Maimela Modiba | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Maimela Modiba | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Student at Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, South Africa.

🌱 Maimela Maxwell Modiba is a passionate PhD candidate in Plant Production at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences. With a solid foundation in crop and soil sciences, he specializes in climate-resilient farming, tillage management, and soil health. 🌾 His experience spans over two years of rigorous research, peer-reviewed publications, and international conference presentations. 📚 A committed mentor and educator, Modiba also brings valuable teaching experience in agricultural sciences. 🌍 He strives to promote sustainable agriculture across South Africa, combining scientific innovation with practical fieldwork. His collaborative spirit and analytical mindset make him a rising star in agro-research. 💡

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Maimela Maxwell Modiba

Maimela Maxwell Modiba is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the early-career category. As a dynamic Ph.D. candidate with a focused research trajectory in climate-resilient agriculture, Modiba has already made notable contributions through peer-reviewed publications, impactful fieldwork, and international conference presentations. His dedication to soil health and sustainable crop production aligns strongly with pressing global agricultural challenges, positioning him as a future leader in agro-environmental science.

🎓 Education and Experience

🎓 Education:

  • 📕 PhD in Plant Production – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (Expected April 2025)

  • 📗 MSc in Crop Production Engineering – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (2020)

  • 📘 BSc in Plant Production – University of Limpopo (2018)

💼 Experience:

  • 🧪 Student Researcher (2020–2023) – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences

    • 🔬 Focus on soil tillage, soil organic carbon, and crop sustainability

    • 🧑‍🏫 Delivered lectures, conducted lab research, and collaborated in multi-person teams

    • 📊 Participated in both publicly and privately funded projects

📈 Professional Development

🧑‍🔬 Maxwell Modiba has demonstrated continued professional growth through hands-on research, academic presentation, and technical training. His participation in multiple international scientific conferences 🌍 highlights his commitment to staying informed and engaged with global agricultural challenges. 📢 He has gained practical experience in designing and conducting field experiments, laboratory analyses, and mentoring students in agricultural sciences. 📘 Additionally, he has honed his communication, planning, and problem-solving skills, contributing to academic teams and curriculum development. 💻 His AVCASA certification and business skills training further enhance his versatility, preparing him for leadership in sustainable agriculture and research innovation. 🌿

🔬 Research Focus Category

🌾 Maimela Maxwell Modiba’s research focus lies in Soil and Crop Production, with a particular emphasis on tillage management, soil health, and climate-resilient farming systems. His work explores the interaction between soil properties and agricultural practices, aiming to improve crop yields and environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa. 🌍 He is especially passionate about conservation tillage and the long-term impact of farming methods on soil biodiversity and productivity. 🪱 His studies include earthworm populations, root growth, and moisture dynamics under varied tillage systems. 🌧️ His research contributes to shaping sustainable agricultural practices amid changing climate conditions. 🌱

🏅 Awards and Honors

  • 🥇 Dean’s Award – Best MSc Student

  • 📜 AVCASA Certificate – Basic Crop Protection

  • 💼 Basic Business Skills Certificate – Professional Development in Agri-business

Publication Top Notes

🌱 Impact of tillage practices and soil texture on soil health and earthworms in the Pannonian region: A comparative study from Austria and HungaryApplied Soil Ecology (2025)

Conclusion

Though early in his career, Maxwell Modiba’s trajectory is exemplary of a rising research star. His strong scientific foundation, practical impact, and commitment to sustainable farming make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his work at this stage will not only validate his achievements but also motivate further innovations in sustainable agriculture.

Kritsada Puangsuwan | Agriculture | Best Scholar Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan | Agriculture | Best Scholar Award

Lecturer at Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Thailand.

🎓 Asst. Prof. Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan (ผู9ช;วยศาสตราจารยD ดร. กฤษฎา พวงสุวรรณ) is a Thai academic and innovator serving as Assistant to the President for Information and Learning at Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Sciences and Industrial Technology. With a deep-rooted passion for smart systems and sustainable technology, he specializes in IoT, embedded systems, microwave engineering, and smart agriculture. 📡🌱 His research integrates practical engineering with environmental consciousness, aiming to revolutionize traditional systems with advanced tech. 📘 He is widely published and frequently presents at international conferences. 🎤🌍

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Suitability for Best Scholar Award – Asst. Prof. Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan stands out as a strong contender for the Best Scholar Award due to his exceptional academic journey, innovative research, and impact-driven contributions to engineering, sustainability, and digital transformation in education. With a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and a career spanning teaching, research, and academic leadership, Dr. Puangsuwan exemplifies scholarly excellence. His interdisciplinary work in IoT, embedded systems, microwave engineering, and smart agriculture bridges theory and practice while contributing meaningfully to Thailand’s sustainable development goals.

🎓 Education and Experience

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Computer Engineering – Prince of Songkla University (2017)

  • 🎓 M.Eng. in Computer Engineering – Prince of Songkla University (2012)

  • 🎓 B.Eng. in Electronic Engineering Technology – King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (2009, 2nd Class Honors)

  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor – PSU Surat Thani Campus, Faculty of Sciences and Industrial Technology

  • 🧑‍🏫 Lecturer – Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya

  • 👔 Assistant to the President for Information and Learning – Prince of Songkla University

📚 Professional Development

Dr. Puangsuwan continuously enhances his academic and technical capabilities through collaborative research and professional training. 🧠📈 He actively engages in knowledge-sharing events, workshops, and seminars related to smart systems, AI applications, and renewable energy. ⚙️🔋 He frequently presents at high-level conferences such as IEEE TENCON, KST, and InCIT, establishing a strong professional network in Asia and beyond. 🌐🎤 His development extends to academic leadership, driving digital transformation and educational innovation within his university. 💻🏫 Passionate about lifelong learning, he also mentors students and young researchers, fostering future talent in engineering and sustainability. 🌱👨‍🎓

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Puangsuwan’s research bridges innovation and sustainability across multiple domains. 🔬🌿 His core interests include Internet of Things (IoT), Embedded Systems, and Microwave & High-Frequency Circuit Design, particularly for applications in Smart Agriculture and Renewable Energy. 🌾⚡ He also explores Image Processing and Machine Learning for environmental and industrial monitoring. 🖼️🤖 His work emphasizes eco-conscious engineering, like optimizing microwave drying for palm fruit or developing IoT-based water quality systems. 💧📡 By integrating practical engineering with digital technologies, his research contributes to Thailand’s sustainable development goals and next-gen industrial transformation. 🇹🇭🌍

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • 🥇 IEEE TENCON Presenter – 2013

  • 🥇 Presenter at InCIT – 2023

  • 🥇 KST Conference Key Contributor – 2024

  • 📘 Top Q1 Journal Article – IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation (2014)

  • 🏅 Recognized Innovator in Smart Agriculture and IoT at PSU Surat Thani

Publication Top Notes

  • 📄 Design of microwave heating continuous belt system for palm fruit14 citations 📊 | 2015 📅

  • 📄 Effective moisture diffusivity, activation energy and dielectric model for palm fruit using a microwave heating13 citations 📊 | 2015 📅

  • 📄 Hybrid infrared with hot air drying of Pisang‐Awak banana: Kinetics and shrinkage quality10 citations 📊 | 2021 📅

  • 📄 Complex permittivity of fully ripe palm fruit and its application for microwave heating10 citations 📊 | 2014 📅

  • 📄 Classification technique for real-time emotion detection using machine learning models6 citations 📊 | 2022 📅

  • 📄 Pretreatment of palm fruit by using a conveyor belt microwave prototype3 citations 📊 | 2021 📅

  • 📄 Recommendation System for Retail Business Using Customer Segmentation: Case Study of Tuenjai Company in Surat Thani, Thailand1 citation 📊 | 2024 📅

Conclusion

Dr. Kritsada Puangsuwan’s dedication to high-impact research, interdisciplinary innovation, and academic mentorship makes him a highly deserving recipient of the Best Scholar Award. His work is not only academically rigorous but also aligned with global sustainability and technological advancement priorities, embodying the essence of scholarly excellence in the 21st century.

Yeşim Ahi | Agricultural Water Efficiency | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yeşim Ahi | Agricultural Water Efficiency | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr at Ankara University Water Management Institute, Turkey.

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Ahi is a distinguished expert in Integrated Water Management, Agricultural Water Efficiency, and Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources. She is a Professor at Ankara University, Water Management Institute, with extensive experience in irrigation technologies, AI-driven water management, and wastewater reuse in agriculture. Prof. Ahi has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects, contributing significantly to water policy development. She actively supervises graduate research, leads interdisciplinary collaborations, and organizes scientific training programs. Her dedication to sustainable water resource management has established her as a leading figure in the field. 🌍💧

Professional Profile

ORCID

Suitability for Best Researcher Award 🏆

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Ahi is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional contributions to integrated water management, agricultural water efficiency, and climate change adaptation. With a strong academic foundation, she has demonstrated expertise in irrigation technologies, AI-driven water resource management, and wastewater reuse. Her leadership in national and international research projects has significantly influenced water policy and sustainability.

Education & Experience 🎓💼

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Water Management – Expertise in agricultural water efficiency & irrigation technologies.
  • 🎓 Master’s in Environmental Science – Specialization in climate change impacts on water resources.
  • 🎓 Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering – Focus on irrigation methods & water sustainability.
  • 💼 Professor at Ankara University, Water Management Institute – Leading research in water sustainability & policy.
  • 💼 Consultant for Turkish Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry – Member of the National Water Council.
  • 💼 Coordinator & Researcher in International ProjectsTÜBİTAK, EuropeAid, ICMPD, and private sector collaborations.

Professional Development📚

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Ahi has dedicated her career to advancing sustainable water resource management, integrating smart irrigation, AI applications, and wastewater reuse. She has played a key role in policy development, consulting for national agencies, and participating in global initiatives. Her leadership in interdisciplinary research projects has influenced water sustainability at regional and international levels. As a recognized educator, she has developed training programs and mentored numerous scholars in hydrology, agricultural engineering, and climate resilience. She actively engages in scientific collaborations, ensuring the effective application of technology-driven solutions for modern water management challenges. 🚰🌍📊

Research Focus🔬

Prof. Ahi’s research revolves around integrated water resource management, agricultural water efficiency, and climate change adaptation. She specializes in precision irrigation technologies, reuse of treated wastewater in agriculture, and AI-based hydrological modeling. Her studies emphasize data-driven decision-making for optimizing water conservation and irrigation practices. She is also involved in life cycle assessment (LCA) of water use, addressing the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of irrigation. By developing sustainable water strategies, her work significantly contributes to climate resilience, food security, and efficient water distribution policies in both urban and agricultural landscapes. 💦🌾🌎

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • 🏅 Best Researcher Award in Water Management – Ankara University
  • 🏅 TÜBİTAK Research Excellence Award – Recognized for contributions in sustainable irrigation technologies
  • 🏅 ICMPD Grant for Innovative Water Solutions – Leading the Smart Irrigation & Solar Power project
  • 🏅 EuropeAid Sustainability Award – Advocacy for precision farming & sustainable agriculture
  • 🏅 National Water Policy Contributor – Acknowledged by Turkish Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry
  • 🏅 Best Scientific Paper Award – Published in high-impact journals on water resources
  • 🏅 Outstanding Contribution to Water Efficiency – Recognized by international research organizations

Publication Top Notes

  1. Cool- and Warm-Season Turfgrass Irrigation with Subsurface Drip and Sprinkler Methods Using Different Water Management Strategies and Tools

    • Authors: Orta, A.H.; Todorovic, M.; Ahi, Y.
    • Year: 2023
  2. Crop Water Use Estimation of Drip Irrigated Walnut Using ANN and ANFIS Models

    • Authors: Dökmen, F.; Ahi̇, Y.; Köksal, D.D.
    • Year: 2023
  3. Reservoir Evaporation Forecasting Based on Climate Change Scenarios Using Artificial Neural Network Model

    • Authors: Ahi, Y.; Coşkun Dilcan, Ç.; Köksal, D.D.; Gültaş, H.T.
    • Year: 2023
  4. Crop Water Stress Assessment of Drip Irrigated Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L.)

    • Authors: Ozer, S.; Ahi, Y.
    • Year: 2020
  5. Supplemental Irrigation Impact on Yield and Yield Quality Parameters of Rapeseed

    • Authors: Gültaş, H.T.; Ahi, Y.
    • Year: 2020
  6. Fuzzy Logic Analysis of Soil Fertility Parameters in Irrigated Areas

    • Authors: Ahi, Y.; Belliturk, K.; Gultas, H.T.
    • Year: 2019
  7. A Perspective to Wastewater Legislation in European Countries and Turkey

    • Authors: Ahi, Y.
    • Year: 2017
  8. Determination of Vermicompost and Ammonium Nitrate Applications Effectiveness on Broccoli with Soil and Leaf Analyses

    • Authors: Ahi, Y.
    • Year: 2017
  9. Evaluation of the Effect of Soil Saltiness on Paddy Yield by Fuzzy Logic

    • Authors: Ahi, Y.
    • Year: 2017
  10. Fertigasyon Tekniği ile Kimyasal Gübre Uygulamalarının Brokolinin (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) Verim ve Kalitesi Üzerine Etkinliğinin Belirlenmesi

  • Authors: Ahi, Y.
  • Year: 2017
  1. Irrigation of Walnut Trees in the Vicinity of Hisareyn-Gölcük/Kocaeli, Turkey
  • Authors: Ahi, Y.
  • Year: 2017
  1. Productivity Analysis Based on Fuzzy Logic on Paddy Area Irrigated by Varied Water Sources
  • Authors: Ahi, Y.
  • Year: 2017