Salma Faroug Hussain Elzaki | Genetics | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Salma Faroug Hussain Elzaki | Genetics | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Salma Faroug Hussain Elzaki | Genetics | University of Khartoum | Sudan

Dr Salma Elzaki is an accomplished geneticist and animal science researcher whose work centers on livestock genomics, genetic diversity, adaptation to environmental stressors, and improving production traits in indigenous cattle breeds, particularly Bos indicus (zebu) cattle such as the Sudanese Butana and its crossbreds. Dr Salma Elzaki earned her academic qualifications in animal genetics and breeding, culminating in advanced research training that laid the foundation for her contributions to bovine genomics and complex trait analysis. Her education equips her with expertise in population genetics, molecular markers, and statistical genomics, enabling her to design and implement comprehensive studies on cattle adaptation and performance. Over the course of her professional career, Dr Salma Elzaki has held research and academic positions at institutions including the Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute for Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the University of Khartoum’s Faculty of Animal Production, where she has been involved in collaborative projects on genetic diversity, genome analysis, and trait association studies in cattle. In these roles she has led sample collection, phenotypic data acquisition, genomic sequencing work, and statistical analysis to characterize breed-specific genetic architecture under environmental pressures. Dr Salma Elzaki’s research interests revolve around livestock adaptation to heat stress, disease resistance, genetic markers influencing production traits such as milk yield and mastitis susceptibility, and the development of genomic tools for sustainable breeding programs in challenging environments. Her skill set includes high-throughput genotyping, whole-genome sequencing analysis, SNP association studies, bioinformatics pipelines, and interpretation of genomic selection signatures. She has demonstrated proficiency in using molecular and computational techniques to uncover genetic variants and pathways involved in environmental resilience and productive performance in cattle. Dr Salma Elzaki’s work has garnered recognition in the form of peer-reviewed publications and collaborations, and her contributions have helped inform breeding strategies that balance productivity with adaptation to heat and disease pressures. In conclusion, Dr Salma Elzaki’s scholarly achievements and ongoing research underscore her commitment to advancing livestock genetics, particularly in underrepresented indigenous breeds, and reinforcing the role of genomic insights in improving global food security through resilient and productive animal populations.

Academic Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications:

  1. Neumann, G. B., Korkuć, P., Rahmatalla, S. A., Reißmann, M., Omer, E. A. M., Elzaki, S., & Brockmann, G. A. (2025). Surviving the Heat: Genetic Diversity and Adaptation in Sudanese Butana Cattle. Genes, 16(12), 1429.

  2. Elzaki, S., Korkuć, P., Arends, D., Reissmann, M., & Brockmann, G. A. (2022). Effects of DGAT1 on milk performance in Sudanese Butana × Holstein crossbred cattle. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 54, Article 142.

  3. Elzaki, S., Korkuc, P., Arends, D., Reissmann, M., Rahmatalla, S. A., & Brockmann, G. A. (2022). Validation of somatic cell score-associated SNPs from Holstein cattle in Sudanese Butana and Butana × Holstein crossbred cattle. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 54(1), 50. Cited by 4.

  4. Elzaki, S., Korkuć, P., & Arends, D. (2021). Design and performance of a bovine 200k SNP chip developed for endangered German Black Pied cattle (DSN). BMC Genomics, 22, 8237.

 

Meshack Rodgers Wafula | Cytogenetics | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula | Cytogenetics | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula | Masisnde Muliro University of Science and Technology | Kenya

Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula is a vision-driven Biology and Agriculture teacher and Agronomist with extensive experience in agronomy, agricultural extension, capacity building, and resource mobilization. He is a strategic and analytical professional dedicated to promoting sustainable agricultural practices, community empowerment, and poverty alleviation through innovative farming initiatives. His expertise encompasses planning and managing farm operations, conducting training in good agronomic practices, supervising field activities, and enhancing productivity through scientific approaches. Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula has demonstrated excellence in greenhouse management, pest and disease control, dairy and poultry production, and crop research focusing on high-value vegetables. He has also contributed to agricultural education as a lecturer, developing lesson plans, teaching crop and animal production, and guiding students in fieldwork. His career spans working with diverse institutions including Hydroponics Africa Ltd, Nyabon Enterprise Ltd, and Kit Mikayi Vegetable Farm Company, where he played key roles in agronomic training, community mobilization, and sustainable value chain development. A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship and inclusivity, he possesses strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. He is proficient in using modern tools and technologies to optimize agricultural outcomes and remains deeply committed to transforming farming systems for food security and economic growth. Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Meshack Rodgers Wafula enjoys farming, handball, social interaction, and football, reflecting his dynamic and community-oriented personality.

Profile: Orcid 

Featured Publications

Wafula, M. R., Muyekho, F. N., Muleke, E. M., Wamocho, L. S., Munyasi, J. W., & Hoka, A. I. (2025). Exploiting polyploidy in Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus Schumach) for increased forage yield. Grasses, 4(4), Article 0039.