Abdul Hadi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Abdul Hadi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Govt Degree College Zanskar, Ladakh | India

Dr. Abdul Hadi is an accomplished botanist, educator, and early-career researcher whose work focuses on plant reproductive biology, conservation, and biodiversity of the Himalayan region. He earned his Integrated Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Kashmir under the joint supervision of Dr. Seema Singh and Prof. Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo, completing a significant research contribution on the reproductive biology and conservation strategies of Aconitum violaceum, a threatened medicinal plant of the Ladakh Himalaya. His academic foundation also includes an M.Sc. in Botany from Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University and a B.Ed. from the University of Kashmir. Dr. Hadi has qualified multiple national and state-level competitive examinations, including CSIR-NET-JRF, JK-SET/SLET, and CTET, showcasing strong academic merit and disciplinary expertise. Professionally, he serves as an Assistant Professor at Govt. Degree College Zanskar and has held several teaching positions across higher secondary institutions in Ladakh, contributing to science education at grassroots levels. He has also engaged in research as a Junior Research Fellow in a Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-funded project on apricot germplasm characterization and conservation. Alongside teaching and research, Dr. Hadi has taken on administrative and leadership roles, serving on institutional committees and leading educational initiatives, including founding the Ibex Academy in Kargil. His professional memberships include the National Environmental Science Academy (NESA), and he possesses strong technical proficiency across a wide range of scientific and data-analysis software. With an emerging publication record and measurable academic impact reflected through citation indices on ResearchGate, Scopus, and Google Scholar, Dr. Hadi continues to advance plant science research while fostering academic growth and scientific awareness in the remote Himalayan region.

Featured Publications

Ali, S., Singh, S., Shah, M. A., Hadi, H., Akhone, I. A., Khatoon, Z., & Rafiq, R. (2025). Green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles enhance in vitro regeneration in Artemisia dracunculus L. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 162, 70.

*Rafiq, R., Malla, B. A., Wagay, N. A., Kaloo, Z. A., Mahajan, R., & Hadi, A. ** (2025). Genetic diversity assessment of Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes, a critically endangered and endemic medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya, using ISSR markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 72, 255–269.

Malla, B. A., Rafiq, S., Hadi, A., Ali, A., Kaloo, Z. A., Wagay, N. A., & Dar, N. A. (2023). Downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers NF-κB1, RelA and COX-2 using Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes—in vitro and in silico study. Industrial Crops and Products, 197, 116564.

Hadi, A., Rafiq, S., Singh, S., Ali, S., & Nawchoo, I. A. (2022). Seed viability, seed germination, and micropropagation of Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf—A rare and threatened medicinal plant of Ladakh Himalaya. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant, 59, 315–328.

Hadi, A., Singh, S., Rafiq, S., Nawchoo, I. A., & Wagay, N. A. (2022). In vitro propagation of Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf through seed culture and somatic embryogenesis. Horticulturae, 8(7), 599.

Rafiq, S., Wagay, N. A., Elansary, H. O., Malik, M. A., Bhat, I. A., Kaloo, Z. A., Hadi, A.*, Alataway, A., Dewidar, A. Z., El-Sabrout, A. M., Yessoufou, K., & Mahmoud, E. A. (2022). Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antifungal activities of Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes wild rhizome extracts. Antioxidants, 11(6), 1052.

Hadi, A., Singh, S., Nawchoo, I. A., Rafiq, S., & Ali, S. (2022). Impacts of habitat variability on the phenotypic traits of Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf at different altitudes and environmental conditions in the Ladakh Himalaya, India. Plant Science Today, 9(3), 546–554.

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

google scholar

🎓 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

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

google scholar

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)