Awais Ahmad | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Awais Ahmad | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Awais Ahmad | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Student | Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan | Pakistan 

Mr. Awais Ahmad is a dedicated agricultural researcher focused on advancing climate-smart agriculture through innovative approaches that combine machine learning, remote sensing, and precision agronomy. His research emphasizes developing cost-effective and scalable solutions for fertilizer management, crop monitoring, and stress mitigation to enhance yield stability and sustainability. Known for his academic excellence and commitment to solving real-world agricultural challenges, Mr. Awais Ahmad represents a new generation of researchers working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and plant science. His work aims to empower farmers, optimize resource use, and contribute to global food security while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and soil degradation.

Professional Profile 

Education

Mr. Awais Ahmad holds a Master of Science (Honors) in Agronomy from Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, where his thesis focused on designing a machine learning-based approach for precise fertilizer management in maize crops using RGB imaging platforms. This project combined advanced data analytics, image-based plant phenotyping, and algorithm development to create a decision-support tool for farmers. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agronomy) from the same university, completing research on biochar and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria as a sustainable solution to enhance wheat growth under chromium stress. His education provided him with strong expertise in field experimentation, statistical data analysis, Python programming, and modern agronomic techniques.

Experience

Mr. Awais Ahmad has been actively involved in multiple research projects and laboratory activities, gaining extensive experience in plant phenotyping, crop modeling, biochemical assays, and molecular techniques such as DNA extraction and PCR. He participated in a project on DNA profiling of different olive species, identifying genetic variations to support breeding and conservation programs. Beyond his research, he has contributed to community development as a chief coordinator for an agriculture-based youth training program, where he supervised training in olive nursery management and practical field skills. His experience also includes presenting at national seminars on sustainable agriculture, vegetation management, and molecular genetics, where he shared insights on improving crop resilience and productivity.

Research Interest

Mr. Awais Ahmad’s research interests lie at the forefront of agricultural innovation, focusing on AI-driven solutions for crop health monitoring, fertilizer efficiency, and bioremediation practices. His expertise includes hyperspectral and RGB image-based plant phenotyping, machine learning model development, data science for crop modeling, and the integration of microbial solutions to enhance plant growth under stress conditions. He is particularly passionate about combining remote sensing technologies with machine learning to predict crop performance, improve soil health management, and promote sustainable agricultural practices that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Award

Mr. Awais Ahmad has been recognized for his academic excellence with a merit-based Laptop Award from the Prime Minister of Pakistan under a national scheme to support high-achieving students. This acknowledgment reflects his dedication to academic advancement and research excellence. His leadership in agriculture-based training programs further highlights his commitment to bridging the gap between research and practical application for the benefit of farming communities.

Selected Publications

  • Biochar and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria: A Promising Combination Enhancing Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth Under Chromium Stress – 2025 – Citations: 12

  • Machine Learning-Based Approach for Precision Fertilizer Management in Maize Crop Using RGB Imaging – 2024 – Citations: 9

  • DNA Profiling and Genetic Diversity Analysis of Olive Species for Breeding and Conservation – 2024 – Citations: 7

  • Sustainable Agriculture Through AI-Driven Crop Phenotyping and Remote Sensing Applications – 2023 – Citations: 15

Conclusion

Mr. Awais Ahmad is an exceptional candidate for this award, with an academic and research record that demonstrates innovation, leadership, and a commitment to addressing global agricultural challenges. His contributions to precision agriculture, machine learning applications, and microbial solutions for crop growth represent significant advancements in sustainable food production. His ability to integrate field research with computational tools ensures that his work is both scientifically rigorous and practically relevant. With a growing publication record, collaborative research experience, and dedication to community training, Mr. Awais Ahmad is well-positioned to continue making transformative contributions to agricultural science and global food security.

Rudo Musango | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Rudo Musango | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Rudo Musango, Haramaya Univesity, Zimbabwe

Rudo Musango is a PhD candidate at Haramaya University’s Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation 🌍, funded by the World Bank. Her research explores the “Host-parasite relationship of Yellow witchweed and its integrated management in Bambara groundnut” 🌱. She previously worked as a Senior Research Officer at Zimbabwe’s Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Institute, focusing on plant genetic diversity and community-based conservation 🌾. Rudo holds an MSc in Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology 🧬 and a BSc in Horticulture 🌸. She has 7 publications 📚, is skilled in data analysis using R 📊, and a member of OWSD.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Qualifications 

Mrs. Rudo Musango is a dedicated professional with a Master’s in Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology 🌱, focusing on GMO risk assessment in various cultivation conditions 🌾, supported by a fellowship from the Italian Environment Minister and UNIDO 🌍. She holds a BSc Agriculture Honours in Horticulture 🌸, developing skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and communication through projects and presentations 📊. Her Higher National Diploma in Horticulture 🎓 included studies in post-harvest technology, crop protection, and agri-business 🚜. Additionally, she earned an Executive Certificate in Program and Project Monitoring and Evaluation 📑, gaining expertise in data analysis, research evaluation, and reporting ✍️.

Experiences  

Mrs. Rudo Musango is a PhD candidate at the Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (CSABC), Haramaya University, Ethiopia, funded by the World Bank 🌍📚. Her coursework includes climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity management, ecosystem services, crop resiliency, and advanced biostatistics 🌱📊. With seven publications, her research focuses on the host-parasite relationship of Yellow witchweed and its management in Bambara groundnut in Zimbabwe 🌾🔬. Previously, she was a Senior Research Officer at the Genetic Resource and Biotechnology Institute, leading germplasm studies, eco-geographic surveys, and genetic diversity research while collaborating with communities, NGOs, and government bodies 🤝📑.

Global Engagement

Mrs. Rudo Musango is a dedicated researcher with a passion for advancing sustainable development. 🌱✨ Her membership in the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) underscores her commitment to empowering women in science globally. 🌍👩‍🔬 She has completed specialized international courses on climate adaptation and digital agriculture, equipping her with advanced knowledge to address pressing global challenges. 🌦️🌾 Through her efforts, she strives to foster innovative solutions and impactful research that contribute to climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices. 🌎📊 Mrs. Musango’s dedication exemplifies her role as a changemaker in science and sustainability. 💡🌟

Research Focus

Rudo Musango’s research focuses on sustainable agriculture, specifically improving Bambara groundnut production through innovative methods. Her studies investigate the interactions between Bambara groundnut genotypes, phosphorus fertilizer rates, and the parasitic weed Alectra vogelii. By examining phenology, yield components, and grain yield, her work aims to enhance crop resilience and productivity in nutrient-deficient soils. This research contributes to food security and sustainable farming practices, particularly in semi-arid regions. Her collaborative efforts emphasize ecological solutions for managing agricultural challenges. 🌱📊🌾✨🔬

Publication Top Notes

Influence of Alectra vogelii inoculation and phosphorus fertilizer application on phenology, yield components and grain yield of bambara groundnut genotypes

Interactions of Bambara groundnut ( Vigna subterranean (L) Verdc) genotypes and phosphorus fertilizer rates in controlling Alectra vogelii

Yoon Jeong Jang | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Yoon Jeong Jang | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Dr Yoon Jeong Jang, NIHH/Vegetable Research Division, South Korea

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang is a Research Professor at Chung-Ang University, South Korea, specializing in plant science. He earned his Ph.D. in Integrative Plant Science in 2020, focusing on anthracnose resistance in watermelon. His expertise spans molecular cloning, gene validation, and plant breeding, with experience in strawberry and watermelon genomics. Dr. Jang has contributed to several patents and publications, particularly in genetic markers for disease resistance. He has received multiple awards, including the Best Oral Presentation at the Korean Society for Horticultural Science. His research interests include plant genetics, genomics, and crop improvement. 🌱🔬📚💡

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Plant Science from Chung-Ang University, Republic of Korea, completed in 2020. She also earned her M.S. in the same field from the same institution in 2014. Prior to that, she obtained a B.S. in Plant and Food Science from Sang-Myung University in 2013. Dr. Jang’s educational background reflects a strong foundation in plant sciences and a deep commitment to advancing research in this field. 🌱🎓📚

Thesis 

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology, with a thesis focused on establishing a reference genome using third-generation sequencing to study anthracnose resistance in watermelon (Citrullus spp.) 🍉🔬. For her M.S., she constructed a high-density genetic map and conducted QTL analysis on seed size in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) 🌱📊. Her B.S. research explored the effects of 2,4-D concentration on callus induction from immature embryos in the ‘Mibaek’ maize variety (Zea mays L.) 🌽🧬. Her work contributes significantly to genetic research in plant resistance, crop improvement, and biotechnology.

Positions and Employment

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang is currently a Research Professor in the Department of Plant Science and Technology at Chung-Ang University, Republic of Korea, since December 2023. She works under the guidance of Prof. Gung Pyo Lee. Prior to this, Dr. Jang was a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Florida (2021-2023), focusing on strawberry molecular genetics and genomics in the Strawberry Molecular Genetics & Genomics Laboratory. Before her time in Florida, she also held a postdoctoral position at Chung-Ang University (2020-2021). Her research contributions span plant science and horticultural genetics. 🌱🔬🍓👩‍🔬

Presentations

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang is a prominent researcher in the field of horticulture and plant genetics. His work includes significant contributions to strawberry and watermelon breeding, particularly focusing on disease resistance. Notable studies include a genome-wide association study for anthracnose resistance in watermelon 🍉 and a haplotype-phased genome assembly for disease resistance in strawberries 🍓. He has also led studies on genetic maps, marker-assisted seedling selection, and transcriptome analysis. Dr. Jang’s research integrates forward and reverse genetics, somaclonal variation, and gene cloning techniques, contributing to advancements in agricultural sciences and horticultural practices 🌱🔬.

Awards

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang has received notable recognition for her academic achievements. She was awarded the Certificate of Recognition by the Gulf Coast Postdoc and Student Association in Spring 2023 🌟. In addition, Dr. Jang earned the Best Oral Presentation Award at the Conference of the Korean Society for Horticultural Science in Spring 2018 🏆. Earlier in her career, she also received the Best Poster Presentation Award at the same conference in Spring 2014 🎉. Her accomplishments reflect her dedication and contribution to the field of horticultural science 🌱.

Research Focus

Dr. Yoon Jeong Jang’s research primarily focuses on plant genetics, genomics, and molecular biology, with a particular emphasis on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) and other cucurbits. His studies explore the molecular mechanisms behind disease resistance, such as anthracnose and powdery mildew, as well as traits like drought tolerance and dwarfism. He utilizes transcriptome profiling, genetic linkage mapping, and virus-induced gene silencing to identify key genes and markers for these traits. His work also investigates the role of non-synonymous SNPs in plant resistance and the functional validation of genes involved in various plant processes 🌱🧬💧🌿🔬.

Publication Top Notes

Transcriptome profiling of differentially expressed genes in floral buds and flowers of male sterile and fertile lines in watermelon

An evolutionarily conserved non-synonymous SNP in a leucine-rich repeat domain determines anthracnose resistance in watermelon

Identification of a causal pathogen of watermelon powdery mildew in Korea and development of a genetic linkage marker for resistance in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

Identification of the subgenomic promoter of the coat protein gene of cucumber fruit mottle mosaic virus and development of a heterologous expression vector

Overexpression of Arabidopsis nucleolar GTP-binding 1 (NOG1) proteins confers drought tolerance in rice

Construction of a genetic linkage map using a frame set of simple sequence repeat and high-resolution melting markers for watermelon (Citrullus spp.)