Muhammad Awais | Soil Science | Young Scientist Award

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Dr Muhammad Awais | Soil Science | Young Scientist Award

Post-doctoral Researcher at  Henan Agricultural University, China

Dr. Muhammad Awais is a post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Henan Agriculture University, where he also collaborates with the Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology in Agriculture Science and the State Key Laboratory of Wheat and Maize Crop Science. His work focuses on sustainable agriculture, employing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for soil analysis, crop management, and environmental monitoring.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Renewable Energy, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, with co-supervision at Technical University of Denmark, specializing in biomethane production and advanced oxidation processes for biomass (2013-2018).
  • M.Phil. in Molecular Biology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan (2012).
  • M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees from PMAS Arid Agriculture University and University of the Punjab, Pakistan, respectively.

📜 Research Expertise:

Muhammad Awais has a research focus on sustainable agriculture and advanced technologies in environmental science. His recent work integrates AI, machine learning, and spectroscopy for soil and crop management. He has also pioneered photovoltaic solutions for sustainable irrigation and bioenergy solutions through biogas production from agricultural waste.

🧪 Professional Experience:

  • Post-Doctoral Researcher at Henan Agriculture University and the Henan International Joint Laboratory of Laser Technology (2023-present)
  • Head of Department / Assistant Professor, University of Sialkot, Pakistan (2021-2022)
  • Assistant Professor, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan (2019-2020)
  • Lecturer and Researcher, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, with roles in biomethane production projects (2013-2019)

🎖 Honors and Awards:

  • Principal Investigator, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan-funded project on nano-composite water purification (2020)
  • HEC Indigenous Fellowship and International Research Support Initiative

📈 Professional Impact:

  • Citations: 557 (537 since 2019)
  • h-index: 12
  • i10-index: 16

Publication Top Notes

  • Identification of Lead Compounds against Scm (fms10) in Enterococcus faecium Using Computer Aided Drug Designing
    MA Rasheed, MN Iqbal, S Saddick, I Ali, FS Khan, S Kanwal, D Ahmed, …
    Life 11 (2), 77, 97 (2021)
  • Bioconvection Flow in Accelerated Couple Stress Nanoparticles with Activation Energy: Bio-Fuel Applications
    SU Khan, K Al-Khaled, A Aldabesh, M Awais, I Tlili
    Scientific Reports 11 (1), 3331 (2021)
  • Methane Production and Kinetic Modeling for Co-digestion of Manure with Lignocellulosic Residues
    M Awais, M Alvarado-Morales, P Tsapekos, M Gulfraz, I Angelidaki
    Energy & Fuels 30 (12), 10516-10523 (2016)
  • TiO2/UV Based Photocatalytic Pretreatment of Wheat Straw for Biogas Production
    M Alvarado-Morales, P Tsapekos, M Awais, M Gulfraz, I Angelidaki
    Anaerobe 46, 155-161 (2017)
  • Screening of Native Hyper-Lipid Producing Microalgae Strains for Biomass and Lipid Production
    F Kabir, M Gulfraz, GK Raja, M Inam-ul-Haq, M Awais, MS Mustafa, …
    Renewable Energy 160, 1295-1307 (2020)
  • Analysis of Generalized Micropolar Nanofluid with Swimming of Microorganisms over an Accelerated Surface with Activation Energy
    Z Abdelmalek, SU Khan, M Awais, MS Mustfa, I Tlili
    Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 144, 1051-1063 (2021)
  • Photo-Catalytic Pretreatment of Biomass for Anaerobic Digestion Using Visible Light and Nickel Oxide (NiOx) Nanoparticles Prepared by Sol-Gel Method
    L Zhu, M Awais, HMA Javed, MS Mustafa, I Tlili, SU Khan, MS Shadloo
    Renewable Energy 154, 128-135 (2020)
  • Photocatalytic Pretreatment of Commercial Lignin Using TiO2-ZnO Nanocomposite-Derived Advanced Oxidation Processes for Methane Production Synergy in Lab
    YM Chu, HMA Javed, M Awais, MI Khan, S Shafqat, FS Khan, MS Mustafa, …
    Catalysts 11 (1), 54 (2021)
  • Bioherbicidal Ability and Weed Management of Allelopathic Methyl Esters from Lantana camara
    T Anwar, H Qureshi, MH Mahnashi, F Kabir, N Parveen, D Ahmed, U Afzal, …
    Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 28 (8), 4365-4374 (2021)
  • Biodiesel Production from Melia azedarach and Ricinus communis Oil by Transesterification Process
    M Awais, SA Musmar, F Kabir, I Batool, MA Rasheed, F Jamil, SU Khan, …
    Catalysts 10 (4), 427 (2020)
  • Determination of In Vivo Biological Activities of Dodonaea viscosa Flowers against CCL4 Toxicity in Albino Mice with Bioactive Compound Detection
    ZW Tong, H Gul, M Awais, S Saddick, FS Khan, M Gulfraz, U Afzal, …
    Scientific Reports 11 (1), 13336 (2021)
  • Immunoinformatics-Based Prediction of Recombinant Multi-Epitope Vaccine for the Control and Prevention of SARS-CoV-2
    MA Rasheed, S Raza, A Zohaib, MI Riaz, A Amin, M Awais, SU Khan, …
    Alexandria Engineering Journal 60 (3), 3087-3097 (2021)
  • Metal Oxides and Ultraviolet Light-Based Photocatalytic Pretreatment of Biomass for Biogas Production and Lignin Oxidation
    M Awais, MS Mustafa, MA Rasheed, F Jamil, SMZA Naqvi
    BioResources 15 (1), 1747 (2020)
  • Remote Estimation of Wheat Yield Based on Vegetation Indices Derived from Time Series Data of Landsat 8 Imagery
    S Naqvi, MN Tahir, GA Shah, RS Sattar, M Awais
    Applied Ecology & Environmental Research 17 (2) (2019)
  • Quantification of Biochemical Compounds in Bauhinia Variegata Linn Flower Extract and Its Hepatoprotective Effect
    H Gul, M Awais, S Saddick, Y Ahmed, FS Khan, E Ahmed, U Afzal, …
    Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences 28 (1), 247-254 (2021)
  • BMT: Bioinformatics Mini Toolbox for Comprehensive DNA and Protein Analysis
    MN Iqbal, MA Rasheed, M Awais, W Chammam, S Kanwal, SU Khan, …
    Genomics 112 (6), 4561-4566 (2020)
  • In Silico Identification of Novel B Cell and T Cell Epitopes of Wuhan Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) for Effective Multi Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Production
    MA Rasheed, S Raza, A Zohaib, T Yaqub, M Rabbani, MI Riaz, M Awais, …
    MDPI AG (2020)
  • Comparative Study on the Usability of Lignocellulosic and Algal Biomass for Production of Alcoholic Fuels
    F Kabir, M Gulfraz, GK Raja, M Inam-ul-Haq, I Batool, M Awais, U Habiba, …
    BioResources 14 (4), 8135-8154 (2019)
  • Analysis of the Spike Proteins Suggests Pangolin as an Intermediate Host of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
    S Raza, MT Navid, W Zahir, MN Khan, M Awais, T Yaqub, M Rabbani, …
    (2021)
  • Mesophilic Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Cattle Manure with Malus domestica and Dalbergia sissoo during Biomethane Potential Assays
    M Awais, M Gulfraz, MJ Asad, F Kabir, KS Khan, S Naqvi
    BioResources 13 (2), 3144-3156 (2018)

 

Rajesh Kumar Prasad | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Rajesh Kumar Prasad | Soil |  Best Researcher Award

Manager-R&D at  Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd.,  India

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Prasad holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and an M.Sc. in Biotechnology. With a solid background in microbiology and bioenergy, he has developed a strong expertise in R&D, driving innovation and efficient management in scientific projects. His career objective is to actively contribute to research that advances both organizational goals and the broader scientific community, while continuously expanding his knowledge and skills. Rajesh also possesses a range of organizational, statistical, and soft skills, making him a versatile professional in the dynamic field of biotechnology.

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D. (Biotechnology) — Assam University, Silchar, India (2015-2020)
  • M.Sc. (Biotechnology) — Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India (2011-2013)
  • B.Sc. (Zoology) — D.H.S. K College, Dibrugarh, India (2008-2011)

Work Experience:

Manager-R&D
Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., Noida, India — April 2024 – Present

  • Leading R&D for bioenergy projects, including biogas and bio-CNG production optimization.

Assistant Manager-R&D
Gruner Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd., Noida, India — June 2023 – March 2024

  • Supported bioenergy technology development, mass balance analysis, and process optimization.

Scientific Officer
REVY Environmental Solution Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat, India — Sept 2022 – May 2023

  • Managed an environmental and microbiological lab, overseeing R&D for biogas and waste treatment.

Research Associate
Tezpur University, Assam, India — April 2022 – June 2022

  • Contributed to bioenergy and anaerobic digestion technology projects for renewable energy promotion.

Senior Research Fellow
Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam — June 2016 – Nov 2018

  • Characterized insect gut bacteria for cellulase gene analysis and waste degradation efficiency.

Skills:

  • Process Development & Writeup for Bio-CNG Plants: Provided solutions for bio-CNG plants, optimizing various biomass feedstocks like Napier grass, paddy straw, jute waste, and food waste.
  • Anaerobic Digestion Technology: Expertise in biogas optimization, BMP analysis, and wastewater treatment, with experience reducing CO2, H2S, and COD/BOD levels in industrial wastewater.
  • Microbiology & Molecular Biology: Proficient in microbiological techniques, cellulase gene characterization, enzyme assays, bacterial DNA isolation, and bacteriophage characterization.
  • Project Management: Strong skills in managing R&D projects, technical report writing, and SOP formulation. Successfully coordinated cross-functional teams in bioenergy projects.
  • Bioinformatics & Data Science: Experience with bioinformatics tools such as nBLAST and MEGA-X. Proficient in data analysis using Origin 8 and GraphPad Prism.
  • Soft Skills & Technical Writing: Skilled in research article preparation, report drafting, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Languages: Fluent in Hindi, English, and Assamese.

Rajesh Kumar Prasad’s Citation Metrics:

  • Citations: 353 (from 348 documents)
  • Publications: 8 documents
  • h-index: 6

Publication Top Notes

1. A comprehensive pre-treatment strategy evaluation of ligno-hemicellulosic biomass to enhance biogas potential in the anaerobic digestion process
Prasad, R.K., Sharma, A., Mazumder, P.B., Dhussa, A.
RSC Sustainability, 2024, 2(9), pp. 2444–2467

2. Cold adaptation in bacteria with special focus on cellulase production and its potential application
Gupta, S.K., Kataki, S., Chatterjee, S., Dwivedi, S.K., Gupta, D.K.
Journal of Cleaner Production, 2020, 258, 120351

3. Isolation and characterisation of a lytic bacteriophage from wastewater and its application in pathogen reduction
Sharma, S., Datta, S., Chatterjee, S., Das, B., Vanlalhmuaka
Defence Life Science Journal, 2020, 5(2), pp. 80–86

4. Characterization of Bacillus Species with Keratinase and Cellulase Properties Isolated from Feather Dumping Soil and Cockroach Gut
Sharma, S., Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Vairale, M.G., Yadav, K.K.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences India Section B – Biological Sciences, 2019, 89(3), pp. 1079–1086

5. Study on cellulase (β-1,4-endoglucanase) activity of gut bacteria of Sitophilus oryzae in cellulosic waste biodegradation
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Mazumder, P.B., Vairale, M.G., Dwivedi, S.K.
Bioresource Technology Reports, 2019, 7, 100274

6. Bioethanol production from waste lignocelluloses: A review on microbial degradation potential
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Mazumder, P.B., Dwivedi, S.K., Gupta, D.K.
Chemosphere, 2019, 231, pp. 588–606

7. Insect Gut Bacteria and Their Potential Application in Degradation of Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Review
Prasad, R.K., Chatterjee, S., Sharma, S., Vairale, M.G., Raju, P.S.
Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, 2018, pp. 277–299

8. Bacteriophages and its applications: an overview
Sharma, S., Chatterjee, S., Datta, S., Prasad, R.K., Vairale, M.G.
Folia Microbiologica, 2017, 62(1), pp. 17–55

 

Elahe Daraei | Soil physics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Elahe Daraei |  Soil physics |  Best Researcher Award

Soil science at  Bu-Ali Sina University,  Iran

Dr. Elahe Daraei is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in Soil Resource Management, with a focus on soil physics. Her research investigates fluid flow and transport in porous media and complex systems through theoretical modeling and numerical simulation.

Publication profile:

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Soil Physics
    Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
    Expected Graduation: September 2024
    Thesis: Effect of natural biochar and nanoparticles on the physico-mechanical properties, solute transport, and photosynthetic indices and plant transpiration.
  • M.Sc. in Soil Physics
    Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
    September 2015 – September 2018
    Thesis: Several years’ effect of nanoparticles on solute transport and some soil physical properties.
  • B.Sc. in Soil Science
    Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
    February 2011 – February 2015

Research Contributions:

Dr. Daraei has published several articles, including:

  • Impact of natural biochar on soil water retention capacity and quinoa plant growth in different soil textures (2024, Soil and Tillage Research).
  • Effect of oxide nanoparticles on soil water retention curve and soil tensile strength (2023, Pedosphere).
  • Long-term effect of magnesium and iron nanoparticles on solute transport in saturated condition (2021, Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science).

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Impact of natural biochar on soil water retention capacity and quinoa plant growth in different soil textures
    Daraei, E., Bayat, H., Gregory, A.S.
    Soil and Tillage Research, 2024, 244, 106281.
  • Long-term effect of magnesium and iron nanoparticles on solute transport in saturated condition
    Daraei, E., Bayat, H., Zamani, P., Gregory, A.S.
    Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 2022, 68(10), pp. 1430–1442.

 

 

Pinaki Dey | Soils | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Pinaki Dey | Soils |  Best Researcher Award

Sr.Scientist at  CSIR-NIIST Trivandrum,  India

Dr. Pinaki Dey is a distinguished researcher in the field of biochemical and chemical engineering. With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from NIT Durgapur and postdoctoral research at IIT Delhi, his expertise lies in fermentation processes, biopolymer production, membrane bioreactor systems, and bioprocess engineering. Dr. Dey has previously held academic positions at prestigious institutions, including Lovely Professional University and Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, and worked on advanced research projects in biopolymer production and green technology.

Publication profile:

🎓 Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, NIT Durgapur (2012)
    Topic: Process Intensification in Lactic Acid Manufacturing through Membrane-Integrated Hybrid Reactor System
  • M.Tech in Industrial Biotechnology, SASTRA University (2008)
  • B.Tech in Biotechnology, BCET (WBUT University), West Bengal (2006)

🧪 Research Areas:

  • Lactic Acid Production
  • Membrane-Based Separation Techniques
  • Bioreactor Design & Optimization
  • PHB and its Copolymer Production
  • Lignocellulosic Biorefinery Products
  • Prebiotics Development
  • Nanocellulose from Plant and Microbial Resources

🏅 Awards & Recognition:

  • Best Assistant Professor Award – Pearl Foundation, 2016
  • Best Young Faculty Award – GRABS Educational Charitable Trust, 2018
  • Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) – DST Government Project

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Senior Scientist, NIIST (CSIR), Thiruvananthapuram
  • Assistant Professor, Karunya Institute of Technology, Coimbatore
  • Assistant Professor, ITM University, Gwalior
  • Assistant Professor, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
  • Lecturer, Thapar University, Patiala
  • Research Associate, IIT Delhi, Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology

📊 Citation Metrics

  • Total Citations: 1138 (854 since 2019)
  • h-index: 20 (19 since 2019)
  • i10-index: 26 (24 since 2019)

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Revealing on hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide signals coordination for plant growth under stress conditions
    S. Singh, V. Kumar, D. Kapoor, S. Kumar, S. Singh, D.S. Dhanjal, S. Datta, …
    Physiologia Plantarum, 168(2), 301-317, 2020.
    Citations: 158
  • Lignocellulosic bioethanol production: prospects of emerging membrane technologies to improve the process – a critical review
    D. Pinaki Dey, P. Pal, J. Dilip Kevin
    Reviews of Chemical Engineering, 2018.
    Citations: 95
  • Active Himalayan frontal fault, main boundary thrust and Ramgarh Thrust in southern Kumaun
    K.S. Valdiya, R.S. Rana, P.K. Sharma, P. Dey
    Geological Society of India, 40(6), 509-528, 1992.
    Citations: 81
  • Separation of lactic acid from fermentation broth by cross flow nanofiltration: Membrane characterization and transport modelling
    P. Dey, L. Linnanen, P. Pal
    Desalination, 288, 47-57, 2012.
    Citations: 72
  • Techno-economic analysis of a membrane-integrated bioreactor system for production of lactic acid from sugarcane juice
    J. Sikder, M. Roy, P. Dey, P. Pal
    Biochemical Engineering Journal, 63, 81-87, 2012.
    Citations: 67
  • Direct production of L(+) lactic acid in a continuous and fully membrane-integrated hybrid reactor system under non-neutralizing conditions
    P. Dey, P. Pal
    Journal of Membrane Science, 389, 355-362, 2012.
    Citations: 67
  • Process intensification in lactic acid production by three-stage membrane integrated hybrid reactor system
    P. Pal, P. Dey
    Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification, 64, 1-9, 2013.
    Citations: 60
  • Utilization of Swertia chirayita plant extracts for management of diabetes and associated disorders: Present status, future prospects and limitations
    P. Dey, J. Singh, J.K. Suluvoy, K.J. Dilip, J. Nayak
    Natural Products and Bioprospecting, 10, 431-443, 2020.
    Citations: 42
  • Sugarcane bagasse into value-added products: a review
    A.M. Shabbirahmed, D. Haldar, P. Dey, A.K. Patel, R.R. Singhania, C.D. Dong, …
    Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(42), 62785-62806, 2022.
    Citations: 36
  • Modelling and simulation of continuous L(+) lactic acid production from sugarcane juice in membrane-integrated hybrid reactor system
    P. Dey, P. Pal
    Biochemical Engineering Journal, 79, 15-24, 2013.
    Citations: 35
  • A critical review on the effect of lignin redeposition on biomass in controlling the process of enzymatic hydrolysis
    D. Haldar, P. Dey, A.K. Patel, C.D. Dong, R.R. Singhania
    BioEnergy Research, 1-12, 2022.
    Citations: 34
  • An overview of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starchy and lignocellulosic biomass for bio-ethanol production
    S.K. Saggi, P. Dey
    Biofuels, 10(3), 287-299, 2019.
    Citations: 32
  • Emergence of boron and sulphur deficiency in soils of Chandauli, Mirzapur, Sant Ravidas Nagar and Varanasi districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh
    S.K. Singh, P. Dey, S. Singh, P.K. Sharma, Y.V. Singh, A.M. Latare, C.M. Singh, …
    Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, 63(2), 200-208, 2015.
    Citations: 32
  • Primary and cationic micronutrient status of soils in few districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh
    S.K. Singh, P. Dey, P.K. Sharma, Y.V. Singh, A.M. Latare, C.M. Singh, D. Kumar, …
    Journal of the Indian Society of Soil Science, 64(4), 319-332, 2016.
    Citations: 24
  • Fermentative lactic acid production from a renewable carbon source under response surface optimized conditions without alkali addition: A membrane-based green approach
    P. Dey, J. Sikder, S. Roy, P. Pal
    Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 14, 827-835, 2012.
    Citations: 24
  • Bacteriological examination of drinking water in Burdwan, India with reference to coliforms
    S.N. Chatterjee, D. Das, M. Roy, S. Banerjee, P. Dey, T. Bhattacharya, …
    African Journal of Biotechnology, 6(22), 2007.
    Citations: 24
  • Transformation of agro-biomass into vanillin through novel membrane-integrated value-addition process: A state-of-the-art review
    J. Nayak, A. Basu, P. Dey, R. Kumar, A. Upadhaya, S. Ghosh, B. Bishayee, …
    Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 13(16), 14317-14340, 2023.
    Citations: 23
  • An improved enzymatic pre-hydrolysis strategy for efficient bioconversion of industrial pulp and paper sludge waste to bioethanol using a semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process
    P. Dey, V. Rangarajan, J. Nayak, D.B. Das, S.B. Wood
    Fuel, 294, 120581, 2021.
    Citations: 23
  • Improved production of cellulase by Trichoderma reesei (MTCC 164) from coconut mesocarp-based lignocellulosic wastes under response surface-optimized conditions
    P. Dey, J. Singh, J. Scaria, A.P. Anand
    3 Biotech, 8, 1-13, 2018.
    Citations: 21
  • Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF), an efficient process for bio-ethanol production: An overview
    P. Dey, L. Wangal, Lhakpa
    Biosciences, Biotechnology Research Asia, 12(1), 87-100, 2015.
    Citations: 21