Kawther Akbar | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Forensic Scientist

Mrs. Kawther Akbar | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Kuwait university | Kuwait

Kawther Akbar is a passionate Kuwaiti biotechnology researcher with a background in both biomedical engineering and genetic research. With a solid academic foundation and hands-on experience in molecular genetics and fiber trait analysis in dromedary camels, she has become a notable contributor to camel genomics and functional trait characterization. Her commitment to excellence in scientific exploration is highlighted by her growing publication record and multiple research awards.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Focused and Emerging Research Niche:

    • Kawther has specialized in a unique and impactful niche: the genetics of fiber traits in dromedary camels, which combines biotechnology, animal genetics, and industrial relevance.

    • This is an underexplored but valuable area, particularly important for the Arabian Peninsula and similar regions where camel-based industries have economic and cultural importance.

  2. Publication Record:

    • She has published two peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals (Kuwait Journal of Science and Small Ruminant Research)—demonstrating early productivity in research.

    • These publications show an ability to take experimental work through to completion and dissemination.

  3. Recognition and Awards:

    • The Graduate Students Research Excellence Award (2025) and Prof. Ahmad Al-Bustan Academic Excellence Award (2023) affirm her academic dedication and peer recognition.

  4. Scientific Engagement and Visibility:

    • Strong record of poster presentations, including at international venues like the International Plant and Animal Genome Conference (PAG) in San Diego. This reflects both scientific rigor and global outreach.

    • Her participation in workshops and coordination activities highlights her leadership and commitment to the scientific community.

  5. Interdisciplinary Background:

    • Her undergraduate degree in Medical Engineering and MSc in Biotechnology provide her with a broad, interdisciplinary foundation, allowing her to integrate engineering with molecular genetics.

🎓 Education

Kawther earned her MSc in Biotechnology from Kuwait University (2020–2024), where she delved into the molecular and genetic aspects of camel fiber variation. Prior to that, she obtained her Bachelor’s in Medical Engineering from Cardiff University, UK (2009–2013). Her academic path reflects a unique blend of engineering precision and biological sciences integration, paving the way for interdisciplinary research.

🧪 Experience

Her research journey began in 2013 with an undergraduate project at Cardiff University focused on micro-engineered polymer capsules for tissue repair under Prof. David Barrow. In 2022, she contributed to a mini research project under Dr. Hasan Alhaddad at Kuwait University, using genotyping by sequencing to explore genetic variations in camel hair types. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for her advanced genomic studies.

🔍 Research Interests On Biotechnology

Kawther’s research interests lie at the intersection of animal genomics, molecular biology, and trait inheritance—specifically in camelid species. She focuses on genes like KRT71 and FGF5 to understand variations in hair shape and texture, aiming to improve classification and utilization of camel fibers for industrial and genetic applications. Her work addresses both scientific curiosity and regional agricultural needs.

🏆 Awards

Kawther’s dedication to research excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honors, including the Graduate Students Research Excellence Award (2025) and the Prof. Ahmad Al-Bustan Academic Excellence Award (2023). These accolades reflect her academic performance, impactful research, and growing leadership in the Kuwaiti scientific community.

đź“š Publications

1. “Fiber Characteristics of the Dromedary Camel in the Arabian Peninsula”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: May 2024

2. “Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Hair Shape Variation in Dromedary Camels”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: April 2025

3. “Hair Color at Different Camel Body Regions”

  • Authors: Bader H. Alhajeri, Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2025

4. “Do Camels Have Ear Furnishings? Hairs of Inner and Outer Surfaces of Camel Pinna and FGF5 Longhair Variants”

  • Authors: Tasneem Maraqa, Amna A. Alrashid, Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2024

5. “Superior Camel Fibers Due to FGF5 Variants”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Tasneem Maraqa, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: February 2024

6. “Sequencing KRT71 as a Candidate Gene for Curly Hair in Dromedary Camels”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: January 2024

7. “Fiber Characteristics of the Dromedary Camel in the Arabian Peninsula” (Preprint)

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Bader H. Alhajeri, Hasan Alhaddad

  • Publication Year: January 2024

8. “Optimizing the PCR Conditions for the Amplification of KRT71 Exons in the Dromedary Camel”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: March 2023

9. “Multi-Level Analysis of Dromedary Camel Hair Attributes Across Different Body Parts”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: March 2023

10. “Characterization of Dromedary Camel Fibers for Genetic and Industrial Uses”

  • Authors: Kawther Akbar, Hasan Alhaddad, Bader H. Alhajeri

  • Publication Year: January 2023

🧾 Conclusion

Kawther Akbar stands out as a rising talent in the field of animal biotechnology. With her strong educational background, hands-on genomic research, and dedication to academic excellence, she is well-positioned to lead future innovations in camel fiber genetics. Her active participation in conferences and poster presentations reflects her commitment to sharing knowledge and advancing scientific dialogue. She is a worthy candidate for any award recognizing research innovation and dedication.

Shivkant Sharma | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Forensic Scientist

Dr. Shivkant Sharma | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist | Ingenomics Private Limited | India

Dr. Shivkant Sharma is a dedicated Research Scientist at Ingenomics Private Limited, New Delhi, India. With a profound background in forensic science and genetics, his expertise spans forensic DNA analysis, population genetics, molecular biology, and quality control in laboratory settings. His contributions to forensic research and genetic diversity studies have been widely recognized.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Extensive Research Experience: Dr. Sharma has a robust background in forensic genetics, population studies, and molecular biology, with experience spanning roles as a Research Scientist, Application Scientist, and Forensic DNA Examiner.
  • Notable Publications: He has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed journals, showcasing a consistent research output in population genetics, forensic science, and Y-Chromosomal STR diversity.
  • Specialized Skills and Techniques: Hands-on expertise in DNA isolation, multiplex PCR, real-time PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and statistical data analysis positions him as a technical authority in his field.
  • Quality Control and Regulatory Contributions: His role in securing ISO18385 certification demonstrates his commitment to maintaining high laboratory standards and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Collaboration and Data Contribution: Contributions to global databases like YHRD enhance the accessibility and impact of his research.
  • Educational Background and Certifications: His Ph.D. on Y-Chromosomal STR diversity in Indian Brahmin populations and multiple certifications (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025, AICEF DNA Proficiency Tests) solidify his academic and technical credentials.

🎓 Education

Dr. Sharma earned his Ph.D. in Forensic Science from Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, with his thesis titled “A Cross-Sectional Study on Genetic Diversity of Y-Chromosomal STRs in Brahmin Population of Haryana and Rajasthan, India.” He holds an M.Sc. in Forensic Science from the same university, specializing in Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology, with a dissertation on poisoning cases in Himachal Pradesh. He also completed his B.Sc. in Medical Sciences from Maharshi Dayanand University.

đź’Ľ Experience

Dr. Sharma’s career includes roles such as:

  • Research Scientist (April 2024 – Present) at Ingenomics Private Limited, Delhi, where he has been instrumental in developing ISO18385 certification, performing forensic DNA analysis, and conducting population genetics studies.
  • Application Scientist (Oct. 2022 – March 2024) at BioZed Research and Testing Laboratories, Delhi, where he supported forensic laboratories in India, focusing on STR kits and collaborative population genetic studies.
  • Forensic DNA Examiner (2019 – 2021) at the DNA Division of DFS Junga, Shimla Hills, HP, where he assisted in analyzing crime scene evidence and worked in Disaster Victim Identification.

🔬 Research Interests On Genetics

Dr. Sharma’s research interests include:

  • Genetics
  • Genetic Genealogy
  • Y-Chromosome Studies
  • Population Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

🏆 Awards

  • Seventeenth Asian-Indo Pacific AICEF-GITAD DNA Proficiency Test (2023), AICEF, Spain
  • Sixteenth Asian-Indo Pacific AICEF-GITAD DNA Proficiency Test (2022), AICEF, Spain
  • ISO/IEC 17025: 2017 Certification, Quality Council of India (QCI)
  • UGC-NET Qualification for Assistant Professor (2014), Forensic Science

đź“– Publications

  • Title: Contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practice among eligible couples of rural Haryana
    Authors: N Saluja, S Sharma, S Choudhary, D Gaur, S Pandey
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 87

  • Title: A study on knowledge and awareness of cervical cancer among females of rural and urban areas of Haryana, North India
    Authors: L Kadian, G Gulshan, S Sharma, I Kumari, C Yadav, S Nanda, R Yadav
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 43

  • Title: Dietary patterns, nutrition knowledge and lifestyle: associations with blood pressure in a sample of Australian adults (the Food BP study)
    Authors: S Khalesi, S Sharma, C Irwin, J Sun
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 36

  • Title: Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern & biotyping of Helicobacter pylori isolates from patients with peptic ulcer diseases
    Authors: S Sharma, KN Prasad, D Chamoli, A Ayyagari
    Year: 1995
    Citations: 29

  • Title: Tomato red toxicity: haematological and serological changes in the blood of Swiss albino mice, mus musculus
    Authors: S Sharma, RP Goyal, G Chakravarty, A Sharma
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 24

  • Title: Trend of complete hydatidiform mole
    Authors: K Thapa, M Shrestha, S Sharma, S Pandey
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 18

  • Title: Toxicological studies on effect of Apple Green-a permitted food colour, on swiss albino mice
    Authors: A Sharma, RP Goyal, G Chakravarty, S Sharma
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Orange red, a blend of permitted food colour induced haematological changes in Swiss albino mice, Mus musculus
    Authors: S Sharma, RP Goyal, G Chakravarty, A Sharma
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Aberrant promoter methylation of NOTCH1 and NOTCH3 and its association with cervical cancer risk factors in North Indian population
    Authors: LK Kadian, G Gulshan, P Ahuja, G Singhal, S Sharma, S Nanda, R Yadav
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 13

  • Title: Identification and genetic characterization of chikungunya virus from Aedes mosquito vector collected in the Lucknow district, North India
    Authors: N Nyari, HS Maan, S Sharma, SN Pandey, TN Dhole
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 13

đź“„ Conclusion

Dr. Shi Vkant Sharma is a distinguished researcher whose work in forensic science, population genetics, and molecular biology has significantly contributed to the understanding of genetic diversity in India. His expertise, combined with a passion for forensic innovation, continues to drive impactful research and development in the field.