Hülya Yaman | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Yaman | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Yaman , Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University , Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Yaman is a seasoned academic and researcher specializing in Food Engineering, currently serving at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Turkey. With a robust background spanning over two decades, she has consistently contributed to dairy science, functional foods, traditional Turkish dairy products, and food processing technologies. Dr. Yaman has conducted post-doctoral research at The Ohio State University, USA, enriching her international experience and collaborative reach. Her work bridges academic rigor and industrial application, having held prior roles in quality control and production at leading food companies like Coca-Cola and Lamb Weston. Through a multidisciplinary approach, she has advanced knowledge in vibrational spectroscopy, cheese ripening, and food safety. She has authored numerous high-impact publications, participated in global conferences, and led pivotal research projects. Dr. Yaman is known for her scientific dedication, innovation in dairy technologies, and continuous contributions to Turkey’s and the global food science community.

Publication Profile: 

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✅ Strengths:

1. Extensive Academic Background:

  • Completed post-doctoral studies at The Ohio State University, a globally respected institution, focusing on advanced spectroscopic methods in food science.

  • Holds two Master’s degrees and a Ph.D., all centered around Food Engineering, showcasing academic versatility and depth.

2. Specialized Research Focus:

  • Her work has a focused yet diverse span — from spectroscopy techniques in dairy science to functional beverages, enzyme application in baking, and traditional cheese technologies.

  • Demonstrated expertise in food adulteration detection, milk protein analysis, and cheese ripening, which are of both scientific and industrial relevance.

3. High-Impact Publications & Collaborations:

  • Published in peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Dairy Science, Food Bioscience, Frontiers in Nutrition, and International Journal of Dairy Technology.

  • Collaborated with internationally renowned researchers like Luis Rodriguez-Saona and Rafael Jiménez-Flores.

  • Indexed in Scopus and Elsevier databases, indicating a good research citation footprint.

4. Applied Research and Industry Relevance:

  • Many projects target real-world applications, such as cheese yield improvement, quality assessment using FTIR/Raman, and functional dairy product development.

  • Contributed to technology optimization of local cheeses (e.g., Mengen cheese, pasta keş), supporting gastronomy tourism and cultural heritage.

5. Research Project Leadership:

  • Led or co-led 7+ funded projects, which involved experimental work, optimization studies, and the development of rapid quality assessment tools.

  • Experience in project design, grant writing, and execution — a hallmark of a self-driven and effective researcher.

6. Interdisciplinary Approach:

  • Combines engineering, food chemistry, biotechnology, and gastronomy, which is crucial for modern food research.

7. Teaching and Mentorship:

  • Holds an Associate Professorship — indicative of teaching contributions and mentorship in vocational and university-level education.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

1. International Recognition & Visibility:

  • While the researcher has international postdoctoral experience, further global visibility could be enhanced through keynote speaking, editorial board memberships, or international patent filings.

2. Broader Publication Spectrum:

  • Consider targeting Q1 journals with high impact factors more consistently to enhance citation and recognition.

  • Expanding to multidisciplinary journals like Nature Food, Trends in Food Science & Technology, etc., could raise profile significantly.

3. Innovation/Commercialization Output:

  • While applied research is strong, it would be valuable to see more patents, commercial products, or startup spin-offs from the research outputs.

4. Student Supervision & PhD Mentoring:

  • The CV would benefit from specific mentions of PhD student supervision, thesis guidance, or mentoring early-career researchers.

📘 Education:

Dr. Hülya Yaman’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s in Food Engineering from Hacettepe University (1991-1996). She earned her first Master’s (2002-2006) in Coach Training, focusing on the impact of arginine supplementation on exercise performance. Her second Master’s (2008-2010) in Food Engineering at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University explored changes in frozen goat milk. She pursued a Ph.D. (2011-2013) at the same university, optimizing the production technology of pasta keş, a traditional dairy product. Her academic excellence culminated in post-doctoral studies at The Ohio State University (2017-2019), where she specialized in advanced vibrational spectroscopy techniques for dairy product analysis. Her educational trajectory blends food science, nutritional performance, and food technology innovation, providing a solid foundation for interdisciplinary research and development in dairy and functional foods.

🛠️ Experience:

Dr. Yaman’s career spans academia and industry, with expertise in food processing, dairy product innovation, and quality assurance. Early in her career, she worked in quality control and production roles at leading Turkish food companies: Coca-Cola Ansan (Sales Rep, 1996–1998), Pak Tavuk (Quality Engineer, 1998–2000), Köytür (Production Engineer, 2000–2001), and Lamb Weston Doğuş (Quality Engineer, 2001). She transitioned to academia with her current position as Associate Professor in the Food Processing Department at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University. Her industrial background strengthens her academic research, particularly in traditional cheese technologies, milk product enhancement, and portable spectroscopy techniques. She has led various national and international projects, delivered numerous conference presentations, and collaborated with prominent researchers. Her combined experience in both practical and theoretical aspects of food science positions her as a thought leader and innovator in the field.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Hülya Yaman’s research is primarily centered on dairy technology, particularly the optimization of traditional Turkish cheeses like keş and Mengen cheese, and the development of rapid analytical techniques for cheese ripening and milk adulteration detection. She is a pioneer in employing portable vibrational spectrometers (FTIR, NIR, Raman) for non-destructive food analysis, making significant strides in quality assurance, food safety, and product standardization. Her work on functional dairy beverages enriched with bioactive compounds also highlights her interest in health-focused product development. Recently, she’s explored high hydrostatic pressure treatments, fermented herb properties, and fungal enzymes in baking applications. Through collaborative efforts with international institutions like The Ohio State University, she contributes cutting-edge methodologies and scientific insights to both academic and commercial dairy sectors. Her interdisciplinary research links food engineering, spectroscopy, biochemistry, and microbiology, with a clear goal: enhancing food quality, authenticity, and functionality.

📚 Publication Top Notes:

  1. 🧀 Monitoring Turkish white cheese ripening by portable FT-IR spectroscopy

  2. 🧀 Ripening attributes of Turkish white cheese using miniaturized vibrational spectrometers

  3. 🍞 Fungal thermostable alpha amylase from hot springs: Impact on wheat bread quality

  4. 🐐 Detection of goat milk adulteration using vibrational spectroscopy & chemometrics

  5. 🧀 High hydrostatic pressure effects on ripening Turkish white cheese from various milks

  6. 🧀 Organic and fatty acid monitoring in white cheese using portable FTI Spectrometer

  7. 🧀 Optimization of Keş production technology for pasta

  8. 🥤 Whey-based functional beverage with soy isoflavones and phytosterols

  9. 🧀 Use of transglutaminase and rennet in white-brined cheese

  10. ⚽ Effects of oral L-arginine on vasodilation and performance in soccer players

🏁 Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hülya Yaman is an outstanding researcher with a strong foundation in dairy science, spectroscopy applications, and food processing technology. Her work is technically rich, practically relevant, and scientifically impactful — traits that align perfectly with the goals of a Best Researcher Award.

Recommendation: Highly suitable for nomination. A strategic push in global collaborations, high-impact publishing, and technology transfer could further elevate her already impressive academic stature.

Paola Cynthia Demeni Emoh | Endophytic fungi | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs. Paola Cynthia Demeni Emoh | Endophytic fungi | Young Scientist Award

Mrs. Paola Cynthia Demeni Emoh , University of Yaoundé 1 , Cameroon

Cynthia Paola Demeni Emoh is a Ph.D. candidate in Medical Microbiology at the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon. She has a keen interest in the antimicrobial properties of natural products and their potential applications in treating infectious diseases like malaria and pneumonia. Cynthia also serves as a part-time lecturer, teaching microbiology practicals at her university. She is an active researcher and has contributed to multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses, focusing on infectious diseases. Her collaborations with international networks, such as the AGNES and YaBiNaPA programs, have expanded her research reach. Cynthia is also a member of the American Society of Microbiology and a contributor to various scientific journals. With her solid academic background and dedication to scientific advancement, Cynthia continues to strive for excellence in both her research and teaching roles.

Publication Profile:

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Strengths for the Award:

Cynthia Paola Demeni Emoh is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award due to her extensive academic background, innovative research, and significant contributions to microbiology. Her work on endophytic fungi and infectious diseases, particularly malaria, demonstrates her commitment to addressing public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Her experience with systematic reviews and meta-analyses further highlights her expertise in synthesizing global data to drive scientific advancements.

Areas for Improvement:

While Cynthia has established a strong foundation in microbiology, she could benefit from additional experience in interdisciplinary research, particularly in translational science. Collaborations with clinicians or public health experts could broaden her research’s practical applications and improve its potential for real-world impact.

Education:

Cynthia’s educational journey began at the University of Yaoundé I, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology in 2016. She later pursued a Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology at the same institution, which she completed in 2019. During her master’s program, she focused on assessing the antibacterial properties of endophytic fungi isolated from Alstonia boonei and Greenwayodendron suaveolens, particularly their effectiveness against pneumonia bacteria. Building on her master’s research, Cynthia is now a Ph.D. candidate in Medical Microbiology at the University of Yaoundé I. Her Ph.D. research, initiated in 2020, examines the antiplasmodial activity of endophytic fungi extracts from Alstonia boonei and their modes of action. Cynthia’s academic trajectory is shaped by a solid foundation in microbiology, driven by her interest in infectious diseases and their treatment. She has also earned a Baccalaureate in Life Sciences from François Xavier Vogt College in Yaoundé.

Experience:

Cynthia’s professional experience spans both teaching and research in microbiology. She has been a part-time lecturer at the University of Yaoundé I since October 2018, where she is responsible for the practical component of microbiology courses. She has also contributed significantly as an assistant researcher at the Biotechnology Centre of the University of Yaoundé I in 2019, where she worked on phytopathology. Cynthia’s research experience extends beyond Cameroon, having completed an internship at the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin in 2023, focusing on applied microbiology and pharmacology. Additionally, she interned at the Centre Pasteur of Cameroon in 2022 and 2023, contributing to malaria research. She has been a member of various research groups, including the Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis team led by Dr. Kenmoe Sebastien at the Centre Pasteur of Cameroon. Cynthia’s research output and collaborations have strengthened her expertise in microbiology, especially in the areas of infectious diseases and natural products.

Research Focus:

Cynthia’s research focuses on investigating the antimicrobial properties of endophytic fungi extracts, with particular emphasis on their antiplasmodial and antibacterial activities. Her Ph.D. research centers on the antiplasmodial effects of fungi isolated from Alstonia boonei, a plant known for its medicinal properties. She explores how these fungal extracts can serve as alternative treatments for malaria by assessing their activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Cynthia’s earlier work, during her Master’s program, also centered on the antibacterial properties of endophytic fungi from Alstonia boonei and Greenwayodendron suaveolens and their ability to combat pneumonia bacteria. In addition to her laboratory studies, she has contributed to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, analyzing the prevalence, risk factors, and epidemiology of various infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Cynthia’s research is driven by the need for novel antimicrobial agents, especially against drug-resistant pathogens and emerging diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Assessment of the antiplasmodial and cytotoxicity effects of ethyl acetate extracts against Plasmodium falciparum strains (2025) 🦠🧪
  2. Morphological and molecular characterization of endophytic fungi isolated from Alstonia boonei De Wild (2025) 🔬🍄
  3. Stage-Dependent Release of Plasmodium Falciparum Homolog of T-Cell Immunomodulatory Protein and Suppression of Macrophage-Inflammatory Protein-1 (2025) 🦠💉
  4. Isolation, identification of endophytic fungi from Codiaeum variegatum and assessment of anti-amoebic and anti-inflammatory potential (2024) 🍄🌱
  5. Systematic review with meta-analysis of the global host range of Mycobacterium ulcerans (2024) 🌍🦠
  6. Hepatitis B, C, and D virus infections and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Africa (2022) 🦠🌍
  7. Global prevalence and case fatality rate of Enterovirus D68 infections (2022) 🌍🦠
  8. Systematic review of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus epidemiology in humans and animals (2021) 🩸🦠
  9. Worldwide epidemiology of Lassa virus in humans and rodents (2020) 🌍🦠
  10. Influence of confounding factors on associations between viral LRTI and subsequent wheezing development (2021) 🧳👶

Conclusion:

Cynthia is a promising young researcher with a clear focus on addressing critical health issues. Her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the fight against infectious diseases, makes her an excellent candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

 

 

 

Alexander Chernov | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Alexander Chernov | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Alexander Chernov , Institute of Experimental Medicine , Russia

Alexandr Nikolaevich Chernov is a senior researcher at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia, and an assistant at the Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University. He has a strong background in biochemistry and pathological physiology, with expertise in the molecular and cellular mechanisms affecting cancer treatment and brain tumors. With over 139 scientific publications, including numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, he has significantly contributed to the field of cancer research. His work explores the effects of growth factors, innate immunity peptides, and chemotherapy on brain tumor cells. Chernov has also received multiple awards, including the Scholarship of the President of the Republic of Belarus. He continues to advance his research through collaborations and projects in Russia, Belarus, and Israel. His dedication to science is evident in his extensive research portfolio, editorial work, and mentorship roles, especially in cancer research.

Publication Profile:

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Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Experience: Alexandr Chernov has an impressive background in biomedical research, with 139 scientific publications, including 86 in peer-reviewed journals. His research spans a wide range of topics including molecular mechanisms in brain tumors, innate immunity peptides, and chemotherapy drugs, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
  2. Innovation and Impact: Chernov has authored 8 patents and contributed to groundbreaking studies, such as those related to the anticancer effects of peptides and growth factors in glioma and other tumors. His recent studies on Streptococcus pyogenes’ oncolytic activity against various cancers reflect a significant contribution to cancer therapy.
  3. Grant Leadership: He has successfully led multiple significant research grants, including those funded by the Belarusian Republican Foundation for Fundamental Research. These grants focus on key areas like oncogenesis and cancer treatment, reinforcing his leadership in cutting-edge research.
  4. High Citation Index: With 474 citations in Google Scholar and a citation index of 10, Chernov’s work is well-respected and widely referenced by his peers, indicating that his research is impactful and influential in the scientific community.
  5. Global Collaboration: His research collaborations extend internationally, such as his recent internship at Ben-Gurion University in Israel. This global network is essential for advancing scientific research and fostering innovation.
  6. Contributions to Academia and Education: As a senior researcher and educator at the Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, Chernov is also involved in mentoring the next generation of researchers, ensuring the continued growth of his field.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Outreach and Public Engagement: While Chernov’s work is highly technical and impactful in the scientific community, expanding efforts to communicate these results to the broader public or through interdisciplinary collaborations could enhance the reach and societal impact of his research.
  2. Diversifying Research Publications: Although Chernov has numerous publications in high-impact journals, a greater variety of research topics, including interdisciplinary studies, might expand his work’s applicability in other scientific and clinical fields.
  3. Industry Collaboration: While Chernov has a solid academic foundation, increased collaboration with industry stakeholders could lead to practical, real-world applications of his discoveries in medical devices or treatments.

Education:

Chernov’s educational journey began at Belarusian State University, where he earned a degree from the Biological Faculty in 2005, specializing in Biochemistry. He then advanced his studies with a postgraduate program in Human Physiology at the Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, completing it in 2012. His professional career continued with roles at leading research institutes, including his current positions in Russia. In 2021, Chernov defended his PhD thesis at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, focusing on the effects of nerve growth factors and peptides on brain tumor cells. Chernov further broadened his expertise through a research internship at Ben-Gurion University, Israel, between 2021-2022. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding cancer biology, particularly in the context of brain tumor therapies and innovative treatment combinations.

Experience:

Chernov has extensive research experience spanning nearly two decades. He started his professional career as a Junior Researcher at the Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus from 2005 to 2016. His research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of growth factors in oncology. In 2017-2018, he further honed his expertise at the Almazov National Medical Research Center in Saint Petersburg, contributing to translational medical research. From 2018 to 2020, he worked at City Hospital 40, Saint Petersburg, gaining clinical insights into treatment modalities. Since 2020, he has been a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Experimental Medicine, continuing groundbreaking work in cancer therapy and biological chemistry. Chernov has collaborated internationally, including a research internship in Israel. His leadership roles extend to heading several research grants and projects in Belarus, Russia, and global scientific networks, further enriching his interdisciplinary experience.

Awards and Honors:

Chernov’s outstanding scientific contributions have earned him numerous accolades. Among his most significant honors is the Scholarship of the President of the Republic of Belarus (2012), awarded for his exceptional work as a postgraduate student. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his leadership in research projects, including as the head of several grants funded by the Belarusian Republican Foundation for Fundamental Research. His innovations in cancer research and contributions to the understanding of brain tumors and growth factors have also been acknowledged internationally. Chernov has received recognition from peers and scientific organizations, cementing his role as a distinguished researcher in his field. In addition to these prestigious awards, his teaching role at Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University since 2024 highlights his ongoing commitment to education and mentorship in the scientific community.

Research Focus:

Chernov’s primary research focus lies in the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern the interaction of growth factors (e.g., nerve growth factor) and innate immunity peptides (such as LL-37 and PG-1) with chemotherapy drugs in treating central nervous system tumors. His groundbreaking research addresses the oncolytic potential of these peptides and their combinations with chemotherapy drugs to enhance cancer cell death and improve patient outcomes in brain tumors. He is particularly interested in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, including mitochondrial metabolism, proliferation, and migration in glioma cells, with the aim of developing new treatment strategies for gliomas and other malignancies. His work also explores the effects of bacterial strains and antimicrobial peptides on tumor cells, investigating innovative approaches to cancer therapy. Chernov has demonstrated significant expertise in the areas of tumor biology, oncolytic therapy, and drug resistance, contributing to advancements in predictive oncology and personalized medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. The Benefits of Whole-Exome Sequencing in the Differential Diagnosis of Hypophosphatasia 🧬
  2. Glioblastoma Multiforme: Sensitivity to Antimicrobial Peptides LL-37 and PG-1 🧠
  3. Secretory Phospholipase A2 and Interleukin-6 Levels as Predictive Markers of the Severity of COVID-19 🦠
  4. Pharmacogenetic Study of the Impact of ABCB1 SNPs on Cyclosporine Response 💊
  5. Anticancer Effect of Cathelicidin LL-37, Protegrin PG-1, Nerve Growth Factor, and Temozolomide 💥
  6. Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Glial Tumors 🧬
  7. Secretory Phospholipase A2: Biomarker of Inflammation in Autoimmune, Bacterial, and Viral Diseases 🔬
  8. Identification of Genetic Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 in Russian Patients 🧬
  9. In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effect of Streptococcus pyogenes and Peptides on Glioma Cells 🦠
  10. Molecular Mechanisms of Glioblastoma Multiforme Drug Resistance 🔬

Conclusion:

Alexandr Chernov is a highly qualified candidate for the “Best Research Scholar Award” due to his significant contributions to the fields of pathology, oncology, and immunology. His extensive publication record, successful leadership in grants, high citation index, and global research collaborations demonstrate his standing as a top-tier researcher. While expanding his outreach and collaboration with industry could further enhance his impact, his current work already stands as a noteworthy contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge and healthcare. His selection for this award would be a recognition of his ongoing dedication to research excellence and innovation in medical science.