Nasr Ghazy | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Nasr Ghazy | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Pathology Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Giza | Egypt

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Assist. Prof. Dr. Nasr Ahmed Ghazy embarked on an illustrious academic journey in agricultural sciences. Completing his B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences (Plant Diseases) from Tanta University in 2000, he delved deeper into plant pathology with an M.Sc. in Agricultural Microbiology from Kafrelsheikh University in 2007. His Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences (Plant Diseases) from Mansoura University in 2015 exemplifies his dedication to unraveling the complexities of plant diseases, especially those affecting vital crops like maize and sugar beet.

🌾 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ghazy has had a progressive career spanning over two decades, starting as an agricultural specialist in 2000 and advancing to his current role as a Senior Researcher (Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology) at Sakha Agricultural Research Station in Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt. His responsibilities include designing and analyzing maize disease programs, collaborating with breeders to evaluate resistance against late wilt, and sharing knowledge with extension engineers and farmers. Additionally, he plays a vital role in training students and professionals in plant disease management and pesticide application under the supervision of the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ghazy's contributions to plant pathology are far-reaching. He has authored over 20 research papers on topics like maize diseases, sugar beet productivity, and the use of nanomaterials in plant disease control. His work extends to developing sustainable agricultural practices by exploring the genetic diversity of crops, enhancing disease resistance, and investigating environmentally friendly solutions to minimize the impact of pathogens.

Key research highlights include:

  • Exploring molecular and genetic mechanisms of resistance in maize and sugar beet.
  • Investigating the efficacy of natural and nano-compounds in managing plant diseases.
  • Collaborating on interdisciplinary studies to improve crop yield and quality.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ghazy's expertise is widely acknowledged within the scientific community. He holds membership in the Egyptian Plant Diseases Society and contributes to Egypt's National Maize Production Campaign. His scholarly contributions are recognized on platforms such as ORCID and SCOPUS, highlighting his global impact in agricultural sciences.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his research and practical engagements, Dr. Ghazy has positively impacted Egypt's agricultural sector. His collaborative efforts with breeders and extension engineers have empowered farmers with knowledge and tools to combat crop diseases, enhancing food security. His training programs have nurtured a new generation of agricultural scientists, emphasizing sustainable and innovative solutions.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a prominent figure in plant pathology, Dr. Ghazy continues to push boundaries in agricultural research. His future endeavors are expected to focus on integrating advanced technologies, such as nanotechnology and genetic engineering, to mitigate the challenges posed by climate change and crop diseases. His legacy lies in bridging the gap between scientific research and practical applications, fostering a resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem for future generations.

 

Publications


  • 📜"Unraveling Genetic Variation and Inheritance Patterns in Newly Developed Maize Hybrids for Improving Late Wilt Disease Resistance and Agronomic Performance Under Artificial Inoculation Conditions"
    • Journal: Life
    • Authors: Nasr A. Ghazy, Mayasar I. Al-Zaban, Fatmah Ahmed Safhi, Maha Aljabri, Doaa A. Kafsheer, Imen Ben Abdelmalek, Mohamed M. Kamara, Elsayed Mansour, Salem Hamden
    • Year: 2024

  • 📜"Evaluating the Resistance of Some Sugar Beet Cultivars to Cercospora Leaf Spot"
    • Journal: Journal of Sustainable Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
    • Authors: Ghada S. Abu El-Naga, Hanafey F. Maswada, Nasr A. Ghazy, Asmaa S. El-Nagar, Hassan M. El-Zahaby
    • Year: 2024

  • 📜"Influence of Ascorbic Acid on Some Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Cultivars Under Drought Conditions"
    • Journal: Environment, Biodiversity and Soil Security
    • Authors: Nasr Ghazy, Soad Atta, Maher Kotb
    • Year: 2024

  • 📜"Impact of Humic Acid, Vigamax, and Potassium Phosphate on Control of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease"
    • Journal: Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection
    • Authors: Farahat, G.; Salama, N.H.; Elgamal, I.S.; Ghazy, N.A.; Elsharkawy, M.M.
    • Year: 2022

  • 📜"Determination of the Genetic Resistance of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease in Some Sugar Beet Cultivars Using Agronomic Traits and Molecular Markers by START CODON TARGETED (SCoTs)"
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Applied Science
    • Authors: Nasr A. Ghazy
    • Year: 2022

 

Resham Thapa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Resham Thapa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Wyoming | United States

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Resham Thapa's academic journey is a testament to his interdisciplinary prowess and commitment to scientific inquiry. Beginning with a Bachelor's in Business Studies (B.B.S.) in 2001 from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, he specialized in Financial Management. His academic evolution included a Master in Business Studies (M.B.S.) in 2005 with a focus on Investment and Financial Analysis, where he investigated the financial performance of commercial banks in Nepal. Dr. Thapa's trajectory shifted to international grounds when he pursued an M.A. in NGO Studies in 2010 at Ajou University, South Korea, leveraging an International Student Scholarship. The culmination of his educational endeavors occurred at the University of Wyoming (UW), USA, where he earned an M.S. in Agricultural Economics (2020), delving into the economic feasibility of coal char in agriculture, and a Ph.D. in Soil Sciences (2023) with a dissertation on the impacts of coal char on plant growth and soil properties.

🌟 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Thapa has cultivated a career enriched with research, teaching, and professional collaborations. As a Research Professional at UW's School of Energy Resources (2023–present), he focuses on enhancing soil health and sustainable crop production through innovative soil amendments like coal char and biochar. His role involves designing field experiments, conducting lab analyses, and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals. Previously, as a Graduate Research Assistant at UW (2015–2023), he spearheaded collaborative projects to address soil nutrient issues and crop yield optimization. His contributions ranged from experimental designs to statistical data analysis using R programming. Earlier in Nepal, he served as a Lecturer in management studies and a Social Mobilization Expert for renewable energy projects, showcasing his adaptability across disciplines.

🌍 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Thapa’s research centers on soil health and sustainable agriculture, particularly through the use of coal-derived soil amendments. His groundbreaking work has explored the effects of coal char and biochar on plant growth, soil water retention, and crop yield, making significant strides in agroecology. His skills span soil microbial analysis, field research, and economic risk analysis, positioning him as a thought leader in soil amendment innovation. He also contributed to earlier projects like Municipal Solid Waste Management (2005–2007), blending environmental science and statistical sampling to optimize waste management systems.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Thapa has garnered numerous awards for his contributions to science and academia. Notable achievements include:

  • 1st Place in the Wyoming Energy Future Symposium Poster Competition (2022).
  • Travel grants to present his research at prestigious international conferences.
  • Academic scholarships from Ajou University and Tribhuvan University for exceptional performance.

He was also awarded the Eldon and Josephine Johnston Family Graduate Fellowship for his outstanding contributions to agricultural research.

🌾 Impact and Influence

Dr. Thapa’s work has profound implications for global agricultural sustainability. His research on coal char and biochar as soil amendments addresses critical challenges in soil degradation, water retention, and crop productivity, especially in semi-arid regions. His publications in reputable journals and conference presentations have advanced the scientific discourse, influencing both academic and agricultural communities. Moreover, his teaching experience in Nepal has inspired future generations, while his collaborative research endeavors at UW have strengthened ties between academia and industry.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a trailblazer in soil amendment research, Dr. Thapa's legacy lies in his multidisciplinary approach and dedication to practical solutions for agricultural challenges. His provisional patent on coal char for soil health and crop yield enhancement exemplifies his innovative mindset. Looking forward, Dr. Thapa aims to expand his research to address global food security, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture. His efforts will continue to inspire scientists and policymakers alike, fostering a greener and more sustainable future.

 

Publications


  • 📜 Enhancing Corn Yield and Soil Quality in Irrigated Semiarid Region with Coal Char and Biochar Amendments
    Authors: Thapa, R.B.; Budhathoki, S.; Shilpakar, S.; Panday, D.; Alsunuse, B.; Tang, S.X; Stahl, P.D.
    Journal: Soils
    Year: 2024

  • 📜 Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculum Potential in Crop Rotation Soil With Different Levels of Irrigation
    Authors: Bouzeriba T. B. Alsunuse, Nasruddeen Al-Awwal, Samir Budhathoki, Resham B. Thapa, Michael Baidoo, Faraj Zaid & Peter D. Stahl
    Journal: Journal of Agricultural Science (JAS)
    Year: 2023

  • 📜 Use of Stratified Cluster Sampling for Efficient Estimation of Solid Waste Generation at Household Level
    Authors: Mohan B. Dangi, Michael A. Urynowicz, Kenneth G. Gerow, and Resham B. Thapa
    Journal: Waste Management & Research
    Year: 2008

  • 📜 An Assessment of Plant Growth and Soil Properties Using Coal Char and Biochar as a Soil Amendment
    Authors: Thapa, R.B.; Coupal, R.H.; Dangi, M.B.; Stahl, P.D.
    Journal: Agronomy
    Year: 2024

  • 📜 Initial Greenhouse Observations on Use of Coal Char as a Soil Amendment: Influences on Plant Growth and Soil Water Holding Capacity
    Authors: Thapa, R.B.; Tang, S.X.; Stahl, P.D.
    Journal: Journal of Dryland Agriculture (JODA)
    Year: 2023

 

Smruti Ranjan Padhan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

ICAR KVK-East Sikkim, ICAR-RC NEH Region | India

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan's academic journey reflects a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. He achieved impressive results during his early education, scoring 91.83% in Matriculation from the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha, and 88.17% in Intermediate from the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Odisha, with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology. This excellence continued into his higher education, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture with an OGPA of 8.63 from Odisha University of Agriculture & Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in Agronomy from the prestigious Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, both with an OGPA of 9.15.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Padhan's professional career is marked by both academic and administrative excellence. Currently affiliated with KVK-East Sikkim in Gangtok, Sikkim, he has also contributed significantly as the State Coordinator for Delhi NCT of the All India Agricultural Students Association (AIASA). His leadership role as a life member of the Indian Society of Agronomy (ISA) reflects his deep commitment to advancing agricultural education and research across India.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Padhan's research primarily focuses on sustainable agriculture, with contributions to conservation agriculture, soil health, and crop productivity. His work has resulted in numerous research publications in high-impact journals such as the European Journal of Agronomy and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. His studies explore topics like nitrogen uptake, weed management, and crop yield in rice-wheat cropping systems, and he has also delved into the role of artificial intelligence in agriculture.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Padhan's academic and research excellence have earned him numerous awards. He received the prestigious ICAR-JRF in Agronomy in 2018 and the ICAR-SRF in 2020. His Master’s thesis earned him the Best M.Sc. Thesis Award in 2022. In recognition of his scientific contributions, he also received the Best Oral Presentation Awards in 2019 and 2022 and the Best Poster Presentation Award in 2020.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through his research, Dr. Padhan has significantly impacted the agricultural sector, particularly in the areas of agronomic productivity, environmental sustainability, and conservation practices. His work is helping shape more sustainable agricultural methods, optimizing crop yields while maintaining soil health, and reducing the environmental footprint of farming.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan's ongoing contributions to agronomy and sustainable farming practices position him as a key influencer in the future of Indian agriculture. His research, leadership roles, and extensive collaboration with fellow researchers ensure that his legacy will continue to inspire innovations in agricultural productivity, soil health, and sustainable practices for years to come.

 

Publications


  • 📄  Bibliometric Trends and Insights into the Potential of Maize (Zea mays) under the Framework of Conservation Agriculture
    Authors: Smruti Ranjan Padhan, Sushmita Saini, Shankar Lal Jat, Sanjay Singh Rathore, Mahesh Kumar Gathala, Radheshyam, Soumya Ranjan Padhan, Salah El-Hendawy, Mohamed A. Mattar
    Journal: Sustainability
    Year: 2024-10-08

  • 📄  On-farm evidence on breaking yield barriers through optimizing wheat cropping system in Indo Gangetic Plain
    Authors: Radheshyam, Shankar Lal Jat, M.L. Jat, C.M. Parihar, H.S. Jat, A.K. Singh, Deepak Bijarniya, Smruti Ranjan Padhan, Praveen V. Kadam, Manish Kumar
    Journal: European Journal of Agronomy
    Year: 2024-09

  • 📘  Finger Millet: A Sustainable Approach for Nutritional Security and its Biofortification
    Authors: Pratikshya Mishra, Smruti Ranjan Padhan
    Book : Millets and Other Potential Crops
    Year: 2024-06-27

  • 📄  Unveiling the potential of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in phytoremediation of heavy metal
    Authors: Ritwik Sahoo, Sumit Sow, Shivani Ranjan, Dharminder, Rajan Kumar, Dhirendra Kumar Roy, Sunil Kumar, Amrendra Kumar, Rajeev Kumar Srivastava, Rajendra Prasad et al.
    Journal: Discover Applied Sciences
    Year: 2024-06-13

  • 📄  Vocational opportunities for agricultural migrants in northern India: Insights from grassroots
    Authors: Sushmita Saini, Rajarshi Roy Burman, Rabindra Nath Padaria, Girijesh Singh Mahra, Sitaram Bishnoi, Kaustav Aditya, Nithyashree M. L., Sonali Mallick, Smruti Ranjan Padhan
    Journal: The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
    Year: 2024-05-08

 

Danela Murariu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Danela Murariu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Suceava Genebank | Romania

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Danela Murariu's academic journey began at the Agronomic Institute "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" in Iași, Romania, where she pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy. With a keen interest in plant physiology, genetics, and breeding, she furthered her education by earning a Doctor's Degree in Agronomy from the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences “Gheorghe Ionescu Șișești” in Bucharest. Her doctoral research focused on seed viability in plant species preserved at the Suceava Gene Bank, laying the foundation for her long-standing career in plant genetics.

Professional Endeavors 🌱

Dr. Murariu's professional path has been closely tied to the Suceava Genebank, where she has made significant contributions over the years. Starting as a research assistant in 1987, she gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Head of the Evaluation Section and, later, the Scientific Secretary. In these roles, she has been instrumental in coordinating research, managing collections of maize and oat germplasm, and promoting national and international collaborations. Her work also includes managing regeneration and multiplication of plant genetic resources, ensuring the longevity of Romania's agricultural heritage.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Murariu’s research spans various aspects of plant genetics, with a strong emphasis on maize and oat collections. She has curated and evaluated local plant populations, focusing on factors such as seed viability and cold resistance in maize germplasm. Her expertise extends to organizing the preservation and use of plant genetic resources, both in situ and on farms. Her efforts also encompass promoting traditional agricultural varieties and securing funding for critical research projects. Internationally, she played a pivotal role in SEEDNet, helping conserve plant genetic resources across Southeast Europe.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Murariu has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious “Constantin Sandu Aldea” Prize in 2017 and 2018 for her contributions to agricultural literature. Her project leadership in conserving local maize landraces from the Carpathian Mountains also earned her an Award of Excellence. These recognitions underscore her profound impact on agricultural science and genetic conservation, both nationally and internationally.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Murariu’s influence extends to her roles as a mentor and educator. Since 2021, she has been coordinating PhD students in the field of Agronomy at the University of Life Sciences Iași. Her work has also earned her a place on the editorial board of the International Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry. She is a well-regarded expert and speaker at numerous international scientific events and workshops, contributing to global discussions on plant genetic conservation and breeding.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

With over 131 scientific publications to her name, including books, journal articles, and conference papers, Dr. Murariu’s legacy in plant genetics is substantial. Her vision for the future, reflected in the Suceava Genebank’s strategy extending to 2045, demonstrates her commitment to agricultural sustainability and food security. Through her research, teaching, and leadership, she continues to inspire future generations of agronomists and geneticists.

 

Publications


📓 Some Nutritional Value Aspects of Barley and Oat and Their Impact in Human Nutrition and Healthy Life
Authors: Diana Camelia Batîr Rusu, Danela Murariu, Roxana Gheorghita, Mariana Graur
Journal: Plants
Year: 2024


📓 Genetic and Phenotypic Evaluation of European Maize Landraces as a Tool for Conservation and Valorization of Agrobiodiversity
Authors: Carlotta Balconi, Agustin Oscar Galaretto, Rosa Ana Malvar, Stéphane D. Nicolas, Rita Redaelli, Violeta Andjelkovic, Pedro Revilla, Cyril Bauland, Brigitte Gouesnard, Ana Butron et al.
Journal: Biology
Year: 2024


📓 Study of Phenotypic Variability of Vicia faba Germplasm by Using of Varietal Diversity in Mono-Cropping and Intercropping Systems
Author: Danela Murariu
Journal: Romanian Agricultural Research
Year: 2022


📓 Macroelement and Nitrate Contents in Maize Leaves Under Different Nitrogen Fertilization
Author: Danela Murariu
Journal: Maydica
Year: 2021


📓 Assessing of Genetic Variability of Avena Accessions Artificially Inoculated with Fusarium spp
Authors: Domnica Daniela Placinta, Danela Murariu, Catalin Enea
Journal: Romanian Agricultural Research
Year: 2020


📓 Assessing Genetic Diversity in Romanian Maize Landraces, Using Molecular Markers
Authors: Danela Murariu, Domnica Daniela Placinta, Violeta Simioniuc
Journal: Romanian Agricultural Research
Year: 2019