Akram Hosen | Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Akram Hosen | Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Bangladesh

You have a solid background in bioinformatics, computational biology, and biotechnology, with hands-on experience in computer-aided drug design, molecular docking, and genomic techniques. Your work at the Advanced Bioinformatics, Computational Biology and Data Science (ABCD) Laboratory involved using software tools like ChemDraw, Gaussian, PyRx, PyMol, and Chimera for drug design and structural analysis. You have also conducted research in microbiology, genetics, and plant biology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University. Additionally, you have received training in genomic DNA extraction, PCR, and ELISA at ideSHi. Your academic journey is complemented by active participation in co-curricular activities and awards, including the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps and campus ambassadorship.

Professional Profiles:

🎓 Education

B.Sc (Hon’s) in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRTU), GopalganjFocused research in:🧬 Cellular/Molecular Biology💻 Bioinformatics/Genomics/ProteomicsCore subjects included:🦠 Cell Biology🧫 Microbiology🧬 Genetics🌱 Plant Biology

🏆 Co-curricular Activities and Awards

Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) BNMPC Army Wing, BSMRSTU Feb 2018 – Feb 2020 Awarded for distinguished service.Campus Ambassador Bioinfo Academia Engaged in learning and sharing skills in basic bioinformatics.Awarded Trainee Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi)

🧪 Experience

Assistant Research Manager and Junior Research Collaborator
Advanced Bioinformatics, Computational Biology and Data Science (ABCD) Laboratory, Bangladesh
Jan 2023 – Present

Engaged in computer-aided drug design and bioinformatics research, including:

🧬 Drawing chemical structures using ChemDraw.

⚛️ Energy optimization using Gaussian.

🔬 Molecular docking using PyRx.

🧪 Molecular docking analysis and validation using PyMol.

🖥️ Visualization and structure analysis using Chimera, Discovery Studio.

📚 Database browsing on NCBI, PubMed, PubChem, DrugBank, RCSB PDB, UniProt.

🔍 MCS alignment, NCBI blast, and PPI interaction using STRING and Cytoscape.

Research Assistant

Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Lab, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU)Focused on key areas in:🦠 Microbiology🧬 Genetics🌱 Plant BiologyTraining Institute for Developing Science and Health Initiatives (ideSHi)Received advanced hands-on training, including:🧬 Genomic DNA extraction from blood🔬 DNA quantification, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis🧫 Culture media preparation, bacteria isolation using BACT/ALERT🦠 Bacteria identification and AST💉 Antibody response testing for SARS-CoV-2 using ELISA method✅ Rapid diagnostic tests, good laboratory practices, bioethics

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Experience: The candidate has demonstrated a wide range of skills and experience in bioinformatics, computational biology, and biotechnology. They have actively contributed to research in drug design, genomics, and proteomics, which showcases their capability in handling complex scientific tasks.
  2. Technical Proficiency: The candidate is proficient in using advanced tools and software such as ChemDraw, Gaussian, PyRx, PyMol, Chimera, and Discovery Studio. Their expertise in energy optimization, molecular docking, and structural analysis is noteworthy.
  3. Hands-on Laboratory Training: The hands-on training at ideSHi in genomic DNA extraction, PCR, and other advanced techniques adds to their practical laboratory experience, which is essential for a well-rounded researcher.
  4. Collaborative Work and Publications: The involvement in collaborative research efforts, as evidenced by their contributions to published works, indicates their ability to work effectively within a team and contribute meaningfully to scientific literature.
  5. Academic and Extracurricular Achievements: The candidate’s academic background in biotechnology and genetic engineering, coupled with co-curricular achievements such as being a Campus Ambassador and involvement in the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps, highlight their leadership and commitment to personal development.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Focus on Specialization: While the candidate has a broad range of skills, they may benefit from focusing on a specific area of research to deepen their expertise. Specializing could lead to more impactful research contributions and recognition in a particular niche.
  2. Independent Research Projects: To further strengthen their profile, the candidate could initiate independent research projects that demonstrate their ability to lead and innovate. This could include securing funding or grants for their research.
  3. International Exposure: Gaining experience through international collaborations or conferences could enhance their global perspective and networking, which are important for career growth in science and research.

Conclusion

The candidate is well-suited for a Research for Young Scientist Award due to their strong technical skills, diverse research experience, and academic achievements. By focusing on specialization, leading independent research, and seeking international exposure, they can further solidify their standing as a promising young scientist. Their current trajectory shows significant potential for future contributions to the scientific community.

Confidence Kalu | Climate Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Confidence Kalu | Climate Smart Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike Abia State, Nigeria

Dr. Confidence Amaechi Kalu is a Chief Research Fellow at the National Root Crops Research Institute in Umudike, Nigeria, with a PhD in Agribusiness and Financial Management. Her research focuses on agricultural economics, with experience ranging from graduate internships to postdoctoral research. She has participated in numerous professional training programs and leadership courses, including Women in Leadership Training funded by Australian Awards Africa and project management by HiiT Plc Lagos. Dr. Kalu has received significant research grants, such as the Australian awards grant on Agribusiness value chain and the World Bank Step B Project Grant for her PhD dissertation. She is dedicated to advancing agricultural research and education.

Professional Profiles:

Scopus

Orcid

EDUCATION 🎓

Doctoral Degree
PhD in Agribusiness and Financial Management 16/10/2015 Department of Agribusiness and Management, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Master’s Degree
MSc in Farm Management and Production Economics 12/8/2008 Department of Agricultural Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

Bachelor’s Degree
BSc (Honors) in Agricultural Economics and Extension 28/11/2002 Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Secondary School
Senior School Certificate 2/9/1996 Community Secondary School Ohanze, Abia State, Nigeria

Primary School
First School Leaving Certificate 20/6/1989 Mosque Street Girls Primary School, Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

HISTORY OF RESEARCH SERVICE 📚

Aug – Dec 2001: Graduate Internship, University Farm, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Sept 2003-Aug 2004: National Youth Service Corps, Agricultural Science Teacher, Unity Secondary School Gwaram, Jigawa State Feb 2005-Mar 2006: Agricultural Officer, CAE Farms Nigeria Limited 2007-2010: Assistant Lecturer, Proof Management College, Eket, Akwa Ibom State. 2010-2015: PhD Research Fellow, Department of Agribusiness, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike 2016-date: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria

PROFESSIONAL ENHANCEMENT TOWARDS KNOWLEDGE GENERATION 🌱

LEADERSHIP TRAININGWomen in Leadership Training funded by Australian Awards Africa (September 24-27, 2019)Project Management and Leadership Training Course organized by HiiT Plc Lagos (August 26 – October 2022) PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITIES

Grant Writing Proposal Training organized by Agricultural Policy Research Network in Delta State University Asaba, Nigeria (July 2-4, 2017) Rapid Value Chain Analysis Training sponsored by Australia Awards Africa held in Ghana (October 2017) Training on Econometric Analysis with RATS and EVIEWS held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria (June and July 2018) Workshop on the Use of LSMS Data held in Nairobi, Kenya (August 2019) Training on Survey Data Analysis using STATA held at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, sponsored by Feed the Future Nigeria Agriculture Policy Activity (July 3-7, 2023) Online Programming Course on Python (July – August 2020) Impact Evaluation Retooling Workshop for Researchers and Teaching Faculty from Sub-Saharan Africa organized by African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) in Nairobi (July 5-11, 2023)

🏆RESEARCH GRANTS AND AWARDS

Australian Awards Grant on Agribusiness Value Chain held in Queensland University Brisbane (16th August – 2nd October 2017) World Bank Step B Project Grant for PhD Dissertation (October 2014 – August 2015)

✍️Publications Top Note :

Article: A Comparison of the Drying Kinetics, Energy Consumption and Colour Quality of Drying Medicinal Leaves in Direct-Solar Dryer with Different Colours of Collector Cover

Authors: Ndukwu, M.C., Akpan, G., Okeahialam, A.N., … Mbanasor, J., Wu, H.
Journal: Renewable Energy, 2023, Vol. 216, Article 119076
Citations: 3

Article: Heat Transfer Correlations and Pressure Drop Dynamics of Palm Fibre Wetting Media for Evaporative Cooling at Different Air Flow Rates

Authors: Ndukwu, M.C., Matthew, I., Godwin, A., … Mbanasor, J., Wu, H.
Journal: International Journal of Refrigeration, 2023, Vol. 154, pp. 268–280
Citations: 0

Review: Progressive Review of Solar Drying Studies of Agricultural Products with Exergoeconomics and Econo-Market Participation Aspect

Authors: Ndukwu, M.C., Ibeh, M., Okon, B.B., … Mbanasor, J., Bennamoun, L.
Journal: Cleaner Environmental Systems, 2023, Vol. 9, Article 100120
Citations: 5

Article: Analysis of the Influence of Outdoor Surface Heat Flux on the Inlet Water and the Exhaust Air Temperature of the Wetting Pad of a Direct Evaporative Cooling System

Authors: Ndukwu, M.C., Ibeh, M.I., Akpan, G.E., … Ben, A.E., Mbanasor, J.
Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering, 2023, Vol. 226, Article 120292
Citations: 5

Article: Farmers’ Perspective toward a Demand-Led Yam Breeding in Nigeria

Authors: Kalu, C., Nnabue, I., Edemodu, A., … Asfaw, A., Obidiegwu, J.E.
Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2023, Vol. 7, Article 1227920
Citations: 1

Article: Quality Attributes of Fufu in South-East Nigeria: Guide for Cassava Breeders

Authors: Chijioke, U., Madu, T., Okoye, B., … Fliedel, G., Egesi, C.
Journal: International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2021, Vol. 56(3), pp. 1247–1257
Citations: More details