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

 

Geoffrey Hammond | Agricultural Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Geoffrey Hammond | Agricultural Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Professor Emeritus at University of Bath, United Kingdom

Prof. Geoffrey P. Hammond is Professor Emeritus at the University of Bath and the founding Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy & the Environment (Iβ€’SEE). A mechanical engineer with a rich interdisciplinary background in environmental protection and business management, his career spans decades of impactful research and leadership.

Profile:

πŸŽ“ Academic Background & Career:

Professor Geoffrey Hammond is Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath** and founding Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy & the Environment (Iβ€’SEE). He began his academic journey after early engineering work in the UK refrigeration industry and teaching in Uganda under Voluntary Services Overseas.

πŸ”¬ Research Interests & Contributions:

Prof. Hammond’s work spans technology assessment of energy systems, industrial decarbonisation, and low-carbon transition pathways. His multidisciplinary approach blends thermodynamics, environmental footprinting, and life-cycle assessment.
He co-originated the widely-used Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) and has published extensively on sustainable energy.

πŸ“š Honors & Awards:

He is the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including:
πŸ… Dufton Silver Medal (1984)
πŸ… George Stephenson Prize (2009)
πŸ… James Watt Medal (2015 & 2021)
πŸ… Baker Medal (2019 & 2023)
In 2019, he was awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) for his significant contributions to sustainable energy and the environment.

🌍 Policy & Advisory Roles:

Prof. Hammond has advised UK Government departments such as BEIS, Defra, and the Climate Change Committee. He has contributed internationally through consulting in Sri Lanka and Taiwan, and served on various regional environmental and climate action boards in the UK.

πŸ“ Editorial & Academic Leadership:

He is Editor-in-Chief of the ICE journal “Energy” and serves on editorial boards for several energy and environment journals. He was also appointed Output Assessor on Energy and Sustainability for the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).

πŸ“£ Keynote Engagements:

He has delivered keynote addresses at high-profile international conferences, including the opening keynote at ICAE2018 in Hong Kong.

πŸ“Š Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 9,535

  • Citations since 2020: 3,784

  • h-index: 51

  • h-index since 2020: 32

  • i10-index: 104

  • i10-index since 2020: 67

Publication Top Notes:

  • Embodied energy and carbon in construction materials
    G.P. Hammond, C.I. Jones
    Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Energy, 161(2), 87–98
    2008 β€” Citations: 1371

  • Developing transition pathways for a low carbon electricity system in the UK
    T.J. Foxon, G.P. Hammond, P.J.G. Pearson
    Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 77(8), 1203–1213
    2010 β€” Citations: 483

  • Development of design for remanufacturing guidelines to support sustainable manufacturing
    W.L. Ijomah, C.A. McMahon, G.P. Hammond, S.T. Newman
    Robotics and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing, 23(6), 712–719
    2007 β€” Citations: 453

  • Embodied carbon
    G. Hammond, C. Jones, E.F. Lowrie, P. Tse
    The Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE), Version 2.0, 16
    2011 β€” Citations: 390

  • Exergy analysis of the United Kingdom energy system
    G.P. Hammond, A.J. Stapleton
    Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part A: Journal of Power and Energy
    2001 β€” Citations: 352

  • Improved data correlations for buoyancy-driven convection in rooms
    F. Alamdari, G.P. Hammond
    Building Services Engineering Research and Technology, 4(3), 106–112
    1983 β€” Citations: 281

  • Time to give due weight to the β€˜carbon footprint’ issue
    G. Hammond
    Nature, 445(7125), 256
    2007 β€” Citations: 226

  • Techno-economic appraisal of fossil-fuelled power generation systems with carbon dioxide capture and storage
    G.P. Hammond, S.S.O. Akwe, S. Williams
    Energy, 36(2), 975–984
    2011 β€” Citations: 224

  • Environmental life cycle assessment of lignocellulosic conversion to ethanol: a review
    A.L. Borrion, M.C. McManus, G.P. Hammond
    Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(7), 4638–4650
    2012 β€” Citations: 223

  • Sustainability and the built environment at and beyond the city scale
    M.R.C. Doughty, G.P. Hammond
    Building and Environment, 39(10), 1223–1233
    2004 β€” Citations: 187