Lorenzo Fruscella | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

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

 

Saule kenzhebayeva | Agricultural | Best Research Article Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Prof. Saule kenzhebayeva | Agricultural | Best Research Article Award

Genetic improvement of wheat to abiotic and biotic stress, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakhstan

👩‍🔬 Kenzhebayeva Saule Sagindykovna is a professor at the Department of Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Her expertise lies in wheat mutation breeding, improving grain quality, and developing molecular markers to enhance agronomic traits. She has made significant contributions to research on physiological and biochemical aspects of stress tolerance in cereals. 🌾

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Expertise: Kenzhebayeva Saule Sagindykovna has a strong academic foundation with a Doctor of Science degree, highlighting her deep knowledge in biotechnology and mutation breeding. Her research focuses on improving wheat quality, disease resistance, and stress tolerance, which aligns with the award’s focus on impactful research.
  2. Innovative Research Contributions: Her work in molecular genetics and mutation breeding for enhancing key agronomic traits such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutrient content in wheat is highly relevant in addressing global food security and sustainability challenges.
  3. High-Impact Publications: Several of her publications are indexed in reputable journals (e.g., PeerJ, Crop and Pasture Science, Curr Issues Mol Biol), with some having strong citation potential. Her research has been recognized as contributing to the scientific community, particularly in leaf rust resistance, iron homeostasis, and biofortification of wheat, which are critical for agriculture.
  4. International Research Projects: Kenzhebayeva has led and participated in several high-profile national and international projects funded by institutions like the IAEA, showcasing her ability to manage complex research initiatives. These projects focus on wheat improvement using nuclear and molecular techniques, demonstrating her capability in multidisciplinary approaches.
  5. Leadership and Recognition: As a professor and principal investigator in numerous research grants, she has demonstrated leadership and has contributed to the development of biofortified wheat lines that are of practical importance in Kazakhstan and globally.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Citation Impact: While Kenzhebayeva has been a part of many prestigious research efforts, her H-index (5) and citation count (15) for 2023 might be relatively low compared to other potential candidates for the award. Increasing the visibility and citation of her research through collaborations, conferences, and networking could enhance her profile.
  2. Broader International Exposure: Although her work has international dimensions, increased global collaboration and publications in higher-impact journals could elevate the reach of her findings and further boost her academic recognition.
  3. Scientometric Growth: Focusing on increasing the frequency of high-impact publications and collaborating with highly cited researchers may help boost her citation profile.

Education:

🎓 Kenzhebayeva earned her Master’s degree in Biology from Moscow State University in 1976, followed by a postgraduate course at the same institution from 1976-1979. She holds a Doctor of Science degree and is a recognized professor in the field of biotechnology and crop improvement. 🌱

Experience:

📚 With decades of experience, Kenzhebayeva has been involved in numerous national and international research projects, focusing on wheat improvement, tolerance to abiotic stresses, and enhanced grain quality. She has served as both a principal investigator and responsible executor for many key projects funded by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education and Science. 🌾🔬

Research Focus:

🔍 Kenzhebayeva’s research delves into mutation breeding of wheat, grain quality improvement, resistance to rust disease, and the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses on cereals. She is particularly interested in developing molecular markers for valuable agronomic traits and enhancing drought tolerance in wheat. 🌾💧

Awards and Honours:

🏆 Kenzhebayeva has been a national coordinator and principal investigator for numerous international projects, including collaborations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). Her work has earned her widespread recognition in the field of biotechnology. 🌟

Publication Top Notes:

📄 Phenotyping and exploitation of kompetitive allele-specific PCR assays for genes underpinning leaf rust resistance in new spring wheat mutant lines (2024) – Current Issues in Molecular Biology, cited by 10 articles.
📄 Organ-specific expression of genes involved in iron homeostasis in wheat mutant lines with increased grain iron and zinc content (2022) – PeerJ, cited by 5 articles.
📄 Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.) under Cd Stress in Fe Deficiency Conditions (2022) – BioMed Research International, cited by 3 articles.
📄 Iron-deficiency response and differential expression of iron homeostasis-related genes in spring wheat mutant lines (2022) – Crop and Pasture Science, cited by 8 articles.
📄 Improved iron and zinc bioavailability in spring wheat mutant lines (2018) – Journal of Biotechnology, cited by 12 articles.

Conclusion:

Kenzhebayeva Saule Sagindykovna’s research is highly relevant to the criteria for the “Research for Best Research Article Award.” Her contributions to mutation breeding, biofortification, and stress resilience in wheat have significant global implications for food security. However, improvements in citation impact and broader international exposure could further solidify her candidacy. Despite these areas for growth, her established leadership in high-level projects and innovative research make her a strong candidate for recognition.

Xufeng Xu | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Mr. Xufeng Xu | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Doctor candidate, Zhejiang University, China

Xufeng Xu is a doctoral candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Zhejiang University, China. With a strong academic background in agricultural engineering and information technology, Xufeng is dedicated to advancing the field through innovative research and practical applications. His work primarily focuses on postharvest technology and precision agriculture, contributing significantly to both academic literature and industry practices.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Doctoral Candidate in Mechanical Engineering
Zhejiang University, China (09/2022-Present).

Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering and Information Technology
South China Agricultural University, China (09/2019-06/2022)
GPA: 91/100.

Bachelor’s Degree in Electronic and Information Engineering
South China Agricultural University, China (09/2015-06/2019)
GPA: 3.86/5.0.

Experience 🏢

Xufeng Xu has gained substantial academic and research experience throughout his educational journey. Currently, as a doctoral candidate, he is deeply involved in cutting-edge research in mechanical engineering. His previous work includes extensive studies in agricultural engineering, where he has developed and tested various agricultural technologies, significantly contributing to the field.

Research Interests 🔬

Xufeng’s research interests lie in postharvest technology, precision agriculture, and agricultural engineering. His work includes studying the spectral features of damaged agricultural produce, investigating spray characteristics of agricultural nozzles, and designing variable spray models for orchards. He aims to improve agricultural efficiency and product quality through innovative engineering solutions.

Awards 🏆

Xufeng has been recognized multiple times for his academic excellence and contributions to the field:

2021: The Second Prize Scholarship

2020: The First Prize Scholarship

2019: The First Prize Scholarship

2018: The Second Prize Scholarship, Excellent League Member

2017: The Second Prize Scholarship, Merit Student

2016: The Third Prize Scholarship

Publications 📚

Xu T, Xu X, Huang X, et al. (2024). Research on the evolutionary of spectral features of the initial damaged parts of Red Delicious’ apples. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 210, 112730. [Cited by: 0]

Postharvest Biology and Technology

Xue X, Xu X, Lyu S, et al. (2023). Experimental investigation on spray characteristics of agricultural full-cone pressure swirl nozzle. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 16(4), 29-40. [Cited by: 0]

International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Xue X, Xu X, Li Z, et al. (2020). Design and test of variable spray model based on leaf wall area in orchards. Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering (Transactions of the CSAE), 36(02), 16-22. [Cited by: 0]

Transactions of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering

Xiuyun X, Xufeng X, Zelong Z, et al. (2019). Variable rate liquid fertilizer applicator for deep-fertilization in precision farming based on ZigBee technology. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 52(30), 43-50. [Cited by: 0]

IFAC-PapersOnLine