Seunghan Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Seunghan Lee | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Assistant Professor | Kunsan National University | South Korea

Prof. Seunghan Lee is an Assistant Professor at Kunsan National University specializing in fish nutrition, aquaculture feed development, and sustainable marine bio-materials, recognized for his contributions to advancing nutritional strategies and health management in aquaculture species. He holds a BS in Aquaculture and an MS and PhD in Fisheries Biology with a specialization in Fish Nutrition from Pukyong National University. His professional career spans research positions in national research institutes, university-affiliated nutrition centers, and an international aquaculture research institute, where he contributed to multidisciplinary projects involving functional feed additives, alternative protein sources, nutrient metabolism, gut health, and immunity in commercially important fish and shrimp species. Prof. Lee’s research focuses on developing environmentally responsible and economically viable aquafeeds, improving fish performance through bioactive compounds, probiotics, and optimized feeding strategies, and evaluating physiological responses using integrated approaches that include growth, immunology, histology, and biochemical assessment. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in prominent SCI(E) journals as both corresponding author and co-author, demonstrating substantial contributions to the fields of aquatic animal nutrition, feed formulation, and sustainable aquaculture systems. His work includes studies on mineral supplements, probiotics, enzyme modulation, functional ingredients, alternative protein utilization, and nutrient-driven health regulation across multiple aquaculture species. In addition to receiving recognition for research excellence, he is actively engaged in scholarly service through participation in collaborative research initiatives, contribution to academic societies in fisheries and aquaculture science, and involvement in professional communities that support innovation in marine resource utilization. Prof. Lee is regarded as an emerging leader whose scientific achievements and dedication to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices continue to support innovation, industry relevance, and global food security.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Lee, S., Katya, K., Park, Y., Won, S., Seong, M., & Bai, S. C. (2017). Comparative evaluation of dietary probiotics Bacillus subtilis WB60 and Lactobacillus plantarum KCTC3928 on the growth performance, immunological parameters, gut morphology and … Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 61, 201–210.

2. Won, S., Hamidoghli, A., Choi, W., Bae, J., Jang, W. J., Lee, S., & Bai, S. C. (2020). Evaluation of potential probiotics Bacillus subtilis WB60, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Lactococcus lactis on growth performance, immune response, gut histology and … Microorganisms, 8(2), 281.

3. Lee, S., Nambi, R. W., Won, S., Katya, K., & Bai, S. C. (2016). Dietary selenium requirement and toxicity levels in juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Aquaculture, 464, 153–158.

4. Lee, S., Katya, K., Hamidoghli, A., Hong, J., Kim, D. J., & Bai, S. C. (2018). Synergistic effects of dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis WB60 and mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) on growth performance, immunity and disease resistance in Japanese eel … Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 83, 283–291.

5. Park, Y., Lee, S., Hong, J., Kim, D., Moniruzzaman, M., & Bai, S. C. (2017). Use of probiotics to enhance growth, stimulate immunity and confer disease resistance to Aeromonas salmonicida in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Aquaculture Research, 48(6), 2672–2682.

Prof. Seunghan Lee’s research advances sustainable aquaculture by developing innovative nutritional strategies, functional feed additives, and environmentally responsible protein alternatives that enhance growth, health, and disease resistance in aquatic species. His contributions support global food security, strengthen aquaculture industries, and promote evidence-based practices that improve ecological efficiency and long-term resource sustainability.

Afeez Adedayo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Afeez Adedayo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Western Illinois University Alumni Association | United States

Dr. Afeez A. Adedayo is a multidisciplinary microbiologist and environmental monitoring specialist recognized for his innovative contributions to microbial biotechnology, molecular biology, and quality assurance research. He holds advanced degrees in biology and microbiology, culminating in a doctoral qualification, and has cultivated expertise across academic, industrial, and field environments. Dr. Adedayo has played integral roles in developing and validating microbial assays for cellular therapy, endotoxin testing, bioburden analysis, and high-throughput sequencing applications. His research primarily explores plant–microbe interactions, microbial ecology, metagenomics, and sustainable agricultural biotechnology, contributing significantly to the understanding of soil and rhizosphere microbiomes and their impact on crop health and productivity. With a growing portfolio of impactful publications in high-impact journals and multiple collaborative projects, his work demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and practical innovation. As a subject matter expert, he has led and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, authored technical protocols, and contributed to regulatory and training initiatives. Dr. Adedayo’s scholarly influence is reflected in his citation record, editorial activities, and engagement in professional scientific communities. His outstanding research productivity and leadership in microbiological sciences position him as a distinguished candidate for recognition through the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Koza, N. A., Adedayo, A. A., Babalola, O. O., & Kappo, A. P. (2022). Microorganisms in plant growth and development: Roles in abiotic stress tolerance and secondary metabolites secretion. Microorganisms, 10(8), 1528.

2. Adedayo, A. A., & Babalola, O. O. (2023). Fungi that promote plant growth in the rhizosphere boost crop growth. Journal of Fungi, 9(2), 239.

3. Adedayo, A. A., Babalola, O. O., Prigent-Combaret, C., Cruz, C., Stefan, M., Kutu, F., & Glick, B. R. (2022). The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in Solanum lycopersicum production in the agricultural system: A review. PeerJ, 10, e13405.

4. Omomowo, I. O., Adenigba, V. O., Ogunsona, S. B., Adeyinka, G. C., Oluyide, O. O., & Adedayo, A. A. (2020). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of algal-mediated silver and gold nanoparticles. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 805(1), 012010.

5. Adenigba, V. O., Omomowo, I. O., Oloke, J. K., Fatukasi, B. A., Odeniyi, M. A., & Adedayo, A. A. (2020). Evaluation of microalgal-based nanoparticles in the adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 805(1), 012030.

Dr. Afeez A. Adedayo’s research advances sustainable agriculture and environmental biotechnology through innovative studies on plant–microbe interactions and microbial ecology. His work enhances global food security, promotes eco-friendly biotechnological solutions, and drives scientific innovation in microbial applications for crop productivity and environmental conservation.

Mar Villamiel | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mar Villamiel | Agricultural and Biological Sciences |Best Researcher Award

Director | Food Science Research Institute | Spain

Dr. Mar Villamiel Guerra is a distinguished researcher in carbohydrate chemistry and functional food sciences, leading innovative work on sustainable food preservation, bioactive compound extraction, and the valorization of agri-food by-products. She has directed a highly productive research group, contributing to numerous national and international projects, patents, and collaborations with industry and academic institutions. Her work emphasizes eco-friendly methodologies, structural characterization, and technological and biological evaluation of functional carbohydrates. Dr. Villamiel Guerra has also played a pivotal role in mentoring doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, fostering the next generation of scientific talent. Her prolific publication record in high-impact journals and active participation in international networks underline her global influence in the field. According to Scopus, her research impact is reflected in 8,789 citations by 6,948 documents, across 191 published documents, with an h-index of 50.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  • A. C. Soria and M. Villamiel, “Effect of ultrasound on the technological properties and bioactivity of food: a review,” Trends in Food Science & Technology, vol. 21, no. 7, pp. 323-331, 2010.

  • M. Corzo-Martínez, N. Corzo, and M. Villamiel, “Biological properties of onions and garlic,” Trends in Food Science & Technology, vol. 18, no. 12, pp. 609-625, 2007.

  • M. Villamiel and P. de Jong, “Influence of high-intensity ultrasound and heat treatment in continuous flow on fat, proteins, and native enzymes of milk,” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 472-478, 2000.

  • L. Jiménez-Castaño, M. Villamiel, and R. López-Fandiño, “Glycosylation of individual whey proteins by Maillard reaction using dextran of different molecular mass,” Food Hydrocolloids, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 433-443, 2007.

  • E. Valero, M. Villamiel, B. Miralles, J. Sanz, and I. Martínez-Castro, “Changes in flavour and volatile components during storage of whole and skimmed UHT milk,” Food Chemistry, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 51-58, 2001.