Nahla Hemdan | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nahla Hemdan | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

National Research Centre | Egypt

Dr. Nahla Abdel-Fattah Hemdan Mohamed is a dedicated researcher at the National Research Centre, Egypt, specializing in soil sciences, water use, and sustainable agricultural practices. Her research focuses on the management of saline soils, desert agriculture, soil amendments, and irrigation technologies to enhance crop productivity and resource efficiency. With extensive experience in soil and water management under arid conditions, she has contributed significantly to improving agricultural sustainability in challenging environments. Her career integrates research, innovation, and practical applications, making her a respected figure in the field of environmental and agricultural sciences.

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Education

Dr. Nahla Hemdan holds a Ph.D. in Irrigation Systems and Agricultural Water Management from Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, where her doctoral research emphasized drip irrigation technology and ecological resource utilization. She also earned an M.Sc. in Soil Sciences from Assiut University, Egypt, focusing on water regime management under drip irrigation in arid regions. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing agricultural productivity through innovative soil and water management strategies. Her education combines international exposure and local expertise, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of global and regional challenges in sustainable agriculture.

Professional Experience

Dr. Hemdan serves as a researcher in the Soils and Water Use Department at the National Research Centre, Egypt. She has conducted extensive fieldwork and laboratory studies on soil improvement techniques, irrigation systems, and the application of organic and nano-fertilizers. She has collaborated with national and international institutions, contributing to projects addressing soil salinity, water scarcity, and agricultural sustainability. Beyond research, she has actively participated in scientific conferences, delivering oral and poster presentations. She has also supervised projects and engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations aimed at improving agricultural resilience under harsh climatic and soil conditions.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Nahla Hemdan has received recognition for her innovative contributions in soil fertility and water management. She holds multiple patents on advanced composting methods, including biocompost, sulfur compost, and moringa-based organic amendments, showcasing her applied research achievements. Her international internships in China and India provided further acknowledgment of her expertise in combating desertification and climate change impacts. She has been invited to present her research at prestigious international conferences, reflecting her recognition within the global scientific community. Her work bridges theory and practice, earning respect for its impact on sustainable agricultural practices in arid regions.

Research Skills

Dr. Hemdan’s research expertise covers soil fertility, saline soil reclamation, irrigation management, and organic amendments. She is proficient in applying innovative techniques such as biochar utilization, nano-fertilizer integration, and compost enrichment for improving soil health and crop performance. Her work often incorporates experimental field studies, modeling, and evaluation of water productivity under arid conditions. She also demonstrates strong skills in multidisciplinary collaboration, integrating soil science with plant nutrition and environmental sustainability. With hands-on experience in international training programs, she has honed her skills in climate change adaptation, desertification control, and sustainable agricultural innovations.

Publications

Hemdan, N.A., El-Ashry, S.M., Abd-Elmabod, S.K., Zhang, Z., Mansour, H.A., Attia, M. (2024). Reclamation and Improvement of Saline Soils Using Organo–Mineral–Natural Resources, Treated Saline Water, and Drip Irrigation Technology. Water.

El-Hadidy, G.A.M., Mahmoud, T.S.M., Shaaban, F.K.M., Hemdan, N.A. (2022). Effect of Organic Fertilization with Moringa Oleifera Seeds Cake and Compost on Storability of Valencia Orange Fruits. Egyptian Journal of Chemistry.

Hemdan, N.A. (2022). Impact of Biochar Mixed with Compost on Olive and Some Soil Properties under Saline Water and Soil Management. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering.

Hemdan, N.A. (2022). Utilization of Biochar with Some Soil Amendments and Evaluation of AquaCrop Model under Saline Water and Soil Management at Ismailia Desert, Egypt.

Hemdan, N.A., Mahmoud, T.S.M., Abdalla, A.M., Mansour, H.A. (2021). Using Moringa Oleifera Seed Cake and Compost as Organic Soil Amendments for Sustainable Agriculture in Valencia Orange Orchard. Future of Food: Journal on Food, Agriculture and Society.

Bakry, A.B., Waly, A.I., Hemdan, N.A., El-karamany, M.F. (2019). Effect of Soil Amendments and Water Requirements on Flax Yield, Fertilizer Use Efficiency and Water Productivity under Sandy Soil Condition. American-Eurasian Journal of Agronomy.

Conclusion

Dr. Nahla Hemdan’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing soil and water management for sustainable agriculture. Her work has significantly contributed to improving crop yield, water efficiency, and soil productivity in challenging desert and saline environments. Through her research, patents, and international collaborations, she has positioned herself as a pioneer in integrating organic amendments and modern irrigation systems. Her scientific achievements and contributions to sustainable development highlight her role in addressing food security and environmental challenges. She remains a driving force in promoting innovative agricultural practices to meet the needs of future generations.

Gurparshad Singh Brar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Gurparshad Singh Brar | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Auburn University | United States

Gurparshad Singh Brar is a dedicated researcher in biosystems engineering with expertise in soil and water conservation, nutrient management, and data-driven approaches to sustainable agriculture. His academic journey bridges agricultural engineering and advanced biosystems modeling, positioning him at the intersection of environmental stewardship and technological innovation. His work emphasizes the role of biochar and poultry litter management strategies in reducing contaminant leaching from soils. Brar has demonstrated excellence in research, teaching, and professional engagement, contributing to scientific knowledge through presentations, projects, and collaborative studies that address pressing global challenges in agriculture and the environment.

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Education

Brar pursued his academic foundation in agricultural engineering at Punjab Agricultural University, where he gained exposure to food processing and irrigation systems. Advancing his studies, he earned a Master of Science in Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University, where his focus turned toward soil hydrology, nutrient leaching, and geospatial technologies. He is currently engaged in doctoral studies in Biosystems Engineering at Auburn University, specializing in contaminant transport, precision agriculture, and modeling tools for sustainable land management. Complementing his coursework, he has obtained professional certifications in data science and machine learning, strengthening his capacity to integrate computational methods with environmental engineering.

Professional Experience

Brar’s professional experience encompasses both research and teaching. At Auburn University, he contributed to soil and water engineering projects investigating the impact of poultry litter and biochar on phosphorus and heavy metal leaching, utilizing advanced instrumentation and modeling tools. He has served as a teaching assistant for geospatial technologies in biosystems, supporting graduate and undergraduate students in applying GIS and remote sensing. His training includes operation of specialized soil and water laboratory equipment, ICP-OES, and hydrological sensors. His professional engagement reflects a balance of experimental fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computational approaches to solving critical challenges in agricultural sustainability.

Awards and Recognition

Brar has received recognition for his scholarly contributions through academic awards and scholarships. He achieved first place at the College of Agriculture Graduate Research Poster Showcase, highlighting his ability to communicate research impact effectively. Earlier, his academic excellence was acknowledged with a prestigious merit scholarship at Punjab Agricultural University. His pursuit of certifications in data science, machine learning, and modeling analytics demonstrates his commitment to continuous professional growth. These awards and recognitions underscore his capacity for innovation and leadership in agricultural and environmental research, marking him as a promising scholar dedicated to advancing sustainable agricultural engineering practices.

Research Skills

Brar’s research skills integrate experimental methods, instrumentation, computational modeling, and data analytics. He is proficient in software such as ArcGIS, SWAT, HYDRUS, AutoCAD, Python, and R, which he applies to hydrological and environmental modeling. His laboratory skills include expertise with soil water retention, nutrient leaching, and contaminant analysis tools, such as ICP-OES, WP4C, and advanced imaging systems. His projects demonstrate the application of these skills in real-world contexts, such as evaluating poultry litter application strategies. Brar’s ability to combine geospatial analysis, experimental design, and data-driven modeling reflects a versatile and interdisciplinary research profile that contributes to sustainable land management.

Publications

Brar, G.S., Malhotra, K., Kumar, R., Lamba, J., Way, T.R., Prasad, R., & Adhikari, S. (2025). “Investigating the Impact of Broiler Litter Application Method and Biochar on Phosphorus Leaching” in Water, Air, & Soil Pollution.

Brar, G.S., Malhotra, K., Kumar, R., Lamba, J., Way, T.R., Prasad, R., & Adhikari, S. (2025). “Elucidating the Impact of Broiler Litter and Pinewood Biochar on Metal Retention and Leaching in Undisturbed Soil Columns Using Simulated Rainfall” in Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances.

Brar, G.S., Lamba, J., Malhotra, K., Way, T.R., Prasad, R., Adhikari, S., & Torbert, H.A. (2024). “Investigating the Impact of Biochar Application Method on Contaminant Leaching in Agricultural Soils Fertilized with Poultry Litter” in ASA, CSSA, SSSA International Annual Meeting.

Brar, G.S. (2024). “Effect of Poultry Litter and Biochar Application Methods on Nutrient Loss”.

Conclusion

Gurparshad Singh Brar is an emerging scholar committed to addressing agricultural and environmental challenges through innovative engineering and data-driven solutions. With a strong educational foundation, professional research experience, and recognition for academic excellence, he represents a new generation of biosystems engineers poised to make a lasting impact. His work on soil contaminant management, sustainable fertilizer practices, and advanced modeling reflects a balance of practical application and theoretical insight. Through continued research, teaching, and professional engagement, Brar aims to contribute to sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and global food security, advancing the role of engineering in ecosystem stewardship.

Mohammad Faisal | Plant Sciences | Excellence in Plant Research

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Prof. Dr. Mohammad Faisal | Plant Sciences | Excellence in Plant Research

King Saud University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Mohammad Faisal is a Professor of Plant Biotechnology in the Department of Botany & Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), India, specializing in plant tissue culture and biotechnology. With postdoctoral training in Spain and India, he brings over 16 years of experience in plant biotechnology research. Dr. Faisal is renowned for his work on in vitro plant regeneration, molecular characterization, and nanoparticle-plant interactions. His academic contributions include 172 peer-reviewed publications and editorial roles in reputed journals, reflecting his leadership in sustainable plant biotechnology.

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Education 

Dr. Faisal holds a BSc (Hons), MSc, MPhil, and PhD in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University, India, where his research focused on plant tissue culture and biotechnology. His PhD thesis explored tissue culture and regeneration in Tylophora indica and Rauvolfia tetraphylla. He completed two postdoctoral fellowships: one at AMU under the DST Fast-track scheme, and the other at Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas (CIB), Madrid, Spain, under Spain’s Ministry of Science & Innovation. He further expanded his expertise at Kangwon National University, South Korea, focusing on advanced techniques in plant genetic engineering and in vitro systems.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Faisal currently serves as a Professor at King Saud University since August 2023, following his roles as Associate Professor (2017–2023) and Assistant Professor (2011–2017). Prior to joining KSU, he held postdoctoral fellowships at CIB Madrid and AMU, and earlier research roles as SRF and Project Fellow at AMU. He has led and participated in various national and international research projects, contributing significantly to tissue culture protocols, crop improvement, and environmental biotechnology. With over 16 years of post-PhD experience, his work bridges academic research and applied biotechnology with a global impact in plant sciences.

Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Faisal has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Excellence of Research Award (2023) by ISAHRD and the Outstanding Scientist Award (2021) by VDGOOD Professional Association. He was honored with the Plant Biotechnologist Award (2017) and the Scientist of the Year Award (2015) by SESR and the National Environmental Science Academy, respectively. He is an elected Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, UK, and SESR, and serves as an international panel expert for the Czech Academy of Sciences. His academic excellence has also been recognized through editorial appointments in journals like Plant Cell, Tissue & Organ Culture and Plant Biotechnology Reports.

Research Skills 

Dr. Faisal specializes in plant tissue culture, in vitro morphogenesis, mass propagation, and genetic transformation of economically important plant species. He employs molecular, phytochemical, and anatomical tools to characterize tissue culture-derived plantlets. His pioneering work includes synthetic seed technology for germplasm conservation and evaluating plant responses to nanoparticles. He has led multiple funded projects in environmental biotechnology and crop improvement. With 172 publications and a strong citation record, his research is both foundational and applied, addressing biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and plant-environment interactions using cutting-edge biotechnological techniques.

Conclusion 

Prof. Mohammad Faisal exemplifies leadership in plant biotechnology through his impactful research, prolific publication record, and international collaborations. His contributions span fundamental studies and applied innovations in crop improvement, plant tissue culture, and nanotechnology applications. As a research leader, he continues to shape global discourse on sustainable agriculture and germplasm preservation. Through editorial work, professional memberships, and translational research, he actively promotes scientific progress. His expertise and dedication position him as a role model and mentor in the global scientific community, making him a worthy candidate for recognition in academic excellence and plant biotechnology advancement.

Publications

Cokuraj, M., Manokari, M., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., & Shekhawat, M.S. (2025). Synergistic effects of growth regulators and silicon nanoparticles on enhancing morpho-structural stability in Vitex agnus-castus L. plantlets. South African Journal of Botany, 2025

Munir, M., Ahmad, K., Khan, Z.I., Akhtar, S., Nadeem, M., Ashfaq, A., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., Nazir, H.M., & Malik, I.S. (2025). Trophic transfer of arsenic in the food chain from selected crops grown in long-term wastewater contaminated soil. Agricultural Water Management, 2025

Manokari, M., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., & Shekhawat, M.S. (2025). Unveiling the stimulatory effect of silicon nanoparticles on the direct regeneration and micro-structural developments in Cadaba trifoliata (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Environmental Science: Nano, 2025

Fazal, U., Zada, A., Hanif, M., Lee, S.Y., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., Sultana, T., & Sohail. (2025). Green Myco-Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Cortinarius sp.: Hepatoprotective, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Potential for Biomedical Applications. Microorganisms, 2025

Manokari, M., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., & Shekhawat, M.S. (2024). In vitro regeneration and micro-morpho-anatomical characterization of leaves towards epiphytic adaptation in Aechmea bracteata (Sw.) Griseb. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Plant, 2024

Mani, M., Faisal, M., Alatar, A.A., & Shekhawat, M.S. (2024). In vitro propagation and assessment of the impact of nano silicon on growth and structural developments in Neomarica longifolia (Link & Otto) Sprague (Yellow Iris). South African Journal of Botany, 2024