ARUN KUMAR | Soil erosion | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

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Dr. ARUN KUMAR | Soil erosion | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

Dr. ARUN KUMAR, Indira Gandhi National Open University, India

Dr. Arun Kumar is a dedicated geologist and researcher who earned his PhD in Geology from Indira Gandhi National Open University, India, in 2023. With extensive expertise in geomorphology, glaciology, and watershed management, he has contributed significantly to environmental research in the Himalayan region. As an Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty) at Himachal Pradesh University Regional Center, Dharamshala, since 2018, Dr. Kumar has mentored students, advanced curriculum development, and fostered student engagement. His prolific research, published in reputed journals, focuses on soil erosion, glacial dynamics, and land-use changes, addressing critical ecological and geological challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Arun Kumar is a dedicated researcher whose work on soil erosion, land use change, and watershed management aligns closely with the goals of the Research for Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award. His innovative and interdisciplinary approaches have resulted in significant academic contributions, especially in ecologically fragile Himalayan regions. However, scaling up the application of his findings and expanding his geographical and outreach efforts could further strengthen his case.

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Arun Kumar completed his PhD in Geology from Indira Gandhi National Open University in 2023. He earned his Master of Science in Geology from Himachal Pradesh University in 2015, laying a strong academic foundation for his career in geosciences.

 

đź’ĽExperience

Dr. Kumar has been serving as an Assistant Professor in Geology (Guest Faculty) at Himachal Pradesh University Regional Center, Dharamshala, since 2018. In this role, he has actively mentored students, communicated internship and employment opportunities, and evaluated academic progress. He has also applied innovative teaching methods, contributed to campus activities, and supported struggling students through personalized guidance. Between 2016 and 2018, Dr. Kumar worked as a Junior Research Fellow on an ISRO-sponsored project focused on Lunar Geomorphology at Govt. PG College Dharamshala. During this period, he collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, utilized GIS software for data analysis, and conducted impactful scientific research.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Kumar’s research interests span geomorphology, soil erosion, watershed management, and glaciology. His work integrates GIS-based methodologies and morphometric analyses to address pressing environmental challenges in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions. His studies focus on soil erosion susceptibility, land use/land cover changes, and glacial lake dynamics, offering insights into sustainable management of natural resources.

 

Achievements

Dr. Kumar has co-authored several publications in renowned journals, including studies on soil erosion, watershed prioritization, and glacial dynamics in the Himalayan region. His research has contributed significantly to the understanding of geomorphological processes and their implications for environmental sustainability. Notable works include analyses of the Dehar watershed and glacial lake dynamics in Kishtwar National Park.

Skills

Dr. Kumar is proficient in advanced research techniques, student-centered learning, and fostering student engagement. His ability to collaborate effectively with peers and contribute to academic outcomes reflects his dedication to education. Alongside his professional skills, he is fluent in English and Spanish, enhancing his ability to connect with a diverse audience.

Publications

  • Multi-parametrical analysis of Haptal glacier, lower Chenab basin, Jammu and Kashmir, India: A remote sensing approach
    • Authors: Rai, S.K., Dhar, S., Kour, G., Mehta, P., Kumar, D.
    • Journal: Journal of Earth System Science
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Two Decades of Glacier and Glacial Lake Change in the Dhauladhar Mountain Range, Himachal Himalayas, India (2000–2020)
    • Authors: Rai, S.K., Dhar, S., Sahu, R., Kumar, A.
    • Journal: Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Four decades of Glacier and Glacial Lake dynamics in Kishtwar high altitude National Park, Chenab Basin, Jammu and Kashmir, India
    • Authors: Rai, S.K., Sahu, R., Dhar, S., Kumar, A.
    • Journal: Modeling Earth Systems and Environment
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 4

 

  • Rapid expansion of proglacial lake and deglaciation of host glacier in Kishtwar Himalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, India, from 1993 to 2020
    • Authors: Rai, S.K., Sahu, R., Dhar, S., Tripathi, N., Kumar, A.
    • Journal: Himalayan Geology
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Land use/land cover change and its implication on soil erosion in an ecologically sensitive Himachal Himalayan watershed, Northern India
    • Authors: Prashanth, M., Kumar, A., Dhar, S., Rai, S.K., Kouser, B.
    • Journal: Frontiers in Forests and Global Change
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 14

 

  • Decomposition of continuous soil–gas radon time series data observed at Dharamshala region of NW Himalayas, India for seismic studies
    • Authors: Dhar, S., Randhawa, S.S., Kumar, A., Bharti, H., Kumar, A.
    • Journal: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 12

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Arun Kumar is a strong candidate for the Research for Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award. His expertise, innovative research, and commitment to soil ecosystem preservation make him deserving of this recognition. By addressing areas for improvement, he can further enhance the impact and reach of his work, cementing his role as a leader in this critical field.

Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN | Soil Conservation | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mr. Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN | Soil Conservation | Young Scientist Award

 Mr. Awouminassi Marcellin ATAKOUN ,West African Sciences Services Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL), Benin

Awouminassi Marcellin Atakoun is a dedicated PhD candidate at the West African Sciences Services Center on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) in Benin. With a strong academic background in soil, water, and environmental sciences, his research focuses on sustainable agricultural systems, agroecological transitions, and greenhouse gas mitigation. A recipient of prestigious awards, including the CLIFF-GRADS and IPCC scholarships, Marcellin contributes significantly to advancing climate-smart agricultural practices in West Africa.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Marcellin Atakoun is a highly promising researcher with a strong foundation in environmental sciences and a focus on addressing climate change challenges through sustainable agricultural practices. His receipt of internationally recognized scholarships underscores his potential and contribution to the field.

 

🎓 Education

Marcellin is a PhD candidate in Climate Change and Land Use at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. He holds a Master’s degree in Soil-Water-Environment and Modeling and a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Production Sciences from the University of Parakou, Benin. His educational foundation includes a high diploma in Biology and Geology.

 

đź’ĽExperience

Awouminassi Marcellin Atakoun has diverse professional experiences spanning research, teaching, and project management in climate action and sustainable agriculture. He served as a United Nations Volunteer in Benin, contributing to the prevention of violent extremism. His research assistantships include working on biochar studies under the ProSol Project with GIZ, and at the Permanent Experimentation Center for soil and water conservation. Additionally, he has held roles in crop production management and scientific communication.

 

🔬Research Focus

His research is centered on sustainable agricultural systems, including agroecological transitions, soil and water conservation, greenhouse gas mitigation in cropping systems, and the modeling of production systems for sustainability.

 

Awards

Marcellin has received several prestigious awards, including the CLIFF-GRADS Scholarship for research in soil nitrogen fluxes, the IPCC Scholarship for climate change research, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship. He also holds a WASCAL PhD scholarship in Climate Change and Land Use and earned accolades for academic excellence in his Master’s program.

 

Skills

He is proficient in various software tools, including R Commander, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS, and Python, among others. His expertise encompasses modeling, climate data analysis, and agroecological tools like DSSAT and QGIS.

 

Publications

  • Publication: GENDER ROLE IN FOOD RIGHTS AND SOVEREIGNTY IN WEST AFRICA: A RAPID REVIEW
    Authors: Addo, P., Djekic-Ivankovic, M., Abdu, A., NaĂŻm, S., Marquis, G.S.
    Citation: African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 2024, 24(10), pp. 24725–24773.

 

  • Publication: Evaluation of cover crop contributions to conservation agriculture in northern Benin
    Authors: Atakoun, A.M., Tovihoudji, P.G., Diogo, R.V.C., Hougni, A., Tittonell, P.
    Citation: Field Crops Research, 2023, 303, 109118.

 

Conclusion:

Marcellin’s contributions, particularly in advancing climate-smart agricultural practices in West Africa, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, enhancing his research profile through additional high-impact publications, broader collaborations, and leadership roles will further solidify his position as an influential figure in his field.