Researcher | Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Center | Ethiopia
Temam Mama Ayano is a researcher specializing in agroforestry, soil management, and forest resource assessment, with a strong focus on sustainable land-use systems in tropical and termite-affected ecosystems. His research centers on multipurpose tree performance, integrated termite management, soil fertility dynamics, bamboo adaptation, and ecosystem-based agricultural resilience, with emerging interests in watershed management and organic soil amendments. He has served as a researcher at the Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Haro Sabu Agricultural Research Center, since 2013 and currently contributes as a focal person for major development and climate-resilient agriculture projects, including CALM P4R and AECSAM initiatives. His key contributions include field-validated agroforestry innovations, soil fertility evaluation frameworks, and region-specific tree adaptation models that support sustainable agriculture and forestry policy. Through applied research and scientific publications, his work advances climate-smart agroforestry practices, strengthens food and ecosystem security, and supports scalable solutions for sustainable rural development.
Professor of Horticultural Science | University of Tehran | Iran
Prof. Kourosh Vahdati is a distinguished researcher specializing in horticulture, plant tissue culture, and biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on walnut science and nut tree improvement. His research focuses on abiotic stress physiology, walnut breeding and genetics, micropropagation, orchard management, and rootstock development, integrating molecular, physiological, and agronomic approaches to enhance stress tolerance and productivity in perennial crops. He serves as a Professor of Horticulture and has held key academic leadership roles, contributing extensively to international research collaborations. Prof. Vahdati’s major contributions include advances in walnut micropropagation protocols, identification of physiological and genetic indicators of drought and salinity tolerance, and the development of improved breeding and rootstock strategies for nut trees. His work has informed sustainable orchard practices and breeding programs worldwide. His impact vision centers on translating plant stress biology into resilient horticultural systems that support climate-smart agriculture, food security, and long-term sustainability in nut crop production
Senior Scientist | Agricultural Research Council | South Africa
Prof. Abe Shegro Gerrano is a researcher specializing in Plant Breeding and Genetics, with a strong focus on crop improvement for food and nutrition security. His research centers on the genetic enhancement of underutilized leguminous, leafy, and fruit vegetables, including cowpea, Bambara groundnut, amaranth, okra, pigeonpea, and taro, with emerging interests in climate-resilient cultivars, nutritional quality, and the integration of molecular breeding and genomics tools. He serves as a Senior Research Scientist at the Agricultural Research Council – Vegetables, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP), Pretoria, and holds affiliated academic and research appointments with national and international institutions. Prof. Gerrano has contributed significantly to the development and evaluation of drought- and heat-tolerant genotypes, genetic diversity assessment, and seed system research, producing high-impact peer-reviewed outputs and book chapters. His impact vision emphasizes translating plant genetic resources into resilient crop solutions that advance sustainable agriculture, strengthen food systems, and support global innovation in climate-smart crop production.
Project manager | MIGAL Galilee Research Institute Ltd | Israel
Idan Kopler is an interdisciplinary environmental researcher specializing in ecosystem ecology, hydrology, climate–vegetation interactions, and data-driven agri-environmental systems. His research focus centers on understanding how temperature, drought, and soil moisture regulate ecosystem processes across forested and managed landscapes, with emerging interests in the socio-environmental dimensions of precision livestock farming and technology adoption. Kopler has held research-oriented academic roles, contributing to cross-sector collaborations that bridge ecological science with applied agricultural systems. His key contributions include advancing empirical evidence on growth-limiting climatic drivers at montane treelines, quantifying soil–vegetation–water interactions in Mediterranean forests, and evaluating farmer perceptions of benefits and risks associated with precision livestock farming technologies in the European context. Through integrative field measurements, modeling, and stakeholder-focused analyses, his work supports evidence-based decision-making. Kopler’s impact vision is to strengthen climate-resilient land and livestock systems by aligning ecological insight with practical innovation, informing sustainable management, policy dialogue, and responsible technological adoption across diverse environments.
PhD Student | Australian National University | Australia
Syamlal Sasi is a researcher and technology innovator specializing in aquaculture, agri-tech solutions, plasma technology, IoT-integrated farming systems, and sustainable agriculture, widely recognized for advancing modern farming practices through science-driven innovations. His research focus centers on applying cold atmospheric plasma for agricultural and aquaculture enhancement, hydroponic productivity improvement, and resource-efficient cultivation, alongside emerging interests in space-agriculture, nutrient-enriched water generation using extraterrestrial regolith, nano/micro-bubble systems, and plasma–plant metabolite synergy. Over the years, he has contributed significantly to the integration of advanced engineering with crop and aquaculture ecosystems, exploring next-generation farming tools aimed at scalability and climate resilience. Professionally, he has served in impactful leadership and R&D roles, including Director of Business and Product Research at BudMore PTY Ltd., Canberra, Australia, where he leads technology development for smart-farming platforms and commercial agri-solutions, and previously as CEO at Sygul Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Kochi, India, guiding product innovation and agricultural technology deployment. Earlier, he contributed in data and business technology domains at Cognizant, India, building a foundation for data-driven agri-intelligence systems that later shaped his research initiatives. His key contributions include the development of plasma-assisted aquaponics and hydroponics systems, research demonstrating enhanced plant growth on simulated Martian regolith through water chemistry optimization, and investigations into RONS-enhanced nutrient delivery using plasma-enabled irrigation, which have opened new perspectives in extraterrestrial farming possibilities. He has also explored antimicrobial enhancement through plasma-secondary metabolite interactions, presenting new pathways for reducing chemical usage in crop disease management. His work has produced influential publications across journals such as Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecules, and Trends in Biotechnology, collectively strengthening scientific understanding of plasma-for-agriculture interfaces. Several of his studies contribute directly to circular bio-production and food security models, positioning his work as a foundation for future agri-technology transitions. Through his role in research and startup technology development, Syamlal has contributed to smart-farming digitization, remote monitoring systems, and AI-based aquaculture productivity enhancement, supported by grants including the Productization Grant 2022–23 (Kerala Startup Mission) and the Smart Farming to Improve Aquaculture Productivity RKVY-RAFTAAR Grant. His continued mission is to bridge agricultural science with scalable technology, fostering sustainable aquaculture systems, low-resource food production, and climate-adaptive cultivation solutions. With a strong commitment to innovation-driven agriculture, he envisions transforming farming into a tech-empowered, environmentally harmonious sector, enabling farmers to enhance yield with reduced input cost, expanding productivity through precision management tools, and exploring space-based cultivation for future food security. His work ultimately strives to the impact global agriculture by integrating plasma science, IoT frameworks, and smart agro-industries, shaping a future where technology amplifies natural growth potential while securing food sustainability for earth and beyond.
1. Sasi, S., Prakash, P., Poiré, R., Hu, T., Weerasinghe, J., Levchenko, I., Prasad, K., & Alexander, K. (2025). Can cold atmospheric plasma make water enriched with minerals from Martian or Lunar regolith more suitable for hydroponic plant growth? Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 100904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceja.2025.100904
2. Sasi, S., Prakash, P., Hayden, S., Dooley, D., Poiré, R., Hu, T., Weerasinghe, J., Levchenko, I., Prasad, K., & Alexander, K. (2025). Enhanced plant growth on simulated Martian regolith via water chemistry optimisation: The role of RONS and nano/micro-bubbles. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26, 78318. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178318
3. Prasad, K., Sasi, S., Weerasinghe, J., Levchenko, I., & Bazaka, K. (2023). Enhanced antimicrobial activity through synergistic effects of cold atmospheric plasma and plant secondary metabolites: Opportunities and challenges. Molecules, 28, 27481. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28227481
4. Sasi, S., Prasad, K., Weerasinghe, J., Bazaka, O., Ivanova, E. P., Levchenko, I., & Bazaka, K. (2023). Plasma for aquaponics. Trends in Biotechnology, 41(1), 54–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.08.001
Researcher at Sun Moon University, Asan, South Korea
Mr. Lakshan Paudel is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and clinical laboratory science. He is currently pursuing an integrated Master’s and Ph.D. in Life Science and Biochemical Engineering at Sun Moon University, South Korea (2020–2026). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India.
Identification and evaluation of CAZyme genes, along with functional characterization of a new GH46 chitosanase from Streptomyces sp. KCCM12257 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Vol. 253, Article 127457, 2023
Complete genome of Nakamurella sp. PAMC28650: Genomic insights into its environmental adaptation and biotechnological potential Functional & Integrative Genomics, Vol. 23(1), Article 18, 2023
Genomic insight into O-demethylation of 4-methoxybenzoate by a two-component system from Amycolatopsis magusensis KCCM40447 Heliyon, Vol. 10(3), 2024
CAZyme analysis and functional characterization of a new GH18 chitin hydrolase from Gelidibacter salicanalis PAMC21136 Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, Vol. 10, Article 100773, 2025
Potential role of serum homocysteine and uric acid level as a predictive marker for preeclampsia International Journal, Vol. 5(5), Page 119, 2019
Irfan Ullah is a dedicated plant scientist from Kaddi Sikandari, Razzar, District Swabi, KPK, Pakistan. Born on March 15, 1998, he holds an MPhil in Plant Sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and a BS in Botany from Government Postgraduate College, Swabi. His research focuses on plant taxonomy, microbiology, molecular biology, and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Surajbhan Sevda has demonstrated significant expertise in biotechnology through his extensive academic and research career, contributing to the fields of biochemical engineering and fermentation technology. His international collaborations and accolades highlight his commitment to advancing research in environmental science and biotechnology.
Process Engineer
NLPL India
Industrial Research (Jul 2008 – Jul 2009)
Honors and Awards:
Recipient of the Shastri-Canadian Travel Support for travel to Canada (2017-2018).
Awarded a Belgium Government Scholarship by the Flemish Government for research at VITO, Belgium (2011-2012).
Received DST International Travel Grant from the Government of India for attending the 4th International Microbial Fuel Cell Conference in Cairns, Australia (2013).
Research Impact:
Total Citations: 2,662
Citations Since 2019: 2,003
h-index: 25 (22 since 2019)
i10-index: 35
Publication Top Notes
The accurate use of impedance analysis for the study of microbial electrochemical systems
X Dominguez-Benetton, S Sevda, K Vanbroekhoven, D Pant Chemical Society Reviews 41 (21), 7228-7246 (2012) – 300 citations
High strength wastewater treatment accompanied by power generation using air cathode microbial fuel cell
S Sevda, X Dominguez-Benetton, K Vanbroekhoven, H De Wever, … Applied Energy 105, 194-206 (2013) – 230 citations
Sustainable utilization of crop residues for energy generation: A life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective
S Prasad, A Singh, NE Korres, D Rathore, S Sevda, D Pant Bioresource Technology 303, 122964 (2020) – 212 citations
Circular economy aspects of lignin: towards a lignocellulose biorefinery
VK Garlapati, AK Chandel, SPJ Kumar, S Sharma, S Sevda, AP Ingle, … Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 130, 109977 (2020) – 202 citations
Microbial desalination cells as a versatile technology: functions, optimization and prospective
S Sevda, H Yuan, Z He, IM Abu-Reesh Desalination 371, 9-17 (2015) – 169 citations
Bioelectroremediation of perchlorate and nitrate contaminated water: a review
S Sevda, TR Sreekishnan, N Pous, S Puig, D Pant Bioresource Technology 255, 331-339 (2018) – 166 citations
Biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic biomass: technology and sustainability
A Singh, S Sevda, IM Abu Reesh, K Vanbroekhoven, D Rathore, D Pant Energies 8 (11), 13062-13080 (2015) – 160 citations
Characterization and comparison of the performance of two different separator types in air–cathode microbial fuel cell treating synthetic wastewater
S Sevda, X Dominguez-Benetton, K Vanbroekhoven, TR Sreekrishnan, … Chemical Engineering Journal 228, 1-11 (2013) – 114 citations
Effect of salt concentration and mediators in salt bridge microbial fuel cell for electricity generation from synthetic wastewater
S Sevda, TR Sreekishnan Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part A: Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering (2012) – 101 citations
Bioelectricity generation from treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater with simultaneous seawater desalination in microbial desalination cells
S Sevda, IM Abu-Reesh, H Yuan, Z He Energy Conversion and Management 141, 101-107 (2017) – 75 citations
Intervention of microfluidics in biofuel and bioenergy sectors: technological considerations and future prospects
R Banerjee, SPJ Kumar, N Mehendale, S Sevda, VK Garlapati Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 101, 548-558 (2019) – 68 citations
Fermentative Behavior of Saccharomyces Strains During Guava (Psidium Guajava L) Must Fermentation and Optimization of Guava Wine Production
S Sevda, L Rodrigues Journal of Food Processing & Technology (2011) – 62 citations
Multigenic Effects
V Singh Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior, 4448-4453 (2022) – 54 citations
The role of biofilm in the development and dissemination of ubiquitous pathogens in drinking water distribution systems: an overview of surveillance, outbreaks, and prevention
BA Hemdan, GE El-Taweel, P Goswami, D Pant, S Sevda World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 37, 1-18 (2021) – 52 citations
Improved petroleum refinery wastewater treatment and seawater desalination performance by combining osmotic microbial fuel cell and up-flow microbial desalination cell
S Sevda, IM Abu-Reesh Environmental Technology 40 (7), 888-895 (2019) – 48 citations
Investigation of CNT/PPy-modified carbon paper electrodes under anaerobic and aerobic conditions for phenol bioremediation in microbial fuel cells
N Khan, AH Anwer, A Ahmad, S Sabir, S Sevda, MZ Khan ACS Omega 5 (1), 471-480 (2019) – 46 citations
Microalgae at niches of bioelectrochemical systems: A new platform for sustainable energy production coupled with industrial effluent treatment
S Sevda, VK Garlapati, S Sharma, S Bhattacharya, S Mishra, … Bioresource Technology Reports 7, 100290 (2019) – 46 citations
The making of pomegranate wine using yeast immobilized on sodium alginate
SB Sevda, L Rodrigues African Journal of Food Science 5 (5), 299-304 (2011) – 43 citations
Extraction and optimization of guava juice by using response surface methodology
S Surajbhan, A Singh, C Joshi, L Rodrigues American Journal of Food Technology 7, 326-339 (2012) – 40 citations
Biofilm formation and electron transfer in bioelectrochemical systems
S Sevda, S Sharma, C Joshi, L Pandey, N Tyagi, I Abu-Reesh, … Environmental Technology Reviews 7 (1), 220-234 (2018) – 35 citations
Faculty of Science Arish University at Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of science, Arish University, Egypt
Dr. Amira Abdallah Ibrahim Ahmed is an Assistant Professor of Plant Genetics in the Botany Department at Arish University, Egypt. Born on July 7, 1985, in Aga, Dakahlia, she has dedicated her career to advancing research in plant genetics. As a single Muslim woman, Dr. Ahmed embraces her identity while contributing to the scientific community. Her work focuses on understanding the genetic basis of plant traits, which is crucial for agricultural improvement and sustainability.
B.Sc. in Botany-Chemistry (2006), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
M.Sc. in Basic Science (Botany) – Genetics and Plant Cytology (2012), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
Ph.D. in Basic Science (Botany) – Genetics and Plant Cytology (2018), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
Research Interests:
Dr. Amira specializes in plant genetics and cytology, with a particular focus on biocontrol agents, phytochemical analysis, molecular markers, plant stress responses, and crop improvement under environmental stresses.
Publication Top Notes
Biochemical Characterization and Disease Control Efficacy of Pleurotus eryngii-Derived Chitosan An In Vivo Study against Monilinia laxa, the Causal Agent of Plum Brown Rot Published: 2024-09-17 DOI:10.3390/plants13182598 Contributors: Ippolito Camele, Amira A. Mohamed, Amira A. Ibrahim, Hazem S. Elshafie
Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Phylogenetic Relationships of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers Published: 2024-06 DOI:10.1007/s10722-023-01789-0 Contributors: Khaled F. M. Salem et al. (including Amira A. Ibrahim)
Association Study Between Some Cultivated Species and Their Wild Relatives from Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Brassicaceae Families Based on Molecular and DNA Barcoding in Egypt Published: 2024-03 DOI:10.1007/s10722-023-01681-x Contributors: Nerveen M. Essa, Amira A. Ibrahim, Magda I. Soliman
Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analyses of Complete Chloroplast Genome on Trema orientalis L. Published: 2024-03 DOI:10.1007/s10722-023-01678-6 Contributors: Amira A. Ibrahim et al.
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.
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.