Shijun Yu | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Shijun Yu | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

Dean at Chuzhou University, China

Dr. Shijun Yu is an Associate Professor and Engineer at the School of Biological and Food Engineering, Chuzhou University, where he also serves as Director of the Department of Food Safety. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology and over a decade of experience in food science research and education, he specializes in natural productsโ€”especially edible and medicinal fungiโ€”as well as food nutrition and safety. Dr. Yu is recognized as a High-Level Talent in Chuzhou City and holds several distinguished titles, including Deputy General of Science and Technology in Anhui Province and Young โ€œLangya Scholarโ€ of Chuzhou University. He has led over 20 significant research and teaching projects and has published more than 20 academic papers, contributing actively to food science innovation and education reform.

Publications Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

๐ŸŽ“ Education Details

  • 2003.9โ€“2007.6: B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University

  • 2007.9โ€“2012.6: Ph.D. in Microbiology, Anhui Agricultural University

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ Professional Experience

  • 2012.7โ€“2013.5: Assistant Director, Health Food R&D Center, Shanghai Panya Life Technology Co., Ltd.

  • 2013.6โ€“2014.7: Director, Production Department (Cordyceps and Cordyceps Wine), Zhejiang Panya Biomedical Co., Ltd.

  • 2014.7โ€“2019.4: Lecturer, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Chuzhou University

  • 2019.5โ€“Present: Associate Professor and Director, Department of Food Safety, School of Biological and Food Engineering, Chuzhou University

๐ŸŒฑ Research Interests

  • Development and application of natural products, particularly edible and medicinal fungi such as Cordyceps cicadae and Chuju

  • Food nutrition and safety

  • Food biochemistry, microbiology, and instrumental analysis

  • Quality control, fingerprinting, and chemometrics for origin tracing of food products

  • Integration of traditional food research with modern analytical methods and teaching innovation

๐Ÿ† Awards and Honors

  • Second Prize, Scientific and Technological Award, China National Food Industry Association

  • Third Prize, Excellent Academic Paper in Natural Sciences, Anhui Province (8th Edition)

  • Second Prize, โ€œSuper Star Cupโ€ Smart Classroom Teaching Innovation Competition, Anhui Province

  • First Prize, Teacher Practice Skills Competition, Chuzhou University

  • Third Prize, Anhui Provincial Teaching Achievement Award

  • First & Second Prizes, Chuzhou University Teaching Achievement Awards (twice each)

  • Outstanding Thesis Supervisor, Chuzhou University (2018โ€“2023)

  • Outstanding Communist Party Member, Chuzhou University (2016, 2021)

  • Advanced Individual in Informatization Construction, Chuzhou University (2020)

  • Numerous other awards in teaching, mentorship, and educational reform initiatives

๐Ÿ” Conclusion

Dr. Shijun Yu is a dedicated educator, prolific researcher, and innovator in food science, whose work bridges academic excellence and practical application. His leadership in both research and teaching reform has not only advanced scientific understanding in areas like fungal bioactives and food safety but also enriched student learning through innovative teaching strategies. With a growing list of accolades and contributions, he continues to be a pivotal figure in the regional and national food science community.

Publications ๐Ÿ“š

๐Ÿ“˜ 1. Shijun Yu, Longzhu Dou, Ruizhu Xu, Ruibo Xu, Xiaoli Jia, Jingyi Xia, Huan Wang*, Qing Huang*.
Integration of multielement profiles and chemometrics for geographical discrimination of Chuju, a cultivar of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat
๐Ÿ“• Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2025, 139(3): 107088.


๐Ÿ“˜ 2. Dou Longzhu, Xia Jingyi, Wang Yang, Zhang Tengfei, Wang Lili, Chai Xinyi*, Yu Shijun*.
Effect of selenium enrichment on the abundance of volatile and nonvolatile flavor components in fruiting bodies of Cordyceps cicadae
๐Ÿ“• International Food Research Journal, 2025, 32(1): 264โ€“279.


๐Ÿ“˜ 3. Ruibo Xu, Lingling Wang, Chi Wang, Changfeng Ju, Chuan Yang, Xiaoli Jia, Gang Wang, Shijun Yu*.
Preparation, characterization, biological activity of โ€˜Chujuโ€™ polysaccharides/chitosan and its application on the preservation of red grapes fruit
๐Ÿ“• International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2025, 301: 140461.


๐Ÿ“˜ 4. Wang Xuhui, He Zhen, Zhang Weiwei, Liu Xiaoran, Yu Shijun*, Qian Zongyao*.
The influence of planting sites on the chemical compositions of Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers (Chuju) as revealed by Py-GC/MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis
๐Ÿ“• Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2024, 21(12): 202401383.


๐Ÿ“˜ 5. Yu Shijun, Zhang Ying, Fan Meizhen.
Analysis of volatile compounds of mycelia of Hirsutella sinensis, the anamorph of Ophiocordyceps sinensis
๐Ÿ“• Applied Mechanics and Materials, 2012, 140: 253โ€“257.


๐Ÿ“˜ 6. Yu Shijun, Zhang Ying, Li Chunru, Zhang Qian, Ma Zhongyou, Fan Meizhen.
Optimization of ultrasonic extraction of mycelial polysaccharides from Paecilomyces hepiali using response surface methodology and its antioxidant activity
๐Ÿ“• African Journal of Biotechnology, 2011, 10(75): 17241โ€“17250.


Mona A.M. Abd El-Gawad | Functional food science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mona A.M. Abd El-Gawad | Functional food science | Best Researcher Award

Professor, National Research Centre, Egypt

Prof. Dr. Mona Abd El-Kader Mohamed Abd El-Gawad is a distinguished professor and Head of the Dairy Department in the Food Industry and Nutrition Division. With over three decades of experience in dairy science, she has made significant contributions to research, teaching, and training in dairy technology. She earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from Cairo University, specializing in mozzarella cheese production. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous workshops and training programs, enhancing her expertise in dairy processing, food safety, and molecular techniques. She is actively involved in mentoring students and researchers, contributing to the advancement of dairy science. Her presence on global research platforms such as Scopus, ORCID, and LinkedIn highlights her impact in the academic and scientific communities. Prof. Mona is dedicated to innovation in dairy technology and food safety, ensuring the application of modern techniques to enhance product quality and nutritional value.

Profile

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Prof. Dr. Mona Abd El-Kader Mohamed Abd El-Gawad obtained her B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences from Ain Shams University in 1983, laying the foundation for her expertise in dairy technology. She pursued her M.Sc. at the same university in 1992, where she conducted research on the “Production of Recombined Butter,” exploring innovative methods to improve butter quality. In 1998, she earned her Ph.D. from Cairo University, focusing on the “Manufacture and Properties of Mozzarella Cheese Made from Buffaloes Milk.” Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to dairy product development and food technology. She has since enriched her knowledge through specialized training in protein separation, biostatistics, and molecular biology techniques such as PCR. Her continuous learning and research activities have positioned her as a leading expert in dairy science, contributing to both academic and industrial advancements in food production and safety.

Experience ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ”ฌ

Prof. Dr. Mona Abd El-Kader Mohamed Abd El-Gawad has extensive experience in dairy science, serving as a professor since 2009 and currently heading the Dairy Department. She has been actively involved in research, teaching, and training, mentoring numerous students in food technology. Her expertise spans dairy processing, food safety, and biotechnology, making significant contributions to the field. She has conducted numerous training sessions at the National Research Center, focusing on advanced dairy technologies, protein separation, and statistical analysis in food research. Additionally, she has participated in international workshops on food security, bio-agriculture, and sustainable dairy production. Her leadership in various academic and research initiatives has strengthened the dairy sector by introducing innovative production techniques and improving product quality. With active memberships in scientific associations and research platforms, Prof. Mona continues to drive advancements in dairy technology and nutrition, impacting both academia and industry.

Research Focus ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Prof. Dr. Mona Abd El-Kader Mohamed Abd El-Gawad specializes in dairy science, with a focus on improving dairy processing techniques, enhancing product quality, and ensuring food safety. Her research explores mozzarella cheese production, recombined butter technology, and functional dairy products with enhanced nutritional value. She has worked extensively on biotechnological applications in dairy, including the use of microbial cultures, protein separation, and molecular diagnostics such as PCR. Her studies also cover sustainable dairy production, utilizing agricultural by-products like rice straw in food applications. She actively collaborates on projects related to food safety, biostatistics in dairy research, and environmental impacts of dairy farming. Through her research, she aims to optimize dairy formulations, introduce healthier alternatives, and implement modern technological advancements to benefit both consumers and the dairy industry. Her contributions continue to shape the field of dairy science and nutrition.

Publications ๐Ÿ“š

  • Studies on Production of Recombined Butter ๐Ÿงˆ
  • Manufacture and Properties of Mozzarella Cheese Made from Buffaloes Milk ๐Ÿง€
  • Evaluation of Microbial Cultures in Dairy Fermentation ๐Ÿฆ 
  • Effect of Processing Parameters on Dairy Product Quality ๐Ÿญ
  • Nutritional and Sensory Analysis of Dairy Products ๐Ÿถ
  • Application of Biostatistics in Dairy Science Research ๐Ÿ“Š
  • Advanced Molecular Techniques in Dairy Microbiology ๐Ÿงฌ
  • Utilization of Agricultural By-products in Dairy Processing ๐ŸŒพ
  • Food Safety and Hygiene in Dairy Production ๐Ÿฅ›
  • Development of Functional Dairy Products with Health Benefits ๐Ÿฉบ
  • Impact of Dairy Processing on Environmental Sustainability ๐ŸŒ
  • Innovative Approaches to Dairy Waste Management ๐Ÿšฎ
  • Improving the Shelf-Life of Dairy Products Through Natural Additives ๐Ÿช
  • Technological Advances in Dairy Protein Separation and Analysis ๐Ÿ”
  • Consumer Preferences and Market Trends in Dairy Industry ๐Ÿ“ˆ