Mukululi Ndlovu | Environmental Science | Best Research Article Award

Published on by Best Paper Awards

Mr. Mukululi Ndlovu | Environmental Science | Best Research Article Award 

Ecologist | Zimbabwe Parks an Wildlife Management Authority | Zimbabwe

Mr. Ndlovu Mukululi is a Zimbabwean terrestrial ecologist whose professional trajectory and research output make him a strong candidate for a Best Research Article Award, supported by over a decade of progressive experience in wildlife management, ecological monitoring, and biodiversity conservation. Beginning his career as Assistant Park Manager at Umfurudzi Park from 2013 to 2016, he advanced to Ecologist at the same park until 2019, and currently serves as a Terrestrial Ecologist with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, where he contributes to national conservation programs and scientific assessments. His academic foundation includes an MSc in Biodiversity Conservation, earned with a First Class degree, and a Bachelor of Science Honours in Wildlife and Safari Management, demonstrating strong theoretical competence reinforced by extensive field experience. His professional development includes international capacity-building training under CITES in China, as well as specialized preparation in field ranger operations and wildlife management processes. His broad expertise covers ecological research and monitoring, environmental impact assessments, habitat suitability evaluations for wildlife introductions and reintroductions, game capture and translocation, fire management, park infrastructure planning, and mining administration, reflecting a comprehensive skill set aligned with modern conservation science. With six research publications, he has contributed meaningful scientific insights that address regional biodiversity challenges and inform evidence-based conservation decisions. Operating from Sengwa Wildlife Research Institute, he conducts rigorous ecological assessments that support species protection, habitat restoration, and sustainable wildlife management. His academic excellence, applied ecological knowledge, and peer-reviewed research collectively demonstrate the originality, scientific merit, and practical impact expected of work recognized by the Best Research Article Award.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Ndlovu, M., Hungwe, C., Kusangaya, S., Muzamba, C., & Chinoitezvi, H. (2024). Modelling poaching risk zones in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area: A progressive step towards poaching management. Open Access Library Journal, 11, 1–16.

  2. Ndlovu, M. (2021). An analysis of the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on wildlife protection in Zimbabwean protected areas in 2020. Science of the Total Environment – Regional Studies, 3, 100052.

  3. Ndlovu, M., et al. (2022). Exploring opportunities and threats associated with conservation of ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in Zimbabwe. Journal of Wildlife Research, 9(2), 112–120.

  4. Ndlovu, M., et al. (2022). Seasonal trend and distribution of wire-snaring activities and possible hotspots in the Sengwa Wildlife Area, Zimbabwe. Open Access Library Journal, 9, 1–12.

  5. Ndlovu, M., et al. (2024). Climate and weather monitoring research at the Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority. Terrestrial Research and Monitoring Projects Report, 32, 1–40.

The nominee’s work advances environmental science through evidence-based research that strengthens ecosystem resilience and informs sustainable resource management. His contributions support policy development, enhance conservation effectiveness, and provide scalable solutions that improve societal well-being and long-term environmental security.

Kamala Kannan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Kamala Kannan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assistant Professor | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | India

Professor Kamala Kannan is an exceptionally accomplished researcher whose extensive contributions in marine biology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences make her highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Currently serving as a Professor at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, she brings a wealth of experience from her tenure as a National Postdoctoral Fellow at SRM University and as a Senior Research Fellow at the Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai. Her academic foundation includes a PhD and M.Phil in Marine Biology from Annamalai University, complemented by an M.Sc in Oceanography and a B.Sc in Zoology, reflecting a deep and progressive specialization in marine sciences. Over her prolific career, she has authored more than 34 publications in high-impact journals, encompassing groundbreaking work on antioxidant enzymes in gastropods, green synthesis of nanoparticles from marine plants, multi-drug resistant bacteria in marine fish, and marine bioactive compounds targeting oral squamous cell carcinoma, among others. She has also contributed numerous book chapters on marine actinobacteria, marine polymers, and bioremediation technologies, demonstrating her expertise in translating fundamental research into practical applications for environmental remediation and biomedical uses. Professor Kannan’s research has attracted competitive funding, such as the Science and Engineering Research Board grant for bioremediation of radionuclides using marine actinobacterial EPS, highlighting her capability to secure support for high-impact projects. Additionally, her service as a peer reviewer for international journals underscores her recognized authority in the field. Her work exemplifies innovation, interdisciplinary integration, and societal impact, particularly in environmental conservation, biotechnological applications, and public health. With a career marked by sustained scholarly productivity, mentorship of emerging scientists, and meaningful contributions to marine science and biotechnology, Professor Kamala Kannan embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher whose achievements merit the highest recognition through the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | LinkedIn | ResearchGate

Featured Publications 

  1. Ambekar, A. A., Sivaperumal, P., Kamala, K., Kubal, P., & Prakash, C. (2023). Effect of temperature changes on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress in gastropod Nerita oryzarum collected along India’s first Tarapur Atomic Power Plant site. Environmental Research, 214, 114334.

  2. Sivaperumal, P., Kamala, K., Ganapathy, D. M., Dharani, G., Sundarrajan, S., & Ramakrishna, S. (2023). Fabrication of AgNPs mediated fibrous membrane from Rhizophora mucronata mangrove plant extract for biological properties. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 79, 104710.

  3. Dilipan, E., Sivaperumal, P., Kamala, K., & Ramachandran, M. (2023). Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using seagrass Cymodocea serrulata (R.Br.) Asch. & Magnus, characterization, and evaluation of anticancer, antioxidant, and antiglycemic index. Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 70(3), 1078–1092.

  4. Kamala, K., Sivaperumal, P., Subramanian, K., Aruni, W., Shanmugam, R., & Rajaram, R. (2022). Baseline assessment of marine actinobacterial diversity around the nuclear power plant sites, India and its application to uranium remediation. Environmental Research, 211, 113135.

  5. Sivaperumal, P., Sekaran, S., Kamala, K., & Ganapathy, D. (2022). Marine bioactive compounds as potential therapeutic inhibitor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Oral Oncology, 126, 105971.

Mr. Hayatullah Mushwani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Hayatullah Mushwani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer | Kabul Institute | Afghanistan

Mr. Hayatullah Mushwani is a highly committed research scientist and lecturer in the Disaster Management Department, Environment Faculty, at Kabul University, Afghanistan. With over eight years of experience in teaching, research, and consulting, he has developed deep expertise in disaster risk reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental management, and sustainable development. He holds a Master’s degree in Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation, and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, completed in 2023, and a Bachelor’s degree in Disaster Management from Kabul University in 2017. His professional experience includes serving as a lecturer since 2018, delivering courses in disaster risk reduction, climatic hazards, GIS, and resilience studies. He has also contributed to several humanitarian and research-driven organizations such as ADRA International, Redr UK, CWSA Japan, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), focusing on climate adaptation, curriculum development, and resilience planning. His research interests encompass disaster risk analysis, climate change policy, hazard modeling, resilience assessment, and community-based risk management. He is skilled in GIS and remote sensing applications, AHP numerical modeling, SPSS data analysis, and advanced research design methodologies. Mr. Mushwani has published over ten peer-reviewed articles in international Q1 and Q2 journals, including ScienceDirect and Springer Nature, with an H-index of 4 and more than 46 citations and 7 Documents . His dedication to academic excellence is reflected through multiple honors, including appreciation letters from international institutions in Singapore, the USA, and India for outstanding teaching and volunteer contributions. His academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and knowledge transfer. In conclusion, Mr. Mushwani’s blend of scholarly rigor, teaching excellence, and global engagement demonstrates his potential to contribute meaningfully to international research and policy frameworks in disaster management and climate resilience.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | LinkedIn | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Safi, L., Mujeeb, M., Sahak, K., Mushwani, H., & Hashmi, S. K. (2024). Climate change impacts and threats on basic livelihood resources, food security, and social stability in Afghanistan. GeoJournal, 89(2), 85. Citations: 36

  2. Mushwani, H., Ahmadzai, M. R., Ullah, H., Baheer, M. S., & Peroz, S. (2024). A comprehensive AHP numerical module for assessing resilience of Kabul City to flood hazards. Urban Climate, 55, 101939. Citations: 13

  3. Morshed, M. A., Mushwani, H., Sahak, K., & Hairan, M. H. (2024). The current state of early warning system in South Asia: A case study of Afghanistan. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 100, 104201. Citations: 13

  4. Mushwani, H., Arabzai, A., Safi, L., Ullah, H., Afghan, A., & Parven, A. (2025). Evaluation of flood hazard vulnerabilities and innovative management strategies in Afghanistan’s central region. Natural Hazards, 121(4), 4639–4655. Citations: 6

  5. Mushwani, H., Arabzai, A., Safi, L., Chaiya, C., & Sahak, K. (2025). Evaluation of gender-based challenges during natural disasters in the central region of Afghanistan: A case study of Parwan Province. World Development Perspectives, 37, 100646. Citations: 2