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)

Esther Asensio Casas | Food Safety and Quality Control | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Esther Asensio Casas | Food Safety and Quality Control | Best Researcher Awarda

Profesor contratado doctor at Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain

Dr. Esther Asensio Casas is an Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain. She has made significant contributions to food safety and packaging innovations, particularly in the analysis of food-packaging interactions and environmental impacts. A key member of the GUIA Research Group, she has participated in 27 competitive research projects and 55 industry collaborations. Her dedication to mentoring is evident from her supervision of 20 Final Degree Projects and three Master’s theses. Dr. Asensio’s work reflects a commitment to addressing real-world challenges through analytical excellence and innovative solutions.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Asensio completed her academic training with a specialization in Analytical Chemistry, achieving advanced degrees that laid the groundwork for her impactful research career. Her education emphasized the integration of theory and practice, enabling her to excel in multidisciplinary areas like food safety, packaging, and environmental chemistry. This strong academic foundation has fueled her ability to contribute meaningfully to both academia and industry, demonstrating the relevance of her expertise in solving contemporary scientific challenges.

Professional Experience

With a career spanning years of academic and applied research, Dr. Asensio has distinguished herself in both teaching and consultancy roles. She has actively contributed to 27 competitive projects and 55 consultancy assignments, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications. Her versatility is evident in her work across fields such as food-packaging safety, migration testing, and environmental studies. As an educator and mentor, she continues to shape the future of analytical chemistry, fostering innovation and encouraging critical thinking among her students.

Research Interests

Dr. Asensio’s research interests focus on developing analytical methodologies to enhance food safety and sustainable packaging. Her work includes studying food-packaging interactions, migration of additives, adhesives, and inks, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. She employs a multidisciplinary approach to address pressing issues, such as the safety of materials used in food contact and the environmental impacts of packaging waste. Her innovative methods contribute to creating safer, more sustainable solutions in the field of analytical chemistry.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Asensio has received accolades for her research and academic contributions, including recognition for her work on food safety and packaging sustainability. Her leadership in competitive research projects, impactful publications, and dedication to mentorship have earned her a respected position in the scientific community. While specific awards are not detailed, her career is marked by a continuous pursuit of excellence, reflecting her passion for advancing knowledge and addressing global challenges through science.

Conclusion

Esther Asensio Casas is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to food packaging safety and analytical chemistry. Her expertise in migration tests and food-packaging interactions addresses critical challenges in food safety. To further strengthen her candidacy, focusing on increasing her citation metrics, diversifying her research impact, and translating academic work into commercial applications would be beneficial. Overall, her academic achievements and contributions to public health and safety make her a deserving contender for recognition.

Publications Top Noted

Safety assessment of silicone molds for food use

    • 📝 Author(s): Wrona, M., Aparicio, L., Alloca, V., Nerín, C., Asensio, E.
    • 📅 Year: 2024
    • 📈 Citations: 0

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for non-volatile compounds

    • 📝 Author(s): Wrona, M., Román, A., Song, X.-C., Goshawk, J., Asensio, E.
    • 📅 Year: 2023
    • 📈 Citations: 7

In Vitro Propagation and Phytochemistry of Thymol-Producing Plants

    • 📝 Author(s): Asensio, E., de Medinacelli Juan-Méndez, R., Juan-Vicedo, J.
    • 📅 Year: 2022
    • 📈 Citations: 5

Analysis of potential migration compounds from silicone molds

    • 📝 Author(s): Asensio, E., Uranga, J., Nerín, C.
    • 📅 Year: 2022
    • 📈 Citations: 9

Untargeted Metabolomics for Volatile Compounds in Spanish Plant Tea

    • 📝 Author(s): Wrona, M., Pezo, D., Rovito, M.A., Nerín, C., Asensio, E.
    • 📅 Year: 2022
    • 📈 Citations: 4

Phenolic compounds and genetic diversity in bearberry plants

    • 📝 Author(s): Asensio, E., Vitales, D., Pérez, I., Garnatje, T., Sales, E.
    • 📅 Year: 2020
    • 📈 Citations: 31

Migration of volatile compounds from natural biomaterials

    • 📝 Author(s): Asensio, E., Montañés, L., Nerín, C.
    • 📅 Year: 2020
    • 📈 Citations: 26

Predicting antioxidant capacity of bearberry leaves

    • 📝 Author(s): Song, X.-C., Canellas, E., Asensio, E., Nerín, C.
    • 📅 Year: 2020
    • 📈 Citations: 47

Set-off migration of ink in cardboard cups

    • 📝 Author(s): Asensio, E., Peiro, T., Nerín, C.
    • 📅 Year: 2019
    • 📈 Citations: 20

Antioxidant and antimicrobial markers in active packaging

    • 📝 Author(s): Wrona, M., Blasco, S., Becerril, R., Sales, E., Asensio, E.
    • 📅 Year: 2019
    • 📈 Citations: 22