Taonda Adama | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Taonda Adama | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Taonda Adama at WASCAL, Burkina Faso

Summary:

Mr. Adama Taonda is a climate change and biodiversity researcher with a keen focus on sustainable agriculture practices. A current Ph.D. candidate at WASCAL, Côte d’Ivoire, he has been involved in pivotal research on the effects of land use and climate on biodiversity across West Africa. His scientific contributions focus on modeling species distribution under climate change scenarios and evaluating aboveground biomass and carbon stocks. Mr. Taonda is dedicated to advancing climate resilience through scientific research and has participated in numerous national and international climate initiatives.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

PhD Graduate Student (Climate Change and Biodiversity), WASCAL, Côte d’Ivoire – January 2022–Present

Master’s Degree (Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Agriculture), African Centre of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Agriculture, Côte d’Ivoire – 2018–2020

Bachelor’s Degree (Biological Science), Joseph KI ZERBO University, Burkina Faso – 2010–2015

🏢 Professional Experience:

Mr. Taonda Adama has extensive experience in climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Since March 2021, he has served as a technical coordinator and assistant at the Permanent Secretariat of the National Council for Sustainable Development (SP/CNDD) in Burkina Faso. In this role, he contributed to the development of sectoral plans integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and played a key role in assessing environmental reports and the progress of national climate change initiatives. Additionally, Mr. Taonda has coordinated various international and regional conventions on climate change, worked on evaluating projects, and revised national adaptation plans (NAP) in collaboration with international bodies such as the WAEMU.

His technical expertise extends to biodiversity conservation, species distribution modeling, and aboveground biomass and carbon stock prediction. He has participated in several international seminars and training workshops, focusing on climate change adaptation, SDG integration, and biodiversity management.

Research Interests:

  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Aboveground biomass and carbon stock prediction
  • Species distribution modeling
  • Tree-ring analysis and quantitative wood anatomy through dendroclimatology

Top Noted Publication:

Effects of land use and climate on the diversity and population structure in natural stands of Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae) in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

  • Journal: Global Ecology and Conservation
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 51
  • Article ID: e02909
  • Authors: Taonda, A., Zerbo, I., N’Guessan, A.E., Kassi, J.N., Thiombiano, A.
  • Access: Open access

Local perceptions of anthropogenic and climate factors affecting the use and the conservation of Detarium microcarpum and Detarium senegalense in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

  • Journal: Integrative Conservation
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 58–75
  • Authors: Taonda, A., Zerbo, I., N’Guessan, A.E., N’Dja Kassi, J., Thiombiano, A.
  • Access: Open access

Dynamics of reconstitution of the vegetal biodiversity of the Foumbou class forest (north of the Ivory Coast)

  • Journal: International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue: 6
  • Pages: 2607–2624
  • Authors: Taonda, A., N’Guessan, A.E., N’Dja Kassi, J.
  • Access: Open access
  • Citations: 2

Tolera Negesa | Wildlife | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Tolera Negesa | Wildlife | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Samara University, Ethiopia

Summary:

Dr. Tolera Negesa is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Samara University, Ethiopia, specializing in ecological and systematic zoology. With a PhD from Addis Ababa University, his dissertation focused on the population and conservation challenges of Grevy’s zebra in Ethiopia. Dr. Negesa’s research interests span population biology, behavioral studies, ecological modeling, and the impact of climate change on wildlife. He has extensive experience in consultancy, leading numerous projects in wildlife policy, environmental assessments, and socio-economic studies. His work aims to bridge academic research with practical conservation efforts and policy development.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

PhD in Zoological Science (Zoology and Ecological Systematic Study), 2019-2024

  • Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
  • Dissertation: “Population Estimate, Diurnal Time Budget, and Conservation Challenges of Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi, Oustalet 1882) in Hallaydeghe Asebot Proposed National Park, Ethiopia”

MA in Tourism and Development Study, 2014-2016

  • Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
  • Thesis: “Nexus Between Urban Tourism Resources and Tourist Preferences; The Case of Addis Ababa City”

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, 2008-2011

  • Hawasa University, Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, WGCF, Ethiopia

🏢 Professional Experience:

Samara University, College of Dry Land Agriculture, Department of NRM

Lecturer and Researcher (February 2012 – Present) Dr. Tolera Negesa has been a dedicated lecturer and researcher at Samara University since 2012, where he imparts knowledge and conducts research in the fields of wildlife ecology, management, and conservation. His expertise includes the study of population biology, behavioral ecology, and the impact of climate change on wildlife.

Coordinator of University-Industry Linkage (April 2017 – September 2018) During his tenure as Coordinator of University-Industry Linkage, Dr. Negesa facilitated collaborations between the university and various industries, promoting practical applications of academic research and enhancing the employability of graduates.

Consultancy Services (Facilitated by TAN Consultancy)

2023:

  • Led the comprehensive assessment and review of the draft nomination document for Anywaa Forested Landscape as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  • Conducted a conflict sensitivity analysis in South Omo, Dasanech Woreda for the Catholic Church Social and Economic Development Omorate Branch.
  • Evaluated the impact of Community Integrated SOS Families in Ethiopia and Somaliland.
  • Performed a baseline assessment for the Women Land Right Beyond Certification Project in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha Woreda for WE Action Ethiopia.

2022:

  • Conducted an evaluative study on projects implemented by the PHE Ethiopia Consortium in Southwest Ethiopia.
  • Assessed carbon stock and land use land cover changes in Majang Forest Biosphere, Gambella Ethiopia for MELCA Ethiopia.
  • Carried out a baseline assessment on the socio-economic importance of Adea-Berga Wetland, Oromia, Ethiopia for EWCA.

2021:

  • Undertook a joint analysis of gender inclusion in the workplace in Addis Ababa for ECD.

2020:

  • Assessed the economic impact of livelihood transfer for ultra-poor households for CRS.

2019:

  • Developed a strategic plan for Walif Agro-Industry Share Company SC, after conducting a thorough assessment of internal and external competitors.

Authormetrics:

  • Notable for his significant contributions in various fields of ecology, wildlife management, and conservation through both academic and consultancy roles.
  • Experience in leading and contributing to numerous consultancy projects with various organizations, providing in-depth assessments and evaluations.

Research Interests:

  • Ecology: Population biology, behavioral studies
  • Wildlife: Mammals, primates, canines, avians diversity, and biogeography
  • Reptiles: Ecology, particularly crocodiles
  • Ecological Modelling: Statistical modeling of time-space data, time-series modeling, effects of climate variation on ecological and biogeographic processes, Anthropocene effects on wildlife populations
  • Wildlife Policy and Management

Top Noted Publication:

Population status, distribution and seasonal range of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) in a protected savannah area

  • Authors: T. Abirham, A. Bekele, M. Yihune
  • Journal: African Zoology
  • Volume: 58 (3-4)
  • Pages: 59-66
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 1

Diurnal activity time budget of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi, Oustalet 1882) in a protected savannah area

  • Authors: T. Abirham, A. Bekele, M. Yihune
  • Journal: Heliyon
  • Volume: 10 (4)
  • Year: 2024

Trends of Land Cover Change and Conservation Challenges of Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi, Oustalet 1882) in Hallaydeghe Asebot Proposed National Park

  • Authors: T.A. Negesa, A.B. Simegn, M.Y. Tamene
  • Journal: International Journal of Zoology
  • Volume: 2024 (1)
  • Article ID: 2010558
  • Year: 2024

Factors Affecting Conservation of Grevy’s zebra/Equus grevyi/in Alledeghi-Assebot Proposed National Park, south eastern Ethiopia

  • Authors: T. Abirham, A. Bekele, M. Yihune
  • Year: 2022

 

Sudhakar Awandkar | Veterinary Microbiology Award | Best Paper Award

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Dr. Sudhakar Awandkar, Veterinary Microbiology Award, Best Paper Award

Doctorate at MAFSU, Nagpur, India

Summary:

Dr. Sudhakar Awandkar is a prominent figure in the field of veterinary microbiology, known for his significant contributions to research, teaching, and veterinary healthcare. He holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Microbiology from Nagpur Veterinary College, where he also completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees. With over a decade of experience as an academician at Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University in Nagpur, Dr. Awandkar has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of veterinarians through his teaching, research, and extension activities.

Throughout his career, Dr. Awandkar has demonstrated a keen interest in infectious diseases affecting animals, particularly poultry. He has spearheaded several research initiatives focused on the development and evaluation of vaccines for various viral pathogens, including Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), Fowl Adenovirus (FADV), and Canine Parvovirus (CPV). His work has also delved into disease epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, diagnostic test development, and pathogen characterization.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Google Scholar Profile

👩‍🎓Education & Qualification:

Professional Experience:  

Dr. Sudhakar Awandkar has accumulated extensive professional experience in the field of veterinary microbiology, spanning teaching, research, extension, and quality control. His notable roles include serving as an Academician at Maharashtra Animal & Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, where he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and extension activities since 2008. Prior to his academic role, Dr. Awandkar worked as a Quality Control Officer for rabies vaccine production at the Serum Institute of India, Pune, from 2007 to 2008. Additionally, he served as a Veterinary Officer in the Research and Development department at the Poultry Diagnostic & Research Center, Pune, from 2005 to 2007. Through his diverse professional experiences, Dr. Awandkar has demonstrated his commitment to advancing veterinary microbiology through education, research, and practical applications in quality control and disease management.

Research Interest:

Development of Vaccines: Dr. Awandkar is interested in the development and evaluation of vaccines for various infectious diseases in animals, including poultry. This involves exploring novel vaccine formulations, such as gamma-irradiated and nanoparticle-conjugated vaccines, to enhance efficacy and safety.

Disease Epidemiology: He conducts research to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of important viral pathogens affecting livestock, such as Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV), Fowl Adenovirus (FADV), and Canine Parvovirus (CPV). This includes deciphering the evolutionary pathways and geographical distribution of these viruses.

Diagnostic Test Development: Dr. Awandkar is involved in the development and validation of diagnostic tests for various animal diseases. This includes the development of DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) tests for diseases like IBDV, which are crucial for disease surveillance and control programs.

Antimicrobial Resistance: He is interested in studying antimicrobial resistance patterns in bacterial pathogens of veterinary importance. This involves the characterization of antibiotic sensitivity profiles and the development of modified assays for rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance.

Pathogen Characterization: Dr. Awandkar conducts research to characterize and study the molecular biology of various pathogens, including viruses like Rotavirus and bacteria like Klebsiella ohmeri. Understanding the genetic diversity and virulence factors of these pathogens is essential for developing effective control strategies.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: Bacteria from bovine clinical mastitis showed multiple drug resistance

  • Authors: SP Awandkar, MB Kulkarni, NV Khode
  • Journal: Veterinary Research Communications
  • Volume: 46
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 147-158
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 17

Title: ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE TRENDS IN CLINICAL BOVINE MASTITIS

  • Authors: SP Awandkar, AU Bhikane, MB Kulkarni
  • Journal: Biolife
  • Volume: 1
  • Issue: 3
  • Pages: 139-143
  • Year: 2013
  • Citations: 15

Title: Brucellosis in migratory sheep flock from Maharashtra, India

  • Authors: CP Sonekar, S Kale, S Bhoyar, N Paliwal, SV Shinde, SP Awandkar, …
  • Journal: Tropical animal health and production
  • Volume: 50
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 91-96
  • Year: 2018
  • Citations: 13

Title: Molecular epidemiology of Canine parvovirus shows CPV-2a genotype circulating in dogs from western India

  • Authors: MB Kulkarni, AR Deshpande, SS Gaikwad, SB Majee, PR Suryawanshi, …
  • Journal: Infection, Genetics and Evolution
  • Volume: 75
  • Pages: 103987
  • Year: 2019
  • Citations: 12

Title: Antimicrobial action of cold aqueous and cold ethanolic root extracts of Glycyrrhiza glabra against bovine mammary pathogens.

  • Authors: SP Awandkar, MS Mendhe, DM Badukale, MB Kulkarni
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 12