Prof. Dr. Alaa Niamah | Food Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Alaa Niamah | Food Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Alaa Niamah, University of Basrah, Iraq

Prof. Dr. Alaa Kareem Niamah is a distinguished Professor of Biotechnology in the Department of Food Science at the College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Iraq. Born on June 11, 1979, in Al-Shatrah, Dhi Qar Governorate, he holds a Ph.D. in Food Science with a specialization in Biotechnology. With a rich academic career spanning over two decades, he has progressed from assistant lecturer to full professor, focusing on dairy microbiology, applied human nutrition, and fermented dairy products at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Prof. Niamah has actively contributed to numerous national and international conferences and has been involved in multiple scientific committees. He holds patents such as an electronic system for detecting pesticide residues in raw milk and has participated in advanced training programs worldwide, including at Harvard Medical School and the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. His extensive professional affiliations include memberships in leading international societies related to chemical, biological, and environmental engineering, reflecting his commitment to advancing food science and biotechnology research in Iraq and beyond.

Professional Profile:

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Summary of Suitability – Prof. Dr. Alaa Kareem Niamah for Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Alaa Kareem Niamah is a highly distinguished academic and researcher in the field of food science and biotechnology, with a prolific track record spanning over two decades. His expertise encompasses dairy microbiology, probiotics, functional foods, and food safety, making him a global contributor to food technology advancement.

🎓 Education & Academic Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Food Science (Biotechnology specialty)
    University of Basrah, Iraq

💼 Work Experience & Academic Positions

  • Assistant Lecturer on Probiotic Bacteria (2004 – 2010)

  • Lecturer of Dairy Microbiology (2010 – 2013)

  • Assistant Professor of Dairy Microbiology (2013 – 2018)

  • Professor of Biotechnology (2018 – Present)
    Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah

🏆 Achievements & Contributions

  • Patent:

    • Designed and implemented an electronic system for detecting pesticide residues in raw milk (2021) 🥛🔬

  • Teaching Expertise:

    • Dairy Microbiology, Applied Human Nutrition, General Microbiology, Agricultural Research, Fermented Dairy Products, Bacteriocins, Applied Microbiology

  • Conference Participation:

    • Active in numerous national and international conferences as participant, organizing committee, and reviewer (from 2005 to 2024) 🌍📅

  • Workshops & Training:

    • Completed specialized courses on Biotechnology, Microbiology, Proteomics, Genetic Applications, and COVID-19 immunological testing 🧬🦠

  • Memberships:

    • Member of multiple international scientific societies, including ISDS, IICBE, EACBEE, and others 🌐

🏅 Awards & Honors

  • Recognized for scientific contributions through involvement in prestigious international conferences and committees

  • Leadership roles in organizing and reviewing for global conferences in food science, agriculture, and biotechnology

Publication Top Notes:

Applications of Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles Using Microorganisms in Food and Dairy Products: Review

Effect of Encapsulated Bacteria Limosilactobacillus reuteri on the Physicochemical, Microbial, and Sensory Characteristics of Yogurt Produced from Sheep’s Milk

Oxalate Degrading Screening and Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolates

Survival and Viability of Limosilactobacillus reuteri Bacteria: A Comparative Study between Free and Microencapsulated Forms under Gastrointestinal and Thermal Stress Conditions

Enzymes for meat and meat processing industry: current trends, technological development, and future prospects

Immunomodulation capability and cytotoxicity activities of novel exopolysaccharides produced by a new local strain, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis strain Iraq-Basrah 3

Vacuum oven drying technology using in the microencapsulation of Limoslactobacillus reuteri

Dr. Gayani Weerasooriya | Food Microbiology Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gayani Weerasooriya | Food Microbiology Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gayani Weerasooriya, Veterinary Research Institute, Sri Lanka

Dr. Gayani Weerasooriya is a distinguished Veterinary Research Officer at the Veterinary Research Institute in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, where she has worked since 2010. She holds a Ph.D. from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia, and has advanced qualifications including a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics and a Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine, both from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her research expertise spans bacterial diseases in livestock, with a focus on zoonotic diseases and poultry salmonellosis control. Dr. Weerasooriya is also involved in vaccine production and quality testing, and she has significant experience in ISO standards implementation. Her extensive training includes molecular techniques, epidemiology, and research methodology, with numerous awards recognizing her contributions to veterinary science, including the National Awards for Science & Technology (NASTA) in 2018 and the Best Scientific Paper Award from the World’s Poultry Science Association in 2021.

Professional Profile:

 

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Ph.D. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from The University of Adelaide, South Australia. Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics from The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science from The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Currently serving as a Veterinary Research Officer at the Veterinary Research Institute in Sri Lanka since 2010.Extensive experience in bacterial disease research, diagnostic services, vaccine and biological production, and ISO implementation.

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Biostatistics, The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Master of Veterinary Science in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, The University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

Work Experience:

  • Veterinary Research Officer, Veterinary Research Institute, Sri Lanka (2010–present)
    • Responsibilities include research on bacterial diseases in livestock, diagnostic services, supervision of zoonotic disease laboratories, control programs for poultry salmonellosis, and vaccine production.
    • Specific roles include managing the Brucella S19 vaccine production, bacterial vaccine seed maintenance, quality testing of locally produced vaccines, and overseeing ISO implementation.
  • Private Veterinary Practitioner, Self-Employed (2004–present)
  • Veterinary Internship, Trainee Veterinarian (2004)
  • Veterinary Surgeon and Microbiologist, Poultry Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Crysbro Group of Companies, Sri Lanka (2004–2010)

Publication top Notes:

Persistence of Salmonella and Campylobacter on Whole Chicken Carcasses under the Different Chlorine Concentrations Used in the Chill Tank of Processing Plants in Sri Lanka

Persistence of Salmonella and Campylobacter in Chicken Meat under the Different Chlorination Techniques in Poultry Processing Plants in Sri Lanka

Peroxyacetic acid and acidified sodium chlorite reduce microbial contamination on whole chicken carcasses obtained from two processing points

Invasive potential of sub-lethally injured Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella Typhimurium during storage in chicken meat juice

Transcriptomic response of Campylobacter jejuni following exposure to acidified sodium chlorite