Keabetswe Ncube | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Keabetswe Ncube | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Post Doctoral Researcher at Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

Dr. Keabetswe Ncube is a distinguished geneticist and postdoctoral research fellow at Tshwane University of Technology, specializing in goat genomics, transcriptomics, and livestock improvement. She holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and has made significant contributions to animal genetics through her research on growth performance, meat science, and genomic selection. Her work has been recognized with numerous grants, scholarships, and awards, including the Junior Chamber International Top Young Persons Award and the Inspiring50 South Africa recognition. Dr. Ncube has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and presented at international conferences, demonstrating her expertise in bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing, and livestock breeding. With extensive research and teaching experience, she has also mentored postgraduate students and collaborated on international projects. Passionate about advancing agricultural genomics, she actively engages in community-based breeding programs and science outreach initiatives, making her a leading figure in animal genetics and biotechnology.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Keabetswe Ncube has a strong academic background in genetics and biotechnology. She earned her PhD in Genetics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2020, focusing on gene expression profiling of South African indigenous goat breeds to identify genes associated with growth and meat quality traits. Prior to that, she completed her MSc in Life Sciences at the University of South Africa in 2016, where she researched the maternal lineages and genetic diversity of the growth hormone gene in South African goat populations. Her undergraduate studies were at Tshwane University of Technology, where she obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology in 2012 and a National Diploma in Biotechnology in 2011. Her academic journey has equipped her with expertise in genomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, and molecular genetics, laying the foundation for her impactful research in livestock genetics and animal science.

Professional Experience

Dr. Keabetswe Ncube has extensive professional experience in animal genetics, biotechnology, and research development. Currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Tshwane University of Technology, she focuses on livestock genomics and breeding strategies. She has previously worked as a Genomics Specialist at Inqaba Biotechnical (ZooOmics), where she applied advanced molecular techniques to animal genetic research. She also served as an Associate Medical Writer at Nucleus Global in the UK. Her earlier experience includes roles at the Agricultural Research Council, where she contributed to genome-wide studies, RNA sequencing, and livestock breeding programs. Dr. Ncube has also been actively involved in community-based breeding programs, assisting farmers in genetic selection and livestock improvement. Additionally, she has worked as a laboratory assistant in microbiology and quality control roles at Mageu Number 1 and Tshwane University of Technology. Her diverse professional background highlights her expertise in research, academia, industry applications, and science communication.

Research Interest

Dr. Keabetswe Ncube’s research interests focus on animal genetics, genomics, and livestock improvement, with a particular emphasis on indigenous South African goat breeds. Her work explores transcriptomics, functional genomics, and population genetics to enhance meat quality, growth performance, and overall livestock productivity. She specializes in next-generation sequencing, genome-wide association studies, and RNA sequencing to identify genetic markers linked to economically important traits. Dr. Ncube is also passionate about applying genomic tools to improve animal breeding programs, particularly in community-based settings. Her research extends to meat genomics, carcass quality, and the genetic factors influencing livestock adaptation to environmental stress. Additionally, she is involved in investigating the medicinal properties of goat milk and its potential applications in health and cosmetics. Through her work, she aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical agricultural advancements, ultimately contributing to sustainable livestock farming and food security in Africa.

Award and Honor

Dr. Keabetswe Ncube has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her contributions to genetics and animal science research. She was a recipient of the Gauteng Department of Rural Development Grant in 2011 and secured multiple scholarships, including the National Research Foundation Innovation Masters’ Scholarship (2013-2014) and the Agricultural Research Council Professional Development Doctoral Grant (2017-2020). Her academic excellence earned her the Junior Chamber International Top Young Persons of the Year Award in 2017 and the 1st Prize for Best PhD Scientific Poster at the ARC Professional Development Programme in 2018. She was named among the Inspiring50 South Africa in 2021 and recognized as one of the Sunday World Heroic Women in 2022. Further solidifying her impact in STEM, she was honored as one of the “10 Most Inspiring and Impactful STEM Women World Changers” in 2023, reflecting her dedication to advancing science and mentorship.

Research Skill

Dr. Keabetswe Ncube possesses a diverse range of advanced research skills in genetics, bioinformatics, and animal science. She is proficient in statistical bioinformatics data analysis using tools such as SAS and R, as well as specialized genomics software like BEAGLE, AMOVA, and Arlequin. Her expertise includes next-generation sequencing, RNA isolation, transcriptional profiling, Sanger sequencing, and Illumina Infinium SNP chip genotyping. She has extensive experience in functional and population genomics, primer design, rolling circle amplification, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for livestock improvement. Additionally, she has conducted field sampling, blood collection, and genetic diversity analyses. Beyond laboratory work, she has applied her research skills in community-based breeding programs and livestock growth performance monitoring. With her strong communication abilities and experience in lecturing advanced animal breeding and genetics, she seamlessly integrates research with education, contributing to the development of future scientists while advancing genetic research in livestock production.

Conclusion

Dr. Keabetswe Ncube demonstrates outstanding research excellence, with a strong record in genetics, publications, and awards. Her impact extends beyond academia into community engagement and policy influence. To further strengthen her candidacy, expanding interdisciplinary collaborations, securing leadership roles in global organizations, and increasing industry contributions would elevate her profile.

Publications Top Noted

  • Carcass quality profiles and associated genomic regions of South African goat populations investigated using goat SNP50K genotypesKT Ncube, EF Dzomba, K Hadebe, P Soma, L Frylinck, FC Muchadeyi (2022) Cited by: 12
  • Goat farmers’ production objectives and trait preferences in the North West province of South Africa: An approach to identify selection criteria for a community-based breeding programTF Mtshali, ON Mapholi, KT Ncube, EF Dzomba, TC Matelele, TC Chokoe, et al. (2021) Cited by: 9
  • Relationship between population genomic structure and growth profiles of South African goats under different production systemsKT Ncube, K Hadebe, EF Dzomba, P Soma, L Frylinck, FC Muchadeyi (2020) Cited by: 8
  • Targeted high‐throughput growth hormone 1 gene sequencing reveals high within‐breed genetic diversity in South African goatsKT Ncube, K Mdladla, EF Dzomba, FC Muchadeyi (2016) Cited by: 8
  • Differential gene expression and identification of growth-related genes in the pituitary gland of South African goatsKT Ncube, EF Dzomba, BD Rosen, SG Schroeder, CP Van Tassell, et al. (2022) Cited by: 7
  • Polymorphism of the major histocompatibility complex and genetic structure of Southern African village chicken populationsKT Ncube, PJ Jooste, P Soma, EF Dzomba, FC Muchadeyi (2014) Cited by: 7
  • Genomics for the improvement of productivity and robustness of South African goat breedsEF Dzomba, K Mdladla, KT Ncube, FC Muchadeyi (2017) Cited by: 5
  • Gene Expression Profiling of South African Indigenous Goat Breeds Using RNA-Seq Technologies in Search of Genes Associated with Growth and Carcass Quality TraitsKT Ncube (2020) Cited by: 3
  • Maternal lineages and diversity of the growth hormone gene of South African goat populationsKT Ncube (2016) Cited by: 2
  • Genomic Advancements in Assessing Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Carcass Characteristics of Goats in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic ReviewKT Ncube, KA Nephawe, TJ Mpofu, NJ Monareng, MM Mofokeng, et al. (2025) Cited by: N/A
  • Genomic Tools for Medicinal Properties of Goat Milk for Cosmetic and Health Benefits: A Narrative ReviewKT Ncube, MC Modiba, TJ Mpofu, KA Nephawe, B Mtileni (2025) Cited by: N/A

 

Lizhi Deng | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Lizhi Deng | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

 Research Assistant at Institute of Agri-food Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, China

Mr. Lizhi Deng, born on June 22, 1999, is an accomplished researcher pursuing a Master’s in Food Engineering at China Agricultural University, specializing in postharvest physiology and preservation of fruits and vegetables. With a strong academic foundation, including international exposure at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he has demonstrated excellence through a solid GPA and a second-class professional scholarship. Mr. Deng has authored multiple publications in high-impact journals, such as Food Chemistry and Postharvest Biology and Technology, focusing on innovative techniques like encapsulated microcapsules and cold-induced lenticel disorder analysis. His professional experience includes roles as a research assistant at prestigious institutions and contributions to quality control in the biotechnology and brewing industries. Proficient in technical tools and scientific writing, he blends theoretical expertise with practical application. With a commitment to advancing sustainable food systems and agricultural technology, Mr. Deng exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in food science research.

Professional Profile 

Education

Mr. Lizhi Deng has a robust educational background in food science and engineering, complemented by international academic exposure. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Food Engineering at China Agricultural University (2022–2024), focusing on postharvest physiology, fruit and vegetable preservation, and advanced materials. With a commendable GPA of 3.62 (ranked 17/66), he has excelled in courses such as scientific writing and modern food processing technology. Previously, he studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2020–2021), where he majored in Food Science and Technology, achieving a GPA of 3.78 (top 20%) and gaining expertise in food chemistry, microbiology, and product development. Mr. Deng began his academic journey at Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University (2017–2020), earning a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science and Engineering with a GPA of 3.59 (top 20%). His diverse academic pursuits reflect his dedication to mastering the science behind sustainable and innovative food systems.

Professional Experience

Mr. Lizhi Deng has gained diverse professional experience in research and quality control across esteemed institutions and industries. Currently, he serves as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Agricultural Processing and Nutrition, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, where he focuses on postharvest physiology, storage, and logistics for fruit preservation. His work contributes to advancing key technologies in food science. Previously, he worked at Wuxi Biologics in the Department of Technical Quality, where he designed test plans for external projects, conducted process verifications, and performed experiments such as capillary gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography under GMP systems. Additionally, Mr. Deng was a Laboratory Technician at Urbrew Craft Beer Co. Ltd., where he conducted microbial detection and optimized beer fermentation quality by analyzing bacterial contamination. His professional journey highlights a strong blend of research innovation and practical application, demonstrating his commitment to advancing food science and technology.

Research Interest

Mr. Lizhi Deng’s research interests lie at the intersection of postharvest physiology, fruit and vegetable preservation, and advanced material development. His work focuses on exploring innovative methods to enhance the storage life and quality of perishable produce, contributing to sustainable food systems. He is particularly passionate about integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as encapsulated microcapsules and bioactive compounds, to mitigate postharvest losses and improve disease resistance in fruits. His research also extends to investigating cold-induced disorders in stored produce using transcriptomics and metabolomics, offering valuable insights into molecular mechanisms that impact shelf life. Additionally, Mr. Deng is interested in optimizing food quality through the application of natural compounds like caffeic acid to preserve nutritional value and aroma profiles. By blending his expertise in material science, food chemistry, and microbiology, Mr. Deng aims to drive innovations in food processing and preservation that address global challenges in food security and sustainability.

Award and Honor

Mr. Lizhi Deng has earned notable recognition for his academic and research excellence throughout his educational journey. As a Master’s candidate at China Agricultural University, he was awarded the second-class professional scholarship for his outstanding performance in the field of Food Engineering, ranking 17th among 66 peers with a GPA of 3.62. His dedication to advancing food science is further highlighted by his active participation in the World Cherry Academic Conference, where he engaged with leading experts in the field. Mr. Deng’s exceptional academic achievements also extend to his undergraduate studies, where he consistently ranked in the top 20% of his cohorts at both the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University. These accolades underscore his commitment to academic rigor, research innovation, and his growing impact in the field of food science, establishing him as a promising researcher with significant potential for future contributions.

Conclusion

Lizhi Deng’s academic excellence, impactful research, and professional expertise make them a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Their contributions to postharvest physiology and preservation technologies demonstrate innovative thinking and a commitment to addressing critical challenges in food science.

With a focus on expanding the practical impact of their research and taking on leadership roles, Lizhi Deng has the potential to emerge as a pioneering figure in food engineering and agricultural research. Thus, they are a deserving contender for this recognition.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveal the role of 5-aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride in suppressing postharvest decay development in sweet cherry
    Authors: Zhang, S., Xu, R., Golding, J.B., Liang, L., Wang, B.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Transcriptomics integrated with metabolomics analysis of cold-induced lenticel disorder via the lignin pathway upon postharvest ‘Xinli No.7’ pear fruit
    Authors: Xu, R., Zhou, J., Deng, L., Golding, J.B., Wang, B.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Caffeic acid enhances the postharvest quality by maintaining the nutritional features and improving the aroma volatiles for nectarine fruit
    Authors: Lu, J., Wang, H., Zhang, Y., Wang, B., Jiang, W.
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 0
  • Title: Calcium alginate-encapsulated propolis microcapsules: Optimization, characterization, and preservation effects on postharvest sweet cherry
    Authors: Deng, L., Xu, R., Zhang, S., Jiang, W., Wang, B.
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 0