Yi Wang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Yi Wang | Environmental Science |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Agricultural Scientist at  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, United States

Dr. Yi Wang is an Assistant Scientist in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2020 and holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry (2020) – University of Texas at El Paso
  • B.S. in Chemistry (2012) – University of Science and Technology of China

👨‍🔬 Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Scientist (2022–Present) – Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Postdoctoral Scientist (2020–2022) – Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Research & Graduate Assistant (2015–2020) – University of Texas at El Paso

🌱 Research Focus:

Dr. Wang specializes in the application of nanotechnology in agriculture, enhancing crop nutrition, disease resistance, and environmental safety. His work also explores the interactions between nanomaterials and plants, using advanced analytical techniques to improve agrochemical formulations and assess the impact of contaminants like PFAS and microplastics.

🏆 Research Grants & Projects:

  • PI: USDA NIFA AFRI-funded research on agro-nanomaterials ($299,541)
  • Co-PI: Nanoparticle-based crop disease management ($729,000)
  • Collaborator on multiple high-impact projects totaling millions in research funding

📚 Professional Contributions:

  • Editorial Board Member: ACS Agricultural Science and Technology, Plant Nano Biology, Agronomy
  • Reviewer: Top-tier journals like Environmental Science & Technology, Soil Biology & Biochemistry, and Scientific Reports
  • USDA-NIFA Proposal Panel Reviewer

🏅 Honors & Awards:

  • Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) Student Award (2018)
  • University of California CEIN Travel Award (2019)
  • Dodson Research Grant (2021)

🎓 Teaching & Mentorship:

  • Taught General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Texas at El Paso
  • Mentor for Yale Conservation Scholars Program (2022, 2024)

🌍 Community Engagement:

  • Judge at Sigma Xi Student Research Conference
  • Presenter & Committee Member at Plant Science Day Events

Citations:

Citations: 1,099 (1,063 since 2020)
h-index: 21 (20 since 2020)
i10-index: 31 (30 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Improvement of Nutrient Elements and Allicin Content in Green Onion (Allium fistulosum) Plants Exposed to CuO Nanoparticles
  • Copper Nanowires as Nanofertilizers for Alfalfa Plants: Understanding Nano-Bio Systems Interactions from Microbial Genomics, Plant Molecular Responses, and Spectroscopic Studies
  • Foliar Exposure of Cu(OH)₂ Nanopesticide to Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Variety-Dependent Copper Translocation and Biochemical Responses
  • Bok Choy (Brassica rapa) Grown in Copper Oxide Nanoparticles-Amended Soils Exhibits Toxicity in a Phenotype-Dependent Manner: Translocation, Biodistribution, and Nutritional Impact
  • Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanoparticles Affect Yield, Nutritional Quality, and Auxin-Associated Gene Expression in Weedy and Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grains
  • Enhancing Agrichemical Delivery and Plant Development with Biopolymer-Based Stimuli-Responsive Core–Shell Nanostructures
  • Evaluation of the Effects of Nanomaterials on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Responses: Underlining the Benefits of Nanotechnology for Agricultural Applications
  • Factors Affecting Fate and Transport of Engineered Nanomaterials in Terrestrial Environments
  • Therapeutic Delivery of Nanoscale Sulfur to Suppress Disease in Tomatoes: In Vitro Imaging and Orthogonal Mechanistic Investigation
  • Effects of Different Surface-Coated nTiO₂ on Full-Grown Carrot Plants: Impacts on Root Splitting, Essential Elements, and Ti Uptake
  • Growth, Gas Exchange, and Mineral Nutrients of Ornamental Grasses Irrigated with Saline Water
  • Unlocking the Potential of Nano-Enabled Precision Agriculture for Efficient and Sustainable Farming
  • Soil and Foliar Exposure of Soybean (Glycine max) to Cu: Nanoparticle Coating-Dependent Plant Responses
  • Impact of Engineered Nanomaterials on Rice (Oryza sativa L.): A Critical Review of Current Knowledge
  • Lignin Nanoparticles as Delivery Systems to Facilitate Translocation of Methoxyfenozide in Soybean (Glycine max)
  • Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Dose-Dependent Alteration of Maize (Zea mays L.) Metabolites and Mineral Nutrient Profiles Upon Exposure to Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles
  • Engineering Climate-Resilient Rice Using a Nanobiostimulant-Based “Stress Training” Strategy
  • Differential Physiological and Biochemical Impacts of Nano vs. Micron Cu at Two Phenological Growth Stages in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Plants
  • Surface-Coated Sulfur Nanoparticles Suppress Fusarium Disease in Field-Grown Tomato: Increased Yield and Nutrient Biofortification
  • Soil-Aged Nano Titanium Dioxide Effects on Full-Grown Carrot: Dose- and Surface-Coating-Dependent Improvements on Growth and Nutrient Quality

 

 

Roberta Trani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Roberta Trani |  Environmental Science |  Best Researcher Award

Researcher fellow at  University of Bari Aldo Moro,  Italy

Dr. Roberta Trani is a Research Fellow at the University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy. With a strong background in agricultural sciences, she focuses on innovative research to enhance sustainable farming practices. Passionate about scientific advancement, she actively contributes to academia through research and collaborations.

Profile:

Education & Certifications:

  • PhD in Biodiversity, Agriculture & Environment (2021), University of Bari Aldo Moro
    • Thesis: Marine Multi-Trophic Bioremediation in Aquaculture & Biomass Valorization
  • Scientific Diver Certification (2024), A.I.O.S.S.
  • Professional Qualification in Biology – Section A (2021)
  • Foreign Internship on Marine Natural Products Extraction (2019), University of the Balearic Islands, Spain

Work Experience:

Current Roles

  • Principal Investigator (2024–Present): MaSBIA Project – Marine Sponges as Bioremediators in Integrated Aquaculture (ERC SEEDS UNIBA)
  • Research Fellow (2021–Present): Macrozoobenthic Community Analysis in Corallium rubrum Habitats, Puglia
  • Subject Expert in Zoology & Animal Biodiversity (2021–Present), University of Bari Aldo Moro

Previous Roles

  • Research Fellow (2021–2023): Rete Natura 2000 – Habitat & Species Monitoring in Puglia
  • Underwater Surveys & Marine Strategy Puglia Project (2021), CoNISMa
  • Field Research Support in Hard Substrate Benthos Analysis (2021), CoNISMa
  • Bioremediation & Benthos Invertebrate Management (2021), University of Bari
  • REMEDIA Life Project Team Member (2017–2020), University of Bari

Academic and Professional Background

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences (2012)
  • Master’s Degree in Environmental Biology (2015)
  • PhD in Environmental Sciences (2021), University of Bari Aldo Moro
  • Over 14 years of research experience in marine zoology and ecology, with training in Italy, Russia, and the Balearic Islands
  • Since 2018, research focus on marine bioremediation via Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), contributing to the REMEDIA Life project
  • Current research on marine filter-feeding invertebrates for ecosystem restoration and sustainability

Areas of Research

  • Bioremediation
  • Marine Biodiversity & Ecology
  • Aquatic Ecosystems
  • Marine Zoology & Biology
  • Marine Environment & Natural Product Extraction
  • Underwater Monitoring & Sampling

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 251
  • Citations Since 2020: 249
  • h-Index: 9
  • h-Index Since 2020: 9
  • i10-Index: 9
  • i10-Index Since 2020: 9

Publication Top Notes:

  • An Innovative IMTA System: Polychaetes, Sponges and Macroalgae Co-Cultured in a Southern Italian In-Shore Mariculture Plant (Ionian Sea)
  • Chaetomorpha linum in the Bioremediation of Aquaculture Wastewater: Optimization of Nutrient Removal Efficiency at the Laboratory Scale
  • Filtering Activity and Nutrient Release by the Keratose Sponge Sarcotragus spinosulus Schmidt, 1862 (Porifera, Demospongiae) at the Laboratory Scale
  • Environmental Quality Improvement of a Mariculture Plant After Its Conversion Into a Multi-Trophic System
  • Sponges as Emerging By-Product of Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA)
  • Biofouling Role in Mariculture Environment Restoration: An Example in the Mar Grande of Taranto (Mediterranean Sea)
  • An Integrated Monitoring Approach to the Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of an Inshore Mariculture Plant (Mar Grande of Taranto, Ionian Sea)
  • Nitrogen Metabolism at Tillering Stage Differently Affects the Grain Yield and Grain Protein Content in Two Durum Wheat Cultivars
  • Bioremediation Capabilities of Hymeniacidon perlevis (Porifera, Demospongiae) in a Land-Based Experimental Fish Farm
  • Invertebrate Diversity Associated With a Shallow Rhodolith Bed in the Mediterranean Sea (Mar Piccolo of Taranto, South-East Italy)
  • Anti-Fouling Activity and Toxicity of the Mediterranean Alien Sponge Paraleucilla magna Klautau, Monteiro & Borojevic, 2004 (Porifera, Calcarea)
  • Influence of an Innovative IMTA System (Mediterranean Sea, Italy) on Environmental and Biological Parameters: Seasonal Analysis
  • The REMEDIA LIFE Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture System as a Powerful Sponge Biomass Supply
  • Porifera in the REMEDIA LIFE Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture (IMTA) System
  • Do Sustainably Reared Marine Sponges Represent a Potential New Product in Aquariology? A Citizen Science-Based Approach
  • Metodologie di Allevamento di Poriferi in un Sistema di Acquacoltura Multi Trophica Integrata
  • Synthesis of Brominated Lactones Related to Mycalin A: Selective Antiproliferative Activity on Metastatic Melanoma Cells and Inhibition of the Cell Migration
  • Tethya meloni (Porifera, Demospongiae): A Promising Bioremediator Species and Source of Marine Natural Products
  • Integrated Study for the Assessment of an Inshore Mariculture Plant Impact on the Surrounding Environment (Ionian Sea)
  • Multi-Trophic Species Interactions in a Marine Bioremediation Model Assessment

 

Sallahuddin Panhwar | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Sallahuddin Panhwar | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at   National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan

Dr. Sallahuddin Panhwar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan. With a focus on advanced civil engineering practices, Dr. Panhwar has developed expertise in structural analysis, materials science, and sustainable construction practices. His academic contributions have earned him an H-index of 12, underscoring the impact of his research in the field. Dr. Panhwar has authored several research papers, contributing valuable insights to the development of innovative engineering solutions. He is dedicated to teaching and mentoring students, guiding them toward careers in civil engineering.

Profile:

Google scholar

Academic Qualifications:

  • Postdoctoral Fellowship in Analytical Chemistry (2024), Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
  • Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (2019), Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan
  • M.E. in Environmental Engineering (2014), Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan
  • B.E. in Mining Engineering (2010), Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro, Pakistan

Professional Experience

  • Assistant Professor (2022–Present)
    Department of Civil Engineering, NUST, Quetta, Pakistan

    • Teaching courses in Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Water Supply and Wastewater Engineering
    • Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students on research projects
  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2023–2024)
    Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Ankara, Turkey

    • Project: “Flexible Paper-Based Electrode Array for Detection of Pathogens in Water and Blood Using Bacteriophage”
  • Assistant Professor (2020–2022)
    Department of Civil Engineering, Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar, Pakistan
  • Visiting Scholar (2018)
    University of Utah, USA

    • Research on water reuse under mentorship of Prof. Dr. Krista Carlson and Prof. Dr. Ramesh Goel

Research Projects & Grants

  • Principal Investigator: “Synthesis, Characterization & Biosensing Application of Metal Nanoparticles in Water” (TÜBİTAK, 56,800 TL, 2019)
  • Research Fellow: “2221 Research Fellowship Program for Foreign Citizens” (TÜBİTAK, 2023–2024)

Awards & Achievements

  • Cultural Diplomat Award from the University of Utah (2018)
  • Fully Funded Ph.D. Scholarship from the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (2015)
  • TÜBİTAK Research Fellowship for one-year project (2019–2020)
  • Research Scholar under the exchange program at the University of Utah (2018)

Memberships & Professional Affiliations

  • Member, WWF Pakistan
  • Member, Pakistan Engineering Council
  • Peer Reviewer for journals like ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces and Omega

Research & Teaching Interests

Dr. Sallahuddin Panhwar specializes in various aspects of environmental and analytical chemistry. His research and teaching interests include:

  • Water quality analysis and environmental management
  • Nanoparticles and their applications in biosensing and electrochemical polymerization
  • Spectroscopic techniques, electrode modification, and microbial detection
  • Analytical chemistry and environmental engineering

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 454
  • Citations Since 2020: 434

h-index:

  • Overall: 12
  • Since 2020: 11

i10-index:

  • Overall: 13
  • Since 2020: 12

Publication Top Notes : 

  • Influence of tailor-made TiO2/API bentonite nanocomposite on drilling mud performance: Towards enhanced drilling operations
    Applied Clay Science, 199, 105862, 110, 2020.
  • Investigation of Irrigation Water Requirements for Major Crops Using CROPWAT Model Based on Climate Data
    Water, 14 (16), 17, 2022.
  • Highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for detection of Escherichia coli by using L-cysteine functionalized iron nanoparticles
    Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 166 (4), B227, 34, 2019.
  • Water quality analysis of old and new Phuleli Canal for irrigation purpose in the vicinity of Hyderabad, Pakistan
    Water Practice & Technology, 17 (2), 529-536, 29, 2022.
  • Synthesis of l-Cysteine Capped Silver Nanoparticles in Acidic Media at Room Temperature and Detailed Characterization
    Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials, 28, 863-870, 20, 2018.
  • Fabrication of highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensors for detection of paracetamol by using piroxicam stabilized gold nanoparticles
    Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 164 (9), B427, 20, 2017.
  • Estimation of irrigation water requirement and irrigation scheduling for major crops using the CROPWAT model and climatic data
    Water Practice & Technology, 18 (3), 685-700, 18, 2023.
  • A novel approach for real-time enumeration of Escherichia coli ATCC 47076 in water through high multi-functional engineered nano-dispersible electrode
    Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 168 (3), 037514, 17, 2021.
  • Dual Responsive Disposable Electrode for the Enumeration of Escherichia coli in Whole Blood
    Electroanalysis, 32, 1–10, 17, 2020.
  • Health and safety assessment in Lakhra coal mines and its mitigation measures
    Iranian Journal of Health, Safety and Environment, 4 (3), 775-780, 17, 2017.
  • High-Performance E. coli Antibody-Conjugated Gold Nanorods for the Selective Electrochemical Detection of Pathogens in Drinking Water
    Journal of Electronic Materials, 50, 7119-7125, 16, 2021.
  • Predictive Modeling of Biogas Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Mixed Kitchen Waste at Mesophilic Temperature
    International Journal of Waste Resources, 6 (3), 16, 2016.
  • Enhanced cellulose nanofiber mechanical stability through ionic crosslinking and interpretation of adsorption data using machine learning
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 237, 124180, 10, 2023.
  • Experimental investigation of methane generation in the presence of surface and un-surface nanoparticles of iron oxide
    AgriEngineering, 4 (1), 134-140, 8, 2022.
  • Generation of green renewable energy through anaerobic digestion technology (ADT): Technical insights review
    Waste and Biomass Valorization, 14 (3), 663-686, 7, 2023.
  • Synthesis and characterization approaches of silver nano particles for various novel applications
    Advances in Materials and Processing Technologies, 8 (4), 4106-4121, 7, 2022.
  • Arsenic removal through Bio Sand Filter (BSF) using different Bioadsorbents
    Journal of Water and Land Development, 48 (I–III), 11–15, 7, 2021.
  • Principles, methods, and real-time applications of bacteriophage-based pathogen detection
    Molecular Biotechnology, 66 (11), 3059-3076, 6, 2024.
  • Social and ecological climate change vulnerability assessment in the Indus delta, Pakistan
    Water Practice & Technology, 17 (8), 1666-1678, 6, 2022.
  • Nitrite Accumulation at Low Ammonia Concentrations in Wastewater Treatment Plants
    Sustainability, 14 (24), 16449, 5, 2022.

 

Ali Mekki | Environmental science | Excellence in Research

Prof Ali Mekki  |  Environmental science |  Excellence in Research

Sfax University,  Tunisia

Professor Ali Mekki has over 20 years of teaching and research experience in Biological Engineering, focusing on Environmental Bioprocesses, Soil Science, and Biochemistry. He has made significant contributions in the field of Environmental Bioremediation, helping to advance sustainable practices in managing soil and environmental health.

 

Publication Profile

Education:

  • HDR in Biology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2015)
  • Doctorate in Biology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2006)
  • Master of Ecology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2002)
  • License in Natural Sciences – Sfax University, Tunisia (1998)
  • Bachelor of Experimental Science – Bourguiba School, Mahres, Sfax, Tunisia (1994)

Work Experience:

  • Since July 2018 – Present: Full Professor and Senior Researcher in Biological Engineering, Environmental Bioprocesses, Soil Biochemistry and Microbiology, Gafsa University and Sfax University, Tunisia
  • 2016 – 2018: Associate Professor, Head of the Experimental Station at Olive Tree Institute, Sfax, Tunisia
  • 2008 – 2016: Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2006 – 2008: Assistant in Metabolism Biochemistry and Enzymology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2002 – 2006: Contractual Assistant of Biochemistry and General Biology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2000 – 2002: Contractual Student Researcher, Sfax University, Tunisia

Teaching Activities:

  • Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Biotechnology, Metabolism, Enzymology, Bioremediation, General Biology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Microbial Processes, Methanization.

International & National Research Projects:

  • Bilateral International Project IRD-CESBIO (France)-IO-IRESA-Tunisia: 2017-2020
  • International CLARA Project (EU 7th Framework Program): 2011-2014
  • International INCO-MED Project (Mediterranean Usage of Biotechnological Treated Effluent Water): ICA3-CT-1999-00010
  • Tuniso–Moroccan Project: 2006-2008

Academic Citations:

  • Total Citations: 1,398
  • Citations Since 2019: 796
  • H-Index: 16 (Overall), 15 (Since 2019)
  • I10-Index: 19 (Overall), 18 (Since 2019)

Publication Top Note:

  • Changes in microbial and soil properties following amendment with treated and untreated olive mill wastewater
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Microbiological Research, 161(2), 93-101
    Citations: 281 (2006)
  • Polyphenols dynamics and phytotoxicity in a soil amended by olive mill wastewaters
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Journal of Environmental Management, 84(2), 134-140
    Citations: 218 (2007)
  • Effects of olive mill wastewater application on soil properties and plant growth
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 2, 1-7
    Citations: 169 (2013)
  • Olive wastewater as an ecological fertilizer
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, F Aloui, S Sayadi
    Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 26(1), 61-67
    Citations: 141 (2006)
  • Assessment of toxicity of the untreated and treated olive mill wastewaters and soil irrigated by using microbiotests
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, F Feki, S Sayadi
    Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 69(3), 488-495
    Citations: 87 (2008)
  • Evolution of several soil properties following amendment with olive mill wastewater
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Progress in Natural Science, 19(11), 1515-1521
    Citations: 83 (2009)
  • Long-term effects of olive mill wastewaters application on soil properties and phenolic compounds migration under arid climate
    O Meftah, Z Guergueb, M Braham, S Sayadi, A Mekki
    Agricultural Water Management, 212, 119-125
    Citations: 66 (2019)
  • Agro-physiological and biochemical responses of Sorghum bicolor in soil amended by olive mill wastewater
    L Bargougui, Z Guergueb, M Chaieb, M Braham, A Mekki
    Agricultural Water Management, 212, 60-67
    Citations: 46 (2019)
  • Study of heavy metal accumulation and residual toxicity in soil saturated with phosphate processing wastewater
    A Mekki, S Sayadi
    Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 228, 1-10
    Citations: 46 (2017)
  • Influence of biowaste compost amendment on soil organic carbon storage under arid climate
    A Mekki, F Aloui, S Sayadi
    Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 69(7), 867-877
    Citations: 32 (2019)