Yoon Yen Yow | Marine Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Biotechnology Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow | Marine Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Sunway University | Malaysia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow is a distinguished academic and researcher in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University. She has built a strong reputation in the fields of phycology, biotechnology, and biomedical sciences, with her work focusing particularly on the discovery of bioactive compounds from algae and their applications in human health, cosmeceuticals, and disease prevention. Through her research, teaching, and supervision of postgraduate students, she has significantly contributed to advancing scientific knowledge while also cultivating the next generation of scholars and scientists. Her leadership roles, editorial appointments, and invited speaking engagements demonstrate her recognition as an influential voice in her discipline.

Profile

Scopus | Orcid

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow’s academic foundation reflects a progressive trajectory in biotechnology and education. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology with distinction from the University of Malaya, where her early work on algal species inspired her long-standing commitment to marine and applied phycology. She continued at the same institution to complete a PhD in Algae Biotechnology, where her doctoral research advanced understanding of algal taxonomy, genetics, and bioactive properties. Later, she pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice at Lancaster University, which refined her pedagogical approaches and established her as both a researcher and educator capable of integrating cutting-edge science with student-focused teaching.

Experience

Her career trajectory is marked by steady advancement through teaching, research, and leadership. She has held various responsibilities at Sunway University, including Programme Leader for postgraduate studies, coordinator of final-year projects, and Acting Head of the Sunway Microbiome Centre. Beyond the university, she has served as an external examiner for PhD and master’s theses, industry advisor, and conference session chair, reflecting her recognition by peers as an authority in her field. She has secured multiple research grants, both as principal investigator and collaborator, from national agencies, industry sponsors, and international organizations. These projects span diverse areas, from neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory compounds derived from algae to ecotoxicology and molecular phylogenetics of invasive species. Her ability to bridge fundamental research with translational applications makes her a sought-after collaborator.

Research Interest

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow’s research interests converge at the intersection of biotechnology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and environmental sustainability. Her central focus lies in harnessing algae for high-value products, investigating bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. She has also contributed to molecular taxonomy, genetic diversity studies, and phylogeography of marine and freshwater species, advancing ecological understanding while exploring biomedical applications. Her interest in cosmeceuticals and functional foods reflects a commitment to translational science, ensuring her work is not confined to laboratories but reaches broader societal impact. Additionally, her engagement with bioplastics and environmental applications demonstrates her interdisciplinary approach to solving global challenges.

Award

Her excellence has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards. She received the Outstanding Woman in Science Award in Biotechnology from the Venus International Foundation, acknowledging her pioneering work in algae biotechnology. Her role as a keynote and invited speaker at international conferences further underscores her academic standing. She has been honored with the Mahathir Science Award Fund recognition for her research on neuroprotective properties of seaweed, and her students under her supervision have earned awards at symposia and conferences, reflecting her dual contributions as a researcher and mentor. Internationally, she was also awarded the GlobalSeaweedSTAR Travel Fund, supporting global collaboration in seaweed research, and has consistently received teaching excellence awards at Sunway University.

Publication Top Notes

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow has an extensive record of high-impact publications across international journals. Selected works include:

Title: 3D Printability of Lysine-Modified Myofibrillar Protein Emulsions
Year: 2025

Title: LC–MS profiling‐based non‐targeted secondary metabolite screening for deciphering cosmeceutical potential of Malaysian algae
Year: 2023

Title: Algae-Based Bioplastic for Packaging: A Decade of Development and Challenges (2010–2020)
Year: 2023

Title: Photoprotective activities of Lignosus rhinocerus in UV-irradiated human keratinocytes
Year: 2022

Title: Spirulina platensis Suppressed iNOS and Proinflammatory Cytokines in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced BV2 Microglia
Year: 2022

Title: Carrageenophyte Kappaphycus malesianus Inhibits Microglia-Mediated Neuroinflammation via Suppression of AKT/NF-κB and ERK Signaling Pathways
Year: 2022

Title: Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
Year: 2022

Conclusion

In summary, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yoon Yen Yow exemplifies the modern scholar who bridges scientific discovery, practical application, and academic mentorship. Her contributions to algae biotechnology, neuroprotective research, and functional food development position her as a global leader in her field. Through teaching excellence, impactful publications, and recognition through awards, she continues to inspire students, peers, and collaborators worldwide. By integrating fundamental science with translational research, she not only advances academic knowledge but also provides sustainable solutions for health and environmental challenges, securing her place as a driving force in biomedical and life sciences.

Esther Magondu | Marine Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Biotechnology Scientist

Dr. Esther Magondu | Marine Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at WORLDFISH | Kuwait

Dr. Esther Magondu is a highly accomplished research scientist specializing in sustainable aquatic food systems with a focus on aquaculture and fisheries. She has built an outstanding career through her contributions to marine aquaculture research, integrated multitrophic aquaculture technologies, fish health management, and stakeholder engagement in the blue economy. With a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and providing innovative solutions, she has worked across research institutions, universities, and international collaborations. Her expertise bridges science, policy, and practice, making her a central figure in enhancing food security and sustainable livelihoods through aquatic farming practices.

Profile

Scopus | Orcid

Education

Dr. Esther Magondu pursued her academic journey with a strong focus on fisheries and aquaculture. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Pwani University, where her doctoral research focused on integrated aquaculture systems. She also obtained a Master of Science in Aquaculture and Marine Resources Management from Wageningen University in the Netherlands, which strengthened her expertise in advanced aquaculture management and marine resource sustainability. Her academic career began with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Moi University, providing her with the essential skills and scientific grounding for her later professional achievements. Each stage of her education deepened her focus on aquaculture innovations, environmental sustainability, and resource optimization.

Experience

Dr. Esther Magondu has developed extensive professional experience through her work in various prestigious institutions. She is serving as a Scientist in Aquatic Farming Practices at WorldFish, where she advances sustainable farming methods across global aquatic systems. Previously, she held positions at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, rising from Assistant Research Officer to Senior Research Scientist. In these roles, she supervised multi-disciplinary research teams, coordinated donor-funded projects, mentored early-career scientists, and contributed to shaping institutional and national research agendas. She has also served as a Centre Director at KMFRI Mombasa Centre, lectured part-time at the University of Nairobi, and collaborated with multiple international stakeholders. Her career demonstrates consistent leadership, technical expertise, and impactful scientific contributions.

Research Interest

Dr. Esther Magondu has research interests that focus on aquaculture, fisheries management, and the blue economy. She has extensively explored integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems, combining species such as tilapia, oysters, and sea cucumbers to enhance productivity and sustainability. She has also worked on fish health, biosecurity, marine feed development, seaweed farming, and shrimp pond optimization. A core aspect of her research is promoting climate-smart aquaculture practices that contribute to food security, improved livelihoods, and environmental conservation. She is also engaged in knowledge transfer to policymakers, communities, and students, ensuring that research outputs create real-world impact. Her work embodies the nexus of science, innovation, and societal benefit in marine resource management.

Awards

Dr. Esther Magondu has received numerous awards and recognitions for her excellence in research and innovation. She has been awarded scholarships for advanced studies, recognition for outstanding performance in institutional appraisals, and competitive grants as both principal investigator and co-investigator. Her projects have been supported by national and international funding organizations, reflecting the impact of her research on aquaculture development. She has also received certificates of recognition and women-in-research awards that highlight her leadership and contribution to sustainable marine resource management.

Publications Top Notes

Dr. Esther Magondu has made significant contributions to peer-reviewed literature, with publications covering aquaculture, marine ecosystems, and integrated farming systems. Selected works include:

Title: Integrated multitrophic aquaculture of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) with marine water acclimatized Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and oyster (Sacostrea cucullata) for increased production in Kenya.
Year: 2024

Title: Fish preference at different value chain levels and implications for management of mariculture.
Year: 2023

Title: The first attempts made towards the domestication of sea cucumbers in Kenya.
Year: 2023

Title: Performance of diets composed of Artemia biomass and fish meal fed to juvenile marine Tilapia in cages.
Year: 2022

Title: Toward integration of sea cucumber and cockles with culture of shrimps in earthen ponds in Kenya
Year: 2021

Title: Societal and environmental impacts of seaweed farming in relation to rural development: The case of Kibuyuni village, south coast, Kenya.
Year: 2020

Title: Fish disease management and biosecurity systems.
Year: 2020

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Esther Magondu has established herself as a leading figure in the field of aquaculture and fisheries research. Her academic achievements, extensive professional experience, and impactful scientific contributions highlight her dedication to advancing sustainable aquatic food systems. Through her research, she has promoted innovative aquaculture practices that integrate environmental sustainability with socio-economic development. Her recognition through awards and grants, combined with her strong record of publications, underscores her influence within the scientific community. As she continues her career, she remains committed to driving advancements in aquaculture science, mentoring future researchers, and contributing to global efforts in sustainable food production and marine resource management.