Rawia El-Motaium | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Rawia El-Motaium | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Professor of Plant Nutrition | Plant Research Department, Nuclear Research Center | Egypt

A distinguished professor with extensive expertise in agricultural science, plant nutrition, and environmental stress management, this individual has contributed significantly to the research community. Her academic journey includes a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, USA, focusing on the tolerance of Prunus rootstocks to salt and boron, alongside an M.Sc. in soil sciences and agricultural sciences. She has taught in various countries, including the USA, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, and Egypt, and participated in numerous international workshops and research projects. Her research spans agricultural sustainability, environmental stress on plants, and waste management, utilizing advanced radiation technologies for agricultural applications.

Profile

Scopus

Education
She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, where she specialized in plant nutrition and environmental stress, particularly focusing on the interaction of calcium with boron. Her educational background also includes an M.Sc. in Soil Sciences from the University of California, Riverside, and another M.Sc. from the University of Cairo, Egypt, where she explored the biochemical effects of gamma irradiation on bananas. Additionally, she completed a B.Sc. in Horticulture from the University of Cairo. Her academic training underpins her extensive research in plant nutrition, environmental stress, and waste management.

Experience
Her career as a professor and researcher spans decades, with notable roles as a teaching assistant at the University of California, Davis, and faculty positions at universities in Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, and Egypt. She has taught courses in plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and environmental pollution, among others. As a principal investigator, she led several high-profile research projects, including those funded by the USAID and IAEA, addressing issues such as the remediation of sewage water and sludge using nuclear technologies. She has collaborated internationally with experts from countries like the USA, Austria, India, and Argentina.

Research Interests
Her research interests are broad and multifaceted, primarily revolving around plant nutrition, physiology, and environmental stress management. She investigates nutrient interactions, particularly calcium and boron, as well as the use of stable and radioactive isotopes to study nutrient uptake and translocation in plants. Other key research areas include the impact of environmental stresses such as salinity, nutrient deficiencies, and heavy metal contamination on plant growth. Additionally, she is deeply involved in waste management, focusing on composting and recycling sewage sludge and municipal waste for agricultural use. Her expertise also extends to the utilization of nuclear technologies, particularly gamma radiation, to treat sewage water and soil for improved crop productivity.

Awards
Her outstanding contributions have been recognized with multiple prestigious awards, including the Peace Fellowship from USAID, which supported her M.Sc. studies, and the Mission Fellowship from the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education for her Ph.D. in the USA. She was also nominated for the Matrouh Governorate Shield and offered an internship with the United Nations in Geneva. Additionally, her work in agricultural and environmental sciences has earned her several international grants and honors, including the International Peace Scholarship and International Student Grants.

Publications
She has authored a number of influential publications in agricultural science, focusing on plant nutrition, environmental stress, and waste management. Some of her key publications include:

  1. “Impact of Irradiated Sewage Sludge on Soil Fertility and Crop Yields” (2000) – Journal of Environmental Management
  2. “Nutrient Uptake and Interaction in Plants: The Role of Calcium and Boron” (2003) – Plant Physiology Journal
  3. “Composting of Sewage Sludge for Agricultural Use: Environmental Implications” (2005) – Waste Management Journal
  4. “Effects of Heavy Metals on Plant Growth and Soil Health” (2008) – Ecological Applications
  5. “Radiation Technology for Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Remediation” (2011) – Environmental Science and Technology
  6. “Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Nuclear Techniques in Crop Management” (2015) – Agricultural Research Journal
  7. “Salinity Tolerance in Plants: Mechanisms and Approaches” (2017) – Soil Science and Plant Nutrition Journal

Her work has been cited in numerous studies, with articles on sewage sludge and wastewater treatment being particularly influential.

Conclusion
With a rich academic background, a broad range of teaching experiences, and significant contributions to agricultural and environmental sciences, this professor stands at the forefront of research on plant nutrition, environmental stress management, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her pioneering work in utilizing nuclear techniques for environmental and agricultural remediation continues to have a lasting impact on both scientific research and practical applications in the field. Her leadership in international research projects, commitment to teaching, and numerous accolades reflect her dedication to advancing agricultural sciences for global sustainability.

Kartik Omanakuttan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Kartik Omanakuttan | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar | Kumaun University | India 

Kartik Omanakuttan, MSc, is an accomplished editorial professional and researcher from Uttarakhand, India, specializing in entomology and environmental science. With over two years of experience in manuscript content management, peer review, and publication support, Kartik has contributed significantly to the field of life science research. His work has focused on insect diversity, mosquito biology, and biodiversity conservation in the Western Himalayas. Kartik’s passion for life sciences is reflected in his proactive approach to scientific publishing, where he works diligently to maintain high editorial standards while supporting the publication process.

Profile

Orcid

Education
Kartik holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Zoology with a specialization in Entomology from Dev Singh Bisht College, Kumaun University, Nainital, India (2023), where he achieved a First Division GPA of 81.75%. During his master’s program, he actively participated in the Mosquito Research Lab and the Insect Biodiversity Lab, reflecting his dedication to life science research. His thesis, titled “Insect Diversity of Ghorakhal Tea Estate and Effect of Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinensis) on Mortality of Some Genera of Mosquitoes,” highlights his focus on entomology and vector control. Kartik also holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry from Motiram Baburam Govt. PG College, Kumaun University (2020), where he earned a GPA of 65.4%.

Experience
Kartik’s professional experience spans editorial roles, research contributions, and project management. As a content peer reviewer and manuscript manager at the Mosquito Research Lab and Insect Biodiversity Lab, Kartik honed his skills in administering peer review processes, ensuring adherence to publication standards, and collaborating with authors and editors. His research projects on butterfly molecular and morphometric analysis and mosquito biology have contributed to regional conservation efforts and vector control policies in Uttarakhand. Currently, Kartik serves as an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Zoology Studies and the International Journal of Entomology Research, overseeing peer review, content strategy, and quality control.

Research Interests
Kartik’s research interests lie in entomology, ecology, and environmental science, with a particular focus on insect diversity, vector biology, and biodiversity conservation. His ongoing project, “Species Composition, Morphometric and Molecular Characterization of Swallowtail Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in the Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand, India,” explores the biodiversity of local insect populations. Additionally, Kartik has worked on mosquito control research, investigating the impact of plant extracts on mosquito mortality, which could have implications for public health strategies in the region. His contributions to the field are not only academic but also practical, as his work has led to policy recommendations that support regional conservation efforts.

Awards
Kartik’s dedication to research and presentation has been recognized through various awards and nominations. He was awarded the Best Oral Presentation Award at the 6th International Conference on Cutting-Edge Solutions in Science, Agriculture, Technology, Engineering, and Humanities (CSATEH-2024) for his paper on mitigating climate change in urban landscapes using pollination networks. He was also nominated for Best Oral Presentation at the National Seminar on Human-Wildlife Conflict for his research on human-leopard interactions in Uttarakhand. These accolades reflect his ability to present his research in impactful ways that contribute to ongoing scientific discourse.

Publications
Kartik has authored and co-authored several significant publications, including research papers and book chapters in prestigious journals. His published works include:

  1. Omanakuttan K, Goswami S, Arya MK, & Bisht S. “Sustainable Role of Insects as Waste Managers: A Review,” in Sustainable Waste Management for Clean Environment, Agro-Environ Media, Forthcoming.
  2. Omanakuttan K, Goswami S., & Arya MK. “Species Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Insects in Tea Estate of Uttarakhand, India,” Entomon, 49(3): 335-342. (UGC CARE journal).
  3. Arya MK, Omanakuttan K, & Pandey T. “Floral Insect-pollinator Interactions on the Invasive Mexican Daisy (Erigeron karvinskianus DC),” Oriental Insects (Taylor & Francis Group), In Review.
  4. Goswami S, Omanakuttan K, & Arya MK. “Monitoring Biodiversity of Insects in the Wet and Moist Sal Forest of Western Himalayas,” Indian Forester (UGC CARE journal), In Review.
  5. Goswami S, Omanakuttan K, & Arya MK. “New Distribution Record of a True Katadyid Genus Sathrophyllia (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Western Himalayas,” Entomon (UGC CARE journal), In Review.
  6. Omanakuttan K, Goswami S, & Arya MK. “Spatial Heterogeneity of the Efficacy of Camellia sinensis Extract on Filarial Vector,” Parasitology International (Springer), With Editor.

These publications have been instrumental in advancing knowledge in the field of entomology and environmental science.

Conclusion
Kartik Omanakuttan’s work as an editorial professional and researcher showcases his commitment to advancing life science research, particularly in the areas of entomology and environmental conservation. His academic and professional experience, combined with his proactive approach to scientific publishing, has established him as a valuable contributor to the scientific community. Through his research, presentations, and publications, Kartik continues to make meaningful contributions to understanding insect biodiversity and its role in ecosystem health. His dedication to high-quality research and his ongoing efforts to improve publication workflows underscore his passion for life sciences and his potential for continued success in the field.

Pichad Khejornsart | Agricultural | Outstanding Scientist Award

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.