Mahendra Aryal | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mahendra Aryal | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Tribhuvan University | Nepal

Dr. Mahendra Aryal is a highly accomplished chemist and environmental scientist from Nepal, renowned for his innovative work in environmental remediation, biosorption, and bioremediation. He is currently a lecturer at Tri-Chandra College and NIST Higher Education in Kathmandu, where he teaches advanced courses in physical chemistry, instrumental analysis, and biotechnology. His academic journey has been marked by prestigious international research experiences, including postdoctoral research at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, where he focused on converting winery wastes into high-value products using sustainable and eco-friendly technologies. In addition to his extensive teaching career, Dr. Aryal plays a vital role in international scholarly publishing, serving on editorial boards, reviewing for leading journals, and contributing to the advancement of environmental chemistry and sustainable technologies.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

ORCID

Education

Dr. Aryal earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Bio-organic Chemistry from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. His doctoral research investigated the removal of toxic inorganic and organic substances from aqueous solutions using microbial processes, integrating advanced chemical engineering techniques with microbiology. He holds a Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and has also completed a Master’s-level program in Biotechnology at Aristotle University. His academic training is complemented by advanced foreign language studies in modern Greek, enabling him to engage deeply with international research communities.

Experience

Dr. Aryal has an extensive teaching career spanning multiple levels of education, from high school science instruction to university-level lectures for undergraduate and postgraduate students. At Tri-Chandra College, he has taught courses in chemical kinetics, surface chemistry, and catalysis, while at NIST Higher Education he has lectured on instrumental analysis, biophysical chemistry, and bioprocessing techniques. He has served as an external examiner for numerous thesis projects in biochemistry, environmental science, and nanotechnology, guiding and evaluating student research with a focus on scientific rigor. His professional journey also includes leadership roles in organizing scientific conferences and contributing to research initiatives aimed at improving environmental quality.

Research Interests

Dr. Aryal’s research focuses on environmental pollution control, with particular emphasis on biosorption and biodegradation processes for toxic heavy metals and organic pollutants. He has investigated the use of microbial and plant-based systems for the remediation of contaminated water and soil, explored phytoremediation strategies for sustainable pollutant removal, and examined rhizomicrobiome dynamics to enhance bioremediation efficiency. His work also encompasses waste management, water quality monitoring, and the valorization of industrial by-products into useful materials. His research approach blends theoretical analysis, laboratory experimentation, and applied field studies to create practical solutions for environmental challenges.

Awards

Dr. Aryal has received multiple national and international recognitions for his academic and research excellence. His achievements include prestigious governmental honors for scholarly contributions, competitive research fellowships that supported his doctoral and postdoctoral work in Greece, and awards for outstanding peer review contributions from leading international journals. These accolades reflect his dedication to advancing science, his high standards of academic integrity, and his impact on both the national and global research community.

Publications

Dr. Aryal has authored numerous influential publications in high-impact international journals, covering topics such as groundwater arsenic contamination, phytoremediation strategies, rhizomicrobiome interactions, solid waste management, and advanced biosorption techniques. Examples include:

Title: Study on arsenic biosorption using Fe (III)-treated biomass of Staphylococcus xylosus
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Published on: 2010
Citation: 193

Title: Bioremoval of heavy metals by bacterial biomass
Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Published on: 2015
Citation: 176

Title: A comprehensive study on the bacterial biosorption of heavy metals: materials, performances, mechanisms, and mathematical modellings
Journal: Reviews in Chemical Engineering
Published on: 2021
Citation: 74

Title: Biodegradation and Kinetics of Phenanthrene and Pyrene in the Presence of Nonionic Surfactants by Arthrobacter Strain Sphe3
Journal: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution
Published on: 2013
Citation: 62

Title: Equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic studies on phosphate biosorption from aqueous solutions by Fe (III)-treated Staphylococcus xylosus biomass: Common ion effect
Journal: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Published on: 2011
Citation: 59

Title: Comparison of Cr (VI) and As (V) removal in single and binary mixtures with Fe (III)-treated Staphylococcus xylosus biomass: Thermodynamic studies
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Published on: 2011
Citation: 57

Title: Characterization of Mycobacterium sp. strain Spyr1 biomass and its biosorption behavior towards Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in single, binary and multi‐ion aqueous systems
Journal: Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology
Published on: 2014
Citation: 36

Conclusion

Dr. Mahendra Aryal’s professional journey demonstrates a rare combination of deep scientific knowledge, innovative problem-solving, and unwavering dedication to environmental protection. His research has addressed critical issues such as water contamination, waste management, and resource recovery, offering sustainable solutions that have both local and global relevance. Through his teaching, mentorship, and extensive contributions to academic literature, he has inspired the next generation of scientists and advanced the frontiers of environmental chemistry. His body of work and its impact make him an outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Angela Fernandes | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Angela Fernandes | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mountain Research Center of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança | Portugal

Dr. Ângela Sofia Feitor Fernandes is an accomplished Assistant Researcher at the Mountain Research Center (CIMO) of the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, Portugal. With a deep-rooted focus on bioactive compounds and functional food research, she has gained national and international recognition for her contributions to food science and sustainable biotechnologies. Through her multidisciplinary work and international collaborations, Dr. Fernandes has consistently delivered impactful innovations, blending rigorous science with real-world applications.

Author Profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Ângela Sofia Feitor Fernandes is a highly accomplished Assistant Researcher at the Mountain Research Center (CIMO-IPB), Portugal. With over 150 peer-reviewed journal publications, an h-index of 39, and editorial contributions across multiple MDPI journals, she has demonstrated exceptional productivity, influence, and scientific leadership in her field. Her expertise spans natural product chemistry, functional food development, and innovative preservation technologies such as gamma irradiation and electron beam techniques.

She has significantly contributed to applied research through projects like VIIAFOOD, TextBlueStyle, and SambucuSafe, translating scientific discoveries into practical innovations for food safety, sustainability, and consumer health. Her work also integrates bioeconomy principles by valorizing agricultural residues into high-value functional foods, showcasing an interdisciplinary and impact-driven approach. Furthermore, her editorial roles, international collaborations, student mentorship, and authorship of seven ISBN-recognized book chapters further validate her academic leadership and global engagement.

🎓 Education

Dr. Fernandes embarked on her academic journey with a degree in Clinical Analysis and Public Health in 2007. She then pursued her Master’s in Food Quality and Safety (2010), followed by a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specializing in Nutrition and Food Chemistry in 2016. Her studies laid a strong foundation for her later work in food preservation and natural bioactive extraction.

👩‍🔬 Experience

Since 2009, Dr. Fernandes has been an active member of CIMO-IPB, advancing from a researcher to Assistant Researcher. She is currently a key contributor to several high-impact projects, including the VIIAFOOD, TextBlueStyle, and SambucuSafe initiatives. Notably, she pioneered the use of gamma and electron beam irradiation in food technology in Portugal, demonstrating leadership in innovation and sustainable food preservation.

🔬 Research Interests On Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Her research focuses on three primary areas:

  1. Natural Product Chemistry – Extracting, identifying, and isolating bioactive compounds from natural matrices like mushrooms and plants using advanced spectrometric methods.

  2. Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals – Developing bioactive-rich food products with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties.

  3. Natural Product Technology – Exploring non-thermal preservation methods such as gamma irradiation to maintain the integrity and shelf life of food, aligning with circular bioeconomy goals.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

While specific awards are not listed, Dr. Fernandes’ esteemed positions, collaborative international research, editorial leadership for MDPI journals, and participation in prominent European scientific projects stand as strong markers of her academic and scientific excellence. Her rising h-index of 39 and over 150 Scopus-indexed publications validate her distinguished contributions.

📚 Selected Publications

Here are notable peer-reviewed publications by Dr. Fernandes, showcasing her impactful work:

  1. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2021). Development of functional mushroom flour enriched in vitamin D2. LWT – Food Science and Technology, 145. Cited by 23 articles.

  2. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2020). Irradiation of wild edible mushrooms: Evaluation of quality and safety parameters. Food Chemistry, 330. Cited by 31 articles.

  3. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2019). Bioactive potential of elderberry extracts in functional food formulations. Journal of Functional Foods, 59. Cited by 19 articles.

  4. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2018). Chemical profiling of mushrooms for nutraceutical use. Journal of Chromatography B, 1092. Cited by 27 articles.

  5. Fernandes, Â. S. F., et al. (2022). Natural blue dyes from food waste for textile application. Dyes and Pigments, 199. Cited by 12 articles.

Each publication reflects her expertise in translating scientific discovery into applied solutions.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Ângela Fernandes is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award under the Forensic Scientist Awards. Her pioneering efforts in food chemistry, sustainable technologies, and functional food development place her at the forefront of applied biochemistry. Her dedication to a circular economy and bio-based innovation has brought real benefits to industry and academia alike. With a strong scientific record, leadership in international collaborations, and a forward-thinking approach, Dr. Fernandes stands as a model of excellence in research.