Wenying Qu | Soil Microbial ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenying Qu | Soil Microbial ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenying Qu, Shihezi University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenying Qu is an Associate Professor and Master’s supervisor at the College of Water Conservancy and Architectural Engineering, Shihezi University, China. She holds a Doctor of Engineering degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from the Harbin Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on soil microbial ecology, microalgae biomass energy, and wastewater treatment technology. Dr. Qu has made significant contributions to enhancing agricultural productivity and wastewater treatment efficiency through microbial and microalgal innovations. She has published extensively, holds multiple patents, and has received various recognitions, including high-level talent titles from Shihezi City and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Wenying Qu is a dynamic researcher whose interdisciplinary work combines agricultural improvement and environmental sustainability. Her track record includes impactful publications, patented innovations, funded projects, and formal recognitions, making her one of the emerging leaders in her field.

🎓 Education

Wenying Qu holds a Doctor of Engineering degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from the Harbin Institute of Technology, which she completed between September 2017 and January 2022. Prior to that, she earned a Master of Science in Marine Sciences from the School of Marine Science and Technology at Harbin Institute of Technology (2015-2017), and a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology from the College of Life Sciences at Northeast Forestry University (2011-2015).

💼Experience

Since February 2022, Wenying Qu has been serving as an Associate Professor and Master’s supervisor at the College of Water Conservancy and Architectural Engineering, Shihezi University, China. Before this role, she undertook significant academic research and training, which led to her receiving various honors, such as the high-level talent introduction title from Shihezi City and the “Tianchi Talents” recognition in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

🔬Research Focus

Wenying Qu’s research focuses primarily on soil microbial communities, microalgal cultivation technologies, and their applications in wastewater treatment. Her work has demonstrated how microbial communities and algae can be integrated into agricultural systems to improve crop yield and soil health. A key achievement includes enhancing cotton productivity through improved soil quality and microbial nitrogen cycling. She has also explored the use of microalgae to remove nutrients from swine wastewater and convert them into bioenergy.

🛠️Skills

Her expertise spans soil microbial ecology, microalgae biomass energy, and wastewater treatment technology. Her research has provided advancements in improving soil quality and enhancing agricultural productivity through microbial cycling and microalgal cultivation technologies. She has also made significant contributions to the treatment of wastewater using microalgae and optimizing biomass for bioenergy production.

🏆Awards

Wenying Qu has been recognized with various prestigious titles. She was awarded the “Tianchi Talents” honor in Xinjiang and has received recognition from Shihezi University for her research contributions. Additionally, her research has been recognized through numerous patents, including a method for producing carbohydrates using swine wastewater, and her publications have been cited widely in scientific journals.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Long-term mulched drip irrigation enhances cotton yield by improving soil quality, microbial community structure, and N conversion
    Year: 2025
    Authors: W. Li, S. Gao, W. Qu, S. Ho, Z. Wang
    Journal: Agricultural Water Management

  • Title: Revealing real impact of microalgae on seasonal dynamics of bacterial community in a pilot-scale microalgal-bacterial consortium system
    Year: 2025
    Authors: P. Xie, Q. Wang, W. Qu, N. Ren, S.H. Ho
    Journal: Water Research

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenying Qu fully meets and exceeds the core expectations for the Best Researcher Award. Her research has both scientific depth and societal relevance. With continued development of international collaborations and scientific leadership roles, she is not only deserving of this award but is also poised to make even greater contributions to global scientific progress.

Yue Li | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yue Li | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yue Li, Kunming University of Science and Technology, China 

Prof. Yue Li is a faculty member at Kunming University of Science and Technology, China. Her research focuses on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics under sustainable agricultural practices, including straw return, biochar application, and conservation agriculture. She specializes in field experiments, meta-analysis, and data-driven modeling to explore soil-plant-microbe interactions and improve agroecosystem resilience. Prof. Li has published widely in high-impact journals and actively contributes as an editor and reviewer in the fields of soil science and sustainable agriculture.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Prof. Yue Li is a dynamic and impactful researcher whose work advances the understanding of sustainable agriculture, soil biogeochemistry, and ecosystem resilience. Her impressive publication record, global collaborations, and active academic service reflect a commitment to excellence, innovation, and real-world relevance.

🎓 Education

Dr. Yue Li holds a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Agricultural Soil and Water Engineering from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (2016–2023), China. She also pursued part of her Ph.D. studies at Aarhus University in Denmark (2020–2022), focusing on Agroecosystems. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Waterworks from Gansu Agriculture University, completed in 2016.

💼Experience

Dr. Li is currently a Professor in the Faculty of Modern Agricultural Engineering at Kunming University of Science and Technology, a position she has held since November 2023. During her doctoral studies, she conducted extensive research on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics under various agricultural practices, including international collaboration through her visiting Ph.D. at Aarhus University.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Li’s research centers on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in response to diverse agricultural management strategies such as straw return, biochar application, and plastic film mulching. Her work delves into the mechanisms behind greenhouse gas emissions, crop yield stability, and soil health. She has made significant contributions to understanding the microbial and extracellular enzyme processes that mediate nitrogen cycling, especially within conservation agriculture systems like cover cropping, crop rotation, and reduced tillage.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Li is proficient in a wide range of research techniques, including field experiments, meta-analysis, data assimilation, and data-driven modeling. She applies interdisciplinary approaches to evaluate sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to enhance ecosystem resilience, resource efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Her skills extend to scientific communication, having served as a guest editor and editorial board member for multiple academic journals, as well as a reviewer for numerous high-impact publications.

🏆Awards

Dr. Yue Li has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the National Scholarship from the China Scholarship Council and PhD National Scholarships, awarded to only three doctoral candidates per year. These honors reflect her exceptional academic performance and contributions to the field of agricultural engineering.

📚 Publications

Title: Soil extracellular enzymes, soil carbon and nitrogen storage under straw return: A data synthesis
Author: Yue Li
Year: 2025
Journal: Industrial Crops and Products

Title: Different straw return methods have divergent effects on winter wheat yield, yield stability, and soil structural properties
Author: Yue Li
Year: 2024
Journal: Soil and Tillage Research

Title: Ammoniated straw returning: A win-win strategy for increasing crop production and soil carbon sequestration
Author: Yue Li
Year: 2024
Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Title: Crop Conversion from Annual to Perennials: An Effective Strategy to Affect Soil Multifunctionality
Author: Yue Li
Year: 2024
Journal: Agronomy

Title: The role of conservation agriculture practices in mitigating N2O emissions: A meta-analysis
Author: Yue Li
Year: 2023
Journal: Agronomy for Sustainable Development

Title: Effects of reduced tillage with stubble remaining and nitrogen application on soil aggregation, soil organic carbon and grain yield in maize-wheat rotation system
Author: Yue Li
Year: 2023
Journal: European Journal of Agronomy

Title: Ammoniated straw incorporation increases maize grain yield while decreasing net greenhouse gas budget on the Loess Plateau, China
Author: Yue Li
Year: 2023
Journal: Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Title: Ridge planting with transparent plastic mulching improves maize productivity by regulating the distribution and utilization of soil water, heat, and canopy radiation in arid irrigation area
Author: Yue Li
Year: 2023
Journal: Agricultural Water Management

Conclusion:

Prof. Yue Li is highly deserving of the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her scholarly achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to sustainable agricultural development make her a standout candidate. With continued support and recognition, she is poised to lead transformative research in soil and environmental sciences on a global scale.

Huan Zhang | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang, Nanjing Normal University, China

Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang is an Associate Professor at the School of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Geography from Nanjing University and specializes in soil organic matter cycling, carbon sequestration, and land use change impacts. His research integrates multi-omics analysis, machine learning, and stable isotope techniques to investigate soil quality evolution and microbial regulation. With numerous publications in high-impact journals, he has significantly contributed to soil science. He was honored with the “Doctor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation” talent project in Jiangsu Province. His work advances sustainable soil management and ecosystem stability.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang’s research on soil carbon dynamics, microbial interactions, and land use change demonstrates outstanding scientific contributions. His work is methodologically innovative, well-published, and highly relevant to contemporary environmental issues. His interdisciplinary approach, combined with strong technical expertise, makes him a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Huan Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Physical Geography from Nanjing University, a Master’s degree in Soil Science from Nanjing Agricultural University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Resources and Environments from Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in soil science, environmental sustainability, and geographical studies.

💼Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Huan Zhang has previously worked as a Lecturer at the same institution. Before that, he was a Research Assistant at the School of Geography and Marine Sciences, Nanjing University. His professional journey has been dedicated to soil research, with a focus on soil quality evolution and organic matter cycling.

🔬Research Focus

Huan Zhang’s research primarily revolves around the mechanisms driving soil organic matter change. His work involves constructing soil time series to analyze the evolution of soil quality under varying land use intensities, employing machine learning for precise simulation of soil processes, and investigating microscale organic carbon turnover in environments affected by human activities. His studies contribute to understanding soil carbon storage, ecosystem stability, and the broader implications of land use on soil sustainability.

🛠️Skills

Huan Zhang possesses expertise in soil organic matter cycling, land use change impact assessment, and carbon sequestration mechanisms. His technical skills include machine learning applications for soil process modeling, multi-omics analysis for microbial community assessment, and stable isotope techniques for organic carbon studies. He is proficient in quantitative research methodologies and has a deep understanding of soil-microbe interactions.

🏆Awards

He was recognized under the “Doctor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation” talent project in Jiangsu Province in 2018, receiving a grant for his contributions to innovative soil science research.

📚 Publications

Title: Carbon dynamics and pathways in soil density fractions across different land-use types over 3000 years: Insights from 13C natural abundance.
Authors: Xu, M., Jiao, H., Zhang, Y., Zhang, H., & Gao, C.
Year: 2025
Journal: Catena

Title: Stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soil: Impacts of soil development and land use across the catchment scale.
Authors: Su, B., Gao, C., Zhang, H., Zhang, Y., & Jiao, H.
Year: 2025
Journal: Catena

Title: Bacterial and fungal diversity, community composition, functional groups, and co-occurrence network succession in dryland and paddy soils along a 3000-year chronosequence.
Authors: Jiao, H., Xu, M., Ji, J., Zhang, H., & Gao, C.
Year: 2025
Journal: Catena

Conclusion:

 Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang is well-suited for the Best Researcher Award. While further strengthening international collaborations and research leadership roles could enhance his profile, his existing work already makes a significant impact in soil science and environmental research. He is a strong contender for this recognition.

Nafiseh Kakhani | Soil Mapping | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nafiseh Kakhani | Soil Mapping | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nafiseh Kakhani, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany

Dr. Nafiseh Kakhani is a researcher and lecturer at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany, specializing in Earth observation, remote sensing, and machine learning. She holds a PhD in Remote Sensing Engineering from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, where she focused on spectral-spatial classification of high-resolution multispectral images. Her research interests include AI-driven geospatial analysis, explainable machine learning, digital soil mapping, and land cover classification. She has extensive experience in deep learning, computer vision, and statistical modeling for environmental applications. Dr. Kakhani has received prestigious awards, including the Best Poster Award at the 2023 IEEE IADF-GRSS School, and has published widely in her field.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Kakhani is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her innovative contributions to explainable AI applications in soil science. Her interdisciplinary research and ability to integrate AI-driven approaches into environmental studies make her work highly relevant and impactful. She has contributed significantly to understanding soil organic carbon dynamics, a crucial factor in climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture.

🎓 Education

Nafiseh Kakhani holds a PhD in Remote Sensing Engineering from K N Toosi University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, where she specialized in spectral-spatial classification of high-resolution multispectral images using segmentation methods. She completed her MSc in Remote Sensing Engineering from the same university, focusing on integrating neural networks and fuzzy systems to improve classification methods in hyperspectral images. She earned her BSc in Geomatics and Geodesy Engineering from the University of Isfahan, where she developed a statistical classification method for Multi-Beam Echo Sounder data.

💼Experience

She is currently an Earth Observation and Machine Learning Scientist at The LandBanking Group GmbH in Munich, where she applies machine learning techniques to environmental monitoring and land assessment. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Tübingen, where she conducted research in remote sensing and taught courses on deep learning, photogrammetry, and the fundamentals of remote sensing. She has also worked at the Iranian Space Agency, focusing on remote sensing sensor calibration and spectral library preparation. Additionally, she has mentored Master’s students in GIS, remote sensing, and machine learning and has been a guest speaker at international workshops and conferences.

🔬Research Focus

Her research focuses on computer vision for Earth observation, explainable machine learning, deep learning, statistical machine learning, pattern recognition, and Earth system science. She has worked extensively on AI-driven geospatial analysis, digital soil mapping, land cover classification, and the development of deep learning frameworks for remote sensing applications.

🛠️Skills

She is proficient in Python, using libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn, as well as MATLAB and JavaScript for Google Earth Engine applications. She has expertise in geospatial software, including ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE, and Agisoft Metashape. She is experienced in cloud computing platforms such as Google Cloud, AWS, and Tübingen ML Cloud, enabling her to process large-scale remote sensing datasets efficiently.

🏆Awards

She received the Best Poster Award at the 2023 IEEE IADF-GRSS School for her work on SoilNet, a spatio-temporal deep learning framework for digital soil mapping. She was a top-ranked graduate student in both her MSc and BSc programs and was admitted to her MSc without an entrance exam, a privilege reserved for exceptional students in Iran.

📚 Publications

Publication: Towards Explainable AI: Interpreting Soil Organic Carbon Prediction Models Using a Learning-Based Explanation Method

Authors: N. Kakhani, R.T. Mehrjardi, D. Omarzadeh, U. Heiden, T.J. Scholten

Journal: European Journal of Soil Science

Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Dr. Nafiseh Kakhani is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there is always room for further growth, her expertise and achievements in applying AI to soil science place her among the leading researchers in this field.

Bernard Omomoh | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bernard Omomoh | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bernard Omomoh, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria

Bernard Omomoh is a researcher in Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. His work focuses on forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, invasive species management, and ecosystem restoration. With extensive experience in plant taxonomy, herbarium management, and soil seed bank studies, he has contributed to multiple international research collaborations. He has received grants from institutions like Florida International University and IDEA WILD. Bernard is skilled in data analysis, ecological assessments, and forest measurement techniques, making significant contributions to sustainable forest management and conservation in Nigeria.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Bernard Omomoh is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his expertise in forestry, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration. His extensive publication record, international collaborations, and field research experience make him a distinguished researcher in his field.

🎓 Education

Omomoh Bernard Eromosele holds a Higher National Diploma from the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, where he studied the effects of different provenances on Thaumatococcus daniellii. He obtained a Postgraduate Diploma from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, investigating altitudinal influences on plant diversity. His Master of Technology from the same university focused on species diversity and soil seed banks in different land-use types. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, where he studied the impact of invasive species on native plant diversity. Additionally, he completed a certificate in Tropical Botany at Florida International University, gaining expertise in tropical plant taxonomy and laboratory techniques.

💼Experience

Omomoh is a researcher and laboratory technologist in Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His work includes supervising research on tree crop cultivation, nursery practices, and seed technology. He has significant teaching experience in silviculture, forest soil science, and plant taxonomy. Previously, he worked as a field and laboratory assistant at Obafemi Awolowo University, gaining expertise in plant identification and herbarium management. He also completed an internship at the University of Ibadan Botanical Garden. As a research assistant at the Centre for Research and Development, he has contributed to field experiments, plant identification, and grant-funded research.

🔬Research Focus

Omomoh’s research covers forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, invasive species management, soil seed banks, and ecosystem restoration. His work examines how land-use changes impact plant diversity and regeneration potential. He collaborates internationally on plant systematics, species adaptation, and conservation strategies, particularly in Nigeria’s forest ecosystems.

🛠️Skills

Omomoh is proficient in data science and statistical analysis, using R, ANOVA, regression, and data visualization tools like ggplot, Prism, and Origin. He has expertise in plant identification, forest measurement, and herbarium management. His technical skills include operating tree measurement instruments such as altimeters, clinometers, and GPS devices.

🏆Awards

He has received multiple research grants, including a $4,000 scholarship from Florida International University for tropical botany studies and a $1,500 IDEA WILD grant for research equipment. He was also awarded funding from Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture for conservation projects.

Publications

  • Soil seed bank dynamics of two invasive alien plants in Nigeria: Implications for ecosystem restoration. AoB PLANTS.
  • Authors: Akomolafe, G. F., Rusly, R. R., & Omomoh, B. E.
  • Year: 2024

Conclusion:

 Mr. Bernard Omomoh is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant research contributions in forestry, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration. His innovative studies on invasive species, extensive publication record, and international collaborations highlight his impact in the field. Additionally, his expertise in species diversity, soil seed banks, and ecological restoration further strengthens his candidacy. While his work is already influential, enhancing policy engagement and public outreach could further amplify his research impact and visibility.