Omar Alhaj | Veterinary Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Omar Alhaj | Veterinary Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. DrĀ at University of petra Jordan

Dr. Omar AlHaj is a distinguished academic and industry professional with expertise in Dairy Biotechnology, Food Science, and Technology. He has transitioned successfully between academia and industry, excelling in both realms. Dr. AlHaj has led research projects funded by Petra University, King Saud University, and King Abdulaziz City for Science, focusing on camel milk production and functional products. He has developed a wide range of dairy products, including baby cereals, yogurt, cream, cheese, and functional drinks. His extensive career includes roles in quality management and safety, working with companies like Zawaq Foods and Iraqi Ice Cream & Dairy Products Company. With a passion for research and development, he strives to innovate in dairy biotechnology and food technology, contributing significantly to both academic and commercial sectors. šŸŒ±šŸ§€šŸ§Ŗ

Profile

Scholar

šŸŽ“ EducationĀ 

Dr. Omar AlHaj holds a Ph.D. in Dairy Biotechnology from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, UK, where he gained advanced knowledge in dairy science and biotechnology. His Masterā€™s Degree in Food Science and Technology was also completed at the same university, emphasizing food safety and processing. He obtained his Bachelorā€™s Degree in Food Industries from Baghdad University, Iraq, laying the foundation for his career in food technology. His educational journey has shaped his expertise in protein chemistry, product development, and food safety, which he applies in both academic research and industrial applications.

šŸ’¼ ExperienceĀ 

Dr. AlHaj has a rich career in academia and industry, beginning with roles at Iraqi Ice Cream & Dairy Products Company, where he served as Product Development Manager from 1999-2001. He then worked as a Consultant for Zawaq Foods, KSA, on a Baby Foods Project. His academic career spans from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor at King Saud University, KSA, where he specialized in Dairy Biotechnology and was a key member of the Field Training Committee. Dr. AlHaj has been a prominent figure at Petra University, Jordan, since 2017, rising from Assistant Professor to Head of the Nutrition Department. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to quality management and safety practices, particularly in food production, and has been a Certified QMS Internal Auditor at KSU. His roles in academia and industry have shaped his multifaceted career.

šŸ† Awards and Honors

Dr. AlHaj has received numerous recognitions throughout his career. He is certified in HACCP & GMP Systems, ISO 22000:2018, and Halal Food Regulations (GSO 2055-1:2021) with a focus on quality management and food safety. He has also been awarded for his contribution to dairy biotechnology research, particularly in camel milk, by King Saud University and Petra University. Dr. AlHaj’s leadership in research and quality management has earned him positions on several academic and industry advisory boards. His contributions to food safety and development of functional food products have been acknowledged by international organizations and have garnered multiple project grants from institutions like King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. These accolades affirm his expertise in both academic and industrial spheres.

šŸ”¬ Research FocusĀ 

Dr. AlHajā€™s research primarily revolves around Dairy Biotechnology and the functional properties of camel milk. His work includes developing heat-stable products, improving camel milk processing, and producing yogurt and other functional dairy products. Dr. AlHaj has led various research projects at Petra University, King Saud University, and King Abdulaziz City for Science to address the challenges of camel milk production, such as heat sensitivity and product enhancement. His research also focuses on food technology, including product development in baby cereals, dairy drinks, cheese, and ice cream. Additionally, Dr. AlHaj has an interest in food safety management and quality control systems like HACCP and ISO 22000. His work combines academic research with practical applications in the dairy industry, ensuring innovations that meet market demands while improving food safety and sustainability.

Conclusion

Dr. Omar Al Hajā€™s deep knowledge in dairy biotechnology, his contributions to the development of functional foods, and his leadership in both industry and academia position him as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His dedication to advancing food safety and nutrition through research not only adds significant value to the scientific community but also has far-reaching impacts on global food systems.

Publications šŸ“š

Stylianos Vasilopoulos| Veterinary Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Stylianos Vasilopoulos| Veterinary Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Vasilopoulos Stylianos, is an experienced professional in food technology and process management. Graduating from the American College ā€œAnatoliaā€ in 1994, he pursued higher education in Agriculture and Food Science at Aristotle University, earning a degree with a specialization in Food Science and Technology. He completed an MSc in Food Technology and Quality Assurance from the University of Reading, UK, in 2003. With extensive expertise spanning research, project management, and leadership roles, Stylianos has held significant positions, including Process Manager at DO & CO Event & Airline Catering and Project Manager at Bakkavor Group. He currently contributes to the University of Thessaly’s Telecommunications & Networks Laboratory as a researcher, driving technological development in the food industry. Fluent in English and proficient in French, he has engaged in multiple national and international projects, exemplifying his leadership and technical prowess.

Profile

Scopus

Scholar

Education šŸŽ“

American College ā€œAnatoliaā€: Graduated in July 1994., Aristotle University: Degree in Agriculture, specializing in Food Science and Technology, June 2002, with a ā€œVery goodā€ grade (6.92/10)., University of Reading, UK: Masterā€™s degree (MSc) in Food Technology and Quality Assurance, June 2003.

Experience šŸ§‘ā€šŸ«

University of Thessaly, Department of Mechanical Engineering (01/2018 – Present): Researcher in the Telecommunications & Networks Laboratory, focusing on project management for smart specialization in food technology, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Mamasfood Catering Ltd (10/2015 – 12/2016): Co-founder/CEO of a Greek online restaurant serving professionals in London. DO & CO Event & Airline Catering Ltd (04/2011 – 08/2015): Process Manager, overseeing process costing, raw material procurement, and labor cost rationalization. Bakkavor Group ā€“ Meals Division: Project Manager for Process Improvement (07/2009 – 03/2011) Assistant Operations Accounting Manager (01/2007 – 06/2009) Production Analyst (02/2006 – 12/2006) Katsouris Fresh Foods Ltd (05/2004 – 02/2006): Process Technologist responsible for QA processes, HACCP, and CCP controls. Internal QA Auditor (10/2003 – 05/2004).

Awards and Honors šŸ†

Recognition through leadership roles and successful management in international catering services at DO & CO Event & Airline Catering Ltd. Instrumental in advancing efficiency projects and process improvements at Bakkavor Group, contributing to operational excellence. Pioneered innovative quality assurance protocols at Katsouris Fresh Foods Ltd, establishing robust product safety and process standards. Engaged in high-profile national and international projects, including INSECTFEEDAROMA and GREEN PRO, showcasing expertise in sustainable food solutions

Research Focus šŸ”

Food Technology and Quality Assurance: Developing and applying advanced QA processes, including HACCP and CCP. Smart Specialization in Food Industry: Leading projects that enhance technology integration in food, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Innovative Feeding Strategies: Contributed to the GREEN PRO project, focusing on herb-based feed to reduce antimicrobial usage in poultry and pork production. Sustainable Food Practices: Part of the INSECTFEEDAROMA initiative, examining the impact of functional insect-based feeds for various livestock. Process Optimization: Spearheaded numerous lean manufacturing and cost analysis projects to improve production efficiency and cost management in large-scale food operations.

Conclusion

Vasilopoulos Stylianos possesses a strong and diverse professional background, with significant contributions to research, project management, and innovation in the food and agriculture sector. His extensive experience in both academic and industry settings, coupled with leadership roles and participation in impactful projects, positions him as a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. To further solidify his candidacy, an increase in published academic work and demonstration of technical expertise in niche areas would be beneficial.

Publications šŸ“š

  • Study on Dairy Sheep Performance and Milk Quality:
    • Title: Effects of cornus and its mixture with oregano and thyme essential oils on dairy sheep performance and milk, yoghurt and cheese quality under heat stress.
    • Authors: K. Kalaitsidis, E. Sidiropoulou, O. Tsiftsoglou, I. Mourtzinos, T. Moschakis, et al.
    • Journal: Animals, 11(4), 1063 (2021)

 

  • Broilers Fed with Insect Larvae:
    • Title: Growth performance, welfare traits and meat characteristics of broilers fed diets partly replaced with whole Tenebrio molitor larvae.
    • Authors: S. Vasilopoulos, I. Giannenas, S. Savvidou, E. Bonos, C.I. Rumbos, et al.
    • Journal: Animal Nutrition, 13, 90-100 (2023)

 

  • Dairy Cow Milk and Cheese Quality:
    • Title: Composition, organoleptic characteristics, fatty acid profile and oxidative status of cowā€™s milk and white cheese after dietary partial replacement of soybean meal.
    • Authors: S. Dokou, A. Athanasoulas, S. Vasilopoulos, Z. Basdagianni, E. Dovolou, et al.
    • Journal: Animals, 13(7), 1159 (2023)

 

  • Insect Larvae Diet on Broilersā€™ Intestinal Health:
    • Title: Diet replacement with whole insect larvae affects intestinal morphology and microbiota of broiler chickens.
    • Authors: S. Vasilopoulos, I. Giannenas, I. Mellidou, I. Stylianaki, E. Antonopoulou, et al.
    • Journal: Scientific Reports, 14(1), 6836 (2024)

 

  • Additive Effects on Respiratory Health in Hens:
    • Title: Lysozyme, essential oils, and vitaminsā€™ mixture of additive supports respiratory health and improves antibody titres after viral vaccinations in hens.
    • Authors: I. Giannenas, I. Stylianaki, T. Mantzios, S. Savvidou, S. Dokou, et al.
    • Year: 2023

 

  • Oregano Essential Oil in Trout Diet:
    • Title: Dietary inclusion of oregano essential oil in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diet: effect on growth performance, skin and intestinal morphology, antioxidant status.
    • Authors: I. Stylianaki, S. Dokou, P. Chantzi, S. Vasilopoulos, I. Giannenas, et al.
    • Journal: Journal of Comparative Pathology, 203, 91-92 (2023)

 

  • Herbal Extracts on Broiler Performance:
    • Title: Effect of dietary herbal extracts on broiler growth performance and intestinal microbiota.
    • Authors: S. Dokou, I. Mellidou, I. Giannenas, I. Skoufos, S. Vasilopoulos, S. Savvidou, et al.
    • Journal: Planta Medica, 88(15), P-350 (2022)

 

  • Soybean Meal Substitution in Dairy Ewes:
    • Title: Effects of dietary soybean meal substitution by flaxseed and lupins on milk production, milk fatty acid profile, and health of dairy ewes.
    • Authors: E. Bonos, I. Skoufos, I. Giannenas, E. Sidiropoulou, K. Grigoriadou, et al.
    • Source: HAICTA, 582-583 (2020)

 

  • Cheese Composition with Soybean Meal Substitution:
    • Title: Effects of dietary soybean meal substitution by flaxseed and lupins on Kefalograviera cheese chemical composition.
    • Authors: I. Giannenas, E. Bonos, I. Skoufos, E. Sidiropoulou, K. Grigoriadou, et al.
    • Source: HAICTA, 584-585 (2020)