Akwashiki Ombugadu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Akwashiki Ombugadu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Akwashiki Ombugadu | Federal University of Lafia | Nigeria

Dr. Ombugadu Akwashiki is a Zoologist and Entomologist, currently serving as Lecturer I in the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Born on 27th September 1982 in Kaduna and hailing from Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Area, he obtained his PhD in Zoology (Entomology) from the University of Jos in 2024, after earning an MSc in Conservation Biology from the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute/University of Jos in 2010 and a BSc in Zoology in 2006. With more than twenty years of academic, research, and field experience, he has made notable contributions to medical entomology, vector surveillance, biodiversity, and public health, and has led and participated in major collaborative projects supported by USAID, DFID, PMI, Sightsavers International, and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. His work covers blackfly surveys on onchocerciasis, mosquito vector surveillance, lymphatic filariasis baseline studies, and monitoring insecticide resistance, while also extending to bioaccumulation of heavy metals, water quality, and zoonotic diseases. Between 2019 and 2020, he served as a Visiting Scientist at Sabanci University, Turkey, where he developed expertise in molecular entomology techniques such as DNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, and sequencing. An active member of professional societies, he has presented widely at national and international conferences, sharing research on malaria vectors, neglected tropical diseases, and zoonotic parasites. In addition to his teaching and postgraduate mentorship, Dr. Ombugadu remains committed to advancing public health through entomological research, bridging academia, fieldwork, and policy in tackling vector-borne diseases in Nigeria and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Aliyu, A. A., Saanmoyo, A. F., Ashigar, M. A., Ombugadu, A., Ahmed, H. O., Maikenti, J. I., Odey, S. A., Aimankhu, P. O., Idris, A. M., & Polycarp, I. A. (2025). A survey of haemoparasites of bats in Lafia metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. UMYU Scientifica, June 30.

Adejoh, V. A., Pam, V. A., Ombugadu, A., Maikenti, J. I., & Ashigar, M. A. (2025). Habitat characterization of Culicine mosquitoes in two local government areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. FULafia Journal of Science and Technology, May 8.

Johnny, G., Ombugadu, A., & Maikenti, J. (2025). Abundance and diversity of fruit-feeding butterflies in Federal University of Lafia. Proceedings of the Faculty of Science Conferences, April 16.

Maikenti, J. I., Umar, R. M., Ombugadu, A., Aimankhu, P. O., Yusuf, K. S., Mamman, A. S., & Dakum, Y. D. (2024). Malaria prevalence and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending Wadata and Lafia North Primary Health Care Centers, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. UMYU Scientifica, July 10.

Gugu, M. F., Vomagai, K. N., Mwanja, P. Y., Ombugadu, A., Adejoh, V. A., & Attah, S. A. (2023). Antibiotic resistance profile of bacteria isolated from stream water in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. UMYU Scientifica, September 20.

Yue Guo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yue Guo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yue Guo | Institute of Industrial Crops / Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Yue Guo is an accomplished plant biologist and bioinformatics researcher, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS). Her research primarily focuses on molecular mechanisms of herbicide resistance, plant genetics, and bioinformatics applications for crop improvement. She has made significant contributions to the development of herbicide-tolerant rapeseed germplasm and the evolutionary analysis of plant genomes. With a strong publication record, patents, and leadership in major projects, Dr. Guo has become a leading expert in integrating molecular biology and computational tools to solve critical agricultural challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Education 

Dr. Yue Guo completed her Ph.D. in Plant Biology at Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU), following her M.S. in Developmental Biology and B.S. in Biotechnology from the same institution. During her academic training, she developed advanced expertise in plant physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, laying a strong foundation for her research. Her early work explored plant hormone interactions, stress responses, and elemental analysis techniques, which evolved into a more bioinformatics-driven approach during her doctoral and postdoctoral research phases, equipping her with interdisciplinary skills essential for modern agricultural research.

Experience 

Dr. Guo’s career trajectory at JAAS has been marked by steady growth, starting as a Research Assistant, progressing through Postdoctoral Associate and Assistant Professor, to her current role as Associate Professor. Her professional work bridges plant molecular biology, genetic analysis, and computational bioinformatics. She has led multiple national and provincial research projects, contributed to cutting-edge genomic tools, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve crop resilience and productivity. Her leadership and technical expertise have been pivotal in the success of projects targeting genome editing, resistance breeding, and transcriptomic analysis in oilseed crops.

Research Interests 

Dr. Guo’s research spans plant bioinformatics, molecular evolution, and germplasm innovation, with a focus on herbicide resistance mechanisms in rapeseed. She applies integrative approaches combining molecular genetics, genomics, and computational biology to understand gene functions, stress responses, and evolutionary dynamics in crops. Her work provides critical insights for breeding strategies and supports the development of sustainable agricultural systems. She also explores genome-wide analyses to identify target-site and non-target-site resistance mechanisms, contributing to advancements in precision agriculture and crop biotechnology.

Awards

Dr. Guo has been consistently recognized for her outstanding contributions to agricultural research and innovation. She has been honored as an Excellent Employee of JAAS multiple times and received the Excellent Postdoctoral Award for her innovative research during her early career. Additionally, her academic achievements have been acknowledged with scholarships and cultural contribution awards during her tenure at NAU. These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing agricultural science and her impact on both scientific communities and practical agricultural development.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Molecular mechanisms of herbicide resistance in rapeseed: current status and future prospects for resistant germplasm development
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences 
Authors: Liu D, Yu S, Ji B, Peng Qi, Gao J, Zhang, Guo Y*, Hu M*

Title: Comparative Genome-wide Analysis of Circular RNAs in Brassica napus L.: Target-Site vs. Non-Target-Site Resistance to Herbicide Stress
Journal: Theoretical and Applied Genetics 
Authors: Guo Y, Wang T, Lu XY, Li WL, Lv XL, Peng Q, Gao JQ, Zhang JF, Hu ML*

Title: Development and molecular analysis of a novel acetohydroxyacid synthase rapeseed mutant with high resistance to sulfonylurea herbicides
Journal: The Crop Journal
Authors: Guo Y, Liu C, Long W, Gao J, Zhang J, Chen S, Pu H*, Hu M*

Title: Distribution, expression and methylation analysis of positively selected genes provides insights into the evolution in Brassica rapa
Journal: PLoS ONE
Authors: Guo Y, Liu J, Wang X, Li Y, Hou X, Du J*

Title: Synergistic mutations of two rapeseed AHAS genes confer high resistance to sulfonylurea herbicides for weed control
Journal: Theoretical and Applied Genetics
Authors: Guo Y, Cheng L, Long W, Gao J, Zhang J, Chen S, Pu H*, Hu M*

Conclusion

Dr. Yue Guo’s distinguished career highlights her as a leader in plant bioinformatics and molecular breeding. Through her innovative research, she has bridged traditional plant biology with cutting-edge computational approaches, driving advancements in crop resilience and sustainable agriculture. Her impactful publications, patents, and leadership in funded projects demonstrate her commitment to scientific excellence and innovation. With her interdisciplinary expertise and continuous contributions to agricultural science, Dr. Guo stands as a vital contributor to the global pursuit of food security and agricultural sustainability.

Elena Baldi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof. Dr. Elena Baldi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof. Dr. Elena Baldi | University of Bologna | Italy

Dr. Elena Baldi is an accomplished academic whose profound dedication to fruit tree physiology and agronomic research has shaped her distinguished career. Her academic journey began with a rigorous secondary education focusing on scientific studies, during which she obtained advanced English language certifications. She earned her agriculture degree with top honors from a prestigious Italian university and later pursued doctoral training in fruit tree and woody plant sciences, including a fruitful international experience in the United States. Her scholarly trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to deepening knowledge in plant physiology, root systems, and sustainable horticulture.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Elena received her secondary education at a renowned scientific high school where she also completed advanced English language certifications. She then completed her undergraduate degree in agriculture at a leading Italian university, graduating with the highest possible distinction. Her doctoral studies, conducted in the same academic institution’s fruit tree and woody plant sciences department, focused on root system efficiency in peach plants under organic fertilization. Notably, during her doctoral period, she conducted specialized research abroad at a major U.S. horticulture department, enriching her scientific training with international perspectives.

Experience

Dr. Elena commenced a longstanding postdoctoral journey at her alma mater, where she investigated orchard physiology and sustainable cultivation practices. She subsequently advanced to a senior academic role at the same institution, before assuming her current position as an associate professor in the field of arboriculture and fruit tree science. Throughout her career she has combined teaching responsibilities with research leadership, mentoring students, coordinating thesis supervision and acting as principal investigator on collaborative projects, reflecting her broad academic engagement and leadership within horticultural science.

Research Interest

Dr. Elena’s research spans multiple dimensions of fruit tree science, including root morphology and physiology, the influence of organic amendments on soil chemistry and biology, mineral nutrition, plant health, and fruit quality. She has addressed critical challenges such as soilborne pathogens and iron deficiency, while also exploring nutraceutical aspects of fruit and precision irrigation strategies. Her work integrates ecological and agronomic insights, addressing both plant performance and environmental sustainability through innovative study designs and emerging technologies.

Award

Dr. Elena has been recognized for her academic contributions, earning national scientific qualification for a senior professorial role in fruit tree and forest system science. Her professional trajectory has also been distinguished through leadership in regional and national research initiatives, where she has acted as scientific coordinator or principal investigator. These professional milestones reflect peer recognition of her expertise in sustainable horticultural treatments, soil–plant interactions and the management of agroecosystems, marking her as a prominent figure in her field.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Seasonal Uptake and Partitioning of Macro- and Micronutrients in Yellow-Fleshed Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis)

Journal: Plants

Authors: Not explicitly listed in the snippet; author details are not available in the source excerpt provided. 

Title: Understanding the Role of Calcium in Kiwifruit: Ion Transport, Signaling, and Fruit Quality

Journal: Horticulturae

Authors: Greta Nicla Larocca, Elena Baldi, Moreno Toselli

Title: Proposal of Nutritional Standards for the Assessment of the Nutritional Status of Grapevines in Subtropical and Temperate Regions

Journal: Plants

Authors: Danilo Eduardo Rozane; Moreno Toselli; Gustavo Brunetto; Elena Baldi; William Natale; Betania Vahl De Paula; Juliana Abreu Lima; Fabiana Campos Medeiros; Gustavo Ayres; Samuel Francisco Gobi

Title: Physiological, Yield and Nut Quality Responses of Walnut Tree Subjected to Different Irrigation Regimes Following IRRIFRAME Water Balance Model

Journal: Irrigation Science

Authors: Giulio Demetrio Perulli; Elena Baldi; Moreno Toselli; Luigi Gigi Manfrini; along with Stefano Anconelli and others

Title: Precision soil moisture monitoring: use of a multi-sensor profiling for optimizing yield and fruit quality of yellow fleshed kiwifruit in northern Italy

Authors: Elena Baldi; Maurizio Quartieri; Matteo Golfarelli; Matteo Francia; Josef Giovanelli; Marco Mastroleo; Evangelos Xilogiannis; Moreno Toselli

Conclusion

Dr. Elena Baldi embodies the intersection of rigorous scholarship, teaching excellence, and impactful research. From her foundational scientific education to her current position as an associate professor, she has demonstrated continuous growth and leadership. Her research seamlessly integrates applied plant science with sustainable agronomic strategies, fostering innovation and environmental stewardship. Through her guidance of students, scholarly contributions, and project leadership, she continues to drive advances in fruit tree management, supporting both scientific progress and ecological resilience.

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award- 25568

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Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman| Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman | SLARI | Sierra Leone

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman (b. 7 November 1977) is a Sierra Leonean plant breeder currently serving as Chief Research Officer and Deputy Director-General for Research, Technology and Innovation Development at the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI). Based at Njala Agricultural Research Centre and Tower Hill, Freetown, he leads strategic crop‑improvement efforts across the country. With over two decades of experience spanning research assistant to senior leadership roles, Dr. Norman has contributed significantly to yam, cassava, cocoyam, maize and wheat breeding programs. His expertise manifests through participatory farmer trials and multi‐location experiments in Sierra Leone and beyond. Married and an avid reader, teacher, and listener, he brings a collaborative, educational, and data-driven approach to agricultural innovation in West Africa.

Profile: 

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Norman holds a BSc (Hons) in Crop Science from Njala University College, University of Sierra Leone (1999–2003). He advanced his training with an MSc in Crop Science from Njala University (2005–2006), followed by an MSc in Plant Breeding at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa (2009–2011). After a period of professional service, he pursued a PhD in Plant Breeding at the University of Ghana, completing it in 2019. Across these institutions, he developed strong expertise in breeding methodologies, statistical design, participatory variety selection (PVS), and crop yield analysis. His academic path reflects a progressive specialization in plant breeding, grounded in both local experience and advanced international training—preparing him to lead major crop research initiatives at SLARI.

Experience:

Dr. Norman began his career in 2004 as a Research Assistant at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), where he wrote proposals, supervised field trials, and reported findings. He advanced to Research Officer III positions at IAR and later Njala Agricultural Research Centre (2006–2011), leading yam varietal trials and PVS on farmers’ fields. From 2011 to 2016, he served as Research Officer II, leading yam and cocoyam improvement programs. After completing his PhD in 2019, he returned in 2020 as Research Officer I, again guiding breeding initiatives. In March 2024, he was appointed Chief Research Officer / Deputy Director-General, Research, Technology and Innovation Development at SLARI, taking charge of national research policy, technology rollout, and innovation strategy in Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector.

Research Interests:

Dr. Norman is passionate about breeding resilient staple crops—particularly yam, cassava, cocoyam, maize, and wheat—to enhance food security in Sierra Leone under changing climatic conditions. His work focuses on participatory variety selection (PVS), genotype‑environment interaction analysis, disease resistance (notably to grasshoppers, mosaic disease, Fusarium and leaf pathogens), nitrogen and sulfur fertilization regimes, and precision agriculture. He is also interested in germplasm characterization, genomic selection, socio‑economic impact assessment of environmental issues, and integrating climate smart strategies into breeding programs. His multi‑disciplinary interests span crop improvement, plant pathology, entomology, environmental protection, and public health, making his research both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant.

Awards & Recognitions:

While not listed explicitly, Dr. Norman’s consistent appointment to senior strategic roles—culminating in his elevation to Chief Research Officer and Deputy Director-General at SLARI in March 2024—reflects formal recognition of his leadership and expertise. His repeated collaborations with international institutions (University of Ghana, University of KwaZulu‑Natal) and publications in high-impact journals such as Plants, Horticulturae, Advances in Entomology, and Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences underscore peer recognition. His inclusion as lead or co‑author across more than 60 research articles between 2004 and 2025 attests to sustained excellence. He’s also been repeatedly entrusted to lead national crop improvement programs and multi-author international projects, indicating trust and recognition in professional circles.

Publications Top Notes: 

Identification and Distribution of Begomoviruses Infecting Cassava Fields in Sierra Leone.

Detection of Cassava Mosaic Disease and Assessment of Selected Agronomic Traits of Cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i>).

Genetic and agronomic parameter estimates of growth, yield and related traits of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.) under different rates of nitrogen fertilization.

Characterization of the Cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i>) Germplasm in Sierra Leone Based on Agro-Morphological and Culinary Traits.

Challenges in Developing Aquaculture for Livelihood Enhancement in Bo City, Southern Sierra Leone.

Farmers’ perception on severity, crop loss and management practices of variegated grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus L.) on cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Sierra Leone.

Genetic Structure and Diversity Study of Cassava (&lt;i&gt;Manihot esculenta&lt;/i&gt;) Germplasm for African Cassava Mosaic Disease and Fresh Storage Root Yield.

Impact of different types of green manure on pests and disease incidence and severity as well as growth and yield parameters of maize.

Impact of Different Types of Green Manure on Pests and Disease Incidence and Severity as Well as Growth and Yield Parameters of Maize.

Molecular and phenotypic profiling of white Guinea yam (<i>Dioscorea rotundata</i>) breeding lines.

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman is a distinguished plant breeder and research leader whose career spans over 20 years of progressive responsibility, from field-level variety trials to national research governance. His strong academic credentials—culminating in a PhD in Plant Breeding—and extensive publication record highlight his expertise in crop improvement, pest and disease resistance, participatory selection, and sustainable agricultural technologies. As CRO and Deputy Director-General at SLARI, he is shaping Sierra Leone’s agricultural research and innovation agenda. His work delivers scientific rigor while remaining rooted in local farmer realities, advancing food security and resilience in West Africa.