Mesmin Tchindjang | Agricultural | Excellence in Research

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Prof. Dr Mesmin Tchindjang |  Agricultural |  Excellence in Research

Expert in adaptation at  University of Yaoundé 1,  Cameroon

Prof. Mesmin Tchindjang is a distinguished geomorphologist and environmental researcher with expertise in tropical geomorphology, natural hazards, climate change, and land use transformation. He earned his Ph.D. in 1996 and completed his ‘Habilitation’ in Geography in 2012 at the University of Paris 7. Prof. Tchindjang has contributed significantly to agroforestry projects revitalizing soils in southern Cameroon and sustainable oil palm cultivation. He collaborates with leading organizations, including CIFOR-ICRAF, UNDP, and the World Bank, to address climate adaptation and environmental resilience. Additionally, he is the founding member of the Cameroonian Geomorphologist Association and an active coordinator in global environmental monitoring initiatives.

 

Publication Profile

 

Academic Background:

Prof. Mesmin Tchindjang earned his Ph.D. in Geomorphology, Surface Dynamics, and Natural Hazards in 1996. He later defended his ‘Habilitation’ in Geography in 2012 at the University of Paris 7. He also holds an MSc in Remote Sensing for Environmental Impact Studies.

Research Focus:

His work encompasses tropical geomorphology, natural hazards, climate change, land use transformation, agricultural sustainability, remote sensing, and GIS. He has significantly contributed to agroforestry for soil revitalization in southern Cameroon and sustainable oil palm cultivation.

Key Projects & Collaborations:

  • OPAL Project: Researching oil palm environmental impacts.
  • Agricultural zoning and landscape ecology in Cameroon.
    Collaborates with organizations like CIFOR-ICRAF, WWF, UNDP, and the World Bank on climate adaptation and environmental resilience.

Professional Memberships:

Founding member of the Cameroonian Geomorphologist Association and Coordinator of Global Mapping and Environmental Monitoring.

Publication Top Note:

  • “Agricultural Innovations and Adaptations to Climate Change in the Northern Cameroon Region”
    Journal: Sustainability
    Date: 2024-11-19
    DOI: 10.3390/su162210096
    Contributors: Gaitan Thierry Seutchueng Tchuenga, Mesmin Tchindjang, Precillia Ijang Tata Ngome, Ann Degrande, Simon Djakba Basga, Frédéric Saha
  • “The Dilemma of the Development of Oil Palm Plantations Against Forest Conservation in Cameroon”
    Book Chapter
    Date: 2024-10-30
    DOI: 10.37572/EdArt_30102427710
    Contributors: Mesmin Tchindjang, Guy Donald Abasombe, Rose Ngo Makak, Philippes Mbevo Fendoung
  • “Mapping of the Dilemma of Mining Against Forest and Conservation in the Lom and Djérem Division, Cameroon”
    Book Chapter
    Date: 2024-07-31
    DOI: 10.37572/EdArt_31072418511
    Contributors: Mesmin Tchindjang, Eric Voundi, Philippes Mbevo Fendoung, Unusa Haman, Frédéric Saha, Igor Casimir Njombissie Petcheu
  • “Weakening of Coastlines and Coastal Erosion in the Gulf of Guinea: The Case of the Kribi Coast in Cameroon”
    Journal: Land
    Date: 2022-09
    DOI: 10.3390/land11091557
    Contributors: Philippes Mbevo Fendoung, Mesmin Tchindjang, Aurélia Hubert-Ferrari
  • “Lake Nyos, a Multirisk and Vulnerability Appraisal”
    Journal: Geosciences
    Date: 2018-08
    DOI: 10.3390/geosciences8090312
    Contributor: Mesmin Tchindjang

 

Manisha Thapa | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Manisha Thapa |  Agronomy  |  Best Researcher Award

Technical assistant at  Southern Cross University,  Australia

Dr. Manisha Thapa is a PhD candidate at Southern Cross University (SCU), specializing in phytochemistry, agronomy, and genomics. With a strong academic foundation in plant breeding and genetics, she has a master’s degree in Horticulture and Agronomy from UC Davis, USA, and a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Her doctoral research focuses on the effects of nutrients and grain development on anthocyanin and gamma-oryzanol concentrations in black rice, exploring the intersection of plant compounds and crop health.

 

Publication Profile

Professional Experience:

Dr. Thapa has hands-on experience working on non-profit organic farms, where she has educated the public on sustainable agriculture. She currently serves as a technical assistant in a TGA-accredited Analytical Research Laboratory, gaining expertise in phytochemistry and client service. Her previous roles include co-managing educational farms and working as a crop apprentice, which honed her practical farming and leadership skills.

Research Contributions:

Dr. Thapa’s research has been published in journals like Agriculture and PLOS ONE, where she explores nitrogen fertilizer effects on black rice anthocyanin and oryzanol synthesis. Her work emphasizes sustainable farming systems and organic agriculture’s impact on human health and food quality.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Thapa’s accolades include the PhD stipend scholarship from the Centre for Organics Research at SCU, two graduate fellowships from UC Davis, and multiple merit-based awards during her undergraduate studies.

Skills and Interests:

Dr. Thapa is proficient in lab techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and RNA extraction, and skilled in R, SAS, and JMP. She is fluent in Nepali, Hindi, and English, with a basic understanding of Spanish. Outside the lab, she enjoys gardening, art, music, and travel.

Publication Top Notes

  • Nitrogen Fertiliser Effects on Grain Anthocyanin and γ-Oryzanol Biosynthesis in Black Rice
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Publication Date: May 24, 2024
    • DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14060817
    • Contributors: Manisha Thapa, Lei Liu, Bronwyn J. Barkla, Tobias Kretzschmar, Suzy Y. Rogiers, Terry J. Rose
    • Summary: This study investigates how different nitrogen fertilization strategies affect the biosynthesis of anthocyanins and gamma-oryzanol in black rice grains, crucial compounds known for their health benefits.
  • Accumulation Patterns of Anthocyanin and γ-Oryzanol During Black Rice Grain Development
    • Journal: PLOS ONE
    • Publication Date: May 22, 2024
    • DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302745
    • Contributors: Manisha Thapa, Muhammad Anwar, Lei Liu, Bronwyn J. Barkla, Tobias Kretzschmar, Suzy Y. Rogiers, Terry J. Rose
    • Summary: This research outlines the patterns of accumulation of anthocyanins and gamma-oryzanol during the developmental stages of black rice grains, providing insights into optimal harvesting times for enhancing these beneficial compounds.
  • Integrated Soil and Crop Management in Organic Agriculture: A Logical Framework to Ensure Food Quality and Human Health?
    • Journal: Agronomy
    • Publication Date: December 8, 2021
    • DOI: 10.3390/agronomy11122494
    • Contributors: Leonidas Rempelos, Marcin Barański, Juan Wang, Timothy N. Adams, Kolawole Adebusuyi, Jeremy J. Beckman, Charlotte J. Brockbank, Bradley S. Douglas, Tianer Feng, Jem D. Greenway, et al. (including Manisha Thapa)
    • Summary: This article presents a framework for integrated soil and crop management practices in organic agriculture, emphasizing the relationship between agricultural practices, food quality, and public health.
  • Effect of Wheat Species (Triticum aestivum vs. T. spelta), Farming System (Organic vs. Conventional), and Flour Type (Wholegrain vs. White) on Composition of Wheat Flour – Results of a Retail Survey in the UK and Germany
    • Journal: Food Chemistry: X
    • Publication Date: June 2020
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2020.100091
    • Contributors: Juan Wang, Eleni Chatzidimitriou, Liza Wood, Gultakin Hasanaliyeva, Emilia Markellou, Per Ole Iversen, Chris Seal, Marcin Barański, Vanessa Vigar, Laura Ernst, et al. (including Manisha Thapa)
    • Summary: This publication analyzes the differences in the composition of wheat flour based on species, farming systems, and flour types, highlighting the nutritional implications for consumers.

 

Elham Soliman | Plant science | Women Researcher Award

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Assist Prof Dr Elham Soliman |  Plant science |  Women Researcher Award

Helwan University faculty of science at  Helwan University, Egypt

Dr. Elham Riad Salama Soliman is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge, focusing on plant molecular responses to environmental cues and their impact on growth and development. With a strong background in molecular identification and genetic characterization, she employs bioinformatics tools to analyze molecular data.

Profile

Education:

Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (2009-2014), Faculty of Biological Science, Leeds University, UK. Research: Arabidopsis promoter mechanisms and tissue-stress responsiveness. M.Sc. in Cytology and Genetics (2003-2007), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Research: Effects of mycorrhiza and Rhizobium biofertilizers on Vicia faba. B.Sc. in Chemistry and Botany (1998-2002), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt.

Work Experience:

Lecturer (2014-present), Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Responsibilities include teaching, supervising research, and coordinating quality assurance. General Quality Assurance Coordinator (2015-present), Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt. Voluntary Postdoctoral Researcher (2014), Faculty of Biological Science, University of Leeds, UK. Focused on transgenic Arabidopsis lines. Assistant Lecturer (2007-2014) and Demonstrator (2002-2007), Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt.

Skills:

Laboratory techniques: Gene expression analysis, PCR, DNA methylation, characterization of Arabidopsis plants, and various molecular techniques. Bioinformatics: Data analysis using Clone Manager, Gel Documentation System, WASABI, and other software. Teaching: Expertise in practical genetics, molecular biology, and plant biotechnology.

Research Interests:

  • Plant growth and development under environmental stress
  • Epigenetic mechanisms and stress-induced memory
  • Gene signaling pathways and transgenic plants
  • Application of nanotechnology in biology

Academic Awards and Activities:

  • Awarded at Multi-theme Hackathon on climate change (2022)
  • Participated in various conferences and workshops on molecular biology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology
  • Jury member for INTEL ISEF science and engineering fairs

Professional Memberships:

  • Academic staff member, Faculty of Science, Helwan University
  • Member, Syndicate of Scientific Professions, Egypt

Research Focus: Plant science

Dr. Elham Riad Salama Soliman’s research in plant science is centered on understanding how plants respond to environmental stresses at the molecular level and utilizing this knowledge for practical applications. Her primary areas of focus include:

  1. Plant Molecular Responses to Environmental Stress: Investigating how various environmental factors affect plant molecular mechanisms, growth, and development. This includes studying stress-responsive genes and pathways.
  2. Epigenetic Mechanisms: Exploring how epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, influence gene expression in response to environmental stresses. This involves understanding gene silencing, activation, and stress-induced memory.
  3. Transgenic Plants: Developing genetically modified plants with enhanced resistance to environmental stresses. This research aims to improve crop resilience and productivity under adverse conditions.
  4. Bioinformatics in Plant Science: Utilizing bioinformatics tools to analyze molecular data, including gene expression profiles and genetic variations. This helps in identifying key genes and pathways involved in stress responses.
  5. Nanotechnology Applications: Applying nanotechnology to advance plant science research, including the development of nanomaterials and techniques for enhancing plant growth and stress tolerance.
  6. Plant Biotechnology: Employing molecular techniques and genetic engineering to improve plant traits and develop new biotechnological applications for agriculture.

Dr. Soliman’s work integrates these areas to contribute to the advancement of plant science, with a focus on improving crop resilience and understanding the complex interactions between plants and their environment.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Enhancing Drought Tolerance in Malva parviflora Plants Through Metabolic and Genetic Modulation Using Beauveria bassiana Inoculation
    • Journal: BMC Plant Biology
    • Date: July 11, 2024
    • DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05340-w
    • Contributors: Reda E. Abdelhameed, Elham R. S. Soliman, Hanan Gahin, Rabab A. Metwally
    • Summary: This study explores the use of the fungal inoculant Beauveria bassiana to enhance drought tolerance in Malva parviflora, focusing on both metabolic and genetic responses.
  • Costly Effective Bioleaching of Valuable Metals from Low-Grade Ore Using Aspergillus nidulans
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
    • Date: March 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s13762-023-05355-0
    • Contributors: B. M. Ahmed, A. A. Mohammed, N. A. Kawady, I. E. Elaasy, E. R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This article investigates the use of Aspergillus nidulans for bioleaching valuable metals from low-grade ore, emphasizing cost-effective approaches.
  • Preserving the Adaptive Salt Stress Response Activity of a Tissue-Specific Promoter with Modulating Activity
    • Journal: Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
    • Date: March 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2024.100354
    • Contributors: Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This research focuses on maintaining the salt stress response activity of a tissue-specific promoter, with implications for genetic engineering and stress tolerance.
  • Biological Control of Pepper Soft Rot Disease Caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum Using Rahnella aquatilis
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: January 1, 2024
    • DOI: 10.21608/ejbo.2023.248458.2566
    • Contributors: Kareem A. Abdelmeguid, Elham R. S. Soliman, Marwa A. Hamada, Hoda H. El-Hendawy
    • Summary: This paper evaluates the use of Rahnella aquatilis for controlling pepper soft rot disease, highlighting biological control strategies.
  • Antagonistic Activity of Bacillus atrophaeus (MZ741525) Against Some Phytopathogenic Microorganisms
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: 2023
    • DOI: 10.21608/EJBO.2022.161144.2133
    • Contributors: Korany, Shereen M.; El-Hendawy, Hoda H.; Soliman, Elham R. S.; Elsaba, Yasmin M.
    • Summary: This article investigates the antagonistic properties of Bacillus atrophaeus against various phytopathogenic microorganisms.
  • Rapid and Efficient DNA Extraction Method from High Oily Content Seeds
    • Journal: Acta Agriculturae Slovenica
    • Date: December 13, 2023
    • DOI: 10.14720/aas.2023.119.4.16094
    • Contributors: Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This paper presents a novel method for extracting DNA from seeds with high oil content, aimed at improving molecular analysis.
  • Partial Genome Detection, Characterization of TYLCV (MZ546492) Infecting Tomato Plants and siRNA Sequences Detection for Alternative Control Strategy
    • Journal: Egyptian Journal of Botany
    • Date: September 20, 2023
    • DOI: 10.21608/ejbo.2023.208980.2321
    • Contributors: Hager Abd ElRahman, Mohamed A. Nasr-Eldin, Sabah A. Abo-Elmaaty, Mohamed A. Abdelwahed, Mahmoud ElHefnawi, Asmaa M. ElFiky, Elham R. S. Soliman
    • Summary: This study focuses on the genome detection and characterization of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and explores siRNA sequences for potential control strategies.