Heveakore Maraia | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Heveakore Maraia | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Student and Researcher at Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Czech Republic

Heveakore Maraia is a researcher based at the Department of Zoology, University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic, and the Institute of Entomology at the Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on plant functional traits, community ecology, plant systematics, and behavioral ecology. She has contributed significantly to the study of herbivore communities and plant-herbivore interactions. Maraia’s recent work includes exploring niche partitioning in plant species and their vertical stratification, primarily in tropical forests. Her published works are part of several prominent ecological journals, and her ongoing projects examine the future of Southeast Asian microclimates and plant-herbivore dynamics across mountain ranges.

Professional Profile

Education

Heveakore Maraia completed her MSc in 2017 at Papua New Guinea University of Technology. Her thesis focused on investigating aspects of niche partitioning in Ixora species (Rubiaceae) and their spatial and genetic diversity in Papua New Guinea. She went on to pursue doctoral studies, contributing to the understanding of leaf traits and their effects on herbivore communities along vertical gradients, with implications for community ecology and the evolution of plant defense mechanisms in tropical environments.

Professional Experience

Maraia’s professional experience includes her role at the University of South Bohemia and the Institute of Entomology in Czechia, where she works on plant traits and their ecological interactions. Her fieldwork has taken her to Papua New Guinea and other tropical regions, studying ecological processes in diverse environments. She also participates in several research collaborations with international researchers and institutions, contributing to publications on plant systematics and herbivore community dynamics.

Research Interests

Maraia’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant functional traits and ecology, with a particular focus on community ecology and behavioral ecology. She explores how plant traits affect herbivore communities and how these interactions vary across environmental gradients. Her work on the vertical stratification of herbivores and their defense mechanisms against predators in tropical forests is of great interest to the ecological community. She is also keenly interested in plant systematics and the evolutionary relationships within plant species in diverse ecosystems like those in Papua New Guinea.

Research Skills

Maraia is skilled in field ecology, especially in conducting ecological surveys and experiments in tropical environments. Her expertise includes the study of plant-herbivore interactions, niche partitioning, and the use of various ecological modeling tools. She is proficient in analyzing plant traits, conducting genetic diversity studies, and using statistical tools for ecological data analysis. Additionally, Maraia has significant experience in publishing research and contributing to collaborative international research projects.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not detailed, Maraia’s research on plant-herbivore interactions and ecological processes in tropical environments has garnered attention in the scientific community. Her contributions are recognized through her ongoing publications in journals like Oecologia and Environmental Research Letters, as well as through collaborative projects and research partnerships across international institutions​

Conclusion

Heveakore Maraia is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to the field of tropical ecology and his dedication to biodiversity conservation. His extensive research, publications, and community engagement efforts make him a valuable asset to the global scientific community. With a few improvements in expanding his network and public outreach, he could further enhance the impact of his research. Overall, his passion, leadership, and commitment to environmental sustainability position him as a leading researcher in his field.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Patterns of tropical forest understory temperatures
    Authors: A Ismaeel, APK Tai, EG Santos, H Maraia, I Aalto, J Altman, J Doležal, …
    Journal: Nature Communications
    Year: 2024
  2. Engaging communities and government in biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation in Papua New Guinea
    Authors: B Jacobs, K McKenna, L Boronyak, F Dem, S Sui, K Pomoh, M Jimbudo, …
    Book: Managing Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific Region
    Year: 2020
  3. Insectivorous birds and bats outperform ants in the top‐down regulation of arthropods across strata of a Japanese temperate forest
    Authors: E Sivault, J Kollross, LR Jorge, S Finnie, D Diez‐Méndez, …
    Journal: Journal of Animal Ecology
    Year: 2024
  4. Impact of Predators on Arthropod Herbivores and Herbivory along Mountain Ranges on Islands Versus Mainland
    Authors: K Sam, A Mrazova, M Houska Tahadlova, J Kollross, H Maraia
    Book: Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Herbivore Interactions on Islands
    Year: 2024
  5. Substantial Insect Herbivory in a South African Savanna‐Forest Mosaic: A Neglected Topic
    Authors: H Maraia, T Charles‐Dominique, KW Tomlinson, AC Staver, LR Jorge, …
    Journal: Ecology and Evolution
    Year: 2024
    Citations: Not available (as it’s a recent publication).
  6. Field Work in Papua New Guinea Documents Seven New Records of a Hemiepiphytic Habit in Ferns
    Authors: M Sundue, H Maraia
    Journal: Plants
    Year: 2024
  7. The future of microclimate in Southeast Asia
    Authors: EG Santos, H Maraia, J Altman, J Doležal, K Sam, M Kopecky, M Svatek, …
    Journal: Environmental Research Letters
    Year: 2024
  8. An update on the distribution and morphology of Ixora amplexifolia (Ixoroideae, Rubiaceae) in Papua New Guinea
    Authors: H Maraia, L Orsak, O Gideon, T Okpul
    Journal: Phytotaxa
    Year: 2019
  9. Community responses to the effects of climate change in PNG
    Authors: K McKenna, B Jacobs, S Sui, L Boronyak, F Dem, K Pomoh, M Jimbudo, …
    Blog: Devpolicy Blog
    Year: 2019
  10. Investigating aspects of niche partitioning in Ixora L. (Rubiaceae), its spatial and morphological diversity in Papua New Guinea
    Author: H Maraia
    Institution: University of Technology
    Year: 2017

Eun Hye Cho | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Eun Hye Cho | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Konkuk University , South Korea

Eun Hye Cho is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate at Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in Food Science and Biotechnology. Her research focuses on the improvement and application of whey protein isolate (WPI) and emulsion systems in food and biomedical technologies. With a strong academic background, she is adept in using advanced bioimaging techniques to explore biomaterials, non-soluble materials, and proteins at a molecular level. Eun Hye has earned recognition for her impactful research, receiving multiple Best Presentation and Best Poster awards at prominent international conferences. Her work contributes significantly to advancing both academic knowledge and industrial practices, particularly in food science and biotechnology.

Professional Profile

Education

Eun Hye Cho is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Food Science and Biotechnology at Konkuk University, with an expected graduation in 2024. She completed her Master of Science in the same field at Konkuk University, achieving an impressive GPA of 4.13/4.3. During her master’s research, she explored the effects of the hot air roasting process on brown rice moisturized by water-spraying methods. Prior to this, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Biotechnology at CHA University, where she graduated with a GPA of 3.953/4.3, laying the foundation for her specialized research in food biomaterials.

Professional Experience

Eun Hye Cho has contributed significantly to research through her role as a Ph.D. candidate at Konkuk University, where she is working under the mentorship of Prof. Mi-jung Choi. She has gained experience in various advanced research techniques, including microscopy and imaging technologies, which are key to her investigations into proteins, non-soluble materials, and emulsion systems. Her professional experience includes presenting at high-profile conferences and collaborating with academic leaders, such as Associate Prof. Hyung-Yong Cho, further enhancing her research capabilities. Through these experiences, Eun Hye has solidified her position as a researcher in food science and biotechnology.

Research Interests

Eun Hye Cho’s research interests focus primarily on biomaterials, non-soluble materials, and emulsion systems, particularly in the context of whey proteins and their potential applications. Her work includes investigating the solubility of whey protein isolate (WPI), developing HIPES emulsions, and exploring double emulsions such as W/O/W emulsions. Additionally, she is interested in bioimaging techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and expansion microscopy (ExM). Her interdisciplinary research approach merges food science and biomedical applications, offering innovative solutions to both industries. Her work is also aligned with broader research in protein hydrolysates and their potential in various applications.

Research Skills

Eun Hye Cho has honed a diverse skill set throughout her research career, particularly in bioimaging techniques. She is proficient in fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, which are essential for studying the molecular structures of proteins and emulsions. Her expertise also extends to advanced expansion microscopy (ExM) and correlative microscopy methods, enabling her to visualize complex biological structures. Additionally, Eun Hye is skilled in formulating protein emulsions, utilizing techniques such as whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) and grain powder processing to enhance the solubility and functionality of proteins. These technical skills complement her deep knowledge of food science and biotechnology.

Awards and Honors

Eun Hye Cho’s exceptional contributions to research have earned her numerous awards. She has been recognized with Best Oral Presentation awards at the KoSFoST International Symposium and Annual Meeting and Connecting Academia with Industry towards Cutting-edge Food Technology in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, she has won Best Poster Presentation awards at significant conferences, including the Greenbio Food Tech for Sustainable Coexistence and the International Symposium on Precision Quality Control of Aquatic and Agro Foods. These accolades underscore her ability to present and communicate her research effectively, marking her as an emerging leader in her field.

Conclusion

Eun Hye Cho is a highly promising researcher in the field of food science and biotechnology, with a strong academic foundation, innovative research methodologies, and a growing recognition in her field. Her expertise in whey protein systems and emulsion technologies, combined with her excellence in bioimaging techniques, positions her as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With continued publication efforts and enhanced industry collaboration, she is likely to make even greater contributions to the field in the future.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Effects of the hot air roasting process on brown rice moisturized by water–spraying method
    Authors: EH Cho, J Lee, YW In, HY Cho
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Food Chemistry, 141630
  2. Title : Exploring process parameters according to cooking steps in electric pressure cooker
    Authors : HJ Kim, EH Cho, M Do Kim, YW In, HY Cho
    Year : 2023
    Conference : Academic Conference and Symposium, 143-143
  3. Title: Eating quality characteristics of cooked rice with various process parameters in electric pressure cooker
    Authors: EH Cho, YW In, HJ Kim, MJ Choi, HY Cho
    Year: 2023
    Conference: 학술대회 및 심포지엄, 145-145