Lakshan Paudel | Environments | GreenHarvest Sustainability Innovator Award

Mr. Lakshan  Paudel | Environments |  GreenHarvest Sustainability Innovator Award

Researcher at Sun Moon University, Asan, South Korea

Mr. Lakshan Paudel is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and clinical laboratory science. He is currently pursuing an integrated Master’s and Ph.D. in Life Science and Biochemical Engineering at Sun Moon University, South Korea (2020–2026). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • 🧬 Integrated Master’s–Ph.D. (2020–2026, ongoing)
    Life Science & Biochemical Engineering, Sun Moon University, South Korea

  • 🔬 B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (2006–2009)
    Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, India

  • 📘 High School (2004–2006)
    Oxford Higher Secondary School, Butwal, Nepal

🧪 Research & Technical Expertise:

  • PCR, gene cloning, protein structure prediction

  • Genome assembly, comparative genomics, enzyme kinetics

  • Proficient in laboratory diagnostics: ELISA, HPLC, CLIA, gel electrophoresis

  • Skilled in data analysis, experimental design, and clinical instrumentation

👨‍🏫 Academic & Teaching Experience:

  • 🧫 Laboratory Coordinator (2010–2019)
    Modern Technical College, Lalitpur, Nepal – Trained undergraduate students in clinical lab techniques

  • 🧪 Part-time Biochemistry Instructor (2012–2018)
    Yala Institute of Health Sciences, Nepal

🏥 Professional Laboratory Experience:

  • 🏥 Medical Technologist (2009–2010)
    Sarvanga Hospital & Research Center, Nepal

  • Expertise in biochemistry, parasitology, immunology, and microbiology

📚 Training & Certifications:

  • 🧑‍🏫 Teaching & Learning Methodology – CTEVT Nepal (2016)

  • 📝 Research Writing – NHRC Nepal (2015)

🌿 Fields of Interest:

  • Public health diagnostics

  • Molecular parasitology

  • Applied biomedical sciences

  • Multidisciplinary research collaborations

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Identification and evaluation of CAZyme genes, along with functional characterization of a new GH46 chitosanase from Streptomyces sp. KCCM12257
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Vol. 253, Article 127457, 2023

  2. Complete genome of Nakamurella sp. PAMC28650: Genomic insights into its environmental adaptation and biotechnological potential
    Functional & Integrative Genomics, Vol. 23(1), Article 18, 2023

  3. Genomic insight into O-demethylation of 4-methoxybenzoate by a two-component system from Amycolatopsis magusensis KCCM40447
    Heliyon, Vol. 10(3), 2024

  4. CAZyme analysis and functional characterization of a new GH18 chitin hydrolase from Gelidibacter salicanalis PAMC21136
    Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, Vol. 10, Article 100773, 2025

  5. Potential role of serum homocysteine and uric acid level as a predictive marker for preeclampsia
    International Journal, Vol. 5(5), Page 119, 2019

 

Silas Ochieng | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Mr Silas Ochieng | Climate Change |  Best Researcher Award

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning Director at  DT Global,  Kenya

Silas Ochieng, a Kenyan national, is a seasoned Market Systems Development and Evaluations Practitioner with over 16 years of experience. He specializes in designing and implementing programs in financial inclusion, resilience programming, value chain development, and climate change adaptation.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Socio-Economics (February 2020 – Present)
    Maseno University
    Research Topic: Influence of Covariate Shocks on Determinants of Resilience Capacities Among Rural Fishing and Aquaculture Households in Kenya.
  • M.Sc. Research Methods and Applied Statistics (August 2009 – December 2011)
    Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
    Thesis: Climate Change Adaptation and Food Security Status in East Africa: A Comparative Study of Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
  • B.Sc. Agriculture (2004 – 2009)
    Moi University

Professional Experience:

Director – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (Deputy Chief of Party)

DT Global, Somalia (September 2022 – Present)

  • Managed the $65M MSD-Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) program, focusing on fisheries, livestock, and agriculture.
  • Developed and implemented the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP).
  • Ensured quality assurance for program deliverables and led learning events and strategic reviews.

Regional Monitoring & Results Measurement Manager

NIRAS Africa (FCDO Funded) – Uganda, Malawi, Nepal (June 2019 – August 2022)

  • Designed MEL systems for the $32M Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness program.
  • Developed business plans for six value chains across three countries.
  • Led data management, quality assurance, and adaptation learning sessions.

Monitoring & Results Measurement Manager

Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI), Somalia (January 2015 – April 2019)

  • Delivered the $16M Promoting Inclusive Markets in Somalia (PIMS) program.
  • Achieved consecutive high ratings (A) in annual reviews.

Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager

FSD Kenya (USAID Funded) (February 2012 – December 2015)

  • Designed and implemented value chain finance strategies.
  • Led FinaAccess surveys and data monitoring systems.

Certifications & Training:

  • Market Systems Development Programming – Springfields, Bangkok (July 2018)
  • Inclusive Markets Training – Swiss Contact (April 2019)
  • DCED Standards for Results Measurement – MDF, Netherlands (August – September 2017)
  • Outcome Mapping/Outcome Harvesting – Outcome Mapping Community, Nairobi (April 2023)
  • Applied Statistics – University of Reading (July 2010)
  • Trainer of Trainers in Agricultural Value Chain Financing – FAO UN (April 2013)

Key Skills:

  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Systems
  • Market Systems Development Programming
  • Mixed Methods Program Evaluation (Outcome Mapping, Outcome Harvesting)
  • Database Development and Mobile/Web-Based Monitoring Tools (SurveyCTO, ODK, CommCare, Kobo Toolbox)
  • Value for Money Measurement
  • Theory of Change, Log Frame, and Results Chain Development

Professional Affiliations:

  • Member, Global BEAM Exchange
  • Contributor, DCED Forums for Results Measurement
  • Member, Market Systems Resilience Community of Practice

Citations Overview:

  • Total Citations: 1,984
  • Citations Since 2020: 1,182
  • h-index: 20 (16 since 2020)
  • i10-index: 27 (18 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • The uptake of the ecosystem services concept in planning discourses of European and American cities
    R. Hansen, N. Frantzeskaki, T. McPhearson, E. Rall, N. Kabisch, …
    Ecosystem Services, 12, 228–246 (2015)357 citations
  • Key insights for the future of urban ecosystem services research
    P. Kremer, Z. Hamstead, D. Haase, T. McPhearson, N. Frantzeskaki, …
    Ecology and Society, 21 (2) (2016)260 citations
  • Waste picker organizations and their contribution to the circular economy: Two case studies from a global south perspective
    J. Gutberlet, S. Carenzo, J.H. Kain, A. Mantovani Martiniano de Azevedo
    Resources, 6 (4), 52 (2017)147 citations
  • Ecosystem services in urban land use planning: Integration challenges in complex urban settings—Case of Stockholm
    A. Kaczorowska, J.H. Kain, J. Kronenberg, D. Haase
    Ecosystem Services, 22, 204–212 (2016)144 citations
  • Beyond residential segregation: A spatiotemporal approach to examining multi-contextual segregation
    Y.M. Park, M.P. Kwan
    Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 71, 98–108 (2018)106 citations
  • Management of complex knowledge in planning for sustainable development: The use of multi-criteria decision aids
    J.H. Kain, H. Söderberg
    Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 28 (1), 7–21 (2008)97 citations
  • Bridging weak links of solid waste management in informal settlements
    J. Gutberlet, J.H. Kain, B. Nyakinya, M. Oloko, P. Zapata, M.J. Zapata Campos
    The Journal of Environment & Development, 26 (1), 106–131 (2017)88 citations
  • Exploring local consequences of two land-use alternatives for the supply of urban ecosystem services in Stockholm year 2050
    J.H. Kain, N. Larondelle, D. Haase, A. Kaczorowska
    Ecological Indicators, 70, 615–629 (2016)77 citations
  • Socio-environmental entrepreneurship and the provision of critical services in informal settlements
    J. Gutberlet, J.H. Kain, B. Nyakinya, D.H. Ochieng, N. Odhiambo, M. Oloko, …
    Environment and Urbanization, 28 (1), 205–222 (2016)66 citations
  • Using role-playing games to broaden engineering education
    J.R. McConville, S. Rauch, I. Helgegren, J.H. Kain
    International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 18 (4), 594–607 (2017)61 citations

 

Prathiviraj Ragothaman | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Dr Prathiviraj Ragothaman | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate-II at  Pondicherry University,  India

Dr. R. Prathiviraj is a bioinformatics expert with extensive experience in metagenomics, systems biology, protein engineering, and structural bioinformatics. With a Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from Bharathidasan University, he has contributed significantly to genomic and metagenomic research, including developing computational models and databases. His research experience spans over 11 years, with 5 years post-Ph.D. and over 56 research publications.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Bioinformatics – Bharathidasan University, 2019
  • M.Phil. in Bioinformatics – Bharathidasan University, 2013
  • M.Sc. in Bioinformatics – Bharathidasan University, 2011

🏆 Achievements:

  • Publications: 56 research papers, 6 book chapters, 1 conference proceeding
  • H-index: 14 | i10-index: 25 | Total Citations: 510
  • Projects: Led a DST-SERB-funded project on thermophilic CO₂ bioconversion (₹2.1 million)
  • Database Development: Developed CPSIR-CM DB, in silico organisms iPR654 and iCS758
  • Awards:
    • India Prime Icon-Young Researcher Award (2021)
    • InSc-Research Excellence Award (2020)
    • Best Young Researcher Award by GRABS Educational Trust (2019)

💻 Skills & Technical Expertise:

  • Programming: C, C++, Java, R (Basic), Perl, HTML, Visual Basic
  • Operating Systems: Windows XP/2000, Linux
  • Bioinformatics Tools: RasMol, Swiss PDB, PyMol, Autodock, Simpheny™, MEGA, BioEdit, and more
  • Commercial Software for Drug Discovery: Schrödinger™, Discovery Studio™

🔬 Research Interests:

  • Metagenomics & NGS
  • Systems Biology & Genome-Scale Reconstruction
  • Molecular Modeling & Protein Engineering
  • Structural Bioinformatics & Drug Design

🌐 Professional Memberships:

  • Board Member & Research Advisory, Xcellogen Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
  • Life Member, Institute of Scholars (InSc)
  • Advisory Member, Biodiversity Team, Bharathidasan University

Publication Top Notes

  • Methanobacterium Formicicum as a Target Rumen Methanogen for the Development of New Methane Mitigation Interventions: A Review
    • P. Chellapandi, M. Bharathi, C. Sangavai, R. Prathiviraj, Veterinary and Animal Science, 36, 2018
  • A Gelatinized Lipopeptide Diet Effectively Modulates Immune Response, Disease Resistance and Gut Microbiome in Penaeus vannamei Challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus
    • R. Prathiviraj, R. Rajeev, H. Fernandes, K. Rathna, A.N. Lipton, J. Selvin, Fish & Shellfish Immunology, 112, 92-107, 2021
  • HRLC-ESI-MS-Based Identification of Active Small Molecules from Cissus quadrangularis and Likelihood of Their Action Towards the Primary Targets of Osteoarthritis
    • L.D. Kumar, R. Prathiviraj, M. Selvakumar, R. Guna, E. Abbirami, T. Sivasudha, Journal of Molecular Structure, 1199, 127048, 2020
  • Zoonotic Evolution and Implications of Microbiome in Viral Transmission and Infection
    • R. Rajeev, R. Prathiviraj, G.S. Kiran, J. Selvin, Virus Research, 290, 198175, 2020
  • Analysis of Modularity in Proteome-Wide Protein Interaction Networks of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus Strain ΔH and Metal-Loving Bacteria
    • R. Prathiviraj, B. Sheela, P. Chellapandi, Journal of Proteins and Proteomics, 1-12, 2019
  • Phylogenomic Proximity and Comparative Proteomic Analysis of SARS-CoV-2
    • R. Prathiviraj, G.S. Kiran, J. Selvin, Gene Reports, 20, 100777, 2020
  • Structure–Function Discrepancy in Clostridium botulinum C3 Toxin for Its Rational Prioritization as a Subunit Vaccine
    • R. Prathiviraj, A. Prisilla, P. Chellapandi, Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 34 (6), 1317-1329, 2016
  • Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. Leaves Alleviate Adjuvant-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats via Modulating the Finest Disease Targets – IL2RA, IL18 and VEGFA
    • L. Dinesh Kumar, M. Selvakumar, R. Sasikala, R. Guna, E. Abbirami, R. Prathiviraj, Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 40 (18), 8155-8168, 2022
  • Gut Microbiome Responses in the Metabolism of Human Dietary Components: Implications in Health and Homeostasis
    • R. Rajeev, P.S. Seethalakshmi, P.K. Jena, R. Prathiviraj, G.S. Kiran, J. Selvin, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62 (27), 7615-7631, 2022
  • Modeling a Global Regulatory Network of Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus Strain ∆H
    • R. Prathiviraj, P. Chellapandi, Network Modeling Analysis in Health Informatics and Bioinformatics, 9 (1), 17, 2020
  • Potential Probiotic Properties and Molecular Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Fermented Millet Porridge or Ragi Koozh and Jalebi Batter
    • M. Manovina, B. Thamarai Selvi, R. Prathiviraj, J. Selvin, Animal Gene, 26, 200134, 2022
  • A Novel Anti-Infective Molecule Nesfactin Identified from Sponge-Associated Bacteria Nesterenkonia sp. MSA31 Against Multidrug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    • G.S. Kiran, A. Sajayan, G. Priyadharshini, A. Balakrishnan, R. Prathiviraj, Microbial Pathogenesis, 157, 104923, 2021
  • A Hijack Mechanism of Indian SARS-CoV-2 Isolates for Relapsing Contemporary Antiviral Therapeutics
    • R. Prathiviraj, S. Saranya, M. Bharathi, P. Chellapandi, Computers in Biology and Medicine, 132, 104315, 2021
  • Structural Constraints-Based Evaluation of Immunogenic Avirulent Toxins from Clostridium botulinum C2 and C3 Toxins as Subunit Vaccines
    • A. Prisilla, R. Prathiviraj, R. Sasikala, P. Chellapandi, Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 44, 17-27, 2016
  • Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis of Astragalus propinquus Components for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes
    • T.R. Sivakumar, D. Surendhirana, K. Chen, P. Lv, A. Vinothkanna, R. Prathiviraj, South African Journal of Botany, 139, 92-105, 2021
  • Molecular Evolutionary Constraints that Determine the Avirulence State of Clostridium botulinum C2 Toxin
    • A. Prisilla, R. Prathiviraj, P. Chellapandi, Journal of Molecular Evolution, 84, 174-186, 2017
  • Fermentation Microbiome and Metabolic Profiles of Indian Palm Wine
    • R. Prathiviraj, R. Rajeev, C.M. Jose, A. Begum, J. Selvin, G.S. Kiran, Gene Reports, 27, 101543, 2022
  • Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals Starvation Survival Systems in Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH
    • R. Prathiviraj, P. Chellapandi, Anaerobe, 64, 102216, 2020
  • Functional Annotation of Operome from Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus ΔH: An Insight to Metabolic Gap Filling
    • R. Prathiviraj, P. Chellapandi, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 123, 350-362, 2019
  • A Comprehensive Review on Methane’s Dual Role: Effects in Climate Change and Potential as a Carbon-Neutral Energy Source
    • M. Sobanaa, R. Prathiviraj, J. Selvin, M. Prathaban, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 1-16, 2024