Theophilus Maduabuchukwu Ikegwu | Agricultural Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Theophilus Maduabuchukwu Ikegwu | Agricultural Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Theophilus Maduabuchukwu lkegwu, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria

Dr. Theophilus Maduabuchukwu Ikegwu is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria. With a strong academic background in Food Processing and Technology, his research focuses on functional food development, postharvest preservation, and nutritional enhancement of local crops. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, received multiple TETFund research grants, and holds the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship. Dr. Ikegwu is actively involved in academic leadership, community service, and contributes as an Associate Editor for scientific journals in food science.

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Summary:

Dr. Ikegwu is an accomplished scholar whose research has advanced food science in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of postharvest preservation, food quality, and processing technologies. His work reflects both academic excellence and practical relevance, with a strong focus on improving food security and supporting sustainable development goals through science.

🎓 Education

Dr. Theophilus Maduabuchukwu Ikegwu obtained his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Food Science and Technology from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His academic training provided a solid foundation in food processing and food technology, shaping his expertise in functional food product development and postharvest handling technologies.

💼Experience

Dr. Ikegwu is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. He has years of academic and research experience in teaching, supervising research projects, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and contributing to curriculum development. He has served in multiple departmental leadership roles, including as ICT Officer, Research Grant Coordinator, and Secretary of the Curriculum Development Committee. He has also participated in community service initiatives and election monitoring at both national and state levels.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Ikegwu’s research primarily focuses on the development and processing of functional and fortified food products aimed at enhancing nutritional security. He explores novel preservation technologies for cereals, legumes, and oilseeds and investigates the impacts of different processing methods on nutritional, physicochemical, and sensory properties of food. His work contributes significantly to food biotechnology, value addition in underutilized crops, and improving food quality and shelf life through innovative technologies.

🛠️Skills

His skillset spans food processing and preservation technologies, product development, food quality analysis, and sensory evaluation. He is highly proficient in scientific writing, research coordination, laboratory experimentation, data interpretation, and technology transfer. His expertise also extends to academic leadership and mentoring students in applied food science research.

🏆Awards

Dr. Ikegwu is a recipient of multiple TETFund Research Grant Awards for innovative projects such as the development of egg powder, nutritious beverages from mango and tiger nut, and cashew apple juice optimization. He was awarded the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship in 2015 in recognition of his commitment to industrially relevant research. He also serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Foods, Natural and Life Sciences.

📚 Publications

Title: Counting the Cost: Effect of COVID-19 on Household Food Security in South East Nigeria
Authors: Johnny Ogunji, Stanley Iheanacho, Chinwe Victoria Ogunji, Michael Olaolu, Vivian Oleforuh-Okoleh, Nuria Amaechi, Esther David, Onyekachi Ndukauba, Theophilus M. Ikegwu
Year: 2021
Journal: Sustainability

Conclusion:

Dr. Theophilus Maduabuchukwu Ikegwu is a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. By addressing minor gaps in international engagement and integrating emerging technologies into his research, his impact could be significantly amplified on a global scale.

Recep Irfan NAZLI | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Recep Irfan NAZLI | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Recep Irfan Nazli, Cukurova University Agriculture Faculty, Turkey

Dr. Recep Irfan Nazli is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Çukurova University, Turkey. His research focuses on bioenergy crop production, biomass yield optimization, bioethanol production, and the combustion characteristics of agricultural residues. With expertise in sustainable agriculture, soil fertility management, and organic farming, he has extensively studied bioenergy crops such as sweet sorghum, miscanthus, and switchgrass under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. Dr. Nazli has published widely in high-impact journals and is actively involved in international research collaborations, including the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) Bioenergy and multiple COST Action working groups.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Recep Irfan Nazli has established himself as a leading researcher in bioenergy and agronomy, with significant contributions to biomass production, bioethanol yield optimization, and sustainable agriculture. His strong publication record, international collaborations, and innovative research make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While he excels in scientific impact, enhancing industry partnerships, securing larger grants, and influencing policy frameworks could further strengthen his candidacy.

🎓 Education

Recep Irfan Nazli obtained his PhD from the University of Çukurova, Institute of Life Sciences, Department of Field Crops in 2017, where he researched the use of perennial grasses as energy crops in Mediterranean climate conditions. He completed his Master’s degree in 2011 at the same university, focusing on the use of organic residues in sorghum x sudangrass hybrid cultivation. His Bachelor’s degree was earned in 2008 from the Faculty of Agriculture, specializing in Bioenergy, Forage Crop Production, Agroecology, and Organic Farming.

💼Experience

He began his academic career as a Research Assistant in the Department of Field Crops at the University of Çukurova from 2008 to 2019. He was later promoted to Assistant Professor in 2019 and has been serving as an Associate Professor since 2023 in the same department.

🔬Research Focus

His research revolves around bioenergy crop production, sustainable agriculture, biomass yield optimization, bioethanol production, and the combustion characteristics of agricultural residues. He has extensively studied sweet sorghum, miscanthus, switchgrass, and other bioenergy crops under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions.

🛠️Skills

He is skilled in agronomic research, biofuel production techniques, soil fertility management, organic farming practices, and the assessment of plant growth under stress conditions. His expertise includes experimental design, data analysis, and the application of various biochemical and agronomic techniques to improve biomass productivity and energy conversion efficiency.

🏆Awards

He is a contact researcher at the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA) Bioenergy and a member of multiple COST Action working groups focused on sustainable land use, underutilized crops, and crop resilience to extreme climate conditions.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Assessment of Sweet Sorghum Genotypes for Bioethanol Production Potential and Bagasse Combustion Characteristics in a Semi-Arid Mediterranean Climate

    Authors: R.I. Nazli, C. Aslankaciran, D. Yang, M. Polat, A.S. Cavdar, V. Tansi, F.S. Baloch

    Journal: Agronomy

    Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Dr. Nazli’s work has had a substantial impact on the scientific community, particularly in advancing renewable energy solutions through agricultural innovations. His expertise in bioenergy and international collaborations position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With further engagement in funding acquisition, industry collaborations, and policy influence, he can extend the real-world applicability of his research, further solidifying his reputation as a global leader in bioenergy research.