Nikita Singh | Green Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nikita Singh | Green Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Nikita Singh is a dedicated researcher and PhD candidate at Durban University of Technology, South Africa, specializing in green biotechnology, biofuel production, and wastewater treatment. With 2 Scopus-indexed publications, 1 citation, and an h-index of 1, her research contributes to advancing sustainable bioprocessing and environmental innovation. Singh’s work on the co-cultivation of Scenedesmus sp. and duckweed has introduced a novel biofuel and biomass production approach that enhances lipid yields while simultaneously treating industrial wastewater. Her studies integrate advanced statistical techniques, including Design of Experiments and Box–Behnken optimization, to improve reactor performance and hydrodynamic efficiency. Her publications in Chemical Engineering Transactions and Results in Engineering reflect the scientific depth of her contributions to green engineering and bioprocess optimization. Singh has represented her institution at international forums such as CHISA and GCCE, demonstrating her global research engagement. In addition to research excellence, she mentors junior scholars and fosters innovation in renewable energy applications. Her recognition as a Top 100 GradStar and winner of the International Wetskills Challenge underscores her leadership and dedication to sustainable science. Through her innovative work, Nikita Singh exemplifies the next generation of biotechnology researchers driving the future of green energy and environmental resilience.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Singh, N., Chetty, M., & Rathilal, S. (2024). Cultivation of Scenedesmus sp., Chlorella vulgaris, and Spirulina platensis in sewage industrial wastewater: Bench-scale optimization for biofuel production. Chemical Engineering Transactions. Citation: 1

Singh, N., Chetty, M., & Rathilal, S. (2025). Optimization of hydrodynamics for enhanced co-cultivation in bubble column reactors: Investigating flow dynamics and biomass productivity. Results in Engineering.

Baran SEVEN | Heavy metal toxicity | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Baran SEVEN | Heavy metal toxicity | Young Scientist Award

R&D SPECİALİST at TST ORTHOPEDICS, India

Dr. Samadrita Sengupta is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Nutrition at West Bengal State University, Barasat, Kolkata, India. With a strong foundation in food science and nutrition, she has made significant contributions to the advancement of food processing technologies and non-dairy food innovations. Her work primarily focuses on the development of soy-based functional foods and the exploration of bioactive compounds for health promotion. She is recognized for her interdisciplinary research that bridges food science with human health, making notable strides in areas such as hypercholesterolemia management through fortified foods.

Profile

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Sengupta pursued her education in food and nutrition with a dedicated focus on integrating biotechnology and food processing innovations. Her academic journey was shaped by a passion for advancing nutritional science through research and development. She has continuously expanded her expertise by engaging in thesis-based research that involved the processing technologies of fruits, dairy, and non-dairy products, along with the functional evaluation of oilseeds.

Experience:

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at West Bengal State University, Dr. Sengupta has accumulated considerable experience in teaching and research in food science. Her professional endeavors include guiding students, leading independent research projects, and presenting her findings at prestigious national and international conferences. She has spearheaded research projects examining the functional and nutritional properties of innovative food products and has contributed to academic discussions through numerous publications in reputed journals.

Research Interest:

Dr. Sengupta’s research interests lie at the intersection of food processing, nutrition science, and functional food development. Her major areas of focus include non-dairy product innovation, such as the creation of soy yogurt, soy cheese, and soy rasgulla, and the health benefits of bioactive food components. Particularly, she is investigating the cholesterol-lowering effects of bitter gourd seed oil, rich in α-Eleostearic acid, when incorporated into soy yogurt. Additionally, she has explored the application of nano-micronutrients in promoting health and preventing diseases, opening new frontiers in functional food research.

Award:

Given her outstanding contributions to food science and nutrition, Dr. Samadrita Sengupta is a strong nominee for the Biotechnology Scientist Award. Her innovative development of non-dairy functional foods, coupled with her research on bioactive components such as α-Eleostearic acid for managing hypercholesterolemia, exemplifies her eligibility for this honor. Her impactful research and continuous efforts to advance nutritional science underscore her significant role in the biotechnology and food science community.

Publication:

Dr. Sengupta has an impressive publication record with 15 journal papers, a citation index of 472, an h-index of 11, and an i10 index of 11, according to Google Scholar. A selection of her key publications includes:

  • Sengupta, S. (2021). Development and characterization of soy-based probiotic yogurt: An alternative non-dairy functional food. Journal of Food Science and Technology (Cited by 45).

  • Sengupta, S. (2020). Cholesterol-lowering effects of α-Eleostearic acid fortified soy yogurt in hypercholesterolemic models. Food Research International (Cited by 38).

  • Sengupta, S. (2019). Impact of nano micronutrients on metabolic health: A food science perspective. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Cited by 52).

  • Sengupta, S. (2018). Functional and nutritional properties of soy-based dairy alternatives. LWT – Food Science and Technology (Cited by 60).

  • Sengupta, S. (2017). Processing and evaluation of fruit-based non-dairy desserts. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation (Cited by 31).

  • Sengupta, S. (2016). Evaluation of oilseed fortification on nutritional profile of functional foods. Journal of Functional Foods (Cited by 42).

  • Sengupta, S. (2015). Emerging trends in non-dairy food processing technologies. Food Technology and Biotechnology (Cited by 32).

Conclusion:

Dr. Samadrita Sengupta exemplifies academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful contributions to the fields of food science and nutrition. Her pioneering work in developing functional, non-dairy food products, and exploring bioactive compounds’ health benefits demonstrates her commitment to bridging food technology with human wellness. With a robust publication record, leadership in research projects, and ongoing investigations into functional foods and micronutrients, Dr. Sengupta is an outstanding candidate for the Biotechnology Scientist Award. Her work continues to inspire advancements in nutrition and food processing technologies both nationally and internationally.