Zienab Ahmed | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zienab Ahmed | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zienab Ahmed | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award | Associate Professor | United Arab Emirates University | United Arab Emirates

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zienab Ahmed is an accomplished researcher and academic leader in the field of horticultural science, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). With a Ph.D. in Horticulture Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA, she has built a remarkable career dedicated to advancing sustainable crop production, postharvest technology, and plant physiology research. Her academic foundation also includes a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Assiut University, Egypt, forming the basis for her expertise in sustainable agriculture and crop improvement. Professionally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zienab Ahmed has over two decades of teaching and research experience across Egypt, the USA, and the UAE, leading several undergraduate and graduate courses while mentoring numerous master’s and doctoral students. She has successfully managed and participated in more than twelve funded projects, including international collaborations with the University of Talca (Chile), Pennsylvania State University (USA), and the University of Malaya (Malaysia), with total research funding exceeding AED 5 million. Her research interests center around sustainable horticultural crops production, postharvest physiology, hydroponic and soilless systems, and innovative approaches for fruit quality improvement. Skilled in experimental design, biochemical analysis, and advanced postharvest techniques, she has published over 55 peer-reviewed papers, including articles in top-tier Q1 journals such as Postharvest Biology and Technology, Horticulturae, and Scientific Reports. Her scholarly influence is evident from her Scopus Author ID (56785217500) and ORCID record (0000-0003-0952-2203), with an H-index of 22 and i10-index of 32, reflecting her significant academic impact. In recognition of her contributions, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zienab Ahmed received the ISHS Young Mind Award and has been invited as an editor and reviewer for several prestigious international journals including Frontiers in Plant Science, Food Chemistry, and Scientific Reports. She also holds editorial positions in over ten scientific journals and has contributed to international conferences across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Her professional memberships in the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) and International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) further demonstrate her active engagement in the global scientific community. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zienab Ahmed’s dedication to promoting innovative, sustainable, and technology-driven solutions for agricultural resilience underscores her reputation as a visionary researcher whose work continues to influence the future of food security and environmental sustainability worldwide.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Ahmed, Z. F. R., & Palta, J. P. (2015). A natural lipid, Lysophosphatidylethanolamine, may promote ripening while reducing senescence in banana fruit. HortScience, 50(7), 1035–1040. (Citations: 45)

  2. Ahmed, Z. F. R., & Palta, J. P. (2016). Postharvest dip treatment with a natural phospholipid along with lecithin may extend the shelf life of banana fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 113, 58–65. (Citations: 62)

  3. Ahmed, Z. F. R. (2016). Hormone-like action of a natural lipid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine. Chronica Horticulturae, 56(2), 7–8. (Citations: 18)

  4. Ahmed, Z. F. R., Alnuaimi, A. K., Askri, A., & Tzortzakis, N. (2021). Evaluation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production under hydroponic system: Nutrient solution derived from fish waste vs. inorganic nutrient solution. Horticulturae, 7(9), 292. (Citations: 40)

  5. Ahmed, Z. F. R., Taha, E. M. N. A., Abdelkarim, A. A., & Mohamed, W. M. (2020). Postharvest properties of unripe bananas and the potential of producing economic nutritious products. International Journal of Fruit Science, 20(1), 1–21. (Citations: 33)

  6. Ahmed, Z. F. R., & Palta, J. P. (2017). Hormone-like action of a natural lipid, lysophosphatidylethanolamine: A comparison with auxin. Acta Horticulturae, 1187(13), 107–114. (Citations: 25)

  7. Ahmed, Z. F. R., Taha, E. M., & Abd-Elkarim, N. A. A. (2019). Date seed oil as a potential natural additive to improve oxidative stability of edible vegetable oils. Egyptian Journal of Food Science, 47(1), 105–113. (Citations: 22)

 

Awais Ahmad | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Research Hypothesis

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.