Woubit Abebe | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Woubit Abebe | Food Safety | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Tuskegee University, United States

Dr. Woubit Abebe (formerly Abdela) is a distinguished researcher and academic leader with extensive expertise in microbiology, food safety, and veterinary sciences. She earned her DVM from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, and pursued advanced studies in France, obtaining a Ph.D. and MSc from the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse. Dr. Abebe currently serves as the Director of the Center for Food Animal Health, Food Safety, and Food Defense at Tuskegee University. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on innovative pathogen detection, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular epidemiology. Her research bridges academia and industry, addressing pressing global food safety challenges. In addition to her scientific achievements, Dr. Abebe contributes significantly to academic governance, mentoring, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Her work has earned her membership in esteemed organizations such as the American Society of Microbiology and the Alabama Academy of Science, cementing her reputation as a leader in her field.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Abebe’s educational journey reflects her dedication to advancing science and public health. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (1994–2000), where she developed her foundational expertise in animal health and pathology. Dr. Abebe furthered her academic pursuits in France, earning a Diploma in French Language from the Paul Valéry University of Montpellier (2002–2003), enabling her to seamlessly integrate into French academia. She subsequently completed an MSc (DRU) and Ph.D. in microbiology and food safety at the National Polytechnic Institute of Toulouse (2002–2008). Her doctoral research focused on innovative approaches to pathogen detection and foodborne disease prevention. This robust academic foundation, spanning veterinary medicine, microbiology, and food safety, equips Dr. Abebe with a multidisciplinary perspective crucial for addressing global health and agricultural challenges. Her education underscores her commitment to excellence and her passion for bridging science and practical applications.

Research Focus 

Dr. Woubit Abebe’s research centers on addressing critical challenges in microbiology, food safety, and veterinary sciences. Her primary focus is on developing innovative tools for rapid pathogen detection, improving food safety, and combating antimicrobial resistance. She has contributed extensively to understanding the molecular epidemiology of foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, particularly along the food production chain. Additionally, her work extends to analyzing phylogenetic relationships and resistance profiles of zoonotic bacteria and viruses, enhancing public health strategies. As the Director of the Center for Food Animal Health, Food Safety, and Food Defense at Tuskegee University, she leads interdisciplinary efforts to improve food safety protocols and promote global food security. Her groundbreaking research bridges academia and industry, aiming to develop cost-effective, practical solutions for pathogen monitoring and control, contributing to safer food systems worldwide.

Publications 

  1. 🌟 Gold Nanoparticle-Based Plasmonic Detection of Pathogens from Bovine Fecal Samples (2024)
  2. 🧬 Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salmonella Serotypes in Broiler Production (2023)
  3. 🐾 Resistance and Virulence Genes in Diarrheic Dog E. coli Isolates (2023)
  4. 🔬 Phylogenetic Analyses of Salmonella in Broiler Production Chains (2023)
  5. 🥛 Food Safety Challenges in Dairy Production in Senegal (2023)
  6. Developing Tools for Rapid Pathogen Detection (2023)
  7. 🦠 Molecular Phylogeny of Coronaviruses in Domestic and Contact Animals (2022)
  8. 🍗 Molecular Characterization of Salmonella in Broiler Chains (2022)
  9. 🥚 Salmonella in Imported Hatching Eggs and Broiler Farms in Trinidad (2022)
  10. 🌱 Effects of Hempseed Meal on Growing Meat Goats’ Performance (2021)

Veronica Zingales | Food Toxicology and Risk Assessment | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Veronica Zingales | Food Toxicology and Risk Assessment | Young Scientist Award

Distinguished Professor at University of Valencia, Spain

Veronica Zingales, born on September 25, 1992, in Italy, is a distinguished academic and researcher. With a career rooted in excellence, she currently serves as a Distinguished Professor at the University of Valencia, Spain. Her career reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in preventive medicine, public health, toxicology, and food sciences. Fluent in multiple languages and equipped with international research exposure, she has built a reputation for her interdisciplinary approach. Residing in Valencia, she continues to contribute significantly to academia and research, fostering innovation and collaboration.

Professional Profile

Education

Veronica Zingales holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and a Master’s degree in Sanitary Biology, both achieved with the highest honors (110/110 Cum Laude) from the University of Catania, Italy. She furthered her academic pursuits with a PhD in Food Science from the University of Valencia, Spain, graduating with an “Outstanding Cum Laude” distinction. Her academic journey showcases a dedication to excellence and a deep passion for science. These accomplishments have laid a robust foundation for her illustrious career, combining theoretical knowledge with practical research insights.

Professional Experience

Veronica’s professional journey is marked by diverse roles across prestigious institutions. She worked at the Pediatric Research Institute in Padova, Italy, and the Laboratory of Toxicology at the University of Valencia, among others. Her contributions span toxicology, biochemistry, vascular pharmacology, and forensic sciences. Since December 2024, she has held the position of Distinguished Professor, supported by the competitive “Beatriz Galindo Distinguished Researcher Fellowship.” Her professional trajectory underscores her ability to integrate research and teaching effectively.

Research Interests

Veronica’s research interests lie at the intersection of public health, toxicology, and food science. She explores the impact of toxicological agents on human health, preventive strategies in medicine, and the biochemical mechanisms underlying disease processes. Her interdisciplinary approach allows her to address complex scientific questions, bridging gaps between theoretical research and practical applications. By focusing on areas that affect global health, she aims to make meaningful contributions to societal well-being through innovative research and collaborative efforts.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Veronica Zingales has received several accolades recognizing her academic and professional excellence. Her most notable achievement is the prestigious “Beatriz Galindo Distinguished Researcher Fellowship 2024,” awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. This fellowship underscores her status as a leading researcher capable of attracting competitive grants. Additionally, her academic excellence during her undergraduate and graduate studies, marked by top honors, reflects her consistent dedication to excellence. These recognitions highlight her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation in her field.

Conclusion

Veronica Zingales presents a strong application for the “Research for Young Scientist Award” due to her academic excellence, international research experience, and prestigious fellowship. However, the application could be further strengthened by emphasizing her publication impact, leadership in projects, and additional recognitions. Overall, she is a competitive candidate with the potential to be awarded.

Publications Top Noted

  • Development of an Easy-To-Use Microfluidic System to Assess Dynamic Exposure to Mycotoxins in 3D Culture Models: Evaluation of Ochratoxin A and Patulin Cytotoxicity
    Authors: Zingales, V., Piunti, C., Micheli, S., Cimetta, E., Ruiz, M.-J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0 🧑‍🔬
    Journal: Foods
  • Cytotoxic Effects Induced by Combined Exposure to Mycotoxins Sterigmatocystin, Ochratoxin A, and Patulin on Human Tumour and Healthy 3D Spheroids
    Authors: Zingales, V., Esposito, M.R., Quagliata, M., Cimetta, E., Ruiz, M.-J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0 💥
    Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology
  • Chlorpyrifos Induces Cytotoxicity via Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in HepG2 Cells
    Authors: Montanarí, C., Franco-Campos, F., Taroncher, M., Zingales, V., Ruiz, M.J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2 ⚡
    Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology
  • Identification of Biotransformation Products of T-2 Toxin in HepG2 Cells Using LC-Q-TOF MS
    Authors: Taroncher, M., Zingales, V., Rodríguez-Carrasco, Y., Ruiz, M.J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0 🔬
    Journal: Foods
  • Comparative Study of Spheroids (3D) and Monolayer Cultures (2D) for the In Vitro Assessment of Cytotoxicity Induced by Mycotoxins Sterigmatocystin, Ochratoxin A, and Patulin
    Authors: Zingales, V., Esposito, M.R., Quagliata, M., Cimetta, E., Ruiz, M.-J.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3 🧫
    Journal: Foods
  • Harmaline to Human Mitochondrial Caseinolytic Serine Protease Activation for Pediatric Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Treatment
    Authors: Miciaccia, M., Rizzo, F., Centonze, A., Perrone, M.G., Scilimati, A., Zingales, V.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1 🧠
    Journal: Pharmaceuticals
  • The Growing Importance of Three-Dimensional Models and Microphysiological Systems in the Assessment of Mycotoxin Toxicity
    Authors: Zingales, V., Esposito, M.R., Torriero, N., Cimetta, E., Ruiz, M.-J.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 14 🌍
    Journal: Toxins
  • Climate Change and Effects on Molds and Mycotoxins
    Authors: Zingales, V., Taroncher, M., Martino, P.A., Ruiz, M.-J., Caloni, F.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 70 🌡️
    Journal: Toxins
  • Development of an In Vitro Neuroblastoma 3D Model and its Application for Sterigmatocystin-Induced Cytotoxicity Testing
    Authors: Zingales, V., Torriero, N., Zanella, L., Esposito, M.R., Cimetta, E.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 12 🧪
    Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology
  • Role of Quercetin on Sterigmatocystin-Induced Oxidative Stress-Mediated Toxicity
    Authors: Zingales, V., Sirerol-Piquer, M.S., Fernández-Franzón, M., Ruiz, M.-J.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 14 🍊
    Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology