Arash Mokhtari | Medicinal Plant | Best Researcher Award

Dr Arash  Mokhtari |  Medicinal Plant |  Best Researcher Award

Research fellow at  Agriculture Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Iran

Arash Mokhtari is a distinguished Agricultural Biotechnologist with extensive expertise in plant tissue culture and advanced biotechnological methodologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Biotechnology from the University of Tehran, Iran, where he achieved National Rank 2 with his research on elicitor-mediated gene expression in Valeriana officinalis. His Master’s degree, also from the University of Tehran, focused on the effect of plant growth regulators on somatic embryogenesis in wheat.

Profile:

Research Excellence

Innovative Research: Dr. Mokhtari’s research in plant tissue culture and agricultural biotechnology is cutting-edge. His work on the elicitor-mediated expression of genes in Valeriana officinalis, and optimization of bioactive compound extraction methods, demonstrates significant contributions to the field of agricultural biotechnology.

Publication Record: With numerous high-impact publications, including studies on efficient production and accumulation of valuable compounds, Dr. Mokhtari has a robust record of disseminating his research. His papers are published in reputable journals, reflecting the high quality and relevance of his work.

Leadership and Impact

Leadership Roles: As Head of the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and Advanced Research Greenhouses at the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Dr. Mokhtari has shown leadership in both research and practical applications. His role in managing teams and optimizing research protocols indicates his capability in driving significant advancements in his field.

National Recognition: Dr. Mokhtari has achieved high national rankings in his academic endeavors, including his Ph.D. and Master’s studies, which underscores his excellence and impact in the field of agricultural biotechnology.

Practical Applications

Agricultural Biotechnology: His research directly impacts agricultural practices by improving plant propagation techniques and enhancing crop yield efficiency. The practical applications of his work in plant tissue culture and genetic improvement are crucial for advancing agricultural productivity.

Professional Affiliations

Institutional Involvement: Dr. Mokhtari is affiliated with prestigious institutions, including the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Tehran. His involvement with these organizations highlights his commitment to advancing agricultural biotechnology.

Conclusion

Dr. Arash Mokhtari’s extensive research contributions, leadership in advanced biotechnology research, and the practical implications of his work make him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His innovative approaches and significant achievements in plant biotechnology stand out as exemplary in his field.

Publication Top Notes:

  • “A highly efficient method for somatic embryogenesis of Kelussia odorotissima Mozaff., an endangered medicinal plant” in Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2017.
  • “Effect of plant growth regulators on direct shoot regeneration of wheat immature embryonic explants” in Journal of Agricultural Engineering and Biotechnology, 2013.
  • “Direct regeneration from leaves and nodes explants of Physalis peruviana L.” in International Journal of Farming and Allied Sciences, 2013.
  • “Rosmarinic acid and anthocyanin content improvement by foliar application of Fe and Zn fertilizer in Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)” in International Journal of Advanced Biological and Biomedical Research, 2014.
  • “Plant regeneration through callus induction on medicinal herb Viola odorata – Role of plant growth regulators and explants” in Agriculture & Forestry, 2015.
  • “Callus induction and plant regeneration of Valeriana officinalis are affected by different leaf explants and various concentrations of plant growth regulators” in BioTechnologia, 2016.
  • “Rapid micropropagation of Cucumis sativus var. Dastgerdi (Iranian cultivar) by Node Culture Technique” in British Biotechnology Journal, 2014.
  • “Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Seed Germination and Development of Protocorm and Seedling of Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume (Orchidaceae)” in Annual Research & Review in Biology, 2014.
  • “Engineering of secondary metabolites in tissue and cell culture of medicinal plants: an alternative to produce beneficial compounds using bioreactor technologies” in Crop Improvement: Sustainability Through Leading-Edge Technology, Springer Publications, 2017.
  • “Interactive effects of plant growth regulators and explants on direct shoot regeneration of Viola odorata” in BioTechnologia, 2016.
  • “Influence of plant growth regulators on in vitro culture and regeneration of Dracocephalum kotschyi” in International Journal of Agriculture Innovations and Research, 2014.

 

Elham Soliman | Plant science | Women Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Elham Soliman |  Plant science |  Women Researcher Award

Helwan University faculty of science at  Helwan University, Egypt

Dr. Elham Riad Salama Soliman is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge, focusing on plant molecular responses to environmental cues and their impact on growth and development. With a strong background in molecular identification and genetic characterization, she employs bioinformatics tools to analyze molecular data.

Profile

Education:

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (2009-2014), Faculty of Biological Science, Leeds University, UK. Research: Arabidopsis promoter mechanisms and tissue-stress responsiveness. M.Sc. in Cytology and Genetics (2003-2007), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Research: Effects of mycorrhiza and Rhizobium biofertilizers on Vicia faba. B.Sc. in Chemistry and Botany (1998-2002), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt.

Work Experience:

Lecturer (2014-present), Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Responsibilities include teaching, supervising research, and coordinating quality assurance. General Quality Assurance Coordinator (2015-present), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Voluntary Postdoctoral Researcher (2014), Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, UK. Focused on transgenic Arabidopsis lines. Assistant Lecturer (2007-2014) and Demonstrator (2002-2007), Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt.

Skills:

Laboratory techniques: Gene expression analysis, PCR, DNA methylation, characterization of Arabidopsis plants, and various molecular techniques. Bioinformatics: Data analysis using Clone Manager, Gel Documentation System, WASABI, and other software. Teaching: Expertise in practical genetics, molecular biology, and plant biotechnology.

Research Interests:

  • Plant growth and development under environmental stress
  • Epigenetic mechanisms and stress-induced memory
  • Gene signaling pathways and transgenic plants
  • Application of nanotechnology in biology

Academic Awards and Activities:

  • Awarded at Multi-theme Hackathon on climate change (2022)
  • Participated in various conferences and workshops on molecular biology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology
  • Jury member for INTEL ISEF science and engineering fairs

Professional Memberships:

  • Academic staff member, Faculty of Science, Helwan University
  • Member, Syndicate of Scientific Professions, Egypt

Research Focus: Plant science

Dr. Elham Riad Salama Soliman’s research in plant science is centered on understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses at the molecular level and utilizing this knowledge for practical applications. Her primary areas of focus include:

  1. Plant Molecular Responses to Environmental Stress: Investigating how various environmental factors affect plant molecular mechanisms, growth, and development. This includes studying stress-responsive genes and pathways.
  2. Epigenetic Mechanisms: Exploring how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, influence gene expression in response to environmental stresses. This involves understanding gene silencing, activation, and stress-induced memory.
  3. Transgenic Plants: Developing genetically modified plants with enhanced resistance to environmental stresses. This research aims to improve crop resilience and productivity under adverse conditions.
  4. Bioinformatics in Plant Science: Utilizing bioinformatics tools to analyze molecular data, including gene expression profiles and genetic variations. This helps in identifying key genes and pathways involved in stress responses.
  5. Nanotechnology Applications: Applying nanotechnology to advance plant science research, including the development of nanomaterials and techniques for enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance.
  6. Plant Biotechnology: Employing molecular techniques and genetic engineering to improve plant traits and develop new biotechnological applications for agriculture.

Dr. Soliman’s work integrates these areas to contribute to the advancement of plant science, with a focus on improving crop resilience and understanding the complex interactions between plants and their environment.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Malva parviflora Plants Through Metabolic and Genetic Modulation Using Beauveria bassiana Inoculation
    • Journal: BMC Plant Biology
    • Date: July 11, 2024
    • DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05340-w
    • Contributors: Reda E. Abdelhameed, Elham R. S. Soliman, Hanan Gahin, Rabab A. Metwally
    • Summary: This study explores the use of the fungal inoculant Beauveria bassiana to enhance drought tolerance in Malva parviflora, focusing on both metabolic and genetic responses.
  • Costly Effective Bioleaching of Valuable Metals from Low-Grade Ore Using Aspergillus nidulans
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
    • Date: March 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s13762-023-05355-0
    • Contributors: B. M. Ahmed, A. A. Mohammed, N. A. Kawady, I. E. Elaasy, E. R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This article investigates the use of Aspergillus nidulans for bioleaching valuable metals from low-grade ore, emphasizing cost-effective approaches.
  • Preserving the Adaptive Salt Stress Response Activity of a Tissue-Specific Promoter with Modulating Activity
    • Journal: Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
    • Date: March 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100354
    • Contributors: Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This research focuses on maintaining the salt stress response activity of a tissue-specific promoter, with implications for genetic engineering and stress tolerance.
  • Biological Control of Pepper Soft Rot Disease Caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum Using Rahnella aquatilis
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: January 1, 2024
    • DOI: 10.21608/ejbo.2023.248458.2566
    • Contributors: Kareem A. Abdelmeguid, Elham R. S. Soliman, Marwa A. Hamada, Hoda H. El-Hendawy
    • Summary: This paper evaluates the use of Rahnella aquatilis for controlling pepper soft rot disease, highlighting biological control strategies.
  • Antagonistic Activity of Bacillus atrophaeus (MZ741525) Against Some Phytopathogenic Microorganisms
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: 2023
    • DOI: 10.21608/EJBO.2022.161144.2133
    • Contributors: Korany, Shereen M.; El-Hendawy, Hoda H.; Soliman, Elham R. S.; Elsaba, Yasmin M.
    • Summary: This article investigates the antagonistic properties of Bacillus atrophaeus against various phytopathogenic microorganisms.
  • Rapid and Efficient DNA Extraction Method from High Oily Content Seeds
    • Journal: Acta Agriculturae Slovenica
    • Date: December 13, 2023
    • DOI: 10.14720/aas.2023.119.4.16094
    • Contributors: Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This paper presents a novel method for extracting DNA from seeds with high oil content, aimed at improving molecular analysis.
  • Partial Genome Detection, Characterization of TYLCV (MZ546492) Infecting Tomato Plants and siRNA Sequences Detection for Alternative Control Strategy
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: September 20, 2023
    • DOI: 10.21608/ejbo.2023.208980.2321
    • Contributors: Hager Abd ElRahman, Mohamed A. Nasr-Eldin, Sabah A. Abo-Elmaaty, Mohamed A. Abdelwahed, Mahmoud ElHefnawi, Asmaa M. ElFiky, Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This study focuses on the genome detection and characterization of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and explores siRNA sequences for potential control strategies.