Zhiwei Gao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Zhiwei Gao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhiwei Gao, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, China

Mr. Zhiwei Gao is a PhD candidate at the College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, China. His research focuses on soil ecology, particularly the impacts of climate change on soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, soil microbial and nematode communities, and ecological restoration in degraded desert steppe ecosystems. He utilizes advanced tools such as stable isotope tracing, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics. Zhiwei has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and actively contributes to academic conferences in the fields of ecology and environmental science.

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Summary:

Mr. Zhiwei Gao is an emerging researcher with a strong academic foundation, a progressive research vision, and a publication record that supports his potential as a future leader in soil ecology and environmental restoration. His innovative use of ecological and molecular tools positions him at the forefront of climate-soil interaction research in grassland ecosystems.

🎓 Education

Zhiwei Gao holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences from the College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, completed in 2017. He pursued a Master of Science in Ecology at the same institution from 2018 to 2021, under the supervision of Professors Zhang Guodong and Jia Meiqing. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Grassland Science at the College of Grassland, Resources and Environment, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, beginning in September 2022, under the guidance of Professor Han Guodong.

💼Experience

During his master’s studies, Zhiwei focused on using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics to explore soil nematode communities as ecological indicators. His research included evaluating ecological reclamation in open-pit mined grasslands and assessing the effects of climate change and human disturbance on desert steppes in Inner Mongolia. In his PhD research, he is investigating the impact of climate change factors such as warming, drying, and nitrogen deposition using long-term field experiments and microcosmic facilities. He applies stable isotope tracing (13C and 15N), genomics, community ecology, and bioinformatics to analyze soil carbon and nitrogen transformation processes, the structure and function of the soil micro-food web, and gene-level mechanisms influencing soil nutrient dynamics.

🔬Research Focus

His core research interests lie in soil ecology, microbial and nematode community dynamics, ecological restoration of degraded lands, and biogeochemical cycling under climate change. He emphasizes integrating molecular biology with ecosystem-level analysis to understand the soil micro-food web and its role in carbon and nitrogen cycling, particularly in desert steppe ecosystems affected by grazing and mining.

🛠️Skills

Zhiwei is proficient in the use of R, SPSS, SigmaPlot, and Origin for the statistical analysis and visualization of high-throughput and metagenomic data. He is competent in reading and interpreting English-language scientific literature, having passed both the College English Test-4 and Test-6. He is experienced in writing and publishing SCI-indexed journal articles and can independently design, analyze, and interpret scientific experiments and data.

🏆Awards

Zhiwei Gao has been honored with four consecutive university-level scholarships. He was named an outstanding student cadre during the academic year 2019–2020 and was recognized as an outstanding Party member of the graduate CPC Party branch in 2020–2021. His academic and leadership roles reflect his dedication and contributions to the scientific and campus community.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Wetland types shape microbial function related to soil phosphorus cycling based on metagenomics analysis
    Authors: Jia Meiqing, Gao Zhiwei, Yidong Wang, et al.
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences

  • Title: Eight-year tillage in black soil, effects on soil aggregates, and carbon and nitrogen stock
    Authors: Wang L, Qi S, Gao WF, Gao Zhiwei, et al.
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Scientific Reports

  • Title: Exploring the effects of warming and nitrogen deposition on desert steppe based on soil nematodes
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Li XD, Han Guodong, Zhang GG
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

  • Title: Soil bacterial community is more sensitive than fungal community to nitrogen supplementation and climate warming in Inner Mongolian desert steppe
    Authors: Jia Meiqing, Gao Zhiwei, Han Guodong, et al.
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Journal of Soils and Sediments

  • Title: Exploring the optimal grazing intensity in desert steppe based on soil nematode community and function
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Zhang GG, Jia Meiqing, Li XD
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

  • Title: Soil nematode communities and functions: Ecological package restoration responses in damaged desert steppe open-pit mining ecosystems
    Authors: Gao Zhiwei, Zhang GG, Jia Meiqing, Han Guodong
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Land Degradation and Development

Conclusion:

Mr. Zhiwei Gao stands out as a promising young scientist whose research aligns well with the goals of the Best Researcher Award. His scientific rigor, publication excellence, and dedication to ecological problem-solving make him a commendable nominee. With continued development in global collaboration and interdisciplinary outreach, he is poised to make significant contributions to environmental science at both national and international levels.

Suleiman Usman | Soil Science | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

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 Dr. Suleiman Usman | Soil Science | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

Dr. Suleiman Usman, Department of Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, Nigeria

Dr. Suleiman Usman is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science, Federal University Dutse, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Soil Science (Soil and Water Resources Management) from Nasarawa State University Keffi and a PhD in Soil and Environment from the University of Greenwich, UK. His research focuses on soil fertility, soil amendments, sustainable agriculture, and land management. With extensive academic and research experience, he has contributed significantly to soil health improvement and agricultural productivity in Nigeria. Dr. Usman has published widely, supervised numerous students, and participated in global research initiatives.

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Summary:

Dr. Suleiman Usman is a dedicated soil scientist whose research contributes significantly to soil biodiversity conservation. His expertise in soil fertility, conservation practices, and sustainable agriculture, combined with his strong academic and research profile, makes him a competitive candidate for this award. Minor improvements in biodiversity-focused studies and international engagement could further enhance his credentials.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Suleiman Usman obtained a B.Agric in Soil/Crop Science from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria (1999–2004). He pursued an MSc in Natural Resource (Plant Health and Protection) at the University of Greenwich, London, United Kingdom (2006–2007). He earned a PhD in Soil and Environment from the same institution (2009–2014) and later completed a PhD in Soil Science (Soil and Water Resources Management) at Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria (2023/2024). Additionally, he has completed various certification programs, including Research Methodology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and Environmental Security and Sustaining Peace from institutions such as the UN Environment Programme and Columbia University.

💼Experience

Dr. Usman has extensive academic and research experience. He served as a Research Assistant at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, from 2011 to 2014. Since 2015, he has been a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, at Federal University Dutse (FUD), Nigeria. He was also a Research Fellow with the Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension Services (CARES) at FUD from 2017 to 2018. He has held multiple administrative roles, including Level Coordinator (2017–2023) and Examination Officer (2022–2024). He has supervised over 15 students and taught several courses related to soil science and plant health.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Usman’s research focuses on soil fertility, soil amendments, sustainable agriculture, and land management. He investigates soil degradation, organic material application, pesticide impacts, climate change effects on soil, and advanced soil conservation techniques. His work contributes significantly to improving soil health and agricultural productivity, particularly in Nigeria’s dryland and agroecological systems.

Awards

Dr. Usman has received multiple recognitions, including a Certificate of Merit from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria. He has obtained numerous professional certifications from institutions such as FAO, the UN, and CTA. He has also participated in high-level research conferences and workshops globally. His research has been widely cited, with over 800 citations on Google Scholar and a ResearchGate RI score of 242.4.

Skills

Dr. Usman possesses expertise in soil fertility management, land use planning, soil and water resource management, organic amendments, and climate change adaptation. His technical skills include soil survey, geophysical soil assessment, environmental impact evaluation, and sustainable agricultural practices. He is proficient in research methodology, scientific writing, and digital research tools.

Publications

  • Determinants of access to agricultural credit among crop farmers in a farming community of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

    • Authors: KI Etonihu, SA Rahman, S Usman
    • Journal: Journal of Development and Agricultural Economics
    • Year: 2013

 

  • Incidence of liver fluke infections (Fasciola gigantica and Dicrocoelium hospes) in ruminants in northern Nigeria

    • Authors: TW Schillhorn van Veen, DO Folaranmi, S Usman, T Ishaya
    • Journal: Tropical Animal Health and Production
    • Year: 1980

 

  • Folk medicines of the lower Benue valley of Nigeria

    • Authors: JO Igoli, TA Tor-Anyiin, SS Usman, HOA Oluma, NP Igoli
    • Journal: Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants
    • Year: 2002

 

  • Corporate attributes and share value of listed pharmaceutical firms in Nigeria

    • Authors: M Abba, S Usman
    • Journal: Journal of Arts, Science & Commerce
    • Year: 2016

 

  • Analysis of resource-use efficiency in dry season vegetable production in Jere, Borno State, Nigeria

    • Authors: M Goni, ASS Umar, S Usman
    • Journal: —
    • Year: 2013

 

  • Roles of soil biota and biodiversity in soil environment–A concise communication

    • Authors: S Usman, Y Muhammad, A Chiroman
    • Journal: Eurasian Journal of Soil Science
    • Year: 2016

 

Conclusion:

 Dr. Suleiman Usman is a strong contender for the Research for Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award. His expertise, research impact, and commitment to soil conservation align well with the award’s objectives. Strengthening collaborations and biodiversity-focused research could elevate his standing in global soil biodiversity conservation efforts.