Mr. Chamuka Thebulo | Agriculture Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Chamuka Thebulo | Agriculture Awards | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Chamuka Thebulo, ICRAF, Malawi

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo is an agricultural economist with over five years of experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Business Management at the University of Malawi, he previously earned an M.Sc. in Agricultural & Applied Economics from Lilongwe University and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Malawi. Chamuka’s research interests focus on food security, gender issues, climate change, and microeconomics. He has held various positions, including Research Associate at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF)-Malawi and Research Manager at the International Crops Research Institute for Sem-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)-Zimbabwe, where he has contributed to numerous publications and project reports. Chamuka is also proficient in data management and analysis, and he has demonstrated leadership in research coordination and capacity building for project teams.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Suitability Summary for the Best Researcher Award: Chamuka Dickson Thebulo

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo’s extensive background as an agricultural economist, combined with his over five years of hands-on experience in research and project management, positions him as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His educational qualifications, including a PhD in Business Management in progress and a Masterā€™s in Agricultural & Applied Economics, underpin his robust analytical skills and theoretical knowledge.

šŸŽ“Education:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Business Management at the University of Malawi, expected to be completed between 2024 and 2027. He holds a Master of Science in Agricultural & Applied Economics, which he earned from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources in 2017. Additionally, Chamuka completed his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics at the University of Malawi’s Bunda College of Agriculture in 2014.

šŸ¢Work Experience:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo has held several key positions in the field of agricultural research and project management. Currently, as a Research Associate and Socio-Economist at the International Center for Research in Agroforestry (ICRAF) in Malawi since January 2023, he supports the development of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for the RESAf project, contributes to data collection tools, and leads field data collection for impact assessments. From January 2018 to November 2022, he served as a Research Manager at the International Crops Research Institute for Sem-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Zimbabwe, where he coordinated multiple research activities, managed data collection and analysis using STATA and SPSS, and built capacity in project management while conducting market situation analyses for legumes. Prior to that, he worked as a Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Zimbabwe from July 2016 to December 2017, where he developed monitoring and evaluation tools and conducted market situation analyses for inclusive red meat value chains. Chamuka also gained experience as a Field Research Manager at the Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CARD) at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) from July 2014 to October 2015, leading crop and livestock value chain analyses and managing data collection and reporting

šŸ…Achievements:

Chamuka Dickson Thebulo has authored and contributed to various research articles and reports, focusing on food security, agricultural practices, and market analysis. His notable contributions have significantly influenced research and policy recommendations, positively impacting agricultural practices and promoting gender equity in Malawi. Through his work, Chamuka has demonstrated a commitment to advancing knowledge and improving the livelihoods of communities through informed agricultural strategies.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Title: Factors influencing adoption and use of Tephrosia vogelii in Malawi: Role of by-laws and other drivers
  • Title: Effectiveness of Bylaws in Promoting Adoption and Extent of Adoption for Tephrosia Vogelii in Malawi

 

 

 

 

 

Seyed Mohamad Javidan | Plant Disease Detection | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Seyed Mohamad Javidan | Plant Disease Detection | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Seyed Mohamad Javidan, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

 

Dr. Seyed Mohamad Javidan is a dedicated researcher and educator in Biosystems Engineering at Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. He earned his PhD in 2023 with a focus on diagnosing tomato fungal diseases through image processing. His research interests include plant disease detection, precision agriculture, and biosensor technologies. Dr. Javidan holds several patents, including innovations in agricultural machinery. He has published numerous articles in reputable journals and actively participates in conferences. Fluent in English and Farsi, he also teaches automotive engineering courses, fostering the next generation of engineers. šŸ“ššŸŒ¾

Publication profile

Google Scholar


Education

Dr. Seyed Mohamad Javidan earned his PhD in Biosystems Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, in 2023, with a GPA of 17.33/20. His dissertation focused on “Intelligent Diagnosis of Tomato Common Fungal Diseases Using RGB and Hyperspectral Image Processing.” Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering at Islamic Azad University of Takestan in 2013, achieving a GPA of 17.78/20 with a thesis on a semi-automatic tomato transplanter. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Machinery from Islamic Azad University of Azadshahr, graduated in 2009 with a GPA of 16.17/20. šŸŽ“šŸŒ±šŸ“š

 

Research Interests

Dr. Seyed Mohamad Javidan’s research interests are centered on innovative solutions in agriculture. He focuses on plant disease detection through image processing and artificial intelligence, utilizing hyperspectral image analysis for enhanced accuracy. His work also explores biosensor technologies for the early detection of plant pathogens, contributing to precision agriculture and smart farming practices. Additionally, he is passionate about robotics in agriculture, aiming to improve efficiency and productivity. His expertise includes the design, construction, testing, and evaluation of agricultural machinery, bridging technology and sustainable farming. šŸŒæšŸ¤–šŸ”¬āœØ

 

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Seyed Mohamad Javidan received the prestigious First Place award in the Scientific Competition of EEDE BARTAR for his innovative “Seed Sowing Robot” project at Islamic Azad University of Gorgan in 2021. This recognition highlights his commitment to advancing agricultural technology and showcases his ability to turn visionary ideas into practical solutions. The competition celebrated the best ideas in the field, and Dr. Javidan’s work stood out for its potential impact on enhancing efficiency in agricultural practices. His achievement not only reflects his expertise but also contributes to the future of smart farming. šŸ†šŸŒ±šŸ¤–āœØ

 

Teaching Activities

Dr. Seyed Mohamad Javidan is dedicated to educating future engineers through a diverse curriculum focused on automotive engineering. His teaching activities include courses on the fundamentals of Internal Combustion Engines, Power Generating Technology, and Power Transmission Technology. He also covers specialized topics such as Chassis Technology, Steering and Suspension, as well as Diesel and Gasoline Fuel Systems. Dr. Javidan emphasizes practical skills in General and Technical Drawing, Hydraulic and Pneumatic systems, and Machine Components. His comprehensive approach ensures that students gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, preparing them for successful careers in engineering. šŸ“ššŸ”§šŸš—āœØ

 

Conclusion

Dr. Seyed Mohamad Javidan’s extensive educational background, impactful research contributions, innovative patents, and commitment to teaching and mentoring position him as an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also addresses practical challenges in agriculture, making a significant impact on the field.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Diagnosis of grape leaf diseases using automatic K-means clustering and machine learning šŸŒ± ā€” Cited by: 120, Year: 2023
  • Tomato leaf diseases classification using image processing and weighted ensemble learning šŸ… ā€” Cited by: 16, Year: 2024
  • Design, construction and evaluation of semi-automatic vegetable transplanter with conical distributor cup šŸ› ļø ā€” Cited by: 13, Year: 2019
  • A feature selection method using slime mould optimization algorithm in order to diagnose plant leaf diseases šŸ” ā€” Cited by: 12, Year: 2022
  • Detection of Cucumber Fruit on Plant Images Using Artificial Neural Network šŸ„’ ā€” Cited by: 12, Year: 2022
  • Detection of Callosobruchus maculatus F. with image processing and artificial neural network šŸž ā€” Cited by: 10*, Year: 2020
  • Diagnosing the spores of tomato fungal diseases using microscopic image processing and machine learning šŸŒæ ā€” Cited by: 9, Year: 2024
  • Design, Construction, and Evaluation of Automated Seeder with Ultrasonic Sensors for Row Detection šŸšœ ā€” Cited by: 8, Year: 2021
  • A novel approach for automated strawberry fruit varieties classification using image processing and machine learning šŸ“ ā€” Cited by: 4, Year: 2024
  • Design and construction of solar seeding robot equipped with row detection technology ā˜€ļø ā€” Cited by: 3, Year: 2018

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. Hereā€™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 inĀ TrAC Trends in Analytical ChemistryĀ 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 detection ā€“ Frontiers in Microbiology, 2024 šŸ“„ DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1390422
  • One-pot Point-of-Care Nucleic-acid Detection via Padlock DNA Ligation and Rolling Circle Transcription ā€“ Research Square, 2024 šŸ“„ 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) ā€“ A Concise Review ā€“ TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 2024 šŸ“„ DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2024.117902
  • Quadruplex Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Screening and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 ā€“ International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024 šŸ“„ 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-2 ā€“ Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2023 šŸ“„ DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115179
  • In vitro Argonaute cleavage-mediated quantitative PCR facilitates versatile CRISPR/Cas-induced mutant analysis ā€“ Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 2023 šŸ“„ 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 Mutants ā€“ Analytical Chemistry, 2022 šŸ“„ DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c01837
  • PAM-free loop-mediated isothermal amplification coupled with CRISPR/Cas12a cleavage (Cas-PfLAMP) for rapid detection of rice pathogens ā€“ Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2022 šŸ“„ DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114076
  • Whole-Genome Sequence of Synthesized Allopolyploids in Cucumis Reveals Insights into the Genome Evolution of Allopolyploidization ā€“ Advanced Science, 2021 šŸ“„ DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004222
  • Global profiling of lncRNAs expression responsive to allopolyploidization in cucumis ā€“ Genes, 2020 šŸ“„ 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.

 

 

ASSIENE AGAMOU JULIEN ARMEL | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. ASSIENE AGAMOU JULIEN ARMEL | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, University of Douala, Cameroon

Dr. Julien Armel Assiene Agamou is a dedicated lecturer at ENSET, University of Douala, specializing in Food Sciences-Nutrition and Food Biotechnology. His expertise lies in optimizing food production processes and developing functional foods to combat malnutrition. Driven by discipline and a strong team spirit, he actively contributes to nutritional education and community health initiatives in Cameroon.

Profile

Google Scholar

 

Education šŸ“š

Dr. Assiene holds a Ph.D. in Food Sciences-Nutrition from ENSAI, University of NgaoundĆ©rĆ©, Cameroon. He completed his Master’s degree in Food Science and Nutrition and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry. His academic journey emphasizes the nutritional and functional properties of indigenous foods.

Experience šŸ’¼

His professional experience spans teaching roles at ENSET and other institutions, including practical work in Food Biochemistry and Food Microbiology. Dr. Assiene has managed projects focusing on the valorization of local food products and the development of nutrient-dense foods. He has also served as a stock manager and academic supervisor, contributing significantly to food science research.

Research Interests šŸ§Ŗ

Optimization of food production processes

Functional foods and their impact on nutrition

Biochemical and microbiological analyses

Food quality control and nutritional education

Awards šŸ†

His contributions to food science and nutrition have been recognized through awards for academic excellence and research impact in Cameroon.

Publications

AssienƩ AJA, Fombang EN, Mbofung CMF. Particular benefits can be attributed to Moringa oleifera Lam leaves based on origin and stage of maturity, Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences, 2015.

Fombang EN, AssiƩnƩ AJA, Mbofung CMF. Incorporation of Ricinodendron heudolotii Meal into Blends of Wheat and Precooked Taro Flour for production of Nutrient Dense Biscuits, Indian Journal of Nutrition, 2016.

AssienƩ AJA, Fombang EN, Mbofung CMF. Nutritional potential and bioactive compounds of Moringa oleifera leaf powders, Cameroon Nutritional Science Society, 2017.

AssienƩ AJA, Fombang EN, Mbofung CMF. In vitro protein digestibility and iron bioavailability according to agro-ecological zone and stage of maturity of Moringa oleifera Lam leaves, Europeans Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety, 2020.