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: 

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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.

Ujjwal Layek | Pollination Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Ujjwal Layek |  Pollination Biology |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  Rampurhat College, India

Dr. Ujjwal Layek is an Assistant Professor of Botany at Rampurhat College, specializing in plant-pollinator interactions with a focus on palynology and pollination biology. He holds a Ph.D. from Vidyasagar University and completed his M.Sc. at Visva-Bharati, West Bengal. With over four years of experience in academia, he has authored over 35 publications in esteemed journals such as Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Wiley & Sons. Dr. Layek serves as an editorial board member for journals like Frontiers in Bee Science and Plant Science Today and has reviewed over 60 manuscripts for prestigious publishers including Nature Publishing Group and Elsevier. His research has garnered significant citation recognition, with an H-index of 13. Additionally, he has organized research conferences and workshops and actively collaborates with universities and industries. Dr. Layek’s contributions to research and development have earned him recognition, including an award, and he continues to make strides in advancing our understanding of plant reproductive biology and bee behavior.

Profile:

👨‍🎓 Education & Experience:

Dr. Ujjwal Layek holds a Ph.D. in Botany from Vidyasagar University, following his M.Sc. from Visva-Bharati. With over 4 years of teaching experience, he currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Rampurhat College, specializing in plant-pollinator interactions.

 

📚 Academic Contributions:

As an editorial board member of journals like Frontiers in Bee Science and Plant Science Today, he actively shapes scholarly discourse. Dr. Layek’s commitment to academia is evident through his review of over 60 manuscripts from renowned publishers like Nature Publishing Group and Springer Nature.

 

🌍 Global Impact:

Dr. Layek’s work has garnered international recognition, with publications indexed in SCI, SCIE, Scopus, and PubMed. He has engaged in over 20 collaborative research activities and presented his findings in numerous conferences worldwide.

🔬 Research Focus: Pollination Biology

 

Dr. Ujjwal Layek, an Assistant Professor of Botany at Rampurhat College, specializes in the intricate world of pollination biology. His research delves into the crucial interactions between plants and pollinators, exploring the mechanisms and dynamics that drive successful pollination processes.

🌼 Plant-Pollinator Interactions: Dr. Layek investigates the fascinating relationships between flowering plants and their pollinators, unraveling the complexities of co-evolution and mutual dependencies.

🔍 Palynology Expertise: With a focus on palynology, Dr. Layek examines pollen grains and their role in plant reproduction, shedding light on pollen morphology, dispersal, and its implications for pollination efficiency.

🐝 Foraging Behavior of Pollinators: Understanding the foraging behavior of pollinators like honeybees and stingless bees is central to Dr. Layek’s research. He explores how these vital agents navigate floral landscapes, impacting plant reproductive success.

🌍 Environmental Impact: Dr. Layek’s work not only advances scientific knowledge but also highlights the ecological importance of pollination in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Citations:

Dr. Ujjwal Layek’s contributions to the field of pollination biology have garnered significant attention, with 360 citations overall and 339 citations since 2019. His work has established an h-index of 13 and an i10-index of 15, reflecting the impact and influence of his research in advancing our understanding of plant-pollinator interactions.

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Nesting characteristics, floral resources, and foraging activity of Trigona iridipennis Smith in Bankura district of West Bengal, India”
    • Authors: U Layek, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Insectes sociaux
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 41
  • “Impact of managed stingless bee and western honey bee colonies on native pollinators and yield of watermelon: A comparative study”
    • Authors: U Layek, A Kundu, S Bisui, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Annals of Agricultural Sciences
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 36
  • “Pollen foraging behaviour of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) in southern West Bengal, India”
    • Authors: U Layek, SS Manna, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Palynology
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 25
  • “Honey sample collection methods influence pollen composition in determining true nectar-foraging bee plants”
    • Authors: U Layek, R Mondal, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Acta Botanica Brasilica
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 24
  • “Comparing the pollen forage pattern of stingless bee (Trigona iridipennis Smith) between rural and semi-urban areas of West Bengal, India”
    • Authors: S Bisui, U Layek, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 23
  • “Bee plants used as nectar sources by Apis florea Fabricius in Bankura and Paschim Medinipur districts, West Bengal”
    • Authors: U Layek, P Karmakar
    • Published in: Geophytology
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 21