Fiacre Zavinon | Crop Production | Best Researcher Award

Dr Fiacre Zavinon: Crop Production |  Best Researcher Award

Chercheur at Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Benin

Gbèwèdo Fiacre Gildas ZAVINON is a seasoned researcher with a wealth of expertise in Genetic and Plant Breeding. Born on 01/02/1986 in Abomey, Benin, Gbèwèdo currently holds a position at the Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Molecular Breeding (LAREGME/FASTUAC). His responsibilities include seed management, storage, and processing phenotypic and molecular data. Gbèwèdo earned his Doctorate in Life Sciences with a specialization in Genetic and Plant Breeding from the University of Abomey-Calavi. His doctoral research focused on the genetic diversity and association mapping of candidate genes/QTLs for agronomic traits in pigeon pea. Prior to his Ph.D., he completed a Master’s in Genetics, Biotechnologies, and Biological Resources, and a Bachelor’s in Natural Sciences (Biology).

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

🎓 Education:

📜 PhD in Life Sciences (Genetic and Plant Breeding) – UAC, 2015-2019 📚 Master in Genetics, Biotechnologies, and Biological Resources – UAC, 2009-2012 🎓 Licence in Natural Sciences (Biology) – UAC, 2006-2009 🎓 Bachelor in Science (Chemistry-Biology-Geology) – UAC, 2004-2006

🌐 Professional Experience:

🌱 Principal Investigator: Genetic improvement of pigeon pea project (IFS, 2019-2021) 🤝 Consultant: Projet PRO-Cashew & Appui au Développement Agricole des Collines 🎓 PhD Student: Genetic diversity and association mapping in pigeon pea (2016-2019) 🌿 Researcher: Ethnobotanical and genetic study of yellow yams (IFS, 2014-2017) 🌳 Researcher: National program for cashew tree selection and improvement (GIZ, 2014-2016)

📚 Training and Development:

🌐 Workshop on Benefits of ICT in agricultural productivity (Dec 2023) 🌊 Training on water reservoirs for agricultural resilience (Oct 2023) 💼 Business Development and Innovation workshop (Sep 2023) 📜 Distance course on UPOV plant variety protection (Oct-Nov 2023) 🏆 Quality Management ISO 9001:2015 training (Nov 2019) 🌳 Population genetics applied to forest management (Dec 2018) 🌐 Workshop for developing training offers in Genetics and Biotechnology (Feb 2016) 🌾 Interdisciplinary research for food security (Apr 2014)

🍇 Research Focus:

Dr. Gbèwèdo Fiacre Gildas Zavinon’s research revolves around unraveling the genetic intricacies of crops, with a primary focus on pigeon pea and rice in the context of Benin. His work includes association mapping of quantitative trait loci in pigeon pea, evaluating genetic diversity using SSR markers, and analyzing genotype x environment interactions for agronomic performance. Driven by a passion for biodiversity conservation, his investigations extend to Vitex doniana populations. Zavinon’s multidimensional research, spanning SSR and SNP markers, contributes to understanding genetic resources for crop improvement, ensuring sustainable agriculture for a resilient future. 🌱🔍

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

 

Tiyasha Tiyasha | Climate Change | Women Researcher Award

Dr Tiyasha Tiyasha: Climate Change
Assistant Professor at  Dev Bhoomi Uttarakh and University, India

Tiyasha is an accomplished assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India. She recently completed her Ph.D. in water quality modeling using artificial intelligence tools from Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tiyasha has a strong background in environmental engineering, with a Master’s from Rajasthan Technical University and a Bachelor’s from Vinayaka Missions University in India. With over 6 years of teaching experience, Tiyasha has published extensively in international journals and demonstrated her commitment to research. She has a B1 level proficiency in Vietnamese and has contributed significantly to the field of civil engineering.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
👨‍🎓 Education:

🎓 Ph.D. (2019-2023) Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: GPA: 8.81 🔬 Master of Technology (2011-2013) in Environmental Engineering, Rajasthan Technical University, INDIA 🛠️ Bachelor of Engineering (2007-2011), Vinayaka Missions University, INDIA 🎓 12th (2006), Kendriya Vidayalaya, Muzaffarpur, CBSE: 74% 🏫 10th (2004), Kendriya Vidayalaya, Muzaffarpur, CBSE: 74%

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience:

👩‍🏫 Currently: Assistant Professor/Research Publication Head at Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, India 🌍 Previously: Lecturer/Project Manager at IOT Ambo University, Ethiopia 🌍 📰 Editor-in-chief of Institute of Technology Newsletter, Ethiopia 📰 🔧 Served as DAC, Tutor, Placement Coordinator, and Project Guide at Poornima Group of Institution, Jaipur, India 💼 Product Training Manager at Olestra Life Sciences, Jaipur (Nov 2011-June 2012)

🍇 Research Focus:

🔍 Tiyasha’s research spans a diverse range, showcasing a multifaceted expertise. Her focus areas include numerical analysis of foundation systems, seasonal analysis of river systems, machine learning applications in wastewater treatment, and the integration of AI for environmental assessments. She delves into groundwater prediction, urban expansion mapping, and coastal sediment lead prediction. Tiyasha explores the dynamics of water choices through market basket analysis and employs deep learning for water quality index classification. Her work also involves simulating surface water dissolved oxygen using hybrid tree-based AI models. 🌊📊🤖 With a keen eye on both theoretical and applied aspects, Tiyasha contributes significantly to the interdisciplinary field of environmental engineering.

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

 Windinkonté Seogo | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr  Windinkonté Seogo: Food Security
Lecturer at  Université Joseph KI ZERBO, Burkina Faso

Windinkonté Seogo is an accomplished Associate Professor in Economics based in Burkina Faso. Born on February 27, 1987, he holds a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the Université Ouaga II, Burkina Faso, earned in 2018. His doctoral thesis focused on “Property Rights and Agricultural Production in Burkina Faso.” Dr. Seogo’s academic journey includes a Baccalaureate in Mathematics, a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Agricultural and Environmental Economics, and a DEA/Master II in Economics and Agricultural Policies. He has been actively involved in educational activities since December 2018, serving as a Lecturer at the Kaya University Center, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
👨‍🎓 Education:

PhD in Applied Economics, UFR SEG, Université Ouaga II, Burkina Faso, 2018. Master’s in Agricultural and Environmental Economics, UFR SEG, Université de Koudougou, Burkina Faso, 2011. Bachelor’s in Agricultural and Environmental Economics, UFR SEG, Université de Koudougou, Burkina Faso, 2010. DEUG in Economics, UFR SEG, Université de Koudougou, Burkina Faso, 2009. BAC in Mathematics, Lycée provincial du Zondoma, Burkina Faso, 2007

👨‍🏫 Educational Activities:

Associate Professor in Economics at Centre Universitaire de Kaya (CUK), Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso. Lecturer since December 2018; Assistant Professor since 09/16/2021. Temporary Teaching and Research Attaché (ATER) at Ouaga II University (2015-2018).

🍇 Research Focus:

Dr. Windinkonté Seogo’s research spans diverse aspects of agricultural and rural economics in Burkina Faso. 🌾 His work investigates the impact of youth skills training programs on employment outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, published in Nature Food 🌍. Additionally, he delves into the determinants of technical efficiency in millet production, land tenure system innovations, and the role of non-farm income in preventing household food insecurity. 📈 Dr. Seogo explores the intricate relationships between land ownership, agricultural productivity, and household welfare, contributing valuable insights to sustainable development in rural Burkina Faso. 🏡🌱

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Elza Berta Aguirre Vargas | Agroecology | Excellence in Innovation

Prof Dr Elza Berta Aguirre Vargas: Agroecology 
DOCENTE INVESTIGADOR at  UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DEL SANTA, Peru

Elza Berta Aguirre Vargas, Doctora en Ingeniería, es una destacada Ingeniera en Industrias Alimentarias graduada de la Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana. Posee una Maestría en Tecnología de Alimentos de la Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina y un Doctorado en Ingeniería de la Universidad Nacional Federico Villareal. Actualmente, se desempeña como Profesora principal a dedicación exclusiva en la EP Ingeniería Agroindustrial y Directora del Instituto de Investigación Tecnológica Agroindustrial en la Universidad Nacional del Santa (UNS). También lidera el laboratorio de Microbiología y toxicología de alimentos y es responsable de 2 semilleros de investigación.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
🎓 Education:
  1. Doctora en Ingeniería
    • Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal: Lima, LIMA, PE
    • Período: 1999-01-05 to 2011
    • Fuente: ELZA BERTA AGUIRRE VARGAS
  2. Magister Scientiae – Especialidad Tecnología de Alimentos (Escuela de Posgrado)
    • Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina: Lima, LIMA, PE
    • Período: 1990-04-02 to 1993-06-02
    • Fuente: ELZA BERTA AGUIRRE VARGAS
  3. Ingeniero en Industrias Alimentarias
    • Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana: Iquitos, LORETO, PE
    • Período: 1979-08 to 1988-02-15
    • Fuente: ELZA BERTA AGUIRRE VARGAS
  4. Bachiller en Ciencias de la Industria Alimentaria
    • Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana: Iquitos, LORETO, PE
    • Período: 1979 to 1986-04-09
    • Fuente: ELZA BERTA AGUIRRE VARGAS

Su dedicación a la educación y su amplia experiencia en el campo de la ingeniería alimentaria son notables. ¡Un currículum académico impresionante! 📚

🍇 Research Focus:

Elza Berta Aguirre Vargas, una destacada investigadora con enfoque en Tecnología de Alimentos, ha contribuido significativamente a la investigación científica. Su trabajo abarca diversos temas, desde la optimización de conservas de anchoveta hasta la influencia de la adición de aceite de oliva en la estabilidad de aceites de anchoa. Con una amplia experiencia en la caracterización de perfiles lipídicos y desarrollo de nuevos productos alimenticios, destaca por su papel en la mejora de la calidad y estabilidad de aceites.

🔬 Su investigación abraza la innovación en la industria alimentaria, promoviendo la salud y la sostenibilidad. 🌱

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Hamdiyah Alhassan | Fisheries | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Hamdiyah Alhassan: Fisheries 
Director at University for Development Studies, Ghana

Prof. Hamdiyah Alhassan is an accomplished Associate Professor of Economics at the University for Development Studies in Tamale, Ghana. With a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of Ghana, she specializes in energy/resource economics, environmental economics, poverty analysis, agricultural economics, and impact evaluation analysis. As the Director of the Kazuhiko Takeuchi Centre for Sustainability and Resilience, Prof. Alhassan leads in the academic realm, contributing significantly to the fields of environmental and resource economics, economic growth, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. Her extensive research portfolio includes publications on topics such as environmental valuation, pro-environmental behavior, energy economics, solid waste management, and climate change adaptation.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
🎓 Education:

Ph.D. in Development Studies, University of Ghana, 2013-2017. M.Phil. in Economics, University of Ghana, 2008-2010. PG Diploma in Education, University for Development Studies, 2020-2021. B.Sc. in Civil Engineering (First Class Honours), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2000-2004

📚 Short Courses:

Impact Evaluation and Matchmaking. Evidence and GapMap. J-PAL’s Conducting Experimental Research. Integrated Pest Management. Computable General Equilibrium Modelling. Open Data Management in Agriculture and Nutrition. Measuring and Alleviating Poverty and Inequality. Evaluation of Public Policies (Policy Impact Analysis)

🤝 Membership of Learned Professional Societies:

African Growth and Development Policy Modelling Consortium (AGRODEP). European Association of Environmental and Resource Economics. African Association of Environmental and Resource Economics. Ghana Association of Agricultural Economics (GAAE). University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)

👩‍💼 Academic Experience:

Director, Kazuhiko Takeuchi Centre for Sustainability and Resilience, UDS (from September 2021). Associate Professor, School of Applied Economics and Management Sciences, UDS (from 2021). Senior Lecturer, School of Applied Economics and Management Sciences, UDS (2020-2021). Foundation Head of Department, Dept. of Marketing and Corporate Strategic Management, UDS (2021). Head of Department, Agricultural and Resource Economics, UDS (2020-2021). Examination Officer, Agricultural and Resource Economics, UDS (2017-2020). Senior Lecturer, Agricultural and Resource Economics, UDS (2018-2020). Lecturer, Agricultural and Resource Economics, UDS (2011-2018). Tutor (Part-time), University of Ghana, Legon (2011-2012). Tutor (Part-time), Tamale Polytechnic, Tamale (2009-2010)

🎓 Student Research Work Supervision (Postgraduate):
  • Supervised various M.Phil. and M.Ed. students on topics ranging from agricultural economics to climate change and food security.

Prof. Hamdiyah Alhassan is a dedicated academician, researcher, and leader with a passion for sustainable development and environmental economics. Her extensive background in both economics and civil engineering reflects a multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex socio-economic and environmental challenges. As a seasoned educator and administrator, she continues to contribute significantly to the academic and research landscape in Ghana and beyond.

 

🍇 Research Focus:

Prof. Hamdiyah Alhassan’s research revolves around environmental economics, with a keen interest in sustainable development. She investigates critical issues such as agricultural emissions, energy consumption, and the interplay between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Her work spans diverse topics, including the impact of natural resource extraction on environmental well-being, the nexus between financial development, economic growth, and environmental sustainability in Ghana, and the effects of environmental degradation on agricultural development.

🔍 Prof. Alhassan contributes significantly to understanding the intricate relationships between human activities, economic factors, and environmental health, offering valuable insights for sustainable policy formulation.

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Feridun Esmaeilzadeh | Food Systems | Best Researcher Award

Prof Feridun Esmaeilzadeh: Food Systems
Chemical Engineering Department, Head of Chemical Eng., Shiraz University, Shiraz/Iran

Dr. F. Esmaeilzadeh is a highly accomplished professor in the field of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering based in Shiraz, Iran. With a rich educational background, including a B.Sc. from Abadan Institute of Technology, M.Sc. from Shiraz University, and a Ph.D. from Sharif University, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in academia. Currently holding the position of Professor at Shiraz University, Dr. Esmaeilzadeh has also taken on leadership roles such as Head of Chemical Engineering Department, Head of Isomerization Institute Center, and Head of Gas Condensate Research Center. His extensive academic career spans from 2002 to the present, and he has held various teaching positions, contributing to the education of students in subjects ranging from Advanced Thermodynamics to Chemical Plant Design.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
🎓 Education:

B.Sc in Chemical Engineering from Abadan Institute of Technology (1986). M.Sc in Chemical Engineering from Shiraz University (1990). Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Sharif University (2001)

👨‍🏫 Academic Positions:

Professor at Shiraz University (2013-Present). Head of Chemical Engineering Department (2020-Present). Head of Isomerization Institute Center (2016-Present). Head of Gas Condensate Research Center (2016-Present). Head of Oil and Gas Thermodynamics Laboratory (2008-Present)

🌐 International Collaborations:

Visiting Associate Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, USA (2010-2011). A team member of the Oil and Gas Research Centre at Khazar University, Azerbaijan (2014-Present). Collaborative Research with Xian Jiaotong University, China (2018-Present). Collaborative Research with Sultan Qaboos University, Oman (2020-Present)

💼 Industrial Experience:

Chief of Isomerization Institute at Shiraz University, N.I.O.C (2016-Present). Reservoir Simulation Administration in Ahvaz (2 Years). Production Engineering Administration in Tehran (3 Years). Petrophysics and Reservoir Simulation Administration in Shiraz (3 Years)

🏆 Honors and Awards:

Rank 1 of B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering (Abadan University). Full scholarship for Ph.D. program. Best researcher in Shiraz University (Multiple Years). 2% Scientific researcher in the world (2021, 2023)

🔍 Journal Reviewer for:

  • Fluid Phase Equilibria
  • Chemical Engineering Journal
  • Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering
  • Journal of Porous Media
  • Chemical Engineering Communications
  • Journal of Molecular Liquids
  • Chemical Engineering and Technology
  • Energy & Fuels
  • Iranian Journal of Chemical Engineering
  • Journal of Faculty of Engineering
  • Scientia Iranica
  • Journal of Physical Chemistry Research

A distinguished academic and researcher, Dr. Esmaeilzadeh has contributed significantly to the field of Chemical Engineering, with expertise in gas condensate reservoirs, supercritical fluids, and advanced simulation techniques. His international collaborations and extensive teaching experience make him a respected figure in the academic and industrial realms. 🌟🔍📚

🍇 Research Focus:

Dr. Feridun Esmaeilzadeh is a distinguished researcher with a diverse focus on sustainable energy, environmental engineering, and catalysis. His research spans biodiesel production using innovative catalysts, such as banana peel biocharFe2O3/Fe2K6O5 (🌱🔬). Additionally, he explores solubility prediction of CO2 in ionic liquids, contributing to advancements in carbon capture technologies (🌐🔄). Dr. Esmaeilzadeh investigates hydrogen sulfide removal using various adsorbents, enhancing knowledge in gas purification (🔍🛢️). His work extends to ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization and activated carbon-supported nickel catalysts, impacting the field of energy and environmental sustainability (🌎⚙️). Through his diverse studies, Dr. Esmaeilzadeh continues to pioneer solutions for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Selin Ceren Balsak | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Selin Ceren Balsak: Sustainable Agriculture
Dr at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü Imam University, Turkey

Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak is a plant virologist with a rich academic background. She earned her PhD in Virology from Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, focusing on the population structure of Tomato spotted wilt virus and the resistance response of pepper genotypes to reassortant isolates. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed a Master’s degree in Virology, conducting research on the genetic diversity of grape viruses in autochthonous grape varieties. Dr. Balsak’s academic journey began at Çukurova University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection. She further enriched her education through Erasmus exchanges, spending time at the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection in Italy and Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Poland.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
Education

🌿 Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak, a passionate scholar in the realm of plant protection and virology, completed her academic journey with flying colors. She obtained her PhD from Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, specializing in Virology within the Faculty of Agriculture (2016-2020). Her groundbreaking thesis delved into the intricate world of the population structure of the Tomato spotted wilt virus, exploring the resilience of pepper genotypes against reassortant isolates.

🔬 Building on this foundation, Ceren pursued a Master’s degree in Virology at the same institution from 2014 to 2016. Her research during this period focused on unraveling the genetic diversity of viruses in the genus vitivirus (GVA, GVB) and nepovirus (GVFL). Her investigations took her to the vineyards of the eastern Mediterranean and southeast Anatolia regions, contributing valuable insights to the understanding of autochthonous grape varieties.

🎓 Ceren embarked on her academic journey at Çukurova University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection from the Faculty of Agriculture (2008-2013). Her commitment to scholarly pursuits and her invaluable contributions to the field showcase her dedication to advancing our understanding of plant health and protection. 🌱💡

Projects:

🔍 Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak has been actively involved in cutting-edge research projects, contributing her expertise to advance the understanding of plant diseases. In the TÜBİTAK-1001 project (Project Number: 221O411), she played a crucial role as a researcher. Her focus was on the molecular and biological characterization of Citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd) in pistachio trees. Additionally, she was instrumental in developing a pioneering one tube-one step multiplex RT-qPCR protocol for the detection of two viroids in two genera (Cocadviroid, Hostuviroid), showcasing her commitment to innovative methodologies in plant virology.

🌱 Another noteworthy project, PIA-Bosphorus-France (221N050), saw Dr. Balsak taking on the role of a researcher in exploring a novel approach to screen pepper resistance to Beet western yellows virus (BWYV). Her involvement in this project highlights her dedication to finding innovative solutions for enhancing pepper plant resilience against viral threats.

Through her active participation in these projects, Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak continues to contribute significantly to the field of plant protection and virology, pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding. 🌿🔬 #ResearchProjects #PlantVirology #InnovationInScience

 

🍇 Research Focus:

🌱 Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak is a distinguished researcher with a multifaceted focus on plant virology, evident in her diverse body of work. Her research spans the detection of emerging threats, such as the first report of Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus in Turkey, showcased in Australasian Plant Disease Notes. With a keen eye on pepper crops, she explores the distribution and phylogenetic analysis of Broad bean wilt virus-2, as seen in Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology.

🔬 Dr. Balsak delves into the intricate world of molecular and biological characterization, evident in her work on Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus isolates and the first report of apple dimple fruit viroid in fig trees in Turkey. She extends her expertise to grapevines, uncovering the prevalence and genetic variability of Grapevine virus A in Turkish autochthonous grapevine varieties.

🌿 In the realm of tree crops, she contributes to the understanding of viroids affecting Pistachio and explores the genetic diversity of Hop stunt viroid in Pistachio trees. Additionally, her work encompasses the detection of Cucumber mosaic virus in cyclamen, marking a first report in Turkey.

🍇 Dr. Balsak’s contributions extend globally, with studies on the distribution and population diversity of Australian grapevine viroid in Turkish autochthonous grapevine varieties, as well as the occurrence of Beet western yellows virus in spinach in Turkey. Her dedication to advancing knowledge is evident in her exploration of Grapevine virus D in autochthonous grapevine varieties.

👩‍🔬 Overall, Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak’s research reflects a holistic approach to plant virology, covering a wide spectrum of plant species and viruses, contributing significantly to the field. #PlantVirology #ResearchDiversity #ScientificExploration

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Hani Saudy | Weed management | Best Researcher Award

Prof Hani Saudy: Weed management
Professor of agronomy at  Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Egypt

Hani Saber Sayed Saudy is an Egyptian professor specializing in crop physiology and management, with a focus on biotic and abiotic stresses on plants. Born on May 26, 1973, in Giza, he holds a B.Sc, M.Sc, and Ph.D. in Agronomy from Ain Shams University. Currently a Professor in the Agronomy Department at Ain Shams University, he has held various academic positions since 1995. Saudy’s expertise extends to weed science, drought, salinity, and nutrient stresses on plants. He has an H-Index of 20 and has received recognition, including an award from the Academy of Scientific Research & Technology, Egypt, in 2015.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
Education

B.Sc (Agronomy), Ain Shams University, 1995. M.Sc (Agronomy), Ain Shams University, 2000. Ph.D (Agronomy), Ain Shams University, 2004

Awards:

Academy of Scientific Research & Technology, Egypt, 2015 🏆

Experiences:

Professor at Ain Shams Uni. since 2009. Consulting for Agricultural Experiment & Research Center. Peer reviewer for various scientific journals. Advisory roles for farms and agricultural campaigns. Principal Investigator of a funded project on Plasma technology for crops in salt-affected soils

Memberships:

Egyptian Society of Agronomy. Egyptian Society of Weed Science. Editor for Journal of Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Engineering & Technology

Training:
  • Courses on Internal Audit, Academic Standards, Strategic Planning, and Curriculum Development

🌾 Hani Saudy, a passionate Egyptian agronomist, cultivates knowledge in crop physiology, stress impacts on plants, and organic farming. As a professor, researcher, and consultant, he’s dedicated to enhancing crop productivity and environmental sustainability. Awards adorn his journey, and his influence extends through memberships, editorial roles, and impactful projects.

🍇 Research Focus:

Dr. Hani Saudy’s extensive work encompasses the intricate realms of crop physiology and management. His research, spanning diverse projects, delves into the impact of environmental stresses on plants, including biotic factors like weeds and abiotic challenges such as drought, salinity, and nutrient deficiencies. Through innovative approaches like rhizospheric hydrogel application, bio stimulants, and humic acid supplementation, he seeks to enhance plant resilience. His studies on soybean genotypes, wheat antioxidant defense systems, and the integrated application of phosphorus and zinc reflect a dedication to sustainable agriculture. Dr. Saudy’s multidimensional expertise contributes significantly to understanding and improving plant health. 🌾🔬

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Ntombokulunga Mbuma | Sustainable Nutrition | Young Scientist Award

Dr  Ntombokulunga Mbuma: Sustainable Nutrition
Researcher at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Wow, Ntombokulunga Wedy Mbuma is quite the accomplished individual! Her dedication to sustainable agriculture is impressive, especially with her extensive background in plant breeding and research. It’s clear she’s not just passionate but also excelling in her field. Her journey from a BSc in Biochemistry to a PhD in Plant Breeding is quite a feat. And those awards and recognitions? Truly a testament to her hard work and academic excellence.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
Education
  • PhD: Plant Breeding – University of the Free State (2017–2019)
  • MSc: Agriculture Plant Breeding “with Distinction” – University of the Free State (2015–2016)
  • BSc: Agriculture honours Plant Breeding – University of the Free State (2014)
  • BSc: Biochemistry – University of the Free State (2010–2013)
SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

Educational: Plant breeding, quantitative genetics, molecular breeding, statistical analysis
Research: Methodology, data collection, statistical analysis, scientific writing
Supervision: Postgraduate students
Project Management: Sugarcane, cowpea, bambara groundnut
Computing: PowerPoint, Excel, Word
Language: English, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu

RESEARCH AREAS OF INTEREST

Optimization of conventional plant breeding. Early generation and family evaluation of sugarcane and vegetable crops. Nutritional value of vegetable crops

ACHIEVEMENTS

Excellence Academic achievement prize for Best MSc and PhD Plant Breeding student. SASTA and SAPBA Student Awards for outstanding presentations. Outstanding reviewer for Crop Science Society of America Journal. Recognition as a senior reviewer for African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION

Member of the Southern African Plant Breeders’ Association. Member of the Crop Science Society of America Journal. Senior reviewer of the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition, and Development. Associate Editor of the Crop Science Society of America Journal

REFERENCES

Prof. Maryke Labuschagne: Mentor and SARChI Chair in Quality and Diseases of Field Crops – UFS. Prof. Marvellous Zhou: Plant breeding project manager (SASRI), Supervisor – SASRI and UFS. Dr. Rouxlene van der Merwe: Senior lecturer – UFS. Dr. Makoena Moloi: Senior lecturer – UFS. Ms. Moipei Lichakane: Junior Plant Breeder – SASRI

🍇 Research Focus:

Ntombokulunga Wedy Mbuma’s research is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture through innovative crop improvement strategies. Her work spans sugarcane breeding, exploring elite family selection rates and evaluating parental contributions to cane yield. Beyond sugarcane, she delves into cowpea, assessing Southern African germplasm for seed yield, mineral elements, and phytochemical contents. Mbuma’s contributions extend to the diversity in seed protein, minerals, and fatty acid composition of the Bambara groundnut germplasm. With a keen eye on nutritional traits, she explores the expression of cowpea’s nutritional qualities under diverse agro-ecological conditions, emphasizing resilience and nutritional value in vegetable crops. 🌾

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Nicholas Kiggundu | Cattle farming systems | Excellence in Research

Dr Nicholas Kiggundu: Cattle farming systems
Assoc. Professor at Makerere University, Uganda

Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Makerere University, Uganda. With a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from the University of Florida, USA, he boasts over 20 years of experience at Makerere University, contributing significantly to teaching, research, and outreach in areas such as Hydrology, Irrigation, Water resources, Watershed management, and Renewable Energy. Dr. Kiggundu holds key roles, including being a member of Makerere University’s Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Project Implementation Committee and the Steering Committee for the Appropriate Technology Centre for water, sanitation, and environment in Uganda. He is also a member of the prestigious Tau Beta Phi Engineering Honor Society in the USA.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
Education

Ph.D. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida, 2010 🎓. MSc. Agricultural Engineering, University of Nairobi, 1998. BSc. Agricultural Engineering, Makerere University, 1994

Employment

Associate Professor, Dept. of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Makerere University (from July 2021) 🎓. Senior Lecturer (July 2017-June 2022), Lecturer (July 2011-June 2017), Asst. Lecturer (July 2001-June 2011)

Research & Management

Over 20 years at Makerere University 🏫. Specializations: Hydrology, Irrigation, Water Resources, Renewable Energy. Member of Steering Committee for Appropriate Technology Centre (Uganda). Coordinates Erasmus+ Mobility and Education Cooperation programs 🌐. Projects worth over $15 Million 💰

Projects

Key member in EU-funded projects: PrAEctiCe (€6,985,000) and SophiA (€7,800,000) 🌱💡. Team Leader for ESIA of Bugungu YP Prison Irrigation Farm (2020/2021). Principal Investigator for FAO-funded research on livestock sustainability

Recognition & Awards

PhD Graduate Research Assistantship, University of Florida, 2006 🏆. Various scholarships and awards for academic excellence and research contributions 🎖️

🍇 Research Focus:

Dr. Nicholas Kiggundu’s research spans diverse areas crucial for sustainable development in tropical environments. His work covers irrigation strategies, as evidenced by the study on Napier yield response under different irrigation methods (Ntege et al., 2023). In the realm of environmental impact, his collaborative efforts, such as the research on organic micropollutants in aquatic environments (Wang et al., 2022), showcase his commitment to water quality and ecosystem health. Additionally, his contributions extend to evaluating climate data reliability for water resource management (Garibay et al., 2021) and exploring smallholder farmers’ perceptions of agricultural drought adaptation technologies (Mfitumukiza et al., 2020). Dr. Kiggundu’s multidisciplinary approach includes assessing greenhouse gas emissions in farming systems (Kiggundu et al., 2019) and employing modeling for rainfed maize growth (Mibulo and Kiggundu, 2018). His dedication to understanding land use changes in critical areas like the Murchison Bay Catchment (Kiggundu et al., 2018) underscores his commitment to sustainable agricultural and environmental practices. Overall, his research endeavors contribute significantly to the intersection of agriculture, water resources, and environmental sustainability. 🌍🌱

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬