Teaching Experience

His teaching career spans over two decades at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he has contributed significantly as a Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, and Associate Lecturer. His roles as a sessional lecturer at Wits Business School and his honors supervision further demonstrate his dedication to education and research development.

Service and Leadership

Dr. Venter’s leadership roles within the university community are notable. He has served as Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning, chaired multiple committees, and acted as the Head of the Division of Management and Human Resource Management. His contributions extend beyond the classroom, including roles as a residence hall coordinator and an HIV/AIDS counselor.

Research Contributions

Dr. Venter’s recent publications address critical areas such as transformational entrepreneurship, social enterprises, and sustainable leadership. His research outputs are both broad and impactful, dealing with issues such as immigrant entrepreneurship, pro-poor ecosystems, and risk-taking in social entrepreneurship. He has also contributed to the development of new conceptual models and scales, such as the Social Entrepreneurial Intention Bias Scale, which have practical implications for entrepreneurship research.

Conclusion

With a rich combination of educational background, teaching excellence, service leadership, and impactful research contributions, Dr. Venter’s profile aligns with the criteria for the Best Researcher Award. His work, particularly in social entrepreneurship and sustainable leadership, addresses critical societal needs, making him a deserving candidate for the award.

Atena Mirbolook | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Atena Mirbolook, Urmia University, Iran

Dr. Atena Mirbolook is a distinguished soil scientist with a Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry and Fertility from Urmia University (2014-2020) 🌱. She also holds an M.S. and B.S. in Agriculture Engineering – Soil Science from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad 🌾. As a lecturer at Payame Noor University and an educational expert at Ferdowsi University, she has made significant contributions to soil science research. Her work focuses on innovative fertilizers to enhance nutrient uptake and crop yields. Dr. Mirbolook has published extensively, with notable research on slow-release fertilizers and nutrient efficiency 📚. She is an active member of the Iranian Soil Science Association 🌐.

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

I hold a Ph.D. in Soil Chemistry and Fertility from Urmia University, where I was the top graduate in 2020 🏆. Prior to this, I earned my M.S. in Agricultural Engineering with a focus on Soil Science from Ferdowsi University in Mashhad, graduating as the second top student in 2006 🥈. My academic journey began with a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering, also from Ferdowsi University, where I graduated as the second top student in 2003 🌱. My educational background has provided me with a strong foundation in soil science and agricultural engineering.

Experience

As a lecturer at Payame Noor University in Mashhad, Iran, I bring a wealth of expertise in educational practices, supported by my role as an educational expert at Ferdowsi University. My involvement with the Iranian Soil Science Association underscores my dedication to advancing environmental knowledge. Additionally, as a research and development expert at Song of Soil & Sun Fajr Parsian Company, I actively contribute to innovative initiatives in agriculture and environmental sustainability. 🌱 My career path reflects a commitment to education, research, and practical application, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of soil science and its implications for our environment.

Research focus

Dr. A. Mirbolook’s research primarily focuses on enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency in plants through innovative fertilization strategies. 🌱 His work spans the synthesis and application of chelates such as Zn-amino acid and -chitosan complexes to improve zinc uptake in beans and wheat. Additionally, he explores the fortification of bread wheat with micronutrients like zinc and iron through organic complexes, highlighting their efficacy compared to traditional forms like ZnSO4. 🍞 His studies contribute significantly to agricultural sustainability by investigating novel slow-release fertilizers and their impact on crop growth, nutrient concentrations, and yield, addressing critical issues in modern farming practices.