Buyani Ndlovu | Molecular and Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Buyani Ndlovu | Molecular and Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Buyani Ndlovu is a South African research scientist specializing in molecular biology, biotechnology, and microbiology. With a Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town, his groundbreaking doctoral work focused on developing plant-produced mRNA vaccines and novel expression vectors against avian viral diseases. Over the past decade, Buyani has honed a robust repertoire of molecular techniques and contributed significantly to academic research, teaching, and mentorship. He has held roles ranging from Research Scientist at Roche DIA to academic tutor and seminar organiser at UCT. His passion for scientific innovation is matched by his commitment to student development and community leadership. Through multiple scholarships and peer-reviewed publications, Buyani has demonstrated his academic excellence and research prowess. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences, highlighting his impact in both academia and applied science. A dedicated professional, he continues to push boundaries in vaccine research and recombinant protein expression technologies.

Profile

🎓 Education

Buyani Ndlovu holds a Ph.D. in Molecular & Cell Biology from the University of Cape Town, where he developed novel plant expression vectors and a plant-produced mRNA vaccine candidate against beak and feather disease virus. His MSc in Wine Biotechnology from Stellenbosch University focused on the identification and characterization of bacteriocins produced by wine-isolated LAB strains. He also completed a BSc Honours in Cell Biology and a BSc in Biological Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where his undergraduate research investigated seed desiccation sensitivity and shell deformities in abalone. He has consistently secured competitive scholarships throughout his academic journey, including the CSIR-IBS, PRF, and NRF Doctoral Innovation Scholarships. Buyani’s academic background reflects a consistent trajectory of scientific curiosity, methodical investigation, and a multidisciplinary approach to molecular sciences. His academic excellence is further supported by his attendance at international workshops, such as the Oomycete Bioinformatic Training Workshop at Virginia Tech, enhancing his global research perspective.

🧪 Experience

Buyani Ndlovu currently serves as Scientist II at Roche DIA’s Reagent Research and Design department in Cape Town, contributing to enzyme engineering within the MethylSeq 2025 Project. From 2019 to 2024, he worked at the University of Cape Town as a tutor and laboratory demonstrator in molecular and cell biology, guiding students across various academic levels. His professional journey also includes chairing postgraduate seminars and extensive leadership in residence management at multiple universities. His doctoral research involved cloning, sequencing, and gene expression analysis for vaccine development. He has previously worked with Genestwister Africa as a molecular biology intern and served as a laboratory demonstrator at UKZN. His roles have combined scientific innovation with administrative coordination, mentorship, and public speaking. Notably, he also engaged in field research at Kruger National Park and has consistently been involved in organisational roles within academic residences, showcasing strong leadership and interpersonal skills across his career.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Buyani Ndlovu is the recipient of numerous prestigious academic awards and research scholarships. These include the CSIR-IBS Doctoral Scholarship (ZAR 140,000/year), PRF Doctoral Scholarship (ZAR 55,000/year), and UCT Doctoral Scholarship (ZAR 20,000/year) from 2019 to 2022. He was also awarded the NRF Doctoral Innovation Scholarship (ZAR 110,000/year) in 2015–2016. His early academic promise was recognized through the Technology Innovation Agency Scholarship (ZAR 70,000/year) in 2011–2012 and the Cape Biotech Scholarship (ZAR 50,000) in 2010. He received the USDA Travel Award Fellowship and the WhiteSci Travel Award Scheme to present his research internationally. In addition to financial accolades, his leadership has been recognized through elected roles in academic and student governance. His continuous recognition by multiple institutions underlines both his scholarly achievements and potential for continued excellence in bioscience innovation. These honors have significantly supported his academic trajectory and helped position him as a leader in molecular research.

🔬 Research Focus

Buyani Ndlovu’s research focus lies at the intersection of molecular biology, biotechnology, and microbiology, particularly in the development of plant-based vaccines and novel gene expression systems. His doctoral research introduced innovative replicating plant virus vectors and a plant-derived mRNA vaccine candidate to combat beak and feather disease virus in parrots. He is experienced in DNA/RNA manipulation, recombinant protein expression in plants, bacteria, and mammalian cells, and molecular assay techniques including PCR, ELISA, and Western blotting. His research has broader implications for low-cost vaccine development and sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing using plant systems. Buyani has also contributed to plant-pathogen interaction studies, notably with Phytophthora cinnamomi, and is interested in functional genomics and synthetic biology. Currently, his work at Roche DIA involves enzyme engineering for diagnostic technologies. With his foundation in grant writing and research communication, he is well-placed to lead interdisciplinary projects that fuse molecular innovation with public health solutions.

âś… Conclusion

Buyani Ndlovu is a highly skilled research scientist with a rich background in molecular biology and biotechnology, marked by academic excellence, impactful research, and leadership. His contributions to plant-based vaccine development and molecular diagnostics highlight his scientific rigor and innovation. Combining technical proficiency with organizational and mentorship skills, he remains dedicated to advancing health sciences through cutting-edge research and collaborative engagement. With a vision to bridge academic knowledge and societal needs, Buyani aspires to transform lives through science. He stands out as a dynamic professional committed to excellence in research, teaching, and scientific leadership.

Publications

  • Immunogenicity of DNA, mRNA and Subunit Vaccines Against Beak and Feather Disease Virus

    2025-07-17 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Buyani Ndlovu; Albertha R. van Zyl; Dirk Verwoerd; Edward P. Rybicki; Inga I. Hitzerot

  • Generation of composite Persea americana (Mill.) (avocado) plants: A proof-of-concept-study

    PLOS ONE
    2017-10-20 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185896
    Part ofISSN: 1932-6203
    CONTRIBUTORS: S. Ashok Prabhu; Buyani Ndlovu; Juanita Engelbrecht; Noelani van den Berg

  • Screening, identification and characterization of bacteriocins produced by wine-isolated LAB strains

    Journal of Applied Microbiology
    2015-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1111/jam.12752
    Part of ISSN: 1364-5072
    CONTRIBUTORS: B. Ndlovu; H. Schoeman; C.M.A.P. Franz; M. du Toit

Engy Risha | Clinical Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Engy Risha | Clinical Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Engy Fikry Mohamed Hassan Risha is the Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs at Mansoura University – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Clinical Pathology. She has contributed 75 research publications in clinical pathology and veterinary sciences. With a strong academic background, she has held multiple administrative and academic positions, including Head of the Clinical Pathology Department (2015-2022). She has received numerous awards, including the Best PhD Thesis Award (2011) and International Publications Incentive Awards (2013-present). She actively participates in quality assurance, course standardization, and accreditation processes at her faculty. Additionally, she serves as a reviewer for several prestigious journals in veterinary and environmental sciences. Prof. Engy is proficient in clinical hematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, and molecular biology techniques. She has international research experience in Germany and expertise in statistical analysis, immunohistochemistry, and avian clinical pathology.

Profile

Education 🎓

📌 PhD in Clinical Pathology – Mansoura University, Egypt (2010)
📌 Master’s Degree in Clinical Pathology – Mansoura University, Egypt (2004)
📌 Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences (Honors) – Mansoura University, Egypt (2000)

Prof. Engy has progressively advanced through academic ranks, demonstrating excellence in veterinary clinical pathology. Her PhD research was part of a joint internal mission program between Hannover and Egypt (2008-2009), enhancing her expertise in molecular biology, histology, and immunological techniques. She has also undergone specialized training in avian clinical pathology, clinical hematology, chemistry, and immunology. Additionally, she holds an ICDL certification from UNESCO (2006), reflecting her strong computer skills for academic and research applications.

Experience 👨‍🏫

🔹 Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs – Mansoura University (2022-2025)
🔹 Head of Clinical Pathology Department – Mansoura University (2015-2022)
🔹 Professor of Clinical Pathology – Mansoura University (2020-Present)
🔹 Assistant Professor of Clinical Pathology – Mansoura University (2015-2020)
🔹 Lecturer of Clinical Pathology – Mansoura University (2010-2015)
🔹 Assistant Lecturer – Mansoura University (2004-2010)
🔹 Demonstrator – Mansoura University (2001-2004)

She has significant expertise in immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, quantitative PCR, and virus infection assays from her research tenure at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany (2008-2009). She is also skilled in statistical analysis (t-test, ANOVA) and photographic histological documentation.

Research Interests 🔬

🔬 Clinical Pathology – Hematology, Chemistry, Immunology
🔬 Molecular Biology – Quantitative PCR, Virus Titration, Immunofluorescence
🔬 Histopathology & Immunohistochemistry – Antigen Retrieval Techniques, Tissue Culture
🔬 Avian Clinical Pathology – Veterinary Diagnostic Applications
🔬 Statistical Analysis – t-test, ANOVA, Data Interpretation

Prof. Engy has 75 research publications in high-impact journals, covering clinical and molecular pathology applications. She is an active reviewer for international journals such as Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, Applied Organometallic Chemistry, and the Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences. She also plays a key role in strategic planning, curriculum development, and accreditation for veterinary education. 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏅 Best PhD Thesis Award – Mansoura University (2011)
🏅 International Publications Incentive Award – Mansoura University (2013-present)
🏅 PhD Joint Internal Mission Program – Hannover & Egypt (2008-2009)

Prof. Engy has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine and research, particularly in clinical pathology. Her international research collaboration has significantly contributed to advancing veterinary diagnostic techniques.

Publications 

Mohammad Ebrahimipour | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Prof Dr. Mohammad Ebrahimipour | Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

 

 

Profile

Education

He holds a PhD in Medical Parasitology from the Department of Parasitology & Mycology at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (2017). He earned his MSPH in Medical Parasitology from the School of Public Health & Institute of Public Health Research at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (2012). Additionally, he completed his B.Sc. in Medical Entomology from the School of Public Health at Bandar Abbas University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran (2008).

 

Work experience

He has presented several research abstracts at prestigious scientific meetings. His work includes a meta-analysis on the prevalence of intestinal parasites among food handlers in Asian and African countries, presented at the 2nd International and 9th National Congress of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases of Iran (NICOPA9) in Guilan, Iran (May 20–22, 2015). Additionally, he conducted a retrospective analysis of human hydatidosis in Khorasan Province, a hyperendemic area in Iran, which was also presented at NICOPA9.

Further, Dr. [Name] contributed to a study on the rate of Plasmodium vivax infectivity in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in Hormozgan Province, Iran, showcased at the same congress. Another significant presentation includes research on the prevalence and time-trend analysis of intestinal parasitic infections in Nazarabad, Alborz Province, Iran, based on data from 2012 to 2016, which was presented at the 3rd International and 10th National Congress of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases of Iran (NICOPA10).

Research interest

He is a member of the Iranian Society of Parasitology since 2017. His research interests focus on the epidemiology of parasitic diseases, particularly vector-borne infections, as well as the clinical aspects and control strategies for parasitic diseases. His work aims to enhance understanding and develop effective interventions for managing parasitic infections in endemic regions.

 

Publication
  • Azizian, M., Oliaee, R.T., Karimazar, M.R., Ebrahimipour, M. and Afgar, A.,
    2023. Time Series Model for Forecasting the Prevalence of Some Important Parasitic
    Infections in Slaughtered Sheep in North-Central Iran. Arch Vet Sci, 27(4)
  • Najjari, M., Rezaeian, S., Sheikhbardsiri, H., Afgar, A. and Ebrahimipour, M.,
    2022. Evaluation of the Prevalence of Malaria and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the
    Pre-and Post-Disaster Years in Iran. Prehospital and disaster medicine, 37(4),
    pp.444-450.
  • Najjari, M., Karimazar, M., Ebrahimipour, M. and M Budke, C., 2022. A Review
    of Ethical Issues Related to Laboratory-Based Diagnostics. Medical Laboratory
    Journal, 16(2), pp.1-6.
  • Afgar, A., Vahidi, R., Ebrahimipour, M., Babaei, Z., Mirzaei-Parsa, M.J. and
    Ravari, M.S., 2021. The prediction and expression of miR-203a-p and miR-29b*
    against DNMT3B as well as TNFAIP3 in melanoma. Gene Reports, 25, p.101374.
  • Goudarzi, R., Fasihi Harandi, M., Tasavon Gholamhoseini, M. and Ebrahimipour,
    M., 2021. The Costs of Training Medical Parasitology and Mycology Students at
    Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Strides in Development of Medical
    Education, 18(1), pp.1-6.
  • Ebrahimipour, M., Budke, C.M. and Harandi, M.F., 2020. Control of cystic
    echinococcosis in Iran: where do we stand?. Trends in parasitology, 36(7), pp.578-
    581.