Leila Monjazeb marvdashti | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Global Impact in Research Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Leila Monjazeb marvdashti | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Global Impact in Research Award

University of california san diego United States

Dr. Leila Monjazeb Marvdashti is a distinguished scientist and academician specializing in food microbiology and biotechnology. Since 2024, she has been serving as a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Pathology Department of the Medical School at the University of California San Diego, under the mentorship of Dr. Steven Gonias. Her career encompasses significant roles in academia, research, and industry, reflecting her commitment to advancing food safety and health sciences.​

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Education 🎓

  • 2024-Present: Postdoctoral Scholar at the University of California San Diego, Pathology Department of Medical School, San Diego, California, USA.​

  • 2012-2016: Ph.D. in Food Microbiology from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Her doctoral research focused on producing antimicrobial film from Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum and Nisin.​

  • 2010-2012: M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from Shiraz University, Iran, where she identified phytase-producing microorganisms from natural sources and characterized the enzyme.​

  • 2005-2009: B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology at Shiraz University, Iran.​

Experience 🧑‍🏫

  • 2022-Present: Assistant Professor and Scientist Researcher at Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.​

  • 2022-Present: Senior Scientist Policy Advisor & Regulatory Affairs and Vice-President of the Board Member Committee in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Iran.​

  • 2023-Present: Advisor Scientist at various Codex committees in Tehran, Iran, including Food Contaminants, Nutrition (CCCF), and Special Diet Foods (CCNFSDU).​

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Monjazeb Marvdashti’s research encompasses food microbiology, biotechnology, and public health. She has contributed to projects on antimicrobial packaging, enzyme production, and the application of cold plasma technology in food safety. Her work also includes health risk assessments related to food contaminants and the development of probiotic products for celiac disease management.​

Awards 🏆

Dr. Monjazeb Marvdashti has received numerous international honors, including:​

  • 2022: Gold Medal at INNOVERSE Invention & Innovation Expo in Atlanta, USA, for her invention of new generation systems based on bio-gold production reactors.​

  • 2022: Gold Medal at the 25th World Inventions Competition (ARCHIMEDES) in Moscow, Russia, for innovations in bio-gold production reactors for medical and industrial applications.​

  • 2021: Gold Medal at the World Inventions Competition (IIIF 2021) in Hyderabad, India, for spacecraft electricity and water production innovations.​

Publications Top Notes: 📚

Dr. Monjazeb Marvdashti has an extensive publication record. Below are selected publications with hyperlinks, published year, journals, and citation counts:​

Assessment of prevalence, concentration, and risks of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxins in corn (Zea mays) in Iran (2025). International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 18(4), 1-17. Cited by 5 articles.​

Evaluation of phthalate acid esters (PAEs) in kefir samples by using magnetic chitosan coated with polyaniline (Fe₃O₄@CHI@PANI)/GC–MS method: A health risk assessment study (2024). Microchemical Journal, 207, 111801. Cited by 8 articles.​

The concentration and prevalence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in imported rice (Oryza sativa) samples from Iranian market: a probabilistic dietary risk assessment (2024). International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 1-18. Cited by 3 articles.​

The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors: A Systematic Review of Interventional Studies (2024). Brain and Behavior, 14(10), e70098. Cited by 10 articles.​

Concentration and human health risk attribute to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in fillet of carp and tilapia fish: systematic review and meta-analysis (2024). Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 106671. Cited by 6 articles.​

Effect of Vicia villosa protein isolate-based edible coating incorporated with ZnO nanoparticles on the shelf-life of chicken breast meat during cold storage (2024). Food Hydrocolloids for Health, 5, 100176. Cited by 4 articles.​

Curiosity in the Girl with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Case Report and Literature Review about Vaginal Button Battery Insertion (2024). Journal of Pediatrics Review, 12(2). Cited by 2 articles.​

The concentration of pesticides in onion samples from Iran: a non-carcinogenic health risk assessment (2024). International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 1-16. Cited by 5 articles.​

Phytase-Producing Fungi from Processed Cheese: Isolation, Screening, and Optimization of Production Parameters (2024).

Dali Francis | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Dali Francis | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

postdoctor uae uniuversity United Arab Emirates

Dr. Dali Vilma Francis is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in biotechnology with expertise in microbiology, nano fertilizers, and controlled environment agriculture. Based in Dubai, UAE, Dr. Francis leverages her diverse skill set in nanotechnology, microbiology, and horticulture to drive sustainable agricultural innovation. Her focus includes optimizing plant growth with nanoparticles, enhancing post-harvest technology, and advancing eco-friendly microbial research.

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📚 Education

  • Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2023) – BITS Pilani Dubai Campus
  • Master of Biotechnology (2006) – M.G. University, Kerala
  • Bachelor of Biotechnology (2004) – M.G. University, Kerala
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research – CROME, India

💼 Experience

  • Postdoctoral Fellow (Aug 2023–present), UAE University, Al Ain: Working on biosynthesis of nanoparticles from plants, algae, and bacteria, including nano-fertilizer development for hydroponic systems.
  • Doctoral Scholar (Jan 2018–Apr 2023), BITS Pilani, Dubai: Conducted independent research projects, assisted in teaching microbiology and downstream processing, and mentored B.E. Biotechnology students.
  • Teacher & Coordinator (2015–2018), GEMS Winchester School, Dubai: Delivered chemistry instruction, managed curriculum updates, and coordinated teaching methods.
  • Lecturer, MSc Biotechnology (2009–2013), Aquinas College, Kerala: Taught biotechnology courses and developed materials to enhance student learning experiences.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Francis’s research includes nanotechnology applications in agriculture, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture techniques. She focuses on nano fertilizer synthesis, microgreen cultivation, microbial genetics, and bioremediation to address global food security and environmental challenges.

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Promoted to Postdoctoral Fellow at UAE University (Dec 2023)
  • Best Oral Presenter at ICES, Dubai (Nov 2023)
  • Best Researcher Award on BITS Research Day (May 2021)
  • Best Teacher Award for exceptional work with SEND students, GEMS Winchester (2017)
  • Department Head Promotion in Biotechnology, Aquinas College (2012)

📄 Publications Top Notes:

Francis, D.V., et al., “Optimizing germination conditions of Ghaf seed using ZnO nanoparticle priming,” Scientific Reports, 2024. Cited by 25 articles

Francis, D.V., et al., “Nanoparticle-Enhanced Plant Defense Mechanisms for Sustainable Crop Protection,” in Nanoparticles in Plant Biotic Stress Management, 2024.

Francis, D.V., et al., “Sustainable packaging materials for probiotic foods,” AIMS Microbiology, 2024.

Francis, D.V., et al., “Metallic Nanoparticle Integrated Ternary Polymer Blend for Food Packaging,” Polymers, 2022.