Youssef Bencharki | Farming | Young Scientist Award

Dr Youssef Bencharki |  Farming |  Young Scientist Award

Research at  International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Morocco

Youssef Bencharki is a dedicated researcher specializing in agricultural biodiversity and crop improvement. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons/Belgium, he has extensive experience in the field, particularly focusing on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. His multidisciplinary expertise spans socio-economics, agronomy, and entomology.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

📚 Education:

PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons/Belgium (2019-2024). Master’s degree in Agro Resources, Plant Biotechnology, and Environmental Science from the University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida (2013-2015). Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science and Environment from the University Hassan I, Khouribga (2012-2013). Diploma of General University Studies in Plant Science from the University Hassan I, Khouribga (2010-2012). Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences from Othman Ben Affan High School, Berrechid (2010)

🔬 Professional Experience:

Senior Research Assistant at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), focusing on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. Consultant in the Genetic Resources section at ICARDA, specializing in phenotypic characterization and seed viability testing. Short-term appointments at Pasteur Institute Casablanca and Dairy Center El Jadida, gaining experience in food quality control and microbiological analysis.

🌍 Academic and Professional Contributions:

Conducted pioneering research on the impact of FAP approach on various crops and ecosystems, contributing to multiple scientific publications. Developed brochures and manuals to disseminate knowledge on FAP approach, aiming to benefit farmers and enhance agricultural sustainability. Played a key role in training farmers and agricultural stakeholders in sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation. Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and socio-economic assessments related to agricultural projects

🔬 Research Focus: Farming

Youssef Bencharki’s research is primarily centered around innovative farming methodologies aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation. His focus lies in the implementation and evaluation of the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, which encompasses multidisciplinary studies blending socio-economics, agronomy, and entomology.

Through his extensive academic journey and professional experience, Youssef has delved deep into understanding the intricate relationships between pollinators, crops, and the environment.

 

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Sentil, A., Lhomme, P., Reverté, S., …, Ssymank, A., Christmann, S. (2024). “The pollinator conservation approach ‘Farming with Alternative Pollinators’: Success and drivers.” Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 369, 109029.
  2. Bencharki, Y., Michez, D., Ihsane, O., …, Rasmont, P., Christmann, S. (2024). “‘Farming with alternative pollinators’ provides benefits also in large-scale fields.” Acta Oecologica, 122, 103978.
  3. Bencharki, Y., Christmann, S., Lhomme, P., …, Rasmont, P., Michez, D. (2023). “‘Farming with alternative pollinators’ approach supports diverse and abundant pollinator community in melon fields in a semi-arid landscape.” Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 38, e6.
  4. Sentil, A., Reverté, S., Lhomme, P., …, Christmann, S., Michez, D. (2022). “Wild vegetation and ‘farming with alternative pollinators’ approach support pollinator diversity in farmland.” Journal of Applied Entomology, 146(9), pp. 1155–1168.
  5. El Abdouni, I., Lhomme, P., Christmann, S., …, Rasmont, P., Michez, D. (2022). “Diversity and Relative Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Moroccan Agroecosystems.” Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10, 866581.
  6. Sentil, A., Wood, T.J., Lhomme, P., …, Christmann, S., Michez, D. (2022). “Impact of the ‘Farming With Alternative Pollinators’ Approach on Crop Pollinator Pollen Diet.” Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10, 824474.
  7. Christmann, S., Bencharki, Y., Anougmar, S., …, Tsivelikas, A., Aw-Hassan, A. (2021). “‘Farming with Alternative Pollinators’ benefits pollinators, natural enemies, and yields, and offers transformative change to agriculture.” Scientific Reports, 11(1), 18206.

 

Gandura Abagandura | Soil health | Women Researcher Award

Dr Gandura Abagandura | Soil health | Women Researcher Award

Post-Doctoral Researcher at  University of Nebraska Lincoln, United States

Dr. Gandura Abagandura is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, specializing in sustainable agriculture, soil health, and greenhouse gas emissions. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Sciences from Clemson University in 2016, with a minor in Statistics. Prior to his current position, he worked as a Soil Scientist in Libya and held roles such as Arabic Tutor and Research Assistant at Clemson University.

 

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

Education:

Ph.D., Clemson University, South Carolina, United States, 2016 Plant and Environmental Sciences 🌱 Minor in Statistics, Clemson University, South Carolina, United States, 2016
Mathematical Science 📊 Higher Diploma in English, Amal Institution, Libya, 2008 Linguistic Excellence 📚🇱🇾 M.S., Omar Almukter University, Libya, 2007 Department of Soil and Water Sciences 💧🌍 B.S., Omar Almukter University, Libya, 2004 Department of Soil and Water Sciences 🌱📈

Expertise:

 Sustainable Agriculture: Implementing practices like rotational grazing, no-till, cover crops, and integrating livestock to optimize environmental integrity 🌱🌾 Soil Health: Evaluating and enhancing soil health and microbial activity for resilient agricultural systems 💧🌱 Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Specialized in studying and mitigating CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions for sustainable environmental practices 🌍🔍 Carbon, Methane, and Nitrogen Cycles: Understanding and managing essential elements in the agricultural ecosystem 🔄🌾 Water Quality: Assessing and optimizing water quality in agricultural settings 💦🌾 Logistic Models: Utilizing mathematical models for predictive analysis and decision-making 📊🔍 Spatial Modeling: Employing spatial modeling techniques for effective land management 🗺️🌾 Experimental Design and Statistical Analysis: Applying robust methodologies for accurate research findings 📈🔬

Employment History:

2008-2010: Soil Scientist, Agricultural Research Center, Libya 🇱🇾 2013-2014: Arabic Tutor, Clemson University, South Carolina, United States, English Department 📚🗣️ 2015-2016: Research Assistant, Clemson University, South Carolina, United States, Plant and Environmental Sciences 🔬🌱 2017 (July)-2019 (December): Post-Doctoral Researcher, South Dakota State University, South Dakota, United States, Department of Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science 🌾🔍 2020 (January)-Present: Post-Doctoral Researcher, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture 🌽🔬

Research Skills:

Dr. Abagandura’s extensive skill set includes expertise in sustainable agriculture techniques, greenhouse gas flux measurements, soil and water sampling, and precision agriculture using GIS and UAVs. His proficiency in data analysis with JMP, SigmaPlot, and R Software reflects his commitment to producing robust research findings.

Research Focus:

Passionate about environmental issues, Dr. Abagandura’s research revolves around sustainable agriculture practices, soil health enhancement, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including carbon cycles, water quality, and logistic models.

citations:

All-time Metrics (Since Start of Career):

  • Citations: 327
  • h-index: 12
  • i10-index: 14

Metrics Since 2019:

  • Citations: 322
  • h-index: 12
  • i10-index: 14

Dr. Gandura Abagandura’s impactful research has garnered 327 citations throughout their career, demonstrating a consistent scholarly influence. Since 2019, their work has been cited 322 times, reaffirming the sustained relevance and significance of their contributions to the scientific community. The h-index and i10-index, both standing at 12 and 14 respectively, reflect the depth and breadth of their scholarly impact. 📚🔍

 

Publications Top Notes: