Catalina Cabañas | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Catalina Cabañas | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Universidad de Extremadura | Spain

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Catalina Milagros Cabañas Cabañas began her academic journey in her home region of Extremadura, Spain. She pursued higher education at the Universidad de Extremadura, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos in 2019 with a commendable performance. Her strong interest in food biotechnology led her to undertake a Master’s degree in Biotecnología Avanzada, which she successfully completed in 2020, further solidifying her foundation in scientific research and application.

Professional Endeavors

Catalina has built a consistent and evolving career primarily at the Universidad de Extremadura. She began as a Personal científico investigador  in 2019, with subsequent appointments in similar roles over the following years. She also held the role of Técnico auxiliar de laboratorio (Laboratory Technician) from 2022 to 2023, and Profesora sustituta  starting in 2023. Additionally, she gained industry experience at FuensanaBIo as a Técnico de calidad in 2019. Her diverse roles demonstrate her adaptability across

Contributions and Research Focus

Catalina’s primary research focus is rooted in food microbiology and biotechnology. Her doctoral research, completed in 2024, explored innovative strategies using antagonistic yeasts to control spoilage fungi in plant- and animal-based foods. This reflects her interest in improving food safety through sustainable biological control methods, offering alternatives to conventional chemical preservatives. Her work is significant for both the scientific community and food industries, given the increasing global concern over food safety and microbial contamination.

Impact and Influence

Through her contributions to research and higher education, Catalina has made a notable impact in the fields of food science and technology. Her doctoral thesis received the highest academic distinction, indicating recognition by peers and faculty for its scientific rigor and relevance. Additionally, her involvement in multiple university-level teaching roles and her active participation in training courses reflect her influence on the next generation of food scientists and technologists.

Academic Cites

Catalina is registered with notable academic platforms, including. which host and track her research contributions and citations. Her growing academic presence through these platforms is a testament to her evolving influence in scholarly research.

Technical Skills

Catalina has developed strong technical proficiency in microbiological analysis, laboratory practices, quality assurance, and the use of modern bibliographic and research management tools such as Mendeley, Scopus, ORCID, and Journal Citation Reports. Her coursework and seminars reflect her capability in writing scientific articles, preparing patents, and managing collaborative research tools. These skills position her as a well-rounded academic equipped for multidisciplinary collaboration.

Teaching Experience

Catalina has accumulated extensive teaching experience across both theoretical and laboratory-based courses at the Universidad de Extremadura. She has taught subjects such as Catering y Restauración, Higiene de los Alimentos I & II, Evaluación de la Seguridad Alimentaria, and Gestión de la Calidad, Seguridad y Trazabilidad Alimentaria. Her teaching has spanned across degree programs in Food Science and Technology and Agricultural and Food Industry Engineering. This experience demonstrates her capability to deliver knowledge effectively and engage with students across various academic levels.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As an emerging academic and researcher, Catalina’s legacy is being shaped by her contributions to sustainable food safety, education, and applied biotechnology. Her interdisciplinary approach, bridging microbiology and food quality assurance, places her in a unique position to influence both academic research and practical applications. With her current permanent full-time position as a researcher at Universidad de Extremadura starting in 2025, she is poised to deepen her contributions to food safety research and academic mentorship.

Publications

Biocontrol of Cheese Spoilage Moulds Using Native Yeasts
  • Authors: Catalina M. Cabañas; Alejandro Hernández León; Santiago Ruiz-Moyano; Almudena V. Merchán; José Manuel Martínez Torres; Alberto Martín
    Journal: Foods
    Year: 2025
Metabarcoding analysis reveals a differential bacterial community profile associated with ‘Torta del Casar’ and ‘Queso de la Serena’ PDO cheeses
  • Authors: Almudena V. Merchán; Santiago Ruiz-Moyano; María José Benito; María Vázquez Hernández; Catalina M. Cabañas; Ángel Carlos Román
    Journal: Food Bioscience
    Year: 2024
Improvement of shelf‐life of cherry (Prunus avium L.) by combined application of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and antagonistic yeast for long distant export
  • Authors: Catalina M. Cabañas; Alejandro Hernández; Manuel J. Serradilla; Carlos Moraga; Alberto Martín; María de Guía Córdoba; Santiago Ruiz‐Moyano
    Journal: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture
    Year: 2023
Control of Penicillium glabrum by Indigenous Antagonistic Yeast from Vineyards
  • Authors: Catalina M. Cabañas
    Journal: Foods
    Year: 2020

 

Gurpreet Singh | Precision Agriculture | Best Paper Award

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Mr. Gurpreet Singh | Precision Agriculture | Best Paper Award

Guru Nanak Dev University | India

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Gurpreet Singh’s academic journey began with a foundational focus on computer engineering and information technology. He completed his high school in 2003 from St. Bawra Public High School, Ludhiana, with a commendable aggregate. His passion for computing led him to pursue a Diploma in Computer Engineering from L.L.R.M. Polytechnic, Ajitwal, affiliated with PSBTE Chandigarh. Further, he earned a B.Tech in Information Technology from DAV Institute of Engineering and Technology. He continued his specialization with an M.Tech in Computer Engineering from University College of Engineering, Punjabi University, Patiala. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and Technology at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, with his research work already submitted.

Professional Endeavors

Gurpreet Singh’s professional trajectory showcases an integration of academic rigor and technical involvement. He has guided multiple postgraduate dissertations, supervised research projects, and actively contributed to academic conferences and seminars. His work primarily centers around the fields of wireless sensor networks, mobile agent systems, VANETs, and IoT technologies. He has participated in national-level NSS camps and actively involved himself in blood donation and technical workshops, indicating both community engagement and technical commitment.

Contributions and Research Focus

With a clear research emphasis on Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs), Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs), Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile agent systems, Gurpreet Singh has authored 37 publications including numerous peer-reviewed conference papers and journal articles. His M.Tech thesis involved the performance evaluation of routing protocols in WSNs, laying a foundation for his future research. He has addressed fault tolerance, mobility, energy efficiency, and security in networked systems. He has also co-authored research focused on fuzzy-based clustering algorithms, simulation tools, and smart agriculture applications involving UAVs and IoT integration.

Impact and Influence

Gurpreet Singh’s influence is evident through his consistent academic contributions and mentorship. He has supervised more than six postgraduate dissertations, with two ongoing as of 2023. His research has been featured in several prestigious national and international conferences such as IEEE, Elsevier-sponsored events, and conferences held at institutions like NIT Hamirpur, JNU Delhi, and Amity University. His focus on applied networking protocols and simulation-based studies has provided practical insights into modern communication systems.

Academic Citations

Although specific citation metrics such as h-index or citation count were not listed, Gurpreet Singh’s involvement in IEEE Xplore and Elsevier indexed publications reflects a growing academic presence. His recent works, including a study on VANET mobility models and UAV applications in agriculture, highlight topics of current relevance and are likely to gain traction in the research community.

Technical Skills

Gurpreet Singh is proficient in several programming languages including C, C++, Python, and Java. His technical toolkit includes web technologies such as HTML, DHTML, and JavaScript, as well as design and multimedia tools like Photoshop and Flash. Notably, he has hands-on experience with networking and simulation tools including Packet Tracer, Qualnet, Netsim, NS2/NS3, and OMNET++, which support his research in network systems and communication technologies. Additionally, he possesses practical knowledge of CCNA concepts, data structures, and machine learning using Python.

Teaching Experience

As part of his academic engagement, Gurpreet Singh has been actively involved in postgraduate student supervision and project mentoring. His teaching interests align with his research expertise, allowing him to integrate practical simulation and real-world applications into the curriculum. He has guided numerous M.Tech dissertations at Guru Nanak Dev University, and his mentorship has covered diverse topics such as mobile agent security, VANET routing, and energy-aware protocols.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Gurpreet Singh’s academic and technical foundation positions him well for long-term contributions in the field of computer networks and IoT-driven applications. With his doctoral work nearing completion, he is expected to further expand his research portfolio through publications, collaborative projects, and possibly patent filings. His work on simulation environments and real-time communication systems could play a significant role in the evolution of smart infrastructure and mobile computing. His focus on next-generation networks, energy-efficient systems, and secure communication models also align with global research trends and sustainable technology development.

Publications

Revolutionizing cloud-IoT and UAV-assisted framework to analyze soil for cultivation in agricultural landscapes
  • Authors: Gurpreet Singh; Sandeep Sharma
    Journal: Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy
    Year: 2025
Learning Strategies for Promoting Cybersecurity Awareness among Students: A Brief Review
  • Authors: Kumari Sarita; Kashish; Pritpal Singh; Gurpreet Singh; Satinder Kaur
    Journal: International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research
    Year: 2025
 Optimizing early diagnosis by integrating multiple classifiers for predicting brain stroke and critical diseases
  • Authors: Ravnoor Singh; Satinder Kaur; Gurpreet Singh; Mehakdeep Kaur; Parminder Kaur
    Journal: Scientific Reports
    Year: 2024
A comprehensive review on the Internet of Things in precision agriculture
  • Authors: Gurpreet Singh; Sandeep Sharma
    Journal: Multimedia Tools and Applications
    Year: 2024

 

Siti Musa | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Siti Musa | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

UBD School of Business and Economics, Universiti Brunei Darussalam | Brunei Darrussalam

Author Profile

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Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato Musa, born on 16th February 1983, embarked on her academic journey with a BA in Education (Economics and Geography) from Universiti Brunei Darussalam in 2006. Demonstrating her commitment to international academic exposure, she pursued an MSc in International Economics at Bradford University, UK, followed by a PhD in Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at Newcastle University, UK, completed in 2016. Her education shaped a strong interdisciplinary foundation focused on economic development, food security, and rural transformation.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Musa’s professional journey began as an Education Officer in 2008, followed shortly by her role as a Lecturer at UBD in 2009. Over time, she rose through the ranks to become an Assistant Professor at the UBD School of Business and Economics, contributing significantly to both teaching and research. She has also undertaken consultancy work with organizations like Royal Brunei Airlines, demonstrating her applied expertise beyond academia.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Musa’s research intersects food security, sustainability, agritourism, youth employment, poverty, and welfare, often addressing Brunei’s and Southeast Asia’s socio-economic contexts. She has led and contributed to numerous projects exploring how economic systems can adapt to changing food systems, technology, and labor markets. Her work frequently bridges theory and practice, especially in agricultural innovation, the halal industry, and climate-smart practices.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Dr. Musa contributes actively to national development. She is a resource expert for the Council for Research and Advancement in Technology and Science (CREATES) under the Ministry of Transport, Information and Communication, and serves on the Sustainable Food System Working Group. These appointments reflect her influence in shaping Brunei’s research policy and sustainable development discourse.

📊 Research Grants and Projects

Dr. Musa has served as Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator on eight major research projects since 2019, funded by faculty, university, and international bodies like the BIMP-EAGA-ROK Cooperation Fund. Her most recent projects include studies on food inflation and welfare in Brunei, gastronomy tourism in Southeast Asia, and soil management for agricultural sustainability, demonstrating both regional leadership and interdisciplinary depth.

💻 Technical Skills

Her methodological toolkit includes systematic literature reviews, comparative policy analysis, mixed-method research, and socio-economic impact assessments. She is proficient in aligning empirical data with sustainable development frameworks, making her research both academically rigorous and policy-relevant.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Musa is an enthusiastic educator with teaching interests in Economic Development, Resource Economics, and Macroeconomics. She has designed and delivered various undergraduate and postgraduate modules such as:

  • BE-1101: Principles of Economics

  • BE-1201: Macroeconomics: Principles and Issues

  • BE-3302: Economic Development

  • BE-5302: Issues in Economic Development

Her contributions to course coordination, including her leadership as Program Coordinator for the Master of Applied Economics (2020–2022), reflect her dedication to educational development.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With her strong blend of academic, research, and policy work, Dr. Musa is shaping the discourse on food systems, youth development, and economic sustainability in Southeast Asia. As a scholar deeply committed to national development and regional collaboration, her future contributions will likely drive impactful change in agricultural resilience, poverty reduction, and youth empowerment.

📖Publications

Exploring the Intersection of Halalan Tayyiban Principles and Food Security
  • Authors: Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato Musa; Syahnur Farhana Haji Shahlehi
    Journal/Publisher: IGI Global
    Date: 2025-05-02
A Pioneering Study on Measuring Poverty in the Hydrocarbon-rich State of Brunei Darussalam
  • Authors: Evi Nurvidya Arifin; Aris Ananta; Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato Musa; Chang-Yau Hoon
    Journal: Asian Population Studies
    Date: 2024-05-03
Exploring the Concept of Entrepreneurial Identity in Youth Agripreneur Program
  • Authors: Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato Musa; Pg Siti Rozaidah Pg Hj Idris
    Journal: International Journal of Training Research
    Date: 2023-09-02
Preparing the Youth for the Future of Work Through Apprenticeship Programme in Brunei
  • Authors: Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato Musa
    Journal: Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning
    Date: 2023-03-08
Addressing Issues of Unemployment in Brunei
  • Authors: Siti Fatimahwati Pehin Dato Musa; Dk Siti Rozaidah Pg Hj Idris
    Publisher: IGI Global
    Date: 2022-08-05