Miriam Patti | Ethnobotany | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Miriam Patti | Ethnobotany | Best Researcher Award

Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria | Italy

Miriam Patti is a research fellow at the Department of Agraria, Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria. Her work focuses on ethnobotanical surveys, germination and domestication tests, and phytochemical analyses of Mediterranean plant species. She has conducted applied research in ethnobotany, biodiversity conservation, and urban greening through green wall design in Mediterranean contexts. She has presented her findings at international conferences and authored several peer‑reviewed publications. Her background also includes community‑focused work, such as cataloguing and preserving regional botanical heritage. Widely recognized for bridging traditional knowledge and urban sustainability, she continues to contribute towards conservation and ecological education in Southern Italy.

Author Profile

Orcid ID

Education

Miriam earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Sciences with a thesis on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of ethnobotanical cultural heritage. The program included ethnobotanical survey work, species domestication trials, and phytochemical analysis of southern Italian endemic plants. Complementary certifications include C2-level English, Eipass, CLIL, SKILL certifications in interactive whiteboard, tablet, and coding, as well as professional training in food industry operation and GDPR compliance. Her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in food science and technology provided a foundation in plant biochemistry, nutritional science, and regulatory frameworks—supporting her interdisciplinary work in ethnobotany and sustainable urban greening.

Professional Experience

Miriam currently serves as Research Fellow at Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, leading a green walls design project adapted to Mediterranean urban contexts. During her Ph.D., she conducted ethnobotanical studies, domestication trials, and phytochemical characterization for Mediterranean species. She also acted as tutor for a cultural‑botanical digitization project with the Reggio Calabria Rotary Club, cataloguing heritage archives and engaging students in preservation efforts. Earlier she volunteered in civil service, supporting care for people with cognitive or psychophysical challenges. Her work integrates academic research, outreach, and community involvement, reflecting her broad professional engagement across horticultural science and cultural heritage preservation.

Awards and Recognition

Miriam Patti has achieved academic and professional recognition in plant sciences, particularly for her contributions to ethnobotany and sustainable urban ecology. She has been invited to international conferences for her green wall research and published extensively in reputable journals such as Buildings, Ethnobotany Research and Applications, Heliyon, and Plant Biosystems. Her Ph.D. was awarded with highest honors. She has contributed to edited volumes with Springer, and she was selected to present at high-profile botanical congresses in Italy and Portugal. Her interdisciplinary approach—combining traditional botanical knowledge and modern design—has earned her increasing visibility in academics and applied environmental planning.

Research Skills

Miriam Patti brings expertise in ethnobotanical survey methodology, germination and domestication trials of target species, phytochemical analysis, and habitat‑template design for green walls. She is skilled in botanical identification, field sampling, statistical data analysis, and ecological interpretation. Her interdisciplinary training covers food science, ethnobotany, biodiversity monitoring, and applied botanical conservation. She is adept at digitizing archives, coordinating community‑based heritage projects, and preparing scientific publications. She communicates fluently in English and Italian, and holds certifications in CLIL, ICT (interactive whiteboard, tablet, coding), demonstrating her capacity for educational innovation alongside botanical research.

Conclusion

Miriam Patti demonstrates a thoughtful combination of scientific excellence, cultural engagement, and applied ecology. Her research bridges ethnobotanical knowledge, biodiversity conservation, and urban sustainability through projects like green wall design and domestication of culturally significant plants. With strong publication credentials, community-driven outreach, and interdisciplinary training, she is a compelling candidate for academic and sustainability awards. Her innovative integration of traditional plant science with urban ecological design positions her to make significant future contributions to botanically informed planning and education. As her career advances, she is well poised to influence conservation policy, urban biodiversity, and cross-disciplinary research.

Publications

Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., & Spampinato, G. (2025). A Habitat‑Template Approach to Green Wall Design in Mediterranean Cities. Buildings, 15(14), 2557.

Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., Laface, V.L.A., & Spampinato, G. (2025). Ethnobotanical survey in the Graecanic Area of Calabria (Southern Italy): a treasure chest of biodiversity and traditions at risk of extinction. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 30.

Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., & Spampinato, G. (2025). Ethnobotanical Knowledge in Calabria (Southern Italy): a summary review. Heliyon.

Patti, M., Aci, M.M., Tassone, M.T., & Musarella, C.M. (2025). A review of Opuntia ficus‑indica ethnobotany in Italy and North Africa. RJEES, 5.

Patti, M., Musarella, C.M., Postiglione, S.M., et al. (2024). Ethnobotanical studies on the Tyrrhenian side of Aspromonte Massif (Southern Italy). Plant Biosystems.

Musarella, C.M., Patti, M., Laface, V.L.A., & Spampinato, G. (2024). An overview of ethnobotanical knowledge for enhancement of plant food and economies in Calabria region — case study. Vegetos.

Pawan Kumar | Plant Genetics | Excellence in Plant Research

Dr. Pawan Kumar | Plant Genetics | Excellence in Plant Research

UNNATEE | India

Author Profile

PAWAN KUMAR: A VISIONARY IN BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION 🌱

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Pawan Kumar’s academic journey began in the scenic landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. He completed his Matriculation from GHS Saichu Nala, Tehsil Pangi, District Chamba. Excelling in academics, he pursued a B.Sc. in Medical Sciences with first division from PG College, Chamba, under HPU Shimla.

Driven by a passion for Botany, he obtained an M.Sc. in the subject from Punjabi University, Patiala. Pawan Kumar further enriched his expertise with a six-month Ph.D. coursework in Advances in Botany and research techniques, achieving an A grade. In 2015, he earned his Ph.D. in Botany (Life Sciences) from the Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Science, Punjabi University, Patiala.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Kumar’s professional pursuits have revolved around advocating for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development. He has been actively involved in documenting traditional knowledge of indigenous communities, safeguarding agro-diversity, and integrating plant, animal, and fish genetic resources to secure livelihoods in fragile ecosystems.

As a Senior Research Fellow at NBPGR/ICAR, he carried out groundbreaking research on germplasm preservation and landholding surveys in the cold desert regions of the Himalayas. His internship with the State Biodiversity Board in 2020 culminated in the creation of a Plant Biodiversity Register for Chamba District, aiding in implementing the Nagoya Protocols and Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PLANT GENETICS

Dr. Kumar’s research addresses crucial ecological challenges, with a focus on:

  • Conservation of Himalayan flora.
  • Chromosomal diversity and plant cytogenetics.
  • Ethnobotanical studies of indigenous plant usage.
  • The environmental impacts of hydroelectric projects.

He has published 24 papers, including 23 in international journals, with significant contributions to journals like Acta Botanica Croatica, Caryologia, and The Scientific World Journal.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Kumar’s work has inspired policies and research on environmental sustainability. His efforts have strengthened global biodiversity conservation initiatives, particularly in the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayas.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

With 561 citations, an h-index of 13, and 16 i10-indexed publications, Dr. Kumar’s research has been a cornerstone in Botany and Biodiversity studies.
Key publications include:

  1. Chromosome Count in Hedysarum Astragaloides (Acta Botanica Croatica).
  2. Uses of Local Plant Biodiversity (The Scientific World Journal).
  3. Impact of Hydroelectric Projects (International Research Journal of Social Sciences).

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

Dr. Kumar’s accolades reflect his contributions:

  • Member, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
  • Award of Honour at the 4th Karate International Camp (2014).
  • Travel grant by SERB-DST for presenting in Taiwan (2014).
  • Second Prize for Best Permanent Slides Preparation (2008).
  • First Prize for Wildlife Quiz Contest, Chamba (2004).

FINAL NOTE🌿

Dr. Kumar’s legacy lies in his commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainability. His work continues to guide future generations of researchers and policymakers. He remains a pivotal figure in protecting the Himalayan ecosystems, fostering global biodiversity, and advocating for sustainable development practices.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

Ethnomedicinal plants of Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh, India
  • Authors : Savita Rani, JC Rana, PK Rana
  • Journal :Medicinal Plants Research
  • year : 2013
Uses of local plant biodiversity among the tribal communities of Pangi Valley of district Chamba in cold desert Himalaya, India
  • Authors : Pawan Kumar Rana, Puneet Kumar, Vijay Kumar Singhal, Jai Chand Rana
  • Journal :The Scientific World Journal
  • year : 2014
Persistent occurrence of meiotic abnormalities in a new hexaploid cytotype of Thalictrum foetidum from Indian cold deserts
  • Authors : Vijay Singhal, Pawan Rana, Puneet Kumar, Dalvir Kaur
  • Journal : Biologia
  • year : 2011
Syncytes during male meiosis resulting in 2n pollen grain formation in Lindelofia longiflora var. falconeri
  • Authors : Vijay Kumar SINGHAL, Pawan Kumar RANA, Puneet Kumar
  • Journal : Systematics and Evolution
  • year :  2011
Cytology of Ranunculus laetus Wall. ex Royle from cold desert regions and adjoining hills of North-west Himalayas
  • Authors : P Kumar 
  • Journal :Caryologia
  • year : 2011