Pichad Khejornsart | Agricultural | Outstanding Scientist Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pichad Khejornsart | Agricultural | Outstanding Scientist Award

Researcher | Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources | Thailand

Dr. Pichad Khejornsart is an esteemed Associate Professor in Ruminant Nutrition at Kasetsart University, Thailand. He has dedicated his career to improving the efficiency of local beef and buffalo production and enhancing meat quality, with a strong emphasis on sustainable animal nutrition. His research aims to optimize ruminant nutrition to enhance animal performance while minimizing the environmental impact of livestock operations. His work addresses diverse aspects of animal health, digestion, and metabolic processes, particularly in ruminants like cattle and buffalo. Through his extensive experience in academia and practical research, Dr. Khejornsart has contributed significantly to advancing agricultural science in Thailand.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Khejornsart earned his Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from Khon Kaen University, Thailand, where he studied under the guidance of Professor Dr. Metha Wanapat. He achieved a remarkable GPA of 3.93 during his doctoral studies (2005-2010). Prior to this, he completed his B.Sc. in Animal Science at the same institution with first-class honors, graduating in 2004 with a GPA of 3.62. His education equipped him with a solid foundation in animal science, focusing specifically on ruminant nutrition and the optimization of feeding strategies for farm animals.

Experience

Dr. Khejornsart has been a part of Kasetsart University since 2011, where he currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agro-Resources. Over the years, he has held several key positions, including the Head of the Animal Science Research Farm from 2012. He also served as the Director of the Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center at Khon Kaen University. His international experience includes a visiting research appointment at the University of Florida, USA, where he worked under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Adesogan T. Adebola. He has been involved in numerous research and extension activities aimed at improving animal productivity and health through better nutrition and feeding systems.

Research Interests

Dr. Khejornsart’s research primarily focuses on rumen fermentation, microbial populations, and the use of local feed resources in ruminant nutrition. His work explores the nutritional effects on energy balance, health, and reproduction in lactating dairy cattle. He is particularly interested in the manipulation of ruminal fermentation to enhance feed efficiency and reduce methane emissions. Another significant area of his research involves the use of biotechnology to improve animal production. His work also extends to studying the impacts of feeding management on milk composition, particularly in dairy cattle. His innovative approach to utilizing local, often underused feed resources is aimed at promoting sustainable livestock farming.

Awards

Dr. Khejornsart has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to animal science and nutrition. Notable among his accolades is his selection as a finalist for the prestigious Kasetsart University Research Award in 2022, highlighting his leadership in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. His innovative research into improving the quality and nutritional value of feed for livestock has made him a respected figure in the academic and agricultural communities.

Publications

Dr. Khejornsart has published a number of impactful research papers in leading journals related to animal science and nutrition. Below are a few of his significant publications:

  1. Wanapat, M., P. Khejornsart, P. Parkdee, and S. Wanapat. (2008). Effect of supplementation of garlic powder on rumen ecology and digestibility of nutrients in ruminants. J Sci Food Agric, 88(13), 2231-2237.
  2. Khejornsart, P. and M. Wanapat. (2010). Diversity of rumen anaerobic fungi and methanogenic archaea in swamp buffalo influenced by various diets. J Anim Vet Adv, 9(24), 3062-3069.
  3. Khejornsart, P. and M. Wanapat. (2011). Effect of various chemical-treated rice straw on rumen fermentation characteristics using in vitro gas production technique. Livestock Research for Rural Development, 23(1).
  4. Khejornsart, P., M. Wanapat, and P. Rowlinson. (2011). Diversity of anaerobic fungi and rumen fermentation characteristic in swamp buffalo and beef cattle fed on different diets. Livestock Science, 139(3), 230-236.
  5. Khejornsart, P., Anusorn Cherdthong, and Metha Wanapat. (2021). In vitro screening of plant materials to reduce ruminal protozoal population and mitigate ammonia and methane emissions. Fermentation, 7(3), 166.
  6. Khejornsart, P., Teerayut Jantanam, and Watcharawit Meenongyai. (2021). Effect of type of treated rice straw on ruminal fermentation characteristic and cellulolytic bacteria of swamp buffalo. Buffalo Bulletin, 40(4), 599-608.
  7. Gunun, P., Cherdthong, A., Khejornsart, P., Wanapat, M., et al. (2022). The effect of phytonutrients in Terminalia chebula on rumen fermentation efficiency, nitrogen utilization, and protozoal population in goats. Animals, 12(16).

These publications are well-regarded in the field of ruminant nutrition and have been widely cited for their contributions to improving livestock management and feed utilization.

Conclusion

Dr. Pichad Khejornsart’s academic and professional journey reflects his passion for advancing animal science, particularly in the area of ruminant nutrition. Through his extensive research, he has developed methods to improve the efficiency of feed utilization, enhance livestock productivity, and minimize the environmental impact of animal agriculture. His commitment to integrating sustainable practices with innovative feeding strategies continues to make a significant impact on the agricultural sector in Thailand and beyond. Dr. Khejornsart’s contributions to animal science are set to inspire future advancements in the field, particularly in sustainable livestock farming practices.

 

Abebech Beyene | Irrigation and Water Resouces | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abebech Beyene | Irrigation and Water Resouces | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

 

Abebech Abera Beyene, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. With a career spanning over 18 years, Dr. Beyene is renowned for her extensive research in irrigation productivity and water management. Her expertise encompasses small-scale irrigation systems, climate change adaptation strategies, and the application of geospatial tools for water resource management. Her leadership roles and international collaborations highlight her influence and dedication to advancing the field of water resources engineering.

Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic Background:
    • Abebech holds a Ph.D. in Geography (Physical) from Ghent University, Belgium, and has a strong educational foundation with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields from Ethiopian universities.
  2. Significant Research Contributions:
    • She has published numerous journal articles in reputable journals, focusing on irrigation productivity, climate change adaptation, and geospatial tools for water management. Her work is well-cited and demonstrates substantial contributions to the field.
  3. Diverse Research Interests and Expertise:
    • Her research covers various aspects of irrigation and water management, including small-scale systems, remote sensing, and basin-scale water resources management. This breadth indicates a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
  4. Leadership and Professional Activities:
    • Abebech has held leadership roles such as Dean of the School of Research and Postgraduate Studies and is actively involved in various international and local projects. Her role as an Irrigation & Hydraulics research unit leader and involvement in multiple collaborative projects demonstrate her leadership and impact in the field.
  5. International Collaborations:
    • She is engaged in several international collaborations, including supervising Ph.D. students from other institutions and contributing to global research networks. This involvement reflects her ability to work effectively in diverse and global contexts.
  6. Mentorship and Supervision:
    • Abebech has supervised numerous Master’s and Ph.D. students, which highlights her commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers. Her supervision of students in various institutions and her contributions to their research projects showcase her dedication to academic growth and development.
  7. Professional Service:
    • Her roles in organizing conferences, reviewing research articles, and contributing to book editions underscore her active participation in advancing the field beyond her own research.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Increased Visibility and Outreach:
    • While her publications and professional activities are extensive, increasing her visibility through broader outreach and engagement with interdisciplinary and non-academic audiences could enhance her impact further.
  2. Focus on Emerging Trends:
    • Although her research is already substantial, staying updated with emerging trends and technologies in irrigation and water resources management, such as advancements in AI and big data analytics, could provide new avenues for research and application.
  3. Enhancing Collaborative Networks:
    • Expanding her collaborative networks to include more diverse international institutions and organizations could provide additional perspectives and resources for her research.
  4. Public Engagement:
    • Greater involvement in public science communication and community-based research initiatives might help in translating her research into practical solutions and policy recommendations.

Education

Dr. Beyene completed her Ph.D. in Geography (Physical) at Ghent University, Belgium, in June 2018. She holds a Master’s degree in Irrigation Engineering from Arba Minch University, Ethiopia (2010), and a Bachelor’s degree in Soil and Water Engineering from Haramaya University, Ethiopia (2006). Her academic background underpins her robust research capabilities and commitment to the field.

Experience

Dr. Beyene’s professional journey includes a research position at Amhara Agricultural Research Institute (2006-2012) and various academic roles at Bahir Dar University, where she has served as a lecturer, assistant professor, and currently as an associate professor since February 2024. She has held leadership roles such as Dean of the School of Research and Postgraduate Studies and leads research units focused on irrigation and water management.

Research Interests

Dr. Beyene’s research primarily explores irrigation productivity as a climate change adaptation strategy and employs geospatial tools for water resources management. Her work includes field experiments, data analysis using numerical and statistical models, and basin-scale remote sensing using tools like Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS, and QGIS. Her studies aim to enhance water resource management in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Beyene has been recognized for her substantial contributions to the field of water resources engineering through various awards and certifications. Her involvement in prestigious international conferences and leadership roles in research projects further attests to her influence and recognition in the field.

Publications

Here are some of Dr. Beyene’s key publications with hyperlinks and publication years:

Performance of small-scale irrigation schemes in Lake Tana Basin of Ethiopia: technical and socio-political attributes
Physical Geography, 2019
Link

Estimating the actual evapotranspiration and deep percolation in irrigated soils of a tropical floodplain, northwest Ethiopia
Agricultural Water Management, 2018
Link

Irrigation efficiency and shallow groundwater in anisotropic floodplain soils near Lake Tana, Ethiopia
Irrigation and Drainage, 2019
Link

Assessment of irrigation expansion and implications for water resources by using RS and GIS techniques in the Lake Tana Basin of Ethiopia
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2021
Link

Performance Evaluation of Surface Irrigation System in the Case of Dirma Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme at Kalu Woreda, Northern Ethiopia
Water Conservation Science and Engineering, 2021
Link

Assessing Farm Water Management and Performance of Koga Irrigation Scheme: a Case Study of Inguti Unit, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia
Water Conservation Science and Engineering, 2022
Link

Identifying rainwater harvesting sites using integrated GIS and a multi-criteria evaluation approach in semi-arid areas of Ethiopia
Applied Water Science, 2022
Link

Evaluating furrow irrigation techniques and grass mulch on irrigated onion using statistical tools and Hydrus-1D
Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2023
Link

Response of Yield and Water Use Efficiency to Different Irrigation Levels under Furrow Systems of Soybean
Water Productivity Journal, 2023
Link

Determination of Optimum Water Requirement and Irrigation Interval for Upland Rice at Fogera, Ethiopia
Water Conservation Science and Engineering, 2023
Link

Conclusion

Abebech Abera Beyene is a highly competent and impactful researcher with a robust track record in irrigation and water resources engineering. Her extensive publication record, leadership roles, international collaborations, and commitment to mentorship make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Addressing the areas for improvement, such as enhancing visibility, embracing emerging trends, and expanding collaborative networks, could further amplify her contributions to the field. Her dedication to advancing knowledge and practical solutions in water resources management is commendable and aligns well with the criteria for the award.