Ms. Abhishiktha Chiliveru | Renewable Energy and Fuel Cells | Best Researcher Award

Ariel University | Israel

Ms. Abhishiktha Chiliveru is a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, and Materials at Ariel University, Israel, under the supervision of Professor Rivka Cahan. Her current research focuses on advancing sustainable bioenergy by studying nanoparticles-fed Geobacter sulfurreducens biofilms in microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) for enhanced hydrogen production. She previously worked as a Project Associate at CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, contributing to projects on lipid production from oleaginous yeast, microbial diversity in anaerobic digestion, and high-rate biomethanation of organic wastes for bioenergy generation. Abhishiktha earned her M.Sc. in Microbiology from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, after completing a B.Sc. in Microbiology, Genetics, and Chemistry from Osmania University. Her strong academic foundation is complemented by hands-on expertise in microbial electrochemical systems, anaerobic digestion, microbial isolation, and advanced instrumentation techniques such as confocal microscopy, UV-VIS spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering. She has actively participated in several international and national conferences, workshops, and symposiums, including the 5th MEEP Symposium in Switzerland. Her research interests span bioremediation, solid waste management, wastewater treatment, and bioenergy recovery, with a focus on applying microbial systems for environmental sustainability. Abhishiktha’s dedication to innovative microbial technologies reflects her commitment to advancing green energy solutions.

Author Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Hirsch, L.O., Gandu, B., Chiliveru, A., Dubrovin, I.A., Rozenfeld, S., Schechter, A., & Cahan, R. (2024). “The performance of a modified anode using a combination of kaolin and graphite nanoparticles in microbial fuel cells.” Microorganisms

Dubrovin, I.A., Hirsch, L.O., Chiliveru, A., Jukanti, A., Rozenfeld, S., Schechter, A., & Cahan, R. (2024). “Microbial electrolysis cells based on a bacterial anode encapsulated with a dialysis bag including graphite particles.” Microorganisms

Hirsch, L.O., Gandu, B., Chiliveru, A., Dubrovin, I.A., Jukanti, A., Schechter, A., & Cahan, R. (2024). “Hydrogen production in microbial electrolysis cells using an alginate hydrogel bioanode encapsulated with a filter bag.” Polymers

Vemparala, G., Chiliveru, A., Begum, S., Al Amri, M.B.F., & Anupoju, G.R. (2025). “Analyzing and optimizing the lipids production potential of the oleaginous yeast Candida neerlandica from synthetic carbon sources and real wastes.” Next Research

Juntupally, S., Begum, S., Chiliveru, A., Arelli, V., & Anupoju, G.R. (2022). “Relative evaluation of FeCl₃ salts and its nanoparticles on methane yield and sulphide inhibition control during biomethanation of distillery spent wash.” Journal of Water Process Engineering

Chiliveru, A., Yadav, M.K., Ebenezer, J., Jukanti, A., Bar Hanun, E., Borenstein, A., Schechter, A., & Cahan, R. (2025). “Current generation in microbial electrolysis cells based on an abiotic anode and planktonic G. sulfurreducens in the presence of suspended reduced graphene oxide and activated ….” Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Bar-Hanun, E., Hanya, E., Chiliveru, A., & Cahan, R. (2025). “The influence of moderate electroporation on E. coli membrane permeability.” Microorganisms

Dr. Chinenyenwa Fortune Chukwuneme | Computational Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

University of South Africa | South Africa

Dr. Chinenyenwa Fortune Chukwuneme is a dedicated researcher in biology and biotechnology whose work spans microbial ecology, metagenomics, and drug discovery. She earned her PhD in Biology from North-West University, South Africa, focusing on metagenomic analyses of microbial communities and functional genes in maize rhizosphere soils. She also holds an MSc in Biology (cum laude) from the same institution, where she studied the role of actinomycetes in alleviating drought stress in maize, and earlier completed degrees in Microbiology and Industrial Chemistry. Her professional journey includes roles as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of South Africa, where she investigates the therapeutic potential of Berberis vulgaris alkaloids against human and viral protein targets, and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Vaal University of Technology, where she applied advanced sequencing technologies to cancer research. She has also contributed to malaria drug target discovery as a Research Associate at North-West University and published extensively in microbial biotechnology. Her research interests encompass metagenomics, microbial-plant interactions, molecular drug discovery, and computational biology. Recognized with several awards, including NRF postdoctoral grants and international travel fellowships, she continues to advance impactful research aimed at improving agriculture, health, and drug discovery.

Featured Publications

Chukwuneme, C.F., & Babalola, O.O. (2025). “Microbial diversity and function in the rhizosphere microbiome: Driving forces and monitoring approaches.” Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment.

Chukwuneme, C.F., & Gildenhuys, S. (2025). “Systems analysis of Berberis vulgaris alkaloids unveils their functional synergy and drug-like potential.” Computational Biology and Chemistry.

Adeniji, A.A., Chukwuneme, C.F., Conceição, E.C., Ayangbenro, A.S., Wilkinson, E., Maasdorp, E., de Oliveira, T., Babalola, O.O., & Núñez-Montero, K. (2025). “Unveiling novel features and phylogenomic assessment of indigenous Priestia megaterium AB-S79 using comparative genomics.” Microbiology Spectrum.

Rayise, S.S., Chukwuneme, C.F., Takaidza, S., & Ssemakalu, C. (2024). “A holistic view on erectile dysfunction: South African medicinal plants as sustainable alternative therapies.” Journal of Natural Remedies.

Chukwuneme, C.F., Ayangbenro, A.S., Venturi, V., Glick, B.R., & Babalola, O.O. (2024). “Potential innovations from the application of beneficial soil microbes to promote sustainable crop production.” Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai Biologia.

Amoo, A.E., Olanrewaju, O.S., Babalola, O.O., Ajilogba, C.F., Chukwuneme, C.F., Ojuederie, O.B., & Omomowo, O.I. (2023). “The functionality of plant-microbe interactions in disease suppression.” Journal of King Saud University – Science.

Ayangbenro, A.S., Chukwuneme, C.F., Ayilara, M.S., Kutu, F.R., Khantsi, M., Adeleke, B.S., Glick, B.R., & Babalola, O.O. (2022). “Harnessing the rhizosphere soil microbiome of organically amended soil for plant productivity.” Agronomy.