Maria Eugenia Salgado Salomón | Climatic Change | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Eugenia Salgado Salomón | Climatic Change | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | National University of Patagonia San Juan Bosco | Argentina 

Dr. María Eugenia Salgado Salomón is an accomplished forest engineer and biologist whose career seamlessly integrates research, teaching, and applied science in forest ecosystems, with a particular focus on mycorrhizal fungi, invasive species, and forest health in Patagonia. She holds advanced degrees in biology and forest engineering, complemented by international specialization in governance and integrated water management. Her professional journey includes leadership as head of the Phytopathology and Applied Microbiology department at CIEFAP and a researcher role at CONICET, where she has advanced projects on ectomycorrhizal interactions, fungal invasions, and forest resilience under climate change. She has mentored doctoral and professional students, supervised internships, and trained human resources, while contributing to knowledge transfer for forestry and agricultural producers. Her research, cited by 138 articles and reflected in 14 peer-reviewed documents with an h-index of 8, spans international collaborations, field studies, molecular techniques, and interdisciplinary approaches, yielding numerous publications, book chapters, and technical reports. She has engaged in global initiatives like INTACT, focusing on truffle cultivation and sustainable forest practices, and projects assessing forest biodiversity, post-wildfire resilience, and fungal taxonomy. As a dedicated educator, she teaches courses in biodiversity, conservation, topography, and remote sensing, nurturing future specialists in environmental and forest sciences. Her professional service includes thesis examination, journal peer review, and participation on editorial boards and international scientific committees. Through leadership, scientific rigor, and commitment to sustainable forest management, Dr. María Eugenia Salgado Salomón is a recognized authority in Patagonian forest ecology and mycorrhizal research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Huymann, L., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Rüde, L., Seibl, C., Schön, R., Barroetaveña, C., Siewert, B., & Peintner, U. (2025). Unveiling hidden treasures: A revision of phlegmacioid Cortinariaceae with special focus on edible South American species of Thaxterogaster subgenus Cretaces. Persoonia. In preparation.

Giles, P. V., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Carrión, N. N., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Amanita muscaria invasion in native Nothofagus dombeyi and Lophozonia alpina in Patagonia, Argentina: Unravel belowground associations. Bosques. In preparation.

Giles, P. V., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Pildain, M. B., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Invasive Amanita muscaria in Nothofagus dombeyi forests in Patagonia, Argentina. Biological Invasion Note. In revision.

Arguiano, C., Salgado Salomón, M. E., Barroetaveña, C., & Roy, M. (2025). Wildfire impact on below-ground communities associated with Nothofagus forests in Patagonia. Fire Ecology. In revision.

Salgado Salomón, M. E., García Barreda, S., Mohr Bell, D., Pildain, M. B., & Barroetaveña, C. (2025). Mapeo de zonas aptas para truficultura en Patagonia Argentina. Forest Systems. In press.

Salgado Salomón, M. E., De Errasti, A., Talarico, S. S., Gianolini, S., Urretavizcaya, F., & Barroetaveña, C. (2024). Evaluation of abundance and viability of arbuscular mycorrhizal spores in Austrocedrus chilensis forests affected by wildfires in Patagonia, Argentina. Wild, 2(3), 36.

Prof. Hermes De Gracia | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hermes De Gracia | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hermes De Gracia, Ministerio De Ambiente, Panama

Hermes Abdiel de Gracia Bonilla is an Environmental Engineer with a Master’s in Hydrology and Water Resource Management. He specializes in hydrology and hydrometeorology and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Biogeochemical Flow Dynamics at the University of Granada. With extensive experience in analyzing water flow and sediment transport using physical and computational models, he excels in hydraulic and hydrological modeling. Hermes also has expertise in ISO standards and environmental systems management.

🌟📋 Profile

Orcid

Hermes Abdiel De Gracia Bonilla appears to be an exceptionally qualified candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” based on the comprehensive details of his background. Here’s an analysis focusing on his strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion:

💪🏆✨ Strengths for the Award

Extensive Expertise and Education:

Hermes holds advanced degrees in Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, and Water Resource Management. His doctoral studies in Biogeochemical Flow Dynamics at the University of Granada further showcase his dedication to academic excellence.

His specialization in hydrology and meteorology, along with significant experience in hydraulic and hydrological modeling, underscores his deep knowledge in these fields.

Broad Experience Across Multiple Disciplines:

Hermes has worked in various capacities including environmental protection, water resource management, and quality assurance. His roles in diverse projects, from solar energy and hospital rehabilitation to water treatment and environmental consultancy, highlight his versatility and ability to handle complex projects.

Leadership and Project Management Skills:

His roles have included managing environmental projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This experience is critical for research that involves fieldwork, data collection, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Commitment to Sustainability and Standards:

Hermes’s involvement with sustainability certifications (e.g., Rainforest Alliance, RSPO) and adherence to international standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 14001) demonstrate his commitment to best practices in environmental management and quality assurance.

Proven Track Record of Publications and Training:

His publications and participation in seminars, courses, and workshops reflect his active engagement with current research trends and methodologies, which is crucial for any researcher aiming for excellence.

🚀📈🔧 Areas for Improvement 

Focused Research Contributions:

While Hermes has a broad range of experiences, his research contributions seem to span multiple areas. A more focused research agenda, with clear goals and specific outcomes, could enhance his candidacy for research awards by showcasing depth in a particular niche.

Increased Scholarly Publications:

While Hermes has published work, increasing the number of high-impact journal articles or research papers could strengthen his profile. Greater emphasis on publishing in peer-reviewed journals could elevate his visibility and academic impact.

Collaborative Research Efforts:

Engaging in more collaborative research projects, particularly those involving international partners, could provide Hermes with additional perspectives and resources, potentially leading to more groundbreaking research outcomes.

Innovation and Cutting-Edge Techniques:

Embracing and contributing to cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies in environmental research could enhance his research profile. Staying updated with the latest advancements and integrating them into his work could be beneficial.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. Student in Biogeochemical Flow Dynamics, University of Granada
  • Master’s in Hydrology and Water Resources Management, University of Alcalá
  • Professional Master’s in Higher Education Teaching, Universidad Latina de Panamá
  • Specialization in Industrial Wastewater, Universidad Iberoamericana
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering, University of Santander

💼 Experience

Hermes has extensive professional experience across several sectors. He is currently working as an Environmental Protection Technician at Panama’s Ministry of Environment, while also teaching Hydrology and Meteorology at Universidad Metropolitana de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología. Hermes has held various technical and leadership roles in environmental consulting, quality assurance, hydrology, and sustainable development projects, contributing to critical infrastructure like water treatment plants and hydrological systems in Panama. He has also worked in tunnel construction and served as a SIG (Geographical Information Systems) specialist in various projects.

🔬 Research Interest

Hermes’ research interests focus on the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of surface water. His work investigates the relationship between rainfall patterns, soil infiltration, and hydrological flow to the ocean and atmosphere. He is passionate about modeling water and sediment transport and exploring sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change.

🏆 Awards

Hermes has been recognized for his contributions to environmental engineering and hydrology through various certifications and acknowledgments. He holds multiple professional certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 standards. His work has also earned him a respected position as a member of the Inter-American Association of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (PANAIDIS).

📚 Publications

Hermes Abdiel De Gracia Bonilla is a highly qualified candidate for the “Best Researcher Award,” with a strong background in environmental engineering, hydrology, and project management. His extensive experience, educational qualifications, and commitment to sustainability are significant strengths. To further bolster his candidacy, focusing on more specialized research areas, increasing scholarly publications, and embracing innovative research techniques would be beneficial. His diverse expertise and proven leadership make him a standout candidate, and with targeted improvements, he has the potential to achieve even greater recognition in the field of environmental research.