Abhishek Walia | Sustainable Agriculture |Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Abhishek Walia | Sustainable Agriculture |Best Researcher Award

CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur. HP | India

Author Profile

Scopus
Orcid ID

🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

We proudly nominate Dr. Abhishek Walia for the esteemed Best Researcher Award in Sustainable Agriculture. His groundbreaking work in microbiology and sustainable farming practices exemplifies innovation and dedication to advancing agricultural sciences.

  • Original research with practical applications
  • Academic leadership and mentorship
  • Recognition by peers nationally and internationally
  • Consistent publication and editorial work
  • Contribution to sustainable development goals

🎓 Education 

Dr. Abhishek Walia earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni-Solan, HP, India. His doctoral research focused on the production, purification, and characterization of cellulase-free xylanase from Cellulosimicrobium cellulans using solid-state fermentation of apple pomace, aiming to enhance pulp biobleaching processes. This work not only contributed to the field of industrial microbiology but also aligned with sustainable agricultural practices by utilizing agro-industrial waste. Dr. Walia’s academic journey is marked by a commitment to integrating microbiological research with practical applications in agriculture, emphasizing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.

 💼  Professional Experience

Dr. Walia currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the College of Basic Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, HP, India, with over five years of experience. Previously, he held the position of Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology at DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab, for four and a half years. His professional journey also includes roles at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and the Forensic Science Laboratory in Delhi. Throughout his career, Dr. Walia has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching and research, guiding numerous M.Sc. students in their dissertations and contributing significantly to the field of microbiology with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

  • Best Publication Award (2012): Recognized by the Society for Advancement of Human and Nature for his publication on optimizing cellulase-free xylanase production.

  • Gold Medal in Ph.D. (Microbiology): Awarded by Himotkarsh Sahitya Sanskriti Avam Jan-Kalyan Parishad, Una, for securing the top position in his doctoral program.

  • Appreciation Letter (2023): Received from the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor on University Foundation Day for outstanding contributions to the university.

  • Scholarships/Fellowships:

    • Swami Vivekanand Scholarship under the National Scholarship Scheme, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh.

    • Merit Scholarship during M.Sc. under the University Merit Scholarship Scheme.

    • INSPIRE Fellowship (JRF and SRF) from the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, under the Assured Opportunity for Research Career (AORC) scheme.

🌍Research skills On Agriculture

Dr. Walia’s research expertise encompasses microbial genetics, industrial and environmental microbiology, and the application of microbial processes in sustainable agriculture. His doctoral work on xylanase production from agro-industrial waste highlights his ability to integrate microbiological research with environmental sustainability. He has guided over twenty M.Sc. students, fostering a new generation of researchers in the field. Dr. Walia’s involvement in various workshops and training programs, such as those on bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques, further demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and application of interdisciplinary approaches in research. His editorial roles in several scientific journals and active participation in reviewing research articles underscore his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture.

📖Publications

Molecular characterization of gut cellulolytic bacteria isolated from different ecotypes of Brahmina coriacea (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs in North‐Western Himalaya
  • Authors: Suresh Kumar Mahala, Ravinder Singh Chandel, Kuldeep Singh Verma, Karthik Ramappa, Abhishek Walia

  • Journal: Acta Zoologica

  • Year: 2025

Carbon negative biofuels: a step ahead of carbon neutrality
  • Authors: Tarun Sharma, Prakram Singh Chauhan, Maulik Patel, Akashdeep Singh, Manmeet Kaur, Garima Chauhan, Bharat Bhushan Rana, Naveen Kumar, Abhishek Walia

  • Journal: Biofuels

  • Year: 2025

The First Report on Opportunistic Human Pathogenic Bacteria Staphylococcus haemolyticus Isolated from Brahmina coriacea (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) in the North-Western Himalayas
  • Authors: Suresh Kumar Mahala, Karthik Ramappa, R. S. Chandel, K. S. Verma, Abhishek Walia

  • Journal: Current Biotechnology

  • Year: 2024

Biotechnology for sustainable materials: innovating today for a greener tomorrow
  • Authors: Shashi Kant Bhatia, Saurabh Bhatia, Maria Eugenia Inda-Webb, Konstantina Kourmentza, Tae Seok Moon, Vijai Singh, Vishal Ahuja, Jingbo Li, Sanjeet Mehariya, Abhishek Walia et al.

  • Journal: Biotechnology for Sustainable Materials

  • Year: 2024

Insights into Cow Dung-Based Bioformulations for Sustainable Plant Health and Disease Management in Organic and Natural Farming System: a Review
  • Authors: Shweta Sagar, Arjun Singh, Jyoti Bala, Rakesh Chauhan, Rameshwar Kumar, Ravi Kant Bhatia, Abhishek Walia

  • Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

  • Year: 2024

Tavga Rashid | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tavga Rashid | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tavga Rashid at Salahaddin University , Iraq

🌱 Tavga Sulaiman Rashid is an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at Salahaddin University, Iraq. With over 15 years of teaching and research experience, she specializes in biological control and sustainable plant disease management. Dr. Rashid has made significant contributions to understanding the antimicrobial activities of plant extracts and their applications in controlling plant diseases, particularly in tomatoes and strawberries. She has held pivotal roles, including Head of the Plant Protection Department, and has mentored numerous students. Her impactful research has led to publications in esteemed journals, focusing on eco-friendly agricultural solutions. Passionate about innovation, she integrates biotechnology and plant pathology to enhance crop health and productivity.

PROFESSIOINAL PROFILE

Suitable for Plant Disease Control Innovation

Dr. Tavga Sulaiman Rashid’s blend of academic rigor, innovative research, and impactful teaching positions her as an exemplary candidate for the “Plant Disease Control Innovation” award. Her contributions align with the goals of fostering sustainable and eco-friendly plant protection strategies, making her a valuable asset to the field of agricultural sciences.

  🎓Education 

🎓 Ph.D. in Plant Pathology/Biological Control (2016) – University Putra Malaysia
Advisor: Kamaruzaman Sijam, Ph.D.
Thesis: Antimicrobial activity of Rhus coriaria fruit extracts against bacterial and fungal pathogens of tomatoes.

🎓 M.Sc. in Plant Pathology (2008) – Salahaddin University
Advisor: Khalid H. Taha, Ph.D.
Thesis: Tomato stem canker caused by Phoma lycopersici and methods of control.

🎓 B.A. in Plant Protection (2004) – Salahaddin University

Her academic foundation blends rigorous theoretical knowledge with practical expertise in diagnosing and controlling plant diseases.

  💼 Professional Experience 

👩‍🏫 Assistant Professor (2020–Present): Salahaddin University, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences
🌱 Focus: Advanced research methodologies, biotechnology, and biological control.

👩‍🏫 Lecturer (2008–2020): Salahaddin University, teaching crop disease control, postharvest disease management, and advanced diagnostics.

💼 Department Head (2017–2021): Led the Plant Protection Department, streamlining curricula and research programs.

👩‍🏫 Assistant Lecturer (2008–2012): Guided students in practical plant pathology courses.

Her work has consistently bridged research and teaching, fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

 🏅Awards & Recognitions 

🏆 Recognized for her groundbreaking research on Rhus coriaria in biological control.
📜 Honored for contributions to sustainable agriculture at international conferences.
🌟 Received Salahaddin University’s Excellence in Research Award.

Dr. Rashid’s awards highlight her dedication to plant health, innovation, and eco-friendly agricultural practices.

  🌍 Research Skills On Plant Pathology

🔬 Expertise in biological control, plant-microbe interactions, and eco-friendly disease management.
🧪 Skilled in advanced techniques like HPLC and nanoemulsion formulation.
📊 Proficient in statistical analysis for agricultural research.

Her skills support innovative solutions for sustainable crop management.

 📖PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

  • “Quality and Yield of Potato Seed Tubers as Influenced by Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria”
    • Authors: Muhammad Raqib Rasul, Tavga Sulaiman Rashid
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2024.103440
    • Source: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
  • “Bioactive constituents in Rhus coriaria L. fruit extract and their antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas vesicatoria”
    • Authors: Tavga Sulaiman Rashid, Hayman Kakakhan Awla
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: DOI: 10.1007/s10658-024-02952-8
    • Source: European Journal of Plant Pathology
  • “Investigating the in vivo biocontrol and growth-promoting efficacy of Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens against olive knot disease”
    • Authors: Avin Omer Ali, Hayman Kakakhan Awla, Tavga Sulaiman Rashid
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106645
    • Source: Microbial Pathogenesis
  • “Biocontrol Activities of Olive Endophytic Bacteria Isolates Against Pseudomonas savastanoi”
  • “Screening for antibacterial activity in selected medicinal plant extracts against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria”
  • “Antagonistic Activity and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from Forest Plant Rhizosphere Against Fusarium solani on Thuja Seedlings”
    • Authors: Yasin, B., Ali, O.O., Rashid, T.S.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citation: DOI: 10.36103/ijas.v52i6.1492
    • Source: Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences
  • “Induction of Defence Related Enzymes and Biocontrol Efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum in Tomato Plants Infected with Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani”
  • “Bioactive Metabolites from Tomato Endophytic Fungi with Antibacterial Activity Against Tomato Bacterial Spot Disease”
  • “HPLC Fractionation: A Comparative Analysis of Anti-Fungal Compounds from Different Streptomyces Isolates Inhibiting Colletotrichum acutatum”
    • Authors: Awla, H.K., Rashid, T.S.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citation: DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2020.101688
    • Source: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology
  • “Abscisic Acid Accumulation and Physiological Indices in Responses to Drought Stress in Wheat Genotypes”
    • Authors: Qadir, S.A., Khursheed, M.Q., Rashid, T.S., Awla, H.K.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citation: EID: 2-s2.0-85065585231
    • Source: Iraqi Journal of Agricultural Sciences
  • “Influence of Two Varieties of Broad Bean and Beauveria bassiana (Blas) on Aphis fabae scop. Under Field Conditions”