Edward Egwuaba | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Edward Egwuaba | Public Health | Best Researcher Award 

Research Scholar | Ojukwu University | Nigeria

Dr. Edward Ukwubile Egwuaba is a distinguished scholar and medical sociologist whose academic and research career reflects a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in health systems, social behavior, and public health equity. As a faculty member in the Department of Sociology at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, he has developed extensive expertise in medical sociology, health-seeking behavior, reproductive health, substance use, and the sociocultural dimensions of healthcare delivery. His prolific research output spans numerous peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, addressing critical issues such as maternal and child health, gender-based violence, psychosocial rehabilitation of displaced populations, and the intersection of health and social inequality in developing societies. Through his collaborative research with scholars across Nigeria and beyond, Dr. Egwuaba has contributed significantly to multidisciplinary discourses on public health, development, and social change, fostering a better understanding of the behavioral and cultural determinants of health outcomes. His studies often integrate empirical sociological insights with applied health strategies, emphasizing the importance of sociocultural innovation in strengthening healthcare systems and achieving sustainable health equity. His contributions extend to several national and international conferences where he has presented groundbreaking papers on public health challenges, social behavior, and nation-building. Dr. Egwuaba’s scholarly influence continues to grow through his active participation in academic associations such as the International Sociological Association, the South African Sociological Association, and the Nigerian Sociological Society, where he promotes the integration of sociological perspectives into global health policy and practice. His research impact, marked by wide readership and scholarly citations, demonstrates his enduring contribution to the global discourse on health, social justice, and sustainable human development.

Profiles: Google ScholarORCID

Publications

1. Yılmazer, M., Altındiş, M., Cevrioğlu, S., Fenkci, V., Aktepe, O., & Sırthan, E. (2004). Afyon Bölgesinde yaşayan gebe kadınlarda toksoplazma, sitomegalovirus, rubella, hepatit B, hepatit C seropozitiflik oranları. Afyon Kocatepe Üniversitesi Kocatepe Tıp Dergisi.

2. Oğurlu, M., Sen, S., Polatli, M., Sırthan, E., Gürsoy, F., & Cildağ, O. (2007). The effect of spinal anesthesia on pulmonary function tests in old patients. Tuberkuloz ve Toraks.

3. Afsin, E., Yaksi, O., Onal, A., & Bacaksiz, E. (2022). Tracheal schwannoma mimicking asthma. International Journal of Neuroscience.

4. Afşin, E., & Demirkol, M. E. (2022). Post-COVID pulmonary function test evaluation. Turkish Thoracic Journal.

5. Afşin, E., & Cosgun, Z. (2021). A rare cough complication: Internal oblique muscle hematoma. Radiology Case Reports.

Nihed Ben Halima | Nutrition Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nihed Ben Halima | Nutrition Science | Best Researcher Award

Doctor-Engineer | University of Sfax | Tunisia

Dr. Nihed Ben Halima is a Doctor-Engineer in Biology and a faculty member with extensive experience in biological engineering and biotechnology. She earned her Ph.D. in Biological Engineering from the National School of Engineers of Sfax, University of Sfax, Tunisia, in 2015, following a Master’s degree in Biological Engineering Research (2012) and a National Engineering degree in Biological Engineering (2011), all from the same institution. Her research primarily focuses on plant lipolytic enzymes, proteomics and lipidomics of cereals and algae, and the valorization of oat (Avena sativa L.) bioactive compounds for nutritional and nutraceutical applications, as well as environmental biotechnology including wastewater treatment and bioprocess optimization. Dr. Ben Halima has published extensively, including significant contributions to books such as Unique Sequence Signatures in Plant Lipolytic Enzymes: Emerging Research and Opportunities (IGI Global, 2018) and Recent Developments in Plant Biotechnology: Progress in Lipidomics and Proteomics (Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2019), and high-impact journal articles covering glycoside hydrolases, phospholipases, and functional properties of plant oils. She has received recognition for her research contributions and has participated in international scientific projects, such as the Elsevier Foundation Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge. In addition, she serves as an international reviewer for journals indexed in Web of Science, contributing her expertise to advancing plant biotechnology, food science, and environmental research. Her work bridges fundamental biology and applied biotechnology, highlighting the relevance of plant-based bioactive compounds to human health, nutrition, and sustainable industrial applications. She has 1174 citations from 17 documents with an h-index of 12.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Publications

1. Ben Halima, N. (2016). Poly (vinyl alcohol): Review of its promising applications and insights into biodegradation.

2. Ben Hsouna, A., Ben Halima, N., Smaoui, S., & Hamdi, N. (2017). Citrus lemon essential oil: Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities with its preservative effect against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated in minced beef.

3. Ben Hsouna, A., Hamdi, N., Ben Halima, N., & Abdelkafi, S. (2013). Characterization of essential oil from Citrus aurantium L. flowers: Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

4. Ben Hsouna, A., Ben Halima, N., Abdelkafi, S., & Hamdi, N. (2013). Essential oil from Artemisia phaeolepis: Chemical composition and antimicrobial activities.

5. Ben Halima, N., Ben Saad, R., Khemakhem, B., Fendri, I., & Abdelkafi, S. (Year not specified). Oat (Avena sativa L.): Oil and nutriment compounds valorization for potential use in industrial applications.

Mohamed Abouelkhair | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Mohamed Abouelkhair | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | Rowan University | United States

Dr. Mohamed Adel Salaheldin Abouelkhair, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVM (Virology and Immunology), is an Associate Professor of Virology and Clinical Immunology at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, Rowan University, New Jersey. He earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Master of Science in Veterinary Infectious Diseases from the University of Sadat City, Egypt, followed by a PhD in Comparative and Experimental Medicine from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he also completed his postdoctoral research. Dr. Abouelkhair’s research spans veterinary and comparative immunology, viral pathogenesis, infectious disease diagnostics, microbial vaccines, and host-pathogen interactions, with particular focus on immunological mechanisms in companion animals and translational models for human health. He has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and has contributed to advancing molecular diagnostics and immunological assays used in veterinary medicine. His scholarly impact is reflected in multiple prestigious honors, including the Peggy Cotter Award for Outstanding Early Career Researcher from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the ASM Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship, the Zoetis Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award nomination, and recognition at the University of Tennessee Research Foundation awards for a U.S. patent on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius virulence factors. Additionally, he has been awarded multiple Scholarships of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) projects and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Visiting Faculty Travel Grant. Beyond research, Dr. Abouelkhair actively serves the scientific community as Chair of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists Graduate Student Awards Committee and contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member for leading scientific journals in microbiology, immunology, and virology.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Publications

1. Elaadli, H., Badr, Y., Raouf, M., Kania, S. A., Elsakhawy, O. K., Altaib, H., & Abouelkhair, M. A. (2025). Isolation and molecular characterization of three Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains from dogs and humans in Egypt. Current Microbiology. Advance online publication.

2. Elsakhawy, O. K., & Abouelkhair, M. A. (2025). Genome mining reveals a sactipeptide biosynthetic cluster in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

3. Elsakhawy, O. K., Roozitalab, A., Abouelkhair, M. A., & Roux, S. (2025). Genome sequence of a bovine respiratory syncytial virus strain from a cow in Tennessee. Microbiology Resource Announcements.

4. Elsakhawy, O. K., Roozitalab, A., Abouelkhair, M. A., & Matthijnssens, J. (2025). Genome sequence of a Tetraparvovirus ungulate 1 strain from a cow in Tennessee, USA. Microbiology Resource Announcements.

5. Baker, E., Rich, S. M., Dennis, M., Miller, D., Su, C., Rosypal von Dohlen, A., Abouelkhair, M. A., Hamer, S. A., Jensen, A., & Gerhold, R. (2025). Pathology and parasitology of free-ranging coyotes from Tennessee and South Carolina.

Hai Phan Vu | Public Health | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Hai Phan Vu | Public Health | Innovative Research Award

Head of Bio-Lab | Hue University | Vietnam

Dr. Phan Vu Hai, currently serving as Head of the Bio-Lab at the Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Vietnam, is a distinguished veterinary researcher with extensive contributions to animal health and sustainable livestock production. He earned his academic training in veterinary science and advanced specialization in livestock nutrition and health management, which laid the foundation for his pioneering research on indigenous medicinal herbs and probiotic fermentation as alternatives to antibiotics in tropical poultry and livestock systems. His work has significantly advanced strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance while enhancing reproductive performance and disease resistance in farm animals. Dr. Hai has authored more than 50 scientific publications, including over 10 indexed in Scopus Q1/Q2 and Web of Science journals, alongside influential books such as Using Herbs in Veterinary Medicine and Probiotic-Fermented Alliaceae Herbs as an Alternative to Antibiotics in Broiler Chicken, both published with ISBN registration. His contributions have been recognized through leadership of multiple national and provincial research projects funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and Hue University, as well as his consultancy for Greenfeed Vietnam. In addition to research, he has supervised PhD, master’s, and undergraduate students, fostering the next generation of veterinary scientists. Dr. Hai’s achievements have earned him recognition as an innovative researcher in veterinary herbal medicine, poultry nutrition, and sustainable farming practices. He also contributes to the scientific community through collaborations and peer-review roles for veterinary and livestock journals, strengthening both national and global networks in animal health research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Publications

1. Hai, P. V., Anh, L. X., & Hoa, N. X. (2025). Fermented Chive (Allium schoenoprasum) with Lactobacillus plantarum: A potential antibiotic alternative feed additive for broilers challenged with Escherichia coli. Fermentation.

2. Hai, P. V. (2025). Isolation and selection of indigenous chicken-derived Bacillus subtilis strains as potential probiotic alternatives to antibiotics against Gram-negative enteropathogens. Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research.

3. Hai, P., Hoang, P., Pham, H., Tran, N., Ngo, L., Nguyen, K., Tran, L., & Nguyen, H. (2024). Selection of Lactobacillus strains from native chicken feces for the fermentation of purple onion (Allium cepa L.) as an antibiotic alternative against Salmonella spp. in chickens. Open Veterinary Journal, 14(12), 35.

4. Hai, P. V. (2024). Optimizing fermentation conditions for purple onion (Allium cepa L.) using Bacillus subtilis bsn5 to produce products rich in carboxymethyl cellulase for poultry farming. TNU Journal of Science and Technology.

5. Hai, P. V., & Tran, N. L. (2023). Effects of chive bulb extract on semen quality and blood biochemistry of roosters under heat stress conditions. Proceedings of the 5th Vietnam Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science Conference (AVS2023).