Prof. Dr. Jehangir Bhadha | Soil Sustainability | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Dr. Jehangir Bhadha | Soil Sustainability | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor | University of Florida | United States

Dr. Jehangir H. Bhadha is an Associate Professor at the University of Florida’s Everglades Research and Education Center within the Soil, Water, & Ecosystem Sciences Department, with affiliate roles in Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Interdisciplinary Ecology, the Water Institute, and the Center for Sustainable and Organic Food Systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Science and an M.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Florida, alongside an MSc in Geology and a BS (Honors) in Mineralogy from the University of Bombay, India. Dr. Bhadha’s key research focuses on water quality, soil sustainability, sustainable agriculture, and nutrient management, specifically developing and testing innovative best management practices (BMPs) to reduce phosphorus pollution and enhance soil health in subtropical agroecosystems. His prolific publication record includes contributions to high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Soil Science, Journal of Environmental Management, PLOS ONE, and HortScience, reflecting interdisciplinary work on phosphorus management, biochar use, and organic matter dynamics. His work has received national and international recognition, including the George Barley Water Prize for phosphorus removal solutions, the Epsilon Sigma Phi Visionary Leadership Award, and multiple service awards from Epsilon Sigma Phi and the University of Florida. In addition to research, Dr. Bhadha serves on editorial boards of journals like Discover Soil Journal, Frontiers in Environmental Sciences, and PLOS ONE, actively contributing to advancing scientific communication in soil and environmental sciences. His commitment to sustainability and applied research continues to influence agricultural practices and environmental policy, aiming for practical solutions that balance productivity with ecological stewardship.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Publications

1. Bhadha, J. H., Capasso, J. M., Khatiwada, R., Swanson, S., & LaBorde, C. (2017). Raising soil organic matter content to improve water holding capacity. University of Florida IFAS EDIS, Publication# SL447.

2. Alvarez-Campos, O., Lang, T. A., Bhadha, J. H., McCray, M. J., Glaz, B., & Daroub, S. H. (2018). Biochar and mill ash improve yields of sugarcane on a sand soil in Florida. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 253, 112–130.

3. Zhang, Z., Wang, J. J., Lyu, X., Jiang, M., Bhadha, J. H., & Wright, A. (2019). Impacts of land use change on soil organic matter chemistry in the Everglades, Florida—a characterization with pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Geoderma, 338, 393–400.

4. Bhadha, J. H., Harris, W. G., & Jawitz, J. W. (2010). Soil phosphorus release and storage capacity from an impacted subtropical wetland. Soil Science Society of America Journal, 74(5), 1816–1825.

5. Bhadha, J. H., Daroub, S. H., & Lang, T. A. (2012). Effect of kinetic control, soil: solution ratio, electrolyte cation, and others, on equilibrium phosphorus concentration. Geoderma, 173, 209–214.

Cairo Pedro | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Cairo Pedro | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Atacama University | Chile

Pedro Cairo Cairo is a distinguished agricultural scientist with more than five decades of contribution to sustainable soil management and organic agriculture. He has been instrumental in advancing ecological farming practices and restoring degraded soils across different regions, with significant recognition at both national and international levels. His research has spanned soil fertility, agroecology, and sustainable agriculture, resulting in groundbreaking contributions that have shaped agricultural development in Cuba and beyond. With numerous books, journal publications, and collaborative projects, Pedro Cairo Cairo stands as an influential figure committed to fostering sustainable farming and improving soil health globally.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Pedro Cairo Cairo pursued his higher education in agricultural sciences, specializing in soil fertility and ecological management. His academic journey led him to complete a PhD in Agricultural Science, followed by four postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Rostock in Germany. These experiences deepened his expertise in soil quality, organic matter utilization, and sustainable land management. Through his education, he built a strong foundation in agroecology and organic agriculture, which has guided his professional and research career. His scholarly formation provided him with both theoretical and practical insights, enabling him to make impactful contributions to soil science worldwide.

Professional Experience

With over 50 years of professional expertise, Pedro Cairo Cairo has dedicated his career to soil restoration, sustainable agriculture, and organic farming. He has worked extensively in Cuba, where his research and innovations in soil fertility earned him national acclaim, and later continued his contributions at the Universidad de Atacama in Chile. His professional work includes mentoring PhD and Master’s students, publishing extensively, and leading several national and international projects. His leadership extends to collaborations with global institutions, contributing to agricultural sustainability strategies, soil quality improvement, and climate-resilient farming practices, shaping future generations of agricultural scientists.

Research Interest

Pedro Cairo Cairo’s research interests revolve around sustainable agriculture, soil fertility, and organic farming systems. He is particularly dedicated to studying soil quality indicators, the role of organic matter in fertility improvement, and sustainable management of salt-affected and degraded soils. His work also integrates agroecology, plant nutrition, and climate change adaptation strategies, reflecting a holistic approach to agricultural sustainability. He has consistently focused on identifying natural and organic solutions to restore soil health and increase productivity. These interests align with his commitment to building resilient agricultural systems that balance productivity with environmental protection and long-term sustainability.

Awards and Honors

Pedro Cairo Cairo has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science and agriculture. He was honored with the Carlos J. Finlay Order, Cuba’s highest scientific distinction, in 2001. In 1999, he was awarded the International Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize,” for his work in organic agriculture. Additionally, he has received national and provincial awards for scientific achievements and labor excellence, alongside multiple recognitions for his technical innovations. These honors highlight his lifelong dedication to sustainable soil management and his influential role in global agricultural research.

Research Skills

Throughout his career, Pedro Cairo Cairo has developed and demonstrated advanced skills in soil fertility analysis, organic matter management, and sustainable farming practices. His expertise includes the use of organic waste, biofertilizers, and natural minerals for soil restoration. He is proficient in designing and evaluating sustainability indicators for soil quality and has led projects addressing saline and alkaline soil management. His research skills extend to mentoring doctoral candidates, producing high-impact publications, and collaborating internationally. These skills, combined with his ability to integrate science with practical applications, make him a leading figure in advancing sustainable agricultural systems.

Publications

Pedro Cairo Cairo has authored over ten books and numerous peer-reviewed journal articles in leading international platforms, particularly in Web of Science and Scopus indexed journals. His publications cover topics such as soil quality, organic fertilizers, bamboo biomass utilization, saline soil management, and agroecological farming practices. Recent works include studies on organo-mineral fertilizers and their impact on soil fertility and crop yield. He has also co-authored book chapters with renowned international researchers. His contributions have been widely cited, with a citation index of 23, underscoring the scientific impact and global relevance of his research output.

Cairo,P*., Torrez, P., Machado, J., Rodríguez, A., Gatorno,S., Rodríguez, O., Jimenez, R.(2017).Effects of phosphate limestone on structure and quality under sugarcane vertisoles. Centro Agrícola, 44(4), 30-36. (WoS).

Cairo,P*., Diaz, B., Rodriguez, A.(2017). Soil quality indicators in Vertisols under sugarcane. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, 63 (11) 1477-1488. (WoS).

Cairo,P*., Alvares, O., Yera, Y., Rodríguez, A., Mollineda, A., Torres, P., Rodríguez, O.2018. La biomasa de Bambusa vulgaris como alternativa para la recuperación de suelos degradados. Centro Agrícola. 45 (3):51-58. . (WoS).

Cairo,P*.,Diaz. B. 2019. Fertility and Mineralogy of an Aridisol Soil under Agroecological Management. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 50 (14):1710-1721. . (WoS).

Cairo,P*. Diaz, B. 2021.Effects of dolomitic limestone and organic fertilizers on physical - chemical properties and the structure of a Vertisol. Australia Journal Crops Science.15(12) 1381-1385. Doi:10.21475/ajcs21.15.12.p3048. (SCOPUS).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pedro Cairo Cairo’s lifelong commitment to agricultural science has left an enduring legacy in soil fertility, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture. His leadership, research, and innovations have not only advanced scientific understanding but also provided practical solutions for restoring soil health and ensuring food security. Through mentorship, publications, and international collaborations, he has influenced future generations of scientists and practitioners. His awards and honors affirm his global recognition as a pioneer in ecological agriculture. Pedro Cairo Cairo’s work continues to inspire and contribute significantly to building sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems worldwide.

Prof. Dr Mohamed Elsayed – Soil science – FoodSystems Innovator Excellence Award

Prof. Dr Mohamed Elsayed - Soil science - FoodSystems Innovator Excellence Award

Soils, Water and Environmental Research Institute (ARC) - Egypt

AUTHOR PROFILE 

SCOPUS

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

SUMMARY

Dr. Mohamed Eid Abdelhamid Elsayed is a seasoned researcher and academician in soil and water management, currently serving as Chief Researcher at the Soils, Water and Environmental Research Institute (ARC), Egypt. With over two decades of experience, his expertise spans wastewater treatment, humic acid interaction with soil minerals, and sustainable agriculture practices. He has held leadership roles in international projects and served as a technical director. His contributions to academia and applied science are recognized through numerous awards, active roles in scientific committees, and a prolific publication record in high-impact journals.

EDUCATION

Dr. Elsayed holds a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Sohag University (2013), with a thesis on humic acid interactions and heavy metal adsorption. He earned his M.Sc. in Chemistry from Minia University (2009), focusing on humic acid’s role in metal sorption, and a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Sohag University (2001). His educational journey laid a strong foundation for his focus on environmental chemistry, particularly soil and water pollution control. His academic path underscores his dedication to understanding chemical interactions in agricultural contexts and advancing knowledge in environmental remediation techniques.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Elsayed's professional trajectory includes roles from Research Assistant to Chief Researcher. He has contributed significantly to soil and water projects at ARC, managed international collaborations (ICARDA, FAO, Fulbright), and served as a director and focal point in national and regional water resilience initiatives. His teaching roles span soil chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and environmental studies at graduate and undergraduate levels. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at South Dakota State University, enhancing his research capabilities in humic substances and clay interactions. His professional journey exemplifies a blend of academic rigor and practical leadership.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Dr. Elsayed’s research focuses on soil chemistry, wastewater reuse, salinity management, and environmental remediation. He investigates the kinetics of adsorption processes involving humic acids and heavy metals on clay minerals, the use of nanomaterials in water treatment, and the application of biochar under stress conditions. His work addresses food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient practices. He is particularly interested in integrating natural and modified soil amendments to improve crop productivity in saline and arid environments, contributing to the development of adaptive strategies in the face of climate change.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Dr. Elsayed has received several prestigious awards, including the Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholarship (USA), Distinguished Scientist Award (AETDS), and multiple best presentation and merit certificates from international conferences. He was honored by the ACS Division of Environmental Chemistry and has been consistently recognized for his innovative contributions in soil and water sciences. His accolades reflect his impactful research and thought leadership in environmental chemistry and sustainable agriculture, making him a prominent figure in both national and international scientific communities.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Dr. Elsayed excels in experimental design, adsorption kinetics, pollutant modeling, and advanced water treatment techniques. His skill set includes manipulating nano-adsorbents, optimizing soil amendment strategies, and conducting isotherm and thermodynamic studies. He is proficient in using scientific tools for evaluating soil and water properties and has led multidisciplinary teams on applied research projects. His analytical capabilities are complemented by strong data interpretation and scientific communication skills. His ability to bridge theory with application positions him as a key contributor to environmental sustainability solutions.

PUBLICATIONS

Title: Nanoadsorbents for water and wastewater remediation
Authors: MEA El-Sayed
Journal: Science of the Total Environment, 739, 139903 (2020)

Title: Kinetic study for copper adsorption onto soil minerals in the absence and presence of humic acid
Authors: ZR Komy, AM Shaker, SEM Heggy, MEA El-Sayed
Journal: Chemosphere, 99, 117–124 (2014)

Title: Kinetic study for adsorption humic acid on soil minerals
Authors: AM Shaker, ZR Komy, SEM Heggy, MEA El-Sayed
Journal: The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 116 (45), 10889–10896 (2012)

Title: Pyridine Derivatives as Insecticides. Part 1: Synthesis and Toxicity of Some Pyridine Derivatives Against Cowpea Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch (Homoptera)
Authors: EA Bakhite, AA Abd-Ella, MEA El-Sayed, SAA Abdel-Raheem
Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 62 (41), 9982–9986 (2014)

Title: Design, synthesis, characterization, and insecticidal bioefficacy screening of some new pyridine derivatives
Authors: AMK El-Dean, AA Abd-Ella, R Hassanien, MEA El-Sayed, ...
Journal: ACS Omega, 4 (5), 8406–8412 (2019)

 

CONCLUSION

Dr. Mohamed E. A. Elsayed’s academic and research career is marked by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to sustainable environmental practices. His work in soil and water management has led to tangible solutions for agricultural resilience and pollution mitigation. Through research, teaching, and international collaboration, he continues to influence environmental science policies and practices globally. His legacy is defined not only by scholarly achievements but also by a passion for solving real-world environmental challenges through scientific excellence.

Flurije Sheremeti-Kabashi | Soil Science & Management | Best Researcher Award

Flurije Sheremeti-Kabashi | Soil Science & Management | Best Researcher Award

University "Isa Boletini" Mitrovice - Albania

SUMMARY

Prof. Dr. Flurije Sheremeti-Kabashi is a renowned geoscientist with over three decades of academic, research, and managerial experience. She currently serves at the University “Isa Boletini” Mitrovica, Kosovo, as a full professor at the Faculty of Geosciences. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans technical petrography, geochemistry, mineralogy, and instrumental analytical methods. With an academic foundation grounded in prestigious institutions across Europe, she has been instrumental in establishing geoscience research infrastructure and guiding academic development. Her contributions to environmental and heritage conservation through marble studies and heavy metal pollution assessments position her as a respected authority in applied and environmental geosciences.

EDUCATION

Prof. Sheremeti-Kabashi earned her geological engineering degree from the University of Prishtina and pursued postgraduate studies in Zagreb, Croatia. She completed her PhD at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany, focusing on Carrara marble anisotropy and weathering effects. Her advanced education includes interdisciplinary training in mineralogy, petrography, geochemistry, and financial services related to geological risk management. This cross-domain academic background reinforces her ability to link geological research with socio-economic applications. Her doctoral work was part of a major EU-funded project, EUROCARE-EUROMARBLE, emphasizing the deterioration and conservation of European marble heritage.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Prof. Sheremeti-Kabashi has held various academic ranks from assistant to full professor since 2007. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in geochemistry, petrography, and hydrogeochemistry. Her managerial contributions include initiating the Institute of Geosciences and strategic research plans at UMIB. She has served on multiple academic and ethical boards, reflecting her leadership in academic governance. In addition to academia, she worked in Germany as a financial and geological adviser, merging science with policy and risk assessment. Her early work involved coordinating young geologists, establishing a tradition of mentoring and leadership from the start of her career.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Her research focuses on environmental geochemistry, particularly the distribution and impact of heavy metals in soils and sediments, hydrogeology, and rock deterioration processes. She is deeply involved in assessing soil and water pollution related to mining activities and industrial zones. Another key interest lies in stone conservation, especially of marbles used in European cultural heritage. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges laboratory analysis with field studies, contributing both to scientific understanding and policy development. She also investigates the use of instrumental techniques in petrological research, offering innovative insights into mineralogical and geochemical processes in natural and anthropogenic environments.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Prof. Sheremeti-Kabashi has received numerous awards, including DAAD fellowships for research and language studies in Germany. She was honored as a “Distinguished Student” at both high school and university levels. Her projects have repeatedly ranked first in national scientific grant competitions, including recognition by the Austrian Development Agency and the Ministry of Education in Kosovo. She received gratitude from the University “Isa Boletini” for her academic contributions during its anniversary celebration. These accolades reflect her sustained commitment to academic excellence, leadership in geosciences, and dedication to advancing environmental research and educational infrastructure in Kosovo.

RESEARCH SKILLS

Her research toolkit includes expertise in advanced petrographic analysis, scanning electron microscopy, ultrasonic tomography, and instrumental analytical methods. She is proficient in using polarizing microscopes for mineral identification and assessing porosity and microstructures of rocks. Her methodological strength lies in integrating quantitative techniques with environmental geochemical analysis, such as mapping heavy metal contamination in soils and sediments. She has a deep understanding of the degradation mechanisms in heritage stones and the application of conservation materials. These capabilities are reinforced by training across Europe, enabling her to lead interdisciplinary studies with technical precision and environmental relevance.

CONCLUSION

Prof. Flurije Sheremeti-Kabashi exemplifies academic excellence and scientific leadership in Kosovo and beyond. Her career bridges classical geology with modern environmental and analytical approaches. As an educator, researcher, and institutional developer, she has significantly advanced geoscientific research and education in her region. She continues to contribute to the sustainability of natural resources and the preservation of cultural heritage. Her integration of science, education, and policy reflects a holistic vision, making her a vital contributor to geoscience development in Southeastern Europe. Her legacy is defined by research-driven innovation, academic mentorship, and institutional progress.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Title: Determination of structural anisotropy of Carrara Marble with ultrasonic measurements
    Authors: F. Sheremeti-Kabashi, R. Snethlage
    Journal: Proceedings of the 9th International Congress on Deterioration and Conservation of Stone (2000)

  • Title: Untersuchungen der Gefügeanisotropie von Carrara-Marmor und deren Einfluss auf die Verwitterung
    Author: F. Sheremeti-Kabashi
    Journal: LMU (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München), Dissertation or Institutional Publication (2002)

  • Title: Macrozoobenthos diversity of two Bulgarian reservoirs according to some environmental parameters
    Authors: G. Georgieva, Y. Uzunov
    Journal: International Journal of Ecosystems and Ecology Science,  (2015)

  • Title: Geochemical background heavy metals and spatial distribution of stream sediments in Dukagjini Basin
    Authors: N. Peci, B. Shala, F. Sheremeti
    Journal: International Journal of Ecosystems & Ecology Sciences,  (2016)

  • Title: Spatial distribution of selected elements in stream sediments of Kosova Basin
    Authors: N. Peci, B. Shala, F. Sheremeti
    Journal: International Journal of Ecosystems & Ecology Sciences, (2015)