We are honored to have a diverse group of thought leaders, innovators, and experts joining us from around the globe. Your insights and contributions are at the heart of this conference, driving forward the conversations that will shape the future of education, engineering, and agriculture. Lets get to know more about our speakers.
Our Keynote Speaker
PROFESSOR JUDE WILLIAM R. GENILO, PHD
Pro Vice Chancellor
Professor, Dean, School of Social Science and Head, Media Studies and Journalism Department
Director, Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh – Dhaka, Bangladesh
Professor Dr. Jude William R. Genilo is an experienced academic and communication expert currently serving as the Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB). He has been a critical figure at ULAB since 2009, holding positions such as Dean of the School of Social Science and Head of the Media Studies and Journalism Department. Dr. Genilo earned his Ph.D. in Communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman, and his career spans various leadership roles in educational institutions across Asia. His expertise lies in development communication, media studies, and communication for social change, focusing on integrating local knowledge systems and promoting participatory governance through media. He has authored several books and scholarly articles and contributed to international conferences on digital inclusion, crisis communication, and sustainable development. Additionally, Dr. Genilo has received multiple awards for his academic contributions, including the Vice Chancellor Award for Excellence at ULAB. He has also been a Visiting Fellow at international institutions such as the Deutsche Welle Akademie. Professor Dr. Jude William R. Genilo’s extensive experience, academic achievements, and leadership in communication and media studies make him a significant figure in the realm of development communication and educational leadership. His work continues to impact the field through both his scholarly contributions and his commitment to integrating communication strategies with social change.
Plenary Speaker
DR. MARK PAUL SELDA RIVAREZ
Balik Scientist, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)
Young Researcher, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana
Dr. Mark Paul Selda Rivarez is a leading scientist with a rich and diverse background in virology, plant pathology, biotechnology, metagenomics, and bioinformatics. His role as a Scientist Fellow at the Philippine Genome Center and the University of the Philippines Visayas highlights his significant contributions to advancing scientific knowledge and application in these fields.
He has worked in research roles across Slovenia, Spain, France, and the USA. Dr. Rivarez earned his Doctor of Science from the National Institute of Biology, Slovenia, focusing on virology and metagenomics, and he holds a master’s degree in plant pathology from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. His research interests focus on agroecosystem viromes and microbiomes, aiming to enhance agroecological health and disease preparedness. He has led and contributed to multiple high-impact research projects, including studies on plant viromes and virus-host interactions, and has trained numerous students and researchers. His work has been published in prestigious journals, and he frequently presents at international conferences.
DR. PETER JAMES ICALIA GANN
Gene Editing,
Microbial and Plant Genomics and Transcriptomics,
Medical Molecular Biology
Mariano Marcos State University, Philippines
Fredie Mar S. Gann is an accomplished Associate Professor specializing in cell and molecular biology, currently leading the Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory at the College of Medicine, Mariano Marcos State University, Philippines. He holds a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Arkansas and has contributed significantly to genetic engineering, focusing on CRISPR/Cas9 technologies for crop improvement. His research spans various areas, including genetic diversity in livestock and plant molecular breeding, with a strong publication record. In addition to his research achievements, Dr. Gann is an award-winning researcher and educator. His extensive experience in mentoring students and leading innovative projects in molecular biology demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field and nurturing the next generation of scientists.Overall, Dr. Fredie Mar S. Gann’s expertise in genetic engineering, particularly with CRISPR/Cas9 technologies, coupled with his dedication to education and research, makes him a notable figure in cell and molecular biology. His leadership in the Genomics and Genetic Engineering Laboratory and his contributions to both scientific research and education reflect his significant impact on the field.
MR. DIKKY ANTONIUS HUTAURUK
Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Universitas Kristen Indonesia
Introducing Dikky Antonius Hutauruk, a distinguished academic and engineer with extensive experience in mechanical engineering. Currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Kristen Indonesia, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Universitas Kristen Indonesia and master’s degree from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. Dikky has contributed significantly to both academia and industry, specializing in areas such as Solidworks, SEM operations, and metallurgy.
With numerous publications in national and international journals, his research spans topics from the structural and electrical properties of coatings to innovative designs in power plant maintenance and solar distillation systems. He has presented his work at various conferences, including the International Thin Film Conference and the Nommensen International Conference of Technology and Engineering. Dikky is also dedicated to teaching, having educated students in subjects like calculus, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and numerical analysis at UKI. His expertise in both practical and theoretical aspects of mechanical engineering make him a leading figure in engineering education and research. Additionally, Dikky possesses advanced skills in software tools like Solidworks, MATLAB, and AutoCAD, and is proficient in English, enhancing his ability to collaborate and communicate in the global engineering community. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Peter James Icalia Gann.
MR. MIHAI OGNEAN
Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Engineering
Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Mihai Ognean, a distinguished researcher from the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Food Engineering at Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu. Mihai’s expertise spans Baking Technology, Food Science, Environmental Science, and Waste Management. He is currently leading the innovative project “Knowledge Triangle for Food Innovation by Harnessing Tradition and Assuring Sustainability (KNOWinFOOD),” which focuses on creating functional foods and gluten-free bread.
Mihai’s research not only explores traditional food practices but also integrates modern scientific advancements to enhance food quality and sustainability. His dedication to advancing the field is evident through his work, which aims to balance innovation with environmental stewardship. Mihai has made significant contributions to understanding the complexities of food production and waste management, making him a leading figure in his field.
DR. JESHURUN ASHER M. TARUN
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana
State University
Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to introduce Dr. Jeshurun Asher M. Tarun, a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology at Louisiana State University. Dr. Tarun holds a Ph.D. in Crop Sciences from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he specialized in functional genomics and explored the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in rice. With extensive experience in transcriptome and gene co-expression network analysis, Dr. Tarun has applied cutting-edge functional genomics tools to a variety of crops, including Phragmites, soybean, and rice.
Dr. Tarun’s impressive career includes notable positions at prestigious institutions, such as the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and the International Rice Research Institute. At these institutions, he led significant projects on gene expression and variant annotation in crop species. His research has greatly enhanced our understanding of plant responses to environmental stress and has been published in high-impact journals.
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Dr. Tarun has been a proactive contributor to the scientific community. He has served as a Balik Scientist in the Philippines, sharing his expertise in advanced transcriptomics methodologies and collaborating on the analysis of improved rice mutant lines. His work has been instrumental in developing innovative techniques for improving crop resilience and productivity.
Dr. Tarun’s dedication to advancing plant science and biotechnology is evident in his prolific academic output, numerous collaborations, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists. He is a skilled researcher with a passion for discovering new solutions to global agricultural challenges. Please join me in welcoming our distinguished speaker, Dr. Jeshurun Asher M. Tarun.
Ir. Kukuh Kurniawan Dwi Sungkono, ST., M.Eng
Assistant Professor
Lecturer & Researcher
Professional Engineer – Civil & Structural
Universitas Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta
Ir. Kukuh Kurniawan Dwi Sungkono, ST., M.Eng, is a distinguished civil and structural engineer with a robust academic and professional background. His educational journey from Semarang State University to Gadjah Mada University reflects a deep commitment to advancing his expertise, particularly as he pursues his PhD.
He has extensive experience in teaching and research, particularly in building materials, reinforced concrete, and structural engineering. Additionally, he is skilled in various engineering software like SAP2000, ETABS, AutoCAD, and Tekla Structure. He has worked on numerous projects, including design and analysis for public infrastructure, industrial buildings, and civil works with organizations like PT Krakatau Engineering and CV. Hadikusumo Cipta Persada. He is also actively involved in professional organizations such as the Indonesian Association of Civil and Structural Engineering and the Institution of Engineers Indonesia. His research focuses on innovative building materials, such as geopolymer concrete and rice husk ash in construction, and he has published several papers in these areas.
Hans Rolland Yemadje, PhD
Catalyste+ Advisor
Quebec, Canada
Dr. Hans Rolland Yemadje is an expert in political ecology, focusing on soil and water quality, environmental vulnerability, and sustainability. He has extensive experience in project management, having worked as a project manager for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry in Quebec, Canada, and previously for Englobe Corp. His academic background includes a PhD from Wageningen University, where he researched the political ecology of oil palm cropping systems in Benin. Fluent in French and English, he has a strong command of research tools like ArcGIS, R, and PowerBi.Dr. Yemadje’s combination of academic rigor, practical experience, and communication skills makes him a valuable asset in the field of political ecology and environmental sustainability.