Lorenzo Fruscella | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lorenzo Fruscella | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Campaign Lead at Animal Law Italia,  Italy

Lorenzo Fruscella is a dedicated researcher in biotechnology and sustainable aquaculture with extensive international experience in academia, industry, and policy advocacy. His work focuses on advancing organic aquaponics, sustainable food production, and environmental conservation. With hands-on experience in marine biology, aquaculture, and ecosystem restoration, he has contributed to scientific advancements through peer-reviewed publications, stakeholder engagement, and policy development. His research spans multiple countries, including the UK, USA, Italy, Ireland, and Madagascar, demonstrating a global perspective on sustainability challenges. Lorenzo has actively participated in scientific conferences, workshops, and campaigns to promote ethical and sustainable agricultural practices. His ability to integrate research, policy, and practical applications makes him a key contributor to the field. Passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, he continues to push the boundaries of sustainable aquaponics and organic agriculture.

Professional Profile

Education

Lorenzo Fruscella is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biotechnology at the University of Greenwich, UK, focusing on organic accreditation of aquaponic produce. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Aquaculture from the University of Stirling, Scotland, where he also served as a Course and Faculty Representative. His research explored the effects of water flow speed on the energy demands of King salmon. Lorenzo completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), earning a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Aquatic Biology with a minor in Earth Science. His diverse academic background has provided him with strong expertise in sustainable food systems, marine biology, and environmental research. His education reflects a commitment to interdisciplinary approaches, combining biological sciences with ecological sustainability, making him a leading figure in aquaponics and sustainable agriculture research.

Professional Experience

Lorenzo has built a dynamic career across academia, industry, and policy. Currently, he serves as a Career Advisor at Animal Advocacy Careers, mentoring aspiring professionals in the field. He also leads campaigns at Animal Law Italia, working on enhancing legal protections for decapod crustaceans in the EU. His previous roles include research and technical positions at Bantry Marine Research Station, LandIng Aquaculture, and Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, where he specialized in fish husbandry, aquaculture system maintenance, and research on salmon energy expenditure. He has worked globally, including internships in Madagascar, the USA, Italy, and Ireland, gaining expertise in aquaponics, sustainable fisheries, and conservation. Additionally, he has teaching experience in biology and languages, reflecting his ability to communicate complex scientific ideas effectively. His diverse professional background highlights his expertise in sustainable aquaculture, environmental advocacy, and interdisciplinary research.

Research Interests

Lorenzo’s research interests lie at the intersection of aquaponics, sustainable agriculture, and environmental biotechnology. His work primarily focuses on the potential for organic certification of aquaponic systems, aiming to improve sustainability in food production. He investigates how fish effluents can be used as organic fertilizers, optimizing plant growth while reducing agricultural waste. His interdisciplinary approach also extends to policy and regulatory frameworks, addressing the challenges of integrating organic principles into modern aquaculture systems. Additionally, he has explored the physiological responses of fish to different environmental conditions, contributing to our understanding of aquaculture efficiency. His broader interests include ecosystem restoration, ethical food production, and climate-resilient agriculture. Through his research, he strives to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical sustainability, ensuring environmentally responsible practices in food production systems worldwide.

Awards and Honors

Lorenzo has received numerous accolades for his academic and research achievements. He was awarded the prestigious Vice-Chancellor PhD Scholarship at the University of Greenwich, worth £48,000, and the Postgraduate MSc Merit Scholarship at the University of Stirling. His research excellence has been recognized through various awards, including the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, where he won both the Faculty and University prizes. He was also a Science Slam participant at the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture 2023 in Berlin. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to the semi-finals of the Mayor of London’s Entrepreneur Competition and the finals of the University of Greenwich Enterprise Challenge. Additionally, he has secured over £5,000 in funding to present his PhD research at international conferences. These achievements underscore his dedication to advancing sustainable agriculture and aquaponics through research, innovation, and public engagement.

Conclusion

Lorenzo Fruscella is a highly competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic excellence, extensive research experience, and contributions to sustainable aquaponics and policy make him a strong contender. Strengthening his leadership in major research projects and securing additional funding could further enhance his profile. Nonetheless, his current achievements are highly commendable and align well with the award’s criteria.

Publications Top Noted

  • Feeding Mars: A pilot study growing vegetables using aquaponic effluent fertiliser in simulant and analogue Martian regoliths
    • Authors: Benz Kotzen, Marcos Paradelo Perez, Lorenzo Fruscella
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Ecocycles, Volume 10, Issue 1, Pages 1–17
    • DOI: 10.19040/ecocycles.v10i1.391
    • Citations: 0
  • Investigating the effects of fish effluents as organic fertilisers on onion (Allium cepa) yield, soil nutrients, and soil microbiome
    • Authors: Lorenzo Fruscella, Benz Kotzen, Marcos Paradelo, Sarah Milliken
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Scientia Horticulturae, Volume 321, Article 112297
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112297
    • Citations: 8
  • Organic aquaponics in the European Union: towards sustainable farming practices in the framework of the new EU regulation
    • Authors: Lorenzo Fruscella, Benz Kotzen, Sarah Milliken
    • Year: 2021
    • Journal: Reviews in Aquaculture, Volume 13, Issue 3, Pages 1661–1682
    • DOI: 10.1111/raq.12532
    • Citations: 25

 

AUSTIN IKECHUKWU GBASOUZOR | AGRICULTURAL | Best Paper Award

Assoc Prof Dr. AUSTIN IKECHUKWU GBASOUZOR | AGRICULTURAL | Best Paper Award

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY,ULI ANAMBRA STATE, Nigeria

Austin I. Gbasouzor is an esteemed academic in the field of Mechanical Engineering, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria. With extensive teaching experience, he has held various positions including Senior Lecturer and Lecturer II. His academic journey includes a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Purdue University and remote lecturing at institutions such as Cyprus Science University and Catholic University Cameroon. Passionate about research, Dr. Gbasouzor focuses on drying processes and sustainable engineering solutions. 🌍📚

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Gbasouzor earned his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria (2017-2021). He also holds a Master’s degree in Electromechanical Technology (2002-2005) and a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Education (1998-2001) from the same institution. His educational background is complemented by a National Certificate of Education in Mechanical/Metal Work Technology (1992-1995) from the Federal College of Education, Technical, Asaba. 🎓🔧

Experience

Dr. Gbasouzor has accumulated significant academic experience, serving as a Senior Technologist and several lecturer roles at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University since 2009. His leadership roles include Acting Head of Department and Senator at the university. He is also an active member of various editorial boards and has been involved in significant academic and research collaborations globally. 🏫👨‍🏫

Research Interests

His research interests primarily revolve around drying technology, sustainable engineering solutions, and the application of mechanical systems in agricultural practices. Dr. Gbasouzor is particularly focused on the thermodynamics of food preservation and mechanical design innovations that promote sustainable development. 🔍⚙️

Awards

Dr. Gbasouzor has received multiple accolades for his contributions to engineering education and research, including the Best Paper Award at the World Congress on Engineering and Computer Science (WCECS) and several Certificates of Merit for his student papers at international conferences. He was also awarded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2022. 🏆🎖️

Publications

Gbasouzor, A.I., Omenyi, S., Mallik, S. and Njoku, J. (2024). Determination of Natural Logarithm of Diffusion Coefficient and Activation Energy of Thin Layer Drying Process of Ginger Rhizome Slices. World Journal of Engineering and Technology, 12, 213-228. Link

Gbasouzor, A.I. Ileleji, K. (2023). Thermal Analysis of Sclerotium of Pleurotus tuber-regium (ọsụ) for Effective Drying. World Journal of Engineering and Technology, 11, 153-163. Link

Gbasouzor, A.I., Chukwu, L. C. (2023). Nutraceutical and Phytomedicinal Survey of Sclerotium of Pleurotus Tuber-regium (ọsụ). International Journal of Food Engineering and Technology, 7(1), 12-19. Link

Gbasouzor, A.I., Mallik, S., Njoku, J. E. E., & Depriver, J. (Year not provided). Experimental analysis of thin layer drying of ginger rhizome in convective environment. Publication details not provided.