Belen Araceli Kettler | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Belen Araceli Kettler | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Belen Araceli Kettler, National University of Northeast, Argentina

Dr. Belén Araceli Kettler is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of the Northeast, Argentina. Her research focuses on crop physiology, particularly the effects of abiotic stress on maize growth and productivity. With a strong background in natural resources and plant production, she has been actively involved in national and international research collaborations, including a current research fellowship at Kansas State University. Dr. Kettler has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications and research projects in partnership with academic institutions and private agribusiness companies, and she is recognized for her analytical expertise, teamwork, and commitment to advancing agricultural science.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Belén Araceli Kettler is a highly capable and accomplished researcher specializing in crop physiology with a particular focus on abiotic stress impacts on maize production. Her academic trajectory, extensive research involvement, peer-reviewed publications, and international collaborations underscore her scientific excellence and dedication. She combines strong analytical skills with practical applications, bridging fundamental research and agronomic challenges in subtropical Argentina. Her commitment to teaching and mentoring also contributes significantly to capacity building in her field.

🎓 Education

Dr. Belén A. Kettler is currently completing her Doctorate in Natural Resources with a specialization in Crop Physiology at the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Northeast, Corrientes, Argentina, under the mentorship of Dr. C. S. Carrera and Dr. N. Neiff. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the same university and began a Master’s in Plant Production, which she discontinued after being offered a doctoral position. Over her academic journey, she has undertaken numerous specialized courses, consistently achieving distinguished or excellent marks.

💼Experience

Dr. Kettler has extensive academic and research experience. She has served as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, National University of Northeast since January 2019. Her international experience includes a research scholar position at Kansas State University in the United States, beginning in May 2025. She has held multiple research fellowships through CONICET and the Scientific and Technical Commission of her home university. These roles span from undergraduate to doctoral research, focusing on crop physiology, environmental stress impacts, and ecophysiology.

🔬Research Focus

Her research focuses on the physiological and ecophysiological responses of crops, particularly maize, to abiotic stresses such as high temperatures and drought. Her work investigates how these stressors impact growth, yield components, kernel development, respiration, and dry matter allocation. She has collaborated with international partners and contributed to breeding and modeling research, including QTL analysis and genomic prediction under stress conditions.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Kettler possesses strong teamwork capabilities and a high level of analytical thinking. She is proficient in statistical software such as Infostat, R Studio, GraphPad Prism, and Microsoft Excel. Her skill set also includes intermediate-level knowledge in crop modeling systems like DSSAT and APSIM. She demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous learning and applies critical thinking to research and teaching.

🏆Awards

Dr. Kettler has been supported by national and university-level research fellowships, including those from CONICET and the Scientific and Technical Commission of the National University of Northeast. She has also contributed to several funded research projects, notably on oxidative stress in crops, physiological responses to environmental stressors, and conservation studies of vascular plants.

📚 Publications

Title: Climatic constraints for rainfed maize production in the Northeastern subtropical region of Argentina
Year: 2025
Authors: Kettler, B. A., Nalli Sonzogni, F. D., Neiff, N., Boscarino, S., Maddonni, G. Á.
Journal: Theoretical and Applied Climatology

Conclusion:

Dr. Kettler is a well-qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her consistent research excellence, international engagement, and impactful contributions to crop science. Addressing areas such as increased leadership visibility and interdisciplinary approaches could further elevate her candidacy. Overall, she embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher with both scientific rigor and practical relevance, making her highly suitable for recognition as a Best Researcher.

Yanjun Chai | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanjun Chai | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanjun Chai, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanjun Chai is a faculty member at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China. He specializes in the improvement and restoration of degraded and polluted farmland, as well as the resource utilization of agricultural waste. With a PhD from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Chai has led over 20 research projects and contributed to national and provincial R&D programs. He has published extensively, holds multiple patents, and has helped formulate key agricultural standards in Zhejiang Province.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yanjun Chai is an accomplished researcher whose work addresses urgent challenges in sustainable agriculture and environmental management. His record of project leadership, academic contributions, and practical innovations demonstrates both depth and breadth. With a solid portfolio of publications, patents, and applied outcomes, he stands out as a strong candidate for a prestigious research award.

🎓 Education

Chai Yanjun earned his PhD from the Institute of Agricultural Environment and Sustainable Development at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his career in environmental engineering and sustainable agriculture.

💼Experience

Dr. Chai currently serves as an Associate Professor at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology (ZUST). In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, he holds administrative positions as Secretary of the Party Branch of Teachers and Deputy Director of the Department of Environmental Engineering. He is also a supervisor for postgraduate students. Over the years, he has presided over more than 20 significant projects, including those funded by the Zhejiang Province Public Welfare Program, the Zhejiang Natural Science Foundation, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. He has also contributed to 5 major initiatives such as the National Key Research and Development Program and provincial-level R&D projects.

🔬Research Focus

His primary research interests lie in the improvement and restoration of degraded and polluted farmland and the resource utilization of agricultural waste. His work significantly contributes to the sustainable development of agricultural practices and environmental protection.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Chai has authored more than 50 academic papers, including over 30 as the first or corresponding author. Among these, 15 papers are indexed in SCI and 4 in EI. He has published one academic monograph and holds 5 authorized invention patents. Furthermore, he has played a key role in formulating 5 agricultural industry and local standards related to biogas slurry in Zhejiang Province. His skills encompass interdisciplinary research, project management, academic publishing, and standard development in environmental engineering and sustainable agriculture.

🏆Awards

Dr. Chai has received multiple accolades for his scientific contributions. These include a Second Prize of Scientific and Technological Progress of Hubei Province, a Second Prize from the China Electric Power Engineering, and a First Prize from the China Construction Enterprise Management Association. Additionally, he has been recognized with the establishment of the Quzhou Doctor Innovation Workstation and the Quzhou Rural Revitalization Expert Workstation.

📚 Publications

1. Effects of different types of biochar application on dryland yellow-red soil fertility
Authors: Lin, Zhou Yuan; Jiang, Jianfeng; Tong, Wenbin; Z.Y.
Year: 2025
Journal: Nongye Gongcheng Xuebao / Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering

2. Investigation of high-risk antibiotic resistance bacteria and their associated antibiotic resistance genes in different agricultural soils with biogas slurry from China
Authors: Lu, Yi; Wu, Junhui; Li, Jiwei; Zheng, Guanyu; Shan, Shengdao
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials

Conclusion:

Dr. Yanjun Chai exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient—innovation, leadership, impact, and academic excellence. While further international engagement could elevate his profile even more, his contributions already signify high distinction in his field. Based on current achievements and future potential, he is highly recommended for the Research for Best Researcher Award.