REVIEWERS' Profile





Dr. Ranga Rao Ambati

Dr. Ranga Rao

Dr. Ranga Rao has been working as Associate Professor and Senior Scientist in the Department of Biotechnology, Vignan’s Foundation Science, Technology and Research University (Deemed to be University), Andhra Pradesh, India. He has 15 years of experience in both teaching and research. He represented as Chief coordinator for National Board of Accreditation (NBA) at the departmental level.
Previously Dr. Ranga Rao worked as Visiting Senior Research Fellow (Equivalent to Associate Professor), Visiting Research Assistant Professor, and Postdoctoral Research Associate at various internationally recognized Universities such as Arizona State University (USA), University of Malaya (Malaysia), Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University (China) and CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), India. He has been working in the multidisciplinary area of Food Science and biotechnology including Algal biotechnology and byproducts especially on commercially important metabolites-lipids, fatty acids, hydrocarbons and carotenoids from microalgae which have high nutraceutical and pharmaceutical value.
Dr. Ranga Rao obtained Ph.D in Biotechnology from Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) which is associated with Laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India, India (University of Mysore) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. G. A. Ravishankar, Ph.D., FNASc., FNAAS, FAFST, FBS, FSAB, FISAB, FAMI, FIAFoST(Canada), FIFST(UK), FIFT(USA),CFS(USA), Adjunct Vice President, R&D (Life Sciences) & Professor of Biotechnology, Dayananda Sagar Institutions, Dr. C. D. Center for Life Sciences, Kumaraswamy Layout, Bangalore- 5600078, India; Former Chief Scientist & Head, Plant Cell Biotechnology Department, CFTRI-CSIR, Govt. of India, Karnataka, India. He graduated Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Andhrapradesh, India. He carried out Postdoctoral Research work in Arizona State University, Arizona, USA. Dr. Ranga Rao started his research career in 2004 as research assistant under the supervision of Dr. R. Sarada, Sr. Principal Scientist, Department of Plant Cell Biotechnology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, India.
He worked extensively on optimization, production of algal biomass, mass culture of various algal species in raceway ponds and photobioreactors in addition developed extraction methods, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin and its esters, lutein, hydrocarbons, and fatty acids etc. by various analytical approaches, and also evaluated their possible nutraceutical applications. Based on his accomplishments, he received research grants, travel and also scientific awards internationally and nationally. He received research grants as principal investigator from the University of Malaya Research Grant to work on high value molecules from microalgae. He selected for the prestigious Junior Scientist of the Year Award, National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi, India; Young Scientist Award-World Food Congress by International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) at Montreal, Canada; TWAS Young Affiliate fellow (ROESEAP) for the year 2014-2018 by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). He also awarded one of the prestigious national level Senior Research Fellowship by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Govt. of India, New Delhi to carry out his research work in biotechnology. He received several International travel grant fellowship award under young scientist category for attending international conferences/symposium and also to deliver invited talks.
Dr. Ranga Rao published more than 45 papers in peer reviewed international and national journals with cumulative impact factor >80; edited books-02; book chapters-9; proceedings of conferences/symposia/seminar in International and National more than 40. His research papers have been received a good citation by peer group with H-index-16; and i-10 index of 20 with total citation of over 2070 as in Google scholar. Two of his research articles have been well cited, one paper was cited by more than 690 authors and another one was cited by more than 425 authors. Dr. Ranga Rao has presented research work at various international and national conferences/symposium. In this connection he traveled to USA, Canada, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, Oman and China. He is serving as editorial board member and reviewer for more than 25 reputed international journals.
Dr. Ranga Rao elected as Fellow of Society of Applied Biotechnology, India and Associate Fellow of Andhra Pradesh Akademi of Sciences, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, India. Dr. Ranga Rao has contributed significant research to Food Science and Biotechnology, and biological sciences in terms of carotenoids, lipids and fatty acids extraction, processing of metabolites and their use in various applications. An important result from his research work serves as a significant source of scientific information for the development of food and nutracetuical applications for health benefits.

Email: arangarao99@gmail.com; ambatibiotech@gmail.com

We thank Dr Rao for agreeing to be one of our reviewers. He has an amazing biography which we already are benefitting from. Ed. AJFAND





Mr. Mohammad Vahedi Torshizi

Mr. Mohammad Vahedi

Mr. Mohammad Vahedi Torshizi is an advisor for master students at the Department of Bio-System Mechanical Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (Iran) and also he is tutor in this group, with expertise in Statistical analysis, food security, drying, physical and mechanical properties for fruits. He does research in Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering and Food Science. He is currently a Master graduates at Department of Biosystems Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. His research interests is include modeling of drying process, artificial neural network, Storage, Processing in post-harvest and machine vision in Bio systems Engineering. He has authored/co-authored over many high impact journal publications and conference proceedings and he is reviewer at Energy – Journal, Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the Related Elements, Carpathian Journal of Food Science and Technology and this journal.

His email contact is mvahedi@gau.ac.ir

We are lucky to have Mr Torshizi, a statistician, join AJFAND as a reviewer. Ed. AJFAND





Dr. Ravishankar Thupalli

Dr. Ravishankar Thupalli

Dr. Ravishankar Thupalli did his Masters in Botany from University of Madras, and Ph.D. in Ethnobotany from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore in India. Dr. Ravishankar has been making exemplary contribution to the sustainable management of Forests and Mangroves Biodiversity through participatory approaches to address land use and land change patterns altering ecosystems and contributing to its re-generation since 1984 in cognizance with MEAs from 1972 Stockholm Conference to the 2015 SDGs. Worked from Research Fellow to Research Associate in Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Coimbatore. Worked as Associate Director in M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) under the direct guidance of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan on biodiversity in hinterlands and coastal areas, mangroves and traditional agricultural crops. Assisted Prof. Swaminathan in National Commission on Farmers Andhra Chapter during 1992 to 2005 and works with his guidance in several assignments. Now also he supports MSSRF in an advisory role on the project namely “Beyond 30 years of MSSRF”. He is a specialist in conservation of Forest Biodiversity; Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS); ; Community Development and mangrove conservation and restoration. Experienced in developing multi focal area project proposals and in program development, implementing, monitoring and evaluation and process documentation. He is also contributing as Lead Author for the IPBES thorough United Nations University, Japan. He is a regular Independent International Consultant for Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations and worked for FAO in the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Samoa, Fiji, Indonesia, and Thailand and for UNDP in Philippines. Dr. Ravishankar is a recognized GEF and GCF Project Development Specialist and has developed projects for Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and India for UNDP, UNEP and FAO. Skilled in undertaking post disaster needs assessment (PDNA) of coastal forests and mangroves altered by cyclonic storms and tsunami.
Dr. Ravishankar is experienced in the application of traditional practices of tribal communities in forest biodiversity conservation and management and traditional agricultural practices. Experienced in documenting Ethnobotanical data on plants used in food, medicine and material value and NTFP in India and quantitative Ethnobotany in Kenya. Experienced in the application of ABS provisions and community involved conservation and sustainable management of forest biodiversity, mangrove rehabilitation and management and agro-forestry for livelihood enhancement and poverty reduction; through research, training and capacity building of rural and tribal communities and other stakeholders. Specialized in stakeholder engagement and developing awareness tools and in micro-credit based NRM through women SHGs. Developed guidelines for Joint Mangrove / Forest Management and advocacy through policy briefs. Developed home gardens with fruit trees to support community livelihoods.
Presently Dr. Ravishankar works as Climate Change Specialist for Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations in the Maldives. He is also supporting the development of Aquaculture Value Chain Analyses for Cambodia. Dr. Ravishankar worked as Project Coordinator of UNDP GEF EGREE Project on Mangroves in Kakinada. He has worked with UNDP, GEF, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Common Fund for Commodities in Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh on Forest and Agriculture conservation and policy development from 2005 till to day. Contributed for the FAO 2014 - 2018 Country Programming Framework on Agriculture and Rural Development for India and UNDAF 2014 - 2018 country programme of India for UNDP. Undertook mid-term and final evaluations of medicinal plants and mangrove projects in India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Developed compendium of global best practices in mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into production sectors. Skilled in editing reports and documents having worked as editorial consultant for FAO.
In the past 35 years Ravishankar has worked with FAO, UNDP, UNEP, GEF, and UN system, ADB, CFC, FIDA, BSI and MSSRF in 23 countries and in India and with forest and revenue departments of 29 states and 7 Union Territories in India. Provided technical advice and implemented projects on Biodiversity and Mangroves funded by Government of Finland, SIDA, GTZ, IDRC, CIDA, IPGRI, MacArthur Foundation and Sasakawa Peace Foundation and Government of India. Possess a sound understanding on implementation challenges in forest and biodiversity policies and Acts in Asia pacific region, particularly in India. Dr. Ravishankar has participated and presented papers in international conferences in 23 countries and has over 84 publications which include; 35 Research Papers in National and International Journals and 27 books including book chapters, 10 abstracts and 12 national and international country reports till today. He is one of the editors of African Journal for Agriculture, Kenya. He has been awarded Young Scientist award and is a member of several national and international societies and professional bodies. He is a resource person for United Nations University, Tokyo, Japan and United Nations University, Hamilton, Canada.
Dr. Ravishankar is trained in 1. Quantitative Analyses by UNESCO in Kenya Forests and in 2. Preparing Forest Management Plans in Wageningen University and Research, Netherlands, 3. Basics in horticulture in University of Warwick, UK and contributes as a resource person and trainer in the above areas.
He has delivered guest lectures in Mc Gill University, Canada and in several research Institutions, Universities, Colleges and Schools across India. He is a Member in the Research Advisory Committee of post graduate students (M. Tech) of the Department of Environmental Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh State, India. He has teaching experience as Lecturer at State Forest Service College, Coimbatore and Andhra Pradesh Forest Academy, Rajahmundry, India. Member of Board of Studies of colleges under University of Madras, Adikavi Nannaya University, Rajahmundry and Andhra University, Visakhapatnam in India.

Dr. Ravishankar Thupalli F.E.S.
rthupalli@hotmail.com

We feel honoured to welcome Dr Thupalli as a reviewer for AJFAND. We already benefit from his immense wealth of experience. Ed. AJFAND





Dr. Hilda Vasanthakaalam

Dr. Hilda Vasanthakaalam


Please click here to view Dr. Hilda Vasanthakaalam's CV.








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