Nimra Mubeen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

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Ms. Nimra Mubeen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Pioneer Researcher Award

PhD Student | University of Veterinary and Animals Sciences | Pakistan

Nimra Mubeen is an emerging researcher in the field of Fisheries and Aquaculture, dedicated to advancing sustainable aquatic health through innovative scientific contributions. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. (2021–2025) in Fisheries and Aquaculture at the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, focusing on the development of feed-based vaccines against Aeromonas spp. in culturable carps, after completing her M.Phil. (2021) and M.Sc. (2018) in the same discipline, both with distinction. She has served as a research associate on a Pakistan Science Foundation-funded project on the isolation and molecular characterization of fish pathogens and vaccine development, which allowed her to gain practical expertise and contribute to applied solutions for the aquaculture industry. Her research interests include fish immunology, aquatic disease diagnostics, vaccine development, aquaculture sustainability, molecular biology, and innovative feed formulations. She has strong technical skills in bacterial vaccine preparation, molecular identification of pathogens, immunological assays, microbial culturing, and nutritional interventions in aquaculture systems. Nimra has co-authored six peer-reviewed publications in Scopus and ISI-indexed journals such as Microorganisms and Aquaculture Research, a book chapter with CABI, and multiple abstracts in conference proceedings. She has also presented her work at national and international conferences in Pakistan and Turkey, reflecting her global scientific engagement. Her academic achievements include top positions in model competitions, poster presentation awards, and certifications from Elsevier Researcher Academy, Wiley, and international aquaculture societies. With over 35 citations and an h-index of 3, her growing research footprint reflects her academic impact. She is actively involved in organizing scientific seminars, workshops, and World Fisheries Day activities, showcasing her leadership and community engagement. In conclusion, Nimra Mubeen’s blend of academic excellence, innovative research, technical expertise, and international collaboration makes her a promising young scientist and a deserving candidate for recognition through the Pioneer Researcher Award.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Mubeen, N., Ashraf, M., Ahmad, S., Aslam, M. S., & Kalhoro, H. (2022). Growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita fed with feed-based vaccine against Aeromonas hydrophila. Microorganisms, 10(9), 1852. [Citations: 15]

  2. Mubeen, N., Ashraf, M., Ahmad, S., Kalhoro, H., & Jabeen, F. (2022). Molecular identification and pathogenicity of Aeromonas hydrophila in major carps. Aquaculture Research, 53(13), 4761–4772. [Citations: 10]

  3. Mubeen, N., Ashraf, M., Ahmad, S., Kalhoro, H., & Memon, A. (2021). Vaccine development approaches against bacterial pathogens in aquaculture. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 53(5), 1767–1774. [Citations: 5]

  4. Mubeen, N., Ashraf, M., & Ahmad, S. (2021). Application of immunostimulants in aquaculture health management: A review. Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 21(9), 447–456. [Citations: 3]

  5. Mubeen, N., & Ashraf, M. (2020). Fish health management through probiotics in aquaculture: A sustainable approach. Journal of Fisheries Sciences, 14(2), 81–89. [Citations: 2]

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.

Lemessa Kumsa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Lemessa Kumsa | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at Adama Science and Technology University, Ethiopia

Dr. Lemessa Kumsa is an accomplished researcher and academic specializing in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management, with expertise in plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, and plant biotechnology. He holds a Ph.D. from Addis Ababa University and serves as a lecturer and mentor at Adama Science and Technology University, where he contributes to teaching, research, and community service. His research spans indigenous knowledge systems, ethnobotany, biodiversity dynamics, and sustainable conservation, resulting in publications in reputed international journals such as Scopus and Frontiers. He has actively engaged in collaborative research projects, including national initiatives and international partnerships, reflecting his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing real-world challenges. Recognized as a model teacher, he demonstrates both academic excellence and leadership, positioning him as a highly impactful researcher with strong future potential.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | Orcid Profile

Education

Dr. Lemessa Kumsa has pursued a strong academic journey in the field of biological sciences, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Haramaya University, followed by a Master of Science in Botanical Science from Addis Ababa University. He further advanced his expertise by completing a Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Biology and Biodiversity Management at Addis Ababa University, where he focused on plant ecology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources. His academic training has provided him with a broad and in-depth understanding of plant biodiversity, ecological dynamics, and conservation practices. This solid educational background has prepared him for impactful research, teaching, and collaboration, enabling him to address critical challenges in biodiversity management, ecological sustainability, and the integration of traditional knowledge into modern scientific frameworks.

Professional Experience

Dr. Lemessa Kumsa serves as a lecturer and researcher at Adama Science and Technology University, where he has made remarkable contributions to academic teaching, mentoring, and knowledge development. His professional experience includes delivering lectures in plant biology, biodiversity management, and ecology, while also supervising senior projects and guiding student research. Beyond teaching, he has been actively engaged in laboratory instruction, curriculum development, and the preparation of research-oriented manuals to enhance learning outcomes. As both a principal investigator and co-researcher, he has contributed to several impactful projects focusing on biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource utilization. Additionally, he has demonstrated commitment to community service through research and extension activities, ensuring that his scientific knowledge contributes to addressing societal needs. His professional journey reflects dedication to academic growth, research excellence, and institutional development.

Research Interest

Dr. Lemessa Kumsa’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant biology, ecology, and biodiversity conservation, with a strong emphasis on sustainable natural resource management. His work explores the dynamics of plant species within agricultural landscapes, the role of indigenous knowledge in biodiversity protection, and the application of plant biotechnology for sustainable solutions. He has conducted studies on woody plant diversity, ethnobotany, and the impact of land use on ecological systems, contributing valuable insights to both scientific and local communities. His interest extends to exploring traditional ecological knowledge as a tool for sustainable conservation, bridging the gap between scientific innovation and cultural practices. By integrating ecological science with community-based knowledge, he aims to promote strategies that protect biodiversity while ensuring livelihoods and food security in rapidly changing environments.

Award and Honor

Dr. Lemessa Kumsa has been recognized for his academic and teaching excellence, including receiving a certificate of honor for being a model teacher within the Department of Biology at Adama Science and Technology University. This recognition highlights his dedication to quality education, mentorship, and commitment to fostering student growth. His involvement in high-impact research projects has further enhanced his academic reputation, with contributions acknowledged by peers and collaborators both nationally and internationally. His leadership in advancing studies on Ethiopian medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as his participation in globally funded biodiversity projects, reflects the respect he has earned within the scientific community. These honors not only signify his achievements but also underline his role as a dedicated educator, researcher, and community contributor, committed to advancing both science and society.

Research Skill

Dr. Lemessa Kumsa possesses strong research skills, combining scientific rigor with innovative methodologies in biodiversity management, plant ecology, and ethnobotany. He has expertise in designing and conducting field-based ecological assessments, laboratory analysis, and integrating quantitative and qualitative methods to generate impactful findings. His ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary and international projects showcases his adaptability and commitment to advancing global scientific knowledge. He is skilled in publishing research in high-quality journals, disseminating knowledge through conferences, and translating scientific outcomes into practical recommendations for conservation and sustainable use of resources. His proficiency also extends to guiding student research, preparing training manuals, and implementing community-centered projects. These skills reflect his capability to bridge academic research with practical applications, positioning him as a versatile researcher with lasting contributions to science and development.

Publication Top Notes

Title: A Review on Oromo Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Beacon for Sustainable Conservation
Authors: Telila H., Kumsa L., Lami M., Totoba B.A.
Year: 2025
Citation: Journal of Equity in Science & Sustainable Development, 8(2): 162–185. https://doi.org/10.20372/mwu.jessd.2025.1582

Title: Exploring indigenous knowledge and practices of the Gurage community on the biosystematics and utilization of Enset landraces for bone fracture and regeneration: the case of Gurage Zone, central Ethiopia region
Authors: Negassa T., Meressa A., Abdissa N., Degu S., Addis G., Debebe E., W/kidan S., Belitibo D.K., Ashenef S., Shanko W., Zuber Z., Kumsa L., Kassahun M., Assamo F.T., Endale M.
Year: 2025
Citation: Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16: 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1563898

Title: Assessment of the pattern of fuelwood consumption and impacts on woody plant species in the Bale Mountains National Park, southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Oslo T., Telila H., Kumsa L.
Year: 2025
Citation: Journal for Nature Conservation, 84: 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2025.126829

Title: Assessment of the impact of woody species encroachment on plant species diversity and the livelihood of pastoralists in southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mahmud A., Telila H., Kumsa L.
Year: 2024
Citation: African Journal of Range & Forage Science, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.2989/10220119.2024.2324866

Title: Ethnobotany of traditional cosmetics among the Oromo women in Madda Walabu District, Bale Zone, Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Sultan S., Telila H., Kumsa L.
Year: 2024
Citation: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 20:39.

Title: Analysis of rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. Japonica) wall-associated receptor-like protein kinase gene’s promoter region and regulatory elements
Authors: Huluka W., Kumsa L.
Year: 2022
Citation: Current Plant Biology, 31: 100254.

Title: Patch area and current coffee management determine woody plant diversity in patches of semi-forest coffee embedded in an agricultural matrix
Authors: Kumsa L., Hylander K., Gurmessa D., Nemomissa S.
Year: 2016
Citation: Global Ecology and Conservation, 8: 230–240.

Conclusion

In summary, Dr. Lemessa Kumsa stands out as a dedicated researcher, educator, and academic leader whose contributions span education, biodiversity research, and community engagement. His strong academic foundation, impactful professional experience, and focused research interests demonstrate both scientific depth and societal relevance. Through publications in reputed journals, leadership in collaborative projects, and recognition for his teaching excellence, he has established himself as a respected figure in the scientific community. His research on biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable management has contributed significantly to advancing ecological science while supporting local communities. With his strong skills, dedication, and commitment to both research and education, Dr. Kumsa represents a scholar of high potential whose future contributions will further strengthen conservation, innovation, and academic excellence.