Shabana Wazir | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mrs. Shabana Wazir | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Shabana Wazir, Central Cotton Research Institute, Pakistan

Mrs. Shabana Wazir is a Scientific Officer (Entomology) at the Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan, Pakistan. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. With extensive research experience in insect pest management, she specializes in insecticide resistance, biological control, and integrated pest management strategies for cotton pests. Her work focuses on the genetics and toxicity of insecticides, the impact of environmental factors on natural enemies, and sustainable pest control methods. She has participated in international conferences and training programs and has received multiple academic honors.

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Summary:

Mrs. Shabana Wazir is a highly qualified entomologist with strong research expertise in insect pest management. Her extensive experience, academic excellence, and significant contributions to cotton pest control make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to applied research, with valuable publications and participation in international conferences.

🎓 Education

Shabana Wazir holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, completed in 2022 with an impressive CGPA of 3.98/4.00. She also earned an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Entomology) from the same institution in 2006 with a CGPA of 3.79/4.00. Her undergraduate studies include a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Entomology) from BZU, completed in 2004 with a CGPA of 3.76/4.00. Additionally, she completed her F.Sc. (Pre-Medical) from Government Degree College for Women, Multan, and her Matriculation (Science Group) from Sultan Foundation High School, securing top academic positions throughout her educational journey.

💼Experience

Dr. Wazir is currently serving as a Scientific Officer (Entomology) at the Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan, a role she has held since May 2014. In this position, she focuses on studying insecticide resistance mechanisms, evaluating toxicity and risk assessments of insecticides, analyzing fitness cost parameters of resistant insect populations, and integrating chemical, biological, and cultural measures for pest management in cotton crops. She also conducts research on the impact of host plants and environmental factors on insect behavior and control strategies.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Wazir’s research primarily revolves around insect pest management, particularly in cotton crops. Her studies cover insecticide resistance mechanisms, biological control of mealybugs, the impact of host plants on pest populations, and the integration of pest management strategies. She has also conducted significant research on aphid management in canola through various insecticides, sowing dates, and seed treatments. Her expertise includes mass rearing of beneficial insects such as Chrysoperla carnea and Menochilus sexmaculatus, as well as studying the biology of major insect pests like the American bollworm and aphids.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Wazir is proficient in various statistical analysis and research tools, including GenStat, MSTAT-C, and Microsoft Office. She has also completed a Computer Literacy Program and has hands-on experience with research methodologies for insecticide resistance, biological control techniques, and pest management strategies. Her work involves extensive field and laboratory research, with a strong focus on sustainability and integrated pest management in agriculture.

🏆Awards

Dr. Wazir has received multiple accolades for her academic and professional achievements. She was ranked second in her M.Sc. (Hons.) program and among the top five students in her B.Sc. (Hons.) batch. She has also participated in prestigious international conferences and training programs, including the Beltwide Cotton Conference in the USA (2015) and the Integrated Agriculture and Rural Development Training in Japan (2017). Additionally, she has completed specialized training courses on biological safety, non-chemical pest management, and cotton production technology, further enhancing her expertise in agricultural entomology.

📚 Publications

  • Title Effect of soil types and moisture contents on the pupation behavior and adult emergence of Oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera Tephritidae)
  • Authors M M U Mamoon-Ur-Rashid Muhammad M U S Wazir Shabana R M K Ullah Rana Muhammad Kaleem A S Aldawood Abdulrahman S Aldawood
  • Journal International Journal of Tropical Insect Science
  • Year 2025

Conclusion:

Mrs. Wazir is a well-deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her impactful research in entomology and pest management. While she has already made significant contributions, further expanding her international collaborations, high-impact publications, and research funding initiatives will strengthen her candidacy for future recognitions. Given her expertise, dedication, and ongoing contributions to entomological research, she is a strong contender for the award.

Wenbin Sun | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun, Lanzhou University of Technology, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun is an agricultural scientist and Associate Professor at Lanzhou University of Technology, China. His research focuses on plant-endophyte interactions, phytohormone metabolism, and crop stress resistance. He has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects and published extensively in high-impact journals. With expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and microbial ecology, his work advances sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. He teaches bioinformatics, microbiology, and pharmaceutical technology while contributing to innovations in plant-microbe relationships and phytoremediation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun is a leading researcher in plant microbiology, bioinformatics, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong academic record, multiple funded projects, and high-impact publications. His research in endophyte-plant interactions, stress resistance, and microbial ecology has significant scientific and practical value.

🎓 Education

Wenbin Sun holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Science and serves as an Associate Professor at the Experimental Center, School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, China. His academic background in agricultural science and biotechnology provides a strong foundation for his research in molecular plant-microbe interactions and crop stress resistance.

💼Experience

He has extensive experience in both teaching and research. His teaching responsibilities include undergraduate courses such as Bioinformatics (Theory & Lab) and Microbiology Laboratory, as well as a graduate course on Pharmaceutical Industry and Technology (Theory). As a researcher, he has led multiple projects, including the Youth Science Fund of Gansu Natural Science Foundation and the General Program of Gansu Natural Science Foundation. He has also contributed as a co-investigator in major National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, advancing research in plant-endophyte interactions and stress resistance.

🔬Research Focus

His research centers on molecular mechanisms of phytohormone metabolism mediated by plant-endophyte interactions and the role of phytohormones in endophyte-regulated crop stress resistance and quality formation. His studies on endophytic fungi and bacteria provide valuable insights into enhancing crop resilience, improving secondary metabolite production, and optimizing sustainable agricultural practices. His work has significant implications for soil health, phytoremediation, and microbial biotechnology applications.

🛠️Skills

He specializes in molecular biology, bioinformatics, plant-microbe interactions, and microbial ecology. His research integrates genomic and phosphoproteomic analyses to understand plant-endophyte relationships and their role in improving crop stress resistance. His expertise in phytohormone metabolism, endophyte-regulated quality formation, and plant stress adaptation positions him as a key contributor to agricultural sustainability and biotechnology advancements.

🏆Awards

His expertise and contributions to plant microbiology have been recognized through multiple research grants from prestigious institutions. His role as a principal investigator in competitive funding programs reflects his leadership in agricultural research. His scholarly work has been published in high-impact journals such as Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, Rhizosphere, Journal of Fungi, Biology, and the Journal of Environmental Management, highlighting his research excellence.

📚 Publications

  • Diversity, growth promoting potential and anti-fungal properties of culturable endophytic bacteria isolated from Codonopsis pilosula roots
    Author(s): N. Zhu, H. Wang, W. Sun, W. Luo, Y. Wang
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology

  • Phosphoproteomic Analysis of Potato Tuber Reveals a Correlation Between Phosphorylation Site Occupancy and Protein Attributes
    Author(s): W. Sun, Y. Wang, F. Zhang
    Year: 2020
    Journal: Plant Molecular Biology Reporter

  • Seasonally Driven Microecological Changes Among Endophytic and Rhizospheric Bacteria and Their Effects on the Carbohydrate Content of Codonopsis pilosula from Lintao County, Gansu Province, China
    Author(s): H. Wang, S. Li, X. Guo, W. Sun, F. Leng, C. Yu, Y. Wang
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Rhizosphere

  • Genomic Characteristics and Comparative Genomics Analysis of the Endophytic Fungus Paraphoma chrysanthemicola DS-84 Isolated from Codonopsis pilosula Root
    Author(s): W. Sun, M. Feng, N. Zhu, F. Leng, M. Yang, Y. Wang
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Journal of Fungi

  • Paraphoma chrysanthemicola Affects the Carbohydrate and Lobetyolin Metabolism Regulated by Salicylic Acid in the Soilless Cultivation of Codonopsis pilosula
    Author(s): W. Sun, C. Luo, Y. Wu, M. Ding, M. Feng, F. Leng, Y. Wang
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Biology

  • Potential Function of Plant-Growth-Promoting Endophytic Serratia fonticola CPSE11 from Codonopsis pilosula in Phytoremediation of Cadmium Ion (Cd²⁺)
    Author(s): M. Yang, Y. Fu, S. Hu, F. Leng, Y. Zhuang, W. Sun, Y. Wang
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenbin Sun is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By expanding international collaborations, industry applications, and public engagement, he can further enhance his global recognition and research influence.

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub, CIHEAM Bari, Italy

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub is a distinguished researcher at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), Italy. With a Ph.D. in irrigation system modernization and an M.Sc. in Land and Water Resources Management, his work focuses on sustainable agriculture, water scarcity solutions, and IoT-based precision irrigation. Dr. Ayoub has extensive expertise in soil mapping, irrigation automation, and climate change mitigation, combining cutting-edge technologies like drones and microcontrollers to enhance water use efficiency. A recipient of multiple academic awards, he is committed to advancing innovative solutions for global agricultural challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub has a robust research profile, addressing critical agricultural and environmental challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. His contributions to irrigation modernization, precision agriculture, and IoT-based solutions position him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. With his strong publication record, technical skills, and leadership in academia and research, he exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher. However, additional efforts to amplify the visibility and impact of his work could further solidify his position as a global research leader.

 

🎓 Education

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim has a robust educational background focused on agricultural engineering and water resources management. He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture Sciences (Agricultural Engineering Program) from Cairo University. Later, he earned an M.Sc. in Land and Water Resources Management: Irrigated Agriculture from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM), where he was ranked first in his class. His master’s thesis explored comparative assessment of irrigation design criteria in Egypt. Ahmed also pursued advanced research studies as part of his Ph.D. at Bari Aldo Moro University and conducted doctoral research at the University of California, Davis. His work at UC Davis focused on hydraulic analysis of furrow irrigation systems using gated pipes under variable soil conditions, leveraging advanced technologies like drones, soil mapping tools, and automation. Additionally, he has a diploma in Laser Applications in Meteorology, Photochemistry, and Agriculture from Cairo University’s National Institute for Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES).

 

💼Experience

Ahmed has accumulated significant experience in research, consultancy, project management, and technical innovation. Since March 2021, he has been a Researcher and Consultant at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, contributing to regional projects, teaching courses on solar energy and irrigation systems, and designing field experiments with modern technologies like IoT and 3D printing. From 2017 to 2021, during his Ph.D., he focused on modernization of traditional irrigation systems, employing automation and soil mapping technologies to enhance irrigation efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Ahmed also worked as a Technical Officer for the UNDP’s Low-Emission Capacity Building Project, where he managed climate change mitigation activities, stakeholder coordination, and training programs. His earlier roles include working as an Optical Emission Spectrometry Analyst with the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) and as a Technical Office Engineer for Green Hills International, where he contributed to irrigation and drainage system designs for large-scale landscape projects like Uptown Cairo.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub’s research is dedicated to tackling global challenges in climate change, water scarcity, and sustainable agriculture. His primary areas of focus include the modernization of irrigation systems, such as furrow and drip irrigation, to enhance efficiency and uniformity. He leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) to automate irrigation management tools, including tensiometers and infiltration devices. Ahmed also specializes in utilizing soil mapping technologies and remote sensing, such as drones and multi-spectral cameras, to advance precision agriculture. His work emphasizes improving water distribution systems, studying the impact of soil variability on irrigation performance, and developing affordable, sustainable solutions for precision irrigation to optimize water use and increase crop productivity.

 

Awards

Ahmed has been recognized for his academic and professional excellence with several awards. He was ranked first in the CIHEAM M.Sc. Program (2014–2015) and second in his undergraduate class at Cairo University’s Agricultural Engineering Department (2010). These distinctions highlight his commitment to academic and research excellence.

Skills

Dr. Ayoub has a versatile skill set encompassing technical, research, and organizational capabilities. He is proficient in CAD design, Python programming, C++ (Arduino IDE), GIS tools like ArcGIS, and image processing software such as Pix4D. His research expertise includes irrigation modeling tools like DSSAT, AquaCrop, CropWat, and Daily ET0, as well as advanced soil analysis technologies like Veris U3 mapping systems and Pario meter devices. With strong digital competence, he designs IoT applications, integrating 3D printing and automation using microcontrollers like ESP32. Ahmed’s organizational skills are demonstrated through his leadership roles as a lab supervisor, internal auditor for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, and coordinator of youth networks such as MedYWat. Fluent in English (IELTS 7.5) and proficient in Italian, he excels in communication, delivering technical webinars, and managing training programs.

Publications

  • Title: Forecasting Blue and Green Water Footprint of Wheat Based on Single, Hybrid, and Stacking Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithms Under Diverse Agro-Climatic Conditions in Nile Delta, Egypt
    Authors: Lotfy, A.A., Abuarab, M.E., Farag, E., Abdelmoneim, A.A., Mokhtar, A.
    Journal: Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Advancements in Remote Sensing for Evapotranspiration Estimation: A Comprehensive Review of Temperature-Based Models
    Authors: Derardja, B., Khadra, R., Abdelmoneim, A.A.A., Deflorio, A.M., Volden, E.
    Journal: Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3

 

  • Title: Towards Affordable Precision Irrigation: An Experimental Comparison of Weather-Based and Soil Water Potential-Based Irrigation Using Low-Cost IoT-Tensiometers on Drip Irrigated Lettuce
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Khadra, R., Elkamouh, A., Derardja, B., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

 

  • Title: OptGate: A New Tool to Design and Analyze the Performance of Conventional and Self-Compensating Gated Pipe Systems
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Daccache, A., Khadra, R.
    Journal: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Internet of Things (IoT) for Soil Moisture Tensiometer Automation
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Khadra, R., Derardja, B., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Micromachines
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

 

  • Title: Internet of Things (IoT) for Double Ring Infiltrometer Automation
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Daccache, A., Khadra, R., Bhanot, M., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 13

Conclusion:

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his substantial contributions to agricultural engineering and sustainability. His innovative research, technical expertise, and dedication to capacity-building make him a deserving nominee. By further enhancing the dissemination and societal application of his research, he can elevate his profile and continue to make transformative contributions to global agricultural and environmental sustainability.