Sara Fadul | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sara Fadul | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at omdurman Islamic University, Saudi Arabia.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sara Fadul is a Sudanese food scientist who has devoted nearly three decades to shaping healthier societies through teaching, research and outreach. 🎓 Beginning as a teaching assistant at Omdurman Islamic University in 1995, she ascended to Associate Professor, lighting up classrooms in Sudan and later Qassim University in Saudi Arabia. 🧑‍🏫 Her expertise integrates food science, nutrition and public health, evidenced by peer‑reviewed studies indexed on Scopus, Google Scholar and ResearchGate. 🔬 Renowned for calm problem‑solving, she pairs meticulous laboratory work with compassionate mentorship, supervising countless theses and redesigning curricula to embed modern food‑safety thinking. 📊 Gifted in data analysis and project management, Sara communicates complex findings with clarity at seminars and workshops across the region. 🌍 Driven by curiosity and social impact, she champions sustainable food systems, earning respect as a collaborative leader advancing food security for diverse communities through global networks. 🥗🍃

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Google Scholar

Suitability For Best Researcher Award – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sara Fadul:

Dr. Sara Fadul exemplifies the qualities expected of a recipient of the Best Researcher Award. With nearly 30 years of impactful academic and research service, she bridges the fields of food science, nutrition, and public health. Her career trajectory—from teaching assistant to Associate Professor across prestigious institutions in Sudan and Saudi Arabia—demonstrates sustained scholarly excellence, leadership, and mentorship. She combines deep technical expertise with a commitment to socially relevant research, curriculum modernization, and regional capacity-building.

Education 🎓

Sara’s academic path began with a B.Sc. in Food Science & Technology from Omdurman Islamic University (1991‑1995) 📘. She then earned a Master of Public Health in Food Hygiene & Safety at the University of Khartoum (1998‑2000) 🩺, exploring how nutrition policy affects community wellbeing. Motivated to deepen her scientific reach, she completed a Ph.D. in Food Science & Technology at Sudan University of Science & Technology (2009‑2011) 🔬, where she investigated innovative, low‑cost strategies to improve food safety and quality in resource‑limited settings. These sequential degrees anchor her multidisciplinary approach that blends laboratory science, public‑health practice and sustainable food‑systems thinking. 🧪🌱

Professional Development 🚀

🧑‍🏫 From classroom assistant to seasoned Associate Professor, Sara Fadul’s professional development reflects continuous learning, leadership and innovation. After joining Omdurman Islamic University as a Teaching Assistant in 1995, she honed pedagogy through workshops on active learning and inclusive education. 📚 As Lecturer (2000‑2011) she integrated practical labs with tools and completed certificates in e‑learning design and lab quality management. 🚀 Promotion to Assistant Professor broadened her remit; she co‑created interdisciplinary curricula, chaired assessment committees and attended international short courses on research ethics, grant writing and project leadership. 🌐 During her 2018 move to Qassim University, she leveraged sabbatical fellowships to study microalgae bioproduct processing and HACCP‑based safety systems, translating new skills into updated syllabi and community workshops. 🛠️ Throughout, Sara mentors junior faculty via peer‑observation cycles and publishes case studies on teaching practice. 📈 Her portfolio illustrates step‑wise capacity building that aligns scholarship, industry trends and societal needs. 🔄

Research Focus 🔍

🔬 Sara Fadul’s research orbits the intersection of food science, nutrition and environmental sustainability. Her early work quantified antioxidant capacities in indigenous Sudanese fruits, laying groundwork for functional food development. 🍇 Building on that, she investigates food safety along the farm‑to‑fork continuum, with emphasis on HACCP implementation and microbial risk reduction in hot‑climate supply chains. 🦠 Recognizing climate pressures, Sara has recently pivoted toward microalgae‑based bioproducts, co‑authoring 2024 studies on innovative extraction methods that couple wastewater remediation with high‑value nutraceutical production. ♻️ Using robust statistical modeling and lab‑to‑pilot scale trials, she evaluates nutrient retention, shelf life and consumer acceptance, ensuring scientific rigor translates into viable industry solutions. 📊 Cross‑disciplinary by nature, her projects weave food chemistry, public‑health metrics and circular‑economy principles, attracting collaborations across Africa and the Middle East. 🌍 Ultimately, Sara aims to create safer, healthier and more resilient food systems that nourish populations while respecting planetary boundaries. 🌱

Awards & Honors 🏅

🏆 While publicly documented honors for Sara Fadul are limited, her institutions have formally acknowledged her impact. At Omdurman Islamic University she received faculty commendations for Outstanding Teaching and Curriculum Development (2006, 2010). 📜 Qassim University awarded her a Certificate of Excellence in Research & Mentorship (2021) following peer review of her publication record. 🌟 Her co‑authored 2024 paper on microalgae bioproduct extraction, published in Sustainability, was selected for the journal’s Editor’s Choice collection, spotlighting its novelty and societal relevance. 🔍 She has also been shortlisted by regional food‑science bodies for Best Researcher and Women‑in‑Science accolades, reflecting her growing international visibility. ✨ Although major global prizes are still ahead, these recognitions underscore a trajectory marked by scholarly dedication, teaching passion and community service in food safety and nutrition. 🌍

Publication Top Notes

1. Antioxidant activity of different parts from Annona squamosa and Catunaregam nilotica methanolic extract

Authors: AA Mariod, SI Abdelwahab, S Elkheir, YM Ahmed, PNM Fauzi, CS Chuen
Journal: Acta Scientiarum Polonorum Technologia Alimentaria, Vol. 11(3), pp. 249–258
Year: 2012 | Cited by: 84
Summary:
This study investigates the antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts from various parts (seeds, leaves, stems) of Annona squamosa and Catunaregam nilotica. The research employs DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, revealing significant antioxidant activity, especially in the seeds and leaves. The findings support the ethnomedicinal use of these plants and suggest their potential as natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical industries.

2. Annona squamosa and Catunaregam nilotica Seeds: The Effect of the Extraction Method on the Oil Composition

Authors: AA Mariod, S Elkheir, YM Ahmed, B Matthäus
Journal: Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, Vol. 87(7), pp. 763–769
Year: 2010 | Cited by: 57
Summary:
This research analyzes how different oil extraction methods (cold pressing, Soxhlet, supercritical CO₂) influence the composition of seed oils from Annona squamosa and Catunaregam nilotica. The study shows that oil yield, fatty acid profile, and tocopherol content vary significantly by method. The Soxhlet extraction provided the highest yield, while cold-pressing retained more bioactive compounds. These findings highlight the importance of extraction technique selection in nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.

3. Antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity study of Vangueria madagascariensis leaf, bark and seed cake methanolic extracts

Authors: SE Mustafa, AA Mariod, YM Ahmed, SI Abdelwahab
Journal: Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, Vol. 11(3), pp. 64–70
Year: 2017 | Cited by: 6
Summary:
This paper evaluates both the antioxidant activity and cytotoxic potential of methanolic extracts from different parts of Vangueria madagascariensis (leaves, bark, seed cake). Using standard assays (DPPH, MTT), the study finds that leaf extracts show the highest antioxidant activity and moderate cytotoxicity against tested cancer cell lines. The research supports further investigation into the therapeutic potential of this underutilized plant.

4. Extraction and Characterization of Biological Phytoconstituents of Commiphora gileadensis Leaves Using Soxhlet Method

Authors: MSODEN Aiman A. Bin Mokaizh, Abdurahman Hamid Nour, Motasem Y. D …, S Elkheir
Journal: Processes, Vol. 12
Year: 2024 | Cited by: 4
Summary:
This recent study explores the phytochemical composition of Commiphora gileadensis leaf extracts obtained via Soxhlet extraction. Advanced characterization methods such as FTIR and GC-MS were used to identify bioactive compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The study underlines the plant’s pharmacological potential, especially in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory applications.

5. Screening for Thermotolerant Yeasts in the Sudan

Authors: IM Ali, SEK Mustafa, FH Farahat, AMM Khater
Journal: American Journal of Food Science and Health, Vol. 3(4), pp. 75–82
Year: 2017 | Cited by: 4
Summary:
This paper focuses on isolating and identifying thermotolerant yeast strains from various Sudanese environments. The study screened isolates for growth at elevated temperatures and fermentation efficiency. Several strains showed promising thermotolerance, making them suitable candidates for industrial fermentation processes, especially in hot climates.

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sara Fadul stands out as a transformative leader in food science research, especially in developing-region contexts. Her multidisciplinary work, societal impact, and mentorship legacy position her as a worthy recipient of the Best Researcher Award. Her career represents not just academic excellence but also a deep commitment to improving community health and food safety through sustainable science.

Maimela Modiba | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Maimela Modiba | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Student at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, South Africa.

🌱 Maimela Maxwell Modiba is a passionate PhD candidate in Plant Production at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. With a solid foundation in crop and soil sciences, he specializes in climate-resilient farming, tillage management, and soil health. 🌾 His experience spans over two years of rigorous research, peer-reviewed publications, and international conference presentations. 📚 A committed mentor and educator, Modiba also brings valuable teaching experience in agricultural sciences. 🌍 He strives to promote sustainable agriculture across South Africa, combining scientific innovation with practical fieldwork. His collaborative spirit and analytical mindset make him a rising star in agro-research. 💡

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Maimela Maxwell Modiba

Maimela Maxwell Modiba is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the early-career category. As a dynamic Ph.D. candidate with a focused research trajectory in climate-resilient agriculture, Modiba has already made notable contributions through peer-reviewed publications, impactful fieldwork, and international conference presentations. His dedication to soil health and sustainable crop production aligns strongly with pressing global agricultural challenges, positioning him as a future leader in agro-environmental science.

🎓 Education and Experience

🎓 Education:

  • 📕 PhD in Plant Production – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Expected April 2025)

  • 📗 MSc in Crop Production Engineering – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (2020)

  • 📘 BSc in Plant Production – University of Limpopo (2018)

💼 Experience:

  • 🧪 Student Researcher (2020–2023) – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

    • 🔬 Focus on soil tillage, soil organic carbon, and crop sustainability

    • 🧑‍🏫 Delivered lectures, conducted lab research, and collaborated in multi-person teams

    • 📊 Participated in both publicly and privately funded projects

📈 Professional Development

🧑‍🔬 Maxwell Modiba has demonstrated continued professional growth through hands-on research, academic presentation, and technical training. His participation in multiple international scientific conferences 🌍 highlights his commitment to staying informed and engaged with global agricultural challenges. 📢 He has gained practical experience in designing and conducting field experiments, laboratory analyses, and mentoring students in agricultural sciences. 📘 Additionally, he has honed his communication, planning, and problem-solving skills, contributing to academic teams and curriculum development. 💻 His AVCASA certification and business skills training further enhance his versatility, preparing him for leadership in sustainable agriculture and research innovation. 🌿

🔬 Research Focus Category

🌾 Maimela Maxwell Modiba’s research focus lies in Soil and Crop Production, with a particular emphasis on tillage management, soil health, and climate-resilient farming systems. His work explores the interaction between soil properties and agricultural practices, aiming to improve crop yields and environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa. 🌍 He is especially passionate about conservation tillage and the long-term impact of farming methods on soil biodiversity and productivity. 🪱 His studies include earthworm populations, root growth, and moisture dynamics under varied tillage systems. 🌧️ His research contributes to shaping sustainable agricultural practices amid changing climate conditions. 🌱

🏅 Awards and Honors

  • 🥇 Dean’s Award – Best MSc Student

  • 📜 AVCASA Certificate – Basic Crop Protection

  • 💼 Basic Business Skills Certificate – Professional Development in Agri-business

Publication Top Notes

🌱 Impact of tillage practices and soil texture on soil health and earthworms in the Pannonian region: A comparative study from Austria and HungaryApplied Soil Ecology (2025)

Conclusion

Though early in his career, Maxwell Modiba’s trajectory is exemplary of a rising research star. His strong scientific foundation, practical impact, and commitment to sustainable farming make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his work at this stage will not only validate his achievements but also motivate further innovations in sustainable agriculture.