Hospice G. Gracias Avakoudjo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Hospice G. Gracias Avakoudjo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher | Laboratory of Applied Ecology of the University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin

Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo is an esteemed agronomist and forester specializing in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. With a PhD in Climate Change and Biodiversity, he has an extensive career focused on the impact of climate change on ecosystems and their relationship with human communities. Avakoudjo has contributed to several international research projects and consultancies, and his expertise spans across agroforestry, non-timber forest products, and dendrochronology, among others. He is dedicated to integrating climate adaptation strategies into national biodiversity policies and advancing sustainable resource management in West Africa.

Profile

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Education:

Avakoudjo holds a PhD in Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Agriculture from the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire (2020). He earned his MSc in Forestry with a focus on Natural Resources Management from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin (2015). His academic journey began with a degree in Agronomy, specializing in Natural Resources Management and Planning from the same institution in 2013. He also holds a Baccalaureate D in Mathematics and Natural Sciences from the Office of Baccalaureate in Benin (2016).

Experience: Avakoudjo has gained extensive professional experience, including his current role as a Research Associate at the Laboratory of Applied Ecology at the University of Abomey-Calavi. Here, he leads research projects, trains students, and collaborates with local communities. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Researcher, he implemented a project on the climate influence on plant growth. He has also held roles as a consultant for organizations like the African Forest Forum, where he contributed to the development of agroforestry systems and land management strategies. His leadership has extended to environmental volunteering and advisory roles in various NGOs.

Research Interests:

Avakoudjo’s primary research interests include the effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially in West Africa. His work examines the role of climate-induced biodiversity loss, adaptation strategies, and ecosystem resilience. He is particularly focused on the conservation and valorization of non-timber forest products and sustainable agroforestry practices. His expertise also extends to tropical dendrochronology, quantitative ethnobotany, and biodiversity informatics, all aimed at developing solutions for sustainable natural resource management in tropical regions.

Awards: Throughout his career, Avakoudjo has received recognition for his contributions to environmental science and climate change adaptation. Notable accolades include his involvement in the African Tree-Ring Network and his role in advancing the understanding of climate-growth relationships in tropical trees. His research on the impact of climate change on indigenous species like Strychnos spinosa has been acknowledged for its scientific rigor and its practical implications for biodiversity conservation in West Africa.

Publications:

Avakoudjo has authored several influential peer-reviewed publications, including:

  1. Degila J., et al. (2023). “Digital Agriculture Policies and Strategies for Innovations in the Agri-Food Systems—Cases of Five West African Countries.” Sustainability, 15(12), 9192.
  2. Degila J., et al. (2023). “A Survey on Digital Agriculture in Five West African Countries.” Agriculture, 13(5), 1067.
  3. Kochoni B. I., et al. (2023). “Contribution of mangroves ecosystems to coastal communities’ resilience towards climate change.” GeoJournal.
  4. Coulibaly A., et al. (2022). “Impact of climate change on the distribution of Bombax costatum Pellegr.” Trees, Forests and People, 100359.
  5. Atindehou M. M. L., et al. (2022). “Old Sacred Trees as Memories of the Cultural Landscapes of Southern Benin.” Land, 11(4), 478.
  6. Avakoudjo H. G. G., et al. (2022). “Effects of climate and protection status on growth and fruit yield of Strychnos spinosa Lam.” Trees, 1-13.
  7. Avakoudjo H. G. G., et al. (2022). “Wood anatomy and vessel characteristics of spiny monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa).” Dendrochronologia, 72:125941.

These works are widely cited for their contributions to climate change adaptation strategies and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical ecosystems.

Conclusion:

Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo is a leading expert in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture with a rich academic and professional background. His research continues to shape the understanding of climate-induced biodiversity changes and their impact on ecosystems and human communities in West Africa. Avakoudjo’s commitment to practical solutions for sustainable land management, agroforestry, and the conservation of natural resources reflects his dedication to fostering resilient ecosystems and promoting environmental stewardship. His ongoing contributions to the scientific community and local communities make him a valuable asset in the global effort to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

Shivam Aggarwal | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Shivam Aggarwal | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar | J. C. Bose University of Science and Technology, YMCA | India

Shivam Aggarwal is a dedicated Mechanical Engineer with a robust academic background and industry experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is in the process of completing his Ph.D. His expertise lies in mechanical design, statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science. Throughout his career, he has excelled in both practical engineering and academia, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in designing and testing mechanical systems. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at the Echelon Institute of Technology, where he imparts knowledge to future engineers. Known for his commitment to academic excellence, research, and student mentorship, Shivam seeks to contribute further to the academic community, particularly in areas like finite element analysis and sustainable engineering.

Profile

Scholar

Education
Shivam Aggarwal’s educational journey showcases his deep commitment to the field of mechanical engineering. He pursued his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at J.C. Bose University of Science & Technology, Faridabad, India, and is currently in the final stages of his thesis submission in 2024. Prior to that, he earned his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution in 2021, specializing in advanced mechanical concepts. His academic foundation was further solidified by his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Satyug Darshan Institute of Engineering & Technology, Faridabad, in 2019. Additionally, Shivam completed a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Government Polytechnic Manesar, Gurugram, in 2016, which provided him with a strong practical base. His education underscores a continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence in mechanical engineering.

Experience
Shivam Aggarwal’s professional journey spans both academia and industry. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Echelon Institute of Technology, where he has been shaping the minds of future engineers since June 2024. His role includes designing curricula, delivering lectures on subjects such as thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, conducting research, and mentoring students. Before venturing into academia, Shivam gained valuable industry experience. He worked as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at Frick India Pvt Ltd (January–May 2019), where he honed his skills in mechanical design and system development. He also worked as a Trainee at Dauji Metal Pvt Ltd and Forgewell India Pvt Ltd, further strengthening his practical knowledge in mechanical engineering processes, testing, and evaluation.

Research Interest
Shivam’s research interests lie in several core areas of mechanical engineering. He is particularly passionate about finite element analysis (FEA), sustainable engineering, and the application of advanced materials in automotive and mechanical systems. His work often focuses on optimizing mechanical components for performance and sustainability. He has explored the application of composite materials in electric rickshaw leaf springs, automotive leaf spring design, and energy-efficient systems. Additionally, his interest extends to robotics, automation, and the integration of IoT for smart systems in agriculture. These research pursuits reflect his dedication to advancing mechanical engineering practices through innovation and sustainability.

Award
Shivam Aggarwal’s dedication to excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards and nominations. Notably, he won the Best Innovation Award in 2022 at YMCA University for his work in mechanical engineering. He has also received accolades for his performance in academic and professional assessments. Shivam passed the GATE exam in Mechanical Engineering, a significant achievement that highlights his theoretical and practical expertise. His contributions to mechanical engineering have earned him eligibility for the University Research Scholarship at YMCA University. Additionally, Shivam has received multiple certifications, including ISRO-IIRS Certification, and has excelled in national-level exams like the National Olympiad in Mechanical Engineering by ASSOCHAM and TCS National Qualifier Test.

Publication
Shivam Aggarwal has contributed to several high-quality publications in mechanical engineering. His research is widely acknowledged within the academic community. Some of his notable publications include:

  1. Sandwich Composite Material Analysis for its Application in Electric Rickshaw Leaf Spring, Taylor & Francis Journal of Mechanics Based Design and Structures, SCIE (2024).
  2. Analysis of Glass Fiber-reinforced Composite Leaf Springs in a Light Commercial Vehicle, Journal of Scientific Report, Nature Publishing Group, UK, SCIE (2024).
  3. Design and Analysis of Load Stiffness Tester for Dual Applications in Measurement of Spring Stiffness and Walnut Shell Stiffness, Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering (Springer Nature), Scopus (2024).
  4. Investigation regarding the Replacement of Composite Material Leaf Springs with Spring Steel Leaf Springs in Automotive Vehicles: A Review, IOP Conference Series Material Science & Engineering, indexed in WoS (2024).
  5. Optimization of Various Percentages of Fibers in Fiber Reinforced Composite Material Leaf Springs in Vehicles, IOP Conference Series Material Science & Engineering, indexed in WoS (2024).
  6. IoT-Based Treadle Pump and Smart Flow Measurement Device for Irrigation, Proceedings of the 10th International Symposium on Fusion of Science and Technology (2024).

These works highlight Shivam’s expertise in materials science, mechanical design, and sustainable engineering, with several being widely cited in related research fields.

Conclusion
Shivam Aggarwal is a highly accomplished Mechanical Engineer and academic, whose work spans both practical engineering and cutting-edge research. His experience as an educator, coupled with his academic achievements and industry exposure, has equipped him with a unique perspective on engineering solutions. Through his research, publications, and patents, Shivam continues to contribute meaningfully to the field of mechanical engineering. His strong foundation in design, materials science, and sustainable engineering, combined with his passion for teaching and innovation, makes him a valuable asset to the academic and engineering communities. As he advances his career, Shivam remains committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of engineers, fostering their academic and professional growth.