Molla Tadesse Lakew | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Molla Tadesse Lakew | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Mekdela Amba University | Ethiopia

Dr. Molla Tadesse Lakew is an emerging scholar in rural development and agricultural innovation whose work already demonstrates measurable impact: according to his Google Scholar profile, he has an h-index of 1 and 3 total citations to date. His peer-reviewed publications include studies on farmers’ social network influences on adoption of agricultural innovations and on levels of knowledge and adoption of innovations by smallholder farmers in Central Gondar, Ethiopia. With an MSc in Rural Development & Agricultural Extension and a BSc in Agricultural Economics, he brings over six years of experience lecturing at Mekdela Amba University, leading curricular design, supervising student research, heading the Department of Agricultural Economics, and serving as Vice Dean. His research interests lie at the intersection of social capital, innovation systems, food security, and agricultural economics, using both qualitative and quantitative methods (econometrics, STATA, SPSS). Recognized as a Visiting Fellow through the AfricaLics PhD Academy and recipient of related fellowships and awards, he expects to complete his PhD by October 2025. Dr. Lakew aims to leverage his research and leadership toward strengthening agricultural innovation, improving livelihoods, and informing evidence-based policy in Ethiopia and beyond.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Factors affecting the use of mobile phone by smallholder farmers in vegetable marketing: The case of Fogera district of South Gondar Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

Assessment of Smallholder Farmers’ Level of Knowledge and Adoption of Agricultural Innovations Across Various Categories of Farmers in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

Examining farmers’ social network influences on the decision to adopt specific agricultural innovations in Central Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

 The role of local indigenous institutions in enhancing social capital for adoption of agricultural innovations: A special emphasis in Ethiopia.

Muhammad Ammad Jamil | Plant Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Muhammad Ammad Jamil | Plant Biotechnology | Young Scientist Award

National University of Science and Technology, Pakistan

Muhammad Ammad Jamil is a passionate and innovative Biomedical Scientist from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, microbiology, and nanomedicine, he has contributed significantly to cancer drug development, nanoparticle research, and diagnostic innovation. His dedication to translational research, paired with hands-on laboratory expertise, makes him a promising voice in biomedical sciences aiming to transform therapeutic approaches and healthcare delivery systems.

Author Profile

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

🎓 Education

Muhammad holds an MS in Biomedical Sciences from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, where he specialized in nanotechnology-driven cancer therapeutics. He earned his BS in Biotechnology from the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), showcasing academic excellence and scientific rigor. His educational journey is rooted in a strong pre-medical background from Punjab College of Science and foundational science training at ASF Public School.

🧪 Experience

With diverse experience across academia and industry, Muhammad served as a Scientific Officer at BJ Micro Lab, conducting high-level diagnostics and molecular biology workflows including PCR, ELISA, and cell culturing. At NUST, he worked on nano-enhanced cancer therapies, while at IIUI, he contributed to biofuel research using nanoparticle-assisted processes. His hospital internships at Holy Family Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital further honed his skills in clinical diagnostics and biomedical lab techniques.

🔬 Research Interests

Muhammad’s research pursuits are anchored in molecular diagnostics, cancer therapeutics, nanomedicine, and biomedical entrepreneurship. His passion lies in advancing translational biomedical research, developing novel nano-drug delivery systems, and leveraging scientific innovation for accessible and effective healthcare technologies.

🏅 Awards and Recognitions

In 2025, Muhammad was nominated for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to nanomedicine, biofuel optimization, and anticancer therapeutics. His interdisciplinary impact, spanning from nanoparticle synthesis to cancer drug enhancement, has gained attention in national and international research circles.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Production and optimization study of biodiesel produced from non-edible seed oil
    Authors: MA Jamil
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Antibacterial potential of sodium alginate nanoparticles: synthesis and characterization
    Authors: S Aziz, MA Jamil
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Various prospects of biodiesel production: techniques and challenges
    Authors: MA Jamil, S Aziz, MS Khalid
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Cell Signaling and Diagnosis
    Authors: A Fatima, MA Jamil, M Azhar, AY Nadeem, A Shehzad
    Year: 2025

  • Title: Basal Cell Carcinoma
    Authors: MS Khalid, MA Jamil, A Shehzad, S Mazhar, F Hameed
    Year: 2024

pamela mwikali | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. pamela mwikali | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

university of Eldoret | Kenya

Author Profile

Orcid ID

PAMELA C MWIKALI: PIONEER IN LABORATORY SCIENCES AND AGRO-ECOLOGY 🌱

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Pamela C Mwikali embarked on an exceptional academic journey, showcasing her dedication to science and innovation. Her educational foundation was established with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Moi University (2008-2012). Building on this, she pursued a Master’s degree in Crop Protection at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (2014-2018), where she delved deeper into plant pathology. Currently, she is advancing her expertise as a PhD candidate in Agro-Ecology and Food Systems at Uganda Martyrs University (2020 – ongoing), focusing on sustainable agricultural solutions.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Pamela’s career trajectory demonstrates her profound expertise and leadership in laboratory sciences. Beginning her professional journey as a Laboratory Technician at Moi University in 2003, she ascended to Senior Laboratory Technologist roles at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (2012-2014) and the University of Eldoret (2014-2023). In 2023, she was appointed as the Acting Chief Technologist, overseeing the Botany and Zoology sections. Pamela has consistently excelled in managing laboratory operations and mentoring upcoming scientists.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON AGROECOLOGY

Pamela’s research bridges the gap between laboratory sciences and sustainable agriculture. Her notable contributions include:

  • Development of Biocontrol Solutions: She engineered effective Beauveria bassiana isolates for controlling desert locusts, achieving maximum effectiveness within 4.8 days.
  • Composting Innovations: Her training programs empowered farmers to produce composts that enhance plant health by promoting endophytic colonization with beneficial microorganisms.
  • Publications in Prestigious Journals: Pamela’s research findings have been featured in Elsevier, International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, and Annual Research & Review in Biology.

Her ongoing projects, such as farmer-based training on composting and locust control using entomopathogen fungi, emphasize sustainable pest and soil management practices.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Pamela has profoundly impacted sustainable agricultural practices by integrating microbiological innovations with real-world applications. Her training initiatives have significantly benefited farmers, fostering eco-friendly approaches to pest and soil management.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Pamela’s work has been widely recognized in the scientific community, with multiple citations in high-impact journals. Her academic contributions are accessible through platforms like:

These publications underscore her commitment to advancing agro-ecological practices.

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  • Journal Reviewer, Science Domain
  • Membership in Prestigious Organizations:
    • American Microbiology Association
    • Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
    • National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Pamela’s future endeavors aim to enhance the biological control of pests and promote sustainable agricultural practices globally. Her unwavering commitment to science and community development ensures that her contributions will leave a lasting legacy in agro-ecology and microbiology.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Pamela C Mwikali exemplifies excellence in laboratory sciences and sustainable agriculture. Her innovations in biocontrol and composting, coupled with her leadership roles, position her as a trailblazer in her field. Pamela’s journey reflects a dedication to bridging scientific discovery with practical solutions.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

Biological characteristics and pathogenicity of entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) isolated from soils in Northern Kenya against desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)
  • Authors: Pamela C. Mwikali, Lizzy A. Mwamburi, Simon Peter Musinguzi
  • Journal: Crop Protection
  • Year: 2025 (April)
Formulation and bio-efficacy of different isolates of Beauveria bassiana against adults and third nymphal instar of desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria Forskål)
  • Authors: Pamela C. Mwikali, Lizzy A. Mwamburi, Simon Peter Musinguzi
  • Journal: Biological Control
  • Year: 2024 (November)
Effectiveness of Traditional Approaches in the Management of Desert Locusts (Schistocerca gregaria Forskål in Arid Areas of Isiolo and Laikipia (Kenya)
  • Authors: Pamela C. Mwikali, Lizzy A. Mwamburi, Simon Peter Musinguzi
  • Journal: International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences
  • Year: 2024 (September 20)
Occurrence and Risk Factors of Fungal Infections in Fruits Traded at the Eldoret Market
  • Authors: Pamela Mwikali Charles, Lizzy Mwamburi
  • Journal: International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences
  • Year: 2022 (July 20)