Mr. Michael Daud | Agricultural | Excellence in Research

Mr. Michael Daud | Agricultural | Excellence in Research

Mr. Michael Daud, Assistant Lecturer, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

👨‍🏫 Michael Lucas Daud is a Tutorial Assistant in Agricultural Sciences at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania. With a strong passion for research, his expertise includes statistical data analysis using R, GenStat, SPSS, and MS Excel. He is focused on seed sector technologies, systems, and business, and has extensive experience in seed physiology and longevity prediction under genebank conditions. Michael’s academic journey and research contributions continue to impact agricultural science.

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Based on the provided CV, Michael Lucas Daud appears to be a strong candidate for the “Excellence in Research” award, particularly in the field of Seed Technology and Business. Here’s an analysis of his strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion:

Strengths for the Award

Strong Educational Background: Michael holds a Master’s in Seed Technology and Business, which is closely aligned with his research interests. His foundational knowledge, from his Bachelor’s to his Master’s, provides a solid basis for his academic and professional growth.

Research Experience: His research at the World Vegetable Center focused on seed physiology, seed storage, and longevity prediction under genebank conditions, which is highly relevant to the agricultural and seed technology sector. This aligns with his growing expertise in seed technology and business.

Skillset in Data Analysis: His proficiency in statistical software (R, GenStat, SPSS, MS Excel) is a valuable strength, enabling him to conduct rigorous data analysis and enhance the quality of his research outcomes.

Participation in Workshops and Training: Michael has attended several advanced training programs on statistical analysis, academic writing, and proposal writing, which demonstrate his commitment to continuous learning and improvement in his research skills.

Active Membership in Professional Organizations: His involvement in organizations such as the Crop Science Association of Tanzania (CROSAT) and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Seeds Platform reflects his dedication to networking and contributing to his field beyond academia.

Research Grants and Publications: His successful application for the Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI) research grant and his publications in seed-related research show that he is making significant contributions to his field.

Areas for Improvement

Broader Impact of Research: While Michael’s research is valuable within seed technology, expanding his research to include wider agricultural systems and the business aspects of agriculture could increase the broader impact of his work.

Collaboration with Industry Partners: Further collaboration with industry leaders or seed companies could help bridge the gap between research and practical applications, providing a more hands-on approach to his work.

Publications and Dissemination: While he has several submitted publications, increasing his visibility in international journals and conferences would help establish him as a leading researcher in the field.

Experience with Multidisciplinary Research: Engaging in multidisciplinary research involving other sectors (such as climate change or sustainable agriculture) could enhance the depth and breadth of his expertise and increase the scope of his research.

Education

Michael obtained a Master of Science in Seed Technology and Business from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in November 2023. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from SUA in December 2020, with a focus on seed technology and agricultural systems. 🎓📚

Experience

Michael’s professional journey includes his role as a Tutorial Assistant from September 2022 to September 2024 at SUA, and as an Assistant Lecturer from September 2024 onwards. He has also worked as a research project assistant at the World Vegetable Center in Arusha, Tanzania, focusing on seed physiology and longevity prediction during storage. His work has enhanced seed storage techniques for better agricultural practices. 🧑‍🏫🌾

Research Interests

Michael’s research interests lie in seed technology, particularly in seed physiology, storage, and longevity prediction under genebank conditions. He is particularly focused on African nightshade (Solanum spp.) seeds and the technologies and systems surrounding seed business and development. 🌿🔬

Award

Michael’s notable award includes the Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI) research grant, which funded his MSc research on the longevity prediction of African nightshade seeds under cold storage conditions. This grant supported his project from September 2021 to September 2022 at the World Vegetable Center. 🏆🌍

Publication Top Notes

Daud M. L., N’Danikou S., Shango A. J., and Msuya D. G. (2023). Variation in selected seed traits among six and eight-year cold room stored African nightshade (Solanum spp.) genotypes.

Daud M. L., N’Danikou S., Shango A. J., and Msuya D. G. (2023). Seed germination, viability, and dormancy of selected African nightshades (Solanum scabrum and S. villosum) genotypes.

Daud M. L., N’Danikou S., Shango A. J., and Msuya D. G. (2023). Seed longevity prediction of two African nightshade species.

Conclusion

Michael Lucas Daud has demonstrated strong research skills and dedication to his field of seed technology and business. With his solid academic background, research experience, and continuous improvement through training, he shows great potential for further advancements in agricultural science. By expanding his research impact and collaborations, he can elevate his contributions and better position himself for the “Excellence in Research” award.

Dr. Ana Carvalho | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ana Carvalho | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ana Carvalho, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal

Ana Isabel Ferreira de Carvalho is a Doctorate Researcher in the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology at the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal. With a Ph.D. in Genetics (2010) from UTAD and a Master’s in Genetic Resources and Breeding of Agricultural and Forestry Species (2005), Ana has focused her research on plant responses to abiotic stresses in agroforestry ecosystems. Her work contributes to sustainable agriculture and forestry management, aiming to enhance the resilience of crops and forest species against climate change. 🌱🔬

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Strengths for the Award

Ana Isabel Ferreira de Carvalho has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the field of environmental science, particularly in plant genetics, agroforestry ecosystems, and sustainability. Her extensive academic and research background, including a Ph.D. in Genetics and a postdoctoral project focused on abiotic stress, has led to numerous published articles (61 indexed journal papers) and her involvement in high-impact research projects. Her leadership in ongoing R&D initiatives, such as the PRR-funded projects on sustainable growth in the vine and wine industry and natural resin innovation, showcases her dedication to environmental resilience and sustainability. She also actively contributes to the scientific community by mentoring students and reviewing academic manuscripts.

Areas for Improvement

While Ana has excelled in academia and research, expanding her consultancy and industry collaborations could further enhance her impact in applied science. By increasing her involvement in industry projects, she could directly translate her research into practical, large-scale solutions for environmental challenges. Additionally, diversifying her professional memberships and seeking more international collaboration would help elevate her research visibility and create more interdisciplinary connections.

Education

Ana Carvalho earned her Degree in Applied Biology from the University of Minho in 2000, followed by a Master’s in Genetic Resources and Breeding of Agricultural and Forestry Species from UTAD in 2005. She completed her Ph.D. in Genetics at UTAD in 2010, supported by a FCT grant. Throughout her academic journey, Ana expanded her scientific training at renowned institutions, including the Universidad PolitĂ©cnica de Madrid and the Universidade Nova de Lisboa. 🎓📚

Experience

Since 2001, Ana Carvalho has worked at UTAD, contributing to scientific research, academic training, and numerous R&D projects, including three ongoing PRR-funded projects. She has taught and supervised various BSc, Master, and Ph.D. students, while also mentoring several students in molecular genetics, plant biotechnology, and agroforestry. Her postdoctoral research (2011-2016) was also conducted at UTAD under a FCT grant. 🧑‍🏫👩‍🔬

Research Interest

Ana’s research interests are focused on understanding how plants, particularly crops and pine species, respond to abiotic stresses such as heat, drought, and fire recurrence. Her studies aim to improve plant resilience through genetic breeding, plant treatments, and forestry management strategies. She also investigates how these adaptations can help mitigate climate change impacts and ensure sustainable agricultural and forestry practices. 🌾🔥🌍

Awards

Ana Carvalho has been nominated for the “Best Researcher Award” by the Environmental Scientists Awards. Her extensive contributions to plant genetic research and sustainability in agroforestry have been widely recognized. With an h-index of 16 and over 60 published articles, Ana’s work has made a significant impact in the field of plant cytogenetics and molecular genetics. 🏆🌟

Publication Top Notes

Genetic diversity and variation among botanical varieties of old Portuguese wheat cultivars revealed by ISSR assays

Seed priming with iron and zinc in bread wheat: effects in germination, mitosis and grain yield

Potential of Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers for DNA fingerprinting of newly synthesized tritordeums and their respective parents

Genetic variability of Old Portuguese bread wheat cultivars assayed by IRAP and REMAP markers

DNA fingerprint of F1 interspecific hybrids from the Triticeae tribe using ISSRs

Zinc priming and foliar application enhances photoprotection mechanisms in drought-stressed wheat plants during anthesis

Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of Pinus sylvestris wood at five sites in Portugal

Evaluation of genetic diversity of Portuguese Pinus sylvestris L. populations based on molecular data and inferences about the future use of this germplasm

Differential rRNA genes expression in hexaploid wheat related to NOR methylation

Morphological, yield, cytological and molecular characterization of a bread wheat X tritordeum F1 hybrid

Conclusion

Ana Isabel Ferreira de Carvalho stands as a strong contender for the “Best Researcher Award” due to her exceptional academic background, innovative research in sustainable agriculture and agroforestry ecosystems, and contributions to climate change mitigation. Her work aligns with pressing global issues, making her research crucial for future environmental sustainability. Further expanding her professional network and industry involvement would enhance the real-world applications of her findings.