Liliana Aguilar-Marcelino | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Research Scientist

Dr. Liliana Aguilar Marcelino | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Lider De Investigacion | Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales Agricolas y Pecuarias | Mexico

Dr. Liliana Aguilar Marcelino is an experienced researcher in parasitology, biotechnology, and veterinary sciences with a strong academic and professional background. She completed her Licenciatura in Biology at Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, followed by a Master’s degree in Animal Parasitology at the same university, and a Doctorate in Ciencias with specialization in Recursos Genéticos y Productividad, Ganadería at Colegio de Postgraduados. She has served as an Investigadora Titular “C” at INIFAP, where she leads projects on parasitic diseases, edible mushrooms, and biological control methods, and also contributes as a postgraduate professor at UAEM in courses related to biocontrol and biotechnology. Her research interests focus on sustainable parasitology, animal health, biotechnological applications of fungi, and the development of eco-friendly alternatives for parasite management. She has received multiple distinctions, including the Medalla Emiliano Zapata Salazar and recognition from CONACYT as Investigador Nacional Nivel 2. Her professional contributions also extend to international collaborations, editorial roles, and leadership positions such as treasurer of the Sociedad Mexicana de Parasitólogos Veterinarios. With strong research skills in molecular biology, metabolomics, bioinformatics, and biotechnological innovation, she has authored impactful publications in journals like Helminthologia, Heliyon, Acta Tropica, and World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. She has also been actively engaged in mentoring, scientific communication, and global research networks. Her academic influence and societal contributions are reflected in 1,082 citations by 103 documents and an h-index of 20.

Profile : ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

1.Castañeda-Ramírez, G. S., López-Guillén, G., Aguilar-Marcelino, L., Siu-Rivas, A., & Cruz-López, L. (2024). Insecticidal effect of metabolites identified in edible mushrooms against Rhyssomatus nigerrimus Fahraeus. Brazilian Journal of Biology.

2.Pineda-Alegría, J. A., Peña-Rodríguez, L. M., Cardoso-Taketa, A., Sánchez, J. E., Torres-Acosta, J. F. de J., Hernández-Bolio, G. I., Ortiz-Caltempa, A., Villarreal, M. L., & Aguilar-Marcelino, L. (2024). 1H-NMR metabolomic study of the mushroom Pleurotus djamor for the identification of nematocidal compounds. Pharmaceuticals, 17(5), 580.

3.Aguilar-Marcelino, L., Torres-Acosta, J. F. J., Sandoval-Castro, C. A., Sánchez, J. E., González-Cortazar, M., Mancilla-Montelongo, M. G., González-Pech, P. G., Pineda-Alegría, J. A., Ventura-Cordero, J., & Castañeda-Ramírez, G. S. (2023). Research on chemical compounds from edible mushrooms for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes and phytoparasites. Tropical and Subtropical Agroecosystems, 26(3), e4611.

4.Cruz-Vázquez, C., Maldonado-López, L., Vitela-Mendoza, I., Medina-Esparza, L., Aguilar-Marcelino, L., & de Velasco-Reyes, I. (2023). Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors in different populations of dogs from Aguascalientes, Mexico. Acta Parasitologica, 68(3), 1043–1051.

5.García Rubio, V. G., Aguilar Marcelino, L., Andrade Gallegos, R. H., Sánchez Vázquez, J. E., & Ojeda Carrasco, J. J. (2023). Propiedades nutracéuticas de Pleurotus spp.: Aplicaciones en la ovinocultura en la Región de Amecameca. Revista de Iniciación Científica, 9(1), 3548.

Dr. Sangeeth Maduranga Bandara Rathnayaka Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage | Agricultural Award | Excellence in Research

Published on by Research Scientist

Dr. Sangeeth Maduranga Bandara Rathnayaka Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage | Agricultural Award | Excellence in Research 

Dr. Sangeeth Maduranga Bandara Rathnayaka Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage, Sri Lanka Technology Campus, Sri Lanka

Dr. R.M.S.M.B. Rathnayaka is a Sri Lankan agricultural scientist and academic specializing in crop science, bioresource science, and sustainable agriculture. He earned his Ph.D. from Shinshu University, Japan, in 2021, following an M.Sc. in Bioresource Science from the same institution and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. With extensive experience in research and academia, he has held roles as a research assistant, teaching assistant, and advisor in floriculture, landscaping, and medicinal plant projects. Currently, he serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agricultural Science at SLTC Research University, where he also leads the Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Research Center (SEARC). His expertise spans agricultural research, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, contributing to international projects such as DIGITAsia under the Erasmus+ Programme.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SCOPUS

Suitability for Excellence in Research

Dr. R.M.S.M.B. Rathnayaka is a highly qualified researcher with a strong academic background, including a Ph.D. and M.Sc. from Shinshu University, Japan, and a B.Sc. from the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. His expertise in agricultural sciences, particularly in plant physiology, stress tolerance, and sustainable farming, is evident through his numerous research publications in high-impact journals. His work on Capsicum spp., organic fertilizers, and climate resilience in agriculture demonstrates his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. Given his extensive research contributions, leadership roles, and international collaborations, he is a suitable candidate for Excellence in Research recognition.

🎓 Educational Qualifications

📌 Ph.D. – Graduate School of Medicine, Science, and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Japan (2021)
📌 M.Sc. (Bioresource Science) – Faculty of Agriculture, Shinshu University, Japan (2018)
📌 B.Sc. (Agric. Hons, Specializing in Crop Science) – University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka (2010)
📌 GCE A/L – St. Thomas’s College, Matara (2005)

💼 Work Experience

🌿 Floriculture and Landscaping Advisor – Ruhuna Business Incubator (Pvt.) Ltd. (2009 – 2010)
🌱 Research Assistant – Medicinal Plant Project, University of Ruhuna (2010 – 2011)
🧪 Department Research Assistant & Research Partner (Tissue Culture Lab) – University of Ruhuna (2011 – 2012)
🏫 Academic Sub Warden – Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna (2011 – 2012)
🔬 Assistant Manager (Agricultural Research) – Link Natural Products (PVT) Ltd, Colombo (2012 – 2015)
📚 Teaching Assistant – Shinshu University, Japan (2016 – 2018)
🔍 Research Assistant – Shinshu University, Japan (2018 – 2021)
👨‍🏫 Senior Lecturer (Gr II) – School of Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, SLTC Research University (2022 – 2024)
🌍 Researcher –
🔹 Improving Access to Science and Technology Higher Education (TEAL 2.0 Project) (2023)
🔹 Project DIGITAsia (Co-funded by Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union) (2025 – Present)
🌿 Center Lead – Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Research Center (SEARC), SLTC Research University (2022 – Present)
🎓 Senior Student Counselor – SLTC Research University (2023 – Present)
📖 Senior Lecturer (Gr I), Department of Agricultural Science – SLTC Research University (2024 – Present)

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors

💻 Diploma in Computer Science – Golden Key Institute, Matara (2009)
📜 Certificate in English for Employment – University of Ruhuna, Matara (2008)
🎼 Initial Grade in Solo Piano – Trinity College London, Matara (1998)
🎶 Music Theory Grade I (Distinction) – Trinity College London, Colombo (1998)
🇯🇵 Proficiency in Japanese – Nagano International Culture College, Japan (2016)

Publication Top Notes:

Relationship between water supply and sugar and Capsaicinoids contents in fruit of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

CITED:14

Drought stress induced an increase in the pungency and expression of capsaicinoid biosynthesis genes in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

CITED:12

Relationship between salinity stress and the contents of sugar, glutamic acid and capsaicinoids in the fruit of chili pepper (Capsicum spp.)

CITED:9

Collaborative exploration of plant genetic resources in northern Cambodia, 2018

CITED:8

Relationship between the soluble solids metric Brix and other traits in Capsicum peppers

CITED:3