Javier Rodríguez | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Javier Rodríguez | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Teaching and research personnel at University of Jaén, Spain 

Javier Rodríguez López is a dedicated researcher in food microbiology, with a strong focus on antimicrobial resistance and food safety. He has contributed extensively to understanding microbial contamination in minimally processed plant-based foods and the application of non-thermal preservation techniques such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and bacteriocins. His research has led to significant advancements in improving the microbiological quality of food products, reducing antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and enhancing food preservation methods. With a strong international background, he has collaborated with leading researchers in Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy, expanding his expertise in bioinformatics and RNA sequencing. In addition to his research, he has been actively involved in academic teaching, mentoring students, and contributing to innovative educational projects. His work has been recognized through several scientific publications, conference presentations, and research collaborations, making him a promising scientist in the field of food microbiology and antimicrobial resistance.

Professional Profile

Education

Javier Rodríguez López holds a PhD in Food Microbiology from the University of Jaén, which he completed in 2022 with an outstanding cum laude distinction and an international mention. His doctoral research focused on the impact of food processing methods on antimicrobial resistance in vegetables, leading to multiple scientific publications. Prior to his PhD, he obtained a Master’s degree in Olive Groves and Olive Oil from the University of Jaén in 2017, where he gained specialized knowledge in food processing and quality control. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Jaén in 2016, laying the foundation for his expertise in microbiology and molecular biology. Throughout his education, he has undertaken specialized courses in bioinformatics, genome sequencing, and statistical analysis, further strengthening his ability to conduct advanced research in microbial food safety and antimicrobial resistance.

Professional Experience

Javier Rodríguez López has accumulated extensive research and teaching experience in microbiology. He began his career as a research technical support staff member at the University of Granada in 2017 before embarking on his PhD at the University of Jaén. During his doctoral studies, he collaborated on multiple research projects, leading to his first major publications. Following his PhD, he secured a postdoctoral contract at the University of Jaén, focusing on microbial diversity and food safety. In 2023, he was awarded a prestigious Margarita Salas postdoctoral contract, allowing him to conduct research at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, where he specialized in RNA sequencing and bioinformatics. He later returned to the University of Jaén, continuing his research and taking on a teaching role as a temporary substitute lecturer. His professional journey highlights his commitment to scientific discovery, international collaboration, and academic mentorship.

Research Interests

Javier Rodríguez López’s research interests lie at the intersection of food microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and bioinformatics. He is particularly focused on studying microbial contamination in food products, investigating the effects of food processing technologies on bacterial diversity, and exploring non-thermal preservation techniques such as high hydrostatic pressure and bacteriocins. His work aims to enhance food safety while preserving the nutritional and sensory properties of food. Additionally, he has a keen interest in genomic and metagenomic studies, using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools to analyze bacterial communities and their resistance mechanisms. His research also extends to studying the impact of packaging materials on microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance. By integrating microbiology, bioinformatics, and food technology, his goal is to develop innovative solutions for reducing foodborne pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, ultimately improving food safety and public health.

Awards and Honors

Javier Rodríguez López has received recognition for his outstanding contributions to microbiological research. His PhD thesis was awarded an outstanding cum laude distinction, along with an international mention for his research stay at the University of Naples Federico II. He secured a competitive Margarita Salas postdoctoral fellowship, enabling him to conduct research at the University of Groningen, a leading institution in molecular genetics. His work has been published in high-impact scientific journals, including Q1-ranked publications, demonstrating the significance of his research in the field of food microbiology. Additionally, he has presented his findings at numerous national and international conferences, earning recognition for his contributions to antimicrobial resistance research. His role in multiple research projects and collaborations has further established him as a promising scientist in food microbiology. Through his dedication and achievements, he continues to make a meaningful impact on food safety and microbial research.

Conclusion

Javier Rodríguez López is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the early-career category. His research in food microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and high-pressure food preservation is impactful. However, to further solidify his position, he could focus on leading independent projects, increasing his citation impact, and engaging in more translational research with industry applications.

Publications Top Noted

  • Author(s): Rodríguez-López, J., Grande Burgos, M. J., De Filippis, F., Gálvez, A. M., & Lucas, R.

  • Year: 2023

  • Title: Determination of the effect of the bacteriocin enterocin AS-48 on the microbial loads and bacterial diversity of blueberries

  • Journal: Heliyon

  • Volume & Issue: 9(5)

  • Article ID: e15921

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15921

  • Publication Type: Open-access, Peer-reviewed Journal Article

 

Claude Yasmine Hamany Djande | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Claude Yasmine Hamany Djande | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Dr. Claude Yasmine Hamany Djande is a distinguished biochemist specializing in plant metabolomics and molecular biology. With a deep passion for scientific discovery, she has significantly contributed to understanding plant defense mechanisms and metabolomic reprogramming. Her research focuses on integrating analytical chemistry with computational biology to explore plant secondary metabolites. As a dedicated academic, she has supervised and mentored graduate students, fostering a research-driven learning environment. Dr. Djande actively participates in international scientific communities, presenting her work at prestigious conferences and publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals. With a commitment to innovation and knowledge advancement, she continues to make impactful contributions to the biochemistry field.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Djande obtained her BSc in Pharmacology from the University of Dschang in Cameroon before pursuing further studies in South Africa. She earned her BSc (Hons), MSc (with distinction), and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Johannesburg. Her doctoral research focused on plant metabolomics, where she utilized advanced analytical techniques to investigate biochemical responses in plants. She has since expanded her expertise in computational metabolomics and applied bioinformatics, positioning herself as a leading researcher in metabolomics and plant biochemistry. Her strong academic background and interdisciplinary approach have been instrumental in shaping her research career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Djande is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Johannesburg, where she designs experiments, directs graduate research projects, and lectures on biochemistry and molecular biology. She has extensive experience in laboratory management, method development, and multidisciplinary research collaborations. Previously, as a Ph.D. candidate and research assistant, she contributed to metabolomics research, supervised students, and participated in field experiments. Her expertise spans plant tissue culture, molecular biology techniques, and high-throughput metabolite analysis. With a strong commitment to academia, she actively engages in teaching, mentoring, and scientific communication, ensuring that her research has a lasting educational and scientific impact.

Research Interests

Dr. Djande’s research interests lie in plant metabolomics, analytical biochemistry, and molecular biology. She focuses on understanding plant defense responses, metabolite profiling, and biomarker discovery using advanced techniques such as liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/GC-MS) and machine learning-based metabolomics. Her work has explored plant secondary metabolites, stress-induced metabolic reprogramming, and biochemical interactions between plants and pathogens. She is particularly interested in using metabolomics to differentiate plant cultivars and investigate the bioactive properties of natural compounds. Her research has applications in agriculture, food security, and pharmaceutical sciences, contributing to innovations in plant-based therapeutics and crop improvement strategies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Djande has received several accolades for her outstanding contributions to metabolomics research. She was the winner of the MetaboArt research contest at the 19th Annual Conference of the International Metabolomics Society in Canada, recognizing her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts creatively. She is also a member of prestigious scientific organizations, including the National and International Metabolomics Society, the South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Golden Key International Honour Society. Her research publications in high-impact journals and her role in student mentorship further underscore her achievements. Through her dedication to biochemistry, she continues to receive recognition for her groundbreaking research and academic excellence.

Conclusion

Dr. Claude Yasmine Hamany Djande is a highly accomplished researcher with a strong track record in biochemistry and metabolomics. Their contributions to plant metabolomics, mentorship, and international recognition make them a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening funding acquisition and expanding global collaborations could further solidify their standing in the field.

Publications Top Noted

  • 2020Metabolomics: A tool for cultivar phenotyping and investigation of grain crops

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, C Pretorius, F Tugizimana, LA Piater, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 64
  • 2018Differential extraction of phytochemicals from the multipurpose tree, Moringa oleifera, using green extraction solvents

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, LA Piater, PA Steenkamp, NE Madala, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 58
  • 2021A metabolomics approach and chemometric tools for differentiation of barley cultivars and biomarker discovery

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, LA Piater, PA Steenkamp, F Tugizimana, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 24
  • 2022Hordatines and Associated Precursors Dominate Metabolite Profiles of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Seedlings: A Metabolomics Study of Five Cultivars

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, PA Steenkamp, LA Piater, F Tugizimana, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 12
  • 2019Habituated Moringa oleifera callus retains metabolic responsiveness to external plant growth regulators

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, PA Steenkamp, LA Piater, NE Madala, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 11
  • 2023Metabolomic Reconfiguration in Primed Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Plants in Response to Pyrenophora teres f. teres Infection

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, F Tugizimana, PA Steenkamp, LA Piater, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 7*
  • 2023Metabolic reprogramming of barley in response to foliar application of dichlorinated functional analogues of salicylic acid as priming agents and inducers of plant defence

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, PA Steenkamp, LA Piater, F Tugizimana, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 7
  • 2020Mass Spectrometric Approaches to Study the Metabolism of Jasmonates: Biotransformation of Exogenously Supplemented Methyl Jasmonate by Cell Suspension Cultures of Moringa oleifera

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, NE Madala, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 7
  • 2019Jasmonate in Plant Biology

    • Authors: CYH Djande, NE Madala, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 5
  • 2024Hordatines, dimerised hydroxycinnamoylagmatine conjugates of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.): an appraisal of the biosynthesis, chemistry, identification and bioactivities

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, IA Dubery
    • Citations: 3
  • 2025Chemical Biology Meets Metabolomics: The Response of Barley Seedlings to 3,5-Dichloroanthranilic Acid, a Resistance Inducer

    • Authors: CY Hamany Djande, PA Steenkamp, IA Dubery
    • Citations: —