Jebunnahar Khandakar | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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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: 

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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.

Takwa Wannassi | Plant pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Takwa Wannassi | Plant pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Takwa Wannassi, CRRA Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia

Dr. Takwa Wannassi is a dedicated plant protection specialist and postdoctoral researcher at the Regional Center of Agricultural Research in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. With a Ph.D. in Plant Protection and Environment and an Engineering Degree in Horticulture, she brings advanced expertise in entomology, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture. Her work is primarily focused on integrated pest management and ecological approaches to crop protection, particularly in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Dr. Wannassi has authored several impactful scientific publications and has contributed significantly to the understanding of invasive pest dynamics, particularly the apricot seed wasp. She plays a crucial role in the international PRIMA project “REVINE,” where she coordinates field trials, mentors students, and collaborates across scientific disciplines. Her dedication to sustainable farming solutions, her extensive research record, and her collaborative spirit make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile: 

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Education:

Dr. Takwa Wannassi holds a Ph.D. in Plant Protection and Environment from Sousse University, Higher Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Chott Mariem (ISA-CM), completed in December 2022. Her doctoral work centered on invasive species and sustainable pest management in Tunisia, particularly the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi. She also holds an Engineer Degree in Horticulture with a specialization in Plant Protection, earned in July 2017 from the same institution. Her academic journey reflects a consistent focus on understanding ecological challenges in agriculture and developing innovative, sustainable solutions. Through both degrees, she acquired hands-on skills in molecular biology, field experimentation, pest identification, and biological control. Her academic excellence laid the foundation for her impactful contributions in agricultural research and sustainability science in the Mediterranean region.

Experience:

Since January 2025, Dr. Takwa Wannassi has been serving as a postdoctoral fellow at the Regional Center of Agricultural Research in Sidi Bouzid (CRRA), Tunisia, contributing to the international PRIMA Project “REVINE.” Her responsibilities include coordinating the research project, supervising graduate students, conducting field and lab trials, and analyzing data using R. Her work spans genomic analysis, molecular diagnostics, pest ecology, and microbiome studies. Previously, during her Ph.D., she gained extensive experience in pest ecology, molecular biology, and entomology, particularly in relation to invasive pests such as Eurytoma samsonowi. Dr. Wannassi also collaborates with international institutions, including during a research fellowship in Canada. She is proficient in preparing scientific publications and has presented her findings at major international conferences. Her multidisciplinary approach and leadership in sustainable agriculture research have earned her recognition at both national and international levels.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Takwa Wannassi has received several accolades in recognition of her contributions to agricultural science and research. In 2019, she earned the Best Poster Award at the Tunisia-Japan Symposium on Science, Society and Technology (TJASSST) for her research on pest behavior and pheromone-based management strategies. That same year, she was granted a Research Fellowship in Canada, allowing her to work at the University of Victoria, British Columbia for two months, enhancing her international research exposure and collaboration. Her continuous efforts in sustainable pest management, microbiome studies, and plant-pathogen interaction have positioned her as a promising researcher in plant protection. She is frequently invited to contribute to scientific conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Her achievements underline her scientific innovation, dedication to eco-agriculture, and her potential as a future leader in Mediterranean agricultural research.

Research Focus:

Dr. Takwa Wannassi’s research centers on plant protection, pest ecology, biological control, and plant-microbiome interactions, with a strong focus on sustainability. Her main scientific interest lies in understanding the behavior and biology of invasive pests like Eurytoma samsonowi, a major threat to apricot production in Tunisia. She utilizes molecular tools, including 16S rRNA sequencing, to explore bacterial communities and Wolbachia infections in pest populations. Additionally, she investigates the role of beneficial rhizobacteria and microbial consortia in disease suppression and grapevine health as part of the PRIMA “REVINE” project. Through multidisciplinary approaches, she integrates entomology, microbiology, and bioinformatics to develop innovative pest management strategies aligned with climate-smart agriculture. Her goal is to promote ecosystem services, biodiversity, and resilience in Mediterranean cropping systems through regenerative and eco-friendly practices.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Insights on the bioecology of the invasive apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi in Tunisia (Biologia, 2023)

  2. Emergence of the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi as an economic pest of apricots in Tunisia (Phytoparasitica, 2022)

  3. Prevalence of Wolbachia infection in field populations of the apricot seed wasp (International Microbiology, 2024)

  4. Exploration of bacterial composition and diversity within Eurytoma samsonowi via 16S rRNA sequencing (Symbiosis, 2025)

  5. Harnessing a Microbial Consortium and Compost to Control Grapevine Pathogens (Horticulturae, 2025)

  6. Investigating the potential role of beneficial rhizobacteria for grapevine health and growth (Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2025)

  7. Biocontrol Assessment of Trichoderma Species on Tomato Crops Infested by Curvularia Spicifera (Frontiers, 2025)

  8. Divergent bacterial abundance and diversity in Eurytoma samsonowi revealed by 16S rRNA (Biochem & Microbiology Congress)

  9. Assessment of damage by Eurytoma samsonowi on apricot fruits in Tunisia (INAT Symposium Poster, 2018)

  10.  Delta traps with virgin females attract Eurytoma samsonowi males: Pheromone control potential (TJASSST, 2019)

Conclusion:

Dr. Takwa Wannassi is an emerging leader in plant protection and agroecology, with a proven record of excellence in research, publishing, and project management. Her work on invasive pest control, microbial consortia, and regenerative viticulture directly addresses critical challenges in Mediterranean and global agriculture. Her multidisciplinary approach, international recognition, and active mentorship highlight her readiness for continued leadership in science. She is highly suitable and deserving of the Best Researcher Award, as she exemplifies innovation, academic rigor, and a commitment to sustainable agricultural development.