Rajesh N Udavant | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Rajesh N Udavant | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Research Assistant at University of Georgia, United States

Rajesh N. Udavant is an emerging researcher in agricultural entomology with expertise in plant–insect interactions, host plant resistance, functional genomics, transcriptomics, and RNAi-based pest management. Currently pursuing graduate research at the University of Georgia, he has contributed significantly through international collaborations, including impactful work at ICRISAT on genome-wide gene identification and RNAi applications. His academic record, combined with technical proficiency in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and insect behavioral assays, reflects a strong multidisciplinary foundation. Rajesh has published in reputed journals and authored book chapters, with his research gaining recognition through best presentation awards and fellowships. He actively engages in scientific communities, demonstrating leadership and commitment to advancing sustainable crop protection. With growing global research exposure and impactful contributions, he holds strong potential to shape future directions in entomological research and agricultural innovation.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Rajesh N. Udavant has pursued a strong academic path in agricultural sciences with specialization in entomology. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences from the College of Agriculture, Pathri, under VNMKV, India, where he built a foundation in crop protection and integrated pest management. He then completed a Master of Science in Agricultural Entomology from VNMKV with a thesis focusing on resistance mechanisms in chickpea against Helicoverpa armigera, employing advanced biochemical and morphological analyses. His master’s program allowed him to integrate traditional agricultural knowledge with molecular-level techniques, providing him with a competitive edge in the field of pest resistance studies. Currently, Rajesh is engaged in graduate-level research at the University of Georgia, USA, where he is specializing in functional genomics, transcriptomics, and RNAi approaches in vegetable entomology.

Professional Experience

Rajesh has acquired diverse professional experience through his roles as Research Fellow and Graduate Research Assistant across leading institutions. At ICRISAT, India, he contributed to genome-wide identification and RNAi-based gene silencing studies in Fall armyworm, gaining hands-on expertise in molecular entomology and metabolomics. As Senior Research Fellow at the Plant Protection Division, ICAR-CICR, he focused on morphological resistance in cotton against bollworms, integrating biocontrol agents into IPM strategies. Currently, at the University of Georgia, Rajesh is actively involved in transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to understand plant defense and insect resistance mechanisms, particularly in whitefly–tomato interactions. His professional experience reflects strong international collaborations, technical adaptability, and consistent contributions to advancing crop resilience research. These roles demonstrate his ability to bridge laboratory innovations with applied pest management solutions.

Research Interest

Rajesh’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, entomology, and sustainable agriculture. His core focus is on plant–insect interactions, exploring functional and comparative genomics, host plant resistance, and RNAi technology to develop novel pest management strategies. He is particularly interested in transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to unravel complex defense responses in plants against major insect pests such as whiteflies, bollworms, and fall armyworms. Rajesh’s work seeks to identify and validate molecular targets that can enhance crop resistance to biotic stressors, thereby reducing dependency on chemical pesticides and promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices. His research aims to integrate cutting-edge genomic tools with traditional crop protection methods, contributing to the development of climate-resilient and sustainable farming systems that can meet global food security challenges.

Awards and Honors

Rajesh has been recognized for his academic and research contributions with several awards and fellowships that highlight his growing impact in agricultural sciences. He was honored with the Best Oral Presentation Award at the Entomology Student Conclave organized by the Entomological Society of India, reflecting his ability to communicate complex research effectively. He also received the Best Poster Award at the ICAATAS International Conference for innovative contributions in crop protection research. Additionally, he was awarded the prestigious Sharad Pawar Agriculture Innovation Fellowship for his outstanding performance and potential in agricultural research. These recognitions not only validate his research excellence but also highlight his commitment to advancing sustainable solutions in crop protection, strengthening his profile as a promising researcher in the global scientific community.

Research Skills

Rajesh possesses a wide range of technical and analytical skills spanning molecular biology, bioinformatics, entomology, and data analysis. His expertise includes RNA/DNA isolation, PCR, RT-qPCR, dsRNA synthesis, transcriptomic analysis, HPLC, UPLC-Q-TOF, and protein profiling. In bioinformatics, he is skilled in RNA-Seq data analysis, gene annotation, phylogenomics, synteny analysis, and metabolomics using platforms such as DESeq2, Galaxy, STRING, and MetaboAnalyst. He is proficient in programming languages like R, Python, and MATLAB, which he applies to statistical analysis and image processing. Additionally, he has practical skills in insect handling, rearing, and conducting behavioral assays with pests like whiteflies, bollworms, and Spodoptera. His strong technical repertoire, combined with global research exposure, positions him as a versatile researcher capable of addressing complex agricultural challenges through integrated and innovative approaches.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Biochemical and biophysical responses against Helicoverpa armigera Hub. (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) in chickpea
Authors: Udavant Rajesh, Bantewad Sanjeev, Pawar Archana, Bhede Baswaraj
Year: 2024
Citation: Udavant Rajesh, Bantewad Sanjeev, Pawar Archana, & Bhede Baswaraj. Biochemical and biophysical responses against Helicoverpa armigera Hub. (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) in chickpea. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research, 8(4), 525–532. DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i4g.1002

Title: Response Evaluation of Chickpea Genotypes for Resisting Helicoverpa armigera (Hub) Throughout Growing Season & Correlating with Yield Parameter
Authors: Udavant R., Bantewad S., Rani R., Radhika R., Tupe A.
Year: 2024
Citation: Udavant R., Bantewad S., Rani R., Radhika R., & Tupe A. Response Evaluation of Chickpea Genotypes for Resisting Helicoverpa armigera (Hub) Throughout Growing Season & Correlating with Yield Parameter. International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 9(2).

Title: Metagenomics: Unraveling the microbial world in agriculture
Authors: Udavant R. N., et al.
Year: 2024
Citation: Udavant R. N., et al. Metagenomics: Unraveling the microbial world in agriculture. From Cells to Ecosystems: Exploring Life Sciences Research, Vol. 1, pp. 15–27.

Title: Biotechnological approaches against borer complex in Saccharum spp.
Authors: Udavant R. N., et al.
Year: 2022
Citation: Udavant R. N., et al. Biotechnological approaches against borer complex in Saccharum spp. Futuristic Trends in Biotechnology, Vol. 2, Book 28, Chapter 15.

Conclusion

In summary, Rajesh N. Udavant embodies the qualities of a dedicated and impactful agricultural researcher with a strong academic foundation, diverse professional experiences, and innovative research contributions. His expertise in molecular entomology and sustainable pest management demonstrates both depth and breadth, aligning with pressing global agricultural needs. Recognized through multiple awards, fellowships, and international collaborations, he has proven his ability to excel in both research and scientific communication. His technical skills, combined with a clear vision for sustainable farming practices, reflect his potential to contribute significantly to global food security and crop resilience. Rajesh is not only deserving of recognition such as the Best Researcher Award but also holds the promise of becoming a future leader in agricultural sciences, bridging science, innovation, and community impact.

Ashick Rajah R | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ashick Rajah R | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral Research Scholar at Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India

Ashick Rajah R is a dedicated Doctoral Research Scholar at the Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, specializing in silviculture and agroforestry. He holds a strong academic record, having qualified UGC-NET in Environmental Science, and is currently engaged in research on screening and suitability of new and alternate clones for pulp and energy utility. His scholarly contributions include publications in reputed SCI and Scopus-indexed journals such as Scientific Reports (Springer Nature), Environmental Pollutants and Bioavailability (Taylor & Francis), Current Science, and Wood and Fiber Science. He has authored two books with ISBNs, is pursuing a utility patent, and has earned accolades for best poster and oral presentations at national and international conferences. As a member of the Kansas Entomological Society, he actively engages in professional networks, contributing significantly to forestry research and sustainable development.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Ashick Rajah R is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Forestry at the Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, with a specialization in silviculture and agroforestry. He has consistently maintained an excellent academic record and has qualified the prestigious UGC-NET in Environmental Science, demonstrating his strong foundation in research and academic rigor. His academic journey reflects a clear focus on sustainable forestry and environmental conservation. He has also complemented his formal education with active participation in research workshops, conferences, and collaborative learning initiatives. Through his doctoral studies, Ashick has developed a deep understanding of forestry science, plantation management, and environmental sustainability. His commitment to continuous learning and professional growth positions him as a knowledgeable scholar capable of addressing contemporary challenges in forestry and environmental research.

Experience

As a Doctoral Research Scholar at the Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Ashick Rajah R has gained extensive hands-on experience in forestry research, with a particular focus on developing sustainable solutions for pulp and energy production. His current research involves screening and evaluating new and alternate clones suitable for high-yield forestry applications. In addition to his primary research, he has contributed to multiple scientific publications, authored books, and engaged in patent work, demonstrating his versatility as a researcher. He has actively participated in national and international conferences, presenting his work and winning accolades for his research communication skills. His involvement in multidisciplinary projects and collaboration with peers and experts has strengthened his ability to work in team-based research environments, making him a valuable contributor to the academic and professional forestry community.

Research Interest

Ashick Rajah R’s research interests lie in the fields of silviculture, agroforestry, and sustainable forestry practices, with a strong focus on developing innovative solutions to enhance biomass productivity and environmental resilience. He is particularly interested in the screening and suitability analysis of new and alternate clones for pulp and energy utility, aiming to contribute to renewable resource management and climate change mitigation. His academic curiosity extends to environmental impact assessment, biodiversity conservation, and the application of scientific advances for eco-friendly forestry operations. Ashick also has an interest in integrating forestry research with industrial applications, ensuring that his work benefits both the scientific community and practical forestry sectors. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to applied research highlight his vision of combining ecological sustainability with economic feasibility in forestry development.

Award and Honor

Ashick Rajah R has earned notable recognition for his research excellence through awards such as Best Poster Presentation and Best Oral Presentation at both national and international conferences. These honors reflect his ability to effectively communicate complex scientific ideas and his dedication to producing impactful research. His publications in prestigious SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, including Scientific Reports (Springer Nature) and Environmental Pollutants and Bioavailability (Taylor & Francis), have further established his academic credibility. He has authored two books with ISBNs, contributing valuable knowledge resources to the forestry field, and is currently pursuing a utility patent, demonstrating his innovative thinking. His professional membership in the Kansas Entomological Society underscores his commitment to engaging with the wider scientific community and staying abreast of developments in related disciplines.

Research Skills

Ashick Rajah R possesses a well-rounded set of research skills, combining field expertise, data analysis, and scientific writing. His strengths include experimental design, species selection, clone evaluation, and environmental impact assessment. He is proficient in conducting field trials, analyzing growth and yield data, and interpreting results to produce practical recommendations for forestry applications. His publication record in reputed SCI and Scopus-indexed journals reflects his ability to conduct high-quality research and disseminate findings effectively. Ashick is skilled in literature review, statistical analysis, and collaborative research project execution. He is also adept at preparing manuscripts, book chapters, and technical reports, ensuring scientific accuracy and clarity. His pursuit of a utility patent illustrates his capacity to translate research into practical innovations with real-world applications.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Influence of soil invertebrates on soil decomposition
Authors: S. Prabhakar
Year: 2023
Citation: J. Surv. Fish. Sci. 10, 618–629

Title: Pollination ecology: Understanding plant-pollinator relationships
Authors: P. B. Patil, R. A. Rajah, N. R. Bora, D. Brahma, S. N. Krishnan, V. Vasanth, I. Nath, …
Year: 2024
Citation: Int. J. Agric. Res. 7, 101–105

Title: Evaluation of mulberry species (Morus spp.) as a potential source of bioenergy through thermochemical characterization and gasification
Authors: N. R. Bora, K. T. Parthiban, D. Brahma, M. J. Vishnu, V. Vasanth, R. A. Rajah, …
Year: 2024
Citation: Plant Arch. 24(1), 1125–1132

Title: Role of integrated pest management in agriculture
Authors: M. R. Bhat, D. Brahma, N. R. Bora, M. Vas, R. Ashick Rajah, V. Vasanth, …
Year: 2024
Citation: Int. J. Zool. Appl. Biosci. 9(2), 40–46

Title: Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index of selected tree species to combat air pollution in urban areas of Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: R. A. Rajah, K. T. Parthiban, M. Prasanthrajan, M. Vijayabhama, P. Patil, …
Year: 2025
Citation: Environ. Pollut. Bioavail. 37(1)

Title: Harnessing mulberry trees for carbon sequestration: A review of strategies to enhance air quality
Authors: I. Nath
Year: 2024
Citation: Int. J. Adv. Biochem. Res. 8(3), 872–876

Title: Growth biometry of farm grown teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F) in high rainfall zone of Tamil Nadu
Authors: R. A. Rajah, S. Radhakrishnan, A. Balasubramanian, J. Balamurugan, R. Ravi, …
Year: 2023
Citation: Pharm. Innov. J. 12(8), 660–663

Title: Growth variability of farm grown teak in response to climatic and soil factors across three agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: N. R. B., P. B. P., R. Ashick Rajah, S. Radhakrishnan, A. Balasubramanian, J. …
Year: 2025
Citation: Sci. Rep. 15, 10862

Title: Wood quality of farm grown teak (Tectona grandis, Linn. f) under different agroclimatic zones of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: S. N. Krishnan, A. Balasubramanian, M. Sivaprakash, R. Ravi, B. Sivakumar, …
Year: 2025
Citation: Wood Fiber Sci. 57(2), 73–89

Title: Transmission Dynamics of Bombyx mori Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus and Its Impact on the Economic Traits of Silkworm, Bombyx mori Linn
Authors: M. Sivaprakash, M. R. Bhat, N. R. Bora, P. B. Patil, B. Sivakumar, R. A. Rajah
Year: 2025
Citation: J. Kansas Entomol. Soc. 98(1), 10–29

Title: Bioenergy Potential of Three Fast-Growing Trees: A Pilot Gasification Study for Thermal Applications
Authors: O. Tamuk, K. Parthiban, N. R. Bora, D. Brahma, A. Rajkhowa, J. Sarma, P. Patil, …
Year: 2024
Citation: Int. J. Environ. Clim. Change 14(8), 511–518

Title: Morphological and Structural Characterization of Algae-Based Nanoformulation
Authors: V. Vasanth, K. Senguttuvan, N. R. Bora
Year: 2024
Citation: J. Adv. Biol. Biotechnol. 27(8), 1078–1083

Title: The Role of Tree Gums in Plant-Based Diets
Authors: P. Patil, R. Ashick Rajah, N. R. Bora, M. Vas
Year: 2024

Title: Current scenario, challenges, and prospects of woody biomass as a source of energy
Authors: A. Nayak, K. R. Ramesh, K. T. Parthiban, P. S. Devanand, P. Kumar, T. Selvan, …
Year: 2024

Title: Potential of canopy character based variable rate spraying technologies
Authors: R. Kurmi, J. Kurmi
Year: 2023
Citation: Agric. Food E-Newsletter

Title: Variability, association and principal component analysis in Gmelina arborea
Authors: K. T. Parthiban, N. Krishnakumar, S. Revathi, V. Subbulakshmi, R. A. Rajah
Citation: Indian J. Agrofor. 27(2)

Title: Sericulture in Jammu and Kashmir – A review
Authors: V. Vasanth, M. Ashwin Niranjan, A. Mukil Vas

Title: Harnessing unmanned aerial vehicles and its sustainable forestry management – Skyward solutions
Authors: M. Ashwin Niranjan, V. Kabinesh, R. Ashick Rajah

Title: Journey of Indian forestry and its development from past to modern era
Authors: N. R. Bora, P. Kumar, V. Vasanth, D. Brahma, S. Navaneetha Krishnan, …

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ashick Rajah R is an emerging forestry researcher with a strong academic foundation, impactful research contributions, and a vision for sustainable development. His work in silviculture and agroforestry demonstrates both depth of knowledge and practical applicability, while his publications, books, and patent pursuits highlight his scholarly productivity and innovative thinking. Recognized through multiple research awards and actively engaged in professional networks, he represents the qualities of dedication, intellectual curiosity, and leadership potential. With continued focus on expanding his global research collaborations and publishing in top-tier journals, Ashick is well-positioned to make enduring contributions to forestry science. His commitment to advancing eco-friendly and economically viable forestry practices underscores his potential as a future leader in environmental and forestry research.

Rajesh Malla | Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rajesh Malla | Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award | Best Researcher Award

Deputy Director General at Forest Research and Training Centre, Nepal

Dr. Rajesh Malla, Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Hamburg, Germany, is a distinguished forestry and climate change researcher specializing in forest resource assessment, forest modeling, biodiversity conservation, and climate change impacts on ecosystems. With an M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, he has over two decades of experience in research, leadership, and conservation. He has published extensively in reputed, indexed journals such as Land, Forests, PeerJ, and Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, and has presented at international conferences. Serving as Deputy Director General and previously Director at Nepal’s Forest Research and Training Centre, he has led impactful national and international projects. His work bridges scientific innovation and policy application, significantly contributing to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation in Nepal and beyond. The Agricultural and Biological Sciences Award recognises outstanding contributions in the fields of Agricultural and biological research, particularly within Agriculture and Agriculture.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Orcid Profile

Education

Dr. Rajesh Malla holds a Ph.D. in Biology  from the University of Hamburg, Germany, with a thesis focusing on climate change impacts on soil organic carbon, above-ground biomass, and vegetation shifts in Nepal’s forests. He earned his M.Sc. in Forestry from the Institute of Forestry, Pokhara, Nepal, specializing in habitat mapping and conservation threats to the Gangetic Dolphin, graduating with first division. His B.Sc. in Forestry from Tribhuvan University included a specialization in GIS applications for natural resource management, with a thesis on park–people conflict in Nepal’s protected areas, also completed with first division. This strong academic foundation has equipped him with advanced scientific, analytical, and technical expertise to address complex environmental and climate-related challenges while integrating conservation science with practical forest management solutions.

Experience

With over two decades of service in forestry and climate change research, Dr. Malla currently serves as Deputy Director General of the Forest Research and Training Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal. His leadership spans major projects including allometry equation development, forest resource assessments, bamboo resource surveys, and terrestrial lidar scanning for forest inventory. Previously, he was Director at the Centre’s Gandaki Province office, Research Officer at the Department of Forest Research and Survey, and Assistant Research Officer. He has also served as Project Leader for the Dolphin Conservation Awareness Project, funded by the Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation (UK), and held NGO program management roles. His career reflects a strong blend of research expertise, strategic leadership, and implementation of conservation initiatives at both national and international levels.

Research Interest

Dr. Malla’s research interests span forest resource assessment, forest modeling, biodiversity conservation, and climate change impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. His work integrates advanced modeling techniques with ecological data to evaluate carbon dynamics, biomass distribution, and species habitat suitability. He is deeply engaged in assessing vegetation shifts under climate scenarios, identifying invasive species patterns, and linking forest diversity to carbon storage potential. Additionally, his studies often incorporate geospatial tools, remote sensing, and GIS applications to support data-driven forest management strategies. Beyond ecological science, he focuses on the socio-environmental dimensions of forestry, including park–people relationships, community forestry systems, and conservation policy impacts. His interdisciplinary approach ensures his research remains relevant for both academic advancement and practical application in sustainable natural resource management.

Award and Honor

Dr. Rajesh Malla’s career has been marked by recognition for his impactful research and leadership in forestry and climate science. While his work has not only garnered academic attention through publications in prestigious, indexed journals (Land, Forests, PeerJ, Frontiers in Forests and Global Change), it has also influenced policy and conservation practices in Nepal. His leadership roles in government forestry institutions reflect the trust and respect earned from the scientific and policy-making community. Invitations to present at national and international platforms—such as the APFISN Workshop in the Philippines and the International Conference on Forest, People, and Climate—demonstrate his standing as a subject-matter expert. His project leadership, notably the Dolphin Conservation Awareness Project funded internationally, showcases his ability to secure and manage global research support.

Research Skill

Dr. Malla possesses advanced expertise in forest inventory techniques, biomass and carbon modeling, ecological data analysis, and climate change impact assessments. His skills include the application of GIS, remote sensing, and terrestrial lidar scanning for precise environmental mapping and monitoring. He is adept at integrating field-based data with advanced statistical and geospatial modeling to generate actionable conservation insights. His research involves multi-scale approaches—from local biodiversity assessments to national forest resource evaluations—often within multidisciplinary teams. He has strong competencies in scientific writing, peer-reviewed publishing, and conference presentations, enabling him to effectively communicate research findings to academic, policy, and public audiences. His experience in managing complex research projects, securing funding, and building collaborative networks further strengthens his capacity to lead impactful scientific initiatives.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R.
Year: 2024
Citation: Land, 13(3), 378

Title: Climate change impacts: In the perspective of soil organic carbon, above-ground biomass and vegetation shifts (A case study from Nepal) – PhD thesis
Authors: Malla, R.
Year: 2024
Citation: University of Hamburg, Germany

Title: Habitat suitability of four threatened Himalayan species: Asiatic black bear, common leopard, musk deer, and snow leopard
Authors: Malla, R., Panthi, S., Adhikari, H., Pariyar, S., Baral, R., Subedi, R., Adhikari, B.P.
Year: 2023
Citation: PeerJ, 11, e16085

Title: Modelling soil organic carbon as a function of topography and stand variables
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2022
Citation: Forests, 13(9), 1391

Title: Climate change impacts: Vegetation shift of broad-leaved and coniferous forests
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2023
Citation: Trees, Forests and People, 14, 100457

Title: Assessment of above ground biomass and soil organic carbon in the forests of Nepal under climate change scenario
Authors: Malla, R., Neupane, P.R., Köhl, M.
Year: 2023
Citation: Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6, 1209232

Title: Forest diversity and aboveground carbon linkage between the national park and community managed tropical forests of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Malla, R.
Year: 2023
Citation: Banko Janakari, 33(2), 49–60

Title: Assessment of invasion of Ageratina adenophora in the plantation forest of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Aryal, R.R., Ranabhat, S.
Year: 2021
Citation: Banko Janakari, 31(1), 3–11

Title: Natural regeneration potential and growth of degraded Shorea robusta Gaertn.f. forest in Terai region of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R., Acharya, B.K.
Year: 2017
Citation: Banko Janakari, 28(1), 3–10

Title: The effect of forest management on stand structure and tree diversity in the Sal (Shorea robusta) forest of Nepal
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Fehrman, L., Malla, R.
Year: 2016
Citation: Indian Forester, 142(6), 582–589

Title: Trees on farms: Diversity, carbon pool and contribution to rural livelihood in Kanchanpur district of Nepal
Authors: Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Khanal, S.
Year: 2013
Citation: Banko Janakari, 23(1), 3–11

Title: Above ground carbon stock assessment in different forest types of Nepal
Authors: Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Ranabhat, S.
Year: 2009
Citation: Banko Janakari, 19(2), 10–14

Title: Potentiality of payment for environmental services in community forests of Nepal
Authors: Acharya, K.P., Baral, S.K., Malla, R., Basnyat, B.
Year: 2009
Citation: Proceedings of the Community Forestry International Workshop, 15–18 September 2009, Pokhara, Nepal, pp. 67

Title: Habitat Mapping and Conservation Threats to River Dolphin in Karnali River of Nepal
Authors: Malla, R.
Year: 2009
Citation: Banko Janakari (Special Edition), 24–29

Title: Carbon sequestration potential of Alnus nepalensis in mid-hills of Nepal: A case study from Kaski district
Authors: Ranabhat, S., Awasthi, K.D., Malla, R.
Year: 2008
Citation: Banko Janakari, 18(2), 3–9

Conclusion

Dr. Rajesh Malla stands out as a highly accomplished forestry and climate change researcher whose work bridges the gap between academic science and applied environmental policy. His career reflects a rare combination of scientific depth, leadership ability, and practical conservation impact. With a strong academic background, decades of professional experience, and a rich portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, he has significantly advanced understanding of forest ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. His leadership in government institutions has enabled large-scale data collection, analysis, and resource management that directly benefit environmental policy-making in Nepal. Looking ahead, his expertise, collaborative approach, and commitment to sustainability position him to continue making meaningful contributions to global environmental research and conservation practice

Yandong Zhao | Soil Moisture Content | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yandong Zhao | Soil Moisture Content | Best Researcher Award

Professor at College of Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, China

Dr. Yandong Zhao is a leading researcher in smart forestry and precision agriculture. As a Professor at Beijing Forestry University, he has pioneered IoT-based irrigation systems and advanced plant water stress detection methods. His work integrates automation, environmental sensing, and intelligent forestry management to improve resource efficiency and sustainability. Dr. Zhao has led multiple National Key R&D projects and NSFC-funded research, contributing significantly to the field of agriculture and environmental engineering.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Educational Details

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Electrification and Automation (2002) – China Agricultural University, College of Information and Electrical Engineering (Advisor: Prof. Wang Yiming)
  • M.S. in Agricultural Electrification and Automation (1999) – China Agricultural University, College of Information and Electrical Engineering (Advisor: Prof. Wang Yiming)

Professional Experience

Dr. Yandong Zhao is a Professor and Ph.D. advisor at the School of Engineering, Beijing Forestry University. He has been with the university since 2002, progressing from Lecturer (2002-2003) to Associate Professor (2003-2011), and later to Professor (2012-present). Over his career, he has led numerous national and provincial research projects focused on precision irrigation, environmental monitoring, and smart forestry technologies.

Research Interest

  • Smart Forestry and Precision Agriculture – Development of IoT-based irrigation systems and environmental monitoring technologies.
  • Plant Water Stress Detection – Using 3D imaging and soil moisture analysis for real-time monitoring.
  • Ecological and Forestry Automation – Smart surveillance, pest control, and soil parameter detection in forests.

Author Metrics & Impact

  • Publications: Numerous journal articles and conference papers on precision irrigation, environmental monitoring, and smart forestry technologies.
  • Citations: His work has been cited extensively in the fields of agricultural automation and forestry engineering.
  • Research Funding: Secured and managed over 10 national and provincial-level research grants.

Top Noted Publication

Three-Dimensional Segmentation Method of Soil Multi-Category Pores Based on Improved UNet-VAE Network

  • Authors: Qiaoling Han, Meihui Song, Benye Xi, Yue Zhao, Yandong Zhao
  • Journal: Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering
  • Summary: Proposes an enhanced UNet-VAE deep learning model for accurate 3D segmentation of soil pores, improving soil structure analysis in agricultural engineering.

Estimation of Relative Permittivity of Tree Root System Based on Ground Penetrating Radar

  • Authors: Huiyun Liang, Guoqiu Fan, Yandong Zhao, Hao Liang
  • Journal: Journal of Beijing Forestry University
  • Summary: Uses ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to estimate the relative permittivity of tree roots, aiding non-destructive root system analysis for forestry applications.

Study on the Variation Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Stem Water Content of Acer truncatum During the Overwintering Period (Open Access)

  • Authors: Zehai Xu, Yandong Zhao
  • Journal: Journal of Plant Research
  • Summary: Investigates stem water content changes in Acer truncatum during winter, analyzing seasonal variations and environmental influences.
  • Citations: 1

Research on 3D Reconstruction Based on Improved Binocular Vision Algorithm

  • Authors: Jiahao Zou, Yandong Zhao
  • Journal: Journal of Optoelectronics Laser
  • Summary: Develops an improved binocular vision algorithm for 3D object reconstruction, enhancing precision in forestry and agricultural imaging.

Interpretation of Sequence Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Stem Water Content for Acer pictum subsp. mono in its Growing Season (Open Access)

  • Authors: Zehai Xu, Yandong Zhao
  • Journal: Chinese Journal of Plant Ecology
  • Summary: Examines water transport dynamics in Acer pictum subsp. mono during its growing season, assessing environmental and physiological influences.

Conclusion

Dr. Yandong Zhao is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in smart forestry, soil moisture analysis, and precision irrigation. His technical expertise, research leadership, and funding success demonstrate a high level of impact in agricultural automation and environmental sustainability.

To further enhance his candidacy, he could focus on publishing in top-tier journals, increasing international collaborations, and expanding the real-world applications of his research. If these areas are addressed, he would be an outstanding choice for this prestigious award.