Prof. Sadegh Alijani | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Sadegh Alijani | Genetics | Best Researcher Awardย 

Prof. Sadegh Alijani, University of Tabriz, Iran

Sadegh Alijani is an Iranian professor specializing in animal breeding, genetics, and statistical methods in livestock science. He earned his B.Sc. in Animal Science from the University of Shahid Chamran, followed by an M.Sc. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Tabriz, and a Ph.D. from the University of Tehran, consistently ranking first in his academic programs. Dr. Alijani has extensive teaching experience at the University of Tabriz, where he has lectured on subjects ranging from genetics and statistics to experimental design and advanced statistical methods across undergraduate, masterโ€™s, and doctoral levels. His research focuses on the application of Bayesian statistics, genetic markers, and molecular genetics in animal breeding. He has served in administrative roles, including Deputy of the Khalat Poushan Research Station and Head of the Central Laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture. With a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and a history of supervising numerous M.Sc. theses, Dr. Alijani continues to contribute significantly to the fields of animal genetics and statistical modeling.

Professional Profile:

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๐Ÿ† Summary of Suitability for the Best Researcher Awardย 

Prof. Sadegh Alijani is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award based on his exceptional academic achievements, sustained research output, and impactful teaching and leadership roles over more than two decades in the field of animal breeding, molecular genetics, and statistical methods.

๐ŸŽ“ Educational Background

  • B.Sc. in Animal Science
    ๐Ÿ“ University of Shahid Chamran โ€“ 1992
    ๐Ÿ… Rank: 1st

  • M.Sc. in Animal Breeding and Genetics
    ๐Ÿ“ University of Tabriz โ€“ 1997
    ๐Ÿ… Rank: 1st
    ๐Ÿ“˜ Thesis: “Efficiency of advanced statistical methods in animal breeding and genetics and their application in breeding of native Turkey of Azarbaijan”

  • Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics
    ๐Ÿ“ University of Tehran โ€“ 2009
    ๐Ÿ… Rank: 1st
    ๐Ÿ“˜ Thesis: “Major genes detection in farm animals using Bayesian statistical methods and genetic markers”

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ Teaching Experience

  • ๐Ÿงฎ Application of statistics in animal breeding (M.Sc.) โ€” 2003โ€“Present

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Advanced statistical methods (SAS) (M.Sc.) โ€” 1999โ€“Present

  • ๐Ÿงฌ Genetics (B.Sc.) โ€” 2000โ€“Present

  • ๐ŸŽฒ Statistics and probability (B.Sc.) โ€” 1999โ€“Present

  • ๐Ÿงช Experimental design in animal science (B.Sc.) โ€” 2004โ€“Present

  • ๐Ÿ” Poultry breeding (B.Sc.) โ€” 1999โ€“Present

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Estimation of varianceโ€“covariance (Ph.D.) โ€” 2012โ€“Present

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Linear model in animal breeding (Ph.D.) โ€” 2012โ€“Present

๐Ÿข Academic and Administrative Positions

  • Lecturer (1999โ€“2003)

  • Assistant Professor (2003โ€“2013)

  • Associate Professor (2013โ€“2021)

  • Professor (2021โ€“Present)
    ๐Ÿ“ University of Tabriz

  • ๐Ÿงช Deputy of Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture โ€“ 1999โ€“2000

  • ๐Ÿงซ Head of Central Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture โ€“ 2011โ€“2014

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐ŸŽ“ Graduate Supervisionย 

  1. ๐Ÿฎ Genetic parameters in Sarabi cattle

  2. ๐Ÿงฌ Kappa casein polymorphism in Holstein & native cattle

  3. ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Heat stress impact on broilers

  4. ๐Ÿ‘ Growth traits in Lori sheep

  5. ๐Ÿ— Broiler performance with different fat sources

  6. ๐Ÿฅ Cottonseed meal in broiler diet

  7. ๐Ÿงต Fleece characteristics in hybrid sheep

  8. ๐Ÿฉธ Vitamin supplementation effects in calves

  9. ๐Ÿ„ Genetic potential via test-day records (Zanjan Univ.)

  10. ๐Ÿผ Lactation curve studies (Zanjan Univ.)

๐Ÿ† Achievements & Honors

  • ๐Ÿ“š Ranked 1st in B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. studies

  • ๐Ÿง  Expertise in Bayesian statistical methods, molecular genetics & genomics

  • โœ๏ธ Published over 15+ research papers in international journals

  • ๐Ÿ’ป Specialized in SAS software and advanced modeling

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Pioneer in applying random regression models and genotype-environment interaction studies in Iranian livestock

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Active mentor for M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in animal breeding

Publicationย Top Notes:

Application of a random forest algorithm to estimate marker effects and identify candidate genes for reproductive traits in Iranian Holstein dairy cattle

Effect of Dietary Amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus chlorostachys) Supplemented with Enzyme Blend on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemistry and Antioxidant Status in Laying Hens

Searching for Possible Association between Six Microsatellite Markers and Suppression of Mite Reproduction (SMR) Trait in Honey Bees

Genomic Selection Signatures in Two French and Swedish Holstein Cattle Breeds Provide Evidence for Several Potential Candidate Genes Linked to Economic Traits

Molecular Screening of Varroa-Resistant Trait of Honey Bee Colonies based on NorpA2 Candidate Gene Polymorphism: A Genetic Case-Control Study

Supplementation of broiler chicken diets with bovine lactoferrin improves growth performance, histological parameters of jejunum and immune-related gene expression

 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sourav Chattaraj | Agriculture Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sourav Chattaraj | Agriculture Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sourav Chattaraj, Siksha O Anusandhan Deemed to be University, India

Dr. Sourav Chattaraj is an Assistant Professor (Research) at the Centre for Industrial Biotechnology Research, Siksha O Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Raiganj University, with his doctoral research focusing on the formulation of fish feed using brewery waste, freshwater algae, and probiotic bacteria for the cultivation of Cirrhinus reba. His academic journey includes an M.Sc. in Applied Microbiology from Vellore Institute of Technology and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Microbiology from the University of Burdwan. Dr. Chattaraj specializes in aquaculture, agriculture, biochemistry, emulsion technology, feed technology, fermentation technology, genetics, immunology, metagenomics, medical microbiology, molecular biology, nanotechnology, oncology, phycology, and probiotics. His research contributions have been recognized globally, with 263 citations, an h-index of 11, and an i10-index of 12. He has also earned a position in the World Scientist and University Rankings 2023 by AD Scientific Index, ranking 19th at Raiganj University and 59,525th in India.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Awardย ย 

Dr. Sourav Chattaraj is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in Microbiology, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology. His impressive research output, high citation metrics, and diverse expertise make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

๐ŸŽ“ Education

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology โ€“ Raiganj University (2024) ๐Ÿ… Thesis: Formulation of fish feed with brewery waste, freshwater algae, and probiotic bacteria for the cultivation of Cirrhinus reba.
  • M.Sc. in Applied Microbiology โ€“ Vellore Institute of Technology (2019) ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ (88.8% – First Class)
  • B.Sc. (Hons.) in Microbiology โ€“ University of Burdwan (2017) ๐Ÿ† (65.25% – First Class)
  • Higher Secondary (12th) โ€“ WBCHSE (2014) ๐Ÿ“– (65.6% – First Class)
  • Secondary (10th) โ€“ WBBSE (2012) ๐ŸŽ“ (82.85% – First Class)

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ’ผ Work Experience

  • Assistant Professor (Research) โ€“ Centre for Industrial Biotechnology Research, Siksha O Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar ๐Ÿ“š (Present)
  • Postdoctoral Fellow โ€“ Centre for Biotechnology, Siksha O Anusandhan Deemed University, Bhubaneswar ๐Ÿงช
  • Training Coordinator โ€“ Trained UG students at Bankura Sammilani College in Mushroom Cultivation and Enriched Vermicompost Preparation ๐Ÿ„๐ŸŒฑ
  • Guest Lecturer โ€“ Delivered invited lectures at Department of Microbiology, Bankura Sammilani College ๐ŸŽค

๐Ÿ† Awards & Achievements

  • World Scientist and University Rankings 2023 by AD Scientific Index ๐ŸŒ
    • Ranked #19 (Raiganj University), #59525 (Country), #1248884 (World)
    • ID: 4843136
  • Google Scholar Citation โ€“ 263 ๐Ÿ“Š
  • h-index: 11 ๐Ÿ”ฌ
  • i10-index: 12 ๐Ÿ…
  • GENBANK Sequence Submissions โ€“ Contributed valuable microbiological sequences to global databases ๐Ÿงฌ

Publicationย Top Notes:

Immunostimulatory and antagonistic potential of the methanolic extract of Oedogonium intermedium SCB in Cirrhinus reba challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

Enzymes-mediated solid waste management: A sustainable practice for recycling

 

Ms. Amaka Ifeduba | Breeding Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Amaka Ifeduba | Breeding Award | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Amaka Ifeduba, Texas A&M University, United States

Amaka Ifeduba is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, specializing in potato breeding with a focus on heat tolerance. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Horticultural Sciences, her research involves developing global warming-ready potatoes by studying heat tolerance mechanisms and identifying key genetic factors. Amakaโ€™s research includes assessing leaf membrane conductivity, identifying quantitative trait loci, and exploring heat escape mechanisms in various potato clones. Her work has significant implications for the US potato industry by helping growers select heat-tolerant varieties. She holds a Master of Science in Cytogenetics & Plant Breeding from the University of Jos, Nigeria, and a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science & Biotechnology from the same institution. Amakaโ€™s expertise extends to scientific communications and social media marketing, as evidenced by her recent internship with the American Seed Trade Association. Her academic and professional achievements are recognized through numerous awards, including the Gerald O. Mott Award and the Frank L. Haynes Graduate Student Research Competition Award. She is also a recipient of the Borlaug International Scholar Fellowship and several scholarships for her outstanding contributions to the field.

 

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Amaka Ifeduba is a Ph.D. student specializing in potato breeding, with an emphasis on developing heat-tolerant potato varieties. Her research aims to understand the genetic basis of heat tolerance in potatoes, a crucial area given the impact of global warming on agriculture. Her work involves.

Education ๐ŸŽ“

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Horticultural Sciences, Potato Breeding)
    Texas A&M University, USA (January 2022 – Present)
    Dissertation: Global warming-ready potatoes: understanding heat tolerance in potato clones from the Texas A&M breeding program.

    Research Highlights:

    • Assessed heat tolerance in 215 potato genotypes, focusing on leaf membrane REC and tuber defects.
    • Identified QTLs and genes related to heat tolerance and heat-shock protein expression.
    • Conducted controlled environment studies revealing early tuberization as a key heat escape mechanism.
    • Developed a mapping population for understanding genetic basis of heat tolerance in potatoes.
  • Master of Science (Cytogenetics & Plant Breeding)
    University of Jos, Nigeria (June 2018 โ€“ December 2021)
    Thesis: Field assessment of potato to late blight and molecular characterization of Phytophthora infestans.
  • Bachelor of Science (Plant Science & Biotechnology)
    University of Jos, Nigeria (November 2011 โ€“ December 2015)
    Thesis: Plant diversity in natural and cultivated hedgerows in Jos East.

Research/Teaching & Internship Experience ๐Ÿ”ฌ

  • Graduate Research Assistant
    Texas A&M University, Department of Horticultural Sciences (January 2022 โ€“ Present)

    • Engages with stakeholders and manages lab and field operations for the potato breeding program.
    • Mentors undergraduate and aspiring graduate students.
  • Ag Marketing/Communications Intern
    American Seed Trade Association (May โ€“ August 2024)

    • Authored articles, updated web content, and supported social media and video content creation.

Technical Skills ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ

  • Scientific communications, creative writing, and social media marketing.
  • Controlled environment breeding, genomic selection, and QTL analysis.
  • Wet lab skills including tissue culture, PCR, and ELISA.

Awards, Honors, and Fellowships ๐Ÿ†

  • Top 3 Poster Winner, National Association of Plant Breeding Conference (July 2024)
  • ASTA Student Connections Program Award (June 2024)
  • Belsterling Foundation Scholarship (April 2024)
  • Gerald O. Mott Award (March 2024)
  • Bayer Encompass Scholar Award (July 2023)
  • Vice-Chancellorโ€™s Award for Best Graduating Student, University of Jos (2014/2015)

Publication top Notes:

Leaf Membrane Stability under High Temperatures as an Indicator of Heat Tolerance in Potatoes and Genome-Wide Association Studies to Understand the Underlying Genetics