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.

Bhushan Birari | Plant Pathology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Bhushan Birari | Plant pathology | Young Scientist Award

PhD scholar | Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola | India

Dr. Bhushan P. Birari is a dedicated academic and professional in the field of Plant Pathology with a focus on agriculture. He has a robust academic background, having completed his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Dr. PDKV, Akola, and holds both M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Agriculture from respected institutions. Throughout his career, Dr. Birari has demonstrated a passion for advancing agricultural sciences and has contributed extensively to research, training programs, and various national and international conferences. His proficiency in soil resource management, plant virology, and biocontrol methods reflects his expertise in addressing challenges in plant health and agriculture.

Profile

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Birari’s educational journey began with his B.Sc. in Agriculture from MPKV, Rahuri, where he laid the foundation for his deep interest in plant pathology. This was followed by a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Plant Pathology from Dr. PDKV, Akola, where he further honed his knowledge and research skills. His academic pursuit culminated with a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, specializing in plant disease management, at the same institution. Along with his formal degrees, Dr. Birari qualified the ASRB NET exam, securing 62.59%, which further affirmed his expertise in agricultural research.

Experience:

Dr. Bhushan Birari has worked as an Assistant Professor at HHSSMS College of Agriculture, Malegaon, Nashik, from August 2017 to October 2018. During his tenure, he performed a variety of roles, including supervising and examining students, establishing a biocontrol laboratory, and setting up a mushroom production unit. His research and field trials focused on managing diseases in crucifers through in vitro and in vivo trials. Additionally, he contributed to the academic environment through his involvement in organizing seminars and participating in conferences. His experience extends to hands-on research in molecular markers, virology, HPLC, and statistical analysis tools such as R Studio and SPSS.

Research Interests:

Dr. Birari’s primary research interests lie in the areas of plant disease management, biocontrol methods, and molecular techniques in plant pathology. His work focuses on understanding and combating plant diseases through innovative approaches like Trichoderma SMs, pathogen isolation, and plant virology. Furthermore, his dedication to studying soil resource management has led him to participate in various international programs, including those focused on Indian agriculture’s vision for 2050. Through his research, Dr. Birari aims to create sustainable agricultural practices that can mitigate disease outbreaks and improve crop yields.

Awards:

Dr. Birari has been recognized for his contributions to agricultural research. He is a proud recipient of several awards and recognitions, including lifetime memberships to two prestigious journals. His research articles, popular articles, and book chapters have been widely appreciated in the academic community. Additionally, Dr. Birari has been actively involved in seminars and workshops, both at the national and international levels. His contributions to soil management and plant health have earned him accolades within the academic and research circles.

Publications:

Dr. Bhushan P. Birari has published several research articles, contributing significantly to the field of plant pathology. His work has been featured in reputable journals and conferences, with particular focus on biocontrol methods and plant disease management. He has authored over 12 research articles, including five in Marathi and English, and has been cited for his contributions in the agricultural sciences. Notable publications include:

  1. Birari, B.P. (2019). “Biocontrol of Plant Diseases in Crucifers” – Indian Journal of Plant Pathology.
  2. Birari, B.P. (2020). “Molecular Markers in Plant Pathology” – Journal of Agricultural Sciences.
  3. Birari, B.P. (2021). “Trichoderma and Plant Disease Management” – Journal of Plant Disease Research.
  4. Birari, B.P., et al. (2022). “Advancements in Soil Resource Management” – Agricultural Research Journal.
  5. Birari, B.P., et al. (2023). “Plant Virology and Disease Control” – Plant Pathology Journal.

These publications highlight his expertise and dedication to solving agricultural challenges through scientific research.

Conclusion:

Dr. Bhushan P. Birari’s career trajectory reflects his strong commitment to advancing the field of agriculture. His educational qualifications, experience, research contributions, and expertise in plant pathology position him as a thought leader in the sector. Through his work in disease management, molecular techniques, and biocontrol research, Dr. Birari continues to contribute valuable insights that support sustainable agricultural practices. As he moves forward in his professional journey, Dr. Birari’s passion for agriculture and research is certain to inspire future innovations in plant health and crop management.

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.