Zeineb JRAD | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Zeineb JRAD | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Zeineb JRAD, Higher Institute of Applied Biology/ Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory-IRA, Tunisia

Dr. Zeineb Jrad is a dedicated food biotechnologist and researcher from Tunisia, currently serving as Maitre-assistant d’enseignement supérieur and Head of the Agro-food Department at the Institut Supérieur de Biologie Appliquée de Médenine. With a strong background in biological sciences and biotechnology, her research primarily focuses on antimicrobial peptides from camel milk and the bio-preservation of dairy products. She has contributed to numerous national and international projects, including PRIMA, ARIMNET, and PHC Utique, and has published 28 peer-reviewed papers, including 22 in indexed journals. Zeineb holds a notable h-index of 12 on Scopus and is recognized for her innovations, including a national patent for a camel milk-derived dairy product. She actively participates in scientific workshops, congresses, and collaborative research stays across Europe. Her work bridges traditional food technology and modern biotechnological approaches to improve food quality, safety, and sustainability in arid and Mediterranean ecosystems.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Zeineb Jrad earned her Doctorate in Sciences Biologiques et Biotechnologie from the Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Monastir, Tunisia. Her PhD research was focused on the “Identification, characterization, and exploitation of antimicrobial activity of peptides derived from camel milk.” She later completed her Postdoctoral Fellowship (2020–2021) at the Laboratoire d’élevage et faune sauvage, Institut des Régions Arides, Médenine, as part of the international ARIMNET2 “AROMATIC” project. Zeineb has also participated in several research stays, including at BioDyMiA Laboratory, Université Lyon 1 – ISARA Lyon (France), Platform ASIA at Université de Lorraine (France), and Centro Tecnologico de la Carne (Spain). Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to integrating scientific innovation with traditional food technologies. Through continuous training in areas like ISO 9001, food safety, market analysis, and experimental design, she has strengthened her foundation in both the scientific and practical aspects of food biotechnology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Zeineb Jrad currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Food Industry and Head of the Agro-Food Department at the Institut Supérieur de Biologie Appliquée de Médenine. She was previously engaged in the MOBIDOC project (2018–2020) with Société Crèmerie Général de Djerba and has collaborated on several national and international initiatives. Her professional journey includes participation in the PROCAMED project and leadership roles in educational development, such as the PAQ initiative for improving food science teaching. In addition to teaching and departmental responsibilities, she has contributed extensively to the organization of scientific workshops and conferences. Zeineb’s practical knowledge in dairy product innovation and research dissemination, coupled with her technical training in ultrafiltration, food additives, and traditional dairy production, makes her a prominent figure in the Tunisian agro-food sector. Her career combines research, teaching, field application, and international collaboration, enriching both academic and industry perspectives.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Zeineb Jrad’s work has been recognized through various national and international research projects and distinctions. She is the co-holder of a national patent titled “Préparation d’un produit lacté à base du lait de dromadaire ultrafiltré supplémenté à la poudre de datte” (N°026120, INNORPI Tunisia). Her contribution to the PAQ and PEJC projects highlights her commitment to educational reform and food preservation. She has also been a key contributor to several European and Mediterranean collaborative initiatives, including PRIMA, PHC UTIQUE, and ARIMNET2, where she worked on sustainable food systems and biopreservation. Zeineb has presented her findings through 10 posters, 18 oral communications, and has organized multiple scientific workshops and congresses. Her recognition in international forums and affiliations with prestigious platforms such as Scopus (h-index 12), ResearchGate, and Web of Science reflects her reputation and leadership in food biotechnology, especially in arid and Mediterranean contexts.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Zeineb Jrad’s research focuses on bioactive compounds, antimicrobial peptides, and biopreservation of dairy products, with a strong emphasis on camel and goat milk. Her work integrates traditional food processes like fermentation with modern techniques such as ultrafiltration to enhance food safety, quality, and shelf-life. She actively explores the biological activities of milk proteins, including alpha-lactalbumin and its hydrolysates. Zeineb has been involved in the development of functional dairy products, reformulation of meat products using camel meat, and comparative studies on microbial behavior in different milk sources. Her interdisciplinary research combines food chemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, and sustainability, aiming to support small-scale producers and rural economies. She also contributes to the valorization of local animal resources and the innovation of artisanal fermented foods under projects such as PRIMA, PROCAMED, and AROMATIC. Her vision is to create safe, nutritious, and culturally rooted food systems through innovative biotechnological applications.

📚 Publications

  1. Effects of Operational Parameters Variation During Ultrafiltration Process on Goat Skim Milk (GSM) Concentration for Cheese Elaboration – Processes (2025) 🧀🔬

  2. The characterization of Lactobacillus strains in camel and bovine milk during fermentation: A comparison study – Heliyon (2024) 🐪🥛

  3. Reformulation of Tunisian Sun-Dried Merguez with Camel Meat: Characterization of Physicochemical and Compositional Changes – Foods (2024) 🌶️🥩

  4. Physico-chemical and antioxidant characteristics of goat milk kefir stored at refrigerated temperature – Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization (2022) ❄️🥛
    (Remaining 24 titles not provided; available upon request)

Goshen David Miteu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Goshen David Miteu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Goshen David Miteu, University of North Dakota, Nigeria

Goshen David Miteu is a dynamic biomedical researcher deeply committed to addressing global health challenges through translational science. Currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of North Dakota, his work focuses on HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. A Commonwealth Scholar and recipient of multiple academic honors, Goshen brings a robust background in biotechnology, biochemistry, and infectious disease research. Beyond the lab, he actively contributes to scientific communication, community engagement, and mentorship through numerous roles, including Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) representation and global mentorship initiatives. Goshen has demonstrated leadership in both academic and professional settings and maintains active affiliations with prestigious scientific societies. A passionate advocate for Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), he blends scientific rigor with social impact, leveraging both wet and dry lab skills. Goshen embodies a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community-driven research in public health and biomedicine.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Goshen David Miteu is currently a PhD candidate in Biomedical Science at the University of North Dakota, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases and infectious pathologies. He earned an MSc in Biotechnology with Distinction from the University of Nottingham, UK (2023), where he researched recombinant protein production and RNA helicase purification. His undergraduate degree, a BSc in Biochemistry from Caleb University, Lagos (2020), was completed with First Class Honours (CGPA 4.90/5.0), and he emerged as the overall best graduating student. His BSc thesis centered on the levels of granzymes and TGF-β in HIV-1 infected patients. Goshen has also undertaken various certified professional courses in biotechnology, antimicrobial resistance, Python and R programming, and data visualization. His education is enhanced by prestigious scholarships and has spanned interdisciplinary fields, combining molecular biology, biotechnology, and biomedical science, giving him a broad and deep understanding of human health and disease at the cellular and systemic levels.

💼 Experience

Goshen David Miteu has diverse experience in biomedical research, spanning academia, industry, and public health. He currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant in Chen’s Lab at the University of North Dakota, contributing to therapeutic development for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Previously, at the Center for Infectious Disease Control and Drug Development, Nigeria, he conducted antimicrobial and phytochemical assays on natural compounds like Moringa oleifera. His industrial stint at Dangote Pasta and Flour Ltd (2019–2020) yielded innovations such as a manual pasta crack test, which improved product reliability. Goshen has also held roles in quality assurance and control, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. He is an active scientific communicator, leading research teams in the ICORMED Collaborative and Pan African Research Group. His work experience reflects his strong capacity for independent research, cross-functional teamwork, and public health impact, integrating both wet and dry lab methodologies to address complex biomedical problems.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Goshen David Miteu has received numerous accolades recognizing his academic excellence and leadership. He is a recipient of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK, £50,000) and the University of North Dakota Doctoral Scholarship (~$270,000). In 2024, he was awarded the Campbell Scholarship. His early academic excellence was recognized with awards such as Valedictorian, Overall Best Graduating Student, and Best Student in Biochemistry at Caleb University, where he earned multiple departmental prizes including the Okebukola Science Foundation Prize, Prof Nimbe’s Prize, and the Joseph Ayedun’s Prize. During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he received a State Honors Award for public health outreach. Additional distinctions include awards from the Education USA Membership Program, the i-Scholar Initiative, and various alumni honors. His award trajectory showcases a consistent record of excellence in research, academics, and community service, positioning him as a rising leader in global biomedical science and innovation.

🔬 Research Focus

Goshen David Miteu’s primary research focus is the molecular basis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Working in Chen’s Lab at the University of North Dakota, he explores how HIV impacts the central nervous system, leading to cognitive decline. His objective is to define the mechanistic pathways involved in HAND, particularly those related to endolysosomal dysfunction, and leverage this knowledge to develop novel therapeutic targets. His broader interests extend to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease, driven by a vision to address major public health challenges through translational neuroscience and molecular interventions. Goshen also has experience in recombinant protein technology, genomic profiling, and bioinformatics, and has contributed to research in antimicrobial resistance, plant-derived bioactives, and RNA helicases. His research philosophy is anchored in innovation, sustainability, and relevance to global health needs, particularly within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 for Good Health and Wellbeing.

📚 Publications

  • 🧬 Aptamer Design as Biosensor to Detect Microbes

  • 🧪 Aptamer Design for Allergy Detection

  • 💉 Conceptualized a Biosimilar Design to Replace Cancer Treatment with Provenge

  • 🧫 Genomic Profiling of Bacillus Subspecies via pCR-4-TOPO Vector Cloning of 16s rRNA Gene

  • 🧬 Gateway Cloning of TIR1 Gene into Plasmid Vector pENTER11

  • 🌱 Transcriptome Data Analysis on Cytokinin Treatment on Roots of Seedlings

  • 🔬 Identification and Characterization of Bacillus Microbiota from Rumex obtusifolius Sample

  • 🧫 FDA Approves CASGEVY™: First CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease – Review

  • 🧪 Culture-Free Biphasic Approach for Early Sepsis Detection – Review Article