Hajar Pakyari | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Hajar Pakyari | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Hajar Pakyari, Islamic Azad University, Iran

Dr. Hajar Pakyari, born on September 16, 1981, in Shiraz, Iran, is an esteemed Associate Professor of Agricultural Entomology at the Islamic Azad University, Takestan Branch. With a dedicated career spanning over 18 years, she specializes in the biological control of agricultural pests, particularly focusing on the predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis and its role in managing spider mite populations. As a pioneer female scientist in her field, she has been recognized as the youngest female Associate Professor in Iran and the first in Qazvin Province. Dr. Pakyari has contributed substantially through her research publications, book authorship, international conference presentations, and leadership roles, including heading the Department of Plant Protection. Her scientific excellence is acknowledged worldwide through various editorial responsibilities, such as her position as a Subject Editor for the Bulletin of Entomological Research. She continues to inspire through her impactful work in sustainable pest management and applied entomology.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Hajar Pakyari holds a robust academic background in Plant Protection and Entomology. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Plant Protection from the Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch (1999–2002). Subsequently, she pursued her Master of Science in Entomology at the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch (2003–2005), where her thesis focused on the species diversity of soil mites in Sorkheh Hesar Forest Park. Driven by her passion for integrated pest management, she advanced to obtain her Ph.D. in Entomology from the same institution (2005–2008), where she investigated the efficiency of the predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis in controlling Tetranychus urticae under controlled conditions. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for her expertise in pest control, biological diversity, and ecological studies of beneficial arthropods, establishing her as a specialist in agricultural entomology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Pakyari began her professional career as a full-time Faculty Member at the Department of Plant Protection, Islamic Azad University, Takestan Branch in 2006, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor and Head of Department. From 2006 to 2008, she was also a Visiting Lecturer at the Science & Research Branch in Tehran. Her professional engagements include leadership as the Deputy of the Islamic World Women Scientists Network (2009–2024) and editorial duties as Subject Editor of the Bulletin of Entomological Research. She has managed several research projects on biological control, pest management, and pesticide effects on beneficial insects. Dr. Pakyari’s extensive peer-reviewing activity for renowned journals demonstrates her influence in the global entomological community. Additionally, she has shared her findings at key international congresses in countries such as the Netherlands, Tunisia, Thailand, and the USA, reinforcing her status as a leader in agricultural pest control research.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Hajar Pakyari’s outstanding scientific contributions have earned her multiple prestigious recognitions. She was honored as the Youngest Female Associate Professor in Iran and the first in Qazvin Province. Her pioneering research efforts led to her selection as Top Researcher of the Year at the Takestan Branch and the Young Researchers Club (2009), along with repeated recognitions in 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2024 at her university. As a long-standing member of the Elite Club of Young Researchers since 2001, Dr. Pakyari exemplifies academic excellence and leadership. Furthermore, she was acclaimed as the Provincial Top Researcher in Qazvin in 2020, underscoring her significant impact on regional agricultural advancements. These awards reflect her deep commitment to entomological science, particularly in biological pest management, making her a role model for aspiring researchers in Iran and globally.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Hajar Pakyari’s research primarily revolves around biological pest control, with an emphasis on the predatory efficiency of thrips (Scolothrips longicornis) against spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) under varied environmental conditions. Her studies investigate factors such as temperature, photoperiod, and pesticide impacts on the life cycle, fecundity, and predatory behavior of beneficial arthropods. She has also contributed to understanding functional response models, development thresholds, and sublethal pesticide effects on beneficial mites and insects, aiming to enhance integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Additionally, Dr. Pakyari’s research extends to evaluating the influence of abiotic factors such as light wavelengths and heat stress on predator-prey dynamics. Her work bridges the gap between theoretical models and applied agricultural practices, ensuring ecological safety and sustainability. Through national and international collaborations, she continues to pioneer innovative approaches for pest management in crop protection systems.

📚 Publications

1️⃣ Effect of temperature on life-table parameters of Scolothrips longicornis fed on Tetranychus urticae 🌿
2️⃣ Estimating Development and Temperature Thresholds of Scolothrips longicornis Using Models 🔬
3️⃣ Effect of temperature on consumption of Tetranychus urticae eggs by Scolothrips longicornis 🥚
4️⃣ Temperature-dependent functional response of Scolothrips longicornis preying on Tetranychus urticae 🌱
5️⃣ Prey stage preference of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🍃
6️⃣ Mutual interference of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🕷️
7️⃣ No choice prey stage preference and functional response of Scolothrips longicornis 🧩
8️⃣ Development Rate of Scolothrips longicornis at Various Temperatures 🌡️
9️⃣ The biology, life table and predation of Scolothrips longicornis fed on Tetranychus urticae 🦟
🔟 Spatial distribution pattern of Tetranychus urticae and its predator Scolothrips longicornis 🗺️
1️⃣1️⃣ Species diversity of soil mites in Sorkheh Hesar Forest Park 🌳
1️⃣2️⃣ First report of genus Evimirus for Iran 🇮🇷
1️⃣3️⃣ Oviposition model of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🐣
1️⃣4️⃣ Development and Life Table of Tyrophagus putrescentiae on Mushroom 🍄
1️⃣5️⃣ Influence of temperature and host plant on Tetranychus urticae development 🌾
1️⃣6️⃣ Effect of temperature on reproduction of Scolothrips longicornis 🥚
1️⃣7️⃣ Development time and fecundity of Two-Spotted Spider Mite 🍃
1️⃣8️⃣ Functional response of predatory thrips under pesticide influence ☠️
1️⃣9️⃣ Lethal and sublethal effects of Fenpropathrin on Scolothrips longicornis 💀
2️⃣0️⃣ Sublethal and transgenerational effects of Abamectin on Scolothrips longicornis 🧬
2️⃣1️⃣ Temperature effects on Eotetranychus hirsti development on fig leaves 🍂
2️⃣2️⃣ Cannibalism in phytoseiid mites 🕸️
2️⃣3️⃣ Sublethal pesticide effects on Scolothrips longicornis feeding behavior ⚠️
2️⃣4️⃣ Sublethal pesticide effects on Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 🐞
2️⃣5️⃣ Spirodiclofen effects on Scolothrips longicornis 🧪
2️⃣6️⃣ Oviposition model of Ephestia kuehniella 🦋
2️⃣7️⃣ Development of pale damsel bug under temperature variations 🔥❄️
2️⃣8️⃣ Repellency of plant extracts on storage pests 🌿
2️⃣9️⃣ Mealybug avoidance of ladybird semiochemicals 🐞
3️⃣0️⃣ Development thresholds of Ephestia kuehniella for mass production 🏭
3️⃣1️⃣ Light cycle effects on Ephestia kuehniella in the lab 💡
3️⃣2️⃣ Photoperiod effects on Scolothrips longicornis life table 🌙
3️⃣3️⃣ Life table of Ephestia kuehniella at constant temperatures 📊
3️⃣4️⃣ Cold storage effects on Scolothrips longicornis 🧊
3️⃣5️⃣ Wavelength impact on Scolothrips longicornis development 🌈
3️⃣6️⃣ Predation rate of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🐜
3️⃣7️⃣ Light wavelength effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis 🌓
3️⃣8️⃣ Photoperiod effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis population growth 🌞
3️⃣9️⃣ Fenpyroximate effects on Scolothrips longicornis toxicity evaluation ⚠️
4️⃣0️⃣ Temperature impact on mass production of Scolothrips longicornis 🌡️
4️⃣1️⃣ Light cycles affecting predation of Phytoseiulus persimilis 🌅
4️⃣2️⃣ Heat stress effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis demographics 🔥

Yu Geon Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Yu Geon Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yu Geon Lee, Korea Food Research Institute, KFRI, South Korea

Dr. Yu Geon Lee is an Assistant Researcher in the Precision Nutrition Research Group at the Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI), Republic of Korea. With a strong background in food science and technology, Dr. Lee focuses on how bioactive compounds from natural sources can influence metabolic and cellular health. His research explores areas such as mitochondrial dynamics, autophagy, lipid metabolism, and nutrikinetics. Dr. Lee is particularly interested in developing functional foods and therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and cancer. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and collaborates extensively across interdisciplinary fields. Known for his contributions to understanding nutritionally-induced cellular responses, Dr. Lee integrates both in vitro and in vivo approaches to examine the health benefits of phytochemicals. His work contributes significantly to advancing precision nutrition and promoting health through diet. He is committed to innovation at the intersection of nutrition, cellular biology, and disease prevention.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Yu Geon Lee completed all his higher education at Chonnam National University in South Korea. He earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Food Science and Technology in 2011, where he developed a foundational understanding of food composition, safety, and processing. Building on this, he pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) in the same field, completing it in 2013, with a focus likely on early-stage research in food biochemistry and nutrition. He went on to obtain his Ph.D. in 2016 in Food Science and Technology, specializing in cellular metabolism and the health impacts of functional food components. His academic training prepared him to integrate laboratory techniques with applied nutrition science, leading to his current research pursuits in nutrikinetics, mitochondrial biology, and anti-metabolic disease strategies. Throughout his studies, he demonstrated strong academic excellence and research capability in biochemical and molecular nutrition.

Experience

Dr. Yu Geon Lee currently serves as an Assistant Researcher at the Precision Nutrition Research Group, Korea Food Research Institute (KFRI), where he explores the molecular mechanisms by which nutrients and natural compounds influence human metabolism and health. With nearly a decade of experience in cellular and molecular nutrition research, he has developed expertise in studying insulin resistance, lipid accumulation, and mitochondrial function. Dr. Lee has led and contributed to numerous research projects involving cell metabolism, nutrikinetics, and anticancer agents, using state-of-the-art biochemical and molecular tools. His professional journey also includes mentoring junior researchers and collaborating with cross-functional teams on national and international research initiatives. Dr. Lee’s role at KFRI involves not only conducting experiments but also publishing results in reputed journals and contributing to Korea’s advancement in food science and health-oriented food products. His commitment reflects a balanced blend of academic insight and translational research application.

Awards and Honors

While the provided document does not list specific awards or honors, Dr. Yu Geon Lee’s impressive publication record and research contributions suggest he is a recognized figure in the field of food science and precision nutrition. Being consistently published in top-tier international journals such as Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, Cells, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, and Molecular Cell, speaks to the academic and research excellence he upholds. His involvement in impactful studies such as the regulation of mitochondrial respiration, insulin resistance, and autophagy in metabolic diseases positions him as a valuable contributor in biomedical nutrition science. He may also be a recipient of internal institutional recognitions or project grants, often awarded by KFRI or national research foundations, though specific titles are not listed. His growing influence is evident through collaborative publications and leadership in projects concerning natural bioactive compounds and disease prevention mechanisms.

Research Focus

Dr. Yu Geon Lee’s research centers on the interplay between nutrition and cellular metabolism, with a special focus on mitochondrial function, insulin resistance, lipid homeostasis, and autophagy. He studies how natural compounds—including bioactives from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Schisandra chinensis, and other plants—affect cellular signaling pathways such as IRS/PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and PCSK9 regulation. A key part of his work involves nutrikinetics, understanding how food-derived molecules are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted (ADME). Dr. Lee is also interested in the role of mitochondrial stress responses in metabolic diseases and cancer progression. His holistic approach integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and nutritional sciences to design precision nutrition strategies that can be used for disease prevention and treatment. By targeting specific pathways involved in metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, Dr. Lee’s work supports the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals aimed at promoting metabolic health and longevity.

Publication Top Notes

  1. 📊 Improvement of Glucose Metabolism by Pennogenin 3-O-β-Chacotrioside via IRS/PI3K/Akt Signaling and Mitochondrial Respiration in Insulin-Resistant HepatocytesMol. Nutr. Food Res. (2025)

  2. 🔬 Tomatine Improves Glucose Metabolism and Mitochondrial Respiration via AMPK in Insulin-Resistant Hepatocyte Cell LinesCells (2025)

  3. 🌿 Licochalcone D from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Improves High-Glucose-Induced Insulin Resistance in HepatocytesIJMS (2024)

  4. 🧴 Natural Product-Derived Compounds Targeting Keratinocytes and Pathways in Psoriasis TherapeuticsIJMS (2024)

  5. 🔋 Pennogenin 3-O-β-Chacotrioside Attenuates Lipid Accumulation by Enhancing Mitochondrial Oxidative CapacityIJMS (2024)

  6. ❤️ Schisandrin A Upregulates LDL Receptor by Inhibiting PCSK9 Stabilization in Steatotic ModelJ. Microbiol. Biotechnol. (2024)

  7. 💊 Capsella bursa-pastoris Extract Mitigates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Antioxidant Enzyme UpregulationIJMS (2023)

  8. ⚖️ Anti-Obesity Effects of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Ethanol Extract in High-Fat Diet-Induced MiceKorean J. Food Preserv. (2023)

  9. 🔥 Patulin Ameliorates Lipid Accumulation and Inflammatory Response by Modulating Mitochondrial RespirationAntioxidants (2023)

  10. 🍷 Patulin Alleviates Hepatic Lipid Accumulation by Regulating Lipogenesis and Mitochondrial RespirationLife Sciences (2023)

  11. 🧬 Role of Mitochondrial Stress Response in Cancer ProgressionCells (2022)

  12. 🧫 SREBP-1c Impairs ULK1 Sulfhydration-Mediated Autophagy, Promoting Hepatic SteatosisMolecular Cell (2021)