Usman Kolawole | Animal biotechnology |

Mr. Usman Kolawole | Animal biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Usman Kolawole | Animal biotechnology – Researcher at Dankook University, South Korea

Usman Kayode Kolawole is an emerging scholar in animal science, focusing on animal physiology, welfare, and nutrition. With a strong foundation in both field-based animal management and laboratory-based experimentation, he is currently serving as a Researcher and Animal Research Assistant at the Smart Animal Bio Institute, Dankook University in South Korea. Usman’s work is dedicated to improving livestock productivity and welfare through innovative feed strategies and biotechnology applications. His contributions span research design, data analysis, animal health monitoring, and scholarly dissemination through journals and conferences. As a proactive and detail-oriented early-career researcher, he bridges scientific inquiry with practical agricultural applications, contributing to the sustainable transformation of animal agriculture in both local and international contexts.

Professional Profile Verified

ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Usman holds a Bachelor of Agriculture in Animal Physiology, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria. His academic training included an extensive farm practical year (FPY), during which he was exposed to diverse animal and crop production systems. He completed the Nigerian National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program at the University of Benin, further expanding his understanding of academic and research administration. In addition to his formal degree, he earned a Certificate in Digital Literacy from New Horizon Institute and holds professional recognition as a Graduate Animal Scientist (GAS) from the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), reinforcing his credentials in the animal science discipline.

Professional Experience

Kolawole’s professional journey reflects a progressive build-up of field and research expertise. Between 2018 and 2024, he served as a Farm Supervisor at First Fourcube Limited, Nigeria, where he managed farm operations, animal care, team coordination, and problem-solving in agricultural production. Prior to that, he undertook administrative duties during his NYSC and gained early hands-on experience during his farm internship. In 2024, he transitioned into a research-focused role at Dankook University, South Korea, where he currently conducts advanced animal research, including experimentation, animal monitoring, data management, and manuscript preparation. His professional path is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and impactful contributions to animal science.

Research Interests

Kolawole’s research interests lie in animal nutrition, physiology, welfare, and biotechnology. He is particularly focused on optimizing feed efficiency, mitigating heat stress, and improving the health and performance of livestock through dietary supplementation and novel feed ingredients. His work also explores sustainable alternatives to conventional feeds, such as insect-based proteins and enzymatic additives. With an interest in the interaction between nutrition and animal behavior, he seeks to develop integrative strategies for enhancing productivity in poultry and swine under various environmental conditions. Through his research, Kolawole aims to contribute to global efforts in sustainable livestock production and food security.

Awards and Certifications

Kolawole has received professional certification as a Graduate Animal Scientist (GAS) from the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science, recognizing his expertise and professional standing in the animal science community. He has also participated in the 2nd Animal Behaviour and Welfare Conference in Africa, a platform that provided him with insights into global welfare standards and research trends. His academic merit during undergraduate studies and his role in research at Dankook University further affirm his eligibility and suitability for the Best Researcher Award.

Selected Publications 📚

  1. 🐖 “Dietary Inclusion Effects of Dried Mealworm, Hydrolyzed Mealworm, Fermented Poultry By-Product, and Hydrolyzed Fish Soluble Protein on Weaning Pigs’ Performance, Fecal Score, and Blood Profiles” – Animals (2025) | DOI: 10.3390/ani15111507 | Cited by: 3
  2. 🦃 “Effect of Feed Supplementation with Riboflavin and Protease Enzyme on Two Physical Heat Stress Parameters of Finishing Turkeys” – Preprints (2025) | DOI: 10.20944/preprints202504.2325.v1 | Cited by: 2
  3. 🐓 “Effect of Different Metabolizable Energy Diets on Broilers’ Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Organ Weight, Fecal Score and Lesion Score” – Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (2025) | DOI: 10.1111/jpn.14110 | Cited by: 4

Conclusion

In conclusion, Usman Kayode Kolawole represents a new generation of committed animal scientists whose blend of practical expertise and academic rigor positions him for long-term impact in agricultural research. His recent contributions in feed innovation, animal welfare, and physiology are timely and relevant to both local and global livestock challenges. With growing publication output, international collaboration, and a strong research ethic, Kolawole is a deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. He exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking, data-driven, and ethically grounded researcher who is poised to contribute significantly to the future of animal science.

Martha Hincapié-López | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Martha Hincapié-López | Biotechnology | Women Researcher Award

PhD Student in Engineering at Andrés Bello National University, Colombia

Martha Hincapié-López is an emerging researcher in the fields of biotechnology and human genetics, currently pursuing her PhD at Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga. Her academic journey is rooted in a strong foundation in bacteriology and biomedical sciences, where she has developed a keen interest in the application of nucleic acid biotechnology for therapeutic purposes, particularly in the fight against cancer. Martha’s innovative approach to research, coupled with her dedication to addressing complex health issues, positions her as a valuable contributor to the scientific community and a promising candidate for the Women Researcher Award.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Martha obtained her undergraduate degree in Bacteriology from the Universidad Católica de Manizales, where she first cultivated her passion for the biological sciences. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued a Master’s degree in Basic Biomedical Sciences at the Universidad Industrial de Santander, further enhancing her understanding of molecular biology and its applications in health research. Currently, she is enrolled in the doctoral program in Engineering at the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, where her research focuses on the design of oligonucleotides as potential therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. This academic trajectory reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation in the field of biotechnology.

Experience

Throughout her academic career, Martha has engaged in a variety of research projects that demonstrate her capability and dedication. She has completed significant studies on population genetic data in Colombia, examining the genetic structure of various populations and its implications for disease association studies. Her completed projects also include research on the validity of adenosine deaminase in extrapulmonary tuberculosis and population dynamics of Ascaris lumbricoides in a rural community, showcasing her ability to address pressing health issues through empirical research. Currently, she is working on ongoing projects involving the therapeutic applications of oligonucleotides against cancer, which not only reflect her advanced research skills but also her passion for contributing to significant medical advancements.

Research Interests

Martha’s research interests are primarily focused on biotechnology, human genetics, and infectious diseases. She is particularly interested in the role of nucleic acid biotechnology as a therapeutic strategy, aiming to explore the potential of oligonucleotides in treating various forms of cancer. Her research incorporates advanced techniques in genetic analysis and computational modeling, which are crucial for understanding complex biological systems. By blending molecular biology with computational tools, Martha aims to develop innovative solutions for significant health challenges, emphasizing her commitment to impactful scientific research.

Awards

Martha’s academic and research endeavors have garnered recognition within her institution and the broader scientific community. Although still early in her career, her contributions to research and innovation in biotechnology have positioned her favorably for awards such as the Women Researcher Award. Her work exemplifies the intersection of rigorous scientific inquiry and practical applications, highlighting her potential for future accolades as she continues to advance her research in nucleic acid technology and its implications for health.

Publications

Martha Hincapié-López, Jorden Vrebosch, Begonya García-Zapirain, Efraín Pinzón-Reyes, and Y. Vladimir Pabón-Martínez. “Comparison of classical Machine Learning-based algorithms to predict Triplex Forming Oligonucleotides.” Computational and Structural Biotechnology Reports, 2024.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Martha Hincapié-López exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through her dedication to advancing biotechnology and human genetics. Her educational background, diverse research experience, and innovative projects highlight her potential to make significant contributions to the field. With a focus on developing therapeutic strategies against cancer, she is poised to become a leading figure in her area of expertise. Martha’s commitment to addressing complex health issues and her ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies into her research underscore her suitability for the Women Researcher Award. As she continues her academic journey, her contributions are anticipated to resonate within the scientific community, further establishing her as a promising researcher in biotechnology.