Melesse Tadesse | Molecular Genetics | Excellence Award

Mr. Melesse Tadesse | Molecular Genetics | Excellence Award

University Of Wolaita Sodo | Ethiopia

Mr. Melesse Tadesse Upa (MSc), a highly dedicated Ethiopian biotechnologist, currently serves as the Head and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biotechnology at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia, where he has been contributing since 2021 after earlier roles as a Biology teacher in Dawro zone. Born on 28 July 1995 in Essera Wereda of the Dawro zone, he holds an MSc in Biotechnology from Arba Minch University, a B.Sc. in Biology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching from Hawassa University, complemented by extensive professional certifications including a Higher Diploma License, English proficiency, GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, Python), and a Master Class in Online Teaching. His research interests span food microbiology, microbial physiology, traditional toxicology, molecular food microbiology, soil microbiology, microbial ecology, bacterial wilt disease, toxicogenomics, heavy metal–gene–protein interactions, and metabolite analysis from medicinal plants. With strong skills in laboratory and fieldwork, molecular techniques, biostatistics, fermentation engineering, microscopy, plant tissue culture, and advanced data analysis tools (SPSS, Origin, GIS), he has taught a wide range of undergraduate biotechnology and biology courses including Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, and Microbial Biotechnology. Melesse is an articulate and highly motivated scientist known for his ability to work under pressure, communicate research outputs effectively, and lead innovative laboratory research collaborations. His MSc thesis focused on isolating and evaluating fermenting microorganisms from enset (kocho) as potential starter cultures, and he has published on the physicochemical and microbial community dynamics of kocho fermentation. He is proficient in English and Amharic and is supported by strong professional references from established researchers at Arba Minch University.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Recent Advances in Enzyme Immobilization: The Role of Artificial Intelligence, Novel Nanomaterials, and Dynamic Carrier Systems", M Tadesse, Y Liu Catalysts., 2025.

"Physicochemical and microbial community dynamics of Kocho fermented from different enset varieties in South West Ethiopia", M Tadesse, FO Ajibade, M Minale, A Mekonnen, A Guadie Heliyon., 2025.

Koteswara Rao Yerra | Genetic Research | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Koteswara Rao Yerra | Genetic Research | Best Researcher Award

Texas A&M University | United States

Dr. Koteswara Rao Yerra is an accomplished interdisciplinary researcher whose expertise spans Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Microbiology, with a strong specialization in biopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. His technical proficiency encompasses advanced analytical methodologies such as HPLC, CE, and LC-MS, alongside a solid foundation in molecular biology–based bioassays applicable to pharmacological research. He possesses substantial knowledge in Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) and demonstrates exceptional ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary research teams. Dr. Yerra also plays an active role in the preparation and refinement of competitive research proposals for various national and international funding agencies, reflecting his commitment to advancing scientific innovation and translational research.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"Flavonoids and andrographolides from Andrographis paniculata", Y Koteswara Rao, G Vimalamma, C Venkata Rao, YM Tzeng, Phytochemistry 65 (16), 2025.

"Amberlyst-15: An efficient reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 1, 8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes and 1, 8-dioxo-decahydroacridines",Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical , 2025.

"Differential effects of synthesized 2′-oxygenated chalcone derivatives: modulation of human cell cycle phase distribution", Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry , 2025.

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferation tumoral cells activities of Antrodia camphorata, Cordyceps sinensis, and Cinnamomum osmophloeum bark extracts", Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2025.

"TAntioxidant and cytotoxic activities of naturally occurring phenolic and related compounds: a comparative study", Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2025.