Hemen Dave | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hemen Dave | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

National Forensic Sciences University | India

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🏠 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hemen Dave’s academic foundation is rooted in Environmental and Biological Sciences. He completed his B.Sc. in Biochemistry (2006) and M.Sc. in Environmental Science (2008) from Gujarat University with a strong academic record. Further elevating his academic trajectory, he earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Manipal University, Jaipur, in October 2014. His doctoral research, titled “Study of Plasma for Surface Modification of Polymers, Biomaterial and Their Characterization”, was jointly guided by Dr. Lalita Ledwani and Dr. S.K. Nema, focusing on plasma applications in material science—an area now pivotal to eco-friendly industrial processes.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Dave’s career began at IIM Ahmedabad (2008–2009), where he contributed to India’s Second National Communication to UNFCCC. He then transitioned into academia and research, taking up roles at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (2009–2012), Institute for Plasma Research (2012–2014), and environmental consultancy firms like Vasudev Associates and Envisafe. These positions showcased his adaptability in both research and applied environmental science. From 2015 to 2018, he served as an Assistant Professor at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, actively contributing to curriculum development, laboratory enhancement, and student mentorship. Since March 2018, he has been a part of National Forensic Sciences University, Government of India, where he also fulfills administrative roles including Coordinator of the University Placement Cell and Member of the Board of Studies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Dave’s interdisciplinary research bridges plasma chemistry, environmental sustainability, textile science, and materials characterization. His work explores plasma surface modification for enhancing dye uptake in polymers and natural fibers, and has expanded into eco-friendly dyeing processes for both textiles and leather. His research also extends into water treatment, notably using green oxidants like Ferrate for CETP effluent treatment. His keen focus on green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices aligns closely with global environmental objectives.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The real-world impact of Dr. Dave’s work is evident in multiple domains—industrial applications, environmental policy input (e.g., UNFCCC reports), and sustainable textile processing. His studies have improved industrial dyeing efficiency, encouraged the adoption of plasma technologies, and contributed to low-emission practices in textile and leather sectors. As a faculty and mentor, he has shaped numerous young minds in environmental sciences, instilling values of ecological responsibility and scientific rigor.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Dave brings a strong arsenal of technical expertise, including:

  • Plasma Diagnostics (Optical Emission Spectroscopy)

  • Material Characterization Techniques (ATR-FTIR, XPS, SEM)

  • Water and Waste Analysis

  • Environmental Compliance Documentation (EC applications, EMS reports)

  • Data handling for greenhouse gas inventories

  • Curriculum Development and Lab Setup

These skills are applied both in field consultancy and academic instruction.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Dave has rich teaching experience, having served at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, MSU Baroda, and now at NFSU. He has taught both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Environmental Studies, covering theory and lab work. His teaching style emphasizes hands-on learning, industry-relevant training, and research-driven education. He has guided student projects, coordinated field visits, and developed course content for air quality monitoring and wastewater treatment.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Hemen Dave is a scholar-practitioner, seamlessly integrating academic research with industrial solutions. His legacy lies in promoting green technologies in environmental sciences and shaping policies through his early association with IIM and MoEF projects. Looking ahead, Dr. Dave is well-positioned to drive policy-oriented research, foster industry-academia collaborations, and mentor the next generation of sustainability-focused professionals. His future work is expected to delve deeper into advanced environmental materials, clean energy, and sustainable development strategies aligned with India’s and global goals.

📖Publications

rsenite and arsenate ions adsorption onto a biogenic nano-iron entrapped dual network Fe@alginate-κ-carrageenan hydrogel beads
  • Authors: Srivastava, A.; Azad, S.K.; Singh, K.; Prasad, B.; Kumari, M.; Nandan; Sahoo, A.K.; Dave, H.; Maurya, D.M.; Singh, D. et al.
    Journal: Nanotechnology for Environmental Engineering
    Year: 2023
Effective removal of Cr(VI) ions from the aqueous solution by agro-waste-based biochar: an exploration of batch and column studies
  • Authors: Singh, K.; Azad, S.K.; Dave, H.; Prasad, B.; Maurya, D.M.; Kumari, M.; Dubey, D.; Rai, A.K.; Sillanpää, M.; Sah, M.P. et al.
    Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
    Year: 2023
Enzymatic surface modification of banana fabric with cellulase: Characterization and antimicrobial finishing with plant extracts
  • Authors: Vajpayee, M.; Singh, M.; Dave, H.; Ledwani, L.
    Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
    Year: 2023
Study of physico-chemical and antibacterial properties of DBD plasma treated ahimsa silk coated with natural active agent
  • Authors: Singh, M.; Vajpayee, M.; Ledwani, L.; Dave, H.; Nema, S.K.
    Journal: Physica Scripta
    Year: 2023
A mechanistic insight into chromium (VI) ion adsorption onto pristine, UCB as well as Al-modified Neolamarckia cadamba wood biochar, MCB
  • Authors: Singh, K.; Azad, S.K.; Dave, H.; Prasad, B.; Maurya, D.M.; Kumari, M.; Dubey, D.; Rai, A.K.; Singh, D.; Sillanpää, M. et al.
    Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
    Year: 2022

Takwa Wannassi | Plant-Animal Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Takwa Wannassi | Plant-Animal Interactions | Best Researcher Award

Regional Center Of Research Agricultural Sidi Bouzid | Tunisia

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TAKWA WANNASSI: A LEADING RESEARCHER IN PLANT PROTECTION AND SOIL MICROBIOMES 🌿

INTRODUCTION

Takwa Wannassi is a distinguished postdoctoral researcher specializing in plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) and soil microbiomes. With a strong foundation in plant protection and environmental sciences, her work aims to enhance plant growth and combat diseases through innovative microbial interactions. Based in Tunisia, she has gained extensive experience in molecular biology, pest management, and genomics, contributing significantly to agricultural sustainability.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Takwa Wannassi’s academic journey began with a strong focus on biological sciences. She earned her Secondary Education Certificate in Experimental Science from Houcine Bouzaiene High School, Gafsa, Tunisia, before advancing to the Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology of Gabes for her preparatory cycle in Biology and Geology. She later pursued an Engineer Degree in Horticulture with a specialization in Plant Protection at the Higher Institute of Agronomic Sciences of Chott Mariem (ISA-CM), University of Sousse. Her academic dedication culminated in a Ph.D. in Plant Protection and Environment from the same institution.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Takwa Wannassi has held several prestigious research positions, including:

  • Postdoctoral Fellow at CRRA Sidi Bouzid (2025): Conducting metagenomic analysis and supervising student research as part of the REVINE Project.
  • Postdoctoral Fellow at ISA-CM (2023): Working on the ASTER Prima project, screening endosymbiont bacteria in invasive pests.
  • Development Engineer at the Technical Center of Dates (2022-2023): Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and monitoring crop damage.
  • Responsible for the Insectarium at ISA-CM (2022-2023): Managing insect colonies and research operations in entomology laboratories.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON agricultural 

Takwa Wannassi’s research primarily revolves around plant-microbe interactions, emphasizing:

  • Screening PGPR for plant growth and disease protection.
  • Metagenomic analysis of soil microbiomes.
  • Identification and characterization of bacteria and fungi linked to plant health.
  • Sustainable agricultural solutions using microbial interventions. Her expertise extends to DNA extraction, PCR, bioinformatics, and microbial genomics, making her a crucial contributor to agricultural research.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Her contributions to plant protection and microbiome research have advanced sustainable agriculture practices, aiding in disease management and soil health restoration. Her work in invasive pest control has significant implications for food security and crop resilience in Tunisia and beyond.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Takwa Wannassi has authored numerous impactful research papers, including:

  • “Emergence of the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi as an economic pest of apricots in Tunisia” (Phytoparasitica Journal)
  • “Insights on the bioecology of the invasive apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi in Tunisia” (Biologia Journal)
  • “The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley is spreading in North Africa: first report in Tunisia” (Oriental Insects Journal)
  • “Prevalence of Wolbachia infection in field natural population of the apricot seed wasp” (International Microbiology Journal)
  • “Exploration of bacterial composition and diversity within the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi by 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing” (Symbiosis Journal)

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • Best Poster Award (TJASSST 2019)
  • Research Award, University of Victoria, Canada (2019)
  • Mitacs Globalink Research Award, Acadia University, Canada (2021)
  • Best Oral Communication Award, 13th Arab Plant Protection Conference (2022)

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking ahead, Takwa Wannassi aims to: Expand international collaborations in microbial genomics and plant-microbe interactions. Contribute to the development of eco-friendly biofertilizers and biopesticides. Continue mentoring young researchers and students in agricultural biotechnology.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Takwa Wannassi remains committed to advancing plant protection research and sustainable agricultural practices. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and scientific innovation positions her as a key figure in microbiome studies and plant health improvement.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

Exploration of bacterial composition and diversity within the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) by 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing
  • Authors: Takwa Wannassi, Chahnez Naccache, Brahim Chermiti, and Maha Mezghani Khemakhem
  • Journal: Symbiosis
  • Year: 2025
Prevalence of Wolbachia infection in field natural population of the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae)
  • Authors: Takwa Wannassi, Ahmed Sayadi, Khaled Abbes, Salma Djebbi, Chahnez Naccache, Maha Mezghani Khemakhem, and Brahim Chermiti
  • Journal: International Microbiology
  • Year: 2024
The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is spreading in North Africa: first report in Tunisia
  • Authors: Khaled Abbes, Ahlem Harbi, Takwa Wanassi, Michele Ricupero, Gaetana Mazzeo, Agatino Russo, Antonio Biondi, Lucia Zappalà, and Brahim Chermiti
  • Journal: Oriental Insects
  • Year: 2023
Insights on the bioecology of the invasive apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) in Tunisia
  • Authors: Takwa Wannassi, Khaled Abbes, Ahlem Harbi, and Brahim Chermiti
  • Journal: Biologia
  • Year: 2023
Emergence of the apricot seed wasp Eurytoma samsonowi Vassiliev (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) as an economic pest of apricots in Tunisia
  • Authors: Takwa Wannassi, Ahlem Harbi, Khaled Abbes, Mohamed Elimem, Gérard Delvare, and Brahim Chermiti
  • Journal: Phytoparasitica
  • Year: 2022