Khirod Kumar Sahoo | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Khirod Kumar Sahoo |  Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ravenshaw University, Cuttack,  India

Dr. Khirod Kumar Sahoo is an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, with over 14 years of research experience. His work primarily focuses on plant biotechnology and molecular biology, including the development of transgenic rice for salinity and drought tolerance. He has a robust publication record with more than 26 peer-reviewed international journal articles and holds 2 national patents.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Life Sciences: ICGEB, New Delhi (2011).
  • M.Sc. in Biotechnology: North Orissa University, Odisha (2004).
  • B.Sc. in Botany (Honours): North Orissa University, Odisha (2002).

Professional Memberships:

  • Life Member, Odisha Botanical Society
  • Life Member, Indian Society of Biological Chemist
  • Member Secretary, IBSC, DBT, Govt of India

Research Guidance:

  • Ph.D. Students: 3 awarded, 1 thesis submitted, 4 ongoing
  • M.Phil Students: 5 awarded
  • M.Sc. Students: 30 completed dissertation projects

Dr. Sahoo continues to contribute significantly to the field of plant biotechnology through his research, teaching, and collaborative projects.

Plant Biotechnology Research Focus:

Dr. Khirod Kumar Sahoo’s research in plant biotechnology encompasses developing transgenic plants to enhance tolerance to environmental stresses such as salinity and drought. His notable work includes:

  1. Transgenic Rice Development:
    • Ph.D. Research: Developed salinity and drought-tolerant transgenic rice through gene pyramiding at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, in collaboration with the School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
    • Postdoctoral Research: Furthered this work by developing transgenic rice with enhanced environmental stress tolerance at ICGEB.
  2. Hydroponics Cultivation:
    • Current Research: Since 2020, Dr. Sahoo has been optimizing hydroponic cultivation methods for high-yield strawberry production. This research led to a recent publication in the South African Journal of Botany.
  3. Micropropagation Techniques:
    • Developed efficient micropropagation systems for strawberry plants, resulting in a provisional patent application.
  4. Phytoremediation Studies:
    • Recent Project: Received funding from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) to screen and characterize various Brassica species for phytoremediation of toxic heavy metals in industrial and mining areas of Odisha. This project aims to reduce the negative impact of heavy metals on the food chain and environment.
  5. Gene Silencing for Enhanced Yield:
    • Postdoctoral Project: Worked on enhancing grain yield in salinity-tolerant rice by silencing the cytokinin oxidase gene using RNA interference (RNAi) technology.

Research Metrics:

  • Citations: 701 (cited by 657 documents)
  • Documents: 20
  • h-index: 11

Publication Top Notes:

  • Silicon nutrition stimulates Salt-Overly Sensitive (SOS) pathway to enhance salinity stress tolerance and yield in rice
    • Gupta, B.K., Sahoo, K.K., Anwar, K., …, Pareek, A., Singla-Pareek, S.L.
    • Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2021, 166, pp. 593–604.
    • 31 Citations
  • Isolation of a broad spectrum antimicrobial producing thermophilic Bacillus and characterization of its antimicrobial protein
    • Ojha, P., Kar, N.P., Nayak, S., Patra, A.K., Sahoo, K.K.
    • Archives of Microbiology, 2021, 203(5), pp. 2059–2073.
    • 5 Citations
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Rice Research
    • Donde, R., Gouda, G., Sabarinathan, S., …, Vadde, R., Behera, L.
    • Applications of Bioinformatics in Rice Research, 2021, pp. 239–275.
    • 2 Citations
  • Identification of QTLs for high grain yield and component traits in new plant types of rice
    • Donde, R., Mohapatra, S., Yasin Baksh, S.K., …, Behera, L., Dash, S.K.
    • PLoS ONE, 2020, 15(7 July), e0227785.
    • 18 Citations
  • Enhancing trehalose biosynthesis improves yield potential in marker-free transgenic rice under drought, saline, and sodic conditions
    • Joshi, R., Sahoo, K.K., Singh, A.K., …, Pareek, A., Singla-Pareek, S.L.
    • Journal of Experimental Botany, 2020, 71(2), pp. 653–668.
    • 86 Citations

 

Hanny Chauhan | Plant molecular biology | Best Scholar Award

Mr Hanny Chauhan | Plant molecular biology | Best Scholar Award

SRF at  Panjab University, India

Hanny Chauhan is currently a Ph.D. Scholar in the Department of Biotechnology at Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. Her research focuses on genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, transgenics, and plant molecular biology, with a specific interest in improving traits in Solanum tuberosum (potato).

 

Profile:

Professional Achievements:

📚 Publications: Authored multiple papers in reputed journals like Life and PeerJ, exploring topics from CRISPR vectors to gene expression under stress conditions. 🌍 Collaborations: Collaborated with researchers from institutions including the University of Minnesota and INSA, Chandigarh. 🏆 Recognition: Nominated for the Best Research Scholar Award for contributions in plant molecular biology.

Academic Focus:

Hanny Chauhan is dedicated to advancing plant biotechnology and genome editing techniques, particularly in Solanum tuberosum (potato). Her research focuses on CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, aiming to enhance disease resistance and nutrient content in plants.

Research Focus: Plant Molecular Biology

Hanny Chauhan’s research revolves around leveraging cutting-edge techniques like CRISPR/Cas9 and transgenics to advance plant molecular biology. Specifically, she investigates genetic mechanisms in Solanum tuberosum (potato), aiming to enhance traits crucial for agriculture and sustainability.

 

Publication:
  • Compendium of Plant-Specific CRISPR Vectors and Their Technical Advantages
    • Year: 2021
  • Rapid and Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Genome Editing in Potato via Hairy Root Induction
    • Year: 2023
  • Prevention of Postoperative Acute Lung Injury (ALI) – The Anaesthetist Role
    • Year: 2015
  • Genome-Wide Identification of 2-Oxoglutarate and Fe (II)-Dependent Dioxygenase Family Genes and Their Expression Profiling under Drought and Salt Stress in Potato
    • Year: 2023
  • Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Broad-Complex, Tramtrack, and Bric-à-Brac Domain-Containing Protein Gene Family in Potato
    • Year: 2024
  • CRISPR/Cas9 Edited StbHLH47 Lines Exhibit Altered Expression Profiling of Iron Regulating Genes and Increased Iron Content in Solanum tuberosum
    • Year: 2024
  • Genome-Editing Advances for Disease Resistance in Plants
    • Year: 2024

 

Eric-Ivan Ngoko Tchamba | Food Processing | Best Researcher Award

Mr Eric-Ivan Ngoko Tchamba |  Food Processing |  Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at  Technische Universität München, Germany

Eric-Ivan NGOKO TCHAMBA is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in plant physiology and biotechnology. Born on September 10, 1995, in Cameroon, Eric is known for his proactive and flexible approach, as well as his strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Eric’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Crop Production from the University of Bamenda, Cameroon (2013-2016). He then earned a Master of Science in Plant Physiology and Biotechnology from the University of Dschang, Cameroon (2016-2018). His master’s thesis and academic excellence earned him the recognition of being the fifth-best student in the Plant Biology department in 2018.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

Master of Science in Plant Physiology and Biotechnology 📍 University of Dschang, Cameroon | 01/10/2016 – 04/08/2018 Bachelor of Science in Crop Production 📍 University of Bamenda, Cameroon | 02/09/2013 – 01/08/2016 Baccalaureat of Mathematics and Life Science and Earth (Serie D) 📍 Government Bilingual High School Bafoussam, Cameroon | 04/09/2008 – 01/06/2012

💼 Work Experience:

Researcher Biotechnology of Natural Substances
📍 Freising, Germany | 01/02/2021 – 04/02/2023

  • LC-MS for polyphenolic, tannin, and flavonoid compounds determination
  • HPLC for sugar and carotenoid analysis
  • Plant secondary metabolites extraction
  • Antioxidant activity determination
  • Enzyme activity and biochemical activity determination
  • Laboratory safety and efficiency

Teacher
📍 National Higher Polytechnic Institute, Bambili, Cameroon | 02/10/2018 – 01/09/2021

  • Taught “Introduction to Bioengineering” to semester 4 computer science students
  • Supervised research topics on current bioengineering findings
  • Evaluated student performance

Researcher
📍 Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVV, Freising, Germany | 01/03/2022 – 31/01/2023

  • Developed edible coating recipes to delay fruit and vegetable decay
  • GC-MS for aroma profile analysis
  • HPLC for carotenoids and sugar determination
  • Monitored ethylene, CO2, and O2 levels
  • Conducted physiological weight loss and color measurements
  • Analyzed food texture and plant hormone activities on fruits
  • Performed microscopic observations and data analysis

Scientific Laboratory Technician
📍 University of Dschang, Cameroon | 01/10/2017 – 01/08/2020

🏅 Honours and Awards

Fifth Best Student in the Plant Biology department, University of Dschang (2018)

Food Processing Research Focus:

Eric-Ivan NGOKO TCHAMBA is a dedicated researcher with a robust focus on food processing, particularly concerning post-harvest treatment strategies and the enhancement of the physical and biochemical quality parameters of fruits and vegetables. His work aims to improve food shelf life, nutritional value, and overall quality through innovative biotechnological solutions.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: The Combined Effect of Lemon Peel Extract and Calcium Chloride on the Physical and Biochemical Quality Parameters of the Dessert Banana (Musa acuminata var. Dwarf Cavendish) Fruit
  • Journal: Agriculture
  • Publication Date: 2024-01-30
  • DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14020222
  • Contributors: Eric-Ivan Ngoko Tchamba; Thorsten Tybussek; Peter Muranyi; Victor Francois Nguetsop; Jean Aghofack-Nguemezi; Wilfried Schwab