Smitha Thomas | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Smitha Thomas | Agricultural Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at St.Teresas College, Ernakulam, Β India

Ms. Smitha Thomas is a dedicated research scholar specializing in Agricultural Microbiology at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. Her research focuses on the role of beneficial microbes in enhancing soil fertility and sustainable crop productivity. With a strong academic background and passion for microbial interactions in agroecosystems, she aims to contribute to environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Profile:

πŸŽ“ Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. (Ongoing) in Botany – Agricultural Microbes, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala (Coursework Grade: A – 79.3%)

  • M.Phil. in Botany, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam – M.G. University (Grade: A – 84.4%)

  • M.Sc. in Botany, M.G. University, Kerala – 66.14%

  • B.Ed. in Natural Science, M.G. University, Kerala – 67%

  • B.Sc. in Botany, M.G. University, Kerala – 75%

πŸ§ͺ Research Focus:

  • Application of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) in Olericulture

  • Biological Control, Molecular Genetics, Plant Tissue Culture, and Medical Drug Designing

πŸ† Academic Recognition & Awards:

  • SET Qualified, 2004

  • DCE Aspire Fellowship for Ph.D. (2022–2023), Govt. of Kerala

  • Outstanding Researcher Award, 1st International Agriculture Conference on Natural vs Organic Farming, Gujarat (Dec 2023)

  • Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing – Journal of Scientific Research and Reports (2024)

🎀 Oral Presentations:

  • PGPR research presentations at:

    • 7th Asian PGPR Conference, Telangana (2022)

    • 36th Kerala Science Congress, Kasaragod (2024)

    • RICERCA 2021 National Conference, Alappuzha

    • National Seminar on Miracle Millets, Ernakulam (2023)

🌱 Professional Experience:

  • Over 10 years of teaching experience (2004–2024) as Lecturer in Botany

🌍 Conferences & Training (2020–2024):

  • Attended and presented in 11 Conferences, 4 Oral Presentations, 47 Webinars/Seminars, and 4 Certified Courses

  • Topics include Biotechnology, Natural Farming, Thesis Writing, Molecular Docking, and AI Tools in Research

  • Notable Participation:

    • International Conference on Decarbonizing Agriculture (2023)

    • National Conference on Ethnic Vegetables, Dr. YSRHU (2023)

🧬 Certifications & Courses:

  • Research and Publication Ethics – St. Thomas College & Calicut University

  • Advanced Molecular Docking – SAFI Institute of Advanced Studies

  • AI Tools in Academia – Assumption College, Kerala

  • International Internship on Bioanalytical Techniques – Sacred Heart College & BSN

πŸ“ Peer Reviewer For:

  • Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research

  • Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

  • Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

Publication Top Notes:

  • Molecular Identification of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria and Their Antiphytopathogenic Compounds by LC-MS TOF Analysis
    Preprint published on March 26, 2025
    DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6083519/v1
    Contributors: Smitha Thomas, Lizzy Mathew

  • Isolation and Molecular Identification of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, Bacillus licheniformis UBPSB-07 Capable of Enhancing Seed Germination in Vigna radiata L.
    Published in: Phytomorphology (Journal Article)
    Author: Smitha Thomas

 

Shun Han | Soil Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Shun Han | Soil Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research Associates at The University of Oklahoma, United States

​Dr. Shun Han is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Institute for Environmental Genomics, University of Oklahoma, specializing in soil microbial ecology. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China, in 2020, where he also completed his B.S. in Bioengineering in 2014. His research focuses on the relationships between microbial diversity, community assembly processes, and soil multifunctionality in forest ecosystems. He has published extensively on topics such as the impact of bacterial and fungal diversity on soil functions and the effects of fertilization practices on microbial communities. His work has been recognized with several awards, including the Institute of Environmental Genomics Outstanding Achievement Award in 2021.​

Profile:

πŸ“š Education & Expertise:

Dr. Xianglin Fang is a researcher at Lanzhou University, specializing in soil microbiology, biogeochemistry, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on soil nutrient cycling, microbial ecology, and climate change impacts on soil health.

πŸ”¬ Research & Contributions:

Dr. Fang has published extensively in high-impact journals, investigating microbial community responses to land use changes, soil organic matter dynamics, and nitrogen cycling. His research aims to enhance sustainable land management and agricultural productivity.

🌱 Collaborations & Impact:

He actively collaborates with international scientists in China, the USA, and Europe, contributing to global discussions on soil conservation and ecosystem resilience.

πŸ† Achievements & Recognitions:

Dr. Fang has received multiple awards for his innovative research and academic excellence in soil and environmental sciences.

Citations:

Total Citations: 1151 (1118 since 2020)
h-index: 18 (18 since 2020)
i10-index: 21 (21 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Belowground Bacterial Communities and Carbon Components Contribute to Soil Respiration in a Subtropical Forest
    S. Han, A. Wang – Plant and Soil, 2024

  • Role of Generalists, Specialists, and Opportunists in Nitrospira Community Assembly in Soil Aggregates from Nearby Cropland and Grassland Areas in a Campus
    Y. Jiang, S. Han, X. Luo – Applied Soil Ecology, 2024

  • Experimental Warming Accelerates Positive Soil Priming in a Temperate Grassland Ecosystem
    X. Tao, Z. Yang, J. Feng, S. Jian, Y. Yang, C.T. Bates, G. Wang, X. Guo, D. Ning, … – Nature Communications, 2024

  • Microbial Responses to Long-Term Warming Differ Across Soil Microenvironments
    X.J.A. Liu, S. Han, S.D. Frey, J.M. Melillo, J. Zhou, K.M. DeAngelis – ISME Communications, 2024

  • Soil Glomalin-Related Protein Affects Aggregate Nβ‚‚O Fluxes by Modulating Denitrifier Communities in a Fertilized Soil
    S. Han, M.E. Lucas-Borja, W. Chen, Q. Huang – Science of The Total Environment, 2023

  • Experimental Warming Leads to Convergent Succession of Grassland Archaeal Community
    Y. Zhang, D. Ning, L. Wu, M.M. Yuan, X. Zhou, X. Guo, Y. Hu, S. Jian, Z. Yang, … – Nature Climate Change, 2023

  • Resistance Potential of Soil Bacterial Communities Along a Biodiversity Gradient in Forest Ecosystems
    J. Kuang, D. Deng, S. Han, C.T. Bates, D. Ning, W. Shu, J. Zhou – Mlife, 2022

  • Response to Letter to the Editor: “Possibly Underestimated Microbial Carbon Limitation Determined by Enzymatic Stoichiometry Approach”
    Y. Xie, Y. Ouyang, S. Han, J. Se, S. Tang, Y. Yang, Q. Ma, L. Wu – Science of The Total Environment, 2022

  • Weekly Soil Nutrients Dynamic Under a Long-Term Field Warming Experiment in Grassland
    S. Jian, Z. Yang, S. Han, J. Kuang, J. Zhou – ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, 2022

  • Active Microbial Communities and Their Efficiency of Utilizing Soil Carbon Under Long-Term Warming and Drought
    X. Liu, S. Han, S. Jian, Z. Yang, D. Ning, J. Zhou – ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, 2022

  • Climate Warming Alters Nematodes Diversity and Community Structure in a Temperate Grassland
    S. Han, X. Liu, S. Jian, Z. Yang, D. Ning, J. Zhou – ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, 2022

  • Reduction of Microbial Diversity in Grassland Soil Is Driven by Long-Term Climate Warming
    L. Wu, Y. Zhang, X. Guo, D. Ning, X. Zhou, J. Feng, M. Yuan, S. Liu, J. Guo, … – Nature Microbiology, 2022

  • Crop Rotation Stage Has a Greater Effect Than Fertilisation on Soil Microbiome Assembly and Enzymatic Stoichiometry
    Y. Xie, Y. Ouyang, S. Han, J. Se, S. Tang, Y. Yang, Q. Ma, L. Wu – Science of The Total Environment, 2022

  • Bacterial Rather Than Fungal Diversity and Community Assembly Drive Soil Multifunctionality in a Subtropical Forest Ecosystem
    S. Han, S. Tan, A. Wang, W. Chen, Q. Huang – Environmental Microbiology Reports, 2022

  • Root-Associated Fungal Community Reflects Host Spatial Co-Occurrence Patterns in a Subtropical Forest
    J. Kuang, S. Han, Y. Chen, C.T. Bates, P. Wang, W. Shu – ISME Communications, 2021

  • Climate Warming Reduces Microbial Biodiversity in a Temperate Grassland
    J. Zhou, L. Wu, Y. Zhang, X. Guo, D. Ning, X. Zhou, J. Feng, M. Yuan, J. Guo, … – ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting, 2021

  • Soil Aggregate Size-Dependent Relationships Between Microbial Functional Diversity and Multifunctionality
    S. Han, M. Delgado-Baquerizo, X. Luo, Y. Liu, J.D. Van Nostrand, W. Chen, … – Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 2021

  • Microscale Heterogeneity of the Soil Nitrogen Cycling Microbial Functional Structure and Potential Metabolism
    S. Han, X. Luo, X. Hao, Y. Ouyang, L. Zeng, L. Wang, S. Wen, B. Wang, … – Environmental Microbiology, 2021

  • Partitioning Nitrospira Community Structure and Co-Occurrence Patterns in a Long-Term Inorganic and Organic Fertilization Soil
    S. Han, Q. Huang, W. Chen – Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2021

  • The Species Evenness of β€œPrey” Bacteria Correlated With Bdellovibrio-and-Like-Organisms (BALOs) in the Microbial Network Supports the Biomass of BALOs in a Paddy Soil
    H. Qian, C. Hou, H. Liao, L. Wang, S. Han, S. Peng, W. Chen, Q. Huang, X. Luo – FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 2020