Afeez Adedayo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Afeez Adedayo | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Western Illinois University Alumni Association | United States

Dr. Afeez A. Adedayo is a multidisciplinary microbiologist and environmental monitoring specialist recognized for his innovative contributions to microbial biotechnology, molecular biology, and quality assurance research. He holds advanced degrees in biology and microbiology, culminating in a doctoral qualification, and has cultivated expertise across academic, industrial, and field environments. Dr. Adedayo has played integral roles in developing and validating microbial assays for cellular therapy, endotoxin testing, bioburden analysis, and high-throughput sequencing applications. His research primarily explores plant–microbe interactions, microbial ecology, metagenomics, and sustainable agricultural biotechnology, contributing significantly to the understanding of soil and rhizosphere microbiomes and their impact on crop health and productivity. With a growing portfolio of impactful publications in high-impact journals and multiple collaborative projects, his work demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and practical innovation. As a subject matter expert, he has led and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, authored technical protocols, and contributed to regulatory and training initiatives. Dr. Adedayo’s scholarly influence is reflected in his citation record, editorial activities, and engagement in professional scientific communities. His outstanding research productivity and leadership in microbiological sciences position him as a distinguished candidate for recognition through the Best Researcher Award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

1. Koza, N. A., Adedayo, A. A., Babalola, O. O., & Kappo, A. P. (2022). Microorganisms in plant growth and development: Roles in abiotic stress tolerance and secondary metabolites secretion. Microorganisms, 10(8), 1528.

2. Adedayo, A. A., & Babalola, O. O. (2023). Fungi that promote plant growth in the rhizosphere boost crop growth. Journal of Fungi, 9(2), 239.

3. Adedayo, A. A., Babalola, O. O., Prigent-Combaret, C., Cruz, C., Stefan, M., Kutu, F., & Glick, B. R. (2022). The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in Solanum lycopersicum production in the agricultural system: A review. PeerJ, 10, e13405.

4. Omomowo, I. O., Adenigba, V. O., Ogunsona, S. B., Adeyinka, G. C., Oluyide, O. O., & Adedayo, A. A. (2020). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of algal-mediated silver and gold nanoparticles. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 805(1), 012010.

5. Adenigba, V. O., Omomowo, I. O., Oloke, J. K., Fatukasi, B. A., Odeniyi, M. A., & Adedayo, A. A. (2020). Evaluation of microalgal-based nanoparticles in the adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 805(1), 012030.

Dr. Afeez A. Adedayo’s research advances sustainable agriculture and environmental biotechnology through innovative studies on plant–microbe interactions and microbial ecology. His work enhances global food security, promotes eco-friendly biotechnological solutions, and drives scientific innovation in microbial applications for crop productivity and environmental conservation.

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