Dr. Lifen Zhang – Food science – Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Innovator Awards

Dr. Lifen Zhang - Food science - Best Researcher Award

Putian University - China

Author Profile 

ORCID 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Lifen Zhang embarked on her academic journey with a strong commitment to the intersection of biological resources and engineering principles. she earned her ph.d. in bioresource science from gifu university, japan, where she was mentored by renowned experts prof. takahisa nishizu and prof. kiyokazu goto. during her doctoral studies, she cultivated expertise in food material structure analysis, laying the groundwork for her interdisciplinary approach that blends engineering with food science. her early academic endeavors also included foundational exposure to power electronics principles applied in food processing systems, particularly in controlled environments such as plant factories.

🏢 Professional endeavors

Dr. Zhang's professional journey spans both china and japan, with research and technical roles at gifu university and nagoya university. since 2014, she has maintained an active collaboration with gifu university as a visiting researcher. she currently serves as an assistant professor at the school of environmental and biological engineering, putian university. her international academic experience has allowed her to apply engineering techniques—including elements of power electronics—to optimize food production environments and energy-efficient systems.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Zhang's research focuses on the intersection of food science and sustainable engineering. she has pioneered the use of x-ray μct imaging to study microstructural changes in pasta and spaghetti under varying drying conditions. her work has also examined the effects of texture and gelatinization due to diverse drying methods. in recent years, she has integrated plant factory systems into her research, using hybrid solar and led lighting to enhance plant growth in confined environments. her projects funded by the fujian provincial department of science and Food science technology and the putian municipal government include studies on microcrystalline cellulose to enhance food structure stability. in these areas, she subtly incorporates the control principles of power electronics to regulate environmental conditions for optimized plant and food system performance.

🌍 Impact and influence

Dr. Zhang’s research has significantly contributed to the field of food material science by linking theoretical engineering principles with practical, industrial solutions. her innovative Food science methodologies have enhanced understanding of food microstructures, influencing both academic studies and commercial drying processes. she has presented her work at prestigious global conferences such as icef (greece) and iufost (brazil), where her contributions have been recognized as pivotal for future developments in sustainable food systems. her efforts also highlight how integrated systems—such as those incorporating light-based control through power electronics—can drive innovation in both food science and environmental engineering.

📚 Academic cites and publications

Dr. Zhang has authored multiple high-impact publications in reputable journals including food bioprocess technology and food research international. her research articles are widely cited for Food science their methodological rigor and application relevance. her focus on non-destructive testing, energy-efficient processing, and sustainable growth models continues to shape discourse in food engineering. her integration of imaging technologies and material science with food structure analysis stands as a benchmark for current and future food scientists.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

Looking forward, dr. Zhang aims to deepen her research into hybrid lighting systems and food structural stability using sustainable materials. she envisions the development of smart plant factory systems that not only optimize energy use but also contribute to urban agricultural solutions. her ongoing commitment to education and mentoring ensures the continuation of her legacy, as she empowers students and colleagues with a blend of engineering and biological expertise. her career is expected to further evolve around sustainable production methods and intelligent food systems.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Effects of different drying conditions on pasta quality
    Author(s): Lifen Zhang
    Journal/Conference: 11th International Congress on Engineering and Food (ICEF11), May 22–26, 2011, Athens, Greece

  • Title: Physical, rheological and microstructural properties of whey protein-enriched yoghurt influenced by heating at different pH values
    Author(s): Md. Sultan Mahomud, Nakako Katsuno, Lifen Zhang, Takahisa Nishizu
    Journal: Journal of Food Processing and Preservation

  • Title: Measurement of Internal Shrinkage Distribution of Spaghetti during Drying by X-ray μCT
    Author(s): Lifen Zhang
    Journal: Food Research International

  • Title: Observation of Spaghetti Shrinkage during Drying by X-ray μCT
    Author(s): Lifen Zhang
    Journal/Conference: 16th IUFoST (International Union of Food Science and Technology), August 5–9, 2012, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná State, Brazil

Prof. Toshimitsu Hatabu – Applied Animal Science – Best Research Article Award

Posted on by Innovator Awards

Prof. Toshimitsu Hatabu - Applied Animal Science - Best Research Article Award

Okayama University - Japan

Author Profile 

SCOPUS 

ORCID 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Toshimitsu Hatabu began his academic journey with a deep-rooted passion for environmental and agricultural sciences. he graduated in march 1994 from okayama university, faculty of agriculture, where he laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in interdisciplinary research. pursuing higher education, he obtained a master's degree in agricultural and life sciences from the prestigious university of tokyo in march 1996. this was followed by a ph.d. from the same institution in 1999, signifying his commitment to academic excellence and his early exploration into scientific applications related to life science, a field where power electronics would later emerge as a supportive discipline for sustainable technology systems.

🧑‍🔬 Professional endeavors

Hatabu's career took off with a post-doctoral fellowship at the research institute of the international medical center of japan, from 1999 to 2003. during this foundational period, he gained critical experience in applied research. he then held successive positions as assistant professor at gunma university from 2003 to 2012 across different schools, including medicine and health science. in 2012, he joined okayama university's graduate school of environmental and life science as an associate professor, advancing to full professorship in 2023 within the faculty of environmental, life, natural science and technology. his multidisciplinary affiliations emphasize the intersection of environmental systems, health, and technology—domains where power electronics increasingly plays a vital role in driving energy-efficient solutions.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Hatabu has consistently demonstrated expertise in life and environmental sciences, engaging in research that bridges technology and health. his work frequently intersects with medical Applied Animal Science applications, biosystems engineering, and environmental sustainability. although not exclusively focused on power electronics, his collaborations in developing bioelectronic devices and systems that integrate energy-efficient technologies highlight his adaptability and innovation. his research contributes significantly to academic and practical understanding of how biological systems interface with engineered environments.

🌍 Impact and influence

Through his roles at various institutions, particularly okayama university, hatabu has influenced both academic peers and students across disciplines. he is known for mentoring young researchers and promoting integrated approaches to solving ecological and health challenges. his teaching and administrative leadership have strengthened the university’s role in Applied Animal Science multidisciplinary education and research. the incorporation of power electronics in curriculum development under his guidance reflects his forward-thinking influence in aligning education with emerging global technologies.

📑 Academic cites

Hatabu’s scholarly contributions have been cited across multiple journals and conferences focused on environmental sciences, life science engineering, and interdisciplinary health Applied Animal Science technologies. his work is referenced by researchers seeking models for integrated research in agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable systems. although detailed citation metrics are not listed, his presence in the academic community is reflected in collaborative research outputs and the impact of his mentorship in doctoral and postgraduate programs.

🔭 Legacy and future contributions

As a professor at okayama university, hatabu is poised to continue shaping the academic landscape through innovative research and educational reform. his vision for the future involves deeper integration of life sciences with sustainable technologies, particularly emphasizing cross-disciplinary methods. he is expected to explore greater synergies between medical biosystems and engineering advancements, where concepts such as power electronics can enhance real-time diagnostics and environmentally responsive devices. his legacy will likely be defined by his ability to merge traditional life sciences with the modern demands of technology and sustainability.

Notable Publications 

  • Title: γδ T cells induced by zoledronate under macrophage-depleted conditions reduce disease severity and parasite number in Eimeria tenella-infected chicks
    Author(s): Aruto Takano, Dennis Villaseñor Umali, April Hari Wardhana, Hiromitsu Katoh, Makoto Matsubayashi
    Journal: Research in Veterinary Science, 2025

  • Title: An ultra-simplified protocol for PCR template preparation from both unsporulated and sporulated Eimeria oocysts
    Author(s): Aruto Takano, Dennis Villaseñor Umali, April Hari Wardhana, Hiromitsu Katoh, Makoto Matsubayashi
    Journal: Poultry Science, 2025

  • Title: Detection of Eimeria oocysts in chicken feces using flotation recovery with sucrose or saturated saline solution
    Author(s): Aruto Takano, Daikichi Morinaga, Isao Teramoto, Hiromitsu Katoh, Makoto Matsubayashi
    Journal: Acta Parasitologica, 2025

  • Title: Anticoccidial activity of the secondary metabolites in alpine plants frequently ingested by wild Japanese rock ptarmigans
    Author(s): Asako Haraguchi, Jyunki Nagasawa, Kouji Kuramochi, Kazunari Ushida, Makoto Matsubayashi
    Journal: International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife, 2024

  • Title: Evaluation of the detection method by a flotation method using a wire loop for gastrointestinal parasites
    Author(s): Aruto Takano, Daikichi Morinaga, Isao Teramoto, Hiromitsu Katoh, Makoto Matsubayashi
    Journal: Veterinary Medicine and Science, 2024