Mr. Eliyas Assefa Aragaw | Agronomy Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Eliyas Assefa Aragaw | Agronomy Award | Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Eliyas Assefa Aragaw, Mercy Corps, Ethiopia

Eliyas Assefa Aragaw, in Ethiopia, is a seasoned professional with over 13 years of extensive experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), project coordination, and economic empowerment. He holds an MSc in Agricultural Economics from Bahir Dar University (2019) and a BA in Management from the same institution. Additionally, he earned a BSc in Agricultural Economics from Jimma University in 2011, equipping him with strong expertise in research, statistics, and econometrics modeling. Currently serving as a Regional Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer at Mercy Corps since April 2014, Eliyas plays a pivotal role in enhancing project effectiveness and accountability. His career also includes impactful roles as a Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator and Project Coordinator at Women Empowerment Action, where he led initiatives to support marginalized groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities. Prior to that, he worked as an M&E Officer for the Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) under the Ministry of Agriculture, gaining nearly 8 years of experience in government programs focusing on social protection and food security.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Eliyas Assefa Aragaw is a well-qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award based on his extensive experience and contributions in the field of agricultural economics, monitoring and evaluation, and project coordination. With over 13 years of professional work experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and project management across various sectors, his expertise in agricultural economics is underscored by his two master’s degrees in Agricultural Economics and Management from Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia.

Education:

  1. MSc in Agricultural Economics – Bahir Dar University (2019)
  2. BA in Management – Bahir Dar University (2019)
  3. BSc in Agricultural Economics – Jimma University (2011)

Work Experience:

  • Regional MEL Officer at Mercy Corps (April 15, 2014 – Present)
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Coordinator at Women Empowerment Action (June 1, 2023 – April 12, 2024)
  • Project Coordinator at Women Empowerment Action (June 22, 2019 – May 30, 2023)
  • Monitoring & Evaluation Officer at PSNP – Ministry of Agriculture (July 7, 2011 – June 22, 2019)

Publication top Notes:

Impact of small-scale irrigation schemes on farmers livelihood, the case of Mekdela Woreda, North-East Ethiopia

Zaobing Zhu | Agricultural Award | Best Scholar Award

Assist Prof Dr. Zaobing Zhu | Agricultural Award | Best Scholar Award

Assist Prof Dr. Zaobing Zhu, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China

Based on the information provided, Zaobing Zhu seems like a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. Here’s a detailed evaluation of his suitability:

Publication profile

Academic and Professional Background:

Zaobing Zhu holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, specializing in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and plant biotechnology. Over the past five years, he has been a Research Scientist at the Laboratory of Plant Developmental Biology Labs, focusing on gene editing and crop improvement. His expertise includes CRISPR-Cas9 technology, DNA sequencing, and biochemistry. With 15 peer-reviewed publications and notable advancements such as novel DNA identification techniques (e.g., Cas-PfLAM, OPERATOR), Zhu’s contributions are highly regarded in his field.

Contributions:

Zaobing Zhu has significantly advanced rapid and ultra-sensitive diagnostic techniques based on CRISPR/Cas systems, enhancing pathogen detection for plant protection. His developed platforms include Cas-PfLAMP, OPERATOR, Cas-OPRAD, SMART, and Cc-qPCR, demonstrating notable improvements in diagnostic performance. His recent invitation to contribute to a review article in TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry highlights his influence in the field of molecular diagnostics.

Publication Top Notes

  • Cas-OPRAD: a one-pot RPA/PCR CRISPR/Cas12 assay for on-site Phytophthora root rot detectionFrontiers in Microbiology, 2024 📄 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1390422
  • One-pot Point-of-Care Nucleic-acid Detection via Padlock DNA Ligation and Rolling Circle TranscriptionResearch Square, 2024 📄 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3996305/v1
  • Recent Progress in Molecular Diagnostics: The Synergy of Rolling Circle Amplification and CRISPR/Cas Systems (2018-2024) – A Concise ReviewTrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 2024 📄 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2024.117902
  • Quadruplex Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Screening and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024 📄 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158157
  • An ultra-sensitive one-pot RNA-templated DNA ligation rolling circle amplification-assisted CRISPR/Cas12a detector assay for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2023 📄 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115179
  • In vitro Argonaute cleavage-mediated quantitative PCR facilitates versatile CRISPR/Cas-induced mutant analysisSensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 2023 📄 DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2022.132781
    Cited by: 0
  • One Versatile Cas9-Integrated Single-Tube Duplex Quantitative Real-Time PCR System for Rapid Analysis of CRISPR/Cas-Induced MutantsAnalytical Chemistry, 2022 📄 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01837
  • PAM-free loop-mediated isothermal amplification coupled with CRISPR/Cas12a cleavage (Cas-PfLAMP) for rapid detection of rice pathogensBiosensors and Bioelectronics, 2022 📄 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114076
  • Whole-Genome Sequence of Synthesized Allopolyploids in Cucumis Reveals Insights into the Genome Evolution of AllopolyploidizationAdvanced Science, 2021 📄 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004222
  • Global profiling of lncRNAs expression responsive to allopolyploidization in cucumisGenes, 2020 📄 DOI: 10.3390/genes11121500

Conclusion:

Zaobing Zhu’s extensive research contributions, notable publications, and innovative advancements in gene editing and molecular diagnostics make him a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. His work not only demonstrates significant academic achievement but also practical applications that advance the field of plant biotechnology.

 

 

Nour Eddine Mayassi | Soil Ecology Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nour Eddine Mayassi | Soil Ecology Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nour Eddine Mayassi, Lebanese University Faculty of Agronomy, Lebanon

Nour Eddine Mayassi (born January 2, 1999, in Aley, Lebanon 🇱🇧) is a Lebanese agronomist with a robust academic background and a passion for sustainable agriculture. He holds a Master’s in Agricultural Engineering from Lebanese University and another Master’s in Sustainable Agroecosystems from CIHEAM Bari, Italy 🇮🇹. Nour has conducted significant research on soil management to enhance small-scale agroecosystem resilience. He has interned at various agricultural institutions, gaining expertise in soil and water analysis, pest management, and innovative farming techniques 🌱. Proficient in English (C2) and Italian (A2), he is an advocate for agroecological practices and youth contributions to agri-food systems 🌾.

Publication profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Nour completed his Lebanese Baccalaureate in Life Sciences at Maroun Abboud Secondary School (2014-2017) 📘. He earned a Bachelor’s in Agriculture from Lebanese University, Beirut (2017-2020) 🌾. He further pursued a Master’s in Agriculture Engineering (2020-2023) and a Master’s in Sustainable Agroecosystems at CIHEAM Bari, Italy (2021-2023) 🌍.

Experience 🌟

Nour interned at Orquidea Garden Center 🌿 and the Lebanese Agriculture Research Institute, focusing on soil and water analysis, pest management, and crop value-chain analysis. He gained valuable skills in soil management, irrigation, and agricultural technology 💧.

Research Focus

Nour Eddine Mayassi’s research is focused on soil health and resilience in small-scale agroecosystems, particularly in the context of Mount-Lebanon 🇱🇧. His work delves into agroecology, emphasizing sustainable agricultural practices that maintain soil vitality and promote ecosystem stability 🌾. He investigates soil management techniques that enhance the resilience of agroecosystems against environmental stressors and climate change 🌍. Collaborating with experts like Thérèse Atallah, Beshr Sukkariyah, and Pandi Zdruli, Nour’s research aims to develop practical solutions for farmers to sustainably manage their land and improve food security 🌱. His contributions are vital to advancing sustainable food systems and agroecological practices 🌿.

 

Publication Top Notes

Investigating soil health and resilience in small-scale agroecosystems of Mount-Lebanon