Jebunnahar Khandakar | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jebunnahar Khandakar | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jebunnahar Khandakar, Independent University, Bangladesh, Bangladesh

Dr. Jebunnahar Khandakar is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in environmental science, plant physiology, and biotechnology. Currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Independent University, Bangladesh, she brings extensive expertise in sustainable agriculture and mushroom biotechnology. She earned her PhD from Nagasaki University, Japan, with a focus on plant-environment interactions and proteomics. Over her career, Dr. Khandakar has contributed significantly to research in mushroom cultivation, environmental sustainability, and food system innovations. Her work has been published in renowned journals, reflecting her commitment to developing practical, affordable, and eco-friendly solutions for agricultural improvement. She has also provided consultancy for global initiatives, including work with the UNCCD. Dr. Khandakar’s dedication to research and community impact makes her a strong candidate for recognition as a Best Researcher Award recipient.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Scopus

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Jebunnahar Khandakar’s educational background demonstrates a strong foundation in biotechnology and environmental science. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in September 2013 from Nagasaki University, Japan, where she focused on plant physiology and biotechnology, specifically analyzing stress responses and secondary metabolism in plants. Prior to that, she completed her MS in Biotechnology in July 2005 from Bangladesh Agricultural University with an excellent academic record (Grade A). Her MS research delved into mycelial growth and spawn production, forming the basis for her long-term interest in fungal biology. These degrees have equipped her with expertise in both applied and fundamental biosciences, particularly in sustainable crop production and biotechnological applications for food and environmental security. Her strong academic background supports her ongoing contributions to science through teaching, mentoring, and pioneering research projects.

Experience:

Dr. Jebunnahar Khandakar has nearly two decades of combined experience in academia and applied environmental science. She is currently an Associate Professor at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), where she has served since 2016, being promoted in September 2024. At IUB, she teaches and supervises students in plant biotechnology, environmental biology, and sustainable agriculture. Before her academic tenure, she served as a Junior Consultant for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) at the Department of Environment in Dhaka, where she contributed to policy frameworks for sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation. Her role involved integrating scientific research into national strategies, further enriching her interdisciplinary understanding. Dr. Khandakar’s career trajectory highlights her ability to bridge academic knowledge with field applications, aligning science with real-world agricultural and environmental challenges.

Research Focus:

Dr. Khandakar’s research primarily centers on sustainable agriculture, environmental biotechnology, and fungal physiology. Her work spans optimizing substrates for mushroom cultivation, improving post-harvest shelf life, and exploring biowaste as cultivation media. She also explores molecular and physiological responses of medicinal plants like Hyoscyamus albus under abiotic stresses, including nutrient deficiencies and metal toxicity. Through proteomics and biochemistry, she investigates root signaling, riboflavin biosynthesis, and stress-induced metabolite changes. Recently, her research has shifted to low-cost, eco-friendly solutions for food production—developing nitrogen gas packaging for mushrooms and assessing market chains for semi-fermented fish. Her interdisciplinary approach blends biotechnology with environmental sustainability, aiming to improve nutrition, soil health, and farmer livelihoods. This diverse yet focused research portfolio underlines her impact and innovation in agricultural and life sciences, with clear contributions toward climate-smart and affordable food technologies.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Using spent mushroom substrate (SMS) as a casing boosted bacterial activity and enhanced the mineral profile of Calocybe indica.

  2. Deciphering the Role of Substrate C/N Ratio in Preventing Orange Mold Contamination in Mushroom Cultivation.

  3. Establishment of a Simple Single Spore Isolation Method for Gilled Mushroom Research.

  4. Optimizing Tea Waste as a Sustainable Substrate for Oyster Mushroom Cultivation.

  5. Packaging with Nitrogen Gas Enhanced Shelf-Life of Fresh Oyster Mushrooms.

  6. Exploring the Market Value Chain Dynamics of Chepa (Semi-Fermented Fish).

  7. Shelf-life Evaluation of Oyster Mushrooms using Different Packaging Materials and Storage Conditions.

  8. Survey on Technical Efficacy and Farmer Satisfaction for Onion Seed Production in Rajshahi.

  9. Extraction and Fractionation of Subproteome from Hyoscyamus albus Root Tips.

  10.  Reducing Pesticide Use in Cucumber Cultivation via Environment-Friendly Technology.

Conclusion:

Dr. Jebunnahar Khandakar is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her work is innovative, impactful, and highly aligned with real-world agricultural challenges—particularly in low-cost, sustainable food production methods and environmental biotechnology. She has demonstrated academic excellence, field application, and research leadership over the years, both nationally and internationally.

Mona Soliman | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mona Soliman | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mona Soliman , Cairo University , Egypt

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman is an accomplished Associate Professor with significant academic and research contributions in plant physiology and biochemistry. She holds academic positions at Cairo University in Egypt and Taibah University in Saudi Arabia. With a profound expertise in agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices, and food security, Dr. Soliman’s work focuses on improving crop productivity and soil health. She has contributed to several high-impact journals and collaborated with top international researchers. Her dedication extends to mentoring postgraduate students and guiding secondary school students in science competitions. Her work is consistently recognized, with her inclusion in the top 2% of scientists worldwide as per Elsevier’s updated citation index. Dr. Soliman’s research and leadership make her a standout figure in agricultural science.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Research Impact:
    • Dr. Soliman has a substantial record of publications in renowned, peer-reviewed journals like Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Functional Plant Biology, and Chemosphere, among others.
    • With a citation index of 3102, she demonstrates considerable influence in her research field, especially in crop enhancement, sustainable farming, and bio-remediation.
    • Her research has direct relevance to global challenges like food security, environmental sustainability, and the enhancement of agricultural practices.
  2. Innovative Research Contributions:
    • Dr. Soliman has focused on areas like improving soil health, crop productivity, and sustainability, including innovations like nanotechnology and biochar for agricultural production.
    • She has worked on diverse agricultural and environmental issues such as plant stress tolerance, biofortification, and phytoremediation, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to solving complex challenges.
  3. Leadership and Collaboration:
    • As an Associate Professor, she has demonstrated leadership in teaching, mentoring, and supervising students and researchers, guiding them through impactful projects that contribute to both academic development and real-world applications.
    • Her collaboration with global institutions and involvement in the International Science and Engineering Fairs further emphasizes her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and mentoring the next generation of researchers.
  4. Academic and Professional Recognition:
    • Dr. Soliman’s recognition in the world’s top 2% of scientists as per the 2024 update and her editorial board memberships in reputable journals highlight her credibility and leadership in the scientific community.
  5. Books and Patents:
    • She has contributed to multiple published books on topics related to plant physiology, stress tolerance, and biofortification, alongside her work in other research publications and patents.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Public Engagement:
    • While Dr. Soliman has made great strides in scientific research and academia, expanding her work into more public or industry-facing platforms might increase the real-world application of her research outcomes. In particular, her work in sustainable farming practices could be shared more widely through workshops or public outreach initiatives.
  2. Further Mentorship Opportunities:
    • Given her significant academic experience, an expansion in mentoring more diverse research groups (e.g., from other regions or disciplines) could strengthen the global impact of her work.
  3. Additional Collaborative Research:
    • Dr. Soliman has demonstrated impressive collaboration with national researchers, but expanding her global collaborations in emerging agricultural technologies or interdisciplinary fields (such as climate change solutions) could open new avenues for research impact.

Education:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman earned her degree from Cairo University, where she specialized in plant physiology and biochemistry. She holds advanced qualifications that have propelled her academic career, including her position as an Associate Professor. She has continuously pursued further professional development to expand her research and teaching knowledge. With a strong foundation in the scientific principles behind plant biochemistry, she has refined her skills in advanced research techniques and laboratory instrumentation. Dr. Soliman’s academic journey has been characterized by her commitment to excellence, as she has been recognized both in Egypt and internationally for her scientific accomplishments. Her education provided the groundwork for her extensive contributions to the fields of agriculture, crop enhancement, and sustainable farming practices.

Experience:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman brings over two decades of experience in academic teaching, research, and scientific leadership. Currently, she holds positions at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia and Cairo University in Egypt. Dr. Soliman has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including top-tier journals in her field, contributing significant advancements in plant physiology and agricultural innovations. She has worked on several research projects that focus on crop improvement, sustainability, and bioremediation. With hands-on expertise in laboratory techniques, Dr. Soliman has trained postgraduate students and mentored young researchers, equipping them with the necessary skills for future success. Furthermore, her research projects, such as those investigating soil health, crop stress tolerance, and bio-remediation, have garnered significant recognition globally. Her diverse experience as a researcher, educator, and consultant makes her a highly valued figure in the scientific community.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman’s career has been marked by numerous accolades recognizing her research and contributions to science. She has been listed in the World’s top 2% of scientists, a distinction based on citation indices and global recognition of her impact in the fields of plant physiology and biochemistry. Dr. Soliman has received a certificate from Taibah University for her work in mentoring secondary school students who participated in the International Science and Engineering Fairs. Furthermore, her research projects have been published in high-impact journals such as Functional Plant Biology and Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, showcasing her influence in the scientific community. As an editorial board member of journals related to plant physiology and biochemistry, Dr. Soliman’s leadership is recognized globally. Her awards underscore her commitment to innovation, excellence in research, and making impactful contributions to agriculture and sustainability.

Research Focus:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman’s research focuses on agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices, and crop productivity. Her work investigates ways to improve soil health, fertility, and crop resilience through sustainable approaches such as biochar, nanotechnology, and natural products. Additionally, Dr. Soliman is passionate about the application of genomics and gene editing technologies to enhance agricultural output and food security. She emphasizes the circular economy and eco-friendly practices that align with reducing waste and improving the efficiency of agricultural systems. Another area of her expertise is the development of solutions for plant stress tolerance, particularly under abiotic stress conditions such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals. Dr. Soliman’s interdisciplinary approach, integrating biochemistry, genetics, and sustainable agriculture, aims to improve crop yield, reduce environmental degradation, and promote food security across the globe.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Potential of Azo Dye-Degrading Enzymes for Bioremediation in the Textile Industry 🧬
  2. Investigating the Combined Effects of β-Sitosterol and Biochar on Nutritional Value and Drought Tolerance in Phaseolus Vulgaris 🌱
  3. Prediction of Promiscuous Multiepitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Against RdRp of Rotavirus Using Immunoinformatics Studies 💉
  4. Jasmonic Acid Priming and Foliar Application of Spermidine Up-Regulates the Tolerance Mechanisms to Alleviate Cadmium Stress in Wheat 🌾
  5. Potassium Silica Nanostructure Improved Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Sorghum Plants Under Drought Stress 🌾

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative contributions to agricultural sciences, particularly in improving crop productivity and sustainability, have had a significant impact on both the scientific community and practical applications. Her leadership, high citation index, and active role in mentoring and collaborations further cement her eligibility for this prestigious award. While there is room for growth in terms of broader public engagement and expanding global collaborations, her body of work is exemplary, and she has shown significant promise in both academic and applied research.