Mrs. MARIA CABRAL | Agricultural | Women Researcher Award

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Mrs. MARIA CABRAL | Agricultural | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. MARIA CABRAL, Capes, United States

Maria J.S. Cabral is a distinguished researcher specializing in agronomy and pest management, with extensive experience in the field of crop protection. She is currently affiliated with the Department of Agronomy at the Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM), Brazil, and also works at the Center for Biological Control, Florida A&M University (FAMU), USA. Her work primarily focuses on the sustainable management of insect pests, particularly in sweet potato crops, combining research on pest control strategies and agricultural production in Brazil and the United States.

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Strengths for the Award

Maria J. S. Cabral’s recent publication, “Major Insect Pests of Sweet Potatoes in Brazil and the United States, with Information on Crop Production and Regulatory Pest Management,” exemplifies her substantial contributions to agricultural entomology and pest management. The study highlights significant pest challenges affecting sweet potato production, which is crucial for food security in both Brazil and the United States. Her research showcases a multidisciplinary approach, integrating crop production, pest biology, and regulatory policies. The article’s insights into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies underscore her commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, making her work valuable not only to scientists but also to farmers and policymakers. Furthermore, her role in a collaborative effort, as indicated by her co-authorship with other notable researchers, demonstrates her ability to work effectively in diverse teams, a quality essential for impactful research in today’s interconnected world.

Areas for Improvement

While Cabral’s research is robust, there are areas for potential improvement. One significant aspect is the need for more comprehensive field studies that assess the practical implementation of her proposed IPM strategies in varying agricultural settings. This could involve direct collaboration with smallholder farmers to tailor solutions that meet their unique challenges. Additionally, expanding her research to include the socio-economic impacts of pest management strategies would provide a more holistic understanding of the agricultural landscape. Further interdisciplinary collaboration with social scientists could enhance her work by integrating perspectives on farmer behavior and economic viability, leading to more effective pest management solutions.

Education 🎓

Maria J.S. Cabral holds advanced degrees in agronomy from renowned institutions. She pursued her research in Brazil, where she earned her degrees from UFVJM. Her academic journey has been dedicated to understanding and mitigating the effects of insect pests on key crops like sweet potatoes, providing a solid foundation for her contributions to both academic and applied agricultural science.

Experience 🧑‍🔬

Maria’s professional experience spans multiple roles in academia and research institutions in Brazil and the United States. She has worked on various pest control projects, particularly focusing on sweet potato production. Her collaborations with FAMU have led to significant contributions to regulatory pest management and crop production strategies. She regularly participates in international research initiatives, contributing to pest control solutions that impact food security and agricultural sustainability.

Research Interest 🔬

Maria’s primary research interests lie in integrated pest management (IPM), biological control, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her work on insect pests that affect sweet potatoes is critical for enhancing crop yield and quality, especially in Brazil and the United States. She also explores non-pesticide approaches for pest control, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable solutions to support farmers and reduce the environmental impact of agricultural practices.

Awards 🏆

Maria J.S. Cabral has been recognized for her outstanding research contributions to agronomy and pest management. She has received numerous accolades for her work in developing innovative pest control strategies and has been invited to speak at various international conferences.

Publication Top Notes 📝

Poekilloptera phalaenoides (Hemiptera: Flatidae): occurrence on Inga striata (Fabaceae) in a mountainous region

Polybia erythrothorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): first record of occurrence in the Cerrado biome of northeastern Brazil

Protonectarina sylveirae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae): first report preying Bedellia somnulentella (Lepidoptera: Bedelliidae) in Brazil

Pupal parasitoids of Antichloris eriphia (Fabr.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in the Agreste region of the Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil
Major Insect Pests of Sweet Potatoes in Brazil and the United States, with Information on Crop Production and Regulatory Pest Management
The invasive Bedellia somnulentella (Lepidoptera: Bedelliidae): new record of host plant, predator and biome in Brazil
Sex dimorphism in pupae and adults of the specialist Ipomoea batatas defoliator Bedellia somnulentella (Lepidoptera: Bedelliidae)

Parasitoides pupais de Antichloris eriphia (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) na região agreste Alagoana, nordeste do Brasil

Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) plants as new hosts of Tetranychus ludeni (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Oxytenis modestia (Cramer, 1780) (Saturniidae: Oxyteninae): first record for the Cerrado of Northeast Brazil

Conclusion

Maria J. S. Cabral’s contributions to the field of entomology through her research on sweet potato pests have far-reaching implications for food security and sustainable agriculture. Her strengths lie in her multidisciplinary approach and her commitment to advancing pest management strategies that can benefit farmers in both Brazil and the United States. By addressing the identified areas for improvement, such as expanding field studies and incorporating socio-economic factors, Cabral can further enhance the impact of her research. Therefore, she is a deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award, as her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also contributes to practical solutions for real-world agricultural challenges.

Assist Prof. Dr. Mariana Petkova | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Assist Prof. Dr. Mariana Petkova | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof. Dr. Mariana Petkova, Agriculture University-Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Mariana Krasimirova Petkova, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, within the Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecological Biotechnology. She has been actively involved in research and academia, focusing on microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. Her work spans microorganisms that produce biologically active substances, such as lactic acid bacteria and yeast with antimicrobial effects, contributing to advancements in functional foods and sustainable agriculture.

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Dr. Mariana Krasimirova Petkova, based on her extensive research experience, academic background, and contributions, could be considered a suitable candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” Here are her strengths and areas for improvement for the award:

Strengths for the Award

Diverse Research Expertise: Dr. Petkova has a broad research portfolio covering microbiology, molecular biology, biotechnology, and the study of microorganisms with antimicrobial properties, contributing to both scientific advancement and practical applications.

International Collaboration: Her numerous international specializations and collaborations with universities and research institutes in Japan, Hungary, and Greece reflect her ability to engage in global scientific discourse and projects.

Publications and Citations: With over 41 scientific publications, 36 of which have impact factors, and 135 citations, her work demonstrates significant impact within the scientific community.

Conferences and Presentations: Dr. Petkova’s participation in international conferences and symposiums highlights her active role in disseminating her research findings and engaging with the global academic community.

Recognition and Awards: Her involvement in award-winning research, such as supervising student projects that won first prizes, further validates her leadership in advancing scientific knowledge.

Areas for Improvement

H-index: Dr. Petkova’s current H-index is 6, which while notable, could be further improved by continuing to publish in high-impact journals and increasing citation counts.

Expanding Research Networks: Increasing collaborations with a more diverse range of institutions or fields could further enhance the reach and impact of her work.

Innovation Focus: Exploring more cutting-edge or disruptive technologies within her field could potentially boost her contributions to future trends in research and innovation.

🎓 Education

  • Master’s in Plant Protection – Agricultural University, Bulgaria (1996)
  • Doctorate in Molecular Biology – University of Kobe, Japan (2002)

💼 Experience

Dr. Petkova has been an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural University of Plovdiv since 2014, specializing in microbiology and ecological biotechnology. Her international experience includes research collaborations in Japan, the USA, Hungary, and Greece, focusing on advanced biotechnological techniques such as cloning, genomics, and the functional analysis of microorganisms.

🔬 Research Interests

Her research is primarily centered around microbiology, molecular biology, and biotechnology. She explores microorganisms that produce biologically active substances, such as lactic acid bacteria and yeast, and their applications in antimicrobial treatments and functional foods. Dr. Petkova is also involved in the study of endophytic fungi and the development of bio-based agricultural solutions.

🏅 Awards

  • First prize at the Youth Forum “Science, Technology, Innovation, Business” (2023), for supervising a project on phosphorus dissolution and nitrogen fixation by rhizospheric microorganisms.
  • Member of the Union of Scientists in Bulgaria since 2011.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Dr. Petkova has authored over 41 scientific publications, with 36 of them being indexed with an impact factor. She has been cited 135 times, contributing to the field of microbiology and biotechnology. Below are selected publications:

Petkova, M., Tahsin, N., Yancheva, S., & Yancheva, H. (2018). “Development of the production of aromatic oil crops in Bulgaria.” In PROCEEDINGS China-Bulgaria Rural Revitalization Development Cooperation Forum. [Cited by 5 articles]

Gotcheva, V., Petrova, G., Petkova, M., Kuzmanova, Y., & Angelov, A. (2018). “Molecular and in vitro assessment of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strains.” Engineering in Life Sciences. [Cited by 18 articles]

Ma, L., Zhang, N., Li, S., Wang, H., Petkova, M., & Yao, L. (2019). “An overview of oil-bearing roses in China.” Agricultural Sciences. [Cited by 12 articles]

Petkova, M., Stefanova, P., Gotcheva, V., Kuzmanova, I., & Angelov, A. (2020). “Microbiological and physicochemical characterization of traditional Bulgarian sourdoughs.” Journal of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy. [Cited by 15 articles]

Petkova, M., Spasova-Apostolova, V., Masheva, V., & Tahsin, N. (2020). “Comparison of Endophytic Colonization of Tobacco by Beauveria bassiana.” Ecologia Balkanica. [Cited by 9 articles]

Penkov, D., Petkova, M., & Petkova, P. (2020). “Study on biological performance of mule ducks with discontinued probiotic treatment.” Trakia Journal of Sciences. [Cited by 7 articles]

Petkova, M., Naydenov, M., Mitkov, A., Neshev, N., & Yanev, M. (2020). “Soil microorganisms degrading Isoxaflutol herbicide.” Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy. [Cited by 6 articles]

Petkova, M., Stefanova, P., Gotcheva, V., & Angelov, A. (2021). “Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts from sourdoughs.” Microorganisms. [Cited by 10 articles]

Conclusion

Dr. Petkova has a strong academic and research background, demonstrating significant contributions to her field through publications, international collaboration, and recognition. While there is room for further growth in terms of her H-index and research network, her strengths position her as a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.”

Prof. Gabi Drochioiu | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Gabi Drochioiu | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Gabi Drochioiu, Alexandru Yong Kusa Obi Ichi University, Romania

👨‍🔬 Prof. Gabi Drochioiu is a Romanian chemist and biochemist with an extensive academic career in the fields of biochemistry and toxicology. Born on January 23, 1954, in Unţeni, Botosani County, Romania, he currently serves as a Ph.D. supervisor at the Chemistry Faculty of Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi. With over four decades of research experience, Prof. Drochioiu has made significant contributions to organic and peptide chemistry, having authored over 190 papers and received numerous prestigious awards.

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Strengths for the Award

Extensive Research Experience: Gabi Drochioiu has a distinguished career in biochemistry and toxicology, evidenced by over 93 impactful papers, numerous patents, and over 1,000 citations. His work on peptides, proteins, and metal ion interactions contributes significantly to fields like neurodegenerative diseases and environmental remediation.

Leadership in Funded Projects: Prof. Drochioiu has successfully directed multiple high-value research projects, demonstrating leadership and innovation.

International Recognition: His visiting professorships, DAAD awards, and role in prestigious journals enhance his global academic presence.

Areas for Improvement

While his focus on biochemical applications is impressive, expanding into interdisciplinary collaborations could further amplify his influence.

Education

🎓 Prof. Gabi Drochioiu completed his high school education at the Military High School in Cîmpulung Moldovenesc (1973). He then graduated from Gh. Asachi Polytechnic Institute of Iasi, Faculty of Chemistry in 1978, and obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi in 1997. His doctoral thesis focused on the screening of cereal inbred lines through the characterization of their amino acids and proteins.

 

Experience

💼 Prof. Gabi Drochioiu began his career as a chemist in the Suceava Cellulose and Paper Factory (1978-1980) and the Agricultural Research Station of Suceava (1980-1985). He later became a main researcher at Suceava Genebank, advancing to manage Tao Biochemicals Ltd before joining the Al. I. Cuza University of Iasi. He was promoted to Professor of Biochemistry and Toxicology in 2005 and is now a Ph.D. supervisor and member of the Doctoral School of Chemistry.

Research Interests

🔬 Prof. Gabi Drochioiu‘s research focuses on the biochemical and toxicological analysis of proteins and peptides, metal-peptide interactions, and mass spectrometric methods. His interest also extends to the environmental impacts of heavy metals and neurodegenerative diseases. He is highly skilled in organic synthesis, peptide characterization, and spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and FT-IR.

Awards

🏆 Prof. Gabi Drochioiu has received several prestigious awards, including the Nicolae Teclu Prize from the Romanian Academy in 2013 for his contributions to chemistry. He also secured DAAD scholarships to conduct research at the University of Konstanz, Germany, and has been awarded multiple prizes for his scientific papers from CNCS Bucharest.

Publication Top Notes

📚 Prof. Gabi Drochioiu has published over 93 papers with a cumulative impact factor exceeding 180. He has authored books, book chapters, and presented at international conferences. Below are a few selected publications:

Interaction of metal ions with amyloid peptides involved in neurodegenerative diseases (2021). Journal of Molecular Biology. Cited by: 34 articles. Link.

Mass spectrometric studies on peptides under metal stress (2018). Analytica Chimica Acta. Cited by: 20 articles. Link.

Conformational modifications of neurodegenerative peptides (2016). Biomacromolecules. Cited by: 15 articles. Link.

Conclusion

Gabi Drochioiu’s extensive academic achievements, leadership in research, and dedication to biochemistry and environmental issues make him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.”