Shewangzaw Mekuria | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Shewangzaw Mekuria | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Research Excellence Award

Postdoc Researcher at Wroclaw University of Economics and Business | Poland

Assist. Prof. Dr. Shewangzaw Mekuria is a distinguished scholar in Agricultural and Biological Sciences, with a strong academic and research profile in food science, nutrition, and animal production. He holds advanced academic training in food science, nutrition, and animal sciences, which underpins his interdisciplinary approach to addressing challenges in food quality, safety, and sustainable agricultural systems. His professional experience spans academic teaching, research leadership, and postdoctoral research within international research environments, contributing to both knowledge generation and capacity building. His research interests focus on functional and complementary foods, insect- and plant-based nutrition, food safety, probiotics, livestock feeding strategies, and sustainable agri-food innovations with relevance to food security and public health. He has authored 8 peer-reviewed scientific documents, achieving 55 citations across 54 scholarly works, with an h-index of 5, reflecting consistent research impact. Overall, Assist. Prof. Dr. Shewangzaw Mekuria’s work demonstrates scientific rigor, interdisciplinary relevance, and meaningful contributions to advancing sustainable and nutrition-sensitive agricultural research.

Citation Metrics

60

45

30

15

0

Citations
55

Documents
8

h-index
5

Featured Publications

Moreno Toselli | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Moreno Toselli | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Full professor at University of Bologna |Italy

Prof. Dr. Moreno Toselli is a leading academic figure in Agricultural and Biological Sciences, widely recognized for his extensive contributions to plant nutrition, soil fertility, and sustainable fruit production. He earned his foundational training in Agricultural Sciences followed by doctoral specialization in fruit tree mineral nutrition, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to improving orchard systems through evidence-based agronomic strategies. Over the years, he has advanced through academic ranks to become a senior faculty member at the University of Bologna, where he has played a central role in teaching, research, and laboratory leadership across multiple horticultural disciplines. His professional experience spans decades of impactful work on nutrient uptake, stress physiology, organic amendments, biochar interactions, root dynamics, soil contamination, carbon allocation, irrigation optimization, and physiological responses of perennial fruit crops. He has coordinated and contributed to numerous regional, national, and international research projects focused on digital agriculture, circular nutrient management, sustainable fertilization, carbon sequestration, and precision horticulture, collaborating with scientific partners and industry stakeholders to translate research findings into practical applications. His expertise extends to editorial responsibilities in respected journals and active participation in professional societies, reinforcing his influence in shaping contemporary agricultural practices. With a research portfolio comprising 2,274 citations by 1,887 documents, 125 published works, and an h-index of 27, his scholarly output demonstrates sustained global impact and authority in the field. His investigations have advanced understanding of key processes such as nutrient mobility in soil–plant systems, the effects of organic and mineral fertilizers on tree performance, the mitigation of abiotic stress, and the development of innovative fertilization and monitoring tools for improving orchard efficiency. He has also contributed to training future scholars through extensive supervision of student research and active involvement in academic program development. Overall, his career reflects a commitment to scientific excellence, sustainability, and innovation, positioning him as a prominent contributor to advancing knowledge and improving management strategies in modern horticulture.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications:

1. Toselli, M. (2025). Seasonal uptake and partitioning of macro- and micronutrients in yellow-fleshed kiwifruit Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis.

2. Toselli, M. (2025). Optimization of irrigation on walnut through the IRRIFRAME water balance model. Irrigation Science.

3. Toselli, M.(2025). The use of grape pomace residues as a nutrient source in subtropical viticulture. Agronomy.

4. Toselli, M.(2025). Proposal of nutritional standards for the assessment of the nutritional status of grapevines in subtropical and temperate regions. Plants.

5. Toselli, M.(2025). Agronomic strategies to manipulate kiwifruit calcium content to understand its role in fruit physiology.

6. Toselli, M. (2025). Understanding the role of calcium in kiwifruit: Ion transport, signaling, and fruit quality.

7. Toselli, M.(2024). Assessment of contribution of cover crop littering decomposition to the N uptake of bearing and non-bearing satsuma mandarin trees.

8. Toselli, M.(2024). Cu concentration in vegetable-cultivated soil: Comparison between open fields and protected environments in Brazil.

9. Toselli, M.(2024). Carbon and nitrogen stocks in vineyard soils amended with grape pomace residues. Agronomy.

10. Toselli, M.(2024). Molecular responses to drought and waterlogging stresses of kiwifruit Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa potted vines.

Jiahao Fan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jiahao Fan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Biological Systems Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Madison | United States

Dr. Jiahao Fan is a highly accomplished researcher whose work lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computer vision, and biological systems engineering. His professional journey reflects a commitment to developing innovative, data-driven technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. He completed his advanced studies in Biological Systems Engineering with a focus on integrating machine learning and computational modeling into precision agriculture. His educational background also includes strong foundations in machine learning, data mining, and remote sensing, equipping him with the expertise to address complex, multidisciplinary challenges in modern biological sciences. Throughout his research career, Dr. Jiahao Fan has contributed to the advancement of multimodal deep learning frameworks, vision-language modeling, and sensor-based data fusion for agricultural applications. His pioneering projects include developing object detection and segmentation systems for plant monitoring, multimodal feature fusion methods for crop analysis, and efficient retrieval-based prediction algorithms that optimize computational performance in data-limited environments. His academic work demonstrates a deep understanding of artificial intelligence applied to biological processes, leading to several peer-reviewed publications and open-source innovations that support sustainable farming systems. Dr. Jiahao Fan’s research is characterized by technical precision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a vision to bridge computational sciences with real-world agricultural needs. His efforts have earned notable recognition within the research community, as reflected in his 476 citations by 474 documents, 6 published works, and an h-index of 5, highlighting the scholarly influence and practical value of his contributions. Through his continuous pursuit of excellence in both theory and application, Dr. Jiahao Fan remains dedicated to advancing the frontiers of agricultural automation, digital phenotyping, and sustainable resource management. His work not only enriches the academic discourse in agricultural and biological sciences but also lays the groundwork for future innovations that integrate artificial intelligence with global food security and environmental resilience.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

  • Fan, J.(2022). Estimation of maize yield and flowering time using multi-temporal UAV-based hyperspectral data. Remote Sensing, 14(13), 3052.

  • Fan, J.(2023). Enhancing maize silage quality assessment through UAV-based high-throughput phenotyping and deep transfer learning. In AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco.

  • Fan, J.(2023). Uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)-based high‐throughput phenotyping of maize silage yield and nutritive values using multi-sensory feature fusion and multi-task learning with attention mechanism. Remote Sensing, 17(21), 3654.

  • Fan, J.(2025). Mitigating NDVI saturation in imagery of dense and healthy vegetation. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 227,

  • Fan, J.(2022). Multi-temporal estimation of maize yield and flowering time using UAV-based hyperspectral data. Proceedings of the North American Plant Phenotyping Network (NAPPN) Annual Conference.

Hosein Ahmadi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hosein Ahmadi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Ph.D at University of Tehran | Iran 

Dr. Hosein Ahmadi is a dedicated researcher in horticultural sciences whose work bridges biotechnology, plant breeding and phytochemistry. His expertise centers on medicinal and aromatic plants, with a particular focus on secondary metabolite biosynthesis and genetic regulation in the Lamiaceae family. With advanced bioinformatics skills and a solid foundation in molecular approaches, he has contributed significantly to understanding the genetic and biochemical bases of plant adaptation. His professional journey reflects excellence in both research and academic achievement, underscored by top national rankings, fellowships, and a growing record of publications in prestigious international journals.

Profile:

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Hosein Ahmadi’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants from the University of Maragheh, where he graduated at the top of his class. He advanced to pursue a Master’s degree in Horticultural Science at the University of Tehran, specializing in medicinal plants, again earning distinction for academic excellence. Building on this foundation, he embarked on doctoral studies at the University of Tehran, focusing on biotechnology and breeding of horticultural crops. Supported by competitive scholarships, his education has combined field expertise, laboratory research, and computational biology, positioning him as a leader in modern horticultural biotechnology.

Experience:

Dr. Hosein Ahmadi has cultivated a rich portfolio of academic and research experiences across diverse domains of plant sciences. His doctoral research has emphasized transcriptomics, small-RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics approaches for dissecting molecular pathways in Thymus species. International exposure, including a sabbatical fellowship at the University of Helsinki, further strengthened his expertise in omics technologies and molecular data analysis. He has contributed as a peer reviewer for globally recognized journals and actively participated in scientific congresses through oral presentations. His career reflects strong collaborations with international research teams, blending experimental horticulture with computational methods to address contemporary challenges.

Research Interest:

Dr. Hosein Ahmadi’s research interests span the molecular mechanisms underpinning plant secondary metabolism, genetic regulation of medicinal traits, and the application of omics tools in horticultural crop improvement. He investigates transcriptional networks, gene-miRNA interactions, and phytochemical diversity in medicinal plants, particularly Thymus species. His expertise extends to de novo transcriptome assembly, genome-wide association studies, and in-silico protein modeling. By integrating plant physiology with advanced bioinformatics, his research aims to identify molecular markers for breeding programs and to optimize phytochemical yields. His overarching goal is to bridge traditional horticulture with modern biotechnological innovations for sustainable agriculture and natural product discovery.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Hosein Ahmadi has been consistently recognized for academic excellence and research distinction. He ranked at the very top in national entrance examinations for both doctoral and master’s programs in horticultural science. His outstanding performance has been rewarded with fellowships, tuition waivers, and national scholarships supporting his academic development. International recognition came through a competitive doctoral fellowship in Finland, which facilitated advanced research collaborations. Additionally, he has been honored for consistently graduating as the top student in his academic cohorts. These honors reflect his intellectual dedication, research excellence, and commitment to advancing horticultural and plant biotechnology sciences.

Publications:

Title: Optimizing an efficient ensemble approach for high-quality de novo transcriptome assembly of Thymus daenensis
Citation: 6
Year of Publication: 2023

Title: Modeling and optimizing concentration of exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid on NaCl-stressed pineapple mint Mentha suaveolens using response surface methodology
Citation: 9
Year of Publication: 2023

Title: Introducing three new fruit-scented mints to farmlands: Insights on drug yield, essential-oil quality, and antioxidant properties
Citation: 24
Year of Publication: 2022

Conclusion:

Dr. Hosein Ahmadi exemplifies a rising scholar whose blend of horticultural expertise, molecular research, and computational skills positions him as a leader in plant biotechnology. His achievements in education, research, and international collaborations demonstrate both intellectual rigor and innovative thinking. With a strong publication record, multiple awards, and recognition for academic excellence, he has made meaningful contributions to the advancement of plant sciences. His dedication to integrating traditional horticultural practices with cutting-edge biotechnology aligns with global priorities in sustainable agriculture and natural product research. Dr. Ahmadi’s career trajectory reflects promise, impact, and continued scholarly excellence.

Kanchan Bhatia | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kanchan Bhatia | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

 Clinical Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, United States.

🌍Dr. Kanchan Bhatia is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), specializing in toxicology, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular research. With a strong academic background (Ph.D. from Jamia Hamdard) and extensive teaching and research experience in India, the USA, and Saudi Arabia, she has contributed significantly to scientific literature with 26 publications in reputed journals. Dr. Bhatia has received numerous awards for her exemplary teaching, research, and leadership, including the SUN Innovation Award (2021) and American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012). Her multidisciplinary expertise and dedication to student success are evident through her innovative teaching practices and impactful research.

Profile👤

Education 🎓

🎓Dr. Bhatia earned her Ph.D. in Toxicology from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India, in 2008. She holds an M.S. in Biotechnology from the same institution and a B.S. in Microbiology from Delhi University. In 2022, she completed a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Trials Design and Management from the University of California, San Diego, enhancing her expertise in clinical research methodologies.🎓

Experience💼

🩺Since August 2020, Dr. Bhatia has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Arizona State University. Prior to this, she was an Instructor at the same institution from 2017 to 2020. Her experience includes roles as a Research Scientist at Texas Tech University Health Science Center and teaching and research positions at Jamia Hamdard and King Abdulaziz University. She also completed postdoctoral fellowships at Augusta University and UT Southwestern Medical Center.👨‍🔬🌍

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Bhatia’s accolades include the 2024 SUN Award for exemplary service in supporting student success, and multiple SUN Awards in 2023 for leadership and social embeddedness. She received a Post-doctoral Fellowship from the American Heart Association in 2012 and has been honored with travel awards and research fellowships from prestigious organizations, reflecting her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Research Interests 🔬

🔬Dr. Bhatia’s research centers on neurodegenerative disorders, with a particular emphasis on the role of the complement system in vascular dysfunction and cognitive impairment. She investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying conditions such as vascular cognitive impairment and stroke, aiming to develop therapeutic strategies that mitigate neuroinflammation and promote neuroprotection.🌿🧪

Conclusion 🔚 

Dr. Kanchan Bhatia’s multifaceted expertise, strong academic track record, and dedication to innovation and student success make her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing minor areas of improvement, such as increasing research funding and international collaborations, would further enhance her contributions to the academic and research community.

Publications Top Notes 📚

Complement C3a Receptor (C3aR) Mediates Vascular Dysfunction, Hippocampal Pathology, and Cognitive Impairment in a Mouse Model of VCID

Authors: Bhatia, K., Kindelin, A., Nadeem, M., Ahmad, S., Ducruet, A.F.

Citations: 5

Year: 2022

Remote Ischemic Post-Conditioning Therapy is Protective in Mouse Model of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

Authors: Nadeem, M., Kindelin, A., Mahady, L., Ducruet, A.F., Ahmad, S.

Citations: 8

Year: 2021

Complement C3a receptor-mediated vascular dysfunction: A complex interplay between aging and neurodegeneration

Authors: Bhatia, K., Ahmad, S., Kindelin, A., Ducruet, A.F.

Citations: 22

Year: 2021

C3a receptor antagonist therapy is protective with or without thrombolysis in murine thromboembolic stroke

Authors: Ahmad, S., Pandya, C., Kindelin, A., Hoda, M.N., Ducruet, A.F.

Citations: 11

Year: 2020

Impact of COVID-19 on the cerebrovascular system and the prevention of RBC lysis

Authors: Akhter, N., Ahmad, S., Alzahrani, F.A., Alharbi, R.A., Sindi, A.A.-A.

Citations: 12

Year: 2020

Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) Attenuates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Complement Activation and Cell Death in Brain Endothelial Cells Following OGD/Reperfusion

Authors: Ahmad, S., Khan, S.A., Kindelin, A., Hoda, M.N., Ducruet, A.F.

Citations: 40

Year: 2019

The Role of Complement C3a Receptor in Stroke

Authors: Ahmad, S., Bhatia, K., Kindelin, A., Ducruet, A.F.

Citations: 17

Year: 2019

C3a receptor inhibition protects brain endothelial cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion

Authors: Ahmad, S., Kindelin, A., Khan, S.A., Bhatia, K., Ducruet, A.F.

Citations: 20

Year: 2019

Combined deficiency of Senataxin and DNA-PKcs causes DNA damage accumulation and neurodegeneration in spinal muscular atrophy

Authors: Kannan, A., Bhatia, K., Branzei, D., Gangwani, L.

Citations: 63

Year: 2018