Dr. Shaghaf Kaukab | Technology | Young Scientist Award

scientist, ICAR-CIPHET, India

Shaghaf Kaukab is a dedicated Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology (ICAR-CIPHET), Ludhiana, specializing in Agricultural Structure and Process Engineering. With over 11 years of combined experience in scientific research and academic exploration within the food engineering and technology platform, Shaghaf has made significant contributions to the domain of extrusion processing, storage technology, drying techniques, and functional food product development. His work emphasizes the application of AI, machine learning, and deep learning techniques in agriculture, leading to innovative solutions that improve post-harvest management and food processing.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

1. Research Contributions: Shaghaf Kaukab has made significant contributions to agricultural structure and process engineering, particularly in post-harvest technology. Her work on projects such as IoT-based monitoring systems and AI-enabled robotic harvesters demonstrates her innovative approach and alignment with modern agricultural challenges.
2. Academic Excellence: With a Ph.D. in Post Harvest Technology and multiple prestigious academic awards, she has a strong academic background. Her high CGPA scores and ICAR merit medals underscore her academic diligence.
3. Interdisciplinary Expertise: Shaghaf has expertise in various domains, including AI, machine learning, image processing, and food process engineering, making her research impactful and versatile.
4. Publications and Impact: She has published extensively in refereed journals and contributed to book chapters, highlighting her active involvement in advancing her field of research. The inclusion of her work in high-impact journals reflects her research’s quality and relevance.
5. Leadership and Collaboration: Shaghaf has demonstrated leadership by managing several projects, mentoring students, and coordinating training programs. Her collaborative efforts with organizations like CDAC and international exposure (e.g., Purdue University) enhance her profile.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Outreach: While Shaghaf has conducted training and outreach activities, expanding these efforts to reach a more diverse audience, including more international platforms, could enhance her influence and recognition.
2. Grant Acquisition: Although involved in several projects, focusing on securing more independent research grants could further validate her capabilities and drive her research agenda.
3. Networking and Professional Development: Increased participation in international conferences, workshops, and collaborations outside of India could further her exposure and contribute to professional growth.

 

🎓 Education

Shaghaf Kaukab earned his Ph.D. in Post-Harvest Technology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, with a stellar CGPA of 9.1/10 in 2019. Prior to this, he completed his M.Tech. in Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology from IARI, New Delhi, with a CGPA of 8.97/10 in 2016. His academic journey has been marked by excellence, laying a strong foundation for his research and scientific endeavors.

💼 Experience

Currently, Shaghaf is a Scientist in Agricultural Structures & Process Engineering at ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana, where he has been instrumental in the development of technologies such as the stereo-depth based detection and localization module for apples. He has successfully led and contributed to several ongoing projects, including IoT-based modular systems for cold storage and AI-enabled robotic apple harvesters. His role extends to technical writing, project implementation, and collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

🔍 Research Focus

Shaghaf’s research interests lie in the application of new-age technologies like AI, machine learning, and deep learning in the post-harvest agriculture sector. He focuses on image processing techniques (such as Biospeckle, RGB, X-ray, Hyperspectral imaging) and the analysis of food properties (physical, thermal, mechanical, and micro-structural). His work in food process engineering aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of post-harvest processes.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Shaghaf Kaukab’s work has earned him recognition within the scientific community, including membership in prestigious organizations such as the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE) and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). He serves as a regular reviewer for scientific journals and has been an external examiner for graduate students at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Bihar.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Shaghaf has published numerous articles in refereed journals and contributed to book chapters and training manuals. His notable works include:

Improving Real-time Apple Fruit Detection: Depth and Multi-modal Information Fusions with Non-targeted Background Removal – Published in Ecological Informatics.

Chickpea Temperature Profile Development and its Implication under Microwave Treatment – Published in Biological Forum – An International Journal.

Osmotic Dehydration of Aloe-vera Gel Discs – Published in Journal of AgriSearch.

Engineering Properties, Processing, and Value Addition of Tamarind: A Review – Published in IJBSM.

Study of Engineering Properties of Selected Vegetable Seeds – Published in Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences.

 

Conclusion

Shaghaf Kaukab is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her innovative research, interdisciplinary expertise, and significant contributions to agricultural engineering, particularly in post-harvest technology, make her a standout. While expanding her outreach and securing more independent funding could strengthen her profile further, her accomplishments thus far demonstrate her potential as a leader in her field.