Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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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. 

 

Yunchao Li | Biochar utilization | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yunchao Li | Biochar utilization | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yunchao Li | Biochar utilization-Teacher at Jiliang University, China

Dr. Yunchao Li is an esteemed Associate Professor at the College of Energy, Environment, and Safety Engineering at China Jiliang University. His pioneering research in biomass pyrolysis and the high-value utilization of biochar has significantly contributed to sustainable energy development. Recognized among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University, Dr. Li has gained national and international acclaim for his innovative contributions to renewable energy technologies. His extensive research experience, numerous publications, and patents reflect his dedication to advancing the field of thermal engineering and carbon-negative technologies.

Profile:

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Li pursued his higher education at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, where he obtained his Ph.D. in Thermal Engineering. This rigorous program, integrating master’s and doctoral studies, equipped him with a deep understanding of thermal energy conversion, biochar applications, and carbon sequestration. Prior to his Ph.D., he earned a Bachelor of Science in Thermal Energy and Power Engineering from the same institution. His strong academic foundation has enabled him to make significant advancements in energy sustainability and engineering applications.

Experience:

With a career spanning academic research and industry practice, Dr. Li has held key positions that have enriched his expertise in energy and environmental engineering. As an Associate Professor at China Jiliang University since 2021, he has been instrumental in leading pioneering research projects. Prior to this, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Zhejiang University, focusing on biochar-based materials for sustainable energy storage. His experience as an engineer at Huadian Electric Power Research Institute further strengthened his applied research skills in energy technology and industrial applications. His multifaceted experience underscores his ability to bridge academia and industry for practical energy solutions.

Research Interests:

Dr. Li’s research revolves around biomass pyrolysis and the high-value utilization of biochar. He focuses on developing advanced carbon materials for energy storage, CO2 capture, and supercapacitor applications. His work integrates molecular simulations, experimental studies, and material characterization to enhance biochar functionality. Additionally, his research explores innovative strategies for sustainable waste management, aiming to transform biomass into valuable resources for clean energy applications. His contributions play a crucial role in developing carbon-negative technologies, addressing climate change, and improving energy efficiency.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Li has received numerous accolades for his outstanding contributions to research and innovation. He has been featured in Stanford University’s “Top 2% Scientists” list for 2023 and 2024, highlighting his global impact. His excellence in engineering research has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Second Class Prize of the Chinese Society of Engineering Thermophysics for his work on biomass pyrolysis for hydrogen-rich gas production. Additionally, he was selected for the first “258 Training Program” at China Jiliang University and recognized as a high-level talent in Hangzhou. These honors underscore his leadership and influence in the field of energy engineering.

Publications:

📚 Dr. Li has published over 40 papers in leading scientific journals. Selected notable publications include:

  1. Ao Song, Yunchao Li, et al. (2024). Recent progress in carbon-based composite materials for sodium-ion batteries. Green Energy & Environment. 🔬
  2. Hongxian Li, Minghui Tang, Yunchao Li, et al. (2024). Molecular simulation for heteroatom-doped biochar in CO2 capture. Chemical Engineering Journal. 🌍
  3. Yunchao Li, Yangkai Sun, Hanming Li, et al. (2023). High nitrogen-oxygen doped porous carbon for supercapacitors. Energy. ⚡
  4. Yan Ding, Yunchao Li, et al. (2021). In-situ nitrogen-doped carbon via pyrolysis of bean pulp for supercapacitors. Energy. 🔥
  5. Yunchao Li, Bo Xing, Yan Ding, et al. (2020). Critical review of biochar production via selective pyrolysis. Bioresource Technology. 🌱

Cited by articles available upon request.

Conclusion:

Dr. Yunchao Li’s remarkable contributions to biomass pyrolysis and carbon-negative technologies make him an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive research output, significant academic impact, and recognition through prestigious awards highlight his dedication to advancing sustainable energy solutions. His expertise bridges theoretical research and practical applications, positioning him as a leading figure in the field of energy engineering. With a continued focus on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Li is set to make even greater strides in the realm of sustainable energy and environmental engineering.

Shaghaf Kaukab | Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr.Shaghaf Kaukab | Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology | Young Scientist Award

Scientist ICAR-CIPHET India

Shaghaf Kaukab is a dedicated scientist specializing in Agricultural Structures and Process Engineering at ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana. With over 4 years of scientific research experience and 7.5 years of academic research, she excels in food engineering and technology. Her expertise spans extrusion processing, drying technology, hermetic packaging, functional food product development, and the application of AI, machine learning, and deep learning in agriculture. Shaghaf has significantly contributed to storage and quality management of agricultural commodities, developing innovative solutions for pest control and storage losses.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Shaghaf Kaukab’s educational background is rooted in post-harvest technology. She earned her Ph.D. in Post Harvest Technology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, with an excellent grade (CGPA: 9.1/10.00) in 2019. Prior to that, she completed her M.Tech. in Post Harvest Engineering & Technology from the same institute, achieving a CGPA of 8.97/10.00 in 2016. Her rigorous academic training has equipped her with extensive knowledge and practical skills in her field.

Experience 💼

Shaghaf currently serves as a Scientist at ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana, focusing on Agricultural Structures & Process Engineering. Since January 2020, she has led projects on cold storage monitoring systems, maize cob drying systems, and AI-enabled robotic apple harvesters, among others. She collaborates with academic partners and mentors students, providing training and skill development for farmers and entrepreneurs. Her previous role at ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management in Hyderabad involved developing agricultural development plans and modern information management techniques.

Research Interests 🔬

Shaghaf’s research interests lie in the application of new-age technologies like AI, ML, and DL in post-harvest agriculture. She focuses on mathematical modeling, image processing techniques (biospeckle, RGB, X-ray, hyperspectral imaging), and analysis of food properties including physical, thermal, mechanical, and micro-structural aspects. Her work aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of food process engineering through innovative technological solutions.

Honors and Awards 🏆

Shaghaf’s contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards. She received the Best Presentation Award for her work on enhancing apple quality control using deep learning techniques at the 57th ISAE Annual Convention in 2023. She was also awarded the Bihar Gaurav Award by the State Government of Bihar in 2009, and the IARI Merit Medal for outstanding academic performance during 2014-2016. Her academic excellence is further highlighted by her top rankings in GATE, ICAR-JRF, and ICAR-SRF examinations.

Publications 📚

Shaghaf has authored numerous publications in reputed journals, contributing significantly to her field. Her notable works include:

  1. Improving Real-time Apple Fruit Detection: Depth and Multi-modal Information Fusions with Non-targeted Background Removal (2023) – Ecological Informatics
  2. Chickpea Temperature Profile Development and its Implication under Microwave Treatment (2023) – Biological Forum – An International Journal
  3. Osmotic Dehydration of Aloe-vera Gel Discs (2023) – Journal of AgriSearch
  4. Engineering Properties, Processing and Value Addition of Tamarind: A Review (2023) – IJBSM
  5. Study of engineering properties of selected vegetable seeds (2019) – Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences
  6. Technological Interventions for Convenient Rice Preparation (2017) – Agricultural Engineering Today
  7. Rice Quality Evaluation Techniques (2017) – Trends in Biosciences
  8. Evaluation of Shelf Stability of Reconstituted (Extruded) Rice Under Ambient Storage Condition (2017) – Trends in Biosciences