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.

FAZL ULLAH | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. FAZL ULLAH | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Fazl Ullah, Huazhong agricultural University, Pakistan

Mr. Fazl Ullah is a dedicated researcher from Pakistan with a Master’s degree in Agronomy from Yanbian University, China. His academic and research background spans crop physiology, plant nutrition, soil microbiology, and sustainable agricultural practices. He has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications focusing on phosphorus management, microbial interactions in soil, and biogas production. Fluent in English, Chinese, Urdu, and Pashto, Mr. Ullah is passionate about advancing crop science and is currently seeking opportunities to pursue a Ph.D. in a research-driven environment.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Mr. Fazl Ullah is a promising early-career researcher with a strong foundation in agronomic research, particularly in the areas of plant-soil interactions, biofertilizers, and environmental stress management. His work demonstrates originality, technical depth, and alignment with contemporary global agricultural challenges. He has already contributed to the scientific community through quality publications and shows significant potential for further growth.

🎓 Education

Fazl Ullah holds a Master’s degree in Agronomy from Yanbian University, China, where he studied from 2019 to 2024. Prior to that, he completed a year of intensive Chinese language studies at the same university’s College of International Cultural Exchange in 2018–2019. His academic foundation in agriculture was laid at the University of Swabi in Pakistan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture between 2013 and 2017.

💼Experience

Fazl Ullah has been actively involved in academic research throughout his studies. His work includes studies on phosphorus application and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria to enhance maize and wheat yields, contributing to improved nutrient uptake in alkaline soils. He has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and engaged in interdisciplinary research on soil microbial communities, greenhouse gas emissions, and biogas production under psychrophilic conditions. Most recently, he conducted research on the effect of iron ion addition on saline-alkali soil properties and microbial dynamics during soybean cultivation, which is currently ready for submission.

🔬Research Focus

His core research interests are centered around crop science and environmental sustainability. He is passionate about plant physiology, crop management, and plant nutrition, particularly in rice, maize, and soybean systems. He is also interested in biofertilizers, photosynthesis, plant hormones, weed control, and the integration of biotechnology and fermentation science in sustainable agriculture. His work extends to greenhouse gas mitigation, biogas production from lignocellulosic materials, and improving soil health in challenging environments.

🛠️Skills

Fazl Ullah possesses a strong skill set in modern agricultural science and research. His expertise includes crop phenotyping, nutrient and soil microbiology analysis, seed testing, and sustainable farming practices. He is proficient in statistical analysis, experimental design, herbicide application, laboratory safety, and scientific data management. His excellent communication and collaboration skills are complemented by his command of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, which he has further refined through professional certification courses.

🏆Awards

He has been the recipient of the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship awarded by the China Scholarship Council, which fully funded both his Chinese language studies and his Master’s program. Additionally, during his undergraduate studies, he was awarded a merit-based laptop by the Prime Minister of Pakistan in recognition of academic excellence in 2015.

📚 Publications

Title: Effects of FeSO₄ and Organic Additives on Soil Properties and Microbiota during Model Soybean Planting in Saline-Alkali Soil
Authors: Fazl Ullah
Year: 2024
Journal: Agronomy

 

Title: Impact of Temperature on the Performance and Character of the Methanogenic Community of a Fixed-Bed Anaerobic Reactor at Psychrophilic Temperature
Authors: Hongyan Z., Liu H., Sun Y., Zhang L., Ullah F., Piao R., Wang W., Cui Z.
Year: 2021
Journal: Water

 

Title: Combining Phosphorus (P) with Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) Improved Wheat Yield and P Uptake in Alkaline Soil
Authors: Hussain A., Adnan M., Iqbal S., Fahad S., Saeed M., Mian I. A., Muhammad M. W., Romman M., Perveez R., Wahid F., Ullah F.
Year: 2019
Journal: Pure and Applied Biology

 

Title: Integrated Application of Phosphorus (P) and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) Improves Maize Yield
Authors: Fazl Ullah, Adnan M., Fahad S., Iqbal S., Arshad M., Muhammad D., Wahid F., Noor M.
Year: 2018
Journal: Pure and Applied Biology

Conclusion:

Mr. Fazl Ullah is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award at Huazhong Agricultural University. While he is still in the early stages of his academic career, his trajectory is upward, and this recognition would serve to encourage continued excellence and leadership in agricultural research. With further opportunities for leading projects and expanding collaborations, he is well-positioned to make impactful contributions to the field.