Oluwakemi Florence Falana | Technological Networks | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Oluwakemi Florence Falana | Technological Networks | Young Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology Akure | Nigeria

Author Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Oluwakemi Florence Falana began her academic journey at Temidire Nursery and Primary School, Ondo (1990–1995) before proceeding to St. Louis Secondary School, Ondo State (1995–2001). Her passion for science and human health drove her into the field of Food Science and Technology, starting with a National Diploma at Ondo State Polytechnic (2003–2005). She further earned her B.Tech (Hons) degree from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (2006–2010), followed by an MSc at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife (2011–2014). Her academic progression culminated in a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology (Human Nutrition) from FUTA in 2025, demonstrating her consistency, focus, and dedication to specialized research in human nutrition.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Falana’s professional development has been enriched through academic research, conference participation, and active engagement with national professional bodies. Her membership with the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (since 2008) and the Nigerian Society of Nutrition (2025) reflects her professional recognition. Her NYSC service and training in reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention further highlight her community-oriented professional development.

Contributions and Research Focus

Her research primarily explores the nutritional, functional, and therapeutic potentials of underutilized crops such as breadfruit, cassava, and African yam beans. She has consistently examined how these food resources can be enriched and processed to combat malnutrition, obesity, diabetes, and cholesterol-related conditions. Her doctoral thesis (2025) on poundo-breadfruit enriched with legumes and brans demonstrates an innovative approach to food diversification and functional food development.

Impact and Influence

Through her scholarly contributions, Dr. Falana has provided evidence-based insights into functional foods that can address nutritional deficiencies and lifestyle-related diseases. Her journal publications on proximate, mineral, sensory, and functional evaluations of enriched breadfruit-based meals are valuable references for both industry practitioners and academic researchers. By presenting her works in international conferences, she has contributed to discussions on sustainable food systems and innovative dietary solutions for Africa.

Academic Cites

Her published works in reputable journals such as Food Chemistry Advances and Acta Universitatis Sapientiae, Alimentaria stand as academic milestones. These contributions not only expand the scope of knowledge in food science but also serve as citable references for future research on food functionality, product development, and nutrition interventions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Falana’s academic legacy lies in her ability to bridge traditional foods with modern nutritional science, promoting healthier dietary alternatives for African communities. Her research on the valorization of underutilized crops positions her as a contributor to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). In the future, her work is likely to influence policy formulation, curriculum development, and industrial applications in food processing and nutrition.

Conclusion

Dr. Oluwakemi Florence Falana represents a dynamic scholar whose academic growth, research contributions, and professional engagements highlight her as a promising figure in food science and nutrition. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied research, her influence is poised to extend beyond academia into practical solutions that address malnutrition, chronic diseases, and food sustainability challenges. Her trajectory suggests that she will continue to leave a lasting impact on the academic community, industry, and society at large.

Notable Publications

“Quality evaluation and pasting properties of poundo-breadfruit blends enriched with African yam beans (Sphenostylis Stenocarpa Harms), wheat bran and rice bran flours" 

  • Author: Oluwakemi Florence Falana; Sunday Abiodun Malomo; Oluwole Steve Ijarotimi
  • Journal: Food Chemistry Advances
  • Year: 2025

 

Muhammad Saeed Iqbal | Network Resilience | Young Researcher Award

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Dr. Muhammad Saeed Iqbal | Network Resilience | Young Researcher Award

Meezan Bank Ltd. | Pakistan

Author Profile

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Dr. Muhammad Saeed Iqbal - Academic and Professional Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Muhammad Saeed Iqbal has consistently demonstrated a passion for research, administration, and finance from the early stages of his academic journey. His training in banking, finance, and research methodologies provided him with a strong foundation in quantitative analysis, credit risk management, and financial systems. With a keen interest in data analysis and statistical tools, he mastered software such as SPSS, STATA, EViews, and SMART PLS, becoming an expert in handling complex syntaxes and research modeling. His academic background reflects a dedication to bridging theoretical concepts with practical financial applications, particularly in the realm of Islamic banking and risk management.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Iqbal’s professional career is deeply rooted in the banking and finance industry, with progressive roles that illustrate his expertise and growth. Starting as an Intern at the National Bank of Pakistan (2012), he quickly moved into financial and administrative positions. He worked as a Branch Accountant and Loan Officer at ASA Pakistan Ltd, followed by his role as a Credit Risk Officer at NRSP Bank Ltd, where he developed expertise in risk assessment and management. His significant contributions came during his tenure at Meezan Bank Ltd, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank, where he served in various capacities including CIU Officer (Car Ijarah Department), CAD Officer (Credit Administration Department), and currently as a Credit Analyst (House Finance Department). Each role enriched his knowledge of Islamic financial instruments, risk management, and compliance practices, while also enhancing his practical application of research in banking operations.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Iqbal’s research primarily revolves around Islamic banking, credit risk management, financial performance, corporate governance, and sustainable finance. His publications extensively analyze the unique dynamics of Islamic financial systems in Pakistan, addressing themes such as:

  • Islamic house financing and Car Ijarah models

  • Shari’ah compliance in Zakat reserves and dividend regulations

  • Impact of corporate governance on capital structure

  • Credit risk and mortgage performance in Islamic banks

  • Sustainability through digital technologies in green supply chains

Beyond Islamic finance, he has explored diverse research domains, including organizational behavior, supply chain sustainability, monetary management in healthcare, and the role of social media in SMEs’ marketing strategies. This interdisciplinary approach reflects his versatility and intellectual curiosity.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Iqbal’s research has contributed to enhancing the understanding of Islamic banking practices in Pakistan, offering empirical insights that support regulatory frameworks and institutional decision-making. His findings on credit risk management and mortgage performance are valuable for both practitioners and policymakers aiming to strengthen Islamic financial systems. As an academic facilitator, he has conducted workshops on statistical and econometric tools, empowering faculty members and research students with advanced analytical skills. His role as a mentor in data-driven financial research further amplifies his influence on upcoming scholars in the field.

Academic Citations and Recognition

With numerous publications across reputed journals in Islamic finance, business studies, and economics, Dr. Iqbal’s work is being increasingly cited in both academic and professional contexts. His contributions to Journal of Applied Economics and Business Studies, Islamic Banking and Finance Review, COMSATS Journal of Islamic Finance, and International Journal of Management Research and Emerging Sciences underscore his recognition in scholarly circles. His papers are also available on global repositories such as SSRN, further extending his academic visibility.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Iqbal’s legacy lies in his commitment to strengthening Islamic financial systems through applied research and professional expertise. His dual experience in industry practice and academic scholarship positions him uniquely as a bridge between theory and practice. Going forward, his research is likely to expand into digital finance, fintech integration in Islamic banking, and sustainable development in financial institutions, areas that are rapidly transforming global financial landscapes. His ongoing dedication ensures that his contributions will continue to influence both academia and industry.

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Saeed Iqbal epitomizes the integration of academic excellence, professional expertise, and research-oriented practice. His journey from banking institutions to academic research showcases his unwavering dedication to financial innovation, risk management, and Islamic banking development. With a growing body of impactful publications and professional achievements, Dr. Iqbal stands as a significant contributor to the advancement of Islamic finance, sustainable banking, and applied economic research. His future endeavors promise to further shape the discourse in both scholarly and professional domains.

Notable Publications

“AI in Islamic finance: Global trends, ethical implications, and bibliometric insights" 

  • Author: MS Iqbal, FAMSB Sukamto, SNB Norizan, S Mahmood, A Fatima
  • Journal: Review of Islamic Social Finance and Entrepreneurship
  • Year: 2025

"Resilience in Islamic Microfinance: Examining Women, Organizations, and Agricultural Consumers’ Impact on Credit Risk" 

  • Author: MS Iqbal, SM Fikri‏
  • Journal: Journal of the Knowledge Economy
  • Year: 2025

"Examining financial well-being among students: Islamic social finance and theory of planned behavior approach" 

  • Author: SNB Norizan, NBA Bakar, MS Iqbal, IBM Idris
  • Journal: Review of Islamic Social Finance and Entrepreneurship
  • Year: 2025

"Impact of Globalisation, AI Adoption, and FinTech Integration on Banking Sector Performance and Customer Satisfaction in Post-COVID Pakistan" 

  • Author: MS Iqbal, SM Fikri
  • Journal: The Pakistan Development Review
  • Year: 2025

"Optimizing resilience: Impact of credit risk management on financial performance in Islamic banking" 

  • Author: A Iqbal, MS Iqbal, A Fatima, MA Ghori, S Tahir
  • Journal: Zakariya Journal of Social Science
  • Year: 2025