Amal Zaher | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amal Zaher | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amal Zaher , Beni-suef University , Egypt

Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata Mohamad is an Egyptian chemical and environmental engineering researcher with over two decades of academic and industrial experience. Born on March 6, 1978, she currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Environmental Science and Industrial Development, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Egypt. Dr. Zaher’s work bridges environmental sustainability and nanotechnology, focusing on wastewater treatment and advanced material applications. With a strong background in safety and occupational health, her research integrates real-world industry needs with academic innovation. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and has contributed to book chapters and international conferences. Her collaborative nature and interdisciplinary expertise have made her a respected voice in environmental science across Egypt and beyond.

Publication Profile: 

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✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Output: Dr. Zaher has authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and book chapters, covering highly relevant environmental topics like wastewater treatment, nanotechnology, and advanced materials.

  2. Interdisciplinary Expertise: She bridges chemical engineering and environmental science, with a strong focus on Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs), MOFs, nanofibers, and photocatalysis, demonstrating deep technical versatility.

  3. Real-World Relevance: Her research is oriented toward practical environmental applications—such as the degradation of pollutants and water purification—contributing to sustainable development and public health.

  4. Longstanding Academic and Industrial Experience: Dr. Zaher combines over 20 years of experience in engineering practice, health & safety, and academic teaching, giving her research both depth and applicability.

  5. Global Contributions: Participation in international conferences and publication in high-impact journals (e.g., Fuel, Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research) demonstrates global recognition.

  6. Leadership and Mentorship: As an Associate Professor, she plays a key role in mentoring postgraduate students, leading interdisciplinary projects, and promoting research at Beni-Suef University.

🔄 Areas for Improvement:

  1. International Collaborations: While she has collaborated widely within Egypt, expanding joint projects with international institutions or labs would elevate her global research profile.

  2. Patent or Commercial Applications: Filing patents or translating her nanomaterials research into industrial or commercial solutions would further enhance her impact.

  3. Research Funding and Grants: More visibility in securing or leading national/international research grants would strengthen her academic leadership credentials.

  4. Citation Impact: While she publishes frequently, focused efforts on publishing in journals with higher citation indices or review papers may increase her scientific impact.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Amal Zaher holds a B.Sc. with Honors in Chemical Engineering from Minia University, Egypt (2000). She later earned her M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the same institution in 2006 with a thesis focused on innovative techniques for treating oil-polluted wastewater. Driven by her interest in sustainable environmental technologies, she continued her academic pursuits and received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Industrial Development, further enhancing her knowledge in advanced oxidation processes and nanomaterials for wastewater treatment. Her educational background merges rigorous engineering principles with environmental applications, making her a versatile researcher in tackling industrial pollution challenges. Her academic training provided the foundation for a distinguished career in teaching, safety management, and cutting-edge scientific research.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Amal Zaher began her professional journey as a freelance engineer (2000–2002) before working as a specialist in safety and occupational health at the Manpower and Immigration Department in Minia, Egypt (2002–2016). She transitioned into academia in 2013 as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences, Beni-Suef University (BSU), later promoted to Associate Professor. With her diverse background, she has contributed significantly to environmental safety and pollution control both in practice and in theory. Her hands-on experience in industrial environments enhances her teaching and research, enabling her to address real-world problems with academic solutions. Dr. Zaher has led and collaborated on numerous projects related to wastewater treatment, nanomaterials, and environmental remediation, establishing herself as an expert and mentor in the field.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Amal Zaher’s research centers around advanced materials and processes for environmental remediation, particularly in water and wastewater treatment. Her work explores the use of layered double hydroxides (LDH), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and nanostructures in removing pollutants like heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. She is known for her contributions to photocatalytic degradation using processes such as Photo-Fenton and her innovative use of zeolite templates and metal doping to enhance adsorptive efficiency. Her recent projects delve into electrocatalytic and antibacterial applications of nanomaterials, as well as solar desalination. Her multidisciplinary approach—combining chemical engineering, environmental science, and materials chemistry—supports sustainable water management. Through publications, book chapters, and international presentations, Dr. Zaher has advanced global knowledge on pollution control and eco-friendly technologies.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. ⚗️ Using Advanced Oxidation Process for Oily Water Clean-up

  2. 🌿 Optimization of a Simulated Photo-Fenton Process for Treating Olive Mill Wastewater

  3. 🔬 Influences of Tungsten Incorporation on Ni/C Nanostructures for Urea Elimination

  4. 💊 Zn/Fe LDH for Removal of Oxytetracycline: Experimental & Molecular Simulations

  5. 🌞 Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol Wastewater: Photo Fenton Optimization

  6. 🧪 Nickel Doped Carbon Nanofibers with Tungsten for Ethanol Oxidation

  7. 💧 La-doped Zn-Fe LDH for Tetracycline Adsorption from Water

  8. 🧱 LDH Nanocubes with Zeolite Templates for Adsorbent Applications

  9. 🎨 Physicochemical Properties of Zn–Fe LDH for Dye Removal

  10. 🧼 Photocatalytic Degradation of Dye Wastewater with ZnO Nanoparticles

📌 Conclusion:

Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata Mohamad is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work stands out for its relevance, innovation, and impact in solving critical environmental challenges through scientific research. With her impressive record of publications, dedication to teaching and mentoring, and alignment with sustainable development goals, she exemplifies the caliber of a leading researcher. Addressing a few strategic improvements could make her a globally recognized name in environmental science and nanotechnology.

Tarun Kumar Upadhyay | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Tarun Kumar Upadhyay | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tarun Kumar Upadhyay  , Parul University , India

Dr. Tarun Kumar Upadhyay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. He is an accomplished researcher with expertise in natural polymeric drug delivery systems, infectious diseases, and immunobiochemistry. Dr. Upadhyay has contributed significantly to the development of microparticulate formulations for drug targeting and is actively engaged in cutting-edge research on tuberculosis, cancer therapeutics, and immunology. He is a prolific author with numerous publications in prestigious journals, an invited reviewer for various scientific bodies, and a key figure in the academic community, supervising multiple Ph.D. candidates. Dr. Upadhyay’s broad skill set includes bioinformatics, molecular dynamics, and in silico drug design. He has received various awards and honors for his outstanding research contributions.

Publication Profile:

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Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Academic and Research Background: Dr. Upadhyay holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology, along with various degrees in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and related fields. His academic qualifications, including a post-graduate diploma in Bioinformatics, demonstrate his diverse and robust foundation in scientific research.
  2. Rich Teaching and Mentorship Experience: As an Assistant Professor and Scientist at Parul University, Dr. Upadhyay has extensive teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, guiding numerous students through their dissertations, including 18 MSc students and 4 Ph.D. students. His involvement in mentoring Ph.D. scholars and his leadership in the Research Advisory Committee underscore his dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientists.
  3. Outstanding Research Contributions: His research spans multiple facets of biotechnology, including drug delivery, infectious diseases, cancer biology, plant biotechnology, and immunology. With over 40 publications in reputable journals (such as Biomolecules, Agronomy, Molecules, and Antibiotics), he has made significant contributions to understanding complex biological mechanisms, including:
    • Targeted drug delivery using natural polymers (β-glucan microparticles).
    • Anticancer and antimicrobial properties of plant-derived compounds.
    • Immunomodulatory effects of novel therapeutic molecules.

    His work is often published in high-impact journals, with a high citation index (H-index: 17, i10-index: 34, 1169 citations on Google Scholar), showcasing the influence of his research in the scientific community.

  4. Recognition and Awards: Dr. Upadhyay has earned multiple accolades, such as the Best Biotechnologist Award (2020), Young Scientist Award (2020), and Faculty Research Excellence Award (2021) from Parul University, Vadodara. His recognition reflects his substantial impact in the field of biotechnology and life sciences.
  5. International Collaboration and Funded Projects: He has successfully led and contributed to several funded research projects, both independently and in collaboration with national and international institutions. These projects have included studies on antimicrobial and anticancer activities of bioactive molecules derived from fungi and plants, as well as immunomodulatory research related to infectious diseases such as tuberculosis.
  6. Editorial and Peer Review Responsibilities: Dr. Upadhyay’s active involvement in the editorial process and as a reviewer for prestigious journals further highlights his commitment to advancing scientific research. His membership in multiple scientific societies, such as the Indian Society of Cell Biology and International Society for Infectious Diseases, demonstrates his global scientific footprint.
  7. Leadership in Research Infrastructure: As the Member Secretary of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBKP) at Parul University and his work with biotech infrastructure, he has contributed significantly to shaping safe and ethical research practices in India.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broadening the Scope of Collaborations: While Dr. Upadhyay’s research has spanned various fields, there is room to expand his international collaborations further, particularly with research groups in the US, Europe, and other leading biotech hubs. This could enhance the global visibility of his research.
  2. Engagement in Public Outreach and Science Communication: Although Dr. Upadhyay has been recognized for his academic and research excellence, there is potential for greater involvement in science communication, such as participating in public science outreach programs, seminars, and workshops aimed at making complex scientific findings accessible to the public.
  3. Diversification of Research Areas: Dr. Upadhyay’s work has been primarily focused on certain key themes (e.g., drug delivery, cancer, infectious diseases). Exploring newer interdisciplinary areas like artificial intelligence in drug design, genomics, or precision medicine could further broaden his research portfolio.

Education:

Dr. Upadhyay completed his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Integral University, Lucknow, India, where his thesis focused on yeast cell wall-derived β-glucan microparticles for anti-TB drug delivery. He also holds an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Biotechnology, both with honors, from Integral University. Additionally, he has a Post Graduate Diploma in Bioinformatics from NIELIT (Jadavpur University). His academic foundation is complemented by extensive training in bioinformatics, molecular biology, and computational biology, enabling him to conduct innovative research in the areas of drug delivery systems, infectious diseases, and bioinformatics.

Experience:

Dr. Upadhyay has diverse academic and industrial experience spanning over a decade. He has worked as a Quality Control Chemist at Patanjali Ayurved Ltd and has been involved in R&D projects related to drug delivery systems. He has served as a Senior Research Assistant in a Government of UP-funded project on anti-TB drug delivery. In academia, he has held teaching positions at various institutions, including Suresh Gyan Vihar University and Parul University. At Parul University, he is currently supervising multiple Ph.D. students and leading research in the areas of drug delivery, immunology, and cancer research. He is also a member of several academic and research committees.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Upadhyay has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Best Biotechnologist Award (2020), Young Scientist Award (2020), Associate Scientist Award (2021), and Faculty Research Excellence Award (2021) from Parul University. He was also honored with the Overall Best Research Performer Award (2022) and Highest Impact Factor Publication Award (2022) by Parul University. His research contributions have been recognized internationally, and he has been appointed as a Bentham Science Ambassador for 2022-2023. These accolades reflect his commitment to scientific excellence and his leadership in biotechnology research.

Research Focus:

Dr. Upadhyay’s research is focused on developing natural polymer-based drug delivery systems, specifically for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and cancer. His studies explore the immunological aspects of drug delivery and the use of β-glucan microparticles in targeted therapy. He is also involved in the study of plant-based bioactive molecules, antimicrobial agents, and their therapeutic potential in oncology. His work in bioinformatics includes molecular dynamics, drug design, and prediction of ADMET properties. Dr. Upadhyay aims to advance the therapeutic application of biopolymers and bioactive compounds to improve treatment outcomes in various diseases.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Terpenoid-Mediated Targeting of STAT3 Signaling in Cancer
  2. Elicitor-Mediated Response of Kalmegh Growth, Yield, and Quality
  3. Genetic Variability and Diversity in Red Onion Genotypes
  4. An Updated Review on Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom
  5. Biological Activity of Cyclic Peptide from Sphaeranthus amaranthoides
  6. Cytotoxicity of Hydroxyl Functionalized MWCNT in Oral Squamous Carcinoma
  7. Immunomodulatory Role of CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Tumor Microenvironment
  8. Crosstalk Between Immunotherapy and Tumor Metabolism
  9. ACC Deaminase Produced by PGPR Mitigates Osmotic and Salinity Stresses
  10. Nanotechnology-Based Agrochemicals in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
  11. Biomedical and Antioxidant Potentialities in Chilli
  12. Identification of Novel Inhibitor of InhA Enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  13. Therapeutic Role of Mesenchymal-Derived Stem Cells in COVID-19
  14. Metallic and Polyether Ionophores in Cancer Management
  15. Moringa oleifera: Miracle Plant with Medicinal Importance

Conclusion:

Dr. Tarun Kumar Upadhyay exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding researcher in the field of biotechnology. His impressive academic background, combined with an extensive research portfolio, outstanding teaching contributions, and mentorship of future scientists, makes him an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances knowledge in biotechnological and pharmaceutical sciences but also holds immense potential for real-world applications in healthcare and agriculture.

His recognition in prestigious journals, his successful research grants, and the awards he has received speak volumes about his research’s depth and impact. Furthermore, his involvement in editorial roles and science policy highlights his leadership within the scientific community.

Considering his innovative research, dedication to teaching, academic leadership, and significant contributions to the scientific community, Dr. Upadhyay is more than deserving of the Best Researcher Award.