Aroloye Numbere | Plant Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Aroloye Numbere | Plant Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria/ Department of Animal and Environmental Biology | Nigeria

Dr. Aroloye Numbere an accomplished academic in ecology and environmental toxicology with extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. Holds a Ph.D. in Biology and has contributed significantly to environmental management, biodiversity conservation, and ecological studies. Has served in various roles including lecturer, research fellow, coordinator, and head of department, with active involvement in curriculum development and student mentorship. Participates in national and international scientific committees and professional societies, with expertise in mangrove ecosystems and environmental impact assessment. Recipient of multiple scholarships and research awards, reflecting strong contributions to scientific research, education, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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25
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186

Documents
22

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9

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Featured Publications

Jourdin Gongwala | Plant Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Jourdin Gongwala | Plant Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Université De Maroua, Higher Teachers’ Training College | Cameroon

Dr. Jourdin Gongwala is a chemist specializing in inorganic chemistry and environmental physico-chemistry, with a Ph.D. from the University of Yaoundé I. He has over two decades of experience in teaching and research, currently serving as a lecturer at the Higher Teacher Training College, University of Maroua. His expertise includes water quality analysis, wastewater treatment using cold plasma (glidarc), and science education methodologies. His research focuses on the physicochemical characterization and remediation of contaminated water systems, particularly from industrial sources such as slaughterhouses. He has authored multiple scientific publications contributing to environmental chemistry and sustainable water treatment technologies.

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Ali Seid | Plant Cell Biology | Editorial Board Member

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Seid | Plant Cell Biology | Editorial Board Member

Wollo University | Ethiopia

Dr. Ali Seid Assen is an Associate Professor of Tropical Animal Production (Meat Stream) at Wollo University, Ethiopia. He holds BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Animal Production from leading Ethiopian universities. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, including serving as Dean of the College of Agriculture, he has contributed significantly to livestock production, meat science, forage development, and camel research. His work also addresses honeybee management, feed evaluation, and the impact of conflict on agriculture. He has led and participated in numerous research and community service projects and has published widely in reputable international journals.

Featured Publications

Farkhanda Asad | Plant Cell Biology | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Farkhanda Asad | Plant Cell Biology | Editorial Board Member

Government College University Faisalabad | Pakistan

Dr. Farkhanda Asad is an accomplished researcher in the field of fisheries and aquatic biology with over 13 years of postdoctoral research and academic experience. Her research primarily focuses on freshwater fisheries, with special emphasis on Nile tilapia and major carp species, aiming to enhance sustainable fish production in Pakistan. She has made significant contributions to understanding hormonal sex reversal, growth performance, feed utilization, and meat quality in cultured fish species, particularly through controlled dietary and endocrine interventions. Her doctoral research provided valuable insights into the effects of 17α-methyltestosterone combined with varying dietary protein levels on masculinization efficiency and production traits in Nile tilapia. At the postgraduate level, her work addressed nutrient digestibility of alternative feed ingredients and optimized species ratios in polyculture systems under semi-intensive pond conditions. She has authored more than 52 research publications and book chapters, with a cumulative impact factor exceeding 48 and total citations surpassing 500, reflecting the relevance and impact of her work. Her ongoing research interests include improving growth performance of indigenous fish species through supplementary feeding strategies, enhancing feed efficiency, and supporting the development of Pakistan’s freshwater fisheries sector through applied, production-oriented research.

 Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Asad, F., et al. (2025). Comparative impact of silver nitrate and eco-friendly silver nanoparticles on sexual behavior, productivity, and bioaccumulation in the reproductive organs of Japanese quails. Animals.

Asad, F., et al. (2025). Bioremediation of lead-contaminated aquatic environment using non-pathogenic strain Klebsiella pneumoniae PbS3A2 in Labeo rohita. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.

Asad, F., et al. (2025). Toxic and synergistic effects of micro- and nanoplastics with radioactive contaminants on aquaculture: Their occurrence, distribution, role as vectors, detection, and removal strategies. [Journal name not specified].

Asad, F., et al. (2025). Dietary incorporation of natural and synthetic reproductive inhibitors: Exploring their impact on sex characteristics in Cyprinus carpio (Common carp). Fishes.

Muktar Reshad | Plant Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Muktar Reshad | Plant Cell Biology | Research Excellence Award

Oda Bultum University | Ethiopia

Dr. Muktar Reshad the academic profile reflects extensive training and professional engagement in forestry and agroforestry, with advanced qualifications spanning undergraduate to doctoral levels. Expertise has been developed in farm forestry, natural resource management, and agroforestry systems, supported by long-term involvement in teaching, research, and postgraduate program coordination at the university level. Professional experience includes leadership roles in research coordination, community service, and university–industry linkage, alongside active responsibilities as a lecturer and researcher. Strong skills are demonstrated in applying scientific principles to the conservation, sustainable use, and development of natural resources. The profile also highlights a solid record of community service, particularly in supporting farmers and local communities through knowledge transfer and applied research, with formal recognition for these contributions. In addition, scholarly engagement is evidenced through service as a peer reviewer for several international journals covering agroforestry, sustainability, environmental science, forestry, and development policy, underscoring commitment to academic quality and interdisciplinary research advancement.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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15

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5

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Featured Publications

Shoaib Zawar | Plant Cell Biology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Shoaib Zawar | Plant Cell Biology | Young Scientist Award

Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture Multan | Pakistan

A highly motivated and diligent individual with a strong passion for learning, research, and professional growth in the field of agronomy. Possessing a solid academic foundation, including a Master’s degree in Agronomy with a focus on Crop Physiology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture (Agronomy), the candidate has consistently demonstrated excellence in academic performance, achieving top grades throughout the studies. The master’s research focused on innovative strategies such as seed pretreatment and foliar application of micronutrients to enhance drought tolerance in pulses, reflecting a strong interest in sustainable crop management and stress physiology. Recognized for dedication and academic achievements through prestigious scholarships, the individual exhibits a commitment to continuous self-improvement, discipline, and teamwork. Eager to leverage theoretical knowledge and practical experience to contribute to research and development in agriculture, particularly in crop productivity, stress tolerance, and resource-efficient farming practices. The candidate is driven to engage in projects that promote sustainable agriculture and address global food security challenges, demonstrating a proactive approach toward problem-solving and innovation. With strong analytical skills, perseverance, and a passion for advancing agronomic knowledge, this professional is well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community, agricultural research, and educational initiatives.

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1,379

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161

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Featured Publications

Josefina Patricia Fernandez Moreno | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Josefina Patricia Fernandez Moreno | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

University of Cordoba | Spain

Dr. Josefina Patricia Fernández Moreno is a plant biologist and biotechnologist whose research focuses on crop improvement through molecular, physiological, and biochemical approaches. Her work explores the genetic and metabolic regulation of bioactive compounds and stress responses in plants. During her master’s research, she investigated the functional role of the Sl-MYB12 transcription factor in the biosynthesis of polyphenols in tomato fruit using Virus-Induced Gene Silencing, contributing to the understanding of secondary metabolism regulation. Her current collaborations involve elucidating the role of ethylene signaling, particularly the EIN3 transcription factor, in early nodulation processes of Medicago truncatula, aiming to improve nitrogen-fixing efficiency. Additionally, she contributes to a comprehensive review on glycine betaine’s multifaceted roles in plant defense, emphasizing its influence on abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in crops. Beyond her academic contributions, she has applied her expertise in biotechnology as an adviser for an agricultural start-up focused on in-vitro culture and specialized metabolite production. Her research integrates molecular biology, plant physiology, and biotechnology to develop sustainable strategies for enhancing crop resilience and productivity under environmental stress conditions.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications:

Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Yaschenko, A. E., Fenech-Torres, M., Zhao, C., Neubauer, M., Brumos, J., Davis, H., Marchi, A. J., Concannon, R., Keren, A., Levitsky, V., Ascencio-Ibanez, J. T., Goldshmidt, A., Zemlyanskaya, E., Alonso, J. M., & Stepanova, A. N. (2025). EBSnew, a robust synthetic reporter for monitoring ethylene responses in plants. Plant Biotechnology Journal, 0, 1–19. Müller, S., Stegmann, T., Adema, K., Holmer, R., van Seters, A., van Velzen, R., Kulikova, O., Wijsman, T., Klein, J., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Stepanova, A. N., Alonso, J. M., Franssen, H., Larrainzar, E., van Zeijl, A., & Kohlen, W. (2025). Spatiotemporal dynamics of ethylene biosynthesis shape infection and nodule initiation in Medicago truncatula. Plant Cell. (Submitted).

Balakireva, A. V., Karataeva, T. A., Karampelias, M., Mitiouchkina, T. Y., Morozov, V. V., Macháček, J., Shakhova, E. S., Perfilov, M. M., Belozerova, O. A., Palkina, K. A., Drazna, N., Vondrakova, Z., Kalachova, T., Fleiss, A., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Alonso, J. M., Stepanova, A. N., Fakhranurova, L. I., Markina, N. M., … Sarkisyan, K. S. (2025). Non-invasive imaging of salicylic and jasmonic acid activities in planta. Nature Communications. (Submitted).

Biswal, A. K., Banasiak, A., Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Mitra, M., Harholt, J., Derba-Maceluch, M., Majda, M., Kushwah, S., Kumar, V., Abreu, I., Sivan, P., Pattathil, S., Immerzeel, P., Gorzsás, A., Moritz, T., Hahn, M. G., Scheller, H. V., Aharoni, A., & Mellerowicz, E. J. (2025).* Cuticle deposition in the leaf epidermal cells depends on integrity of homogalacturonan. iScience, 25, 113963.

Fernandez-Moreno, J.-P., Yaschenko, A. E., Neubauer, M., Marchi, A. J., Zhao, C., Alonso, J. M., & Stepanova, A. N. (2024). A rapid and scalable approach to build synthetic repetitive hormone-responsive promoters.

Kaouthar Jeddi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kaouthar Jeddi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Sciences of Gabès – Gabès University Tunisia | Tunisia

Dr. Kaouthar Jeddi is an Associate Professor of Botany and Plant Biology at the Faculty of Sciences of Gabès, Gabès University, Tunisia, specializing in plant ecology, stress physiology, and restoration biology. Her doctoral research focused on ecological restoration and afforestation of arid steppes, and her work continues to explore how plants adapt to abiotic and biotic stress, including salinity, drought, and heavy metal pollution. With a strong emphasis on phytoremediation, biomonitoring, and sustainable management of arid ecosystems, she has contributed significantly to understanding the physiological and ecological mechanisms of plant resilience. Dr. Jeddi has published extensively in leading peer-reviewed journals indexed in SCI and Scopus, with [X documents], an h-index of [X], and more than [X citations] to date. Her recent publications include studies on salinity stress in Damask rose and allelopathic interactions of multipurpose trees with forage crops in Mediterranean arid lands. She actively participates in collaborative research projects, bridging ecological restoration practices with sustainable development strategies in arid and semi-arid regions. Through her teaching, editorial service, and research leadership, Dr. Jeddi has established herself as a respected scholar advancing plant science, ecosystem restoration, and innovative approaches to managing the challenges of fragile and polluted environments.

Profiles: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Jeddi, K., Siddique, K. H. M., & Hessini, K. (2025). Impact of salinity on plant growth, photosynthesis, cell wall elasticity and osmotic adjustment in Damask rose. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology.

Jeddi, K. (2025). Potential allelopathic effects of two multipurpose trees on germination, seedling performance, and antioxidant activity of alfalfa in Mediterranean arid lands. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology.

Lin Guo | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lin Guo | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lin Guo | Jiangxi Agricultural University | China

Dr. Guo Lin is a dedicated agricultural researcher and lecturer specializing in rice cultivation and nutrient management. She currently serves as a Lecturer at Jiangxi Agricultural University and a Resident Expert at the Shanggao Rice Science and Technology Backyard. Recognized as a “Future Star” by the university, Dr. Guo earned her Ph.D. in Agronomy from China Agricultural University in 2018. Her expertise spans stress physiology, root exudates, and phosphorus efficiency in rice under environmental stresses such as cadmium exposure and low light intensity. She has led and participated in multiple national and provincial research projects and published widely in high-impact journals. Dr. Guo also plays a key role in bilingual education reform and student innovation programs, helping bridge academic research with practical applications in modern agronomy. Her efforts significantly contribute to sustainable rice production and educational excellence.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Guo Lin’s educational journey reflects a strong interdisciplinary foundation in agronomy and literature. She began her academic career at Shandong Agricultural University, where she pursued a double bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and Literature. She then advanced to China Agricultural University, earning her Ph.D. in Agronomy from the College of Resources and Environment (2013–2018). During her doctoral studies, Dr. Guo expanded her global perspective through two visiting scholar appointments at the Institute of Crop Science, University of Göttingen in Germany. Her academic path has been focused on the intricate interactions between soil, plants, and the environment, laying the groundwork for her current research on rice physiology and sustainable cultivation techniques. This solid educational background has enabled her to lead high-level research projects and integrate modern scientific insights with practical agricultural solutions.

Experience:

Since July 2018, Dr. Guo Lin has served as a Lecturer in Crop Cultivation and Farming Systems at Jiangxi Agricultural University. She is also actively engaged as a Resident Expert at the Shanggao Rice Science and Technology Backyard, promoting knowledge transfer and applied research in rice production. Her experience spans over a decade of academic training and field-based research. In addition to teaching and mentoring, she has been the principal investigator for several national and provincial projects focusing on rice stress resistance, nutrient management, and education reform. Dr. Guo has also guided multiple student innovation and entrepreneurship projects, fostering the next generation of agricultural scientists. Her hands-on experience in both laboratory and field conditions makes her an expert in linking theory with practice. Her work on bilingual course development further demonstrates her commitment to globalizing China’s agricultural education under the “Belt and Road” initiative.

Research Focus:

Dr. Guo Lin’s research primarily focuses on rice cultivation techniques, stress physiology, and nutrient management under challenging environmental conditions. Her work emphasizes the role of light intensity, cadmium stress, and phosphorus availability in rice root development and exudate secretion. By integrating physiological, biochemical, and agronomic approaches, she investigates the mechanisms by which rice adapts to low-phosphorus environments and weak solar radiation. Her research has uncovered novel insights into the interactions between hormone regulation (particularly auxins), carbon allocation, and nutrient uptake. She also explores innovative rice production systems such as water-saving and film-mulched cultivation models to improve yield stability and quality. Through numerous national and provincial projects, Dr. Guo aims to develop sustainable cultivation strategies that balance productivity with environmental responsibility. Her interdisciplinary research blends molecular, ecological, and agricultural perspectives, making meaningful contributions to global food security and climate-resilient agriculture.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Several rice root exudates from low-phosphorus tolerant cultivar induced by light intensity could be promising candidates in resisting phosphorus deficiency.

  2. Light intensity modulates phosphorus adaptation strategies in contrasting rice cultivars through photosynthetic carbon allocation.

  3. An indole-3-acetic acid inhibitor mitigated mild cadmium stress by suppressing peroxide formation in rice seedling roots.

  4. Weak Solar Radiation Significantly Decreased Rice Grain Yield and Quality—Simulated Shading Could Be a Foretell for Climate Change.

  5. Changes in the Grain Yield and Quality of Early Indica Rice from 2000 to 2020 in Southern China.

  6. Potassium fertilizer improves drought stress alleviation potential in sesame by enhancing photosynthesis and hormonal regulation.

  7. Innovative water-saving ground cover rice production system increases yield with slight reduction in grain quality.

  8. Yield differences get large with ascendant altitude between traditional paddy and water-saving ground cover rice production system.

  9. Effects of light intensity and phosphorus supply on rice root architecture and secretion metabolism.

  10.  Effects of indole-3-acetic acid inhibitor PPBa on sugar metabolism and hormone content in rice young roots under Cd stress.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Guo Lin possesses a strong and balanced research portfolio, combining academic rigor, applied innovation, and teaching excellence. Her focused expertise in rice cultivation, her role in driving provincial and national research, and her contributions to educational reforms make her highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. While there is scope to further internationalize her research and extend interdisciplinary collaborations, her current achievements already position her as a rising leader in agronomic sciences. Given her track record, ongoing projects, and evident potential, Dr. Guo Lin is a worthy and commendable nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Naser Farrokhi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Farrokhi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Farrokhi | Shahid Beheshti University | Iran

Dr. Naser Farrokhi is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Cell & Molecular Biology at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. With a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Adelaide, his expertise lies in plant genomics, particularly in functional gene analysis for crop improvement. Over two decades, he has led impactful research projects focusing on rice genomics, plant peptides, cell wall biosynthesis, and nanotechnology in agriculture. His work bridges cutting-edge molecular biology with practical breeding strategies, aiming to develop ideotype rice varieties adapted to future environmental demands. Dr. Farrokhi has received prestigious national and international scholarships and has published extensively in high-impact journals. He collaborates globally across disciplines, contributing to sustainability, biotechnology, and agricultural resilience. His multidisciplinary approach has also explored biomedical applications of plant-derived materials. With a strong teaching and mentorship record, Dr. Farrokhi exemplifies innovation, leadership, and scientific rigor in plant science and biotechnology.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar
Scopus
Orcid

Education:

Dr. Naser Farrokhi holds a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Adelaide, where he studied the functional analysis of barley glycosyltransferases under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Geoffrey Bruce Fincher. He earned his M.Sc. in Plant Breeding from Azad University, Karaj, Iran, with a thesis on genotypic and phenotypic variation of quantitative traits in mungbean, guided by Prof. Dr. Alireza Taleie. His academic journey has been supported by competitive scholarships from Iran’s Ministry of Science and the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO). These solid academic foundations in plant breeding and molecular biology have enabled Dr. Farrokhi to integrate classical breeding approaches with modern genomics. His academic training across continents has equipped him with advanced technical skills, a global research perspective, and the capacity to lead in interdisciplinary collaborations focused on crop improvement and plant biotechnology.

Experience:

Dr. Farrokhi has over 20 years of experience in plant molecular biology and functional genomics. Currently an Associate Professor at Shahid Beheshti University, he teaches and supervises graduate students in plant biotechnology, cell biology, and molecular breeding. His postdoctoral research at California State University, Long Beach, focused on gene function in plant systems using transcriptomic approaches. He has worked extensively with GWAS, CRISPR genome editing, and bioinformatics for trait dissection in rice and other crops. His leadership in multi-institutional projects has contributed to advancements in crop biofortification, stress tolerance, and sustainability. He is also involved in translational research, such as nanomaterials in regenerative medicine and environmental applications. His career is marked by collaborative, cross-disciplinary work and a strong publication record. Dr. Farrokhi has served as a peer reviewer, scientific advisor, and mentor, demonstrating commitment to both research and academic excellence across national and international platforms.

Awards & Honors:

Dr. Naser Farrokhi has been the recipient of several prestigious awards throughout his academic and research career. he earned a scholarship from the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) of Iran to pursue his M.Sc., he was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran to study in Australia. His postdoctoral research in the United States was supported by the National Science Foundation Fellowship at California State University Long Beach in 2005. These accolades highlight his consistent academic excellence and potential for innovative research. He is frequently invited to collaborate in national and international projects due to his proven expertise in plant genomics, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. His track record of publications and contributions to interdisciplinary research have earned him recognition in plant sciences, biotechnology, and even biomedical fields.

Research Focus:

Dr. Farrokhi’s research is centered on plant molecular biology, functional genomics, and crop improvement, with a major focus on rice as a model and target crop. He employs genome-wide association studies (GWAS), transcriptomics, and post-GWAS analysis to identify key genes involved in vitamin E biosynthesis, yield-related traits, and stress responses. His goal is to develop future-ready rice ideotypes using conventional breeding or genome editing. His research extends to safflower developmental biology, cannabis-derived materials for biomedical applications, and nanotechnology-based agricultural inputs. He integrates bioinformatics, co-expression network analyses, and proteomics to dissect gene regulatory pathways. His collaborative work across plant and animal systems has also explored osteoinduction, tissue regeneration, and nanoscience applications. Dr. Farrokhi’s research is impactful, interdisciplinary, and focused on sustainability, nutrition, and climate resilience, positioning him at the forefront of innovative agricultural biotechnology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Comparative transcriptome analysis of multi-branched safflower mutant vs. WT

  2. Unraveling molecular mechanisms of phytohormonal regulation in safflower buds

  3. Enhanced osteoinduction using porous herbal cellulose nanostructures

  4. Interplay of rice vitamin E under abiotic stresses via in-silico transcriptomics

  5. rGO-coated cannabis-derived nanogrooved scaffolds for bone regeneration

  6. Recent advances on GLA-producing organisms – future biotechnological directions

  7. Post-GWAS analysis of tocopherol content in rice seeds

  8. GWAS-based dissection of yield components in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

  9. Gene expression in coral bleaching under high temperature stress

  10.  Co-expression network of microproteins in plant embryo development

Conclusion:

Dr. Farrokhi’s robust publication record, innovative research in rice genomics, and commitment to academic excellence make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work contributes meaningfully to addressing current and future challenges in sustainable agriculture and plant biotechnology.