Prof. Dr. Clayton Alcarde Alvares | Agrometeorology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Clayton Alcarde Alvares | Agrometeorology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Clayton Alcarde Alvares | Agrometeorology – Forest Management at Suzano SA, Brazil

Dr. Clayton Alcarde Alvares is a seasoned forest scientist whose work bridges academic research and industrial application in sustainable forestry. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has made significant contributions to climate-smart forest management, productivity modeling, and eco-innovation in silviculture. His career demonstrates a consistent commitment to solving complex environmental and operational challenges in forestry using data-driven approaches. Through his dual role in the private sector and academia, Dr. Alvares is recognized for advancing forest science in both applied and theoretical domains.

Profile Verified:

Google Scholar

Education:

Dr. Alvares began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Engineering from the University of São Paulo’s ESALQ campus, a top-tier institution for agricultural sciences in Brazil. He continued at the same university to earn his Ph.D. in Forest Resources, focusing on edaphoclimatic modeling of eucalyptus plantations. His academic excellence took him abroad for postdoctoral research at North Carolina State University in the USA, where he explored silvicultural systems and productivity. Most recently, he completed an advanced postdoctoral fellowship at CIRAD in France, further expanding his international scientific exposure and collaboration.

Experience:

Professionally, Dr. Alvares serves as a lead researcher at Suzano S.A., one of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies. Since 2015, he has developed and implemented innovative systems for remote sensing, forest climatology, and data modeling to enhance productivity and sustainability in eucalyptus plantations. Prior to this role, he was affiliated with the Forest Productivity Cooperative and IPEF, where he contributed to key studies on forest growth dynamics. Simultaneously, he has held the position of Visiting Professor at UNESP since 2019, mentoring graduate students and contributing to academic research.

Research Interests:

His research is driven by the integration of climatology, ecophysiology, geospatial technologies, and machine learning to solve real-world forestry problems. He specializes in predicting forest productivity, optimizing resource allocation, and mitigating climate change impacts on forest ecosystems. Dr. Alvares is especially passionate about the use of spatial data science and AI-based forecasting models to support operational and strategic decisions in forest management. His work demonstrates the value of blending environmental science with modern data tools to build more resilient and productive forest systems.

Awards:

Dr. Alvares’s scientific achievements have been recognized with several honors. He received an honorable mention at the USP International Symposium of Scientific Initiation (2005), and again in 2009 and 2013 at the Symposium on Applied Geostatistics in Agricultural Sciences. These recognitions highlight his early and ongoing commitment to excellence in research. While working across academic and industrial sectors, his contributions have been consistently praised for their originality, precision, and applicability.

Selected Publications 📚:

  • 🌿 Alvares et al. (2025) – “Spatial data science applied on forecasting of leaf wetness duration” – Theoretical and Applied Climatology – Cited by 20+ articles.
  • 🌱 Rajab Pourrahmati et al. (2025) – “MODIS-derived indices for eucalyptus stand volume estimation” – Frontiers in Remote Sensing – Cited by 15+ articles.
  • 💧 Stape & Alvares (2025) – “Water table depth contribution to Eucalyptus yields” – Forest Ecology and Management – Cited by 18+ articles.
  • 🌲 Munhoz et al. (2024) – “Loblolly pine production patterns in Brazil” – Forest Ecology and Management – Cited by 10+ articles.
  • 🌳 Alvares et al. (2023) – “Decision-Tree Application to Predict Eucalyptus Productivity” – Forests – Cited by 25+ articles.
  • ☀️ Alvares et al. (2022) – “Detecting 100 years of climate change in Southeastern Brazil” – Theoretical and Applied Climatology – Cited by 30+ articles.
  • 📊 Alvares et al. (2021) – “Remote Sensing for Forest Productivity Index Mapping” – GIScience & Remote Sensing – Cited by 12+ articles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Clayton Alcarde Alvares represents the ideal candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His combination of academic rigor, practical innovation, and global research engagement positions him as a leader in modern forestry science. Through interdisciplinary research, impactful publications, and committed mentorship, he has demonstrated a profound capacity to advance sustainable forestry. His work not only contributes to academic knowledge but also to the transformation of forest management practices on a global scale. With a proven record of excellence and continuous growth, he is exceptionally well-suited for this honor.

 

 

 

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.

Miguel Tafula | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Miguel Tafula | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Project Coordinator | National Irrigation Institute – Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development | Mozambique

Miguel Tafula is an accomplished Agronomist Engineer with expertise in sustainable development, agri-food systems, and cooperative management. With over five years of experience in agricultural sustainability and research-for-development, Miguel has led initiatives to enhance resilience in food systems and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. His efforts in participatory irrigation management, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy have garnered international recognition.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Miguel holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food, and Cooperatives from University College Cork (UCC), Ireland (2023–2024). His dissertation focused on barriers to sustainable land use among Irish farmers, aligning with national socio-economic and environmental goals. He earned a B.A.Sc. (Hons.) in Agronomic Engineering from Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique (2013–2017), where he researched efficient water use in maize production.

Experience

Miguel has held impactful roles, including as a Project Coordinator for the Transforming Smallholder Irrigation Systems (TISA) project in Mozambique (2019–2023). He implemented agricultural innovation platforms and trained over 500 stakeholders in sustainable practices, resulting in improved water and fertilizer use. Recently, he contributed as a researcher at UCC, conducting a systematic review to inform policy on sustainable land use.

Research Interests

Miguel’s research interests lie in sustainable agricultural systems, water resource management, and participatory approaches to technology adoption. His work focuses on enhancing the productivity and sustainability of smallholder farmers, improving climate resilience, and fostering collaborative solutions to agricultural challenges.

Awards

  • EFMD Excellence in Practice Gold Award for Ecosystem Development (2022): Recognized for his contributions to the TISA project in collaboration with partners from Australia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Selected Publications

  1. Tafula, M., et al. (2024): Climate change adaptation benefits from rejuvenated irrigation farming systems in Mozambique. International Journal of Water Resources Development. [Cited by 5 articles].
  2. Mdemu, M. V., et al. (2023): Participatory mapping of irrigation schemes in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Agricultural Water Management. [Cited by 10 articles].
  3. Wellington, M., et al. (2023): Decoupling crop production from water consumption in southern Africa. Agricultural Water Management. [Cited by 8 articles].
  4. Parry, K., et al. (2024): Women, youth, and tail-end users improving livelihoods in southern Africa. International Journal of Water Resources Development. [Cited by 3 articles].

Conclusion

Miguel Tafula exemplifies dedication to agricultural sustainability and community development. His academic rigor, practical expertise, and collaborative leadership have advanced transformative solutions in agriculture, earning him accolades and recognition. Through his work, he continues to drive impactful change for farmers and ecosystems globally.