation and purification of nucleic acids, isolation of chromosomes, nucleic acid blotting techniques, DNA sequencing, alternative methods of DNA sequencing, chemical synthesis of DNA, bacterial culture, and genetic transformation. In the field of proteomics, Dr. Majidian is skilled in high-quality protein extraction and purification, Bradford assay, SDS-PAGE, and spectrophotometric enzyme assay. She is also well-versed in various plant breeding techniques such as backcrossing or introgression breeding, inbreeding, hybrid breeding, measurement of quantitative and qualitative traits, selection with molecular markers in plant breeding, quantitative trait loci localization, genetic engineering, and applying abiotic stress at field or greenhouse conditions. Additionally, she is knowledgeable in plant physiology techniques including enzyme assays such as antioxidants enzyme activity and metabolite content measurement assay.

Teaching Experience:

At the University of Payam Noor and Sana Institute of Higher Education, Dr. Parastoo Majidian has completed courses covering a wide range of subjects in biotechnology, genetic engineering, biochemistry, statistics, genetic biometric, plant physiology, plant breeding, bioinformatics, plant tissue culture, molecular genetics, and advanced molecular genetics. She has also studied plant breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as plant diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Additionally, Dr. Majidian has participated in several workshops, including “The Agronomy and Principles of Camelina Cultivation” in winter 2021, “The Principles of Soybean Cultivation and Its Breeding” in spring 2021, “The Principles of Soybean Cultivation and Nutrition 1&2” in spring 2021, “Soybean Cultivation After Wheat Harvest 1&2” in summer 2021, and “The Importance of Soybean Cultivation” in spring 2023. These workshops have provided her with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in various aspects of agriculture and crop cultivation.

Honors and Achievements:

Dr. Parastoo Majidian has achieved several honors and accomplishments throughout her career. She successfully obtained a research grant from the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology for a sabbatical leave, which allowed her to work as a researcher at the Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan, from 2014 to 2015. Prior to this, she worked as a researcher at the Department of System Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Mahdasht Road, Karaj, Iran, from 2009 to 2011. Dr. Majidian is a member of several prestigious societies, including the Iranian Genetic Society, the Iranian Biotechnology Society, and the Iranian Agronomy and Plant Breeding Society. These memberships reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge and research in the field of genetics, biotechnology, agronomy, and plant breeding.

 Publications:

  1. 🌿 Metabolic engineering of microorganisms for biofuel production
    • Authors: P Majidian, M Tabatabaei, M Zeinolabedini, MP Naghshbandi, Y Chisti
    • Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
    • Citations: 147
    • Year: 2018
  2. 🌱 Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni responses to salt stress and chitosan elicitor
    • Authors: ZA Mahyar Gerami, Parastoo Majidian, Akram Ghorbanpour
    • Journal: Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plant
    • Citations: 42
    • Year: 2020
  3. 🌼 Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a monomorphic or polymorphic species?
    • Authors: Z Nemati, M Mardi, P Majidian, M Zeinalabedini, SM Pirseyedi, …
    • Journal: Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research
    • Citations: 25
    • Year: 2014
  4. 🍑 Molecular variability and genetic relationship and structure of Iranian Prunus rootstocks revealed by SSR and AFLP markers
    • Authors: M Zeinalabedini, J Dezhampour, P Majidian, M Khakzad, BM Zanjani, …
    • Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
    • Citations: 15
    • Year: 2014
  5. 🌳 Integration of molecular and geographical data analysis of Iranian Prunus scoparia populations in order to assess genetic diversity and conservation planning
    • Authors: PMG Mehrshad Zeinalabedini, Parastoo Majidian, Reyhaneh Ashori, Ameneh …
    • Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
    • Citations: 9
    • Year: 2019
  6. ❄️ Assessment of Iranian apricot cultivars resistant, susceptible and mutant to late spring frost
    • Authors: Z Nazemi, M Zeinolabedini, MT Hallajian, N Bouzari, P Majidian, …
    • Journal: JOURNAL OF PLANT MOLECULAR BREEDING
    • Citations: 9
    • Year: 2016
  7. 🌸 Identification of self-compatibility and self-incompatibility genotypes in almond and some Prunus species using molecular markers.
    • Authors: M Zeinolabedini, MK Nekoee, AI Iman, P Majidian
    • Journal: Seed and Plant Improvement Journal
    • Citations: 8
    • Year: 2012
  8. 🧫 Bacillus subtilis GntR regulation modified to devise artificial transient induction systems
    • Authors: P Majidian, J Kuse, K Tanaka, H Najafi, M Zeinalabedini, S Takenaka, …
    • Journal: The Journal of General and Applied Microbiology
    • Citations: 7
    • Year: 2016
  9. 🌿 Commercial Iranian olive cultivars: morphological traits, molecular diversity, and genetic structure
    • Authors: M Mardi, M Zeinalabedini, SM Mousavi-Derazmahalleh, AA Zeinanloo, …
    • Journal: The Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology
    • Citations: 5
    • Year: 2016
  10. 🍇 First report of a set of genetic identities in Prunus rootstocks by SSR markers
    • Authors: M Zeinalabedini, P Majidian, J Dezhampour, M Khakzad, M Farsi
    • Journal: JOURNAL OF PLANT MOLECULAR BREEDING
    • Citations: 4
    • Year: 2016

 

Ms. Dorothy Murugu | Nutrition | Best Research Award

Ms. Dorothy Murugu | Nutrition | Best Research Award

PhD Candidate at Nutrition, ICIPE/Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya

👨‍🎓She remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 She successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Experience:

Ms. Dorothy Murugu has a wealth of experience in nutrition and international development, with a focus on improving food and nutrition security in Africa. She served as a Senior Nutrition Consultant for the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s Initiative for Food and Nutrition Security in Africa (IFNA), where she played a key role in supporting nutrition-sensitive agriculture programming in Kitui County, Kenya. Ms. Murugu also worked as an International Consultant for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome, Italy, and as a Nutrition and Social Inclusion Specialist, supporting missions to the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP). She further contributed her expertise as a Project Management Consultant for the Evidence and Action Toward Safe, Nutritious Food (EATSAFE) Project, a USAID-funded initiative, and as a Senior Consultant for Nutrition, providing technical advisory to multiple projects in the African region for IFAD. Ms. Murugu’s dedication to improving nutrition outcomes and promoting sustainable food systems underscores her commitment to advancing global health and development goals.

Education:

Ms. Dorothy Murugu holds a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition from Jomo Kenyatta University of Science & Technology in Kenya, which she completed from 2016 to 2024. Prior to her doctoral studies, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the same university, graduating in 2011. Ms. Murugu’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science & Technology from Egerton University in Kenya, where she graduated in 2002. Her educational background has equipped her with a strong foundation in food science, nutrition, and public health, which she applies in her professional work to address food and nutrition security challenges.

Certifications & Training:

  • Food Systems E-Course, Wageningen University, Netherlands, 2022
  • Production, Management and Use of Food Composition Data, University of Pretoria, South Africa, 2018
  • Nutrition in Global Changing Environment training, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, 2016
  • Food Composition Tables, Wageningen University, Netherlands, 2015
  • Application of Innovations in Maternal and Neo-natal Health by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, 2013
  • Standard Operating Procedures for Stable Isotope Techniques in monitoring and improving nutrition interventions in African countries, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Tanzania, 2009

Professional Affiliations:

  • Visiting Academic, University of Leeds, UK
  • Guest Lecturer, Tel-Aviv University Israel- International Programme for Sustainable development (Masters class)
  • Kenya Nutrition and Dietetics Institute (KNDI) – Fully accredited
  • Member of the African Network of Food Data Systems (AFROFOODS)
  • Africa Graduate Nutrition Students Network (AGSNET)
  • Member of the national food composition tables steering committee
  • Member of the Agri-Nutrition National Steering committee housed by the Ministry of Agriculture

 

Dr. Leila Bandian | Post Harvest | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Leila Bandian | Post Harvest | Best Researcher Award

Research Awards at Post Harvest, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

👨‍🎓She remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 She successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Dr. Leila Bandian has a diverse academic background, with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Payame Noor University of Bojnour, a Master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences, and a Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences from Ferdowsi University. Her post-graduate thesis focused on the effects of bentonite application and urea fertilization time on the growth, development, and nitrate accumulation in spinach (Spinacia oleraceae L.). Her doctoral thesis evaluated the effects of polylysine (e-PL) and some plant extracts on the control of caries-causing bacteria and the shelf life of lettuce and basil. Dr. Leila Bandian’s academic journey reflects her expertise in biology and horticultural sciences, with a focus on agricultural practices and plant health.

 

Dr. Nima Babolanimogadam | Food Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nima Babolanimogadam | Food Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Food Biotechnology, University of Tehran, Iran

👨‍🎓He remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 He successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Dr. Nima Babolanimogadam has a diverse educational background in food science and technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Hygiene from the Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran (2017-2022). Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology with a focus on Food Microbiology from the College of Food Science and Technology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran (2013-2016). He began his academic journey by obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Technology from the Department of Food Science, Islamic Azad University Sarab Branch, Sarab, Iran (2005-2009).

Nima Babolanimogadam ‘s citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar are as follows:

  • Cited by: All: 146, Since 2018: 137
  • Citations: 146 (All), 137 (Since 2018)
  • h-index:  4 (All), 4 (Since 2018)
  • i10-index: 2 (All), 2 (Since 2018)

These metrics showcase the impact of Babolanimogadam ‘s work within the academic community, demonstrating the number of citations his publications have received and the influence of his research output.

Work Experience:

Dr. Nima Babolanimogadam has extensive experience in research and project management in the fields of pharmacy and biotechnology. He served as a Research Project Manager and Thesis Advisor for the general doctor of pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, focusing on the production of anti-microbial therapeutic films for the treatment of bedsores (2022-2023). Additionally, he worked as an Industrial-Science Project Supervisor at Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran, overseeing the project “Plant-based and single cell-based Milk and nutraceutical non-dairy products.” Dr. Babolanimogadam also has international research experience, having worked as a Researcher at the Department of Biotechnology, Lund University, Sweden, under the supervision of Prof. Eva Nordberg Karlsson (August 2019). During this time, his research focused on microbial cultivation technology using the thermophilic aerobe Rhodothermus Marinus. Furthermore, he was an Erasmus Plus scholarship researcher at the Department of Food Technology, Lund University, Sweden, where he worked on the project “Effect of Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field stress on Probiotic bacteria Products” under the supervision of Federico Gomez and Magnus Carlquist (April to July 2019).

Reviewer Activity:

Dr. Nima Babolanimogadam has contributed to several publications in the field of food science and technology, including “Food Bioscience” published by Elsevier Publications (IF=5.318), “Food Science and Technology International” published by SAGE Publications (IF=2.63), and “Journal of Food Science and Technology (Iran, AFSTI).”

Software Skills:

Dr. Nima Babolanimogadam possesses the following software skills:

  • Microsoft Office
  • SPSS
  • Design Expert (RSM)

Other Activity:

Dr. Nima Babolanimogadam has been recognized for his achievements, including winning the 6th Festival of Philosopher and Young Scientists and receiving the “Top Technologist” award from the Governorate of Ardabil province, Iran, in 2021.

Publications:

A novel bioactive edible coating based on sodium alginate and galbanum gum incorporated with essential oil of Ziziphora persica: The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and …

  • Published in Energy in 2017 with 109 citations.

Influence of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oil on the microbial, chemical, and sensory properties of chicken fillets wrapped with gelatin film

  • Published in Energy in 2021 with 21 citations.

Effect of chitosan coating contain Ajwain essential oil on the shelf-life of chicken breast meat during refrigerated condition

  • Published in Energy in 2020 with 07 citations.

Evaluations of the antibacterial effect of chitosan edible film contain ajwain essential oil on some foodborne pathogenic bacteria

  • Published in Energy in 2018 with 04 citations.

Nutritional, functional, and sensorial properties of oat milk produced by single and combined acid, alkaline, α-amylase, and sprouting treatments

  • Published in Energy in 2022 with 02 citations.

Identification of Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) Essential Oil Compounds and Investigation of its Effect on Some Foodborne Pathogens: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus …

  • Published in Energy in 2020 with 02 citations.

Investigation of survival of probiotic Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium lactis encapsulated with calcium alginate-inulin in cold green tea drink

  • Published in Energy in 2022 with 01 citations.