Mr. Yitbarek Abrham | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Yitbarek Abrham | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yitbarek Abrham | Horticulture – Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Yitbarek Abrham is a dedicated and results-driven researcher with expertise in horticulture and food science. His work primarily focuses on climate-smart agriculture, crop productivity, food safety, and nutritional enhancement. He holds an MSc in Horticulture from Wolaita Sodo University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Food Science and Technology at Jimma University, Ethiopia. His research journey has been marked by a passion for improving agricultural practices, particularly in developing regions. Yitbarek’s contributions span several critical areas, including plant nutrition, disease management, and the integration of medicinal and functional plants into food systems. Through his extensive research and academic experience, he has become a prominent figure in agricultural science, contributing significantly to sustainable farming practices in Ethiopia.

Profile Verified:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Yitbarek’s academic background is rooted in agriculture, with a focus on food science and horticulture. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wolaita Sodo University, where he excelled academically, graduating with a CGPA of 3.52 and 3.75 respectively. His Master’s thesis, which earned an award for excellence, addressed the growth, yield, and quality of eggplants in southern Ethiopia, a project that has had practical implications in improving local agricultural practices. Currently, Yitbarek is pursuing a PhD in Food Science and Technology at Jimma University, where his research continues to focus on food safety, nutritional enhancement, and the development of functional foods using indigenous Ethiopian crops. His dedication to advancing academic knowledge in agricultural sciences reflects his long-term commitment to addressing food security and agricultural productivity challenges in Ethiopia and beyond.

Experience:

Yitbarek has a wealth of experience in both academic and practical fields of agriculture. He currently serves as the Chief Technical Assistant and Project Team Leader at Wolaita Sodo University, where he coordinates multiple research projects related to crop productivity and food safety. He also mentors undergraduate students, guiding them in field experiments and laboratory instruction. His leadership in projects focused on climate-resilient agriculture and nutrient-use efficiency has significantly impacted the local agricultural landscape. Before his current role, Yitbarek gained hands-on experience as a Trainee Agronomist at Mulualem’s Farm, specializing in hybrid seed production, pest and disease management, and agronomic practices. This blend of academic instruction and field experience allows him to provide a comprehensive approach to solving agricultural challenges.

Research Interests:

Yitbarek’s research interests span several critical areas in agricultural science, with a focus on the intersection of food safety, climate-smart agriculture, and functional foods. His work addresses vital issues in food security and sustainable farming, emphasizing the importance of utilizing indigenous crops like Moringa and Enset for nutritional enhancement and food safety. He is particularly interested in the role of medicinal plants in enhancing the nutritional value of foods and improving public health outcomes. Additionally, Yitbarek is exploring post-harvest handling techniques and soil-plant nutrient use efficiency, with a goal of enhancing crop productivity while reducing environmental impacts. His interdisciplinary approach to agricultural research, combining plant science with food safety and nutrition, aims to create solutions that benefit both local communities and global agriculture.

Awards:

Throughout his academic and professional career, Yitbarek has received recognition for his outstanding research contributions. His MSc research, which explored the growth, yield, and quality response of eggplant to blended fertilizers in southern Ethiopia, was awarded an Excellent Result. This work has been well-received in the academic community, culminating in a publication in the reputable Heliyon journal. His research on the role of small-scale irrigation as a climate-smart agriculture practice in Ethiopia also earned recognition for its impact on improving the livelihoods of farmers. These awards highlight Yitbarek’s exceptional academic performance and his ability to translate research into practical applications that benefit local communities and the broader agricultural sector.

Publications:

  1. “Growth, yield, and quality response of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to blended NPSB fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing in Boloso Bombe District, Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia” (Heliyon, 2024). 🌱
  2. “Small-scale irrigation (SSI) farming as a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practice and its influence on livelihood improvement in Offa District, Southern Ethiopia” (Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2023). 💧
  3. “Medicinal ethnoveterinary plants used for treating livestock ailments in the omo-gibe and rift valley basins of Ethiopia” (BMC Veterinary Research, 2024). 🌿
  4. “Diversity of Spice Plants, Their Use and Function as Additive in Traditional Ethiopian Gastronomies and Culinary Recipes” (Pakistan Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research, 2025). 🌶️
  5. “Response of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to blended NPS and potassium fertilizers on growth and yield, in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia” (Asian Journal of Plant Science & Research, 2023). 🌿
  6. “Effect of Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth Performance of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia” (Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 2019). 🍅

Conclusion:

Yitbarek Abrham is a highly accomplished researcher whose work is making significant contributions to the fields of horticulture, food science, and climate-smart agriculture. His academic and professional achievements, combined with his dedication to improving agricultural practices and food safety, make him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” With numerous publications in leading journals and an ongoing commitment to addressing local and global agricultural challenges, Yitbarek is poised to continue his impactful research and further enhance the scientific community’s understanding of sustainable farming and food security. His blend of academic excellence, leadership, and practical experience makes him an invaluable asset to both Ethiopian and global agricultural research.

Ayooluwa Ojo | Animal Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Ayooluwa Ojo | Animal Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student | Purdue University | United States

Ayooluwa Omobolaji Ojo is a dedicated scholar and researcher, currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Animal Sciences at Purdue University, where he specializes in quantitative genetics, genomics, and systems biology. His research focuses on genetic improvement in livestock species, with a particular interest in longitudinal traits and the integration of various data sources to understand genetic variability in phenotypic traits. With a strong academic foundation, Ayooluwa has published multiple papers in prominent journals and has contributed significantly to the field of animal breeding and genetics.

Profile

Scholar

Education

Ayooluwa Ojo is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University, where he has been working under the guidance of Dr. Hinayah Rojas de Oliveira since January 2025. His research explores genomic selection, maintenance efficiency, and the genetic parameters of mature cow size, particularly in beef cattle. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s in Animal Sciences at Purdue University, focusing on genomic selection’s impact on mature cow size and maintenance efficiency. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Animal Sciences) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, where he graduated with First Class Honors. Ayooluwa further enhanced his expertise with a professional certificate in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Wageningen University & Research.

Experience

Ayooluwa has a diverse range of experiences, both in academia and industry. He has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Animal Breeding at Purdue University, where he supports undergraduate students through lab sessions and office hours. His involvement as a judge for various research expos further demonstrates his commitment to the academic community. Prior to his current role, Ayooluwa worked as an undergraduate research intern at Obafemi Awolowo University, gaining valuable experience in agricultural fieldwork, including crop and livestock management. His internships at Ope Farms and as an elementary school teacher in Nigeria also contributed to his skill set in agricultural management and education.

Research Interests

Ayooluwa’s research interests are focused on the genetic and genomic analysis of livestock species, particularly in relation to longitudinal traits. He is keen on improving livestock efficiency through genomic selection and developing better modeling approaches for understanding genetic parameters. His work is crucial in addressing challenges in the agricultural sector, such as optimizing breeding strategies for cattle and improving feed efficiency. Ayooluwa’s approach integrates phenotype, pedigree, and genomic data, enabling him to explore the genetic basis of phenotypic variability in livestock traits.

Awards

Ayooluwa has received several prestigious awards throughout his academic journey. Notably, he was awarded the John Deere Graduate Student Scholarship in December 2024, recognizing his excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. In October 2024, he received the Ross-Lynn Research Scholar Fund from Purdue University, which provided him with a stipend and tuition fee remission. His achievements were also recognized in 2023 when he won the 1st Place Research Discussion Contest at the MANRRS38 National Conference and received multiple travel awards for his contributions to agricultural research.

Publications

Ayooluwa has made significant contributions to animal genetics through his research publications. Some of his notable works include:

  • Ojo, A.O., Mulim, H.A., Garcia, A., Retallick-Riley, K.J., Miller, S., Oliveira, H.R. (2025). Comparative Analysis of Recursive and Alternative Modeling Approaches Considering Body Condition Score for Genetic Evaluation of Mature Cow Weight. Under review for Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics.
  • Ojo, A. O., Campos, G. S., Mulim, H. A., Garcia, A., Schinckel, A. P., Miller, S., Retallick-Riley, K. J., & Oliveira, H. R. (2025). Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Mature Cow Size in North American and Australian Angus Cattle. Under review for Journal of Animal Science.
  • Ojo, A. O., Mulim, H. A., Campos, G. S., Junqueira, V. S., Lemenager, R. P., Schoonmaker, J. P., & Oliveira, H. R. (2024). Exploring Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle: From Data Collection to Genetic and Nutritional Modeling. Animals, 14(24), 3633. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243633

His work has also been presented at various international conferences and published in conference proceedings, further cementing his position in the field.

Conclusion

Ayooluwa Omobolaji Ojo is a rising star in the field of animal sciences, with a strong academic background and a wealth of experience in animal breeding and genetics. His research is focused on improving livestock efficiency through genomic selection, and his contributions to the field are already having a significant impact. With numerous awards, publications, and professional affiliations to his name, Ayooluwa is well on his way to becoming a leader in agricultural genomics. His passion for advancing the understanding of genetic traits in livestock, coupled with his commitment to teaching and community involvement, positions him as a future innovator in the field of animal sciences.

Goitom Tesfay | Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Goitom Tesfay | Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change | Best Researcher Award 

PhD Fellow at Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Goitom Tesfay Mareke is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in Agrometeorology and Climate Change. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in both teaching and research, he has established himself as a notable figure in the field. Currently pursuing a PhD at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, his work focuses on climate risk assessment and developing innovative climate-resilient technologies for agriculture. His career reflects a commitment to understanding and addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture, particularly in his native Ethiopia, and his ongoing research aims to enhance crop production and resilience to climate variability.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Goitom Tesfay Mareke’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Education in Geography and Environment from Mizan-Tepi University, Ethiopia. He furthered his studies with a Master of Education in Geography and Environmental Education at Addis Ababa University. To complement his academic qualifications, he pursued a Higher Diploma in Teaching in Higher Education from Wollo University. His current doctoral research at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences underscores his commitment to advancing knowledge in agrometeorology and climate change, supported by a series of specialized certificates in climate science and disaster risk reduction from esteemed institutions worldwide.

Experience

Goitom Tesfay Mareke has accumulated extensive experience in academia and research. He has served as a lecturer and head of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at Wollo University, where he has been involved in teaching, curriculum development, and departmental administration. His roles have included guiding undergraduate students, participating in community services, and contributing to various academic committees. His current position as a PhD scholar at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences involves in-depth research on climate risk and agricultural resilience. His diverse experience highlights his leadership skills, dedication to education, and active engagement in advancing his field.

Research Interest

Goitom Tesfay Mareke’s research interests are centered on agrometeorology and climate change, specifically focusing on climate risk assessment and the development of climate-resilient technologies for agriculture. His work aims to understand the effects of climate variability on crop production and to devise innovative solutions to enhance agricultural resilience. He explores topics such as climate adaptation strategies, carbon stock potential, and the integration of climate risk information into agricultural planning. His research contributes to addressing the challenges posed by climate change and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

Awards

Throughout his career, Goitom Tesfay Mareke has been recognized for his contributions to research and academia. His dedication to advancing knowledge in agrometeorology and climate change has been acknowledged through various certifications and training programs. These awards and recognitions reflect his commitment to excellence and his continuous efforts to enhance his expertise in the field of climate science and agriculture.

Publication

Goitom Tesfay Mareke has published research in several reputable journals, demonstrating his active involvement in the scientific community:

  1. “Adaptation Potential of Current Wheat Cultivars and Planting Dates under the Changing Climate in Ethiopia”
    Published in Agronomy, 2022. Link to publication
    Cited by: 10
  2. “Carbon stock potential of Sekele Mariam forest in North Western Ethiopia: an implication for climate change mitigation”
    Published in Model. Earth Syst. Environ., 2021. Link to publication
    Cited by: 15

Conclusion:

Goitom Tesfay Mareke demonstrates significant strengths that make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His expertise in climate change and agriculture, extensive experience in teaching and research, commitment to professional development, and international exposure are notable assets. To further enhance his candidacy, focusing on high-impact publications, expanding his grant experience, increasing international collaboration, and strengthening public engagement would be beneficial. Overall, his achievements and ongoing contributions to the field of climate science and agrometeorology make him a commendable candidate for the award.

 

Jorge Delfim | Soil science | Best Paper Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Jorge Delfim | Soil science | Best Paper Award

Jorge Delfim | Universidade Estadual Paulista – UNESP | Brazil

Short Bio 🌱

Jorge João Delfim is a dedicated researcher specializing in Agronomy, with a focus on soil science and sustainable agricultural practices. Originally from Dracena, São Paulo, Brazil, Jorge’s academic journey has been marked by a profound commitment to enhancing crop productivity through innovative research and practical applications. His passion for soil management and agricultural sustainability has driven his academic pursuits and professional contributions in both Brazil and Angola.

Profile

ORCID

Education 📚

Jorge embarked on his academic journey by pursuing a Ph.D. in Agronomy (Soil Science) from 2019 to 2023 at the State University of Londrina, located in Londrina, Brazil. Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Adônis Moreira, his doctoral thesis titled “Foliar fertilization with N, Co, and Mo and use of salicylic acid on soybean yield and grain quality” explored novel approaches to improve soybean yields and grain quality sustainably. During this period, Jorge honed his skills in soil management, experimental design, and data analysis, laying a solid foundation for his future research endeavors.

Prior to his doctoral studies, Jorge completed a Master’s in Agronomic Sciences (Soil Science and Natural Resources) from the University of Concepción in Chillán, Chile, from 2016 to 2017. His dissertation focused on phosphorus availability and its uptake in wheat grown in volcanic soils inoculated with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria. This experience equipped him with valuable insights into soil microbiology and nutrient management strategies critical for enhancing agricultural productivity in diverse environmental conditions.

Jorge’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agronomist Engineering from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at José Eduardo dos Santos University in Chianga, Huambo, Angola. From 2010 to 2014, he immersed himself in the fundamentals of agronomy, gaining expertise in sustainable crop management, soil and water conservation, and the practical application of agricultural technologies.

Experience 🌱

Currently serving as a Post-doctoral Researcher at São Paulo State University (UNESP) in Dracena, São Paulo, Brazil, since 2023, Jorge focuses on advancing sustainable bioeconomy initiatives for agriculture in the Cerrados region. Under the mentorship of Profª. Dra. Carolina Bonini, his research addresses critical issues such as soil recuperation and carbon storage in agricultural and forested areas. His role involves designing and overseeing experiments in greenhouse and field settings, conducting soil and plant sampling, and preparing scientific manuscripts for publication.

Before his post-doctoral position, Jorge gained valuable research experience as a Volunteer Researcher at EMBRAPA Soybean in Londrina, Brazil, from 2019 to 2023. Working under the supervision of Dr. Adônis Moreira and Dra. Larissa Moraes, he contributed to projects focused on optimizing crop production under different tillage systems. His responsibilities included experimental design, soil and plant analyses, and data interpretation using statistical tools.

Earlier in his career, Jorge served as a Research Assistant at the Agronomic Research Institute, Experimental Agricultural Station of Chianga in Huambo, Angola, from 2011 to 2015. Here, he conducted research on soil fertility, crop systems management, and soil degradation assessment. Jorge’s contributions included designing and executing field and greenhouse experiments, analyzing soil and plant samples, and collaborating with local farmers to implement sustainable agricultural practices.

Research Interest 🔬

Jorge João Delfim’s research interests lie at the intersection of soil fertility, nutrient management, and sustainable agricultural practices. His work focuses on developing innovative strategies to enhance crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Jorge is particularly passionate about exploring the efficacy of no-till systems, nutrient inoculation techniques, and soil amendment strategies in optimizing soil health and agricultural sustainability. His research aims to contribute valuable insights that support the transition towards more resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural systems.

Award 🏆

Jorge Delfim has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to agricultural science, including the Best Paper Award from the Journal of Plant Nutrition for his research on soil phosphorus availability impacting chickpea production. This accolade underscores his dedication to advancing knowledge in agronomy and soil science through rigorous research and publication.

Publications 📖

Jorge Delfim has published extensively in reputable journals:

  • Wheat growth, yield, nutrient concentration, and soil chemical properties influenced by liming in an acid soil (2024). Journal of Plant Nutrition. Link
  • Potassium application impacts chickpea yield and nutritional status (2024). Communication in Soil Sciences and Plant Analysis. Link
  • Soil Phosphorus Availability Impacts Chickpea Production and Nutritional Status in Tropical Soils (2024). Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. Link
  • Nitrogen management in common bean cultivars in soil infected by Meloidogyne incognita (2024). Semina: Ciências Agrárias. Link
  • Silicate rock with different granulometry as a potassium source for alfalfa and centrosema crops (2023). Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira. Link