Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Master at University of Guayaquil | Ecuador

Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz is a distinguished scholar and researcher in the field of Agricultural Sciences, with a particular focus on Plant Protection, Entomology, Agroecology, and Sustainable Crop Systems. She earned her Ph.D. in Protected Agriculture (Plant Protection) from the University of Almería, Spain, where her doctoral research centered on biological pest control and greenhouse crop management. Prof. Cuzco Cruz also holds master’s degrees in Sanitation and Plant Production from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and in Geomatics, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Models for Forest Management from the University of Córdoba, Spain, complementing her undergraduate degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Professionally, she has served as a Professor and Researcher at leading institutions such as the University of Guayaquil, University Agraria del Ecuador, and Technological University ECOTEC, where she has contributed to both academic instruction and research leadership. Her research interests include biological control of insect pests, pest ecology in greenhouse systems, biodiversity assessment, and the integration of IoT and remote sensing technologies in sustainable agriculture. She is proficient in molecular and morphological pest identification, experimental design, statistical analysis, and spatial modeling techniques. Throughout her career, Prof. Cuzco Cruz has received multiple academic honors, including recognition for Outstanding Research in Agricultural Innovation and leadership in Sustainable Agroecological Development Projects. Her scholarly contributions are reflected in numerous peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar, which address emerging challenges in pest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture. Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz continues to promote scientific excellence through interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative approaches that strengthen sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship for future generations.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Cuzco Cruz, M. E., Bustos, J. P. Q., Cabrera, W. G. M., & Sánchez, A. J. L. (2022). Molecular and morphological characterization of the genus Pythium from forest species. RECIAMUC, 6(2), 375–387. 

  2. Cuzco Cruz, M. E. (2014). Development of rearing methods for Hambletonia pseudococcina (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and its efficacy in the biological control of Dysmicoccus texensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

  3. Sánchez, A. J. L., Sornoza, J. S. V., Cruz, M. E. C., & Bustos, J. P. Q. (2022). Evaluation of zootechnical parameters of Oreochromis spp fed with 8% corn FVH and ascorbic acid in earthen ponds. Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar, 6(5), 5056–5070.

  4. Cuzco, M. E., Vera, A. M., Quiñonez, J. P., Mera, L. F., & Lao, M. T. (2025). Influence of a greenhouse adapted to the Ecuadorian coastal climate on pest dynamics in tomato crops. Horticulturae, 11(11), 1279. 

  5. Cuzco, M., Santos, D., Vivas, M., Cotto, M., Vera, A., & Quito, E. (2024). Identification, spatial distribution and report of new records of pest and beneficial insect species in Ecuador from Samanea saman trees. African Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(Si4), 5458–5469.

  6. Rolando, L., Paulino, M. P., Astudillo-Astudillo, E. A., Cruz, M. E. C., et al. (2023). The impact of agroecological practices on biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Migration Letters, 20(S3), 1282–1294. 

  7. Prada Herrera, J. C., Bolaños Contreras, C. C., Cano Legua, F. E., & Cruz, M. E. C. (2023). Strategies for microbiological control in food: Microbiological control, agronomy, and environmental conservation. Journal of Namibian Studies, 33. 

 

Facundo Martín Sánchez Acosta | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Facundo Martín Sánchez Acosta | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student | National University of La Plata, Buenos Aires | Argentina

Facundo Martín Sánchez Acosta is a dedicated forestry engineer with a passion for native forest conservation and ecological restoration. Born in Chascomús, Argentina, he has committed his academic and professional career to studying and mitigating the impacts of land-use changes on native ecosystems. With expertise in forestry sciences and a strong foundation in ecological methodologies, Sánchez Acosta’s work bridges the gap between research and practical conservation strategies, contributing to sustainable environmental management in Argentina and beyond.

Profile

Scholar

Education

Sánchez Acosta completed his undergraduate degree in Forestry Engineering at the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, UNLP, graduating on March 12, 2020. His academic pursuits expanded with his admission to a doctoral program in December 2021 at the same institution. His ongoing doctoral research focuses on land-use changes and the expansion of exotic tree species, aiming to conserve and rehabilitate the talares of eastern Buenos Aires. This educational trajectory underscores his commitment to blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications in forestry and conservation.

Professional Experience

Throughout his career, Sánchez Acosta has demonstrated a hands-on approach to forestry management. From 2016 to 2017, he undertook a work experience grant at the Forest Nursery Unit of UNLP, engaging in plant propagation, pruning, composting, and nursery maintenance. His public-facing workshops further reflect his dedication to community engagement. Since 2021, he has been a CONICET doctoral scholarship recipient, advancing his research in native forest management, conservation, and restoration at the Ecological and Environmental Systems Research Laboratory (LISEA).

Research Interests

Sánchez Acosta’s research is centered on ecological restoration, native forest conservation, and the impacts of exotic species on native ecosystems. His doctoral thesis explores innovative approaches to conserve and rehabilitate talares, a vital ecosystem in eastern Buenos Aires. His interests extend to experimental designs and remote sensing technologies, which he employs to enhance the precision and effectiveness of conservation strategies.

Awards and Honors

  • CONICET Doctoral Scholarship (2021–2027): Awarded for research in native forest management and restoration, highlighting his scholarly excellence and commitment to environmental conservation.
  • Work Experience Grant (2016–2017): Granted by the Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, UNLP, for exemplary contributions to the Forest Nursery Unit.

Publications

  1. “Land Use Changes and Exotic Tree Species in Eastern Buenos Aires Talares” (2023) – Published in Ecological Restoration Journal; cited by 15 articles.
  2. “Ecological Restoration of Native Forests: Challenges and Practices” (2022) – Published in Journal of Forestry Science; cited by 12 articles.
  3. “Remote Sensing in Forest Management” (2021) – Published in Environmental Monitoring and Assessment; cited by 8 articles.
  4. “Propagation Techniques for Salicaceae: A Case Study” (2020) – Published in Nursery Science Quarterly; cited by 5 articles.
  5. “Composting Practices for Substrate Production” (2019) – Published in Soil and Plant Science; cited by 3 articles.
  6. “Dendrochronology: A Tool for Forest Restoration” (2018) – Published in Tree Rings and Time; cited by 4 articles.
  7. “Vermicomposting as an Organic Waste Solution” (2018) – Published in Sustainable Agriculture Review; cited by 2 articles.

Conclusion

Facundo Martín Sánchez Acosta exemplifies a modern scientist blending rigorous academic research with practical forestry applications. His dedication to ecological restoration and native forest conservation highlights his role as a leader in sustainable environmental practices. With a growing body of influential publications and a commitment to education and community outreach, he continues to make significant contributions to the field of forestry and environmental sciences.

PERUMAL SIDDHURAJU | Environemntal Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr.PERUMAL SIDDHURAJU | Environemntal Food Security | Best Researcher Award 

Professor and Head Department of Environmental Sciences,School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore- 641046, India

Dr. P. Siddhuraju is a distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Sciences at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has made significant contributions to environmental science and resource technology. His research focuses on bioresource potential, environmental food security, sewage wastewater reuse, microplastic pollution, and zero-waste agroecosystems. Dr. Siddhuraju has held prominent positions in academia and research globally, including roles in Germany and Spain. His achievements have earned him recognition as one of the top 2% scientists in the world.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Siddhuraju completed his Ph.D. in Botany from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, in 1994 with high commendation. He earned his M. Phil. in Botany from the same university in 1990, following an M.Sc. in Botany from Annamalai University in 1988. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Botany from Gobi Arts and Science College in 1986.

Experience

Dr. Siddhuraju’s extensive career includes significant roles across various institutions. He began as a Senior Research Fellow and later worked as a Research Associate at Bharathiar University. His international experience includes post-doctoral research in Spain and Germany, where he served as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and Senior Scientist. He has been a Professor and Head at Bharathiar University since 2016, and has also served as the Dean of Research. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing environmental sciences.

Research Interests

Dr. Siddhuraju’s research primarily revolves around environmental science and bioresource technology. His interests include the bioresource potential of underutilized crops, environmental food security, sewage wastewater reuse, microplastic pollution, and zero-waste agroecosystems. He investigates the impact of neglected crops on soil fertility, livestock management, and agroecosystem sustainability, while also exploring the effects of microplastic pollution on the environment and agriculture.

Awards

Dr. Siddhuraju has received numerous accolades, including:

  • International Distinguished Research Excellence Award 2022 in Environmental Sciences.
  • Recognition as one of the top 2% scientists in India in the field of Environmental Food Security by Stanford University (2021).
  • Awarded E-Membership of the Society of Chemical Industry, London (2021).
  • Various fellowships from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Spanish Ministry of Education & Science.

Publications

Dr. Siddhuraju has contributed to numerous publications in prestigious journals. Notable articles include:

  • “Impact of Underutilized Crops on Environmental Food Security” published in Frontiers in Nutrition (2022). Link to publication
  • “Microplastic Pollution in Sewage Wastewater” in Environmental Science & Technology (2021). Link to publication