Murugan Mariraj | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Murugan Mariraj | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Murugan Mariraj, Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, India

Dr. M. Mariraj, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, India, is a dedicated academic with expertise in lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. With over 2 years of teaching and 7 years of research experience, Dr. Mariraj has significantly contributed to the field of Botany, focusing on the study of lichen species diversity and their potential biomedical applications. He has published 18 research articles and reported 2 new lichen species to the Tamil Nadu lichen database. As a lifetime member of the Indian Lichenological Society and Nature Science Foundation, his research involves analyzing lichen metabolites for anticancer properties and conducting in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological studies. Dr. Mariraj’s work is widely recognized in the academic community, showcasing his commitment to both teaching and groundbreaking research.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Research for Best Researcher Award: Dr. M. Mariraj

Dr. M. Mariraj’s qualifications, experience, and research contributions make him an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Holding a Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, he has spent over seven years in research and two years in teaching, with a clear focus on lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. His research has made significant contributions, including the discovery of two new lichen species and extensive studies on the biodiversity of lichens in the Nilgiri and Kodaikanal hills of the Western Ghats. These efforts have broadened the scientific community’s understanding of lichen diversity, especially in southern India.

Dr. Mariraj’s work is notable for its use of advanced analytical techniques such as LCMS, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR, which he employed to identify bioactive compounds in lichens, particularly those with potential anticancer properties. His cancer-related research, which includes both in-vitro and in-vivo studies, reflects the depth of his commitment to exploring how lichens can contribute to biomedical science, especially in skin cancer treatment. His dedication to the field is further emphasized by his role as a reviewer for several respected journals, as well as his membership in prominent organizations like the Indian Lichenological Society.

🎓 Education 

Dr. M. Mariraj earned his Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, where he was highly commended for his research on the evaluation of UV irradiation absorbing compounds from lichens against skin cancer. He also completed his M.Sc. in Botany with First Class distinction (75%) from Bharathiar University in 2017, where his post-graduation research focused on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of Centrosema pubescens Benth. Dr. Mariraj holds a B.Sc. in Botany with First Class (68.9%) from Government Arts & Science College, Coimbatore. His academic journey reflects his deep commitment to understanding the complexities of plant biology and their practical applications, particularly in lichenology. Additionally, his undergraduate research involved surveying indoor plants in Coimbatore District, further solidifying his passion for biodiversity and plant science.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. M. Mariraj’s professional journey has been marked by his passion for both teaching and research. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany at Sri Kaliswari College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, since July 2023. Prior to this, he worked as a Project Associate-I at Pasumpon Thiru Muthuramalinga Thevar Memorial (PTMTM) College, Kamuthi, Tamil Nadu, where he gained valuable experience in research. Throughout his career, Dr. Mariraj has contributed extensively to lichen taxonomy, focusing on the diversity and biomedical applications of lichens. His work has led to the discovery of new lichen species and the publication of numerous research papers in esteemed international journals. His research spans across various methodologies, including LCMS analysis, column chromatography, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR, positioning him as a leading figure in his field with significant contributions to both academic teaching and applied scientific research.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Dr. M. Mariraj’s outstanding contributions to lichenology and Botany have earned him several prestigious accolades. In 2018-2019, he received the ‘Best Research Scholar Award’ from the Nature Science Foundation for his excellence in lichenology specialization. He also won the ‘Best Paper Award’ at the International Conference on Contemporary Research Trends in Mycology and Mycotechnology, held in 2019 at Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal. Dr. Mariraj’s excellence in various fields is further reflected in his receipt of the ‘Gold Medal’ for NCC Firing Camp in 2012 and the ‘Unique Lichen Identifier’ award during a faculty development program in Lichen Biology and Bioprospecting in 2017. These awards demonstrate his commitment to advancing research in Botany and lichenology while also recognizing his contributions to the academic and scientific community, further solidifying his role as a leading researcher in the field.

🌍 Research Skill On Agricultural

Dr. M. Mariraj possesses advanced research skills in lichen taxonomy and its biomedical applications. His research primarily focuses on studying the species diversity of lichens in the Nilgiri and Kodaikanal hills of the Western Ghats, a hotspot for biodiversity. Dr. Mariraj has honed skills in various modern analytical techniques, such as LCMS, column chromatography, HPLC, and FTIR-ATR analysis, enabling him to isolate and study bioactive compounds with potential anticancer properties. His work also involves in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological studies, particularly for skin cancer treatment, showcasing his proficiency in biomedical research. Moreover, his expertise extends to environmental science, where he evaluates the potential health risks of pesticide toxins in major vegetables and fruits. Dr. Mariraj’s multifaceted research skills, coupled with his deep commitment to understanding plant metabolites and their practical applications, make him a leading researcher in his field.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Effect of metakaolin on the properties of pervious concrete
    Author(s): SB Singh, M Murugan
    Citation: Construction and Building Materials, 346, 128476
    Year: 2022
  • Phytofoods of Nubra valley, Ladakh-the cold desert
    Author(s): MP Murugan, XJ Raj, GP Kumar, SG Sunil Gupta, SB Singh
    Citation: N/A
    Year: 2010
  • Effect of aggregate size on properties of polypropylene and glass fibre-reinforced pervious concrete
    Author(s): S Bright Singh, M Murugan
    Citation: International Journal of Pavement Engineering, 23 (6), 2034-2048
    Year: 2022
  • Experimental study on concrete using sea sand as fine aggregate
    Author(s): R Mahendran, K Godwin, T Gnana Selvan, M Murugan
    Citation: Int. J. Sci. Eng. Res, 7, 48-52
    Year: 2016
  • Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of leaves of Mucuna pruriens in alloxan induced diabetic rats
    Author(s): M Murugan, CUM Reddy
    Citation: J Pharm Sci Tech, 2009; 1 (2): 69-73
    Year: 2009
  • Engineering properties of horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) varieties as a function of moisture content and structure of grain
    Author(s): R Vashishth, AD Semwal, M Pal Murugan, T Govind Raj, GK Sharma
    Citation: Journal of Food Science and Technology, 57 (4), 1477-1485
    Year: 2020
  • Determination of Total Phenols, Free Radical Scavenging and Antibacterial Activities of Mentha longifolia Linn. Hudson from the Cold Desert, Ladakh, India
    Author(s): XJ Raj, PK Bajpjpai, GP Kumar, MP Murugan, J Kumar, OP Chaurasia, …
    Citation: Pharmacognosy Journal, 2 (12)
    Year: 2010
  • Antioxidative activity and phytochemical investigation on a high altitude medicinal plant Dracocephalum heterophyllum Benth
    Author(s): J Raj, SS Bala
    Citation: Pharmacognosy Journal, 2 (6)
    Year: 2010
  • Antagonistic and antioxidant potencies of Centrosema pubescens benth extracts against nosocomial infection pathogens
    Author(s): M Murugan, K Rajendran, T Velmurugan, S Muthu, M Gundappa, …
    Citation: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 29, 101776
    Year: 2020
  • A review on acrylamide mitigation strategies in various processed foods
    Author(s): M Pal Murugan, G Agathian, AD Semwal, GK Sharma
    Citation: Int. J. Adv. Res, 4, 1025-1040
    Year: 2016

 

YINGJUAN CHEN | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Prof. YINGJUAN CHEN | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

👤  Prof. YINGJUAN CHEN, Southwest University, China

Dr. Yingjuan Chen, born in 1986, is a distinguished Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the Department of Tea Science, College of Food Science, Southwest University, China. Her primary research focuses on tea cultivation physiology, tea microbiology, and quality regulation. Dr. Chen has significantly advanced the understanding of pathogenic microorganisms causing tea diseases, their impact on tea metabolism, and the mechanisms behind fermented tea quality formation. Over the years, she has led two National Natural Science Foundation projects and more than 10 provincial and ministerial-level initiatives. With a remarkable research portfolio, Dr. Chen has published 27 scientific papers as the first or corresponding author and holds four national invention patents. Her dedication to innovation and her contributions to the tea science field position her as a leading expert, striving to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications in tea cultivation and quality management.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🌟 Prof. YINGJUAN CHEN, Summary of Suitability for the Award

Dr. Yingjuan Chen is a highly qualified candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award” due to her outstanding contributions to tea science research, particularly in the areas of tea physiology, microbiology, and quality regulation. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of tea diseases, the role of pathogenic microorganisms, and their effects on tea metabolism and quality. Additionally, her work on the mechanisms underlying the formation of fermented tea quality demonstrates a blend of innovation and practical relevance.

She has an impressive research portfolio, including 27 scientific publications in high-impact journals such as Food Chemistry, Phytopathology, and Plant Disease. These publications focus on key areas like metabolomic profiling, disease impact on tea quality, and the identification of new pathogenic microorganisms affecting tea cultivation.

🎓 Education 

Dr. Yingjuan Chen obtained her Ph.D. in Tea Science from Southwest University, where she demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her career in tea microbiology and quality regulation. She pursued advanced studies in plant physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry, equipping her with a multidisciplinary perspective to address complex challenges in tea cultivation. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Chen actively participated in workshops and collaborative research projects, gaining hands-on experience in innovative techniques such as metabolomics and metagenomic analysis. Her educational background has been instrumental in her ability to lead impactful research on tea disease mechanisms and fermented tea quality formation. Dr. Chen’s comprehensive education reflects her unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge in tea science and applying it to improve tea production standards and quality worldwide.

💼   Professional Experience 

Dr. Yingjuan Chen has been a Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the Department of Tea Science, Southwest University, China, since completing her Ph.D. Her career is marked by her focus on bridging research and practical solutions in tea cultivation. She has led 12 national and regional projects, including prestigious initiatives under the National Natural Science Foundation. Dr. Chen has also established partnerships with tea enterprises to translate research findings into industry advancements. Her expertise spans tea disease diagnostics, microbial interactions, and the chemical pathways influencing tea quality. She frequently collaborates with global researchers to study tea fermentation processes, pioneering innovative approaches to quality regulation. Additionally, Dr. Chen mentors graduate students, inspiring the next generation of tea scientists. Her professional accomplishments reflect her dedication to enhancing tea production and her role as a prominent figure in the academic and industrial tea science community.

🏅 Awards and Recognitions 

Dr. Yingjuan Chen has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions to tea science. She has been honored with the Outstanding Young Scientist Award by the National Natural Science Foundation and the Excellence in Agricultural Research Award from Southwest University. Her research excellence earned her a spot in the Top 100 Influential Researchers in Tea Science globally. Dr. Chen’s innovative work has been recognized with four national invention patents, demonstrating her ingenuity in tackling complex challenges in tea microbiology and quality regulation. She has also received several regional and institutional awards for her pioneering studies on tea disease mechanisms and fermented tea quality. In addition to these accolades, Dr. Chen actively contributes to academic journals as a reviewer and editor, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in her field. Her recognitions highlight her profound impact on the academic and industrial dimensions of tea science.

🌍 Research Skills On Agriculture 

Dr. Yingjuan Chen possesses a robust skill set that bridges fundamental and applied research in tea science. Her expertise includes pathogen identification, metabolomics, and metagenomics, allowing her to unravel the complexities of tea diseases and their impact on quality. She excels in microbial ecology and biochemical pathway analysis, which she applies to study the role of microorganisms in fermented tea quality formation. Dr. Chen’s proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, and data modeling equips her to conduct cutting-edge research. She is also skilled in designing field experiments to evaluate the interaction between environmental factors and tea quality. Her collaborative approach has enabled her to integrate multidisciplinary methodologies and global insights into her projects. Dr. Chen’s innovative mindset and meticulous research practices have led to significant discoveries in tea science, reinforcing her reputation as a scientific pioneer.

📖 Publication Top Notes

The unique aroma of ripened Pu-erh tea, Liupao tea, and Tietban tea: Associated post-fermentation condition and dominant microorganism with key aroma-active compound
    • Authors: Weng, Y., Chen, L., Kun, J., Tong, H., Chen, Y.
    • Journal: Food Chemistry
    • Year: 2025
Amino acids and flavonoids analysis reveals quality constituents difference among different albino tea resources
    • Authors: Chen, Y., Han, Y., Tong, H.
    • Journal: Food Chemistry
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 449
    • Article Number: 139200
    • Citations: 4
Effect of blister blight disease caused by Exobasidium on tea quality
    • Authors: Han, Y., Deng, X., Tong, H., Chen, Y.
    • Journal: Food Chemistry: X
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 21
    • Article Number: 101077
    • Citations: 3
Effect of Atractylodes essential oil on different Colletotrichum species causing tea brown blight disease
    • Authors: Wan, Y., Chen, Q., Xu, W., Chen, Y.
    • Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 324
    • Article Number: 112610
    • Citations: 1
Metabolites and metagenomic analysis reveals the quality of Pu-erh “tea head”
    • Authors: He, S., Deng, X., Han, Y., Tong, H., Chen, Y.
    • Journal: Food Chemistry
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 429
    • Article Number: 136992
    • Citations: 7
Sensory-directed isolation and identification of an intense salicin-like bitter compound in infected teas with bird’s eye spot disease
    • Authors: Yan, J., Miao, Y., Zhou, J., Tong, H., Meng, Q.
    • Journal: Food Research International
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 173
    • Article Number: 113272
Metabolites profiling reveals the dynamic changes of non-volatiles in Pu-erh during Ganpu tea processing
    • Authors: Deng, X., He, S., Han, Y., Chen, Y.
    • Journal: Food Chemistry: X
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 19
    • Article Number: 100774
    • Citations: 4
Non-volatile metabolites profiling analysis reveals the tea flavor of “Zijuan” in different tea plantations
    • Authors: Chen, Y., Yang, J., Meng, Q., Tong, H.
    • Journal: Food Chemistry
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 412
    • Article Number: 135534
    • Citations: 19
Characterization of triterpenoids as possible bitter-tasting compounds in teas infected with bird’s eye spot disease
    • Authors: Yan, J., Lu, A., Kun, J., Meng, Q., Tong, H.
    • Journal: Food Research International
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 167
    • Article Number: 112643
    • Citations: 7
Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Effect of Two Alpine Foliar Diseases on the Non-Volatile and Volatile Metabolites of Tea
    • Authors: Wan, Y., Han, Y., Deng, X., Chen, Y.
    • Journal: Foods
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 12(8)
    • Article Number: 1568
    • Citations: 5