Jwee Chiek Er | Biology and Life Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

Jwee Chiek Er | Biology and Life Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

Researcher, Norwegian Veterinary Institution, Norway

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er is a distinguished veterinary epidemiologist and researcher dedicated to advancing animal health. πŸ–πŸ“ˆ Since 2007, he has worked full-time at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, focusing on epidemiology and bioinformatics. πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄πŸ”¬ He also serves part-time as a church servant at Uranienborg Menighet since 2020. β›ͺ Previously, Dr. Er contributed significantly to veterinary inspection in Singapore’s pig and poultry slaughterhouses (1991–2006) and served as a Captain in the Singapore Armed Forces (1989–1991). πŸ›‘οΈπŸ₯ With a Ph.D. from the University of Life Sciences, Norway, an MPVM from UC Davis, and a BVSc from the University of Queensland, Dr. Er’s career blends scientific excellence with public service. πŸŽ“πŸŒ His pioneering research on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infection in pigs has had lasting impacts on veterinary public health. πŸ¦ πŸ“– A committed scholar with 14 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Er exemplifies the qualities honored by the Pioneer Researcher Award. πŸ†βœ¨

PublicationΒ  Profile

Orcid

EducationΒ 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er holds a rich academic background dedicated to veterinary science and epidemiology. πŸŽ“πŸΎ He earned his Ph.D. in 2006 from the University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway, presenting a landmark thesis on epidemiological studies of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus infections in Norwegian pigs. πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄πŸ“š He pursued his Master’s in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) at the prestigious University of California, Davis, USA, graduating in 2000 with a focus on Veterinary Epidemiology. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡ΈπŸ“Š Dr. Er began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) from the University of Queensland, Australia, in 1989, grounding him firmly in veterinary practice. πŸ‡¦πŸ‡ΊπŸ©Ί His education reflects a lifelong commitment to enhancing animal health and advancing veterinary epidemiology through global learning experiences, interdisciplinary knowledge, and applied research, making him a fitting nominee for the Pioneer Researcher Award. πŸ…πŸŒŸ

ExperienceΒ 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er’s professional journey reflects outstanding dedication across diverse fields. 🌟 From 2007 onwards, he has been a full-time researcher at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute, specializing in epidemiology and bioinformatics. πŸ·πŸ“Š In 2020, he also took on part-time service as a church servant at Uranienborg Menighet, den norsk luthersk kirke. β›ͺ Before his research career, Dr. Er served in Singapore’s civil service (1991–2006), ensuring veterinary inspection and public health in pig and poultry slaughterhouses. πŸ”πŸ” He started his career in national service, where he rose to the rank of Captain in the Singapore Armed Forces as a logistics officer (1989–1991). πŸŽ–οΈπŸš› These extensive experiences demonstrate his leadership, scientific expertise, and commitment to public welfare. His professional background embodies the spirit of perseverance and innovation celebrated by the Pioneer Researcher Award. πŸ…πŸ“ˆ

Awards and HonorsΒ 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er’s career is a testament to persistent excellence and leadership. 🌟 Although specific award listings were not detailed, his achievements themselves reflect high recognition in the veterinary science community. πŸΎπŸ“ˆ His Ph.D. thesis and impactful peer-reviewed publications have significantly advanced knowledge of influenza epidemiology in pig populations, demonstrating award-worthy innovation. πŸ¦ πŸ”¬ His pioneering surveillance work on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infections in Norway greatly contributed to national animal health strategies. πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄πŸ– Furthermore, Dr. Er’s role in public veterinary service in Singapore and his distinguished service in the Singapore Armed Forces earned him respect and authority early in his career. πŸŽ–οΈπŸŒ Nomination for the Pioneer Researcher Award is a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to animal health, epidemiological innovation, and scientific leadership. πŸ…πŸ“š His work bridges practice and research, influencing veterinary policies across nations. 🌐✨

Research FocusΒ 

Dr. Jwee Chiek Er’s research centers on the epidemiology of infectious diseases in animal populations, with a strong focus on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in pigs. πŸ–πŸ¦  His studies analyze infection patterns, serosurveillance, and economic impacts on animal health, providing essential insights for disease control and public health policy. πŸ“ŠπŸ›‘οΈ Using bioinformatics and mathematical modeling, such as discrete-time Markov Chain modeling, he projects disease prevalence and evaluates herd-level interventions. πŸ“ˆπŸ–₯️ His research also explores serological cross-reactivity between influenza strains, crucial for improving diagnostic and surveillance systems. πŸ§¬πŸ” Through longitudinal studies at boar testing stations and comprehensive serological surveys, Dr. Er has significantly advanced understanding of viral behavior in livestock. πŸ“‘πŸ“ˆ His interdisciplinary approach integrating epidemiology, economics, and computational tools highlights him as a pioneer in veterinary research. πŸ†πŸ”¬ His work supports healthier livestock systems and contributes to global food security. πŸŒπŸ–

Publications Top Notes

  • πŸ“„ “Adverse Effects of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection on Growth Performance of Norwegian Pigs – a Longitudinal Study at a Boar Testing Station” (BMC Vet Res, 2014)

  • πŸ“„ “Occurrence and Spread of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection in Norwegian Pig Herds Based on Active Serosurveillance from 2010 to 2014” (Epidemiol Infect, 2016)

  • πŸ“„ “Production Impact of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection on Fattening Pigs in Norway” (J Anim Sci, 2016)

  • πŸ“„ “Longitudinal Projection of Herd Prevalence of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus Infection in the Norwegian Pig Population by Discrete-Time Markov Chain Modelling” (Infectious Disease Reports, 2021)

  • πŸ“„ “Antibodies of Influenza A(H1N1)Pdm09 Virus in Pigs’ Sera Cross-React with Other Influenza A Virus Subtypes: A Retrospective Epidemiological Interpretation of Norway’s Serosurveillance Data from 2009–2017” (Epidemiology and Infection, 2020)

  • πŸ“„ “A Survey of Skin Neoplasms in Dogs from the Brisbane Region” (Aust Vet J, 1989)

Alexander Cerwenka | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Alexander Cerwenka | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Alexander Cerwenka, SNSB-ZSM, Germany

Dr. Alexander Cerwenka is a dedicated technical assistant at SNSB-Zoologische Staatssammlung MΓΌnchen, overseeing the operation, maintenance, and supervision of light microscopy equipment, Micro-CT, and scanning electron microscope since August 2016. He also serves in the Evertebrata varia section. From October 2016 to May 2018, he was a scientific associate at SNSB, working on the “BioniCut” project for high-performance saw blades. Previously, he was a research associate at the Technical University of Munich, studying the invasion front of Neogobius melanostomus in the upper Danube River. πŸŒŠπŸ”¬πŸ¦ πŸͺšπŸ“Š

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

2010-2014: Ph.D. in Aquatic System Biology 🐠 Research on evolutionary, population genomic, and ecological mechanisms of simultaneous invasion processes of two closely related fish species (Neogobius ssp.) in the upper Danube. 2008-2009: Preparation of DFG Application for Ph.D. πŸŽ“ Focus: Evolutionary, population genomic, and ecological mechanisms of simultaneous invasion processes of two closely related fish species (Neogobius ssp.) in the upper Danube. 2002-2007: Studied Biology at the Technical University of Munich πŸ“˜

Experience

Since 8/2016: Technical Assistant πŸ”¬ Managing all light microscopy equipment, micro-CT, and scanning electron microscopes. Since 8/2016: Technical Assistant in the Evertebrata varia section πŸ¦‹ 10/2016-5/2018: Scientific Employee πŸ› οΈ
Project: β€œBionically optimized high-performance saw blades for woodworking (BioniCut)”.

Awards

RΓΌdiger-Riehl-Preis 2015 πŸ† In recognition of scientific achievements in the dissertation: “Phenotypic and genetic differentiation of invasive gobies in the upper Danube River.”

Research focus

Dr. Andreas F. Cerwenka’s research focuses on the ecology and invasion biology of aquatic species, particularly invasive gobies in European rivers. His studies explore the ecological impacts, dispersal patterns, and adaptive strategies of invasive species like the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and their effects on native ecosystems. Through field experiments and molecular analyses, Cerwenka investigates how environmental conditions and human activities influence the success and spread of these invasions. His work also includes evaluating methods for population assessment and the impacts of invasive species on native biodiversity. πŸŒŠπŸ”¬πŸŸπŸŒπŸ“Š

Publication top notes

Bigger is better: characteristics of round gobies forming an invasion front in the Danube River

Comparative feeding ecology of invasive Ponto-Caspian gobies

A systematic approach to evaluate the influence of environmental conditions on eDNA detection success in aquatic ecosystems

Effects of sampling techniques on population assessment of invasive round gobyΒ NeogobiusΒ melanostomus

Shell morphological versus genetic identification of quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis) and zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

Invasion strategies in round goby (Neogobius melanostomus): Is bigger really better?

Synergistic impacts by an invasive amphipod and an invasive fish explain native gammarid extinction

Isotope evidence for preferential dispersal of fast-spreading invasive gobies along man-made river bank structures

Phenotypic differentiation of Ponto-Caspian gobies during a contemporary invasion of the upper Danube River

Population trends of invasive alien gobies in the upper Danube River: 10 years after first detection of the globally invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

Stelios Vasilopoulos | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Stelios Vasilopoulos | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr Stelios Vasilopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Stelios Vasilopoulos, MSc in Food Technology and Quality Assurance from the University of Reading (2003), is a researcher at the University of Thessaly’s Telecommunications & Networks Laboratory since 2018 πŸ“šπŸ”¬. He has extensive experience in project management, focusing on smart specialization and technology development in the food and feed industry πŸŒ±πŸ”. Previously, he co-founded Mamasfood Catering Ltd and worked at DO & CO Event & Airline Catering Ltd as a Process Manager 🍴✈️. Stelios has participated in numerous international projects, published multiple research papers, and is a frequent speaker at academic conferences πŸ“‘πŸŒ.

Publication profile

orcid

Education

πŸ‘©β€πŸŽ“ In June 2003, I earned my MSc in Food Technology and Quality Assurance from the University of Reading, UK. Since January 2018, I have been a researcher at the University of Thessaly’s Telecommunications & Networks Laboratory, focusing on smart specialization and technology development in food and agriculture. πŸ§‘β€πŸ’Ό As co-founder and CEO of Mamasfood Catering Ltd (2015-2016), I managed an online restaurant in London. At DO & CO Event & Airline Catering Ltd (2011-2015), I was a Process Manager. πŸ₯— Previously, I held various roles at Bakkavor Group (2006-2011) and Katsouris Fresh Foods Ltd (2003-2006), enhancing production efficiency and quality assurance. πŸŒπŸ—£οΈ I speak English and French.

Research focus

Stelios Vasilopoulos’s research focuses on the use of insect larvae as sustainable feed additives in livestock production. Key studies include the effects of black soldier fly, mealworm, and superworm on broiler growth and antioxidant activity under heat stress. His work also examines the impact of whole insect larvae on intestinal morphology and microbiota of broilers. Notable publications cover broiler diets replaced with Tenebrio molitor larvae, as well as flaxseed and lupins in dairy cow diets. Vasilopoulos’s contributions highlight advancements in livestock nutrition and sustainability πŸ”πŸ›πŸŒΎπŸ“ˆ.

Publication top notes

Black soldier fly, mealworm and superworm: chemical composition and comparative effect on broiler growth

Effect of three different insect larvae on growth performance and antioxidant activity of thigh, breast, and liver tissues of chickens reared under mild heat stress

Diet replacement with whole insect larvae affects intestinal morphology and microbiota of broiler chickens

Sustainable Use of Feed Additives in Livestock

Growth performance, welfare traits and meat characteristics of broilers fed diets partly replaced with whole Tenebrio molitor larvae

Feeding Flaxseed and Lupins during the Transition Period in Dairy Cows: Effects on Production Performance, Fertility and Biochemical Blood Indices

Composition, Organoleptic Characteristics, Fatty Acid Profile and Oxidative Status of Cow’s Milk and White Cheese after Dietary Partial Replacement of Soybean Meal with Flaxseed and Lupin