Mrs. MARIA CABRAL | Agricultural | Women Researcher Award

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.

Mr. Mohamed Hawali BATA GOUDA | Food science| Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mohamed Hawali BATA GOUDA | Food science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mohamed Hawali BATA GOUDA, Laval University, Canada

👨‍🔬 Mohamed Hawali Bata Gouda is a dedicated Food Science Engineer and Sensory Analyst, currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Laval University in Québec, Canada. With a strong foundation in food science and sensory evaluation, Mohamed is passionate about postharvest technologies and sensory analysis, particularly in enhancing the quality and shelf-life of food products. His expertise spans from food formulation to consumer behavior, making significant contributions to the field through his research and publications.

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Based on Mohamed Hawali Bata Gouda’s profile, here’s an analysis of his suitability for the “Best Researcher Award,” focusing on his strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion:

Strengths 💪🏆

Diverse and Relevant Expertise: Mohamed’s background spans several key areas in food science and sensory evaluation, including sensory analysis, food chemistry, microbiology, and postharvest technology. His proficiency in these areas is demonstrated through his diverse educational background and practical experience.

Strong Educational Foundation: His education includes advanced degrees in Food Science and Sensory Evaluation from reputable institutions in China, France, and Canada. This international education highlights his ability to adapt and thrive in different academic environments.

Research Contributions: Mohamed has made notable contributions to the field through multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals. His research on postharvest technology and sensory evaluation is highly relevant and has the potential to impact food science practices.

Multilingual Skills: His ability to communicate in multiple languages (French, English, Chinese, and Arabic) is a significant asset, allowing him to collaborate with a diverse range of researchers and professionals globally.

Professional Experience: Mohamed’s experience as a sensory panel leader and project manager, combined with his roles in production and quality management, showcases his practical expertise and leadership abilities.

Recognition and Awards: Although not explicitly mentioned, his participation in international conferences and his significant contributions to research suggest recognition in his field.

Areas for Improvement 🚀📈

Broader Impact of Research: While Mohamed’s research is valuable, expanding the scope to address broader, more impactful questions or challenges in food science could enhance his profile. For example, exploring innovative applications of his findings or working on interdisciplinary projects could provide additional value.

Increased Public Engagement: Engaging more with the public and industry stakeholders through outreach activities, workshops, or popular science articles could help in translating his research into practical applications and increasing its visibility.

Grant Acquisition and Funding: Securing research grants and funding can significantly support and advance his projects. Building a stronger track record in obtaining funding can enhance his research capabilities and contribute to his recognition as a leading researcher.

Collaborative Projects: Collaborating with other researchers or institutions on high-impact projects could further strengthen his research profile. This includes working on large-scale studies or cross-disciplinary projects that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

Education

🎓 Mohamed’s academic journey is marked by diverse international experiences. He is currently a Ph.D. student at Laval University, focusing on the postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables. He earned his Master’s degree in Sensory Evaluation from the University of Burgundy, France, and L’Institut Agro Dijon-ESCAI, specializing in consumer behavior and statistical analysis of sensory data. Previously, Mohamed completed his Master’s in Food Science at Nanjing Normal University, China, where he researched the effects of 1-MCP on postharvest senescence of Zizania latifolia.

Experience

🛠️ Mohamed has a wealth of experience in both academic and industrial settings. He is currently engaged in Ph.D. research at Laval University. Before this, he served as a Sensory Panel Leader at ITERG in France, optimizing sensory analysis methods. His role as a Project Manager at Firmenich S.A. involved industrial sensory evaluation projects. Earlier in his career, Mohamed gained practical experience as a Production Manager and HACCP Team Member at AGROTECHNIC-Benin, where he supervised food production and quality control.

Research Interest

🔬 Mohamed’s research interests are rooted in food science, with a focus on postharvest technology, sensory evaluation, and consumer studies. He is particularly interested in exploring low-cost approaches to prolong the shelf-life of horticultural products and understanding the biochemical processes underlying postharvest senescence. His work combines advanced analytical techniques such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, and food chemistry to address real-world challenges in food quality and safety.

Awards

🏆 While specific awards are not listed, Mohamed’s consistent involvement in research and industry, along with his international educational background, demonstrates a commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of food science and sensory analysis.

Publications Top Notes

2024: Mohamed Hawali Bata Gouda, Arturo Duarte-Sierra, “An Overview of Low-Cost Approaches for the Postharvest Storage of Fruits and Vegetables for Smallholders, Retailers, and Consumers,” Horticulturae. Link

2023: Xiuzi Tong, Yanan Chen, Nan Shi1, Mohamed Hawali Bata Gouda, et al., “Postharvest Application of 1-Methylcyclopropene Maintains Quality and Extends the Shelf-Life of Zizania latifolia during Storage at 25˚C,” Agricultural Sciences. Link

2022: Bata Gouda et al., “Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Reveal the Possible Mechanism by which 1-MCP Regulates the Postharvest Senescence of Zizania latifolia,” Journal of Food Quality and Safety. Link

2021: Bata Gouda et al., “Combination of Sodium Alginate-Based Coating with L-Cysteine and Citric Acid Extends the Shelf-Life of Fresh-Cut Lotus Root Slices by Inhibiting Browning and Microbial Growth,” Journal of Postharvest Biology and Technology. Link

2021: Xiaoqian Zou, Sijia Peng, et al., “Effects of Decontamination Treatment Combined with Natural Chemicals and/or Ultra-High Pressure on the Quality and Safety of Ready-to-Eat Wine-Pickled Mud Snails (Bullacta exarata),” Journal of Food Quality and Safety. Link

2020: Bata Gouda et al., “ROS and MAPK Cascades in the Postharvest Senescence of Horticultural Products,” Journal of Proteomics and Bioinformatics. Link

Conclusion ✨🔍

Mohamed Hawali Bata Gouda exhibits many qualities of a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His extensive expertise, relevant research contributions, and multilingual abilities make him a valuable asset to the field of food science. However, to further strengthen his candidacy, he could focus on expanding the impact of his research, increasing public engagement, securing additional funding, and pursuing collaborative projects. If he continues to build on these strengths and address areas for improvement, he will be well-positioned for the award.