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.

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.

Mona Soliman | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Mona Soliman | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Awards

Prof. Mona Soliman , Taibah University , Saudi Arabia

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman Hussein is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department, Plant Physiology Division at Taibah University, Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, and holds a permanent position as Associate Professor at Cairo University, Egypt. She was born on October 19, 1968, in Maadi, Cairo, Egypt. Dr. Hussein holds a PhD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from Cairo University, where she specializes in natural products and biochemical plant ecology. She has extensive experience in plant stress physiology, especially in the context of allelopathy, stress alleviation, and the use of bio-stimulants and natural compounds to improve plant productivity. Dr. Hussein has published numerous research papers and book chapters and is actively involved in academic committees and research initiatives in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Academic and Professional Background:
    • Dr. Soliman holds advanced degrees in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, including a Master’s and a Ph.D. from Cairo University, with a focus on biochemical plant ecology and allelopathic potential in plants. This deep scientific expertise in both the theoretical and applied aspects of plant physiology makes her a leader in the field.
    • She has held prominent positions at various institutions, including Associate Professor in both Taibah University (KSA) and Cairo University (Egypt), along with leadership roles such as Dean of Academic Affairs and Head of Exam Committees.
  2. Research Contributions:
    • Dr. Soliman has an impressive research portfolio, with multiple journal articles and book chapters on plant stress tolerance, bio-stimulants, and allelopathy. Her studies focus on innovative methods to enhance crop resilience to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals.
    • She has contributed to high-impact journals, with a diverse research output that addresses both theoretical and applied scientific issues, offering practical solutions for crop improvement.
    • Her research also bridges plant physiology with practical agricultural solutions, such as improving soil quality with biochar or enhancing plant tolerance to environmental stresses, which is highly relevant for sustainable agriculture.
  3. Global Recognition:
    • Dr. Soliman has global recognition through her profiles on platforms like Google Scholar, Scopus, ResearchGate, and ORCID, reflecting her international presence and collaboration. Her research has been cited in multiple studies, suggesting that her work is widely acknowledged by peers in the field.
  4. Leadership and Collaboration:
    • As an active collaborator in multiple projects and publications, she has demonstrated strong leadership in managing interdisciplinary research teams, which is crucial for large-scale research initiatives. Her involvement in various academic committees further emphasizes her leadership skills.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Research Visibility and Outreach:
    • While Dr. Soliman has a strong publication record, increasing the visibility of her research through more frequent presentations at international conferences and public outreach could help in disseminating her findings to a broader audience, particularly in regions that face the environmental challenges her research addresses.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaborations:
    • Although her research spans across plant physiology, biochemistry, and applied agricultural sciences, fostering collaborations with industries and organizations working on sustainable agricultural technologies could enhance the practical impact of her research.
  3. Innovation in Research Focus:
    • Dr. Soliman could consider expanding her research to include cutting-edge technologies such as genomics, plant-based biotechnology, or climate change mitigation strategies in agriculture, which would enhance the novelty and potential impact of her future studies.

Education:

Dr. Mona Hussein’s educational journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in Botany with Honors from Cairo University in 1990, followed by a Master’s degree in Biochemical Plant Ecology from Cairo University in 1996. Her Master’s thesis focused on “Allelopathic Potential of Lupinus termis Seeds,” exploring the use of secondary metabolites for enhancing plant production. She earned her PhD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry in 2003, specializing in the allelopathic effects of sunflower residues on wild oat and wheat. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Hussein has excelled in her studies and research, contributing significantly to the fields of plant stress physiology and natural product chemistry.

Experience:

Dr. Mona Hussein has over three decades of experience in plant physiology and biochemistry. She began her career as an Instructor at Cairo University, later progressing to Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, and Associate Professor. In addition to her work in Egypt, Dr. Hussein has served in leadership roles at Taibah University, Saudi Arabia, including Dean of Academic Affairs, Head of Exam Committees, and Coordinator of the Biology Department. Her administrative and academic leadership has contributed to enhancing educational programs and research. She has also coordinated academic guidance and played a key role in shaping scientific committees. Throughout her career, she has supervised graduate students, collaborated on numerous research projects, and made substantial contributions to improving agricultural practices and plant stress resilience.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Mona Hussein has received several recognitions for her academic and research contributions. She has been acknowledged for her pioneering work in plant physiology, particularly in understanding the biochemical and physiological responses of plants under abiotic stresses such as drought and salinity. Her research on using natural compounds like allelopathic agents has earned her acclaim in the scientific community. Dr. Hussein has been a recipient of multiple grants and awards for research excellence and innovation. Additionally, her leadership roles in academic committees, including the Faculty of Science and various universities in both Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have earned her recognition for outstanding service in higher education. Her contribution to environmental sustainability and agricultural development has also been celebrated by professional societies in the field of botany and plant physiology.

Research Focus:

Dr. Mona Hussein’s research focus lies at the intersection of plant physiology, biochemistry, and stress biology. Her work investigates the role of natural compounds and secondary metabolites in enhancing plant resilience to environmental stress, such as drought, salinity, and other abiotic factors. She is particularly interested in allelopathy and how plants produce chemicals that can control weeds and enhance crop productivity. Her research involves exploring bio-stimulants and natural products, including alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, to improve plant growth and health. Dr. Hussein’s recent studies have explored the use of biochar and bio-stimulants in mitigating the effects of stress on crops like soybeans, sunflower, and wheat. She also investigates the molecular and biochemical pathways underlying stress tolerance, aiming to develop sustainable agricultural practices that promote higher crop yields in challenging environments.

Publications Top Notes:

  • “Investigating the combined effects of β-sitosterol and biochar on nutritional value and drought tolerance in Phaseolus vulgaris under drought stress” 🌱
  • “Eco-Physiological and Morphological Adaptive Mechanisms Induced by Melatonin and Hydrogen Sulphide Under Abiotic Stresses in Plants” 🌿
  • “Mentha piperita and Stressful Conditions” 🌿
  • “Role of Ascorbic Acid in Alleviating Abiotic Stress in Crop Plants” 🍊
  • “Integrated usage of Trichoderma harzianum and biochar to ameliorate salt stress on spinach plants” 🌱
  • “Exogenous Nitric Oxide Reinforces Photosynthetic Efficiency, Osmolyte, Mineral Uptake, Antioxidant, Expression of Stress-Responsive Genes and Ameliorates the Effects of Salinity Stress in Wheat” 🌾
  • “Alleviation of copper phytotoxicity by acetylsalicylic acid and nitric oxide application in mung bean” 🌿
  • “Exogenous Myo-Inositol Alleviates Salt Stress by Enhancing Antioxidants and Membrane Stability” 🍃

Conclusion:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman Hussein is undoubtedly a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She has demonstrated consistent excellence in research, contributing valuable insights into plant physiology, biochemistry, and their applications in agricultural sciences. Her leadership roles, vast publication record, and international collaborations further strengthen her case for the award. With continued growth in research visibility and engagement in cutting-edge collaborations, Dr. Soliman could make even greater strides in the field of plant science and agricultural sustainability.