Joyce Abrafi Opoku | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Joyce Abrafi Opoku | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Seventh-day Adventist College of Education, Asokore- Koforidua, Ghana

Joyce Abrafi Opoku is the Director of Professional Development, Research, and International Relations at the Seventh-day Adventist College of Education in Asokore-Koforidua, Ghana. With a research focus on sustainable agriculture and the propagation of difficult-to-propagate plant species, she has contributed significantly to applied agricultural science. Ms. Opoku has authored four publications and participated in additional collaborative research projects. Her dedication has earned her several recognitions, including the “Best Institutional Farmer” award in 2017 and both the “Principal’s Excellence Award” and “Milestone Achievement Award” in 2024. She has served in key academic and administrative roles, including Dean of Students’ Affairs, Head of the Science Department, and Unit Head of Agriculture. A committed member of several professional bodies, including the Horticultural Society of Ghana and the Agricultural Science Teachers’ Association of Ghana, Ms. Opoku continues to advance agricultural education and practice through research and leadership.

Profile:

🧪 Research Focus:

Joyce Abrafi Opoku’s research centers on the use of organic resources for sustainable agriculture and the enhancement of propagation methods for challenging plant species. Her contributions bridge scientific practice and community agriculture.

🏆 Achievements:

  • Best Institutional Farmer Award (2017) – National Farmer’s Day, New Juabeng North Municipality 🚜

  • Principal’s Excellence Award (2024) 🎓

  • Milestone Achievement Award (2024) 🌟

  • Authored four publications and contributed to additional works in progress 📄

🎓 Academic & Administrative Roles:

  • Former Dean of Students’ Affairs

  • Head of the Science Department

  • Unit Head of Agriculture

  • Committee Member – Appointments and Finance, SDA College of Education

🤝 Professional Memberships:

  • Horticultural Society of Ghana 🌼

  • Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG)

  • Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)

  • Agricultural Science Teachers’ Association of Ghana (ASTAG)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Effect of Pre-Sowing Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Silver Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia rufescens)
    Current Agriculture Research Journal, 2018-12-28
    DOI: 10.12944/CARJ.6.3.13
    Contributors: J. A. Opoku, J. N. Amissah, M. E. Essilfie, J. C. Norman

  • Seed Germination Percentage and Growth Performance of Caesalpinia pulcherrima as Influenced by Different Pre-Sowing Treatments
    Journal of Forestry, 2018-07-31
    Contributor: Joyce Abrafi Opoku

 

Johnpaul M | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Johnpaul M | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Central University of Kerala,  India

Dr. Johnpaul M. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management Studies at the Central University of Kerala. With a strong academic and research background, he specializes in [insert area of expertise – e.g., organizational behavior, strategic management, etc.]. His work focuses on [briefly mention research interests or teaching areas], and he has contributed to several national and international conferences and journals. Passionate about education and innovation, Dr. Johnpaul is committed to nurturing future leaders in management studies.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Management, Mahatma Gandhi University, Nalgonda
    Thesis: Marketing Strategies for Implementation of Digital Economy: A Study with Special Reference to Select Sectors in Telangana State

  • M.B.A. (Master of Business Administration)

  • M.A. (Economics)

  • UGC-NET & AP-SET Qualified

  • Ph.D. (Management)

🏫 Teaching Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Dept. of Management Studies, Central University of Kerala (July 2022 – Present)

  • Assistant Professor, Dept. of Business Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University, Nalgonda (Sept 2009 – July 2022)
    Total Teaching Experience: 14 years

🧑‍💼 Administrative Roles:

  • Coordinator, Academic Audit Cell, MG University (2016–2021)

  • NSS Program Officer, University College of Commerce & Business Management (2015–2021)

  • Member, AICTE Internal College Committee, MG University

  • Warden, Nagarjuna Boys Hostel, Panagal (2011–2014)

🧠 Area of Research:

  • Digital Economy & Marketing Strategies

  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Business

  • Sustainable Tourism and Corporate Governance

  • Digital Banking and Financial Technologies

  • Bibliometric Analysis and Decision-Making Models

  • Blockchain and IoT in Supply Chain

Publication Top Notes:

 

Zongho Kom | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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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

 

Anelia Iantcheva | Agricultural Science | Excellence in Research

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Prof Anelia  Iantcheva |   Agricultural Science  |  Excellence in Research

Prof. Principal Investigator at  AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy,  Bulgaria

Prof. Anelia Iantcheva is a distinguished researcher in plant genetics and biotechnology, currently serving as a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Agrobioinstitute of the Agricultural Academy in Bulgaria. She obtained her Master’s degree from Sofia University in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. in 1997 and a DSc in 2019 from the Agricultural Academy.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

Prof. Iantcheva earned her Master’s degree from Sofia University in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. from the Agricultural Academy, Bulgaria in 1997, and a DSc degree in 2019. She became a professor and principal investigator at Agrobioinstitute in 2022.

Research Focus:

Her expertise lies in plant genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, molecular biology, and biotechnology of model and grain and forage legumes.

Research Contributions:

Prof. Iantcheva has coordinated several EU-funded projects, including Horizon 2020 “Legumes Translated” and the ongoing Horizon Europe “Legume Generation.” She has published 64 articles in indexed journals and contributed chapters to five books on somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation.

Innovations:

Her research has led to the development of efficient plant regeneration systems and insertional mutant collections in Medicago truncatula, laying the groundwork for functional genomics in legumes. She has also innovated a low-temperature pre-treatment method for soybean seeds to enhance agricultural practices.

Publication Top Notes

  1. A novel Microbacterium strain SRS2 promotes the growth of Arabidopsis and MicroTom (S. lycopersicum) under normal and salt stress conditions
    • Journal: Planta
    • Publication Date: October 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04510-2
    • Contributors: Ho Manh Tuong, Sonia García Méndez, Michiel Vandecasteele, Anne Willems, Anelia Iantcheva, Pham Bich Ngoc, Do Tien Phat, Chu Hoang Ha, Sofie Goormachtig.
  2. Transcriptional and Metabolic Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana Transgenic Plants Expressing Histone Acetyltransferase HAC1 upon the Application of Abiotic Stress—Salt and Low Temperature
    • Journal: Metabolites
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/metabo13090994
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85172238091
    • Contributors: T. Ivanova, I. Dincheva, I. Badjakov, A. Iantcheva.
  3. Transition to legume-supported farming in Europe through redesigning cropping systems
    • Journal: Agronomy for Sustainable Development
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1007/s13593-022-00861-w
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85146474358
    • Contributors: I. Notz, C.F.E. Topp, J. Schuler, S. Alves, L.A. Gallardo, J. Dauber, T. Haase, P.R. Hargreaves, M. Hennessy, A. Iantcheva, et al.
  4. Auxin and stringolactone interaction in extreme phosphate conditions
    • Book Chapter: In Agricultural Biocatalysis: Biological and Chemical Applications
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85142565230
    • ISBN: 9781000635287, 9781003313144
    • Contributors: M. Revalska, A. Iantcheva.
  5. Functional characterization of Medicago truncatula GRAS7, a member of the GRAS family transcription factors, in response to abiotic stress
    • Journal: Biotechnology and Biotechnological Equipment
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2074893
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85130201236
    • Contributors: M. Revalska, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.
  6. Legumes in natural post-fire successions of forest meadows and pastures in Northern Bulgaria
    • Journal: Thaiszia Journal of Botany
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.33542/TJB2022-1-05
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85133384347
    • Contributors: G. Naydenova, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.
  7. Long-lasting low temperature pretreatment of soybean seeds enhances plant field performance and content of free metabolites
    • Journal: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85143811831
    • Contributors: G. Naidenova, I. Dincheva, I. Badjakov, M. Radkova, M. Revalska, A. Iantcheva.
  8. Moldovan soybean varieties testing in the condition of North Bulgaria
    • Journal: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85127731032
    • Contributors: G. Naydenova, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.

 

Américo Ferraz Dias Neto | Agriculture | BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

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Dr Américo Ferraz Dias Neto |  Agriculture |  BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

Executivo agrícola at  UNICAMP,  Brazil

Dr. Américo Ferraz Dias Neto is an accomplished Agricultural Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the bioenergy sector, specializing in agroindustrial processes, supply chain optimization, and sustainable agricultural operations. His expertise spans controlled traffic agriculture, digital agriculture, and predictive models for production improvement. Dr. Dias Neto has led large-scale projects and managed significant agricultural operations, gaining recognition through awards like the Outstanding Alumnus Award from UNICAMP and the Norman Joseph King Award.

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, FEAGRI-UNICAMP (2021)
  • M.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering, FEAGRI-UNICAMP (2000)
  • B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering, FEAGRI-UNICAMP (1997)

Professional Experience:

  • Américo Ferraz Consult (2017–Present): Consulting in bioenergy, specializing in agricultural production management and sustainability.
  • Novo Milênio Distillery (2023–2024): Managed agricultural production over 28,000 hectares, enhancing productivity.
  • UMOE Bioenergy (2017–2020): Oversaw agro-industrial operations for a 42,000-hectare unit producing ethanol and energy.
  • Atvos (2007–2016): Led digital agriculture and logistics projects, implementing technologies for crop monitoring and cost reduction.

Publications & Patents:

Dr. Dias Neto has contributed to numerous publications focused on mechanized sugarcane harvesting, soil management, and digital agriculture. His notable patent includes “Soft Cana,” an innovative technology for sugarcane agriculture (2022).

Awards:

  • Norman Joseph King Award, ISSCT Congress (2023)
  • Outstanding Alumnus Award, UNICAMP (2023)

Publication Top Notes

  • Advancements of Agriculture 4.0 in Mechanized Sugarcane Harvesting: A Review
    Ciência Rural (2024)
    DOI: 10.1590/0103-8478cr20220562
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Jenyffer da Silva Gomes Santos, Raffaella Rossetto, João Domingos Biagi, Daniel Albiero
  • Use of Vegetation Activity Index for Evaluation of L-Alpha Amino Acid Treatment in Sugarcane Agriculture
    Agriculture (2024)
    DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14111877
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Ivan Bazo Bergamim, Flavio Roberto de Freitas Gonçalves, Raffaella Rossetto, Daniel Albiero
  • Use of Vegetation Activity Index for Evaluation of L-Alpha Amino Acid Treatment in Sugarcane (Preprint)
    (2024-09-22)
    DOI: 10.20944/preprints202409.1603.v1
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Ivan Bazo Bergamim, Flavio Roberto de Freitas Gonçalves, Raffaella Rossetto, Daniel Albiero
  • Strip Soil Tillage and Traffic Over the Soil on Sugar Cane Compared to Conventional Tillage Systems
    Sugar Tech (2023)
    DOI: 10.1007/s12355-023-01267-y
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Daniel Albiero, Raffaella Rossetto, João D. Biagi, Jenyffer Gomes da Silva
  • Modeling of Mechanized Sugarcane Harvesting to Support Decision-Making on Asset Management
    Sugar Tech (2022)
    DOI: 10.1007/s12355-022-01126-2
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Daniel Albiero, Raffaella Rossetto, João D. Biagi

 

Samuel Alemayehu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Samuel Alemayehu | Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

Mekelle university,  Ethiopia

Dr. Samuel Alemayehu Lapiso is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems. He earned his Ph.D. from Mekelle University in 2023, with a focus on the diversity of storage molds and mycotoxins in chickpea and sesame in Ethiopia. With a Master’s degree in Microbiology from Hawassa University and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Haramaya University, he has a robust educational foundation. Dr. Lapiso has held various academic roles at Mekelle University since 2009, including Assistant Professor and Lecturer. His research interests include post-harvest loss management, mycotoxin contamination, and microbial quality analysis of food and water. He has contributed significantly to community service through training programs on safer agricultural practices and has published numerous articles in reputable journals. Dr. Lapiso is also a member of several professional societies, including the Ethiopian Society for Microbiology and the American Geoscience Union.

Publication Profile

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems (2017-2023), Mekelle University (GPA: 3.97/4.00)
    Research Topic: Diversity of Storage Molds and Mycotoxins in Chickpea and Sesame in Ethiopia
  • M.Sc. in Microbiology (2010-2012), Hawassa University (GPA: 3.48/4.00)
    Thesis: Investigation of Colletotrichum spp. on Mango and Banana in Southern Ethiopia
  • B.Sc. in Biology (2003-2006), Haramaya University (GPA: 3.26/4.00)
    Project: Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water in Bati Haramaya
  • Higher Diploma in Teaching Profession (2009), Mekelle University

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor (2015-Present), Mekelle University
  • Lecturer (2012-2015), Mekelle University
  • Graduate Assistant (2009-2012), Mekelle University
  • Assistant Coordinator, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Post-Harvest Loss Reduction, Ethiopia (Since 2018)
  • Biology Teacher, Mudulla Senior Secondary School, Tembaro District (2006-2008)

Research Interests:

Samuel specializes in post-harvest loss management, particularly mycotoxin contamination in pulse and oil crops. His expertise includes molecular-based identification of toxigenic microbial species, mycotoxin detection and management, and microbial quality analysis of food and water.

Professional Memberships:

  • American Geoscience Union (AGU) (2023-Present)
  • Ethiopian Society for Microbiology (ESM) (2016-Present)
  • Biological Society of Ethiopia (BSE) (2014-Present)
  • Ethiopian Society of Postharvest Management (2019-Present)

Publication Top Notes

Occurrence and Levels of Mycotoxins in On-Farm-Stored Sesame in Major Growing Districts of Ethiopia
Agriculture, 2024-02
DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14030372
Authors: Samuel Alemayehu, Fetien Abay Abera, Kiros-Meles Ayimut, Jagger Harvey, Rizana Mahroof, Subramanyam Bhadriraju, Jonathan Ulmer, Richard Edema
Source: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute