Jiao Wang | Soil Remediation | Best Researcher Award

Published on 12/07/2025 by Soil Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiao Wang | Soil Remediation | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiao Wang, Shanxi University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiao Wang is a faculty member at the Environment and Resources College, Shanxi University, China. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of Science and Technology of China, with joint training at Western Kentucky University. Her research focuses on environmental nanomaterials, solid waste management, and the geochemical behavior of trace elements. With over 15 SCI-indexed publications, five patents, and leadership in national and provincial research projects, Dr. Wang contributes significantly to sustainable environmental solutions and the advancement of pollution control technologies.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Jiao Wang has established a well-rounded and impactful research career in environmental engineering, with special focus on trace elements, nanomaterials, and pollution control. Her strong publication record, patents, funded projects, and innovative contributions to air and soil pollution mitigation reflect both scientific rigor and real-world relevance. She mentors students and contributes to national sustainability goals, demonstrating both academic excellence and community impact.

🎓 Education

Dr. Jiao Wang earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of Science and Technology of China, with joint doctoral training at Western Kentucky University. Her academic background is rooted in interdisciplinary environmental research with a strong emphasis on engineering applications and international collaboration.

💼Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Environment and Resources College of Shanxi University, Dr. Wang leads multiple national and provincial-level research projects. She has taken principal investigator roles in six major projects including those funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Shanxi Scholarship Council. Her contributions extend to mentorship of graduate students and participation in consultancy projects such as the National Key Technologies R&D Program on coal mine waste utilization.

🔬Research Focus

Her research is centered on the environmental behavior of trace elements, health impacts of particulate matter, and sustainable resource utilization. She has pioneered studies on the uptake of micro/nano plastics in crops, environmental toxicants like heavy metals and PAHs, and geochemical processes in fly ash and groundwater. Dr. Wang’s work delivers actionable insights for precision air pollution management and the development of early-warning systems for groundwater contamination.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Wang demonstrates specialized expertise in environmental nanomaterials, solid waste management, trace element analysis, environmental geochemistry, and health risk assessment. Her skills include advanced experimental techniques, project leadership, cross-institutional collaboration, and technological innovation, particularly in environmental remediation.

🏆Awards

Dr. Wang has secured five patents, including three granted for innovations such as coal gangue-supported nanocomposites for heavy metal adsorption and fly ash-based fluoride removal agents. Her academic work has garnered over 100 citations and recognition through publication in high-impact journals like the Journal of Hazardous Materials and Environmental Pollution. She was a recipient of provincial youth science foundation support and continues to drive key environmental research aligned with national “Dual Carbon” goals.

📚 Publications

Title: Concentration, speciation and risk effects of multiple environmentally sensitive trace elements in respirable fine-grained fly ash
Year: 2024
Author: Wang, J.
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jiao Wang is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her combination of scientific innovation, leadership in research, and commitment to solving environmental challenges through applied science make her an exemplary researcher in her field. With continued international engagement and broader dissemination of her findings, her influence in environmental science will only grow stronger.

Alexandre Mahougnon Aurel ZOUMMAN | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 26/05/202526/05/2025 by Soil Scientist

Mr. Alexandre Mahougnon Aurel ZOUMMAN | Soil Biology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Alexandre Mahougnon Aurel, Zoumman, Cheikh Anta Diop University , Senegal

Mr. Alexandre Mahougnon Aurel Zoumman is a Ph.D. researcher in Plant Biology at Cheikh Anta Diop University, Senegal, specializing in plant and microbial biotechnologies. With over seven years of experience in scientific research, project management, and international cooperation, he focuses on climate change adaptation, sustainable food systems, and environmental biotechnology. He is also an experienced bilingual trainer and youth leader, actively engaged in climate advocacy and capacity-building across Africa.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Mr. Alexandre Mahougnon Aurel Zoumman is a promising early-career researcher whose work bridges academic rigor and real-world application. He demonstrates leadership in science, project coordination, and community training. His research tackles globally significant challenges in agriculture and climate resilience, and he plays a vital role in youth-led environmental advocacy and education.

🎓 Education

Alexandre Mahougnon Aurel Zoumman is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Plant Biology with a specialization in Plant, Microbial Biotechnologies, and Plant Breeding at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. He holds a Master’s degree in Plant Biology with a focus on Plant and Microbial Biotechnologies from the University of Abomey-Calavi in Benin, completed between 2018 and 2020. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences, specializing in Genetics, Biotechnologies, and Natural Resources, earned from 2012 to 2015.

💼Experience

Zoumman is a seasoned project manager and researcher with over seven years of experience in leading scientific research initiatives, coordinating international projects, and designing innovative solutions in biotechnology and environmental science. From 2022 to the present, he has served as a bilingual trainer for the African Students and Alumni Forum (ASAF), delivering leadership and project management workshops in French and English. Between 2020 and 2021, at CIRAD under the LMI IESOL/LEMSAT collaboration, he managed molecular research on tropical soils and agroecosystems, focusing on nature-based solutions for soil salinization. Prior to that, at IRD’s LMI LAPSE/LCM program from 2019 to 2020, he contributed to research on enhancing legume-rhizobacteria symbiosis as part of the ANR SymEffectors project. His early career included teaching Life and Earth Sciences in Benin’s secondary schools from 2017 to 2018.

🔬Research Focus

Zoumman’s research centers on the application of microbial biotechnologies in agriculture, climate change adaptation, and sustainable food systems. His scientific contributions include a 2021 publication in Scientific Reports on the identification of type III effectors in Bradyrhizobium vignae and their influence on symbiosis with Vigna species. More recently, in 2025, he co-authored a study published in the International Journal of Plant Biology exploring microbial diversity in forest litter-based fermented bioproducts and their effect on tomato growth in Senegal.

🛠️Skills

He is proficient in project leadership and management, encompassing strategic planning, financial oversight, impact evaluation, and team coordination. His research expertise includes molecular biology, microbiology, plant and soil biotechnology, ecology, and climate change adaptation. He is also experienced in designing and implementing bilingual training programs, facilitating cross-cultural communication, and building institutional capacities. Zoumman is highly skilled in digital tools and platforms such as JIRA, Trello, QGIS, R, KOBOCOLLECT, ODK, Amplifix, SerialCloner, and WordPress. Multilingual in French, English, Fon, Mahi, and Goun, he also possesses intermediate proficiency in Mina.

🏆Awards

His academic and professional efforts have earned him several prestigious awards. In 2021, he was recognized as a Youth African Climate Finance Fellow. He received the Orange Knowledge Program award in 2024 and was granted a DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship for his Ph.D. in 2022. Earlier, in 2018, he was a recipient of the Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme scholarship for his Master’s degree.

📚 Publications

Title:
Publisher Correction: Identification of type III effectors modulating the symbiotic properties of Bradyrhizobium vignae strain ORS3257 with various Vigna species
Year:
2021
Authors:
Pongpan Songwattana, Clémence Chaintreuil, Jenjira Wongdee, Neung Teaumroong, Eric Giraud, et al.
Journal:
Scientific Reports

Conclusion:

Mr. Zoumman is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His combination of scientific innovation, international collaboration, leadership in climate and agricultural research, and commitment to societal impact through training and advocacy makes him a role model for early-career researchers in Africa and beyond. With further growth in research impact metrics and innovation output, he has the potential to become a global leader in his field.

Partha Pratim Chakravorty | Soil Ecology | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

Published on 07/05/2025 by Soil Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Partha Pratim Chakravorty | Soil Ecology | Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Partha Pratim Chakravarthy, Raja Narendra Lal Khan Women’s College, India

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Partha Pratim Chakravorty is a renowned zoologist specializing in entomology and ecology at Raja Narendra Lal Khan Women’s College (Autonomous), Midnapore, India. With over 35 years of research experience and more than two decades of teaching, his work focuses on soil biodiversity, ecotoxicology, and bioremediation. A recipient of multiple national and international honors, Dr. Chakravorty is widely recognized for his contributions to environmental science and serves on editorial boards of several esteemed scientific journals.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Chakravorty is a deeply committed scholar whose research significantly advances our understanding and preservation of soil ecosystems. His innovative approaches to soil remediation and his long-standing academic contributions position him as a strong candidate for this award. His work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also has clear implications for sustainable agriculture and environmental health.

🎓 Education

Dr. Partha Pratim Chakravorty holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal, awarded in 1991 for his research on the ecological hazards and residual toxicity of insecticides on non-target soil microarthropod fauna. He completed his Master of Science in Life Science with a specialization in Entomology in 1985 from the same institution. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Burdwan University, West Bengal, in 1982.

💼Experience

Dr. Chakravorty has over 21 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate level and more than 17 years at the postgraduate level. His research career spans over 35 years, including six years of post-doctoral experience. He currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Postgraduate Department of Zoology at Raja Narendra Lal Khan Women’s College (Autonomous), Midnapore, West Bengal, India.

🔬Research Focus

His primary field of research is Soil Zoology, with specific interests in the effects of pesticides and heavy metal pollution on ecologically beneficial soil micro- and meso-fauna. He explores the utility of enzymatic and molecular biological techniques, such as gene sequencing of springtails and earthworms, as biomarkers for soil contamination. His work emphasizes the development of ecologically safe pesticide doses that promote soil biodiversity and sustainable crop productivity. He also investigates bioremediation techniques using gut content bacteria from earthworms to degrade pesticide residues and plastic pollutants like polythene and polypropylene in soil.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Chakravorty’s expertise spans ecology, entomology, environmental science, soil biodiversity, and bio-control. He is an editorial board member and associate editor for several international journals in zoology, ecology, and entomology. He is also an active peer reviewer for reputed international research journals, contributing significantly to the global scientific community.

🏆Awards

Dr. Chakravorty has been recognized with several prestigious awards including the Young Scientist Award from DST, New Delhi in 1991, and the Distinguished Scientist Award in Ecotoxicology from the National Environmental Science Academy in 2008. He received the Environmentalist Award in Ecology in 2013. He is a Fellow of multiple esteemed societies such as the Zoological Society, Kolkata, the International Congress of Entomology and Zoology Studies, the International Academy of Science and Research (IASR), and the National Environmental Science Academy. He is also a Member of the Royal Society of Biology, UK. In addition, he holds fellow memberships from GARNET and RsquareL, and contributes to global initiatives like the FAO UNO’s networks NETSOB (Soil Biodiversity) and INSOP (Soil Pollution).

📚 Publications

Title: Effects of carbaryl, chlorpyrifos and endosulfan on growth, reproduction and respiration of tropical epigeic earthworm, Perionyx excavatus (Perrier)
Year: 2012
Authors: R. Dasgupta, P.P. Chakravorty, A. Kaviraj
Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part B

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Partha Pratim Chakravorty is an outstanding and deserving candidate for the Research for Soil Ecosystem Preservation Award. His specialized focus, decades of experience, and recognized contributions to soil biodiversity and ecotoxicology make him a powerful advocate for soil health and sustainability.

Huan Zhang | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Published on 03/04/2025 by Soil Scientist

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 Rangzan | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Published on 27/01/202513/05/2025 by Soil Scientist

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan | Soil Fertility | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an Associate Professor at the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran. Her research focuses on soil chemistry, soil pollution, soil fertility, soil organic matter, and soil amendments. She has made significant contributions to the field, particularly through her work on the effects of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar on plant growth under salinity stress. Dr. Rangzan has published widely in journals and authored a book, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. She is an active member of the academic community and holds editorial roles in scientific journals.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan’s contributions to soil chemistry and sustainable agriculture are substantial. Through her work on organic amendments and soil health, she has significantly influenced agricultural practices, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where salinity stress poses a major challenge. Her research provides practical solutions to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient uptake in crops, and foster environmental sustainability.

🎓 Education

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an accomplished academic with extensive training in soil science. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, specializing in soil chemistry and environmental sustainability. Her academic journey has equipped her with a solid foundation in the study of soil fertility, soil pollution, and soil organic matter. This expertise has shaped her research and professional career, enabling her to contribute significantly to the field of soil amendments and sustainable agricultural practices.

💼Experience

Dr. Nafiseh Rangzan is an Associate Professor at the Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran. She has a strong background in soil science, particularly in soil chemistry, soil pollution, and soil fertility. Throughout her career, Dr. Rangzan has been actively involved in research focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, such as the utilization of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar to enhance plant growth under salinity stress. Her work has been crucial in advancing the understanding of soil organic matter and amendments, contributing to more sustainable farming practices. Additionally, Dr. Rangzan has held editorial positions in scientific journals and participated in various academic and professional collaborations.

🔬Research Focus

Her primary areas of research include soil chemistry, soil pollution, soil fertility, soil organic matter, and soil amendments. Her ongoing research explores the effect of spent tea waste, compost, and biochar on plant growth under salinity stress, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices.

Awards

Nafiseh has made significant contributions to her field and has published extensively. She has authored a book and numerous journal articles, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in soil science.

Her expertise spans soil management, environmental sustainability, and agricultural practices. She is skilled in conducting research, data analysis, and contributing to industry projects. Additionally, she has contributed to the scientific community through her editorial roles and professional memberships.

Publications

Title: Some plant growth promoting traits of Streptomyces species isolated from various crop rhizospheres with high root colonization ability of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.)
Authors: Saraylou, M., Nadian Ghomsheh, H., Enayatizamir, N., Rangzan, N., St. Clair Senn, S.
Journal: Applied Ecology and Environmental Research
Year: 2021
Citations: 4

Title: Tillage, crop establishment, and weed management for improving productivity, nutrient uptake, and soil physicochemical properties in soybean-wheat cropping system
Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Zan, N.R.
Journal: Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Year: 2016
Citations: 4

Title: Weed management and conservation tillage for improving productivity, nutrient uptake, and profitability of wheat in soybean (Glycine max)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system
Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Rangzan, N.
Journal: International Journal of Plant Production
Year: 2015
Citations: 2

Title: Effect of tillage and residue management on productivity of soybean and physico-chemical properties of soil in soybean-wheat cropping system
Authors: Monsefi, A., Sharma, A.R., Rangzan, N., Behera, U.K., Das, T.K.
Journal: International Journal of Plant Production
Year: 2014
Citations: 15

Title: Prediction of the solubility of zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, and lead in metal-contaminated soils
Authors: Zan, N.R., Datta, S.P., Rattan, R.K., Dwivedi, B.S., Meena, M.C.
Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Year: 2013
Citations: 29

Conclusion:

Dr. Rangzan is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her impressive academic output, innovative approach to soil management, and active contributions to scientific communities. While there are opportunities for further development, particularly through broadening her research methodologies and increasing her international collaboration, her work is already making a meaningful difference in the field of soil science and sustainable agriculture. Recognizing her with this award would not only honor her past achievements but also encourage further contributions to addressing global agricultural challenges.