Munesh Kumar | Forestry | Best Paper Award

Prof. Munesh Kumar | Forestry | Best Paper Award

Prof. Munesh Kumar, HNB Garhwal University, India

Prof. Munesh Kumar is a professor and researcher at HNB Garhwal University specializing in Forest Ecology. With a PhD in Forestry and over 20 years of academic and research experience, his work focuses on forest conservation, carbon sequestration, and sustainable land management. He has authored several books, led impactful research projects, and received numerous awards for his contributions to environmental sustainability. Prof. Kumar continues to lead cutting-edge research in forest ecosystems, contributing to both scientific knowledge and community resilience in the face of climate change.

Publication profile:

Scopus Profile

Education:

Prof. Munesh Kumar is a distinguished academic in forestry with a PhD in Forest Ecology from HNB Garhwal University (2003). He completed his MSc in Forestry, specializing in Agroforestry, from the same institution in 1995. His academic journey has been marked by a strong focus on the ecological and environmental sciences, particularly in forest biodiversity and carbon sequestration.

🔬 Research Interests:

Prof. Kumar’s research expertise lies in Forest Ecology, Agroforestry, Carbon Sequestration, and the Restoration of Degraded Lands. He has led several research projects, including studies on carbon stock estimation in Garhwal Himalaya’s forests and the socio-economic impacts of forest provisioning services. His work also extends to the mitigation of climate risk through agroforestry and community-based forest governance. Prof. Kumar has published numerous books and research papers, with key contributions to understanding the dynamics of forest ecosystems in the Himalayas and beyond.

Professional Experience: 

Prof. Munesh Kumar is currently a Professor in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at HNB Garhwal University (a Central University), where he has been serving since June 2022. His tenure in academia spans more than two decades, with a focus on both research and teaching. Prior to his current position, he held various academic roles at HNB Garhwal University, steadily progressing from Lecturer to Professor. Over the years, Prof. Kumar has mentored numerous PhD candidates, guided innovative research projects, and collaborated with national and international experts. His work has garnered multiple honors, including the World Sustainable Agriculture Development Award and Outstanding Scientist Award for his contributions to Forest Ecology and Biodiversity.

Top Notable Publication: 

Pandey, R., Rawat, M., Singh, R., Cui, L., & Li, T. (2024). Plant trait approach to assess the vulnerability of Rhododendron arboreum in western Himalayas. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 23, 100415.
Citations: 0

Singh, N., Riyal, M.K., Singh, B., Pinto, M.M.S.C., & Kumar, M. (2024). Carbon sequestration potential of agroforestry versus adjoining forests at different altitudes in the Garhwal Himalayas. Atmosphere, 15(3), 313.
Citations: 0

Pradhan, P., Sukumaran, A., Khanduri, V.P., Kumar, M., & Pinto, M.M.S.C. (2024). Effect of crown layers on reproductive effort and success in andromonoecious Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Camb.) Hook (Sapindaceae) in a temperate forest of Garhwal Himalaya. Plants, 13(2), 183.
Citations: 0

Mlambo, D. & Kumar, M. (2024). Imprint of selective logging on seed regeneration of Brachystegia spiciformis Benth. in dry miombo woodland in Zimbabwe. South African Journal of Botany, 164, 180–187.
Citations: 0

Singh, G., Chauhan, V., Thakur, C.L., Kishore, K., & Kumar, M. (2023). Studies on natural regeneration, floristic composition, biomass, carbon density, and soil properties along an altitudinal gradient in the north-western Himalayas, India. Forest Ecology and Management, 548, 121391.
Citations: 1

Yadav, S., Pandey, V.C., Kumar, M., & Singh, L. (2023). Corrigendum to “Plant diversity and ecological potential of naturally colonizing vegetation for ecorestoration of fly ash disposal area” [Ecological Engineering 176 (2022) 106533]. Ecological Engineering, 194, 107033.
Citations: 0

Yadav, N., Khanduri, V.P., Singh, B., Ahmad, T., & Kumar, M. (2023). Effect of temperature, seed size, sowing depth, and position on seed germination and seedling growth of Bauhinia retusa Roxb. and Bauhinia variegata L. Forests, 14(8), 1664.
Citations: 3

Sharma, A., Sharma, J.C., Shukla, Y.R., Kumar, M., & Kumar, A. (2023). Nutrient management influences root characteristics and nitrogen use efficiency in the vegetable-based agroecosystem in the northwestern Himalayas. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(13), 10593.
Citations: 3

Sharma, H., Pant, K.S., Bishist, R., Kumar, M., & Kumar, A. (2023). Estimation of biomass and carbon storage potential in agroforestry systems of northwestern Himalayas, India. Catena, 225, 107009.
Citations: 13

Pandey, R., Bargali, S.S., Bargali, K., Kumar, M., & Sahoo, U.K. (2023). Fine root dynamics and associated nutrient flux in Sal dominated forest ecosystems of Central Himalaya, India. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 5, 1064502.
Citations: 12

Conclusion

Prof. Munesh Kumar’s rich academic background, extensive research contributions, multiple awards, and active role in global forestry research make him a standout candidate for the Research for Best Paper Award. His work not only advances the field of forest ecology but also fosters sustainable practices that benefit both local communities and the environment on a global scale. His dedication to these areas aligns perfectly with the award’s criteria, showcasing his excellence in forestry research.

 

 

Abebe Ayele | Forests | Best Faculty Award

Mr Abebe Ayele | Forests |  Best Faculty Award

PhD student at  Bahir Dar University,  Ethiopia

Abebe Ayele Haile was born on November 14, 1994, in Tarmaber Woreda, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Plant Biology at Bahir Dar University and holds an MSc in Botanical Sciences and a BSc in Biology. Fluent in Amharic and English, Abebe has significant academic and research experience. He began his career as a lecturer at Dambi Dollo University from 2017 to 2018 and has been a lecturer at Debre Berhan University since 2019. His teaching portfolio includes courses such as Seed Plants, Bryophytes and Pteridophytes, Phycology, Plant Taxonomy, Plant Anatomy and Physiology, and General Biology. Abebe’s research interests span ethnobotanical studies of medicinal and wild edible plants, plant diversity and ecology, identification of plant secondary metabolites, and the investigation of antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants both in vitro and in vivo. He has also contributed to the establishment of a herbarium for research and academic purposes at Dambi Dollo University. Notably, his ethnobotanical research includes studying medicinal plants used by the Sayo and Anfillo districts in the Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. Candidate: Plant Biology (Bahir Dar University)
  • M.Sc.: Botanical Sciences
  • B.Sc.: Biology

Work Experience:

  • Lecturer at Dambi Dollo University: 2017-2018
  • Lecturer at Debre Berhan University: 2019-Present
  • Ph.D. Student: Bahir Dar University (Since 2020)

Research Activities:

  • 🌿 Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by Sayo and Anfillo districts in Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
  • 📚 Herbarium establishment for research and academic purposes at Dambi Dollo University from some selected woredas of Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abebe Ayele Haile is a dedicated researcher and educator with a profound interest in plant biology, ethnobotany, and conservation. He is actively involved in the development of innovative methods and techniques to study and preserve plant diversity. 🌿🔬

Publication Top Notes:

  • Woody species diversity, structure and regeneration status of the church forests in West Gojjam Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia
    • Authors: Ayele, A., Seid, A., Mekonnen, A.B., Mekuriaw, A., Shimeles, L.
    • Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 16
    • Article: 100570
  • Predictors of obesity among school-age children in Debre Berhan City, Ethiopia
    • Authors: Ayele, A.N., Mekonen, A.G., Seid, A., Abayneh, A.D., Haile, M.T.
    • Journal: PLOS Global Public Health
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 3
    • Issue: 9
    • Article: e0001895