Deribew Tola | Agricultural Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Mr Deribew Tola | Agricultural Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Chief practical instructor, Salale University, Ethiopia

Deribew Girma Tola is a dedicated Chief Practical Instructor at Salale University in Ethiopia, specializing in Applied Genetics and Biotechnology. With over five years of experience in teaching and research, he has become a prominent figure in agricultural biotechnology. Deribew’s commitment to sustainable development and food security drives his innovative research, particularly in improving agricultural practices. He has contributed to various educational initiatives aimed at enhancing science education in secondary schools. His pioneering work in biotechnological solutions showcases his passion for advancing agricultural practices and his desire to make a positive impact on society. Deribew’s first published paper highlights his research journey and his commitment to enhancing the safety and acceptance of underutilized crops through cutting-edge techniques.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Credentials: Deribew holds a Master’s in Applied Genetics and Biotechnology, providing a strong theoretical foundation for his research.
  2. Practical Experience: With over five years at Salale University, he has practical experience in both teaching and research, contributing significantly to agricultural biotechnology.
  3. Innovative Research: His completed project on in-vitro screening of durum wheat varieties for salt tolerance addresses critical agricultural challenges, particularly in arid regions.
  4. Publication Record: His recent paper on CRISPR/Cas9 illustrates his commitment to advancing biotechnological methods and enhancing food safety, marking him as a proactive researcher.
  5. Community Impact: His consultancy project aimed at improving science education demonstrates his dedication to community development and knowledge dissemination.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Publication Volume: While he has a significant publication, increasing the number of published works in high-impact journals could enhance his visibility and influence in the field.
  2. Collaboration and Networking: Expanding collaborations with other researchers or institutions could lead to more diverse research opportunities and projects.
  3. Grant Acquisition: Actively seeking funding for more projects could help scale his research impact and broaden the scope of his investigations.

Education 

Deribew Girma Tola holds a Master of Science in Applied Genetics and Biotechnology, with a specialization in Agricultural Biotechnology. His academic journey began with a strong foundation in biological sciences, where he developed a keen interest in the intersection of genetics and agriculture. Through his master’s program, he honed his skills in molecular techniques, research methodologies, and data analysis, preparing him for a career in biotechnology. His education has been instrumental in shaping his research focus on sustainable agricultural practices and innovative biotechnological solutions. At Salale University, he not only imparts knowledge to students but also engages in hands-on research that addresses real-world agricultural challenges. His educational background equips him to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community and foster the next generation of scientists dedicated to enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability.

Research Focus

Deribew Girma Tola’s research focuses on the application of biotechnology in agriculture, aiming to enhance crop resilience and improve agricultural practices. His completed project on the in-vitro screening of Ethiopian improved durum wheat varieties for salt tolerance addresses critical challenges faced by farmers in arid regions. This work is vital for developing crops that can thrive under stressful environmental conditions, thereby contributing to food security. Currently, he is evaluating the oil extraction efficiency, phytochemical composition, and antibacterial properties of olives, which has implications for health and nutrition. Deribew’s innovative approach, particularly in utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 technology, showcases his commitment to improving the safety and acceptance of underutilized crops, such as the grass pea. His research not only advances scientific knowledge but also aims to translate findings into practical applications that can benefit local communities and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Publication Top Notes

📄 The Potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to Circumvent the Risk Factor Neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid Limiting Wide Acceptance of the Underutilized Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)
Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2024
DOI: 10.3390/cimb46090626

Conclusion

Deribew Girma Tola is a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His strong academic background, innovative research, and community involvement position him as a significant contributor to agricultural biotechnology. By focusing on increasing his publication output and collaboration efforts, he can further amplify his impact in the field. Recognizing his contributions through this award would not only validate his work but also inspire continued excellence in agricultural research.

 

 

Davood Zare | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Davood Zare | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Scientific board, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Iran

Davood Zare, born on May 21, 1970, in Karaj, Iran, is a distinguished microbiologist with over two decades of experience in biotechnology. He has held significant roles, including Head of Biotechnology Laboratories and Deputy of the Biotechnology Department at the Iranian Research Organization for Science & Technology (IROST). Davood is a prolific researcher and educator, with a strong commitment to advancing the field of food biotechnology and microbial research. His work emphasizes sustainable practices and the development of innovative bioproducts. He is fluent in Farsi and English and has contributed significantly to various scientific committees and educational institutions.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award 

  1. Extensive Educational Background:
    • Dr. Zare holds multiple advanced degrees in microbiology and biotechnology from reputable institutions, including a PhD from University Putra Malaysia.
  2. Rich Research Experience:
    • With over two decades of experience in various aspects of biotechnology, Dr. Zare has participated in significant research projects, contributing both as an executive and assistant researcher.
    • His work spans diverse topics, including enzyme production, microbial fermentation, and food biotechnology, showcasing a broad expertise that is crucial for innovative research.
  3. Proven Publication Record:
    • Dr. Zare has published numerous articles in respected scientific journals, reflecting a strong contribution to his field. His publications cover a variety of topics and demonstrate his ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge in food biotechnology and microbiology.
  4. Leadership and Administrative Roles:
    • He has held multiple leadership positions, including Head of Biotechnology Pilot Plant and Deputy of Department of Biotechnology at IROST. His experience in administrative roles illustrates his capability to lead and manage research initiatives effectively.
  5. Teaching and Mentorship:
    • Dr. Zare’s teaching experience at various academic institutions demonstrates his dedication to education and the transfer of knowledge to the next generation of scientists. He has mentored PhD and MSc students, contributing to the development of future researchers.
  6. Engagement in Scientific Communities:
    • His role as a scientific adviser and participation in various committees related to biotechnology awards reflects his active engagement and recognition within the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Diversification of Research Collaborations:
    • While Dr. Zare has an extensive background in biotechnology, expanding collaborations with international researchers could enhance the scope and impact of his research projects.
  2. Innovation in Research Approaches:
    • Continued exploration of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies could further enhance his research outputs. Engaging in interdisciplinary research may also yield innovative results.
  3. Public Outreach and Dissemination:
    • Increasing efforts in public outreach and science communication could enhance the societal impact of his research. Engaging with broader audiences may help in promoting the importance of biotechnology.

Education

Davood Zare holds a B.Sc. in Microbiology (1993) and an M.Sc. in Bacteriology (1996) from Tehran University and Pasteur Institute of Iran, respectively. He earned his PhD in Food Biotechnology from University Putra Malaysia in 2013. His academic journey is characterized by a rigorous focus on microbiological research, culminating in significant contributions to both theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline. His education has laid a robust foundation for his subsequent research and teaching endeavors, enabling him to bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications in biotechnology.

Experience

Davood Zare has extensive experience in research and leadership within biotechnology. He has worked as an executive and assistant researcher on various projects at IROST since 1994, focusing on microbial production and bioprocess optimization. He has also held leadership roles, including Head of Biotechnology Pilot Plant and Deputy of the Department of Biotechnology. His teaching experience spans multiple institutions, where he has educated both M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in subjects like Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. Davood’s comprehensive experience equips him to address complex challenges in the field of food biotechnology effectively.

Research Focus

Davood Zare’s research focuses on food biotechnology, microbial production, and the optimization of bioprocesses. His work includes the production of microbial proteins, bioplastics, and bioactive compounds from various substrates. He is particularly interested in sustainable practices, utilizing waste materials for bioproduct production, and enhancing microbial fermentation processes. His contributions have significant implications for food safety, quality, and sustainability, making him a key player in advancing biotechnological applications in the food industry.

Publication Top Notes

  • Production of xylanase by Trichoderma longibrachiatum on a mixture of wheat bran and wheat straw: optimization of culture condition by Taguchi method
  • Trans-and cis-urocanic acid, biogenic amine and amino acid contents in ikan pekasam (fermented fish) produced from Javanese carp (Puntius gonionotus) and black tilapia
  • Changes in urocanic acid, histamine, putrescine and cadaverine levels in Indian mackerel (Rastrelliger kanagurta) during storage at different temperatures
  • Assessing the quality of sardine based on biogenic amines using a fuzzy logic model
  • Determination of urocanic acid, a compound implicated in histamine toxicity, and assessment of biogenic amines relative to urocanic acid content in selected fish and fish products
  • Screening of carbon and nitrogen sources using mixture analysis designs for carotenoid production by Blakeslea trispora
  • Production and characterization of poly 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate in wheat starch wastewater and its potential for nanoparticle synthesis
  • Determination of trans‐ and cis‐Urocanic Acid in Relation to Histamine, Putrescine, and Cadaverine Contents in Tuna (Auxis Thazard) at Different Storage
  • Hydrogen sulfide removal performance of a bio-trickling filter employing Thiobacillus thiparus immobilized on polyurethane foam under various starvation regimes
  • Synthesis, in vitro and cellular antioxidant activity evaluation of novel peptides derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein hydrolysate: structure–function
  • Development and validation of an ion-pair chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of trans-and cis-urocanic acid in fish samples
  • Isolation, screening and medium optimization of native microalgae for lipid production using nutritional starvation strategy and statistical design
  • Organic acid composition and consumer acceptability of fermented fish produced from black tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and Javanese carp (Puntius gonionotus) using natural
  • Single cell protein production using airlift reactor containing static mixer
  • Production of a mixed fruit juice powder using mixture analysis and a fuzzy model
  • Evaluation of the Physicochemical Characteristics of a Blend Fruit Juice Powder Mixed with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: A Comparison of Spray Drying and
  • Evaluating the effect of microbial stimulation and oxidative stress on increasing β-Carotene production in Blakeslea trispora

Conclusion

Dr. Davood Zare is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive educational background, rich research experience, and significant contributions to the field of biotechnology, combined with his leadership roles and teaching experience, position him as a leading figure in his area. By addressing areas for improvement, particularly in collaboration and public engagement, he can further enhance his impact and recognition in the scientific community. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also has practical implications for industries related to food and biotechnology.