Jialiang Guo | Agricultural Policy | Excellence in Innovation

Prof Jialiang Guo: Agricultural Policy
Professor at Vice dean of Medical School, Foshan University, China

Prof. Jialiang Guo is the Vice Dean of the Medical School at Foshan University, China. With 16 years of research experience, he specializes in the application of sensors in pharmaceutical analysis. He has an impressive publication record, including 108 peer-reviewed scientific articles and two book chapters in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. Guo earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Analysis from Jinan University and has since supervised multiple doctoral and master’s theses. He serves on the editorial boards of five peer-reviewed journals and is a reviewer for seven others. His contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
📚 Education:
  • Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Analysis, Jinan University, 2014
  • M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jinan University, 2007
  • B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, 2005
🏆 Achievements:
  • Awards include Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award
  • Editorial board member of five peer-reviewed journals
🔬 Research Focus:
  • 16 years in Application of Sensors in Pharmaceutical Analysis
  • 108 peer-reviewed publications in top journals
  • Expert in separation science and analytical techniques
  • Specializes in Biomedical, Pharmaceutical, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) analysis
  • Food and drug quality control advocate

Amalia Conte | Food Science | Women Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr Amalia Conte: Food Science
Professore Associato at  Università di Foggia, Italy

Amalia Conte is an accomplished Italian Associate Professor specializing in Food Science and Technology. Born on March 6, 1977, she holds a degree in the field with honors from the University of Foggia (Italy) in 2002, followed by a PhD in Biotechnologies of Food Products in 2005. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor at the University of Foggia’s Department of Humanities.With a prolific research career, Amalia has published 234 articles and garnered 7063 citations, boasting an H index of 50. Her research interests span food packaging, functional food, shelf life prolongation, novel technologies, and sustainable foods. Amalia holds the national scientific qualification for the functions of a full professor in the scientific sector AGR/15 (Food Science and Technology).

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
📚 Education:
  • 🎓 Degree in Food Science and Technology with Laude, University of Foggia, Italy, 2002
  • 🎓 PhD in Biotechnologies of Food Products, University of Foggia, Italy, 2003-2005
👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience:
  • 🍲 Food Processing
  • 🌱 Technologies for Minimally Processed Foods
  • ⚙️ Unit Operations
🏆 Awards:
  • 🌍 Erasmus Fellow (2001)
  • 🏆 Rotary Club Award for Best Thesis (2003)
  • 🏆 National Pasta Museum Award (2004)
  • 🏆 Best Researcher from Food Science and Technologies Association – SISTAL (2009)
🤝 Memberships:
  • 📝 Peer Reviewer in Food Science Journals
  • 📰 Editorial Board Member (Frontiers in Food Packaging and Preservation, Novel Techniques in Nutrition and Food Science)
  • 📚 Guest Editor for Special Issues
🌐 Institutional Responsibilities:
  • 👩‍🔬 Supervisor of Food Packaging Laboratory
  • 📊 Member of Quality Assurance Group
  • 🎓 Active in Faculty Boards for Ph.D. Students

Amalia Conte is a distinguished academic and researcher, recognized for her expertise in Food Science and Technology. With a robust publication record, numerous grants, and a commitment to sustainable practices, she continues to contribute significantly to her field.

Research Focus 🌱🔍

Amalia Conte’s research 🧪 focuses on innovative aspects of Food Science and Technology. With a prolific career, she’s co-authored over 200 scientific publications in peer-reviewed international journals, showcasing her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field. Her expertise extends to book editing, having edited two notable works in the Food Engineering Series and Advances in Dairy Products. 📚 As a versatile researcher, she’s contributed over 20 book chapters and continues to explore novel approaches in food preservation and packaging. For an updated list of her extensive research contributions, check here. 🌐

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Sisira Ediriweera | Ecosystem Services | Excellence in Research

Prof Sisira Ediriweera: Ecosystem Services
Professor at Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka

Dr. Ediriweera P. S. Kumara is a distinguished forestry and environmental science professor based in Sri Lanka. Born on April 8, 1975, he holds a Ph.D. in Biophysical Remote Sensing from Southern Cross University, Australia, with a focus on predicting forest structure and biomass using remote sensing techniques in complex landscapes. His educational journey includes an M.Phil. in Tropical Forest Ecology from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a BSc in Biological Sciences from the same institution. Dr. Kumara’s international diploma in Plant Conservation was earned at Kew Botanic Gardens, UK.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
🎓 Education:
  • Ph.D. in Biophysical Remote Sensing from Southern Cross University, Australia (2013).
  • M.Phil. in Tropical Forest Ecology from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka (2004).
  • International Diploma in Plant Conservation from Kew Botanic Gardens, UK (2005).
  • BSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka (1999).
🏫 Professional Experience:

Currently serving as a Professor in Forestry & Environmental Science at Uva Wellassa University. Holds various roles, including Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, and Research Assistant from 2000 to date.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Received multiple Presidential Research Awards/NRC Merit Awards for Research. Recognized with SUSRED Awards and various travel grants for international workshops.

🎉 Personal Achievements:
  • Awarded Best Presentation (Gold Medal) at Sabaragamuwa University, Sri Lanka, in 2006.
  • Holds prestigious international scholarships like the Kew Scholarship and IPRS in Australia.

Dr. Ediriweera P. S. Kumara’s dedication to forestry research and environmental conservation has earned him both national and international recognition. His work continues to shape the future of sustainable forest management. 🌲🌍

Research Focus 🌱🔍

Dr. Ediriweera P. S. Kumara is a distinguished forestry professor with a primary research focus on forest structure and dynamics. His work spans diverse topics, from the intricate relationships in mycorrhizal networks 🍄 to predicting stem diameter increments in Sinharaja rainforest 🌳. Notably, his contributions extend to the conservation of threatened tree species and the exploration of new orchid species in Sri Lanka’s montane cloud forest 🌺. As the last author in numerous publications, he signifies senior authorship, guiding graduate students and researchers in unraveling the complexities of global forest ecosystems. Explore his research journey on his Google Scholar page.

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

G.S. Champika Perera | Sustainable Fisheries | Excellence in Research

Dr G.S. Champika Perera: Sustainable Fisheries
Scientist at  National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Sri Lanka.

Champika Perera is a seasoned Scientist with 26 years of diverse experience in aqua nutrition, freshwater, brackishwater, and coldwater aquaculture. Holding a Ph.D. from the Asian Institute of Technology, his dissertation focused on developing practical and sustainable feeds for Guppy fry, emphasizing the replacement of fishmeal with insect meal. Champika’s expertise extends to fish feed formulation, freshwater and brackishwater aquaculture activities, induced breeding, water quality management, and farm management, including HRM. His notable publications include research on fishmeal replacement with cricket meals and the impact of egg yolk powder on Guppy growth.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
🎓 Education:
  • Ph.D. in Developing Practical and Sustainable Feeds for Guppy Fry (Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand, 2022)
  • M.Sc. in Aquaculture and Aquafic Bioresources Management (University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2007)
  • B.Sc. in Bio Science (University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2000)
👩‍🔬 Work Experience:

Scientist at NARA, Sri Lanka (Jun 2014 – Present). Aquaculturist at National Aquaculture Development Authority (Nuwaraeliya, Udawalawa, Negombo). Fisheries Inspector (Ministry of Fisheries and Aquafic Resources)

🌍 International Exposure:

Trained in Sustainable Aquaculture and Climate Change in China. Coastal Aquaculture Technology in South Korea. Aquaculture & Reservoir Fisheries Management in Vietnam

Research Focus 🌱🔍

Champika Perera’s research primarily focuses on innovative approaches in aquaculture nutrition, specifically investigating sustainable alternatives to traditional fishmeal. His work explores the impact of replacing fishmeal with house cricket (Acheta domesticus) and field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) meals on the growth, pigmentation, and breeding performance of Guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Additionally, he delves into the effects of varying inclusion levels of egg yolk powder on Guppy, assessing growth, stress tolerance, and pigmentation. Through these studies, Champika aims to contribute to environmentally friendly and economically viable practices in aquaculture. 🐟🌱🔬

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

ESTEFANIA AGUIRRE-ZAPATA | Crop protection | Best Researcher Award

Mrs ESTEFANIA AGUIRRE-ZAPATA: Crop protection
PhD Candidate at  Instituto de Automática, Universidad Nacional de San Juan – CONICET, Argentina

Estefanía Aguirre Z. is a Biomedical Engineer with a Master’s in Automation and Industrial Control from the University Institution ITM in Colombia. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Control Systems Engineering at the Instituto de Automática with dual affiliation to UNJS and CONICET in San Juan, Argentina. Her doctoral research focuses on interpretability and parametric hierarchy in biotechnological process modeling.With a strong background in mathematical modeling, programming, and simulation spanning over four years, Estefanía has contributed significantly to the field of automation and control. She has a wealth of experience as a researcher and professor, specializing in mathematical modeling, estimation, and control of bioprocesses.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
🎓 Education:
  • Ph.D. in Control Systems Engineering (Ongoing)
    • Thesis: Interpretability and Parametric Hierarchy in Biotechnological Process Modeling
  • MSc. in Industrial Automation and Control
    • Thesis: State Estimation for Nonlinear Systems with Measurement Delay
  • B.S. in Biomedical Engineering
    • Degree Work: Design and Development of the MASTER CRAFT MC500 Sterilization Device
🔬 Work and Research Experience:

Researcher and Doctoral Student at INAUT, focusing on mathematical modeling, estimation, and control of bioprocesses. Professor at EADIC, contributing to the master’s degree in biomedical engineering. Technology Appropriation Trainer, conducting workshops on programming, web design, mobile app development, educational robotics, and home automation. Researcher at ITM, involved in state estimation for nonlinear systems with measurement delay. Production Coordinator at DENTOMAT S.A.S., overseeing the manufacture of dental medical devices. Technical Management Assistant at DENTAL X-RAY S.A.S., ensuring compliance with national and international regulations.

Research Focus 🌱🔍

Estefanía Aguirre-Zapata’s research focus lies at the intersection of Mathematical Modeling and Control in Biotechnological and Industrial Processes. Her work delves into innovative areas such as forecasting flight activity of Lobesia botrana, modeling supersaturation in sugar crystallization, and understanding growth kinetics in biological processes. 🌱 Her contributions extend to designing virtual sensors for glucose monitoring in diabetes, emphasizing interpretability in biotechnological models, and exploring control strategies for sugar crystallization. 📊 Estefanía’s commitment to advancing knowledge is evident in her prolific publications, addressing crucial aspects of process modeling and control in diverse fields. 🚀

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Roderick Williams | Fertility Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr Roderick Williams: Fertility Management
Lecturer at University of the West of Scotland, United Kingdom

Dr. Roderick Williams is a Lecturer in Microbiology at the University of West of Scotland, with a focus on sustainability and innovative solutions in drug development. Holding a BSc(Hons) in Zoology, an M.AppSci in Experimental Parasitology, and a PhD, his academic journey spans diverse fields. Roderick’s impactful research extends from helminths to soil amoebas, influencing a school deworming program in Sierra Leone and uncovering the crucial role of soil amoebas in fertility. His work pioneers soil quality and bioremediation studies, emphasizing microbial interventions in sustainable agriculture and exploring compounds against microorganisms. He integrates sustainability into microbiology curricula, fostering awareness, and supervises postgraduate research programs.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
🎓 Education:
  • BSc (Hons) Zoology (1991)
  • M.AppSci Experimental Parasitology (1995)
  • PhD (2003)
🏫 Academic Journey:
  • Lecturer in Microbiology, University of West of Scotland (2012 – Present)
    • Pioneering soil quality and bioremediation studies
    • Integrating sustainability into microbiology curricula
    • Supervising postgraduate research programs
  • Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Strathclyde (2007 – 2012)
  • Research Assistant, University of Glasgow (2003 – 2007)
  • Lecturer, University of Sierra Leone (1995 – 2003)
Research Focus 🌱🔍

Dr. Roderick Williams’ research encompasses a diverse array of fields, with a core emphasis on sustainable solutions and innovative drug development. His work delves into helminths, influencing a school deworming program in Sierra Leone. Pioneering soil quality studies in urban allotments, he unravels the intricate dynamics of microorganisms for sustainable agriculture. From groundbreaking discoveries on soil amoeba to exploring compounds against parasites, his impact spans parasitology, microbiology, and drug development. Committed to real-world applications, his research reflects a dedication to sustainability, academic excellence, and societal betterment.

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Achyut Paudel | Precision Agriculture | Top Researcher Award

Mr Achyut Paudel: Precision Agriculture
Graduate Research Assistant at Washington State University, United States

Achyut Paudel is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Agricultural Engineering at Washington State University, with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Sports Science. His research focuses on innovative applications of technology in agriculture, particularly in apple orchards, where he has developed a ground-based multi-sensor data collection system for tasks such as autonomous navigation, in-row localization, and precision spraying. Achyut is also involved in the automated characterization of apple trees using stereo vision cameras and the development of a Decision Support System for customized fertilizer recommendations using Machine Learning.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
📚 Education:

Achyut Paudel is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering at Washington State University in Prosser, WA, showcasing a remarkable academic journey marked by a consistent 4.0 GPA. His dedication and scholarly achievements have been recognized with multiple travel awards and fellowships. Achyut’s contributions extend beyond the classroom, as he has presented and published his research findings at both national and international conferences. His commitment to academic excellence is complemented by active involvement in leadership roles within student clubs and the graduate student senate.

📌 Work Experience:

Achyut Paudel has contributed significantly to research and academia, currently serving as a Graduate Research Assistant at Washington State University in Prosser, WA, since January 2021. In this role, he has spearheaded the development of a ground-based Multi-sensor data collection system and implemented cutting-edge technologies for autonomous navigation, in-row localization, and precision spraying in an apple orchard. Using stereo vision cameras, Achyut automated geometrical and spectral feature characterization of apple trees and pioneered the development of a Decision Support System for customized fertilizer recommendations using Machine Learning. 🌳🔍🚜

🌱 AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS :

Achyut Paudel has garnered a constellation of prestigious awards and recognitions throughout his academic journey, underscoring his outstanding achievements. In 2023, he was honored with the Scott Betty Lukins Graduate Fellowship – Foley Award, a testament to his exceptional contributions and dedication. 🏆 The accolades continue with the BSE Outstanding Graduate Student Award for the academic years 2022-23, recognizing Achyut’s exemplary performance and impact in the field of Biological Systems Engineering. 🌱🔬

Research Focus 🌱🔍

Achyut Paudel’s research spans a diverse array of agricultural and engineering domains. Primarily, his focus lies in Smart Agricultural Technology, as demonstrated by his work on Vision-based Normalized Canopy Area Estimation for Variable Nitrogen Application in Apple orchards. 🍏🌱 Additionally, he delves into precision agriculture with studies on hyperspectral imaging for estimating soil and grapevine water status in vineyards, addressing lighting variability challenges. 🌐📸 Furthermore, Achyut explores the dynamic aspects of agriculture, assessing temporal color changes in apple tree canopies. 🌳🌈 His expertise extends to engineering applications, including canopy density estimation of apple trees and the meticulous measurement of shuttlecock drag in free flight. 🚀🏸

Mohamed | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Mohamed: Sustainable Agriculture
Researcher, Assist Prof Dr at  National INstitute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt

Mohamed Ashour Fikry Metwally is an Assistant Professor at the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF) in Egypt, specializing in Marine Microalgae Production. Born on November 2, 1980, in Alexandria, Egypt, he holds a Ph.D. in Animal and Fish Production, focusing on the improvement of productivity and nutritional value of marine microalgae.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

 

📚 Education:
  • PhD in Animal and Fish Production, Alexandria University
  • MSc in Animal and Fish Production, Tanta University
  • B.Sc. in Fish Production, Al-Azhar University
📌 Work Experience:

Assistant Professor (2022 – Now). Researcher, PhD (2015 – 2022). Assistant Researcher, MSc (2011 – 2015). Researcher Assistant, BSc (2006 – 2011). Algae Production Specialist, B.Sc. (Technician) (2004 – 2006)

🌱 Specializations:

Food security and safety. Aquaculture and environment sustainability. Nanotechnology applications in aquaculture. Integrated and smart aquaculture systems. Microalgae/seaweed research and applications

Research Focus 🌱🔍

🔬 Research Focus: In the last 5 years, Mohamed Ashour has excelled in the field of marine microalgae production and sustainable aquaculture. With an impressive H-index of 23 and 1,200 total citations on SCOPUS, his prolific contributions include 55 publications in indexed SCOPUS journals and 7 in non-indexed journals, with 5 indexed in the Egyptian Knowledge Bank. Notably, he has authored 35 corresponding papers, 13 first-authored, and 13 last-authored papers, showcasing a well-rounded impact. His diverse research spans from Q1 to Q4 journals, accumulating a total impact factor of 174.3. Additionally, he has contributed 2 published book chapters, with one more accepted in Springer Nature. 🌱📚

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

Shams Rahman Rahmani | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Shams Rahman Rahmani: Soil Science
Instructor at  Purdue University, United States

Dr. Shams R. Rahmani is an accomplished soil scientist and instructor based at Purdue University. He earned his PhD in Soil Science from Purdue in 2020, focusing on Digital Soil Mapping at the Purdue Agronomy Center. Prior to this, he obtained an MS in Soil Science, creating a Digital Soil Properties Map of Afghanistan, and a BSc in Agronomy from Kabul University.Currently serving as an Instructor at Purdue, Dr. Rahmani teaches Introductory Soil Science and Forest Soils courses. His teaching experience spans both the U.S. and Afghanistan, where he lectured on soil science, fertility, and conservation.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
📚 Education:
  • PhD in Soil Science (Purdue University, May 2020)
  • MS in Soil Science (Purdue University, Dec 2014)
  • BSc in Agronomy (Kabul University, Dec 2009)
🌍 Professional Experience:

🎓 Current: Instructor at Purdue University, teaching Introductory Soil Science & Forest Soils. 🧑‍🔬 2015-2020: Graduate Research Assistant at Purdue University. 👨‍🏫 2010-2020: Lecturer at Kabul University, teaching Soil Science, Soil Fertility, and Soil/Water Conservation

🌱 Teaching Highlights:

Courses: Introductory Soil Science, Forest Soils, Soils and Landscapes, Soil Physics. Responsibilities: Lab preparation, grading exams, field trips, and office hours. 💼 Lecturer at Afghanistan Technical Vocational Institute (USAID) in 2011-2012. Shams Rahmani’s journey revolves around cultivating knowledge in soil science, from mapping Afghanistan’s digital soil properties to instructing future soil scientists at Purdue University. 🌍.

Research Focus 🌱🔍

Digital Soil Mapping: Pioneering digital mapping techniques, Rahmani explores soil organic matter and cation exchange capacity using LiDAR data. 🗺️ Terrain Analysis: Leveraging lidar-derived terrain indices, his work delves into estimating natural soil drainage classes in the Wisconsin till plain, employing logistic regression and machine learning. 📊 Practical Applications: Rahmani’s expertise extends to mapping subsurface tile lines on research farms, employing aerial photography, paper maps, and expert knowledge. 🚜 Educational Resilience: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rahmani investigates the evolving landscape of teaching introductory soil science. 📚 His collaborative efforts showcase a commitment to advancing soil science through innovation and application. 👨‍🔬

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬

 

 

Guy Simbeko | Circular Bioeconomy | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Guy Simbeko: Circular Bioeconomy
Socio-economist at  International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA),Congo, Democratic Republic of the

Guy Simbeko is a Congolese economist and financial analyst with a passion for agricultural development. Born on September 30, 1991, he holds a Masters in Financial Management, Agribusiness, and Small and Medium Enterprises from the Catholic University of Bukavu (UCB), where he also completed his undergraduate studies in Agricultural Economics.Guy has a diverse professional background, showcasing his expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Currently, he serves as the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, focusing on the agricultural transformation agenda in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s South Kivu Province.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

 

Education:

Master’s in Financial Management, Agribusiness, and Small and Medium Enterprises – Catholic University of Bukavu (UCB), DR Congo. Undergraduate in Agricultural Economics – Catholic University of Bukavu, DR Congo. High School Diploma in Mathematics and Physics – Pedagogical Institute School (EDAP/ISP)

Work Experience:
  1. Current Role (June 2022 – Present):Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Responsibilities include financial planning, project expenditures, data collection, and project evaluation.
  2. Previous Roles:IFAD-TAAT Support Staff (Feb 2020 – Oct 2021). Research Assistant in N2 Africa Project (Jan 2019 – Jul 2020). Business Development and Consultant Socio-economist (May 2018 – Nov 2018). Worldfish Survey Supervisor Consultant (Jan 2018 – Feb 2018). Enumerator in various programs (Jul 2016 – Oct 2017)
Professional Experiences:

Developed financial and economic models for agribusiness transformation. Conducted market studies and agriculture value chain assessments. Supported private sector agents in business economics and compliance. Elaborated financial plans and project expenditures. Organized reflection and learning meetings to improve project implementation. Conducted baseline studies, mid-term studies, end-of-project studies, and impact assessments.

Memberships and Awards:
  • Member of FARA, YPARD, IFAD Alumni, Histocon Alumni.
  • Investigator in the Crop and Livestock Program (CLIP).
  • Awardee of IFAD under the CARE in Policy for Youth Engagement in Agribusiness Project.
Honors and Awards:

Recognized by IFAD under the grant project for enhancing capacity in policy for youth engagement in agribusiness.

Research Focus 🌱🔍

Guy Simbeko’s research spans a diverse range of critical agricultural and economic topics. His work delves into the adoption of agricultural technology in Africa, emphasizing engagement experiences and sharing insights through publications. He explores entrepreneurial potential and agribusiness desirability among youth in the Eastern part of DR Congo, shedding light on sustainable practices. Simbeko’s investigations extend to assessing awareness of improved cassava production and the efficiency of fish farmers in South-Kivu. Furthermore, he delves into the impact of Climate-Smart Agriculture on social welfare and engages in exploring Circular Bioeconomy Practices, linking them with household food security and economic dynamics in African city regions. 🌍🌾

 

Publications Top Notes:🌐🔬