Dr. Shonisani Ramashia | Technology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Shonisani Ramashia | Technology | Best Academic Researcher Award

Sen Lecturer/ HoD, University of Venda, South Africa

Dr. Shonisani Eugenia Ramashia is a South African food scientist and academic with extensive expertise in food science and technology. She currently serves as Head of the Department at the University of Venda and has held teaching and leadership roles locally and internationally, including a stint as Assistant Professor in India. Dr. Ramashia’s work emphasizes improving food nutritional quality and safety, with a commitment to advancing agricultural sciences and empowering communities through research and education. She is fluent in Tshivenda and holds multiple leadership and management qualifications in higher education.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓📜

Dr. Ramashia earned her Ph.D. in Agriculture (Food Science & Technology) from the University of Venda in 2018, following a Master of Technology in Food Technology (Cum Laude) from Tshwane University of Technology in 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science & Technology from the University of Venda (2004). Complementing her technical expertise, she pursued postgraduate diplomas and certificates in Higher Education, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership from institutions including the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Currently, she is advancing her studies in Education Leadership Management at Botho University.

Experience 💼🔬

Dr. Ramashia has over 15 years of professional experience ranging from Senior Lab Technician to Assistant Professor and Department Head. She began her career as a Food Technologist at Foodcorp before moving into academia at the University of Venda, rising from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer and Head of Department. In 2022, she gained international experience as Assistant Professor at Shoolini University, India. She is currently co-facilitator of a postgraduate certificate in Entrepreneurship Management and Leadership, reflecting her blend of scientific expertise and academic leadership within higher education.

Awards and Honors 🏅🎖️

Dr. Ramashia’s distinguished career is marked by multiple academic and professional accolades, including graduating Cum Laude with her Master’s degree. She completed prestigious leadership programs such as the Women in Leadership Programme (WiL) at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and advanced management development courses at the University of Cape Town. Her ongoing commitment to professional growth is demonstrated by continuous postgraduate education and recognition as a leader in food science and academic administration. These honors reflect her dedication to excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement.

Research Focus 🔬🌱

Dr. Ramashia’s research centers on the nutritional, functional, and microbiological quality of food products, especially cereals, legumes, and underutilized crops like millet, Bambara groundnut, and sorghum. She explores food fortification, antioxidant activities, bioactive compounds, and consumer acceptability of novel and traditional foods. Her work also addresses food safety, microbial quality, and sustainable food processing innovations aimed at improving nutrition and health in Sub-Saharan Africa. This research supports food security and promotes the development of high-protein, gluten-free, and nutrient-enriched food products.

Conclusion ✅📘

Dr. Shonisani Eugenia Ramashia is a dedicated food scientist and educator whose impactful research and leadership contribute significantly to food technology and nutrition science in Africa. Her academic journey and professional roles reflect her passion for advancing food quality and safety, fostering innovation, and empowering communities through education. As a dynamic scholar and mentor, she continues to influence the nex generation of food scientists while addressing pressing nutritional challenges in developing regions, making her a key contributor to agricultural and food sciences.

📚 Top Publications by Dr. Shonisani Ramashia

  1. Chemical properties, antioxidant activities and metabolic profile of mixed blackjack and jute vegetables
    Bamidele, O.P.; Moyo, B.N.; Madala, N.E.; Ramashia, S.E. (2025). Food Chemistry, 488, 144885.
    Cited by 5+

  2. Effect of bioprocessing on the nutritional composition, antinutrients, functional properties and metabolites of Bambara groundnut and its prospective food applications: A review
    Mashau, M.E.; Ramatsetse, K.E.; Takalani, K.; Bamidele, O.P.; Ramashia, S.E. (2025). Molecules, 30, 2356.
    Cited by 3+

  3. Nutritional composition, antioxidant, and sensory characteristics of gluten-free biscuits produced from malted finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flours
    Murungweni, K.T., Ramashia, S.E., Mashau, M.E. (2025). Discovery Foods, 5(1), 120.
    Cited by 2+

  4. Nutritional Value and Consumer Acceptance of Non-Alcoholic Cereal-Based Beverages in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review of Fortification, Supplementation, and Processing Innovations
    Ratau, M.A., Bamidele, O.P., Jideani, V.A., & Ramashia, S.E. (2025). Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal, 13(1), 01-23.
    Cited by 4+

  5. Millets in sub-Saharan Africa: a review of the nutritional and bioactive composition, methods of processing and its developed products
    Ramashia, S. E., Onipe, O. O., Mashau, M. E., & Jideani, A. I. (2025). Discover Food, 5(1), 56.
    Cited by 6+

 

 

Mr. André Guimarães | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. André Guimarães | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Researcher, University of Beira Interior, Portugal

Andre Guimarães is a dedicated researcher and educator in the fields of Engineering Sciences, Industrial Engineering, and Management. With a strong academic background, he has contributed significantly to various research projects related to Industry 4.0 and digital transformation. He currently holds research positions at the University of Beira Interior and the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Portugal. Alongside his academic work, Andre has accumulated practical experience in industrial environments, particularly in production management and technical consulting, where he focuses on quality management, lean methodologies, and engineering innovations. He is also a passionate educator, teaching engineering and management-related courses at the higher education level. 📚🔬

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education:

Andre’s educational journey includes a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management from the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management at the University of Beira Interior. Additionally, Andre holds several postgraduate qualifications, including a specialization in Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation from the Polytechnic Institute of Porto. His training also includes certifications in quality management, Six Sigma, lean manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines. 🎓📖

Experience:

Andre’s professional career spans both academia and industry. He has worked as a researcher at the University of Beira Interior and the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, contributing to cutting-edge research in mechanical and industrial engineering. Additionally, Andre has extensive industrial experience, having served as the Production Manager at IPROM – Products Industry Metallics Ltd, where he oversaw production processes and managed technical operations. As a consultant and facilitator at the Welding and Quality Institute, Andre applies his expertise in quality management systems and continuous improvement. 🏭⚙️

Awards and Honors:

Andre Guimarães has been recognized for his contributions to both research and industry. He is a full member of the Order of Engineers in Portugal and a fellow at FCT Research. His work has been acknowledged through various academic and industry accolades, cementing his reputation as a skilled professional and educator in his field. 🏅🌟

Research Focus:

Andre’s research interests are deeply rooted in Industry 4.0 technologies, digital transformation, lean management, and quality systems in industrial engineering. His research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications in engineering, with a focus on improving production efficiency, implementing digital technologies, and optimizing management processes in industrial environments. His recent projects explore advanced methodologies in electromechatronics and systems research. 🔍📊

Conclusion:

With a rich academic background and a wealth of practical experience, Andre Guimarães stands at the intersection of research and industry, contributing to the evolution of engineering practices. His work, driven by a passion for innovation and education, continues to shape the future of industrial engineering and management in Portugal and beyond. Andre’s ongoing commitment to advancing the field through both research and practical applications makes him a valuable asset to the academic and industrial communities. 🚀🌍

Publications:

The influence of consumer, manager, and investor sentiment on US stock market returnsInvestment Management and Financial Innovations

Effects of Lean Tools and Industry 4.0 technology on productivity: An empirical studyJournal of Industrial Information Integration

Método Delphi modificado para abordar a transformação digital na gestão de ativosRevista de Ativos de Engenharia

Lean philosophy and Value Engineering methodologies. Their relations and synergy using Bert a natural language processing modelCongrEGA 2024 – Sustainable and Digital Innovation in Engineering Asset Management

Modificação do Método Delphi para Aplicação num Questionário sobre a Transformação Digital na Gestão de AtivosCongrEGA 2024 – Sustainable and Digital Innovation in Engineering Asset Management

Overview of the use of data assets in the context of Portuguese companies: Comparison between SMEs and large companiesCongrEGA 2024 – Sustainable and Digital Innovation in Engineering Asset Management

Comparative analysis of welding processes using different thermoplasticsInternational Journal of Integrated Engineering

Chang Meng-Wei | Edge computing | Machine Learning Research Award

Dr. Chang Meng-Wei | Edge computing | Machine Learning Research Award

Department of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taiwan

Meng-Wei Chang is a visionary Chief Engineer with a knack for cutting-edge technology solutions. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, he has honed his skills in software foundations, computer architecture, and artificial intelligence. Chang’s career spans across various roles in prestigious companies like ADATA Technology and Admiral Overseas Corporation, where he showcased his expertise in product development and brand design. His innovative contributions include the development of the first Android TV set-top box at Tatung and leading the development of an autonomous mobile robot in collaboration with National Taiwan University.

Profile

SCOPUS

 

📚 Education:

Meng-Wei Chang holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, where his research focused on software foundations, computer architecture, and artificial intelligence. His academic journey has equipped him with a deep understanding of algorithms, embedded systems, and heterogeneous computing.

🛠️ Experience

Chang’s professional journey includes roles such as Leader Engineer at ADATA Technology, where he collaborated on the development of an autonomous mobile robot, and Leader Engineer at Admiral Overseas Corporation, where he led brand design initiatives. His tenure at Tatung saw him pioneering the development of the first Android TV set-top box, showcasing his expertise in product innovation and RFQ/RFI assessments.

🔬 Research Interests:

Meng-Wei Chang’s research interests lie in the realms of software foundations, computer architecture, and artificial intelligence. His work focuses on adaptive computing, neural networks, and heterogeneous computing architectures.

🏆 Awards:

Meng-Wei Chang’s contributions have been recognized in academia and industry, earning him prestigious awards and accolades for his innovative solutions and impactful research.

Publication:

Journal of the Chinese Institute of Engineers (JCIE) – Real-time multi-fusion perceptron architecture for autonomous drones (Published in 2022)

Journal of the Chinese Institute of Engineers (JCIE) – Adaptive Neural Acceleration Unit based on Heterogeneous Multicore Hardware Architecture FPGA and Software (Published in 2021)