Rudo Musango | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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

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

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.)

 

Oswaldo Palma Lopes Sobrinho | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Oswaldo Palma Lopes Sobrinho | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Dr Oswaldo Palma Lopes Sobrinho, Instituto Federal Goiano – Campus Rio Verde, Brazil

Dr. Oswaldo Palma Lopes Sobrinho is an expert in agronomy and education. He holds a Bachelor’s in Agronomy from IFMA (2014-2017), with research on evapotranspiration methods. He specialized in Teacher Training and Educational Practices at IF Goiano (2019-2021), focusing on agronomy education, and in Sanitation and Environmental Health at UFG (2019-2020), emphasizing environmental education. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Pedagogical Training for Professional Education at IFFAR. Dr. Sobrinho has completed various educational and technological courses, showcasing his commitment to innovative pedagogical methods. 🌱📘👨‍🏫

Publication profile

google scholar

Academic

🎓 The user completed a Ph.D. in Agronomy at IF Goiano (2020-2024), researching soil attributes and sugarcane development influenced by subsurface drip-applied wastewater, under Prof. Dr. Leonardo Nazário Silva dos Santos. The user holds a Master’s in Agronomy from IF Goiano (2018-2020), studying tomato development and productivity affected by phosphorus and irrigation, under the same advisor. They specialized in Teacher Training and Educational Practices (2019-2021) and Environmental Sanitation and Health (2019-2020). They are pursuing a degree in Teacher Training for Professional Education (since 2023). They earned a Bachelor’s in Agronomy from IFMA (2014-2017) and a technical degree in Agriculture from IFMA (2008-2010). 🌱📚🚜

Research project

From 2019 to 2021, Oswaldo Palma Lopes Sobrinho participated in various significant research projects. The “Segurança Hídrica” project focused on evaluating water quality in Codó-MA in collaboration with SAAE and IFMA, enhancing the Water Security Index 🌊🔬. Another study explored educational practices of Agronomy teachers at IF Goiano, identifying challenges and professional development needs 🍎📚. Additionally, research on tomato productivity and phosphorus impact on irrigation and fruit quality was conducted 🍅💧. Lastly, studies on radish cultivars’ adaptation in Codó-MA analyzed production quality and fresh mass index, contributing to agricultural advancements 🌱📈.

Awards

🏅 Recebeu menção honrosa pelo trabalho “Elaboração de um licor à base da vinagreira (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)” no IV Congresso Internacional das Ciências Agrárias (COINTER) em 2018. Entre os 20 melhores, ganhou menção honrosa com o trabalho “Adaptação baseada no ecossistema para revitalização do rio Imbassaí” no V Congresso Baiano de Engenharia Sanitária e Ambiental (COBESA) em 2017. Recebeu menção honrosa pelo trabalho “Elaboração e análise sensorial de barras de cereais à base de farinha de casca de banana” no IFMA – Campus Bacabal em 2014, e pela “Elaboração de farinha enriquecida com pó de banana verde para produção de macarrão” no IFMA – Campus Codó em 2009. Foi aluno destaque no curso de Iniciação em Química no Centro de Capacitação Tecnológica do Maranhão. 🌟📚🌿🍌

Research focus

O.P.L. Sobrinho’s research primarily focuses on environmental sciences and agricultural practices. His work encompasses climatology, hydrology, agronomy, and sustainable agriculture. Notable studies include the climatological water balance in Rio Verde, Goiás, and the irrigation management in sugarcane cultivation. He also explores the antimicrobial properties of essential oils against Aedes aegypti larvae and the ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants in Maranhão. His contributions extend to educational strategies in geography and environmental science. Sobrinho’s interdisciplinary approach highlights the intersection of ecological balance, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability. 🌿🌍💧🌾

Tomas Penka | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Tomas Penka | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Mr Tomas Penka, Fakulta rybarstvi a ochrany vod Jihoceske univerzity v Ceskych Budejovicich, Czech Republic

Tomas Penka is an accomplished ecologist and PhD student at the Faculty of Fisheries and Water Protection in Vodnany, specializing in modern methods of fish breeding and biology 🐟🔬. He holds an MSc in Biology of the Ecosystem with a specialization in Ecology and a BSc in Biology from the University of South Bohemia 🌿🎓. Since 2020, he has worked as a biological specialist, contributing to scientific research and projects 🌍📚. His research has led to multiple publications in prestigious journals, focusing on the growth, survival, and health of pikeperch and other species 📖✨.

Publication profile

Scopus

Education

Tomas Penka completed his MSc. in Biology of the Ecosystem with a specialization in Ecology at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Science, from 2018 to 2021. Before that, he earned his BSc. in Biology from the same university from 2015 to 2018. With a strong foundation in ecological studies, Tomas is dedicated to understanding and preserving ecosystems. 🌿🌱📚🧬 His academic journey reflects his passion for the natural world and commitment to environmental science, preparing him for a promising career in ecology and conservation. 🌍🔬✨

Experience

As a dedicated PhD student at the Faculty of Fisheries and Water Protection in Vodnany since September 2021, I specialize in modern methods of intensive breeding, reproduction, and biology of fish 🐟. Since October 2020, I have also served as a Biological Specialist, collaborating on scientific research projects, including NAZV, OP Fisheries, Eureka, Interreg, and H2020 🌍🔬. Previously, I worked at the Biological Center of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic from May 2016 to May 2020 as a Laboratory Technician, where I processed biological material and introduced new lab methods such as radiotracking 🌳🔬.

Research project

From February 2024 to January 2025, Her served as the responsible researcher for a project funded by the Grant Agency of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (GAJU). The project, 032/2023/T, focused on innovative methods for acquiring and utilizing separated sludge waste from intensive aquaculture, aiming for sustainable nutrient use in agriculture. Previously, from February 2022 to January 2023, I led another GAJU-supported project, 028/2022/T, which optimized the application of pelleted feeds with higher vitamin C content in the intensive aquaculture of pike perch (Sander lucioperca). 🐟🌱💧📊

Research focus

Tomas Penka’s research focuses on optimizing aquaculture practices, particularly for species like pikeperch and northern pike. His studies investigate various aspects, including the effects of bicultural stocking, live feed enrichments, and the use of lactic acid bacteria to enhance fish growth, health, and microbiome diversity. Additionally, he explores the impacts of different weaning times, light regimes, stocking densities, and dietary supplements on fish development and survival. Penka’s work aims to improve sustainable aquaculture systems and fish welfare through innovative techniques and detailed biochemical and genetic analyses. 🐟🔬🌿📊

Publication top notes

Practical application of bicultural stocking and its effects on fish growth, blood biochemistry, and solid waste elimination in recirculating aquaculture system

Live feed enrichments using microalgae for pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larval culture

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larval rearing optimization: utilization of lactic acid bacteria for improving microbiome diversity and digestive enzyme activity

Effects of weaning time, light regime, and stocking density on growth, condition, survival, and cannibalism rates in northern pike (Esox lucius L.) larvae and early juveniles under intensive culture

Effects of yeast hydrolysate supplementation in low-fish meal diets for pikeperch

The efficacy of male’s nest preparation and its effect on female’s partner selection during semi-controlled reproduction in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)

Evaluation of different feeding frequencies in RAS-based juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) aquaculture

Fine ultrastructural features of germ cells and spermatozoa during spermatogenesis in the European grayling, Thymallus thymallus (Teleostei, Salmoniformes, Salmonidae)

Partial replacement of fish meal by soybean meal supplemented with inulin and oligofructose in the diet of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca): Effect on growth and health status

Effects of First Feeding Regime on Gene Expression and Enzyme Activity in Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) Larvae