Jean-Christophe AVICE | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Academic Citation Impact Award

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Jean-Christophe AVICE | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Academic Citation Impact Award

UMR INRAe/Unicaen Plant Ecophysiology and Agronomy | France

Jean-Christophe Avice is a distinguished Professor of Plant Physiology at the University of Caen Normandie, where he also directs the Centre of Microscopy Applied to Biology (CMABio), the Master program in Biology and Agrosciences, and co-directs the regional Federation of Plant Science (Normandie Végétale). His scientific career spans advanced research in plant ecophysiology, with a focus on nutrient dynamics and metabolic interactions influencing crop performance and sustainability. Avice’s work has significantly contributed to understanding nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) reserves in key species such as alfalfa, white clover, and oilseed rape, examining fluxes through isotopic tracing and characterizing vegetative storage proteins to elucidate their functions and regulatory mechanisms. He has also led research integrating diagnostic tool development, fluxomics using 15N and 34S tracers, proteomics, and molecular physiology to uncover the processes governing nutrient remobilization—particularly autophagy, transport mechanisms, and leaf senescence pathways that shape yield and seed quality. His studies extend to improving nutrient use efficiency and examining N–S–P interactions in major crops including oilseed rape, wheat, and soybean, offering insights into how nutrient balance influences oil content, protein accumulation, and micronutrient profiles. Through more than two decades of academic and research leadership, Avice has advanced scientific understanding of plant nutrition, stress physiology, and grain quality in oleoproteaginous and arable crops. His interdisciplinary approach bridges ecophysiology, agronomy, and molecular biology, supporting innovations in sustainable agriculture, crop management, and the development of biostimulants and diagnostic tools. As an educator and research director, he continues to contribute to scientific capacity-building and the advancement of plant science in the Normandie region and beyond.

Profile: Orcid | Google scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

  • Aranjuelo, I., Molero, G., Erice, G., Avice, J. C., & Nogués, S. (2011). Plant physiology and proteomics reveals the leaf response to drought in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Journal of Experimental Botany, 62(1), 111–123.

  • Lee, B. R., Kim, K. Y., Jung, W. J., Avice, J. C., Ourry, A., & Kim, T. H. (2007). Peroxidases and lignification in relation to the intensity of water-deficit stress in white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Journal of Experimental Botany, 58(6), 1271–1279.

  • Guiboileau, A., Yoshimoto, K., Soulay, F., Bataillé, M. P., Avice, J. C., & Masclaux-Daubresse, C. (2012). Autophagy machinery controls nitrogen remobilization at the whole-plant level under both limiting and ample nitrate conditions in Arabidopsis. New Phytologist, 194(3), 732–740.

  • Abdallah, M., Dubousset, L., Meuriot, F., Etienne, P., Avice, J. C., & Ourry, A. (2010). Effect of mineral sulphur availability on nitrogen and sulphur uptake and remobilization during the vegetative growth of Brassica napus L. Journal of Experimental Botany, 61(10), 2635–2646.

  • Erice, G., Louahlia, S., Irigoyen, J. J., Sánchez-Díaz, M., & Avice, J. C. (2010). Biomass partitioning, morphology and water status of four alfalfa genotypes submitted to progressive drought and subsequent recovery. Journal of Plant Physiology, 167(2), 114–120.

  • Guiboileau, A., Yoshimoto, K., Soulay, F., Bataillé, M. P., Avice, J. C., & Masclaux-Daubresse, C. (2012). Autophagy machinery controls nitrogen remobilization at the whole-plant level under both limiting and ample nitrate conditions in Arabidopsis. New Phytologist, 194(3), 732–740.

  • Abdallah, M., Dubousset, L., Meuriot, F., Etienne, P., Avice, J. C., & Ourry, A. (2010). Effect of mineral sulphur availability on nitrogen and sulphur uptake and remobilization during the vegetative growth of Brassica napus L. Journal of Experimental Botany, 61(10), 2635–2646.

  • Erice, G., Irigoyen, J. J., Sánchez-Díaz, M., & Avice, J. C. (2007). Nitrogen and carbon flows estimated by ¹⁵N and ¹³C pulse-chase labeling during regrowth of alfalfa. Plant Physiology, 112(1), 281–290.

Jelena Visković | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Jelena Visković | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture | Serbia

Dr. Jelena Visković is an accomplished agricultural scientist specializing in crop science, with a strong academic and research background focused on field and vegetable crops. She earned her Ph.D. in Crop Science from Oregon State University, College of Agriculture, where her research contributed to advancing sustainable crop production and optimizing agricultural practices. Prior to that, she completed both her master’s degree in Field Crop Production and her bachelor’s degree in Organic Agriculture at the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Agriculture, where she demonstrated outstanding academic excellence, earning multiple awards for being the best student in her class and the best student of the faculty. Since 2015, Dr. Visković has been serving as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Novi Sad, Department for Field and Vegetable Crops, where she has been actively engaged in teaching, mentoring students, and conducting applied research in crop science and sustainable agricultural systems. Her professional development includes international training and research collaborations across several countries, including Switzerland, the United States, Austria, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, reflecting her commitment to integrating global agricultural knowledge and innovations into local contexts. Dr. Visković is a dedicated member of the Soil Science Society of Serbia and the Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops (AAIC), contributing to interdisciplinary discussions on soil management, crop improvement, and industrial crop utilization. Her work emphasizes the enhancement of crop productivity and sustainability through evidence-based agricultural practices and the integration of environmental considerations in modern farming. Through her teaching, research, and collaborations, Dr. Visković continues to foster innovation and knowledge exchange in the field of agricultural sciences, aiming to promote sustainable food production and resource-efficient crop systems for future generations.

Profile: Scoups | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Visković, J., Sikora, V., Latković, D., Zeremski, T., Dunđerski, D., Astatkie, T., Noller, J., & Zheljazkov, V. D. (2024). Optimization of hemp production technology for fiber and seed. Industrial Crops and Products, 219, 119127.

Visković, J., Dunđerski, D., Adamović, B., Jaćimović, G., Latković, D., & Vojnović, Đ. (2024). Toward an environmentally friendly future: An overview of biofuels from corn and potential alternatives in hemp and cucurbits. Agronomy, 14(6), 1195.

Visković, J., Zheljazkov, V. D., Sikora, V., Noller, J., Latković, D., Ocamb, C. M., & Koren, A. (2023). Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) agronomy and utilization: A review. Agronomy, 13(3), 931.

Visković, J., Sikora, V., Latković, D., Dunđerski, D., Astatkie, T., Noller, J., & Zheljazkov, V. D. (2023, August 27–30). Optimization of hemp production technology for fiber uses [Conference presentation]. In J. V. Anderson, D. Samarappuli, & M. Berti (Eds.), Building sustainable bioeconomies with industrial crops and products: 34th Annual Meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops (AAIC), Conference program and abstracts. Corvallis, OR, USA.

Visković, J., Sikora, V., Latković, D., Zeremski, T., Noller, J., & Zheljazkov, V. D. (2023, August 27–30). Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) essential oil content and composition depending on the cultivar, seeding date, spacing, and sampling time [Poster presentation]. In J. V. Anderson, D. Samarappuli, & M. Berti (Eds.), Building sustainable bioeconomies with industrial crops and products: 34th Annual Meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops (AAIC), Conference program and abstracts. Corvallis, OR, USA.

Dunđerski, D., Jaćimović, G., Crnobarac, J., Visković, J., & Latković, D. (2023). Using digital image analysis to estimate corn ear traits in agrotechnical field trials: The case with harvest residues and fertilization regimes. Agriculture, 13(4), 732

Antonio Borghese | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Antonio Borghese | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Distinguished Scientist Award

International Buffalo Federation | Italy

Professor Dr. Antonio Borghese, is an eminent Italian scientist renowned for his pioneering contributions to animal production and buffalo research. He earned degrees in Biological Sciences and Veterinary Medicine with top honors, followed by a professional qualification as a veterinarian  and a teaching diploma in Animal Production. His distinguished career began at the Istituto Superiore di Sanità in Rome and continued as a researcher and later Research Director at the Animal Production Research Institute (Istituto Sperimentale per la Zootecnia) in Monterotondo, where he also served as General Director and Director of the Animal Management and Buffalo Department. Professor Borghese has coordinated numerous national and international projects on livestock development, reproduction, and buffalo improvement, significantly advancing animal production systems. A prolific author, he has published over 413 scientific papers and six influential books, including the FAO monograph Buffalo Production and Research and Buffalo Livestock and Products. He has also edited the IDF Bulletin on Milking Management of Dairy Buffaloes and organized major global congresses in buffalo science. As General Secretary of the International Buffalo Federation (IBF) and Coordinator of the FAO Inter-Regional Cooperative Research Network on Buffalo, he has played a central role in promoting buffalo development worldwide through research, education, and international collaboration. Professor Borghese’s lifelong dedication has made him one of the world’s foremost authorities in buffalo science and sustainable animal production.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sgro, L. A., Basile, G., Barone, A. C., D’Anna, A., Minutolo, P., Borghese, A., … (2003). Detection of combustion formed nanoparticles. Chemosphere, 51(10), 1079–1090.

Borghese, A., & Merola, S. S. (1998). Time-resolved spectral and spatial description of laser-induced breakdown in air as a pulsed, bright, and broadband ultraviolet–visible light source. Applied Optics, 37(18), 3977–3983.

Sgro, L. A., Borghese, A., Speranza, L., Barone, A. C., Minutolo, P., Bruno, A., … (2008). Measurements of nanoparticles of organic carbon and soot in flames and vehicle exhausts. Environmental Science & Technology, 42(3), 859–863.

Borghese, A., D’Alessio, A., Diana, M., & Venitozzi, C. (1989). Development of hot nitrogen kernel, produced by a very fast spark discharge. Symposium (International) on Combustion, 22(1), 1651–1659.

D’Alessio, A., Di Lorenzo, A., Borghese, A., Beretta, F., & Masi, S. (1977). Study of the soot nucleation zone of rich methane-oxygen flames. Symposium (International) on Combustion, 16(1), 695–708.

Borghese, A., Canevari, R., Donati, V., & Garifo, L. (1981). Unstable–stable resonators with toroidal mirrors. Applied Optics, 20(20), 3547–3552.

Muhammad Irfan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Muhammad Irfan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Tuskegee University | United States

Dr. Muhammad Irfan is a soil scientist with extensive expertise in biochar, soil chemistry, and environmental sustainability. Currently serving as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA, he focuses on pesticide risk assessment, air pollution dispersion, and the role of biochar in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. He earned his PhD in Soil Science from China Agricultural University, Beijing, where his dissertation explored biochar applications for saline soil improvement. With over seven years of academic experience as an Assistant Professor at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, he has taught advanced courses in soil fertility, plant nutrition, environmental soil chemistry, and soil-water-plant relationships. His research contributions have advanced the understanding of heavy metal remediation, soil reclamation, phytoremediation, and nutrient management in saline agriculture. Dr. Irfan has published widely in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, ACS Omega, and the Journal of Saudi Chemical Society.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Muhammad Irfan has a strong academic foundation in soil and environmental sciences. He earned his PhD in Soil Science from the College of Resources and Environment, China Agricultural University, Beijing, where his dissertation focused on “The characters of biochar and application in saline soil improvement.” His doctoral work laid the groundwork for his expertise in soil remediation and biochar technology. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, with a thesis on the “Effect of phosphorus and sulfur on the yield and nutrient uptake of maize.” He also holds a B.Sc. in Soil and Environmental Sciences from the same institution, complemented by an internship evaluating irrigation water quality and soil salinity in District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Collectively, his academic journey highlights a consistent focus on soil health, nutrient management, and environmental sustainability.

Experience

Dr. Irfan’s career blends teaching, research, and applied environmental science. he has been a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Tuskegee University, USA, working on pesticide risk assessment, urban air dispersion, and biochar’s role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. he served as a Research Scholar at Auburn University, focusing on manufacturing biochar from downed timber and exploring its applications in soil amendment and wastewater treatment. Prior to his U.S. research appointments, Dr. Irfan was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan. There, he taught advanced soil science courses, supervised research projects, and conducted studies on soil fertility, heavy metal remediation, and saline soil management. His teaching portfolio includes Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition, Soil-Water-Plant Relationships, and Environmental Soil Chemistry, establishing him as both an educator and a researcher of high repute.

Honors and Awards

While specific formal awards are not listed, Dr. Irfan’s career is distinguished by significant academic and research achievements that reflect recognition in his field. His successful completion of a PhD at China Agricultural University with a dissertation on biochar applications in saline soils represents a major scholarly milestone. His postdoctoral appointments at Auburn University and Tuskegee University in the United States further highlight international recognition of his expertise in soil science, environmental chemistry, and biochar research. He has consistently collaborated with international teams of scientists, publishing in high-impact journals such as Scientific Reports, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, ACS Omega, and the Journal of Saudi Chemical Society. His selection for advanced projects on pesticide risk assessment, greenhouse gas mitigation, and biochar’s role in environmental sustainability signifies his contributions being valued at the global research level. Collectively, his positions, collaborations, and publications serve as evidence of professional honors.

Research Focus

Dr. Irfan’s research is primarily centered on soil remediation, biochar technology, and sustainable agricultural practices. He investigates the characterization of biochar with enhanced heavy metal removal efficiency and its applications in soil and water systems. His work extends into ecotoxicology, focusing on heavy metal speciation, mobility, and bioavailability in contaminated soils and sediments. He has developed adsorption and desorption models to better understand heavy metal interactions and tested remediation strategies using both organic and inorganic soil amendments. Additionally, his studies explore phytoremediation and saline agriculture, with special emphasis on nutrient and water management in saline soils. His recent projects have included assessing pesticide risk in urban agricultural systems and evaluating biochar’s role in greenhouse gas reduction. By integrating laboratory experiments, field studies, and advanced modeling approaches, Dr. Irfan contributes solutions for heavy metal pollution, soil degradation, and sustainable food production, aligning his research with global environmental challenges.

Publications

  • Heavy metals immobilization and improvement in maize (Zea mays L.) growth amended with biochar and compost.

  • Exploring the potential effect of Achnatherum splendens L. derived biochar treated with phosphoric acid on bioavailability of cadmium and wheat growth in contaminated soil.

  • Evaluating the efficacy of activated carbon in minimizing the risk of heavy metals contamination in spinach for safe consumption.

  • Zinc foliar application mitigates cadmium-induced growth inhibition and enhances wheat growth, chlorophyll contents, and yield.

  • Effect of wheat straw derived biochar on the bioavailability of Pb, Cd, and Cr using maize as test crop (Journal of Saudi Chemical Society

  • Impact of biochar interlayer on surface soil salt content, salt migration, and photosynthetic activity and yield of sunflowers: Laboratory and field studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Irfan is an accomplished soil scientist whose expertise bridges environmental sustainability, soil chemistry, and agricultural productivity. His research on biochar has opened new pathways for remediating heavy metal contamination, reclaiming saline soils, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to solutions for global environmental challenges. With a strong foundation in teaching and mentoring, he has guided students in advanced soil and environmental sciences while producing impactful research recognized internationally. His postdoctoral research at Auburn University and Tuskegee University underscores his role as a global collaborator in developing sustainable agricultural practices and environmental risk management strategies. By publishing in prestigious journals and advancing applied soil science, Dr. Irfan has established himself as a respected voice in biochar and soil remediation research. His career demonstrates a commitment to both advancing scientific knowledge and addressing urgent environmental concerns, making him a valuable contributor to agricultural and environmental sciences.

Vanesa Postigo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Vanesa Postigo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Imidra | Spain

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero is a Spanish researcher specializing in food science, fermentation, and brewing innovation. She has built a career at the intersection of microbiology, biotechnology, and beer production, with a strong emphasis on developing healthier and more sustainable brewing practices. Currently serving as a Senior Researcher at IMIDRA, she leads projects focusing on the development of non-alcoholic and bio-healthy beers using local yeast strains and regional ingredients. Her academic journey, including a PhD in Food Science from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, has been complemented by professional experience with renowned organizations such as Heineken in the Netherlands, Cervezas La Cibeles, TRAGSATEC, and CSIC-IRNASA. She has combined laboratory research with industrial applications, ensuring her work contributes both scientifically and practically to the brewing sector. Alongside her research, she has been active as a trainer, teaching beer production and tasting to diverse audiences. Multilingual and skilled in technical tools such as R, SPSS, and Mendeley, she has published extensively on yeast innovation and fermentation. Her contributions are internationally recognized through conferences and publications, positioning her as a leading figure in advancing bio-healthy brewing technologies.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero’s educational background reflects a multidisciplinary foundation in environmental sciences, biotechnology, and food science, with a strong focus on fermentation and brewing. She began her academic journey at the Universidad de Valladolid, where she studied Agricultural Engineering, developing expertise in agronomy and agricultural production systems. She then pursued a Bachelor in Environmental Sciences at Universidad de Salamanca, broadening her knowledge in sustainability, ecological processes, and environmental management. Seeking specialization, she obtained a Master in Agrobiotechnology at the same institution, where she deepened her understanding of molecular biology, biotechnology, and their applications in food and agriculture. Her passion for brewing innovation led her to complete a PhD in Food Science at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, with her thesis focusing on autochthonous yeast strains and their role in producing bio-healthy beers. This doctoral research integrated microbiology, biochemistry, and sensory science, establishing her expertise in functional brewing. To complement her academic training, she became a Certified Beer Host through the Cicerone Program, aligning scientific knowledge with sensory evaluation and consumer experience. Altogether, her educational trajectory combines agriculture, biotechnology, and food science, providing her with a holistic perspective essential for innovation in fermentation and brewing research.

Experience

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero has extensive research and industry experience in brewing science and fermentation. Since April 2024, she has served as Senior Researcher at IMIDRA, leading Project FP24-BIOCERV on non-alcoholic beer development with local yeasts and hops. Previously, she worked on Project FP22-CERVEZAM, advancing beer production using Madrid-sourced ingredients. From 2018 onwards, she has also been active as a trainer, delivering specialized courses and seminars on beer production and tasting. Her PhD research at Cervezas La Cibeles and IMIDRA focused on bio-healthy beers, complemented by an international internship at Heineken in the Netherlands, where she carried out fermentation trials with non-conventional yeasts. Earlier, as a Technologist Fellow at IMIDRA, she specialized in yeast selection and brewing method development, contributing directly to innovative brewing practices. Her professional foundation was built through roles such as Research Assistant at CSIC-IRNASA, where she worked in molecular biology and bioinformatics, and multiple internships in microbiology, environmental sciences, and agricultural studies. Across her career, she has combined scientific research with applied brewing techniques, ensuring that her work contributes both academically and industrially. Her expertise positions her as a leader in bio-healthy beer innovation and yeast-based brewing technologies.

Honors and Awards

Throughout her career, Vanesa Postigo Herrero has earned recognition for her innovative contributions to brewing science and food biotechnology. Her doctoral research at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, conducted in collaboration with Cervezas La Cibeles and IMIDRA, was distinguished as a valuable example of industrial application in bio-healthy beer innovation, showcasing her ability to integrate academic excellence with industry relevance. She has been selected to present her work at prestigious international platforms, including the  International Trends in Brewing (Leuven) and the ISSY Symposium (Turkey), which are highly competitive venues for fermentation science. Her consistent participation in national conferences, such as the AETCM Annual Congress (Málaga) and Forum CIAL (Madrid), reflects her recognition within Spain’s brewing and food science communities. She has also been invited as a trainer and course leader, further highlighting her reputation as an expert in beer production and tasting. In addition, her Certified Beer Host credential (Cicerone) represents an honor that bridges scientific and professional expertise in the sensory aspects of beer. Altogether, her awards and honors underscore her international impact, bridging academic research, brewing innovation, and education in the field of fermentation sciences.

Research Focus

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero’s research focuses on yeast biotechnology, fermentation processes, and the development of bio-healthy and sustainable beers. Her PhD work centered on the isolation and application of autochthonous yeast strains to create beers with functional and sensory properties beneficial to health. She has a strong interest in exploring non-conventional Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts, such as Lachancea thermotolerans, for producing sour, low-alcohol, and nutritionally enhanced beers. Another key area of her research is the integration of local and regional raw materials, such as hops and cereals from Madrid, into beer production, thereby promoting terroir and sustainability. She has also conducted pioneering studies on using wine yeast strains in brewing, analyzing their impact on beer aroma, flavor, and complexity. Her research extends beyond product innovation to include controlled fermentation strategies inspired by traditional lambic beer methods, connecting modern biotechnology with historical brewing practices. Vanesa’s scientific output reflects a balance between academic rigor and industrial application, with several publications in high-impact journals. Her work contributes to developing new categories of functional beverages, supporting both consumer health and craft brewing innovation. Ultimately, her research bridges microbiology, sensory science, and sustainable food production in the brewing sector.

Publications

  • Bioactive Properties of Fermented Beverages: Wine and Beer – Highlights functional compounds in fermented drinks, emphasizing their health-promoting roles in modern nutrition.

  • Autochthonous Ingredients for Craft Beer Production – Demonstrates how local yeasts and raw materials enhance craft beer identity, sustainability, and sensory uniqueness.

  • Non-conventional Saccharomyces Yeasts for Beer Production – Evaluates alternative yeasts to diversify fermentation profiles and produce innovative beer styles.

  • Study of Controlled Fermentation for Lambic Beer Production – Explores controlled fermentation strategies to replicate traditional lambic complexity with scientific precision.

  • Lachancea thermotolerans for Sour Beer Production – Confirms potential of L. thermotolerans in creating balanced sour beers with novel flavor dimensions.

  • Non-Conventional Yeast Behavior in Beer Fermentation – Investigates fermentation kinetics of non-conventional yeasts and their influence on beer quality.

Conclusion

Dr. Vanesa Postigo Herrero has established herself as a leading researcher in food science and brewing innovation, with a career that seamlessly bridges academic research, industrial application, and education. Her work with autochthonous yeasts, non-conventional fermentation methods, and the integration of local raw materials reflects her commitment to sustainability, innovation, and consumer health. Through her international publications, conference contributions, and training activities, she has made significant contributions to advancing the field of bio-healthy and functional beers. With a solid multidisciplinary education, diverse professional experiences, and recognition across both academic and professional brewing communities, Vanesa continues to drive forward new scientific approaches that connect tradition, biotechnology, and modern brewing needs. Her trajectory highlights not only her expertise but also her passion for contributing impactful solutions to the food and beverage sector.