Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Cell Structure Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute | Nigeria

Engr. Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe is a seasoned Senior Research Officer at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, Nigeria. With over nine years of progressive research experience, he specializes in food processing, postharvest technology, and agricultural nanotechnology. He is a trailblazer in developing electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices aimed at extending the shelf-life of fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. His research integrates innovative preservation technologies to enhance food quality and sustainability. A COREN-certified engineer and postgraduate fellow, Dr. Gbabe has collaborated internationally, notably with the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology in India. With extensive publications and conference contributions, he is an advocate of research-driven food security and sustainable packaging. He brings a multidisciplinary edge to the evolving field of agricultural innovation, focusing on reducing postharvest losses and increasing storage efficiency in sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Innovative Research in Agricultural Nanotechnology

    • Pioneered the development of electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices for fruit shelf-life extension — an emerging and impactful technology in food preservation.

  2. Strong Publication Record 

    • Over a dozen peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers published across international and national platforms with DOIs, indicating high-quality scholarly contribution.

  3. Hands-On International Collaboration 

    • Completed a research internship at TNAU, India, and collaborated with renowned global experts like Prof. K.S. Subramanian in nanoscience.

  4. Multi-disciplinary Skills 

    • Expertise in advanced instrumentation (FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, TEM) and statistical tools (R, SPSS) shows broad technical competence.

  5. Real-world Application & Societal Impact 

    • Focuses on postharvest technologies to reduce food losses, enhance food safety, and support smallholder farmers and artisans.

  6. Leadership and Mentorship

    • Supervises junior staff, fabricators, and trainees, and contributes to capacity building through training workshops.

  7. Recognized Academic Achievement 

    • Recipient of the Benue State University Postgraduate Fellowship (2020–2025).

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Technology Commercialization and Patenting

    • While research output is strong, translating research into commercial products or patents could increase impact.

  2. Broader International Visibility

    • Participation in more international consortia or grants (e.g., EU Horizon, USAID, FAO) could elevate the global footprint.

  3. Expanded Multidisciplinary Outreach

    • Could integrate more with biotech and AI in agri-research, especially in smart packaging and AI-driven postharvest solutions.

Education:

Dr. Gbabe is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Food Processing and Technology at Benue State University, Makurdi (2020–2025), with a research focus on developing electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices for fruit preservation. He holds a Master of Engineering in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi (2017–2019), where his thesis explored eco-building materials using rice husk and sawdust. His undergraduate and professional training background is further enhanced by a Certificate in Computer Appreciation (2010), an internship at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India (2023), and registration with COREN (2024). Dr. Gbabe is also a member of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE-M2207), demonstrating a strong foundation in both academic knowledge and regulatory standards in engineering and food technology. His educational pursuits reflect a consistent drive toward sustainability, innovation, and technological adaptation in agricultural systems.

Experience:

Dr. Gbabe serves as a Senior Research Officer at NSPRI since 2016, where he leads projects on postharvest technology, storage engineering, and food shelf-life enhancement. His duties span experimental design, research data analysis, technical report writing, equipment fabrication supervision, and stakeholder training. He has been instrumental in developing novel postharvest technologies and electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices for fruit preservation. In 2023, he completed a research internship at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India, gaining hands-on experience in nanotoxicity, food nanotechnology, and biosafety. Dr. Gbabe is known for his interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity-building initiatives, and extensive field and lab-based research. He also coordinates training programs for artisans, farmers, and students. His rich professional journey is marked by impactful project execution, community-focused technology dissemination, and consistent contributions to national and international research publications.

Research Focus:

Dr. Gbabe’s research is centered on postharvest loss reduction, sustainable food preservation, and agricultural nanotechnology. He is pioneering the use of electrospun hexanal nanofiber matrices to extend the shelf-life of perishable fruits like bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes—a major advancement in food storage technology. His work addresses the chemical and biological challenges in postharvest handling, integrating advanced techniques such as FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, and TEM to monitor quality and degradation. He is also exploring green materials for packaging and eco-friendly building solutions using agricultural waste like rice husks and sawdust. His international collaboration with TNAU, India, expanded his research in nanotoxicity and food safety. With a focus on experimental design, interdisciplinary innovation, and practical application, Dr. Gbabe contributes to the development of scalable, cost-effective technologies tailored for African agricultural ecosystems. His goal is to enhance food security through intelligent preservation methods and sustainable postharvest engineering.

Publication Top Notes:

  1.  Effect of Hexanal Nano-fiber Matrix on Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits during Storage

  2.  Development of Novel Hexanal Nano-fibre Matrix by Electrospinning for Shelf-life Extension of Mango Fruits

  3.  Implication of Different Storage Techniques on Physical Attributes of African Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

  4.  Maize Grains Milling Efficiency: A Performance Analysis of a Hammer Mill

  5.  Insecticidal and Toxicity Studies of Heliotropium Indicum Leaf Extracts for Stored Grain Pest Control

  6.  Commercial Utilization of Inert Atmosphere Silo for Maize Storage

  7.  Chemical and Physico-chemical Properties of OFSP Chips Dried Using Solar Dryers

  8.  Evaluation of the Use of Rice Husk in Producing Eco-Building Materials

  9.  Pros and Cons of AI Thermal Imaging in Postharvest Handling of Agricultural Products

  10.  Development of Hexanal Electrospun Nano-fiber Matrix for Banana Preservation

Conclusion:

Engr. Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe is an exemplary researcher who combines scientific rigor, technological innovation, and practical application in the field of food systems and agricultural engineering. His pioneering work in nanotechnology, coupled with his leadership in postharvest technology, makes him exceptionally deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

SWATI SHARMA | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. SWATI SHARMA | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. SWATI SHARMA, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Dr. Swati Sharma is a highly accomplished researcher in environmental remediation, currently serving as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Birmingham, UK. With deep expertise in microbiology, nanotechnology, and biochemical sciences, her work focuses on sustainable solutions to pollution through advanced bioengineering techniques. Dr. Sharma has consistently demonstrated excellence in both academia and research, with over 1,200 citations and a cumulative impact factor exceeding 80. Her scientific journey began in India, where she earned her Ph.D. from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. Her dedication to multidisciplinary collaboration has led to innovative advances in biosurfactants, nanomaterials, and microbial bioremediation. Through her impactful publications and international collaborations, Dr. Sharma is building a globally recognized research profile aimed at addressing some of the most critical environmental challenges.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. International Recognition & Funding

    • Marie Curie Fellowship—a highly competitive and prestigious EU-funded postdoctoral program.

  2. High-Impact Publications

    • 23 peer-reviewed journal articles across top-tier journals (e.g., Chemical Engineering Journal, Bioresource Technology).

  3. Strong Research Metrics

    • Over 1200 citations, indicating significant impact and recognition in the field.

  4. Interdisciplinary Excellence

    • Research spans biotechnology, nanoscience, environmental engineering, and materials science.

  5. Innovation in Sustainability

    • Developed eco-friendly technologies for oil spill remediation, heavy metal detoxification, and biosurfactant production.

  6. Proven Teaching & Mentoring

    • Experience as Teaching Assistant in critical subjects like Biophysics, Biochemical Engineering, and Research Methodology at IIT Guwahati.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

  1. Industry Collaboration & Technology Transfer

    • Could further enhance her profile through patents, start-ups, or partnerships with environmental technology companies.

  2. Leadership in Global Research Networks

    • Building roles in international research consortia, editorial boards, or scientific committees would increase visibility and influence.

  3. Public Engagement & Outreach

    • Increased involvement in science communication, outreach programs, or policy advocacy would broaden the societal impact of her research.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Swati Sharma’s academic foundation is rooted in premier Indian institutions known for excellence in science and engineering. She earned her Ph.D. in Biosciences and Bioengineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati in 2022, where she focused on microbial remediation and biosurfactant applications. Prior to her doctoral studies, she obtained her M.Tech. in Biotechnology from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Durgapur in 2016, building her technical and analytical skills in applied biological sciences. Her undergraduate journey began with a B.E. in Biotechnology from RV College of Engineering, Bangalore in 2014, where she was introduced to biochemical engineering and environmental biotechnology. This robust educational background has equipped her with interdisciplinary expertise, integrating biological sciences, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering to tackle global pollution problems through innovative, research-driven solutions.

👩‍🔬 Experience:

Dr. Swati Sharma has extensive experience in research and academia, particularly in biotechnology and environmental sciences. She is currently a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Birmingham, where she is investigating advanced bioremediation and nanotechnology applications for pollution control. From 2017 to 2019, she served as a Teaching Assistant at IIT Guwahati, contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate education in Research Methodology, Biophysics, and Biochemical Engineering. Her hands-on experience in reactor design, biosurfactant production, and wastewater treatment has been complemented by collaborative projects with chemical engineers, microbiologists, and materials scientists. Dr. Sharma has also worked in pilot-scale bioreactors and conducted field studies on oil-spill remediation. Her integrated research and teaching background showcase her versatility, communication skills, and a strong commitment to mentoring future scientists while pushing the boundaries of environmental and biochemical research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Swati Sharma’s research centers on environmental remediation using biosurfactants, nanomaterials, and microbial consortia. Her primary focus lies in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and dyes using engineered microbial systems and green nanotechnology. She has developed and optimized bioprocesses for oil-spill cleanup, wastewater treatment, and pathogen control, including innovative reactor configurations and biosorption mechanisms. Dr. Sharma’s work is interdisciplinary, spanning biotechnology, chemical engineering, and material sciences—with a strong emphasis on sustainability. She explores the synergy between biosorption and biodegradation, enabling cost-effective and scalable remediation systems. Her recent projects involve the use of tungsten-oxide nanomaterials for hydrogen evolution and the disinfection of viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 through novel physical methods. Through high-impact research and global collaborations, she aims to bridge the gap between lab-scale discoveries and real-world environmental solutions.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

  1. 🦴 Design of biphasic Fe and Zn doped hydroxyapatite to combat osteomyelitis – Ceramics Int.

  2. 🌱 Enhanced biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis using molasses – J. Biotech

  3. 🛢️ Biodegradation kinetics of Hexadecane & Phenanthrene via microconsortium – Bioresource Tech

  4. ⚡ Bulk synthesis of WO₃ nanomaterials for wastewater and hydrogen generation – Chem Eng J

  5. 🦠 UV-C & IR disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein – Int. J. Biol. Macromol

  6. 🧽 Hydrophobic biosorption & microbial remediation of oil spills – Ind Eng Chem Res

  7. 🛢️ Fed-batch integration of biosorption and biodegradation for oil cleanup – Lett Appl Microbiol

  8. 🍳 Waste cooking oil biodegradation & rhamnolipid production – Bioproc Biosyst Eng

  9. 🌿 Fungal bioherbicides for water hyacinth control – J. Basic Microbiol

  10. 🛢️ Biosurfactant production from sludge-isolated Bacillus subtilis – Bioresource Tech

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Swati Sharma is an outstanding early-career researcher whose academic rigor, international fellowship recognition, and impactful research position her as a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work addresses urgent global environmental problems using an integrative and innovative scientific approach, bridging fundamental research and applied environmental biotechnology. Given her achievements to date and her potential for continued excellence and leadership, she merits serious consideration for this honor.