Suleiman Usman | Soil Science | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

 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.

Profile

Google Scholar

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.

Ishrat Naz | Soil Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ishrat Naz | Soil Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ishrat Naz, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan

Dr. Ishrat Naz is an Associate Professor at The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, specializing in Plant Pathology with a focus on Nematology. She holds a Ph.D. from the same university, supported by a Pak-Scotland scholarship. With over 20 years of experience in teaching and research, Dr. Naz’s work centers on the molecular characterization and sustainable management of plant-parasitic nematodes. She is renowned for her contributions to nematicidal phytochemicals and microbial biocontrol strategies. Dr. Naz has received numerous awards, including the XVIII Star Award, and has published extensively in her field.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Ishrat Naz is a highly accomplished researcher with expertise in plant pathology, nematology, and sustainable disease management. Her research contributions, student mentorship, and applied agricultural impact make her a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award. While she has a solid research portfolio, increasing her citation impact, securing larger grants, and expanding international collaborations could further elevate her standing in the scientific community.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Ishrat Naz earned her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology (Nematology) from The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, with an outstanding CGPA of 3.95/4.00, supported by a Pak-Scotland scholarship. She completed her M.Sc. (Hons) in Plant Pathology (Mycology) from the same university, securing a Faculty Silver Medal for her academic excellence. Her B.Sc. (Hons) in Plant Pathology also earned her a University Bronze Medal.

 

💼Experience

Dr. Naz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, with over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and administration. She previously held positions as an Assistant Professor, Lecturer, and Research Officer. She has been actively involved in curriculum development and has supervised numerous graduate and postgraduate research students. Additionally, she has served in administrative roles, including Warden of the Girls Hostel.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Naz’s research centers on the characterization and management of plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly root-knot nematodes, using molecular tools and natural products. She investigates nematicidal phytochemicals, microbial pesticides, and fungal endophytes as sustainable solutions for nematode control. Her work also explores plant-fungal interactions, epidemiology of root-infecting pathogens, and the molecular ecology of citrus nematodes. She is actively involved in mapping nematode diversity in major crop ecosystems and developing integrated pest management strategies.

Awards

Dr. Naz has received numerous academic distinctions, including the XVIII Star Award (Star Laureate 2007) for her contributions to agriculture. She was awarded an International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan to conduct Ph.D. research at the James Hutton Institute, Scotland. She has also received Indigenous Ph.D. Scholarships and multiple merit certificates for her academic and research excellence.

 

Skills

Dr. Naz possesses expertise in molecular nematology, plant disease diagnostics, allelopathic management, microbial pesticides, and fungal biocontrol of nematodes. She is skilled in DNA sequencing, morphological identification of plant-parasitic nematodes, and biochemical management strategies. Her technical competencies include research design, scientific communication, and grant writing.

 

Publications

  • Maria, I., Naz, I., Khan, R., Aljowaie, R. M., & Munir, S. (2024). Unleashing the synergistic effect of promising fungicides: A breakthrough solution for combating powdery mildew in pea plants. Frontiers in Microbiology. 0 Citations

 

  • Ain, N., Naz, I., Maria, S., Alam, S. S., & Haris, M. (2024). Assessment of susceptibility of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars to root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, and disease impact on plant growth and tuber weight. Potato Research. 0 Citations

 

  • Uddin, J., Ullah, F., Naz, I., Khan, S. S., & Salim, M. A. (2023). Root-knot nematode pathogen suppression in eggplant using antagonistic fungi. Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control. 0 Citations

Conclusion:

Dr. Ishrat Naz is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her strong academic background, impactful research, and contribution to agricultural sustainability. Strengthening research impact through high-impact publications, funding acquisition, and global collaborations could further solidify her position as a leading researcher in her field.