Mr. Rafael Siqueira | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rafael Siqueira, Federal university of Bahia, Brazil

Rafael Pena Siqueira is a distinguished nutritionist and academic with a comprehensive background in nutrition, biosciences, and public health. He completed his PhD in Nutrition at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), focusing on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle of higher education professionals and students. His Master’s degree explored analytical methods for detecting uranium in breast milk, further demonstrating his expertise in biosciences. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and extension activities at UFBA, where he supervises nutrition internships, oversees university food services, and participates in various academic committees. Rafael has also contributed to community health education, delivering lectures and courses on nutrition and public health. His ongoing research focuses on mental health and chronic diseases during the pandemic, highlighting his commitment to addressing real-world health challenges through innovative research.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Award

Rafael Pena Siqueira is a well-rounded candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award,” showcasing a solid academic and research background in the field of Nutrition. With a Ph.D. focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle habits within higher education, Siqueira has tackled timely and relevant issues, demonstrating his ability to conduct impactful research. His prior work includes a Master’s thesis on the development of analytical methods for uranium detection in breast milk, highlighting his technical expertise in biosciences and health research.

Education

Rafael Pena Siqueira holds a PhD in Nutrition from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), where he conducted a cohort study on the lifestyle impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and faculty members in Brazilian higher education. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from UFBA’s Anísio Teixeira Campus, followed by a Master’s degree in Biosciences, where he developed an analytical method for detecting uranium in breast milk. His studies reflect a strong foundation in health and biosciences, with a focus on clinical and public health nutrition. Additionally, Rafael has pursued specialized courses, including Clinical Nutrition and Public Health from UNIGRAD, and short-term certifications in maternal and infant nutrition, sexually transmitted infections, and nutrition biochemistry. His education showcases a commitment to both academic excellence and practical applications in the field of nutrition, equipping him with the skills to address critical health issues.

Experience

Rafael Pena Siqueira has amassed extensive experience in both academic and public health sectors. Since 2016, he has been serving as a Technical Officer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), where he supervises collective feeding internships, supports research and extension activities, and oversees food services contracts for the university’s dining facilities. Rafael has also served as an invited professor, teaching courses on topics like database research and artificial intelligence tools for scientific research. His role extends beyond the classroom, as he participates in various academic committees, including biosafety and internship coordination. He also facilitated community health education, acting as a mediator in courses designed to enhance the care for chronic non-communicable diseases in Bahia. His diverse roles highlight his ability to integrate academic knowledge with practical applications in nutrition and public health.

Awards and Honors

Rafael Pena Siqueira has earned several accolades throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to nutrition and public health. In 2021, he received an award for his research on incorporating sociobiodiversity foods into the school diets of children with special dietary needs. This project, developed as part of the Postgraduate Program in Food and Nutrition at UFPR, exemplifies his commitment to improving public health through sustainable and inclusive dietary practices. Additionally, Rafael has been a scholarship recipient of prestigious Brazilian research agencies such as FAPESB and CNPq, which supported his studies and research projects during his Master’s and PhD programs. These honors underscore his expertise in the field of nutrition and his ongoing dedication to advancing nutritional science for the benefit of both academic communities and broader society.

Research Focus

Rafael Pena Siqueira’s research primarily revolves around public health, nutrition, and the effects of chronic diseases. His current focus is on the mental health and lifestyle changes of students and educators in Brazilian higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is part of his PhD thesis at UFBA, where he examines how the pandemic has impacted physical activity, dietary habits, and mental health within academic settings. Previously, his Master’s research involved developing analytical methods for detecting uranium in breast milk, showcasing his expertise in biosciences. Rafael also explores community health interventions, particularly the integration of sociobiodiversity foods in school meals, and has contributed to courses and public health projects addressing chronic non-communicable diseases in Bahia. His work aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical health solutions, contributing to the improvement of public health through evidence-based nutritional practices.

Publication Top Notes

Mediating effect of emotional distress on the relationship between noncommunicable diseases and lifestyle among Brazilian academics during the COVID-19 pandemic
A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop and spectrophotometric determination of uranium in breast milk after optimization using Box-Behnken design

Mr. Md. Kawsar Ahmed, Daffodil International University, Bangladesh

Md. Kawsar Ahmed is an innovative electrical engineer from Bangladesh, specializing in antenna design, 5G/6G technology, and wireless communication. He completed his B.Sc. in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Daffodil International University (DIU) with a CGPA of 3.50, showcasing a passion for advanced technologies and modern communication systems. His expertise has led him to work on groundbreaking research projects under esteemed international mentors at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia. Md. Kawsar’s focus on millimeter-wave applications for next-gen communication systems reflects his visionary mindset in the ever-evolving tech landscape. With strong leadership in event management and extracurricular activities, including his role as Secretary of the DIU Voluntary Service Club, Kawsar demonstrates a commitment to both his academic and social responsibilities. His career objective is to apply his skills and creativity in modern technology, pushing the boundaries of electrical engineering for a more connected future.

Summary of Suitability for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award’

Md Kawsar Ahmed demonstrates a well-rounded profile of academic excellence, research potential, and extracurricular involvement. His research contributions in antenna design and wireless communication, coupled with his technical skills, leadership, and international collaborations, make him a suitable candidate for the ‘Research for Best Researcher Award.’ His growing body of work and dedication to technological advancements in 5G and 6G demonstrate significant potential for future contributions to the field.

Education

Md. Kawsar Ahmed has a solid educational foundation in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. He graduated with a B.Sc. from Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, earning a CGPA of 3.50 out of 4, from 2020 to 2023. Prior to that, he completed his Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) from Agricultural University College, Mymensingh, in the Science stream with a CGPA of 3.78 out of 5, in 2019. He also holds a Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from Pacchim Jaynagor Secondary School, Bhola, Barisal, securing a CGPA of 4.82 out of 5 in 2017. Kawsar’s education has been focused on science and technology from the beginning, paving the way for his success in antenna design, wireless communication, and innovative research. His drive for academic excellence has equipped him with practical and theoretical knowledge essential for addressing complex engineering challenges in today’s technology-driven world.

Experience

Md. Kawsar Ahmed’s experience is centered on research and academic involvement in the field of electrical engineering. He began as a Student Associate at Daffodil Central Transport Management in 2022, continuing his journey as a Researcher under the mentorship of Dr. Md. Ashraful and Dr. Samir Salem Al-Bawri from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia, in early 2023. His work focuses on advanced research in antenna design for 5G/6G applications and artificial neural network (ANN)-based performance estimations. His collaboration with renowned researchers has strengthened his expertise in designing highly efficient multi-port antennas for next-gen communications. Additionally, he contributed as a Student Associate in the Office of the Director of Students’ Affairs at DIU from 2022 to 2024. His commitment to both technical research and administrative work demonstrates his versatility and dedication to achieving excellence in his professional career.

Awards and Honors

Md. Kawsar Ahmed has received numerous awards and honors that reflect his diverse talents and contributions. He participated in the 7th National Cub Camporee (2011) and the ICT Work Camp (2018) organized by Bangladesh Scouts, demonstrating his early leadership qualities. He has been part of the “International Astronomical Search Collaboration” project by NASA (2021), showcasing his academic prowess in science. Kawsar’s technical training includes the Industrial Training by BREB and a specialized Unique Automation Training. He also played key organizational roles at Daffodil International University, including events such as the Duke of Edinburgh International Award Conference, Parents’ Day, and International Mother Language Day. His participation in disaster response exercises and field training further highlights his diverse skill set. Through these achievements, Kawsar has proven his ability to excel not only in academics but also in extracurricular activities, event management, and community involvement.

Research Focus

Md. Kawsar Ahmed’s research focus revolves around the development of advanced antenna designs for next-generation communication technologies, including 5G and 6G millimeter-wave applications. His work includes performance estimation of slotted inverted F-shaped tri-band antennas for satellite and 5G/mm-wave communications using artificial neural networks (ANN). His research addresses the growing demand for compact and efficient multi-port MIMO antennas, which are crucial for high-frequency communication systems. By leveraging machine learning techniques, he aims to improve the directivity prediction of these systems, enhancing overall performance in real-world applications. His research extends to optimizing antenna structures for various applications in wireless communication, pushing the boundaries of innovation in this rapidly evolving field. Kawsar’s contributions to the field are not only academically significant but also have the potential to make practical impacts in telecommunications, helping industries transition to more advanced and efficient communication technologies.