Sunantha Ketnawa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sunantha Ketnawa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mae Fah Luang University Thailand

Dr. Sunantha Ketnawa is an accomplished researcher in food technology with expertise in food proteins, enzymes, and bioactive peptides. With a strong academic background and extensive research experience, she has made significant contributions to the field, particularly in enzyme partitioning, protein hydrolysates, and plant-based meat alternatives. She has worked in prestigious institutions across Thailand, Japan, the USA, and Spain, contributing to advancements in food science and technology.

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Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Food Technology (2015) – Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
    • Specialization: Food proteins, enzymes, bioactive peptides
    • Dissertation: Alkaline Proteases from Giant Catfish Viscera
  • M.Sc. in Food Technology (2010) – Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
    • Specialization: Enzyme partitioning, food biochemistry
    • Thesis: Bromelain from Pineapple Wastes
  • B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology (2005) – Chiang Mai University, Thailand
    • Research: Functional Citrus By-Products in Bologna Sausages

Experience 💼

  • Post-Doctoral Researcher, Mae Fah Luang University (2021-2023)
    • Development of plant-based meat analogues, protein extraction
  • Project Researcher, Chiba University, Japan (2019-2020)
    • Rice digestibility, starch digestion inhibition
  • JSPS Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Chiba University, Japan (2017-2019)
    • Protein and plant-based food digestibility
  • Post-Doctoral Research Associate, Purdue University, USA (2016-2017)
    • Protein hydrolysates from fish by-products
  • Assistant Researcher, Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand (2012-2014)

Research Interests 🔬

  • Food chemistry and biochemistry
  • Plant-based proteins and meat analogues
  • Protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides
  • Starch digestibility and enzyme applications
  • Extraction of bioactive compounds from agricultural by-products
  • Antioxidant and functional food properties

Awards 🏆

  • Outstanding Student Award in Academic Publications, Mae Fah Luang University (2014)
  • Best Paper Award, Thai Society for Biotechnology Conference (2014)
  • Best Poster Award, Food Innovation Asia Conference (2013)
  • Academic Excellence Award (Bronze Coin), Chiang Mai University (2004)

Publications Top Notes: 📖

Ketnawa, S., Chaijan, M., Grossmann, L., & Rawdkuen, S. (2023). High-moisture soy protein-mushroom-based meat analogue. International Journal of Food Science & Technology. DOI

Ketnawa, S., & Rawdkuen, S. (2023). Properties of texturized vegetable proteins from mushrooms. Foods, 12(6). DOI

Mazumder, M. A., et al. (2023). Developments of plant-based emulsion-type sausage. Foods, 12(8). DOI

Thuengtung, S., et al. (2023). Effect of mild heat-moisture treatment on rice starch digestibility. Food Hydrocolloids for Health, 3. DOI

Changes on antioxidant activity of microwave-treated protein hydrolysates after simulated gastrointestinal digestion: Purification and identification

Gelatin hydrolysates from farmed Giant catfish skin using alkaline proteases and its antioxidative function of simulated gastro-intestinal digestion

Evaluation of protein digestibility of fermented soybeans and changes in biochemical characteristics of digested fractions

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of crisphead lettuce: Changes in bioactive compounds and antioxidant potential

Selective separation and characterisation of dual ACE and DPP‐IV inhibitory peptides from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) protein hydrolysates

Aqueous two-phase extraction of bromelain from pineapple peels (‘Phu Lae’cultv.) and its biochemical properties

Dr. Sunantha Ketnawa’s extensive research and expertise continue to contribute to innovations in food science and technology.

Muhammad Azam | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Azam | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Azam is an esteemed Associate Professor at the Institute of Horticultural Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. With a deep-rooted passion for horticulture, he has significantly contributed to research in postharvest management, fruit quality improvement, and sustainable agricultural practices. His extensive academic career, consultancy work, and leadership roles in various projects have made a lasting impact in the field.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Azam holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Zhejiang University, China (2014). His earlier education includes an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Horticulture (2007) and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (2005) from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. His academic journey began with a Pre-Medical F.Sc. from Govt College Faisalabad (2001) and Matriculation in Science from Govt. Islamic Madrassa High School, Faisalabad (1999).

Experience 👨‍🏫

Currently serving as an Associate Professor since June 2022, Dr. Azam has a robust teaching and research background. He was previously an Assistant Professor at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2015-2022) and Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (2014-2015). His expertise also extends to consultancy, having worked as a Citrus GLOBALGAP Consultant for the Ministry of Food Agriculture and Asian Development Bank (2007-2010). His leadership roles include Project Manager for Citrus Global GAP Certification and management consultancy positions in Sargodha.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Azam’s research focuses on postharvest physiology, fruit quality enhancement, edible coatings, sustainable agriculture, and the impact of biostimulants on horticultural crops. His work aims to improve fruit storage techniques, reduce postharvest losses, and develop eco-friendly solutions for the horticultural industry.

Awards & Distinctions 🏆

  • HEC Approved Supervisor since 2015
  • Recipient of a Ph.D. Scholarship from the China Scholarship Council (CSC)
  • International training scholarships for high-quality fruit production from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
  • First position in “Physiology and Molecular Biology in Horticulture Crops” (Zhejiang University, China & Nottingham University, UK)
  • Vice President, Pakistan Society of Horticultural Sciences (2009-2010)
  • Recognition for earthquake relief work in Pakistan

Publications Top Notes: 📚

Dr. Azam has authored several high-impact research papers, book chapters, and international conference proceedings. Some of his notable publications include:

“Improvement of physicochemicals, antioxidant system and softening enzymes by postharvest L-arginine application leads to maintain persimmon fruit quality under low temperature storage”

Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 2023

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“Application of methyl jasmonate to papaya fruit stored at different temperatures”

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2021

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“Biochemical Analysis of Organic Acids and Soluble Sugars in Wild and Cultivated Pomegranate Germplasm Based in Pakistan”

Plants, 2020

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Book Chapter: “Strategies to Reduce Postharvest Losses of Citrus Fruits”

Published by Taylor & Francis Group

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Book Chapter: “Phytoremediation of Agricultural Pollutants”

Springer, Cham, 2020

Read here

Book Chapter: “Postharvest and Quality Management of Strawberry”

IntechOpen Limited, London, UK

Read here

Dr. Azam’s extensive contributions to horticultural sciences continue to shape agricultural research and innovation, making him a distinguished figure in his field. 🚀