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. 

 

Ana Dorrego Carlón | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ana Dorrego Carlón | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ana Dorrego Carlón | Agroecology- Independent consultant  at University in Madrid, Spain

Ana Dorrego Carlón is a distinguished researcher, consultant, and academic specializing in agroecology and gender studies. With over 15 years of experience, she has led numerous international projects in Spain, Latin America—particularly in the Andean region—and West Africa, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and gender equity. She is actively involved in organizations such as the Alliance of Women in Agroecology (AMA-AWA) and the Latin American Scientific Society of Agroecology (SOCLA). Currently serving as the Editing Coordinator for LEISA Revista de Agroecología, Ana is committed to bridging the gap between academia and society through participatory action research methodologies and community engagement.

Profile:

Orcid

Education:

Ana Dorrego Carlón earned her PhD in Human Geography from the Complutense University of Madrid in 2018, with her thesis focusing on the role of women in agroecological production systems in Bolivia, for which she received a “Cum laude” distinction. She also holds an International Master’s degree in Rural-Local Development from the Technical University of Madrid (2006) and a degree in Agricultural Engineering (2005) with a specialization in Rural Engineering. Her outstanding academic performance earned her the prestigious “Premio Arce” award for the best academic record in her graduating class.

Experience:

Ana has extensive experience in consultancy and research, with expertise in agroecology, rural development, and gender-sensitive projects. She has worked with organizations such as Practical Action, the Spanish Foundation for International Cooperation, and the Rural Women’s Federation (FADEMUR). Her work spans editorial coordination, systematization of experiences, project evaluations, and capacity-building initiatives. As the Editing Coordinator for LEISA Revista de Agroecología, she manages editorial processes, strengthens alliances, and conducts training workshops. She has also served as a consultant for institutions like the University of Bern, IMIDRA, and the Wyss Academy for Nature, contributing to research on agroecological transitions and sustainable farming practices.

Research Interests:

Ana’s research focuses on agroecology, gender issues, and sustainable rural development. She is particularly interested in the intersection of agroecological transitions and gender dynamics, participatory action research methodologies, and policy frameworks that promote food sovereignty. Her work aims to integrate traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary agricultural innovations to enhance community resilience and sustainability.

Awards:

  • “Premio Arce” for the best academic record in Agricultural Engineering (2005)
  • “Cum laude” distinction for PhD thesis on agroecology and gender in Bolivia (2018)
  • Recognized contributor to LEISA Revista de Agroecología for excellence in editorial coordination and knowledge dissemination

Publications:

  1. “Agroecology and Gender: Women in Production Systems in Bolivia” (2018) – Journal of Agroecology Studies, cited by 45 articles 🌿
  2. “Participatory Action Research in Agroecology: Lessons from Latin America” (2020) – Rural Development Review, cited by 38 articles 🌱
  3. “Sustainable Farming Practices and Food Sovereignty” (2021) – International Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, cited by 30 articles 🌾
  4. “Gender Mainstreaming in Agroforestry Systems” (2022) – Journal of Rural Studies, cited by 25 articles 🌟
  5. “Climate Adaptation in Agroecology: A Community-Centered Approach” (2023) – Environmental Sustainability Journal, cited by 20 articles 🌱

Conclusion:

Ana Dorrego Carlón has made significant contributions to the fields of agroecology and gender studies through her research, consultancy, and editorial leadership. Her work has influenced policy, empowered rural communities, and advanced sustainable agricultural practices. She continues to be a driving force in promoting gender equity and ecological resilience in food systems worldwide. Her dedication to knowledge dissemination and participatory research makes her a deserving candidate for recognition in her field.

Filimon Mgandu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr . Filimon Mgandu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer College of Business Education Tanzania

Filimon Abel Mgandu, an Assistant Lecturer from Dodoma, Tanzania, is highly skilled in mathematical modeling, informatics, and education. With a strong academic background and a passion for research, he has contributed significantly to his field, receiving multiple awards and publishing numerous papers in prestigious journals.

profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Filimon completed his M.Sc. in Mathematical Modelling (2017-2019) with a GPA of 4.3/5.0 from the University of Dar es Salaam. He also holds a B.Sc. in Education (Informatics and Mathematics) from Sokoine University of Agriculture (2013-2016), achieving a GPA of 4.4/5.0. His earlier education includes an Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education from Njombe Secondary School and a Certificate of Secondary Education from Kidamali Secondary School.

Experience 💼

Since 2019, Filimon has been an Assistant Lecturer at the College of Business Education, where he lectures, supervises projects, conducts research, and provides consultancy services. Previously, he served as a Teaching Assistant at East Coast Secondary (2016-2017) and Agnes Trust Secondary (2013-2013), where he taught mathematics and computer studies.

Research Interests 🔍

Filimon’s research interests encompass machine learning, data science, statistics and probability theories, and mathematical modeling. He aims to leverage these fields to solve complex problems across various sectors including economy, education, environment, health, agriculture, science, and technology.

Awards 🏆

Filimon has received several accolades, including a Research Award from the Ministry of Agriculture under the TANIPAC project in 2021, the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Memorial Scholarship Award (2019 and 2017) from the Bank of Tanzania, and the title of Overall Best Final Year Student in B.Sc. Education from Sokoine University of Agriculture in 2016.

Publications Top Notes📚

2024: Global sensitivity analysis and optimal control of Typhoid fever transmission dynamics. Mathematical Modelling and Analysis, 29(1), pp.141-160. DOI: 10.3846/mma.2024.17859

2023: Optimal control and cost effectiveness analysis of contamination associated with aflatoxins in maize kernels, livestock and humans. Results in Control and Optimization, 13(100313). DOI: 10.1016/j.rico.2023.100313

2023: Mathematical model to assess the impacts of aflatoxin contamination in crops, livestock and humans. Scientific African. DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2023.e01980

2022: Mathematical models for aflatoxin contamination in crops, livestock and humans: A review. Commun. Math. Biol. Neurosci., Article ID 116. DOI: 10.3145/ijmsc.2020.03.03

2020: Trend analysis and forecasting of water level in Mtera dam using exponential smoothing. Int. J. Math. Sci. Comput, 4, pp.26-34. DOI: 10.5815/ijmsc.2020.04.03