Timothy Namo | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Published on 09/09/202509/09/2025 by Plant Scientist

Prof. Dr. Timothy Namo | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

University of Jos | Nigeria

Professor Namo Otsanjugu Aku Timothy is a distinguished scholar in Genetics and Plant Breeding at the University of Jos, Nigeria. With over three decades of academic experience, he has contributed significantly to research, teaching, and mentorship in crop science and biotechnology. Rising from Graduate Assistant to Professor, his journey reflects dedication to advancing plant breeding and cytogenetics in Africa. He has supervised numerous postgraduate theses, published widely in national and international journals, and served on editorial boards. His work emphasizes genetic improvement of crops for food security, making him a recognized authority in plant science and biotechnology.

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Education

Professor Timothy began his academic journey at the University of Jos, earning a B.Sc. in Botany with honors. He pursued postgraduate training at the same institution, obtaining an M.Sc. in Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding and later completing a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding. His educational foundation reflects a continuous pursuit of excellence in genetics and crop improvement. Supported by national scholarships at both master’s and doctoral levels, he gained expertise in cytogenetics, reproductive biology, and plant breeding methodologies. This strong academic background equipped him with the knowledge and technical proficiency to drive innovative research and contribute to agricultural development in Nigeria.

Professional Experience

Professor Timothy has had an illustrious academic career at the University of Jos, advancing through roles from Graduate Assistant to Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding. His career spans teaching, research, administration, and leadership. He has served as postgraduate coordinator, external assessor, editorial board member, and Director of the Centre for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. He has held visiting and sabbatical appointments in Nigerian universities and has been actively involved in curriculum development, resource verification, and professional training programs. His dedication to mentorship is reflected in the many postgraduate students he has supervised, shaping future leaders in plant sciences.

Awards and Recognition

Professor Timothy’s contributions have earned him numerous awards and recognitions. He received the Leadership Gold Award for Excellence (2007), African Choice Meritorious Service Award (2008), Distinguished African Gold Award (2009), and several commendations for academic service. He has been recognized for his productivity and contributions to crop science research by international organizations. His commitment to education and national development has been acknowledged through awards such as the Nigerian Merit Gold Award and Distinguished Leadership in National Development Gold Award. He is a Fellow of the International Agency for Standards and Ratings and Senior Fellow of the Institute for Research and Policy Integration in Africa.

Research Skills

Professor Timothy’s research expertise lies in genetics, cytogenetics, and plant breeding with a focus on crop improvement. He has worked extensively on cassava, sweet potato, maize, pepper, and onions, studying reproductive efficiency, cytomorphology, and yield enhancement. Skilled in cytogenetic analysis, karyotype studies, and biotechnological applications, his work contributes to sustainable food production and genetic resource conservation. He applies advanced breeding techniques and statistical tools in evaluating crop varieties for adaptability and productivity. His collaborations with national and international research organizations highlight his ability to integrate traditional breeding with modern genetic approaches, enhancing agricultural sustainability and food security in Africa.

Publications

Ajayi, J.O., Olosunde, O.M., Fawibe, O.O., Ojewumi, A.W., Mustafa, A.A., & Namo, O.A.T. (2022). “Effect of sowing depth on growth performance of selected members of the family Cucurbitaceae” in Nigerian Journal of Botany.

Turshak, L.G., Chaskda, A.A., Namo, O.A.T., Dawang, S.N., Agyeno, O.E., Da’an, S.A., et al. (2021). “Birds and mammals in some protected and community forests in central Nigeria” in Journal of Research in Forestry, Wildlife and Environment.

Namo, O.A.T., Chukwudum, V.A., & Auwal, Y.A. (2021). “Growth and Yield Responses of Hot Pepper to Nitrogen Fertilisation in Jos-Plateau, Nigeria” in Agricultural and Food Science Journal of Ghana.

Namo, O.A.T., & Egbaji, C.I. (2020). “Karyotype analysis of ten accessions of Hausa potato in Nigeria” in African Crop Science Journal.

Akpensuen, T.T., Amodu, J.T., Tanko, R.J., Abdu, S.B., Namo, O.A.T., Luka, J.S., et al. (2019). “Nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance of two temperate and two tropical forage legume hays fed to New Zealand white rabbits” in Nigerian Journal of Animal Production.

Namo, O.A.T., & Mwanja, Y.P. (2013). “Flowering and seed production patterns of tropical accessions of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.)” in Tropical Agriculture.

Conclusion

Professor Namo Otsanjugu Aku Timothy stands as a beacon of excellence in plant breeding and genetics. His remarkable academic and research contributions, coupled with his role as a mentor and leader, reflect his commitment to advancing crop science in Africa. With a solid foundation in education, decades of teaching, impactful publications, and numerous awards, he has made lasting contributions to agricultural research and development. His focus on sustainable crop improvement positions him as an influential figure in addressing global food security challenges. His distinguished career exemplifies dedication to science, innovation, and service to humanity through education and research.

Akkamahadevi C | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Published on 09/09/202509/09/2025 by Plant Scientist

Ms. Akkamahadevi C | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Presidency University | India

Akkamahadevi C is an accomplished academic and researcher serving as an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at Presidency University, Bangalore. With strong expertise in machine learning and deep learning, her research focuses on agricultural applications, particularly in enhancing crop production and sustainability. She has successfully completed projects addressing crop disease prediction using advanced computational frameworks, thereby contributing to the integration of intelligent technologies in agriculture. Alongside teaching, she actively publishes in reputed journals and participates in academic networks. Her career reflects a blend of innovative research, dedicated pedagogy, and a commitment to technological advancement.

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Education

Akkamahadevi C has a strong educational background in Computer Science and Engineering. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) and a Master of Technology (M.Tech) in the same discipline, equipping her with robust technical foundations. She is presently pursuing a Ph.D., where her research explores the applications of machine learning and deep learning in agriculture. Her doctoral work emphasizes intelligent frameworks for agricultural disease prediction and productivity enhancement, combining theoretical knowledge with practical solutions for food security challenges. This academic progression demonstrates her commitment to advancing both her expertise and the transformative potential of computing in multidisciplinary domains.

Professional Experience

Currently, Akkamahadevi C serves as an Assistant Professor at Presidency University, Bangalore, within the School of Computer Science and Engineering. In this role, she contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, curriculum development, and academic mentorship. She integrates her research expertise in machine learning and deep learning into her pedagogy, enriching student learning with real-world applications. Beyond teaching, she is engaged in research projects and has successfully completed studies that apply intelligent systems to agricultural problems. Her professional work demonstrates a commitment to bridging academia and industry, fostering innovation, and preparing students for evolving technological landscapes in applied computing.

Awards and Recognition

Akkamahadevi C has gained recognition for her contributions to machine learning and its applications in agriculture. Her research outputs, published in peer-reviewed and indexed journals, highlight her growing influence in the academic community. She is a member of the International Association of Engineers (IAENG), reflecting her engagement with global professional networks. Her completed project on deep learning frameworks for crop disease prediction has been well received, underscoring the practical impact of her work. Through such contributions, she is being increasingly recognized as a promising researcher in computing and applied intelligence, making her a strong candidate for research awards.

Research Skills

Akkamahadevi C’s research expertise centers on machine learning and deep learning, with a focus on agricultural informatics. She has developed and implemented frameworks that apply deep learning for disease prediction in crops, particularly paddy, to improve agricultural productivity. Her skills extend to designing intelligent algorithms, conducting data-driven experiments, and applying computational models for real-world challenges. Proficient in modern analytical tools, she bridges theoretical innovation with practical impact. Her publications in indexed journals highlight her strong academic writing and analytical skills. These competencies make her an emerging researcher with significant potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural transformation through technology.

Publications

Akkamahadevi, C., & Adaickalam, V. (2025). “An effective deep learning framework for diseases prediction to enrich paddy production” in International Journal of System Assurance Engineering and Management (Scopus Indexed).

Gururaj, H. L., Flammini, F., Shreyas, J., & Akkamahadevi, C. (2025). “Data Science & Exploration in Artificial Intelligence” in A A Balkema (Book Publication).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Akkamahadevi C exemplifies the integration of academic rigor, innovative research, and practical application in the field of computer science and engineering. Her work on deep learning frameworks for agricultural disease prediction demonstrates her ability to apply cutting-edge technology to address pressing global issues such as food security. As a dedicated teacher and researcher, she contributes both to knowledge dissemination and impactful problem-solving. Her professional memberships, scholarly publications, and research achievements underline her growing reputation in the academic community. She is a highly deserving candidate for recognition under the Best Researcher Award category in sustainable technology-driven solutions.

Kastory Mbunda | Sustainable Agriculture | Young Researcher Award

Published on 09/09/202509/09/2025 by Plant Scientist

Mr. Kastory Mbunda | Sustainable Agriculture | Young Researcher Award

The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy | Tanzania

Kastory Abel Mbunda is an academic and researcher specializing in gender, community development, and climate change adaptation. He serves as an Assistant Lecturer at The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, Tanzania, where he combines teaching, research, and community engagement. His scholarly work focuses on institutional pathways for gender-transformative climate change adaptation, rural livelihoods, and social empowerment initiatives. Mbunda has contributed extensively to policy-relevant studies addressing gender dynamics, food security, and environmental management. His academic journey reflects a strong commitment to linking theory with practice, enabling communities to build resilience against climate change while advancing equitable development at both local and regional levels.

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Education

Kastory Abel Mbunda has pursued a comprehensive academic pathway rooted in community development and climate change studies. He earned his PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from the University of Dar es Salaam, with research centered on institutional pathways to gender-transformative adaptation in Zanzibar. He holds a Master’s degree in Community Development from the Tengeru Institute of Community Development, where his dissertation explored community interventions and nutritional outcomes. His Bachelor’s degree in Community Development also emphasized grassroots perspectives on child nutrition. His foundational studies include advanced secondary and primary education in Tanzania, which shaped his commitment to social transformation.

Professional Experience

Kastory Abel Mbunda is currently an Assistant Lecturer at The Mwalimu Nyerere Memorial Academy, where he lectures on gender, project management, and community development while engaging in research and consultancies. Previously, he served as a Tutorial Assistant at the same institution, supporting teaching and curriculum development. He also worked as a Tutorial Assistant at Tengeru Institute of Community Development. His field experience includes serving as a Community Development Officer at Arumeru District Council, where he trained entrepreneurs, engaged in environmental management, and supported VICOBA initiatives. Additionally, he interned at Voice of Youth Tanzania, empowering youth in life skills and leadership.

Awards and Recognition

Kastory Abel Mbunda has been recognized for his outstanding academic and research contributions throughout his career. He was awarded Best Researcher in his Master’s degree program in Community Development at Tengeru Institute of Community Development. During his undergraduate studies, he was honored as the Best Finalist in the Bachelor of Community Development program. His earlier academic excellence was also acknowledged when he received recognition as the Best Student at Mzumbe High School. These accolades reflect his consistent commitment to academic excellence, critical thinking, and impactful research, further strengthening his reputation as a scholar dedicated to sustainable development and community empowerment.

Research Skills

Kastory Abel Mbunda’s research expertise spans gender studies, climate change adaptation, food security, and community development. He applies both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate social dynamics in rural and urban contexts. His PhD research emphasizes institutional pathways to gender-transformative climate change adaptation, with a focus on local government authorities and civil society organizations. His work explores issues such as household feeding practices, socio-economic empowerment, gender-based violence, and environmental sustainability. Skilled in SPSS, data analysis, and academic writing, he has published widely in peer-reviewed journals. His research strengthens the link between academic inquiry and practical solutions for sustainable livelihoods.

Publications

Mbunda, K.A. (2025). “Unpacking barriers to women maize farmers’ engagement in climate-smart agriculture in rural Tanzania” in Cogent Social Sciences.

Mbunda, K.A., & Ndunguru, F.E. (2025). “Climate Change and Forest Governance: A Qualitative Review of Local Community Engagement in Rural East Africa” in Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry .

Mville, F., & Mbunda, K.A. (2025). “Enhancing Men’s Participation in Maternal Health Care Services: An Analysis of Socio-Economic Predictors in Arusha City” in East African Journal of Health and Science.

Mbunda, K.A., Ndunguru, F.E., & Utonga, D. (2024). “Factors Influencing Men’s Participation in Seaweed Farming in Zanzibar, Tanzania: An Empirical Analysis Using a Logit Model” in Advanced Research in Economics and Business Strategy Journal.

Ndunguru, F.E., & Mbunda, K.A. (2024). “Men’s Perceptions of Seaweed Farming in Zanzibar, Tanzania: Exploring Gender Dynamics in Coastal Livelihoods” in East African Journal of Arts and Social Sciences.

Mbunda, K.A., & Ndunguru, F.E. (2024). “A gendered perspective on household dietary diversity status in Mbinga District, Tanzania” in Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies.

Mbunda, K.A. (2024). “Saving and Credit Cooperatives Services and Socio-economic Empowerment of Women in Temeke Municipality, Tanzania” in East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Nyasingwa, J.K., Mbunda, K.A., & Mhango, S. (2024). “Contribution of the Tanzania Police Gender and Children Desk on the reduction of gender-based violence in Tanzania: A case of Meru District, Arusha, Tanzania” in Asian Research Journal of Arts and Social Sciences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kastory Abel Mbunda represents a new generation of African scholars committed to advancing gender equity, climate resilience, and community empowerment. His academic journey and professional engagements highlight a unique ability to integrate research, teaching, and outreach in ways that directly benefit local communities. Recognized for his academic excellence and impactful studies, he continues to influence policy and practice through his scholarly publications and consultancy roles. With strong expertise in climate change adaptation and community development, Mbunda remains a vital contributor to sustainable development discourses in East Africa and beyond, inspiring future researchers and practitioners in the field.

Mingming Yang | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 21/07/202525/07/2025 by Plant Scientist

Dr. Mingming Yang | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Yang Mingming is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Hydrology and Water Resources through a joint program offered by Hohai University and the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research. Her early academic foundation has been rooted in a strong interdisciplinary approach, integrating core principles of water systems, economics, and sustainability. Her selection into this prestigious joint program underscores her academic excellence and the promise of her early research potential.

Professional Endeavors

As a doctoral researcher, Yang has actively engaged in high-impact, collaborative research projects that address critical global issues. Notably, she contributed to the U.S.-China INFEWS (Innovations at the Nexus of Food, Energy, and Water Systems) project, involving comparative analysis between China’s Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and California’s Central Valley. She has also worked on optimizing the national water network layout through regional water balance modeling. Her work reflects a fusion of technical expertise, policy-oriented research, and system-level analysis.

Research Focus and Contributions

Yang’s primary research focuses on the Water-Food-Energy (WFE) Nexus and water economics, addressing the interconnectedness and optimization of essential resources. She led the development of a bottom–up analytical framework to assess water and energy usage throughout crop growth stages. Additionally, she introduced the Water–Energy Efficiency for Food (WEEF) index, a novel homogenization tool that helps compare crop production efficiency by neutralizing geographic disparities. This methodological innovation holds potential for reshaping agricultural resource management strategies and enhancing food system sustainability.

Impact and Influence

Despite being an early-career researcher, Yang Mingming has already made a noteworthy impact in her field. Her publications, numbering over ten in high-quality indexed journals, reflect strong scholarly engagement. Her WEEF index is gaining recognition for its ability to inform sustainable agriculture policies. She has also been involved in three consultancy or industry-oriented projects, further demonstrating her research’s real-world relevance and application.

Academic Citations

Her scholarly output has begun to gain traction in the academic community, with a citation index of 7. While still growing, this citation count is a promising indicator of her work’s relevance and potential to shape future research directions in hydrology and resource efficiency.

Technical Skills

Yang possesses robust technical skills in coupled modeling, life cycle assessment, water-energy analytics, and system optimization. Her research integrates quantitative modeling techniques with socio-economic frameworks, positioning her well within interdisciplinary water resource studies.

Teaching Experience

While the nomination does not specify formal teaching roles, Yang’s deep involvement in multi-institutional research collaborations and methodological development likely involves mentoring junior researchers and contributing to academic workshops, particularly in joint university research settings.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Yang Mingming’s contribution to redefining how agricultural systems are evaluated through a water-energy lens positions her as a forward-thinking researcher. Her legacy will likely include the refinement of sustainability indices, enhanced cross-national water network design, and policy-relevant frameworks for food and water resource management. She is poised to continue contributing to international collaborations that shape integrated water strategies.

Publications

An optimal water distribution model for canal systems based on water level

Journal: Scientific Reports
Year: 2025

Ibukunolu Udemba | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 23/05/202523/05/2025 by Plant Scientist

Dr. Ibukunolu Udemba | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan | Nigeria

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Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ibukunolu Oluwadamilola Udemba stands out as a highly suitable candidate for a Best Researcher Award, given her robust academic background, impactful research contributions, and extensive engagement in scientific development activities. With a Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Ibadan and a stellar academic record including a First-Class Honours undergraduate degree and a CGPA of 6.6/7 at the Master’s level, her trajectory reflects consistent excellence. Her academic achievements have been recognized through numerous awards and scholarships, such as the University of Ibadan Postgraduate College Scholarship and multiple departmental and national accolades.

Education

Dr. Ibukunolu Oluwadamilola Udemba’s academic journey in agronomy is marked by excellence. She earned her Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Ibadan in 2023, following an M.Sc. in Horticulture with a CGPA of 6.6/7 in 2015. Her foundational B.Agric. degree, also from the University of Ibadan, was awarded with First Class Honours in 2011. Complementing her agricultural expertise, she obtained a Diploma in Computer Techniques and Application in 2011. Her early education includes attendance at Command Day Secondary School and Bodija International School.

Professional Experience

Dr. Udemba’s professional career is distinguished by roles in research and education. Since 2023, she has been a Research Fellow at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training in Ibadan. Her previous roles include Teaching and Research Assistant at the University of Ibadan’s Department of Agronomy (2019-2023), Examiner for the West African Examination Council in 2015, and Consultant for the National Youth Service Corps in Borno State (2012-2013). She also served as a Research Assistant to Prof. M.O. Akoroda and held teaching positions in various educational institutions.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Udemba’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards. In 2024, she received the Best Oral Presentation Award (3rd Place) at the Symposium on Agriculture and Environment Sustainability in West and Central Africa. Her academic excellence earned her the University of Ibadan Postgraduate College Scholarship Award (2019-2023) and multiple undergraduate honors in 2011, including the Pfizer Prize in Agronomy and the Dr. H.O. Ayeni Weeds Science Prize. She was also listed on the Dean’s Roll of Honour in 2007 and 2008.

Research skills On Crop Science

Dr. Udemba’s research expertise encompasses crop yield optimization, postharvest quality assessment, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her Ph.D. research focused on the variability in storage root yield and gari quality of yellow root cassava varieties. She has conducted significant studies on the postharvest qualities of tomatoes under different storage conditions and explored the response of okra and amaranth to various urine-water dilutions. Her work contributes to improving food security and agricultural sustainability in Nigeria.

Publications

Variation among gari samples of some yellow cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties for change in color during storage

Authors: I.O. Udemba, B. Olasanmi, P. Iluebbey
Journal: Global Journal of Ecology
Year: 2022

Bunmi Olasanmi | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Published on 23/05/202523/05/2025 by Plant Scientist

Dr. Bunmi Olasanmi | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award