Priyanka Govender | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Ms.Priyanka Govender | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Excellence Award 

PhD candidate at University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Ms. Priyanka Govender is an emerging geneticist and molecular biologist whose research integrates forensic DNA analysis, epigenetics, human microbiome profiling, and biosensor development. She has authored 7 Scopus-indexed publications, receiving 64 citations with an h-index of 3. Her work spans machine learning applications in mitochondrial DNA relatedness, sex-specific DNA methylation, population-specific microbiome diversity, and electrochemical nanocomposite biosensors. She has contributed to high-impact journals including PLOS One, Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Gene, and World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Her research advances molecular forensics, precision diagnostics, and microbial biomarker discovery through innovative assay design, multiplex SNaPshot methodologies, and interdisciplinary analytical frameworks.

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Featured Publications

Mersha Kassa | Biology | Best Innovation Award

Mr. Mersha Kassa | Biology | Best Innovation Award

PhD candidate of Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Mersha Minwuyelet Kassa is a Ph.D. candidate in Biology Education at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. With over 12 years of experience as a teacher educator, he has played pivotal roles in academia and HIV/AIDS coordination at the college level. Mersha holds a Master’s degree in Biology from Bahir Dar University and has a strong research background in multimedia and dynamic classroom integrated instruction. He is also known for his innovative approach to teaching mathematics, as reflected in his publication, “Using Formula New Approach of Multiplication Table.” In addition to his teaching and research, Mersha has actively participated in several research teams and has presented his findings at international conferences. His work focuses on enhancing biology education through technology integration and addressing health issues within educational settings. 🌍📚

Publication Profile : 

Orcid

 

🎓 Educational Background :

Mersha Minwuyelet Kassa is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Biology Education at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, where he began his doctoral studies in March 2020. He earned his Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Biology from Bahir Dar University in July 2002 E.C. (Ethiopian Calendar), graduating with a cumulative GPA of 3.82. Before that, he completed a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree in Biology from the same university in August 1999 E.C., with a GPA of 3.28. Mersha also holds a Diploma in Biology from Bahir Dar University, obtained in June 1987 E.C., following his completion of secondary education at Debrework Senior Secondary School in East Gojjam, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.

💼 Professional Experience :

Mersha Minwuyelet Kassa has over two decades of professional experience in education, research, and leadership. Since November 2010, he has been a Lecturer at the College of Teachers Education, where he has contributed to the academic and professional development of future educators. Prior to this role, he worked as a Junior and High School Biology Teacher from September 1997 to November 2009 E.C., during which time he also taught preparatory school students. From 2003 to 2009 E.C., Mersha served as the HIV/AIDS Focal Person at Finote Selam College of Teacher Education, coordinating efforts to raise awareness and support HIV/AIDS prevention programs in collaboration with various NGOs. His leadership extended to serving as a research team member at the college from 2006 to 2007 E.C. He has shown a deep commitment to fostering educational development, conducting research, and engaging in community health initiatives.

📚 Research Interests : 

Mersha Minwuyelet Kassa’s research interests are primarily focused on improving educational outcomes through the use of technology and innovative teaching methodologies. His work includes exploring multimedia and dynamic classroom-integrated instruction, particularly in the teaching of biology. He is also interested in the intersection of health and education, as demonstrated by his research on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness among students. Mersha’s Master’s thesis examined the “Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacteria Isolated from Diarrheal Patients in Bahir Dar,” highlighting his interdisciplinary approach to both biology and public health. His publications and ongoing research contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of educational strategies and addressing critical health challenges in the education sector.

📝 Publication Top Notes :

  1. Mersha Minwuyelet (2014). Risk Factors and Role of Students to Prevent themselves from HIV/AIDS in Damot Preparatory School and Finote Selam. Proceeding of the National Research Symposium on Quality Education in Primary Schools 2011 – 2013, College of Teachers Education, Finote Selam, West Gojjam, Ethiopia, pp. 328 – 339.
  2. Mersha Minwuyelet (2018). Using Formula New Approach of Multiplication Table. International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering (IJASRE), Volume 4, Issue 8.
  3. Kassa, M. M., Azene, M. K., Mengstie, S. M., & Ferede, M. W. (2024). Effect of Using Multimedia and Dynamic Classroom Integrated Instruction on Grade 11 Students’ Biology Academic Achievement. Heliyon, Volume 10, Issue 18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37315.