Shalaw Sedeeq | Soil Physics | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Shalaw Sedeeq | Soil Physics | Research Excellence Award

Koya University | Iraq

Shalaw Zrar Sedeeq has made notable research contributions in the field of nuclear radiation and natural radioactivity measurement with applications to soil and environmental systems. His work advances the understanding of radioactive behavior in soils, environmental exposure assessment, and radiation safety, supporting improved environmental monitoring and public health protection. Through the use of advanced radiation detection instruments and analytical methodologies, his research emphasizes precision, data reliability, and scientific rigor in radioactivity measurements. His scholarly output consists of 6 peer-reviewed research documents, which have accumulated 21 citations from 19 citing documents, demonstrating growing recognition within the research community. An h-index of 3 reflects both research productivity and emerging scientific impact. In addition, he has been involved in 13 completed and ongoing research projects, highlighting sustained engagement and interdisciplinary research activity. His collaborative efforts with multiple research partners have strengthened methodological approaches and expanded the applicability of findings to soil, environmental, and radiation science domains. Overall, the research contributions of Shalaw Zrar Sedeeq support advancements in environmental radiation assessment, contribute to sustainable soil management, and align strongly with the objectives of research excellence in soil and environmental sciences.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

30
20
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Citations
21

Documents
6

h-index
3

Citations

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On Transfer Factors of Natural Radionuclides and Radiological Health Risks Assessment of Some Fruit Samples
– 2024 | Journal Article

Assessment of Radiological Hazards Due to Ingestion of Natural Radionuclides in Cooking Oil Samples
– 2023 | Journal Article

Design and Study of a Nanocavity-Based One-Dimensional Photonic Crystal for Potential Applications in Refractive Index Sensing
– 2023 | Journal Article

Estimation of Minor and Trace Elements Concentration and Investigation of Chemical Composition of Kidney Stones in Kurdistan Region
– 2023 | Journal Article

Toxic Metals in Some Decorative Cosmetics and Nail Products
– 2022 | Journal Article

Salma Fatnassi | Soil | Soil Health Advocate Award

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Dr. Salma Fatnassi | Soil | Soil Health Advocate Award

National Institute of Research in Rural Eaux and Forets | Tunisia

Salma Fatnassi is a researcher in soil science and environmental geochemistry whose work focuses on understanding the behavior of micronutrients and trace metals in agricultural systems irrigated with treated wastewater, generating important knowledge on soil–water–plant interactions and contaminant mobility. Her research involves designing and managing collaborative studies that assess soil contamination risks, nutrient cycling, and the environmental sustainability of wastewater reuse in agriculture. She is skilled in soil and water sampling, geochemical laboratory techniques, environmental monitoring, and the application of statistical and spatial tools for interpreting complex environmental datasets. With strong expertise in data analysis using R, Excel, ArcGIS, and SPSS, she evaluates metal bioavailability, transport pathways, and ecological impacts with high analytical rigor. Her scientific contributions include 4 published documents, 24 citations, and an h-index of 3, reflecting her growing influence in the field. Salma Fatnassi has also strengthened her methodological foundation through training in bibliographic research, pedagogy, statistical analysis, and innovative water treatment technologies, enabling her to support interdisciplinary and international research collaborations. Overall, her work advances sustainable soil and water management, improves understanding of trace element dynamics, and supports evidence-based environmental protection strategies in agricultural ecosystems.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Fatnassi, S., Hörmann, G., Fohrer, N., Navarro-Pedreño, J., & Hachicha, M. (2025). Boron in soil, drainage water and groundwater in long-term irrigated area by treated wastewater in Northeast Tunisia. Soil Systems.

Yanling Li | Soil | Interdisciplinary Soil Research Award

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Dr. Yanling Li | Soil | Interdisciplinary Soil Research Award

Shandong Agricultural University | China 

Dr. Yanling Li is a distinguished scholar whose work integrates agricultural remote sensing, ecological monitoring, and soil–plant–atmosphere interactions to advance sustainable land management. Her research focuses on refining multi-source remote sensing techniques to monitor crop growth, evaluate vegetation dynamics, and assess soil nutrient patterns across diverse landscapes. She has contributed substantially to understanding how soil carbon–nitrogen cycling, land-use changes, and climatic variability influence agricultural productivity and ecological stability. Through innovative analytical frameworks, she has improved the accuracy of yield estimation models and enhanced methods for decoupling natural and human-driven ecological signals. Her work also includes designing practical remote sensing tools and developing teaching innovations that strengthen education in photogrammetry and digital mapping. Dr. Li’s research has supported decision-making in precision agriculture, soil health assessment, and climate-adaptive farming strategies. She collaborates widely across academic, governmental, and industry platforms to translate scientific insights into field-ready applications, ensuring her research benefits both environmental conservation and agricultural development. Her contributions continue to shape modern approaches to remote sensing–based ecological assessment, reflecting a commitment to advancing soil science, sustainable agriculture, and data-driven ecosystem management.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Wang, X., Li, Y., Fang, S., Dong, C., & Sun, L. (2025). Decoupling anthropogenic and climate impacts on vegetation dynamics in China’s Huaihe River Basin using geodetector. Scientific Reports.

Wang, X., Fang, S., Li, Y., Dong, C., & Sun, L. (2024). Spatiotemporal variability of vegetation NDVI in the Huaihe River Basin, China: Driving force analysis and ecological implications. Preprints.

Lu, Q. Y., Li, Y. L., Yang, Y. T., & Liu, F. J. (2023). Winter wheat identification and area extraction based on hyperspectral/multispectral image fusion. In Proceedings of the 2023 11th International Conference on Agro-Geoinformatics (Agro-Geoinformatics).

Sun, J., & Li, Y.-L. (2022). Remote sensing monitoring of afforestation and its interaction with climate in Saihanba Mechanical Forest Farm in recent 45 years. In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Computer Science and Application Engineering.

Gaesenngwe Gaesenngwe | Soil Morphology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Gaesenngwe Gaesenngwe | Soil Morphology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gaesenngwe Gaesenngwe | Botswana International University of Science and Technology | Botswana

Gaesenngwe has established himself as a dedicated researcher in chemical, materials, and metallurgical engineering, focusing on innovation, optimization, and sustainable industrial development. His work integrates advanced computer-aided process engineering and artificial intelligence techniques to improve process efficiency and product design. His research areas encompass coal structure evaluation and its industrial applications, comparative analysis of the comminution behavior of diorite rocks, and the assessment of efficiency in ore size reduction plants. With three published documents, five citations, and an h-index of 2, he has demonstrated growing recognition and influence in his field. His studies exhibit strong analytical depth, applying tools such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and nanotechnology concepts to enhance material properties and manufacturing performance. Through his innovative research, he continues to address key challenges in the chemical and metallurgical sectors, contributing to the development of sustainable, high-performance industrial materials and processes. His commitment to research excellence and technological advancement reflects a clear vision toward improving energy efficiency, resource utilization, and industrial productivity through scientific innovation and practical engineering solutions.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Gaesenngwe, G., Mamvura, T., Danha, G., & Sibanda, V. (2021). A comparative study on the comminution behavior of diorite rocks. Heliyon.

Shahid Hussain | Soil Quality | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shahid Hussain | Soil Quality | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shahid Hussain | Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology| Pakistan 

Shahid Hussain, Ph.D., is a prolific researcher in finance and behavioral economics with a strong focus on investment decision-making, financial inclusion, green finance, and sustainable economic practices. His research portfolio spans topics such as behavioral biases in investment, digital financial literacy, fintech adoption, gender diversity in financial decisions, and corporate social responsibility, contributing empirical insights from both developing and developed economies. With 69 documents published across high-impact journals including SSCI- and Scopus-indexed outlets, his work has garnered 69 citations, reflecting significant academic influence. Shahid has explored the intersections of technology, sustainability, and finance, investigating how artificial intelligence, green product innovation, and digital financial tools shape organizational and individual financial behavior. His research also delves into monetary policy impacts, risk tolerance, and the role of religiosity and investor sentiment in shaping financial well-being. He has applied advanced quantitative and mixed-methods approaches using tools such as SmartPLS, SPSS, Stata, and EViews, ensuring methodological rigor. Shahid’s contributions have practical implications for banking, microfinance, and policy frameworks, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive growth. With an h-index reflecting his scholarly impact, his work continues to advance knowledge in behavioral finance, financial technology, and sustainable economic strategies, bridging theoretical inquiry with actionable insights for academia, industry, and policy development.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Aziz, A., & Hussain, S. (2025). Eco-leadership: Mediation of environmental corporate social responsibility policies in promoting pro-environmental behavior. International Journal of Ethics and Systems.

  • Hussain, S., & Abdel-Razzaq, A. I. M. (2025). Sun-powered solutions: Rural residential solar investment for climate and air quality policies. Sustainable Futures, 12, 101435.

  • Hussain, S., & Rehman, K. U. (2025, October 23). Green talent management and innovative work practices: The moderating role of artificial intelligence and transactional leadership: A case study in higher education. SN Business & Economics.

Shakil Ahmad Zeb | Soil Ecology | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Shakil Ahmad Zeb | Soil Ecology | Best Scholar Award

Quaid-i-Azam University | Pakistan 

Shakil Ahmad Zeb is an emerging researcher in the field of plant sciences, with a strong academic foundation from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and growing scholarly contributions. He has authored 6 research documents, which have collectively received 40 citations by 39 different documents, reflecting the early but promising impact of his work. His research productivity has earned him an h-index of 3, indicating that at least three of his publications have each been cited three or more times. His publications span areas such as phytogeographic classification, riparian vegetation, ecological assessments, angiosperm distribution, ethnobotany, and conservation biology. The diversity of his research—ranging from floristic inventories and bio-cultural diversity to the ecological role of national parks in carbon sequestration—highlights his commitment to both applied and fundamental aspects of ecology and biodiversity. With contributions in high-impact journals and international conferences, he has demonstrated the ability to integrate fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and advanced statistical tools to address pressing ecological challenges. Although still in the early stages of his career, his citation profile and academic trajectory suggest significant potential for advancing research in plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, and environmental sustainability.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

“Mushrooms as a Source of Better Food and Health in Northern Pakistan”

Rajkumar Manickam | Soil Biology | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

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Dr. Rajkumar Manickam | Soil Biology | Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award

Rajkumar Manickam | Karpagam Academy of Higher Education | India

Dr. Rajkumar Manickam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, India. His research spans nanotechnology, molecular biology, and biomedical applications, with a focus on the green synthesis and characterization of biopolymer-based nanocomposite biomaterials for therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases. He has expertise in advanced material characterization, in vitro and in vivo experimental models, and in silico molecular docking studies. Dr. Rajkumar has earned multiple research awards and recognition for his contributions to functional materials and biomedical science.

Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Rajkumar’s eco-friendly nanomaterial research holds significant potential for soil biodiversity conservation through reduction of harmful agrochemicals and development of biocompatible soil amendments. His interdisciplinary background positions him well to bridge the gap between material science and soil ecology. With strategic alignment of his work toward soil microbial conservation and ecosystem restoration, his contributions could have a meaningful impact on sustainable agriculture and soil health.

Education

Dr. Manickam Rajkumar holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology from Periyar University, along with an M.Phil., M.Sc., and B.Sc. in Zoology. He has completed his Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Chemistry at SSN College of Engineering, Anna University, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Tamil Nadu, India.

Experience

His expertise spans nanotechnology, molecular biology, in vivo experimentation, and biomedical applications. In nanotechnology, his work focuses on synthesizing nanocomposite biomaterials from organic and inorganic compounds and studying their properties using advanced characterization techniques including UV-visible spectrophotometry, FT-IR, XRD, FE-SEM-EDX, and HR-TEM, alongside physical property assessments such as swelling behavior and in vitro drug release studies. His molecular biology research encompasses in vitro, in vivo, and in silico investigations, emphasizing cell culturing, drug treatment, cell viability assays, MTT analysis, western blotting, SDS-PAGE, AGE, and fluorescent microscopy for cell apoptosis, ROS detection, and mitochondrial staining. His in vivo experimental experience includes animal handling, behavioral assessments using Morris water maze, passive avoidance, and Y-maze tests, as well as biochemical and histopathological analyses. In biomedical applications, he has explored antibacterial, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and wound-healing activities.

Research Focus

His primary research focus lies in the green synthesis and characterization of biopolymer-based nanocomposite biomaterials with therapeutic applications for neurodegenerative diseases. His work integrates in vitro studies on neuroblastoma cell lines, in vivo validation in animal models, and in silico molecular docking studies to investigate protein interactions, aiming to attenuate amyloid-beta aggregation, reduce neurotoxicity, and combat oxidative stress.

Skills

He possesses strong skills in nanocomposite biomaterials synthesis, advanced material characterization, cell culture techniques, molecular biology assays, animal handling and behavioral testing, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, and the design and execution of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico experiments. He is also proficient in assessing a wide range of biomedical activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Awards

He has been honored with the University Research Fellowship from Periyar University and has received multiple recognition awards, including the Best Oral Presentation Award at the DST-SERB Sponsored Third International Conference on Functional Materials for NextGen Applications, the Best Poster Presentation Award at the International Conference on Nano Structured Materials and Nanocomposites, and the Best Oral Presentation Award at the International Conference on Multifunctional Advanced Materials.

Publications

Title: Eco-friendly synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Caralluma adscendens stem extract: Characterization, antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects of breast cancer cells
Authors: Chinnasamy Ragavendran, Chinnaperumal Kamaraj, Mir Waqas Alam, Manickam Rajkumar
Year: 2025
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Communications

Title: Unrevealing biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Laggera alata leaf extract: Evaluation of antioxidant, anticholinergic, and anti-diabetic properties
Authors: Periyasamy Visvanathan, Dharmalingam Kirubakaran, Manickam Rajkumar, Alagarsamy Shanmugarathinam, Magudeeswaran Sivanandam
Year: 2025
Journal: Biomedical Materials & Devices

Title: Magnetic nanoparticles of Fe₃O₄ biosynthesis using Anacardium occidentale fruit extract: Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-cholinesterase and cytotoxic activities
Authors: Manickam Rajkumar, S.I. Davis Presley, M. Yasmin Begum, Ali Alamri, Adel Al Fatease, Prabha Govindaraj, Krishnan Meenambigai, Chinnasamy Ragavendran
Year: 2025
Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Communications

Title: Biosynthesis of cerium oxide nanoparticles using Alternanthera sessilis leaf extract and evaluation of their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and cytotoxic activities
Authors: Manickam Rajkumar, S.I. Davis Presley, Prabha Govindaraj, Krishnan Meenambigai, Thandapani Gomathi, Musab Mohammad Al-Essa, Farid Menaa
Year: 2025
Journal: Biomedical Materials & Devices

Title: Analyze and assess the spectral, DFT, and medicinal characteristics through targeted pharmacological investigation of 2-(3-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)furan-2-yl)acryloyl)-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one (CHFADN)
Authors: J. Irshad Ahamed, S.I. Davis Presley, Jothi Ramalingam Rajabathar, V.O. Sangeetha, Venkatadri Babu, Manickam Rajkumar, Manjunath S. Kamath
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure

Title: A comprehensive review on the green synthesis of nanoparticles: Advancements in biomedical and environmental applications
Authors: Dharmalingam Kirubakaran, Jamith Basha Abdul Wahid, Natchimuthu Karmegam, Ravisankar Jeevika, Latha Sellapillai, Manickam Rajkumar, K.J. SenthilKumar
Year: 2025
Journal: Biomedical Materials & Devices

Conclusion:

Dr. Rajkumar Manickam is a promising candidate for the Soil Biodiversity Conservation Award, particularly for his commitment to green synthesis and plant-based nanotechnological innovations. While further direct application to soil biodiversity restoration would strengthen his candidacy, his scientific excellence, eco-friendly methodologies, and global research visibility make him a strong contender who could significantly contribute to sustainable soil management and biodiversity preservation.

Latifah Al Shammari | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Latifah Al Shammari | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Latifah AI Shammari | University of Hafr Al Batin | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Latifah Ajaj Al Shammari is an Assistant Professor at the University of Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia. She holds a PhD in Pharmacognosy and Nutraceuticals from Charles University, Czech Republic, and Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences from King Saud University. Her research focuses on natural products, phytochemistry, and their therapeutic applications, with numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. A registered Consultant Pharmacist, she has held various roles in clinical pharmacy, education, and public health outreach. Dr. Al Shammari is recognized for her contributions to pharmaceutical sciences through research awards and active participation in international scientific forums.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary:

Dr. Latifah Al Shammari is a high-performing early-to-mid career researcher with a solid track record in natural product-based pharmaceutical research. Her focused work on plant-based therapeutics is timely and relevant, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance and neurodegenerative diseases. Her publication output, citations, collaborations, and societal contributions all reinforce her standing as a research leader in her domain.

Education

Dr. Latifah Ajaj Al Shammari earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the College of Pharmacy at King Saud University in Saudi Arabia. She continued her academic journey at the same institution to complete a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialization in Pharmacognosy. Furthering her expertise, she obtained a PhD in Pharmacognosy and Nutraceuticals from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Charles University in the Czech Republic

Experience

Dr. Al Shammari currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Hafr Al Batin. Her professional journey includes working as a Consultant Pharmacist in the Patient Counseling Clinic at Khafji General Hospital and as a Supervisor for Pharmacy Services at the same institution. She has also contributed as an educator and trainer for new medical staff under the Continuous Medical Education Department and served as a Medication Safety Officer and media representative for the Pharmaceutical Care Department. She actively engages in community service through World Health Day initiatives and holds committee positions including Academic Committee, Examination Committee, Quality Assurance Committee, and many more within her university

Research Focus

Dr. Al Shammari’s research is centered on pharmacognosy and nutraceuticals. Her work includes the phytochemical investigation of medicinal plants the isolation and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds and the evaluation of their antimicrobial antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. She has contributed extensively to the field with over thirteen publications in indexed journals and has participated in multiple international and local conferences. Her ongoing research explores natural products for potential therapeutic applications including Alzheimer’s disease treatment and cancer prevention

Skills

Dr. Al Shammari possesses strong computer proficiency with Microsoft Word Excel and PowerPoint and is fluent in English. She is highly skilled in the application of various chromatographic techniques used in pharmaceutical analysis and natural product research

Awards

She has received several Certificates of Thanks and Appreciation from institutions such as King Saud University and the General Administration of Pharmaceutical Care for her efforts in activating World Health Days and patient counseling services. Her research has been recognized with an award from the Second Riyadh Health Cluster. She has been a recipient of research grants from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the University of Hafr Al Batin

Publications

  • Title: Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil and lipid content of Carduus pycnocephalus L. growing in Saudi Arabia
    Authors: L.A. Al-Shammari, W.H.B. Hassan, H.M. Al-Youssef
    Year: 2012
    Journal: Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research

  • Title: Alkaloid profiling of Hippeastrum cultivars by GC-MS, isolation of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids and evaluation of their cytotoxicity
    Authors: L. Al Shammari, A. Al Mamun, D. Koutová, M. Majorošová, D. Hulcová, et al.
    Year: 2020
    Journal: Records of Natural Products

  • Title: Phytochemical and biological studies of Carduus pycnocephalus L.
    Authors: L.A. Al-Shammari, W.H.B. Hassan, H.M. Al-Youssef
    Year: 2015
    Journal: Journal of Saudi Chemical Society

  • Title: Amaryllidaceae alkaloids from Hippeastrum × hybridum cv. Ferrari, and preparation of vittatine derivatives as potential ligands for Alzheimer’s disease
    Authors: L. Al Shammari, D. Hulcová, J. Maříková, T. Kučera, M. Šafratová, et al.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: South African Journal of Botany

  • Title: Structure elucidation and cholinesterase inhibition activity of two new minor Amaryllidaceae alkaloids
    Authors: J. Maříková, A.A. Mamun, L.A. Shammari, J. Korábečný, T. Kučera, D. Hulcová, et al.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Molecules

  • Title: New pentacyclic triterpene ester and flavone glycoside from the biologically active extract of Carduus pycnocephalus L.
    Authors: W.H.B. Hassan, H.M. Al-Youssef, L.A. Shammari, R.H. Abdallah
    Year: 2015
    Journal: Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy

Conclusion:

Dr. Latifah Ajaj Al Shammari is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her demonstrated scientific rigor, impactful research, commitment to healthcare education, and active scholarly engagement align well with the core objectives of this award. With greater international visibility and future innovation-driven outputs, she has the potential to become a globally recognized authority in pharmacognosy and nutraceutical science.

Workina Geleta | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Workina Geleta | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Working Geleta, Wollega university, Ethiopia

Mr. Workina Geleta is a Ph.D. candidate in Soil Science at Wollega University, Shambu Campus, Ethiopia. He holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Physics from Haramaya University and a B.Sc. in Applied Physics from Addis Ababa University. His research focuses on land use and land cover dynamics and their effects on soil physicochemical and hydraulic properties, particularly in the Arjo-Dhidhessa region of Western Ethiopia. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and actively contributes to soil and water conservation research. Mr. Geleta is fluent in English, Afaan Oromo, and Amharic.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Mr. Workina Geleta is a committed and capable researcher whose work is centered on soil science with tangible implications for environmental sustainability and land management. He meets the core eligibility and evaluation criteria for the Best Researcher Award, including academic merit, publication record, and relevance of research. His trajectory shows promising growth in the field.

🎓 Education

Workina Geleta Likkasa is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Soil Science at Wollega University, Shambu Campus, Ethiopia, since 2021. He holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Physics from Haramaya University, completed between 2013 and 2015. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics from Addis Ababa University, where he studied from 2008 to 2010.

💼Experience

Workina Geleta is affiliated with the Department of Soil Resource and Watershed Management at Wollega University, Shambu Campus. He has been involved in both academic teaching and field research. His professional experience includes advanced research on soil properties, land use, and environmental physics, contributing to soil and water conservation practices.

🔬Research Focus

His current doctoral research focuses on the dynamics of land use and land cover and their effects on soil physicochemical and hydraulic properties at Arjo-Dhidhessa Sugar Estate in Western Ethiopia. His Master’s thesis evaluated the physical water quality of ground and tap water in Guduru Woreda, Western Ethiopia. He has also presented a seminar on organic carbon stock and soil quality in Ethiopia.

🛠️Skills

He has completed additional short-term training in computer and data management in Ethiopia and a 60-hour course in Experimental Statistics (SAS) at Jimma University between May and June 2015. He is fluent in English, Afaan Oromo, and Amharic, with strong skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing across all three languages.

🏆Awards

His active engagement in research publication, ongoing doctoral studies, and participation in professional seminars highlight his academic commitment and recognition in the field of soil science and environmental research.

📚 Publications


Title: Investigating the Effects of Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Factory on Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics: A Case of Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Estate, East Wallaga, Oromia, Western, Ethiopia
Author: Workina Geleta
Year: 2025
Journal: Applied and Environmental Soil Science


Title: Exploring the Influence of Land Use Types on Soil Properties at Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Estate, Western Ethiopia
Author: Workina Geleta
Year: 2024
Journal: Applied and Environmental Soil Science

Conclusion:

Mr. Workina Geleta is suitable for nomination for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His strengths in applied soil science research, academic progression, and publication record make him a strong candidate. To further strengthen his case in the future, expanding his research collaborations, documenting community impact, and pursuing recognition from professional bodies is recommended.

Zhihua Qiao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a researcher at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China, specializing in environmental toxicology and pollutant risk assessment. His work focuses on the ecological effects and interaction mechanisms of emerging contaminants, including brominated flame retardants and pesticides, in soil-plant-animal systems. With a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology, Dr. Qiao has published extensively in top-tier SCI journals and has led and contributed to numerous national research projects. His research integrates multi-omics technologies and advanced analytical techniques to understand the bioaccumulation, toxicity, and environmental fate of pollutants.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a rising research leader in environmental toxicology and ecotoxicological risk assessment. His work on brominated flame retardants, microplastics, heavy metals, and their interaction with soil organisms and plants is both highly relevant and methodologically advanced. His multidisciplinary approach and contributions to top journals signal strong potential for international leadership in his field.

🎓 Education

Zhihua Qiao began his academic journey at Shandong Agricultural University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Engineering (Pesticides) from 2014 to 2021, achieving an undergraduate GPA of 3.42/4. He then pursued a Master’s and currently a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering at East China University of Science and Technology (a national 211 project university), starting in 2021. His doctoral studies are supervised by Professor Zhang Wei and Associate Professor Jiang Xingyin. His academic coursework has included subjects such as Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Plant Physiology, Microbiology, and Environmental Toxicology.

💼Experience

Zhihua Qiao has extensive experience in environmental toxicology and pollutant risk assessment, particularly focusing on new brominated flame retardants and pesticides. He has served as the main researcher in national and provincial-level projects under the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key R&D Program. His work includes investigating the bioaccumulation, metabolism, and toxic effects of compounds like decabromodiphenylethane and cadmium in complex systems involving earthworms, plants, and aquatic organisms. He has also studied co-exposure effects, soil and rhizosphere microbial responses, and developed insights into pollutant interaction mechanisms using multi-omics technologies.

🔬Research Focus

His research centers on environmental risk assessment and pollution control of emerging contaminants. He specializes in understanding the toxicity mechanisms of brominated flame retardants, pesticides, and heavy metals through integrated approaches involving transcriptomics, metabolomics, and microbial ecology. His studies span soil-plant-animal systems and emphasize pollutant interactions, oxidative stress, detoxification, and ecological impact, especially in earthworms, lettuce, rice, and zebrafish models.

🛠️Skills

Zhihua Qiao is proficient in advanced research techniques including transcriptomics, metabolomics, 16S rDNA sequencing, XPS, and XRD. He is skilled in operating large-scale analytical instruments such as GC-MS, LC-MS, atomic fluorescence analyzers, flow cytometers, and qPCR machines. With strong English proficiency (CET-6 certified), he is capable of independently writing and translating scientific papers. His capabilities also extend to data processing, experimental design, and collaborative scientific writing.

🏆Awards

Zhihua Qiao has earned numerous awards for his academic excellence and research contributions. These include the National Scholarship for Master’s Students (2019), Outstanding Graduate and Outstanding Master’s Thesis of Shandong Province (2021–2022), Yu Zunhong Scholarship (2023), Green Seedling Program Scholarship of the Beijing Green Future Environment Foundation (2023), and several first-class academic scholarships for both master’s and doctoral studies. He also received the Second Prize at Zhejiang University’s Doctoral Forum on Soil Health and Sustainable Agriculture and the First Prize at the Graduate Academic Forum of East China University of Science and Technology.

📚 Publications

  • Effects of Decabromodiphenyl Ethane and Cadmium Coexposure on Their Bioaccumulation, Oxidative Stress, Root Metabolism, and Rhizosphere Soil Microorganisms in a Soil-Rice System
    2024
    Qiao, Zhihua; Fu, Mengru; Liang, Weiyu; Zhang, Wei; Zhan, Xiuping
    Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

  • Effect of Biodegradable Microplastics and Cd Co-pollution on Cd Bioavailability and Plastisphere in Soil-Plant System
    2024
    Shao, Xuechun; Liang, Weiyu; Gong, Kailin; Shen, Genxiang; Peng, Cheng
    Chemosphere

  • Microbial Metabolism in Wormcast Affected the Perturbation on Soil Organic Matter by Microplastics under Decabromodiphenyl Ethane Stress
    2025
    Han, Yanna; Fu, Mengru; Yang, Yuhe; Peng, Cheng; Zhang, Wei
    Journal of Hazardous Materials

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhihua Qiao is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His demonstrated commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary environmental research, combined with academic excellence and technical strength, make him a compelling nominee. With continued progression toward independent project leadership and broader global collaborations, his trajectory aligns well with the expectations of this prestigious award.