Shedrack Mgeni | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Shedrack Mgeni | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mkwawa University College of Education, Tanzania 

Shedrack Thomas Mgeni is a dedicated Tanzanian researcher and educator with over 16 years of experience teaching Chemistry and Biology. He holds a Master of Science in Biology with Education from the University of Dar es Salaam (2024), where his research focused on bioethanol production from fruit wastes—an innovative solution contributing to clean energy and the circular economy. Mgeni has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on bioenergy generation, with over 11 impactful publications between 2024 and 2025. His work earned him the “Distinguished Innovator of the Year 2024” award from the University of Dar es Salaam. In addition to his research, he plays a leadership role in secondary education as an Academic Master at Miyuji Secondary School. Passionate about environmental conservation, sustainable energy, and improving livelihoods through science, Mgeni actively participates in research conferences and community-based development initiatives, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Shedrack Mgeni

Shedrack Mgeni’s educational journey reflects a strong foundation in science and education. He began his studies at Lugoda Primary School (1994–2000) and proceeded to Kibao Secondary School (2001–2004) and Kidugala Lutheran Seminary (2005–2007). He earned a Diploma in Secondary Science Education (Chemistry & Biology) from Morogoro Teachers College in 2010, laying the groundwork for his teaching career. He later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology with Education at Sokoine University of Agriculture, graduating in 2015. His academic path culminated with a Master of Science in Biology with Education from the University of Dar es Salaam in 2024, where he conducted pioneering research on bioethanol production from fruit wastes. This solid academic background underpins both his teaching excellence and innovative research in bioenergy.

💼 Professional Experience of Shedrack Mgeni

Shedrack Mgeni has amassed over 16 years of experience in teaching Chemistry and Biology across various secondary schools in Tanzania, demonstrating unwavering commitment to science education. His career began in 2007 at Matola Secondary School in Njombe, where he also served as Head of Department. Over the years, he contributed to institutions such as St. Gertrude, Mabatini, Kifanya, Ilowola, and Mbeya Day High School, gaining diverse teaching and leadership experiences. Since 2021, he has been serving at Miyuji Secondary School in Dodoma, where he currently holds the roles of Academic Master and Sports & Games Master, overseeing both academic programs and extracurricular development. His practical teaching is enriched by hands-on research, making him a role model in integrating scientific innovation with classroom learning.

🔬 Research Interest of Shedrack Mgeni

Shedrack Mgeni’s research interests center on bioenergy generation from organic waste, with a strong emphasis on bioethanol production from fruit wastes as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. His work aligns with global goals for clean energy, environmental conservation, and the promotion of the circular economy. He is particularly passionate about utilizing agricultural and fruit residues to develop renewable energy solutions that are both cost-effective and scalable, especially in developing regions. Through his research, Mgeni aims to improve human health, reduce environmental pollution, and contribute to energy security by advancing practical, waste-to-energy technologies.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Shedrack Mgeni

Shedrack Mgeni has been recognized for his innovative contributions to sustainable energy research with the prestigious “Distinguished Innovator of the Year 2024” award from the University of Dar es Salaam. This honor was granted in recognition of his groundbreaking work on bioethanol production from fruit wastes—an environmentally friendly approach to renewable energy. His research was also showcased during the 9th University of Dar es Salaam Research and Innovation Week 2024, where he presented projects focused on converting bio-waste into value-added energy products. These accolades highlight his impactful role in advancing clean energy solutions and his commitment to addressing global challenges through practical and community-driven science.

✅ Conclusion

Shedrack M. Mgeni exhibits a compelling combination of high‑quality research output, educational leadership, and a clear focus on sustainable bioenergy innovation—qualities eminently fitting for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening his profile through competitive grant funding, interdisciplinary collaborations, and expanded academic leadership roles will further elevate his candidacy and ensure sustained impact in the field of renewable energy.

📚 Publications of Shedrack Thomas Mgeni

  1. Title: Potential Contributions of Cashew Apple Juice to Nutrition, Medicine and Bioethanol Generation: An Outlook
    Authors: Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1177/1934578X251357414

  2. Title: Bioethanol production from fruit wastes juice using millet and sorghum as additional fermentable sugar
    Authors: Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1016/j.cles.2025.100177

  3. Title: Potential Contributions of Pineapple Waste to Nutrition, Medicine, Bioenergy Sources, and Environmental Conservation: A Review
    Authors: Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1177/1934578X251348402

  4. Title: Utilizing fruit wastes as a sustainable feedstock for bioethanol production: A review
    Authors: Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Herieth Rhodes Mero, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1016/j.cles.2025.100188

  5. Title: Bioethanol production from concentrated fruit wastes’ juice enhanced with fermentable sugar from millet (Panicum miliaceum)
    Authors: Jovine Emmanuel, Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Jonas Balengayabo Gervas, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1080/17597269.2024.2432157

  6. Title: Quality of Bioethanol Produced from Concentrated Fruit Waste Juice Augmented with Sorghum as Additional Fermentable Sugar
    Authors: Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Jonas Balengayabo Gervas, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1007/s12355-025-01596-0

  7. Title: Bioethanol production from concentration fruit wastes juice using bakery yeast
    Authors: Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1007/s40243-024-00283-6

  8. Title: Potential Contributions of Banana Fruits and Residues to Multiple Applications: An Overview
    Authors: Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Shedrack Thomas Mgeni
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1177/1934578X251320151

  9. Title: Bioethanol production from dilute fruit wastes using sorghum as additional fermentable sugar
    Authors: Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Herieth Rhodes Mero, Jonas Balengayabo Gervas, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Jovine Emmanuel
    Year: 2025
    Citation/DOI: 10.1080/17597269.2024.2371211

  10. Title: Bioethanol production from pineapple fruit waste juice using bakery yeast
    Authors: Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel
    Year: 2024
    Citation/DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38172

  11. Title: The prospect of fruit wastes in bioethanol production: A review
    Authors: Shedrack Thomas Mgeni, Herieth Rhodes Mero, Lewis Atugonza Mtashobya, Jovine Kamuhabwa Emmanuel
    Year: 2024
    Citation/DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38776

 

 

 

Jih Ru Hwu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Lifetime achievement Award

Prof. Jih Ru Hwu | Medicine and Health Sciences | Lifetime achievement Award

Distinguished Chair Professor at National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan

Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu is a Distinguished Chair Professor Emeritus with Lifetime Honor at National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan, and a globally recognized chemist whose career spans over four decades of pioneering research and academic excellence. Earning his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1982, he served as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University before returning to Asia, where he built an outstanding interdisciplinary research portfolio in drug design, DNA-cleaving agents, nano-biomaterials, organosilicon chemistry, natural product synthesis, and green chemistry. With over 253 publications and 52 patents, his contributions reflect both scientific rigor and practical innovation. Professor Hwu has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including the TWAS Award, the Chinese American Chemical Society’s Outstanding Achievement Award, and the Taiwan National Chair Professorship. He is a Fellow of esteemed organizations such as TWAS, IUPAC, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. His leadership roles, including presidencies of major chemical societies such as FACS and the Asian Federation for Medicinal Chemistry, further underscore his influential presence in the global scientific community.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu

Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu began his academic journey with a strong foundation in chemistry, culminating in a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the prestigious Stanford University in 1982. His doctoral training at Stanford equipped him with cutting-edge expertise in chemical research, setting the stage for his impactful scientific career. Prior to that, he demonstrated exceptional academic promise, which was later recognized through multiple international awards and fellowships. His educational background reflects both academic excellence and a commitment to innovation, shaping him into a global leader in multidisciplinary chemical sciences.

💼 Professional Experience of Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu

Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu has had a distinguished professional career marked by academic leadership, research excellence, and international collaboration. After earning his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1982, he began his academic tenure as a faculty member at Johns Hopkins University, where he served from 1982 to 1991. He later returned to Taiwan and became a Distinguished Chair Professor at National Tsing Hua University, where he was eventually honored as Professor Emeritus with Lifetime Honor. Throughout his career, Professor Hwu has led groundbreaking research across diverse areas such as medicinal chemistry, nano-biomaterials, green chemistry, and synthetic methodology. He has also held key leadership roles in international scientific organizations, including serving as President of the Chinese American Chemical Society, the Asian Federation for Medicinal Chemistry, and the Federation of Asian Chemical Societies, demonstrating his global impact and commitment to advancing chemical sciences worldwide.

🔬 Research Interests of Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu

Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu’s research interests span a broad and impactful spectrum of chemical sciences, reflecting his passion for innovation and interdisciplinary exploration. His work encompasses drug design and synthesis, the development of DNA-cleaving agents, and the creation of advanced nano-biomaterials for biomedical applications. He has made significant contributions to natural product synthesis, organosilicon chemistry, and the discovery of novel chemical reactions and reagents. In recent years, Professor Hwu has also focused on sustainability and green chemistry, aiming to develop eco-friendly chemical processes. His diverse and forward-looking research not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses critical global challenges in health, environment, and technology.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu

Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu has received numerous prestigious awards and honors that reflect his outstanding contributions to the chemical sciences. Notable recognitions include the 2023 Outstanding Achievement Award from the Chinese American Chemical Society, the Gulf Chemistry Association Trophy (2022), and the CAS Registry Innovator Award (2022). He has also been honored with the Taiwan National Chair Professorship, the TWAS Award (1997), and was named one of the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (1994). Earlier in his career, he received the FACS Distinguished Young Chemist Award (1992–93), the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (1986–1990), and the Stuart Pharmaceuticals Achievement Award (1986). His accolades span decades and continents, highlighting his influence in both academic and applied chemistry. These awards are a testament to his innovation, leadership, and lifelong dedication to advancing science.

Conclusion

Professor Reuben Jih-Ru Hwu is a highly qualified and exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His prolific academic output, international recognitions, scientific leadership, and broad research contributions place him among the top-tier scientists in the field of chemistry and interdisciplinary sciences. With slight enhancement in showcasing his recent impactful contributions and societal influence, his nomination would not only be justified but compelling on a global scale.

📚 Publications

1. Calcium Impregnated Silica Gel in the Domino Reaction Involving Irreversible Aldol Addition, Dehydration, and Michael Addition

  • Title: Calcium Impregnated Silica Gel in the Domino Reaction Involving Irreversible Aldol Addition, Dehydration, and Michael AdditionAuthors: Jih Ru Hwu, Khagendra Prasad Bohara, Mohit Kapoor, et al. (with collaborators from National Tsing Hua University and affiliated institutes)
  • Journal: Journal of Organic Chemistry
  • Year: 2025 (published ~2 months ago from June 2025)
  • Citations: 0

2. 6‑Chlorocoumarin Conjugates with Nucleobases and Nucleosides as Potent Anti‑Hepatitis C Virus Agents

  • Title: 6‑Chlorocoumarin Conjugates with Nucleobases and Nucleosides as Potent Anti‑Hepatitis C Virus Agents
  • Authors: Shu‑Yu Lin, Wen‑Chieh Huang, Shwu‑Chen Tsay, Johan Neyts, Pieter Leyssen, Chun‑Cheng Lin, Kuo Chu Hwang, Jia‑Cherng Horng, and Jih Ru Hwu
  • Journal: Molecules (Open access)
  • Year: 2025 (Volume 30, Issue 8, Article 1776)
  • Citations: 0