Richard Moyo | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Mr Richard Moyo |  Food Security  |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Consultant at  University of Malawi,  Malawi

Richard Steven Moyo is a pragmatic and results-driven economist with over five years of hands-on experience in evidence-based monitoring and evaluation. His expertise includes economic modeling, data collection, survey design, data analysis, and preparing research reports. Richard specializes in health economics, public sector economics, and evidence-based decision-making, using tools such as STATA, R, and Excel for economic evaluation.

Profile:

Education:

  • Master of Arts in Economics (2024) – University of Malawi (Health Economics & Public Sector Economics)
  • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics (2019) – Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Professional Experience:

  • Associate Consultant (2022-Present) – ASPIRE Consultancy
    • Data Manager for the Malawi Water and Sanitation Project-1 (MWSP 1), overseeing customer satisfaction and willingness-to-pay surveys.
  • Research Fellow (2024-2025) – Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA)
    • Co-author of the Malawi State of Environment Outlook Report, contributing to environmental research and policy.
  • Adjunct Lecturer (2024-Present) – University of Livingstonia
    • Teaching courses in Health Economics and Public Health.
  • Research Fellow (2024-Present) – University of Malawi
    • Conducted economic impact assessments on the Art sector and evaluated the Titukulane Project with IFPRI Malawi.
  • Research Supervisor/Data Analyst (2020-2023) – Center for Social Research (CSR)
    • Led impact evaluations of educational programs focused on reducing teenage pregnancies in Malawi.
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (2020-2023) – Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning
    • Conducted data analysis on market trends and evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 Urban Cash Transfer Intervention.

Skills Profile:

  • Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, STATA, R-Studio, SPSS.
  • Leadership: Led teams in the implementation and evaluation of multiple research projects.
  • Research: Conducted 4 baseline studies and 6 impact evaluations, achieving 20% savings in project budgets.

Publication Title Format:

  • Moyo, R., & Chirwa, G.C. (2025). The economic implications of noncommunicable diseases on food security and resilience in Malawi. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 19, 101646.
  • Moyo, R., Love, D., Mul, M., Mupangwa, W., & Twomlow, S. (2006). Impact and sustainability of low-head drip irrigation kits, in the semi-arid Gwanda and Beitbridge Districts, Mzingwane Catchment, Limpopo Basin, Zimbabwe. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 31(15-16), 885–892.

 

 

Zongho Kom | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr Zongho Kom |  Agricultural  | Best Researcher Award

University Of Venda,  South Africa

Dr. Zongho Kom holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Venda, South Africa, where he also completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Sciences. He is currently a Doctoral Fellow at the University of Venda, engaged in research, publications, and supervising postgraduate students. Dr. Kom has previously worked as a Project Administrator for the South Africa/Flander Climate Adaptation Research and Training Partnership and as a Coordinator of Conservation Technology in Chad.

 

Publication Profile

Educational Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Geography
    University of Venda, South Africa
  • Master of Environmental Sciences (Geography)
    University of Venda, South Africa
  • Bachelor of Environmental Sciences Honours (Geography)
    University of Venda, South Africa

Career History:

  • Doctoral Fellowship, University of Venda
    June 2021 – Present
    Responsibilities include conducting research, publishing findings, and supervising postgraduate students.
  • Project Administrator / Teaching Postgraduate, University of Venda
    South Africa/Flander Climate Adaptation Research and Training Partnership (SAF-ADAPT)
  • Coordinator of Conservation Technology, African Parks
    Chad (September 2020 – April 2021)
  • Administrator of GIS Certificate Course / Facilitator and Senior Tutor, University of Venda
    January 2013 – 2019
    Taught various environmental courses in Geography.

Research Interests:

Dr. Kom’s research focuses on climate change adaptation policies, environmental awareness, sustainable livelihoods, smallholder farming systems, indigenous knowledge systems, food security, and geospatial analysis.

Grants and Fellowships:

  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Venda
  • National Research Foundation (NRF) Doctoral Fellowship Grant
  • NRF Student Travel Grant for the American Association of Geographers (2017)
  • Travel grant for the International Geographical Union (2015)

Memberships:

  • South Africa for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
  • Society of South Africa Geographers (SSAG)

Publication Top Notes

  • Smallholder Farmers Multinomial Choice Analysis for Climate Change and Variability in Limpopo Province, South Africa
    Year: 2024 | Type: Book Chapter
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-2926-5_4
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau, Solomon E. Uhunamure, Sylvester Mpandeli, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Jacobus N. Steyn, Karabo Shale, Pindulo Ramasunga, Hector Chikoore
  • Indigenous and Local Knowledge: Instruments Towards Achieving SDG2: A Review in an African Context
    Year: 2024-10-21 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.3390/su16209137
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni Samuel Nethengwe
  • The Use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Practices to Enhance Food Security in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2024-09 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1007/s40003-024-00716-8
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau, Shandukani C. Nenwiini
  • Climate Change, Food Security and Farmers’ Livelihoods: A Case Study in Limpopo Province, South Africa
    Year: 2024-05-14 | Type: Preprint
    DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4172452/v1
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau
  • Understanding Links Between Water Scarcity and Violent Conflicts in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin Using the Water Footprint Concept
    Year: 2024-02 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1029/2023EF004013
    Contributors: Elias Nkiaka, Robert G. Bryant, Zongho Kom
  • Indigenous Knowledge Indicators Employed by Farmers for Adaptation to Climate Change in Rural South Africa
    Year: 2023-11-10 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2022.2086854
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Sylvester Mpandeli, Hector Chikoore
  • Determinants of Small-scale Farmers’ Choice and Adaptive Strategies in Response to Climatic Shocks in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2022-04 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1007/s10708-020-10272-7
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, N. S. Nethengwe, N. S. Mpandeli, H. Chikoore
  • Climate Change Grounded on Empirical Evidence as Compared with the Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2020-08 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1177/0021909619891757
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Sylvester Mpandeli, Hector Chikoore

 

R. DINESHKUMAR | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | Best Researcher Award

R. DINESHKUMAR | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr R. DINESHKUMAR, Vivekanandha Arts and science college for women, Sankagiri, India

Assistant Professor Dr. R. Dineshkumar is a distinguished researcher in Marine Microbiology, holding a Ph.D. from Annamalai University. His pioneering work focuses on utilizing marine microalgae extracts as biofertilizers for crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture. With 46 publications and an impact factor of 152.6, he has received numerous accolades, including the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship and Young Researcher Award. Dr. Dineshkumar actively participates in peer review and conference organization, enhancing scientific literature quality. His expertise has made him a sought-after speaker, and his commitment to education shapes the next generation of scientists. 🌊🌱📚🏆🔬

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. R. Dineshkumar earned his Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology from the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology at Annamalai University (2014-2020), where he received high commendation for his thesis on the role of marine microalgae and their extracts as biofertilizers in cultivating maize, onion, green gram, and paddy. He completed his M.Sc. in Microbiology at Gandhi Gram Rural University (2012-2014), focusing on how different carbon and nitrogen sources influence microalgae biomass and lipid production. Dr. Dineshkumar also holds a B.Sc. in Microbiology from Thiagarajar College (2009-2012), showcasing a solid foundation in the field. 🌊📚🌱🔬🎓

Awards and Fellowship

Dr. R. Dineshkumar has received several prestigious awards for his outstanding contributions to research. In 2015, he was honored with the Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship from the University Grants Commission (UGC), recognizing his potential in marine microbiology. In 2020, he was awarded the Young Researcher Award by InSc-Bangalore and the Young Scientist Award from VD GOOD Technology Factory, reflecting his innovative research efforts. Additionally, he received the Outstanding Research Paper Award from Novel Research Academy in 2020, further highlighting his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and sustainable practices in microbiology. 🏆🌟📜🔬🎓

Teaching and Research Experience

Dr. R. Dineshkumar has held several key positions throughout his academic career, showcasing his dedication to research and education. He began as a Junior Research Fellow at Annamalai University from April 2015 to March 2017, progressing to a Senior Research Fellow until February 2019. He then served as an Assistant Professor at Karpagam Academy of Higher Education from March 2019 to December 2021. Following that, he worked as a Teaching Assistant at Madurai Kamaraj University from February to May 2022. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at Vivekanadha Arts and Science College for Women, where he continues to inspire and educate future scientists. 🎓🔬📚👩‍🏫🌊

Research Focus

Dr. R. Dineshkumar’s research focuses primarily on Marine Microbiology and Agricultural Microbiology, emphasizing the utilization of microalgae for sustainable agricultural practices. His studies include enhancing the growth of Spirulina platensis, exploring the antimicrobial properties of green microalgae, and assessing the impact of microalgae as biofertilizers in crops like maize. He has contributed significantly to the understanding of marine and freshwater ecosystems and their applications in aquaculture. His work also addresses the sustainable treatment of aquaculture effluents, highlighting his commitment to environmental health and sustainable agricultural practices. 🌊🌱🔬🌿📊

Conclusion

Assistant Professor Dr. R. Dineshkumar exemplifies excellence in research and education in marine microbiology and its agricultural applications. His impressive educational background, numerous awards, extensive publications, and commitment to teaching position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative work continues to impact sustainable agriculture and environmental practices positively

 

Jingjing Tao | Food | Best Researcher Award

Ms Jingjing Tao | Food |  Best Researcher Award

PhD student at  University of Washington, United States

Jingjing (Tina) Tao is a dedicated researcher in the fields of environmental and agricultural economics. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Washington, she previously earned her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, achieving high academic honors. With a strong foundation in agricultural economics and environmental sciences, Jingjing actively engages in research addressing contemporary challenges in these domains.

Publication profile:

Education:

Jingjing is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington (2024 – 2029). She earned her Master of Science in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, where she graduated with a GPA of 3.98 (2022 – 2024), and previously obtained her Bachelor of Science (with highest distinction) in Agricultural Economics from the same institution, achieving a GPA of 3.99 (2020 – 2022). She also studied Agricultural Economics at China Agricultural University (2018 – 2020).

Research and Publications:

Jingjing’s research focuses on topics such as climate change impacts on fisheries, online media sentiment analysis in aquaculture, and local food systems. She has published multiple papers in reputable journals, including Aquaculture and Natural Resource Modeling. Her work on the online media sentiment analysis of shrimp and salmon has received significant attention, and she has several publications currently under review.

Professional Experience

Jingjing has gained valuable industry experience through internships, including a Data Scientist Intern position at Happy the Movement and a Recruitment and Operation Intern at Baidu, Inc. She also has teaching experience as a teaching assistant at both the University of Washington and Purdue University.

Awards and Grants:

Throughout her academic career, Jingjing has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the 2024 SEFS Recruitment Fellowship and the 2023 Department Travel Grant.

Professional Affiliations:

She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Ecological Society of America (ESA) and the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA).

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Quantifying “Local Food” Online and Social Media in the United States for 2018–2021
    J Jung, J Tao, NO Widmar
    Agriculture & Food Security, 11(1), 59 (2022)
  • Online Grocery Shopping Practices and Intentions Shaped by Pandemic-era Experiences
    C Bir, J Jung, J Tao, NO Widmar
    Journal of Food Distribution Research, 54(3), 1-29 (2023)
  • Exploring the Blue Economy Nexus: Government, Industry, and Market’s Perspectives on Seafood
    J Tao
    Purdue University Graduate School (2024)
  • A Regional Analysis of Climate Change Effects on Global Snow Crab Fishery
    J Tao, KK Quagrainie, KA Foster, NO Widmar
    Natural Resource Modeling, e12406 (2024)
  • Alert: Ultra-processed Food Is Overwhelming Americans’ Diet
    J Tao
    Journal of Agricultural Science, 14(4) (2022)
  • Environmental Problem Analysis and Policy Recommendations on Pacific Northwest Salmon
    J Tao
    Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 3(2), 1-6 (2021)
  • From Novelty to Normalcy: Making Entomophagy a Common Diet
    J Tao
    NASS Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 3(2), 23-27 (2021)
  • Online Media Sentiment Analysis of Shrimp and Salmon in the United States
    J Tao, K Quagrainie
    Available at SSRN 4754216
  • Climate Change and Snow Crab Harvest: Applying Random Effects Estimators with Instrumental Variable
    J Tao, K Quagrainie
    Available at SSRN 4684246

 

Maha Al-Zu’bi | Sustainable Agriculture | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Maha Al-Zu’bi | Sustainable Agriculture | Women Researcher Award

Regional Researcher- Sustainable and Resilient Water Systems at University of Calgary, Jordan

Maha Al-Zu’bi is a seasoned expert in managing international development projects with a strong background in environmental design and sustainability. With over 15 years of experience, she has led and contributed to high-impact initiatives across the Middle East and Central Asia. Her research interests include climate change governance and the energy-water-food nexus. Maha is dedicated to integrating innovative solutions and fostering collaboration to address pressing global challenges. 🌍💧🌱

Profile:

Educational Background:

Ph.D. in Environmental Design with a specialization in Energy Environmental Systems from the University of Calgary, Canada.

Professional Experience:

  • Over 15 years in managing public and internationally funded projects, including those funded by major organizations like the UNDP, GGGI, World Bank, and USAID.
  • Currently co-leading the CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative “Fragility to Resilience in Central and West Asia and North Africa” and serving as a Regional Researcher at the International Water Management Institute.
  • Previously managed major research initiatives and climate change projects, such as the Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources at the University of Calgary.

Research Interests:

Maha’s research focuses on climate change governance, green roof policy, and the energy-water-food nexus. She is passionate about proposing local climate policies and principles for climate change adaptation and mitigation, particularly in the Arab region. Her work emphasizes fostering interdisciplinary approaches to address complex environmental challenges.

Publication Top Notes:

  • SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities: Towards Inclusive, Safe, and Resilient Settlements
    M Al-Zu’bi, V Radovic
    Emerald Publishing Limited, 32, 2018
  • Water, Energy, and Rooftops: Integrating Green Roof Systems into Building Policies in the Arab Region
    M Al-Zu’bi, O Mansour
    Environment and Natural Resources Research, 7(2), 11-36, 2017
  • Jordan’s Climate Change Governance Framework: From Silos to an Intersectoral Approach
    M Al-Zu’bi
    Environment Systems and Decisions, 36, 277-301, 2016
  • African Perspectives on Climate Change Research
    M Al-Zu’bi, SW Dejene, J Hounkpè, OL Kupika, S Lwasa, M Mbenge, …
    Nature Climate Change, 12(12), 1078-1084, 2022
  • Water-Energy-Food-Climate Change Nexus in the Arab Cities: The Case of Amman City, Jordan
    M Al-Zu’bi
    University of Calgary, 2017
  • Shifting Waters: The Challenges of Transitioning from Freshwater to Treated Wastewater Irrigation in the Northern Jordan Valley
    MH Tawfik, H Al-Zawaidah, J Hoogesteger, M Al-Zu’bi, P Hellegers, …
    Water, 15(7), 1315, 2023
  • Strengthening Climate Security in the Middle East and North Africa Region
    P Laderach, DJ Merrey, F Schapendonk, B Dhehibi, S Ruckstuhl, …
    IWMI, 2022
  • Water, Energy and Food: The Problematic Aspects of the Transition from ‘Silo Approach’ to ‘Nexus Approach’ in the Arab Region
    M Al-Zu’bi, N Keough
    Water, Energy, Food and People Across the Global South: ‘The Nexus’ in an …, 2018
  • Towards Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions Agriculture in North Africa Through Climate-Smart Agriculture: A Systematic Review
    Y Brouziyne, A El Bilali, T Epule Epule, V Ongoma, A Elbeltagi, J Hallam, …
    Climate, 11(7), 139, 2023
  • Application of Artificial Intelligence in Monitoring of Animal Health and Welfare
    AZA Ali, M Al-Zu’bi
    Indian Journal of Animal Research, 57(11), 1550-1555, 2023
  • Hydrological Modelling for Reservoir Operation: Application of SWAT Model for Kalu Ganga Catchment, Sri Lanka
    GAT Madushanka, KDW Nandalal, LP Muthuwatta
    ENGINEER, 55(03), 29-41, 2022
  • One Hundred Priority Questions for the Development of Sustainable Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa
    AJM Devenish, P Schmitter, NP Jellason, N Esmail, NM Abdi, SK Adanu, …
    Land, 12(10), 1879, 2023
  • Climate Security in the MENA Region
    P Läderach, DJ Merrey, F Schapendonk, B Dhehibi, S Ruckstuhl, …
    2022
  • SDG11 and the Associated Challenges to Implementation
    M Al-Zu’bi, V Radovic
    SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities: Towards Inclusive, Safe, and …, 2018
  • Cities and Key Interactions
    M Al-Zu’bi, V Radovic
    SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities: Towards Inclusive, Safe, and …, 2018
  • Mapping SDG Stories
    M Al-Zu’bi, V Radovic
    SDG11–Sustainable Cities and Communities: Towards Inclusive, Safe, and …, 2018

 

Mario Gonzales Santos | Foods | Best Researcher Award

Dr Mario Gonzales Santos |  Foods | Best Researcher Award

Dr Mario Gonzales Santos, Universidad Nacional de Agricultura, Honduras

Mario Josué Gonzales Santos is an accomplished food scientist with a strong academic and professional background. Born on October 27, 1986, he has dedicated his career to advancing food science and technology. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Food Science and Technology at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro. Mario holds a Master’s degree in Food Science and Engineering from the University of Bio-Bio in Chile and a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology from the National University of Agriculture in Honduras. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including a recognition for his scientific contributions and excellence in academic performance. Mario is also actively involved in research, focusing on innovative food processing techniques and their impact on food quality and safety. His contributions to the field are well-documented through his extensive participation in conferences and publications in scientific journals.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Mario Josué Gonzales Santos has a comprehensive educational background in food science and technology. He is currently in the final stages of completing his Doctorate in Food Science and Technology at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (2019-2023). He earned his Master of Science in Food Science and Engineering from the University of Bio-Bio, Chile, where he studied from April 2014 to April 2016. Mario’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Technology from the National University of Agriculture in Honduras, which he completed between January 2007 and December 2010. Throughout his education, Mario has been committed to expanding his knowledge and skills, participating in various improvement courses and workshops related to food science, quality control, and manufacturing practices. His dedication to education is further evidenced by the multiple scholarships he received for his undergraduate and graduate studies.

Experience

Mario Josué Gonzales Santos has a diverse and extensive professional background in food science and technology. Since October 2012, he has been a faculty member at the National University of Agriculture, where he has held various roles, including Director of the Distance Education Academic System (April 2023 to February 2024) and Secretary of the Academic Council (April 2023 to February 2024). He has also served as the Director of the Admissions Academic System (March 2017 to February 2019) and as a lecturer in the

Technology and Agronomy Engineering programs. Mario has provided guidance to final-year students as a thesis advisor and has taught courses such as Food Engineering and Experimental Design. Prior to his academic career, he worked as a Quality Control Supervisor at LACTHOSA Sula Centro in San Pedro Sula and as a supervisor at Supermercado Junior, managing product orders and ensuring quality standards.

Research Focus

Mario Josué Gonzales Santos’s research focuses on innovative food processing techniques and their impact on food quality, safety, and consumer perceptions. His doctoral research at the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro explores the influence of combined ohmic heating and vacuum pulse treatment on the phenolic compounds in dehydrated blueberries. During his Master’s studies at the University of Bio-Bio, he investigated the effects of ohmic heating and pulsed vacuum on the dehydration processes and polyphenol retention in osmodehydrated blueberries. Mario is a member of the research group “Plant-Based Antioxidants and Their Role in Healthy Eating” (TECBAL), where he contributed to studies on the role of plant-based antioxidants in food. His research also includes the quantification of effluents and oil from African palm processing and evaluating the efficiency of agroindustrial plants. Mario’s work is characterized by a commitment to enhancing food processing methods to improve nutritional quality and safety.

Publication Top Notes

Mario Gonzales Santos, Amauri Rosenthal, Inayara Beatriz Araujo Martins, Marcela de Alcantara, Mariah Almeida Lima, Raíssa de Assis Carvalho, Rosires Deliza. Exploring the role of the general interest in health on the perceptions of Healthy, Industrialized, and Ultra-processed foods among Brazilians. doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2024.113992 📜

J. Moreno, M. Gonzales, P. Zúñiga, G. Petzold, K. Mella, O. Muñoz. Ohmic heating and pulsed vacuum effect on dehydration processes and polyphenol component retention of osmodehydrated blueberries (cv. Tifblue). doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2016.06.005 📄

 

 

Radwa El-Behairy | Agricultural Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Radwa El-Behairy | Agricultural Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

PhD student, Tanta University, Egypt

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is a dedicated PhD student at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt. Her research focuses on integrating AI and GIS to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid areas, aiming to enhance food security sustainably. In addition to her studies, she serves as an assistant lecturer at the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Shubra El Kheima.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education 🎓

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is a dedicated scholar in the field of agricultural and soil sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science from Tanta University, Egypt, in 2017. Building on her foundational knowledge, she pursued a Master of Science in Soil Science, also at Tanta University, which she completed in 2021. Currently, Radwa is a Ph.D. student at the same institution, where she is focusing on integrating artificial intelligence and geographic information systems to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid areas. Her academic journey is marked by a strong commitment to advancing agricultural practices and sustainability through innovative research methodologies.

Experience 🏫

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy is an Assistant Lecturer at the Higher Institute for Agricultural Cooperation in Shubra El Kheima and a PhD student at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt. Her research focuses on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to evaluate soil quality and crop suitability in arid regions. With a solid background in soil science and agricultural science, Radwa has published seven research articles, contributing valuable insights into soil management and crop optimization. Her work aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability through innovative technologies.

Research Interests 🔍

Radwa Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah El-Behairy’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of fields related to agricultural and environmental sciences. Her primary focus is on agricultural sustainability and pedology, where she explores methods to enhance the resilience and productivity of agricultural systems. She employs remote sensing and GIS technologies to monitor and analyze soil and water resources, integrating these with modeling of irrigation water quality to improve resource management. Her work also addresses environmental contamination through advanced artificial intelligence techniques, contributing to assessments of crop suitability and soil quality. Radwa’s expertise in machine learning and deep learning further supports her efforts to develop innovative solutions for optimizing agricultural practices and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Awards 🏆

Training in the research project “Monitoring land and water productivity through remote sensing WaPOR II”

Publications Top Notes 📚

An Accurate Approach for Predicting Soil Quality Based on Machine Learning in Drylands Agriculture, 2024-04-18 | link

A Novel Approach for Predicting Heavy Metal Contamination Based on Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System and GIS in an Arid Ecosystem Agronomy, 2023-07-15 | link

Artificial Intelligence Integrated GIS for Land Suitability Assessment of Wheat Crop Growth in Arid Zones to Sustain Food Security Agronomy, 2023-04-29 |link

Assessment of Potential Heavy Metal Contamination Hazards Based on GIS and Multivariate Analysis in Some Mediterranean Zones Agronomy, 2022-12-19 | link

Combination of GIS and Multivariate Analysis to Assess the Soil Heavy Metal Contamination in Some Arid Zones
Agronomy, 2022-11-16 | link

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maryam Yousefi | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Maryam Yousefi |  Sustainable Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

Postdoc at  ZALF,  Germany

Dr. Maryam Yousefi is a prominent researcher specializing in environmental science and agricultural sustainability. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) in Berlin, Germany, focusing on “Living Labs in Agricultural Landscapes” under the supervision of Prof. Frank Ewert. Previously, she worked at ETH Zurich’s Institute of Terrestrial Ecosystems, where she explored “Enhancing biodiversity & resilience in crop production,” supervised by Prof. Jaboury Ghazoul and Prof. Johan Six.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Science
    Shahid Beheshti University, Iran
    2015-2021

    • Visitor, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain (2018-2019)
  • M.S. in Natural Resource Engineering – Land Use Planning and Assessment
    Birjand University, Iran
    2010-2012
  • B.S. in Natural Resource Engineering – Environmental Science
    Hakim Sabzevari University, Iran
    2008-2010
  • A.S. in Environmental Science
    Birjand University, Iran
    2004-2006

🏆 Honors and Awards:

  1. Ranked 1st among B.S. students in Environmental Science, Hakim Sabzevari University.
  2. Granted direct admission to M.S. program by Birjand University’s Talent Student Office.
  3. Active member of the Young Researchers Club (2010-2018).
  4. Ranked 3rd among ~2000 participants in the Iranian Ph.D. entrance exam.

🔬 Academic and Project Experience:

  • Collaborator – Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines (Iran)
    2020-2021
  • Project Manager – Agricultural Planning (Qazvin Province, Iran)
    2020
  • Project Manager – Land Use Planning (Gilan & Qazvin Provinces, Iran)
    2015-2018
  • Research Assistant – Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
    2016-2017
  • Lecturer – Payam Noor University, Iran
    2013

🌿 Sustainable Agriculture Research Focus:

    • Biodiversity & Resilience: Enhancing biodiversity and resilience in crop production systems to improve sustainability and productivity.
    • Ecosystem Services: Evaluating and optimizing ecosystem services provided by agricultural landscapes, such as pest control and soil health.
    • Agri-environmental Schemes: Assessing the effectiveness of intercropping and other agri-environmental schemes to support sustainable farming practices.
    • Living Labs: Implementing and studying living labs in agricultural landscapes to test and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
    • Landscape Ecological Modeling: Using landscape ecological models to understand and manage landscape carrying capacity and environmental impacts of agricultural activities.
    • Social-Ecological Systems: Exploring the interactions between social and ecological systems to develop integrated approaches for sustainable land use and management.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 255
  • Citations Since 2019: 235
  • h-index: 9
  • i10-index: 9

Publication Top Notes:

  • Modelling Landscape Ecological Assessments of Land Use and Cover Change Scenarios: Application to the Bojnourd Metropolitan Area (NE Iran)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, J Marull
    • Journal: Land Use Policy
    • Citations: 62
    • Year: 2020
  • Convenient Landfill Site Selection by Using Fuzzy Logic and Geographic Information Systems: A Case Study in Bardaskan, East of Iran
    • Authors: A Khorram, M Yousefi, SA Alavi, J Farsi
    • Journal: Health Scope
    • Citations: 45
    • Year: 2015
  • Land Use Change Detection Using Remote Sensing and Artificial Neural Network: Application to Birjand, Iran
    • Authors: M Ahmadizadeh, M Yousefi
    • Journal: Computational Ecology and Software
    • Citations: 28
    • Year: 2014
  • An Energy-Landscape Integrated Analysis to Evaluate Agroecological Scarcity
    • Authors: M Yousefi, A Darvishi, R Padró, S Barghjelveh, NM Dinan, J Marull
    • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    • Citations: 21
    • Year: 2020
  • Assessing Levels, Trade-offs, and Synergies of Landscape Services in the Iranian Province of Qazvin: Towards Sustainable Landscapes
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, NM Dinan, P Angelstam
    • Journal: Landscape Ecology
    • Citations: 16
    • Year: 2022
  • Comparison of Two Biophysical Indicators Under Different Landscape Complexity
    • Authors: M Yousefi, A Darvishi, E Tello, S Barghjelveh, NM Dinan, J Marull
    • Journal: Ecological Indicators
    • Citations: 14
    • Year: 2021
  • Assessment and Spatial Planning of Landscape Ecological Connectivity for Biodiversity Management (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, NM Dinan, S Barghjelveh, M Yousefi
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology
    • Citations: 14
    • Year: 2020
  • Investigating the Effect of Socio-economic Disturbance Resulting from Human Activities on Landscape Ecological Function Using HANPP Index (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, NM Mobarghei Dinan
    • Journal: Journal of Natural Environment
    • Citations: 13
    • Year: 2020
  • Evaluating the Correlation Between Pollination Ecosystem Service and Landscape Pattern Metrics (Case Study: Qazvin Province)
    • Authors: A Darvishi, M Yousefi, DN Mobargae
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Applied Ecology
    • Citations: 10
    • Year: 2021
  • Assessment of Light Pollution in Bojnord City Using Remote Sensing Data
    • Authors: A Khorram, M Yousefi, M Fardad
    • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering
    • Citations: 6
    • Year: 2014