Meshack Rodgers Wafula | Cytogenetics | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula | Cytogenetics | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula | Masisnde Muliro University of Science and Technology | Kenya

Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula is a vision-driven Biology and Agriculture teacher and Agronomist with extensive experience in agronomy, agricultural extension, capacity building, and resource mobilization. He is a strategic and analytical professional dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, community empowerment, and poverty alleviation through innovative farming initiatives. His expertise encompasses planning and managing farm operations, conducting training in good agronomic practices, supervising field activities, and enhancing productivity through scientific approaches. Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula has demonstrated excellence in greenhouse management, pest and disease control, dairy and poultry production, and crop research focusing on high-value vegetables. He has also contributed to agricultural education as a lecturer, developing lesson plans, teaching crop and animal production, and guiding students in fieldwork. His career spans working with diverse institutions including Hydroponics Africa Ltd, Nyabon Enterprise Ltd, and Kit Mikayi Vegetable Farm Company, where he played key roles in agronomic training, community mobilization, and sustainable value chain development. A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and inclusivity, he possesses strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. He is proficient in using modern tools and technologies to optimize agricultural outcomes and remains deeply committed to transforming farming systems for food security and economic growth. Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula enjoys farming, handball, social interaction, and football, reflecting his dynamic and community-oriented personality.

Profile: Orcidย 

Featured Publications

Wafula, M. R., Muyekho, F. N., Muleke, E. M., Wamocho, L. S., Munyasi, J. W., & Hoka, A. I. (2025). Exploiting polyploidy in Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach) for increased forage yield. Grasses, 4(4), Article 0039.

Dr. Minjin Jeong | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Minjin Jeong | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Instructor, Stanford University, United States

๐ŸŽ“ Dr. Minjin Jeong is an accomplished researcher and educator at Stanford University, specializing in auditory science and inner ear disorders. Her pioneering work includes developing human pluripotent stem cell-derived otic organoids and elucidating the mechanisms behind COVID-19-induced hearing loss. With experience spanning South Korea, Europe, and the U.S., Dr. Jeong bridges international collaboration in auditory science research, contributing transformative advancements in her field. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

๐Ÿ“˜ Dr. Jeong’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Molecular and Life Science (2010, Hanyang University, Korea), followed by an M.S. in Biochemistry (2012, Hanyang University) and a Ph.D. in Genetic Medicine (2017, Newcastle University, UK). Her global education underscores her commitment to advancing auditory research. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ“š

Experience

๐Ÿ’ก Dr. Jeong’s career spans prestigious roles, including postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard and Stanford University, where she investigated inner ear biology and auditory disorders. She has also served as a research associate at Newcastle University and an instructor at Stanford, contributing to cutting-edge advancements in stem cell and auditory research. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ๐Ÿงฌ

Research Interests

๐Ÿง  Dr. Jeongโ€™s research focuses on human inner ear biology using pluripotent stem cells, addressing the global challenge of hearing loss. Her work aims to develop innovative treatments for inner ear disorders, with a special emphasis on COVID-19-induced audiovestibular dysfunction and congenital hearing loss. ๐Ÿ‘‚๐ŸŒŸ

Awards

๐Ÿ… Dr. Jeong has received numerous honors, including the Newcastle University Overseas Research Scholarship and Hanyang University’s Science and Technology Scholarship. She graduated summa cum laude and has been recognized for her impactful contributions to auditory science. ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŽ–๏ธ

Publications

Jeong M., Kurihara S., Stankovic KM. (2024). An In Vitro Oxidative Stress Model of the Human Inner Ear Using Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Otic Progenitor Cells. Antioxidants. Read more

Harding AT., Ocwieja K., Jeong M., et al. (2024). Human otic progenitor cell models of congenital hearing loss reveal potential pathophysiologic mechanisms of Zika virus and cytomegalovirus infections. mBio. Read more

Jeong M., et al. (2021). Direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of the human inner ear may underlie COVID-19-associated audiovestibular dysfunction. Commun Med (Lond). Read more

Stojkovic M., Han D., Jeong M., et al. (2021). Human induced pluripotent stem cells and CRISPR/Cas-mediated targeted genome editing: Platforms to tackle sensorineural hearing loss. Stem Cells. Read more

Jeong M., et al. (2018). Generating inner ear organoids containing putative cochlear hair cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Cell Death Dis. Read more