Fatemeh Razzaghi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Fatemeh Razzaghi | Water Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fatemeh Razzaghi is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Water Engineering Department at Shiraz University, Iran, and a dedicated researcher at the Drought Research Center. With a profound commitment to advancing agricultural water management, she has significantly contributed to the field through her research, teaching, and community engagement. Dr. Razzaghi’s expertise lies in understanding and mitigating the effects of abiotic stresses, such as salinity and drought, on crops, particularly quinoa. Her research is not only relevant to academia but also provides practical solutions for farmers facing water scarcity challenges. Dr. Razzaghi is known for her collaborative spirit and dedication to mentoring students, fostering the next generation of researchers and professionals in water management. With numerous publications and presentations at international conferences, she continues to enhance her visibility and influence in the field.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Fatemeh Razzaghi completed her Ph.D. in Agricultural Water Management at Aarhus University in Denmark from 2008 to 2011, focusing on the acclimatization and agronomic performance of quinoa under abiotic stress conditions. Her thesis examined the impacts of salinity and drought, showcasing her commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned her Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering with a specialization in Irrigation and Drainage from Shiraz University from 2004 to 2007. Her master’s thesis involved the calibration and validation of evapotranspiration equations, demonstrating her strong analytical skills. Dr. Razzaghi also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering (Irrigation) from Shiraz University, completed in 2004. This solid educational foundation has equipped her with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for conducting impactful research in water management.

Professional Experience

Dr. Fatemeh Razzaghi has extensive professional experience in academia and research. Currently, she serves as an Associate Professor in the Water Engineering Department at Shiraz University, where she is involved in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, guiding research projects, and mentoring students. Her position at the Drought Research Center further emphasizes her commitment to addressing the pressing issue of water scarcity in Iran and beyond. Dr. Razzaghi has collaborated on various research projects focusing on drought resilience and water management strategies, contributing to the scientific community’s understanding of these critical issues. Additionally, she has played an active role in organizing workshops and seminars aimed at disseminating knowledge and fostering dialogue among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. Her diverse professional experiences highlight her dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in arid regions.

Research Interests

Dr. Fatemeh Razzaghi’s research interests encompass agricultural water management, focusing on the impacts of abiotic stresses, particularly drought and salinity, on crop performance. Her doctoral research on quinoa’s acclimatization under these stressors laid the foundation for her ongoing exploration of crop resilience and adaptation strategies. She is particularly interested in developing sustainable irrigation practices that enhance water use efficiency and optimize crop yield in arid and semi-arid regions. Additionally, Dr. Razzaghi is keen on investigating the interactions between soil properties and plant responses to water stress, aiming to improve agricultural practices that mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Through her work, she seeks to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications in farming, ultimately contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture in water-scarce environments.

Research Skills

Dr. Fatemeh Razzaghi possesses a diverse set of research skills that enhance her contributions to agricultural water management. Her strong analytical abilities enable her to conduct complex data analyses, essential for interpreting research findings and making informed recommendations. She is proficient in experimental design and methodology, particularly in field trials and controlled experiments assessing crop performance under varying water conditions. Dr. Razzaghi’s expertise in using advanced tools for measuring soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and plant responses allows her to gather accurate data crucial for her research. Additionally, she is skilled in statistical software, facilitating the effective analysis of experimental results. Her experience in interdisciplinary collaboration with other researchers, coupled with her strong communication skills, enables her to disseminate findings effectively through publications and presentations, further advancing the field of agricultural water management.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Fatemeh Razzaghi has received several awards and honors in recognition of her contributions to research and education in agricultural water management. Her dedication to addressing water scarcity issues has earned her accolades from various academic and research institutions. Notably, she has been acknowledged for her impactful doctoral research and her ongoing projects at Shiraz University and the Drought Research Center. Dr. Razzaghi’s commitment to excellence in teaching has also been recognized, reflecting her ability to inspire and mentor students in their academic pursuits. Additionally, her presentations at international conferences have garnered attention, leading to invitations for collaborative research opportunities and participation in prestigious workshops. These honors underscore her role as a leading researcher in her field and highlight her ongoing commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

Dr. Fatemeh Razzaghi is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive knowledge in agricultural water management, impactful research contributions, and commitment to education. While there are opportunities for growth in expanding her research focus and increasing her visibility, her current strengths and contributions to the field make her a deserving nominee. Her ongoing work at Shiraz University and the Drought Research Center demonstrates her dedication to addressing pressing global challenges in water scarcity and agricultural sustainability.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Predicting dryland winter wheat yield in cold regions of Iran
    Authors: Razzaghi, F., Ghahramani, R., Sepaskhah, A.R., Zand-Parsa, S.
    Year: 2024
  2. Title: Melatonin priming manipulates antioxidant regulation and secondary metabolites production in favor of drought tolerance in Chenopodium quinoa Willd.
    Authors: Samadi, M., Kazemeini, S.A., Razzaghi, F., Jacobsen, S.-E., Mastinu, A.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5
  3. Title: Correction to: Is AquaCrop a useful tool for rapeseed growth and yield prediction in semi-arid regions: model evaluation under different water-saving using long-term weather data
    Authors: Razzaghi, F., Babolhakami, A., Sepaskhah, A.R.
    Year: 2024
  4. Title: Is AquaCrop a useful tool for rapeseed growth and yield prediction in semi-arid regions: model evaluation under different water-saving using long-term weather data
    Authors: Razzaghi, F., Babolhakami, A., Sepaskhah, A.R.
    Year: 2024
  5. Title: Developing machine learning models for wheat yield prediction using ground-based data, satellite-based actual evapotranspiration, and vegetation indices
    Authors: Naghdyzadegan Jahromi, M., Zand-Parsa, S., Razzaghi, F., Doosthosseini, A., Pourghasemi, H.R.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 17
  6. Title: Strategies to increase barley production and water use efficiency by combining deficit irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer
    Authors: Naghdyzadegan Jahromi, M., Razzaghi, F., Zand-Parsa, S.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 13
  7. Title: Do cultivating methods improve crop yield under saline conditions in semi-arid areas
    Authors: Razzaghi, F., Shabani, A., Sepaskhah, A.R.
    Year: 2023
  8. Title: How the Economic Risk Management Influence Sugar Beet Production Methods in Different Irrigation Regimes and Plant Densities in Iran?
    Authors: Khozaei, M., Kamgar Haghighi, A.A.K., Fathi, F., Sepaskhah, A.R., Razzaghi, F.
    Year: 2022
  9. Title: Enhancing Vegetation Indices from Sentinel-2 Using Multispectral UAV Data, Google Earth Engine, and Machine Learning
    Authors: Naghdyzadegan Jahromi, M., Zand-Parsa, S., Doosthosseini, A., Razzaghi, F., Jamshidi, S.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 5
  10. Title: Effects of Plant Densities and Irrigation Regimes on Yield, Physiological Parameters, and Gas Exchange of Sugar Beet Under Transplanting and Direct Seeding Methods
    Authors: Khozaei, M., Kamgar Haghighi, A.A., Zand Parsa, S., Yousefabadi, V.-A., Emam, Y.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 1

 

Noushina Iqbal | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Noushina Iqbal | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, IndiaĀ 

Dr. Noushina Iqbal is an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in plant biology, currently serving as an Assistant Professor (Contractual) at Jamia Hamdard’s Department of Botany. Her research focuses on plant stress physiology, with notable contributions to understanding the role of phytohormones like jasmonic acid and ethylene in abiotic stress tolerance. She has held prestigious positions such as Post-Doctoral Fellow under SERB-NPDF and DS Kothari Fellowship, receiving several accolades, including the Young Scientist Award and being listed among the top 2% of scientists globally. Dr. Iqbal has published 70 research papers, 12 book chapters, and 5 books, amassing over 8,500 citations, an h-index of 39, and an i10-index of 62. Her work has earned her recognition for publishing in high-impact journals. With a strong teaching portfolio and a commitment to mentoring M.Sc. students, Dr. Iqbalā€™s contributions to plant science make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Profile

Scopus

EducationĀ 

Dr. Noushina Iqbal’s academic journey reflects her commitment to the field of botany. She began her education with an outstanding performance in high school, securing 80.6% in the ICSE Board in 1998, followed by 66.8% in the CBSE Board during her Intermediate studies in 2000. Dr. Iqbal pursued her Bachelorā€™s degree in Botany and Chemistry at DDU, Gorakhpur University, achieving an impressive 69.9% in 2004. She continued her academic pursuit with a Master’s degree in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where she earned 73.4% in 2006, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the subject. Dr. Iqbal was awarded a Ph.D. in Botany from AMU in 2012, further solidifying her position as a scholar. Her strong academic foundation, combined with extensive research, has allowed her to make significant contributions to the scientific community, as evident in her multiple post-doctoral fellowships and high-impact research output.

Professional Experience

Dr. Noushina Iqbal is currently an Assistant Professor (Contractual) in the Department of Botany at Jamia Hamdard, where she actively contributes to both teaching and research. With a strong academic background and vast research experience, she has held prestigious post-doctoral fellowships, including the SERB-NPDF (2020ā€“2021) and DS Kothari Fellowship (2013ā€“2016). Her work has spanned multiple areas of plant stress physiology, notably focusing on antioxidative defense mechanisms and stress resilience in plants under various abiotic conditions. Dr. Iqbal has also served as a Research Assistant for a UPCST-funded project investigating the protective role of the ascorbate-glutathione system in mustard plants under cadmium stress. In addition to her research expertise, she has a proven record in academic mentorship, supervising and co-supervising M.Sc. students’ dissertations. With over 80 publications, five books, and numerous awards, Dr. Iqbal’s work has significantly contributed to advancing plant biology and biotechnology.

Research Interests

Dr. Noushina Iqbal’s research interests are centered on understanding plant responses to environmental stress, particularly the mechanisms that plants use to tolerate abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. Her work extensively explores the role of plant hormones like ethylene, melatonin, salicylic acid, and nitric oxide in regulating antioxidant defense systems, photosynthesis, and secondary metabolite production. She is particularly interested in how these signaling molecules interact to enhance plant resilience under stress conditions, as demonstrated through her studies on mustard and wheat. Her research also extends to understanding nutrient uptake, nitrogen-use efficiency, and carbohydrate metabolism in plants under stress. Additionally, she investigates the synergistic effects of beneficial microbes, such as plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), on enhancing stress tolerance. Dr. Iqbal’s studies contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in plant physiology and stress biology, with implications for sustainable agriculture and crop productivity under changing climatic conditions.

Research Skills

Dr. Noushina Iqbal possesses exceptional research skills honed through extensive academic and professional experiences. Her expertise spans advanced plant biology, with a focus on plant stress physiology, ethylene signaling, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. She has demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including gene expression analysis, biochemical assays, and plant tissue culture. Dr. Iqbalā€™s work integrates complex experimental designs to investigate plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, and salt stress. She is adept at handling statistical tools for data analysis and interpretation. Her strong publication record, with over 80 peer-reviewed papers and significant contributions to high-impact journals, highlights her ability to generate novel insights and advance scientific understanding. Dr. Iqbal is also skilled in collaborative research, having co-authored numerous interdisciplinary studies. Her research has significantly contributed to sustainable agriculture by enhancing plant resilience, positioning her as a leading expert in her field.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Noushina Iqbal has received several prestigious awards and recognitions throughout her academic career. She was honored with the Young Scientists Award by the Environmental Science Development Association (ESDA) for her outstanding research contributions. Additionally, her work in the field of antioxidants was recognized with the Best Paper Award in the journal Antioxidants, which has a significant impact factor of 7. Dr. Iqbalā€™s numerous high-impact publications earned her a certificate of appreciation from Jamia Hamdard on National Science Day. Her contributions to the scientific community have also led to her inclusion in the global list of 2% scientists, further establishing her reputation as a leading researcher. Her impressive citation metrics, including an h-index of 39 and over 8,500 citations, reflect the far-reaching influence of her work in botany and plant sciences. Dr. Iqbalā€™s numerous accolades underscore her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and excellence in her field.

ConclusionĀ 

Dr. Noushina Iqbal’s extensive research output, high citation metrics, and experience in teaching and mentoring make her a suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work has advanced the field of plant physiology, and her contributions to understanding plant responses to environmental stress are crucial for addressing global agricultural challenges. Her achievements in academia and research align perfectly with the goals of this award.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Exploring the role of jasmonic acid in boosting the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants: Pathway for future research”
    • Authors: Khan, V., Jha, A., Princi, …, Iqbal, N., Umar, S.
    • Journal: Industrial Crops and Products, 2024, 220, 119227
    • Citations: 0
  • “Salicylic Acid with Phosphorus Strengthens Antioxidative System, Secondary Metabolite Accumulation, and Limited Resource Enrichment to Enhance Photosynthesis Under Drought in Mustard”
    • Authors: Shinde, M., Khan, V., Umar, S., Iqbal, N.
    • Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2024, 24(1), pp. 956ā€“974
    • Citations: 0
  • “Methyl Jasmonate and Pseudomonas fluorescens Synergistically Boost Antioxidative Defense, Secondary Metabolites, and Osmolyte Production to Enhance Drought Resilience in Mustard”
    • Authors: Khan, V., Princi, Mubashshir, M., Umar, S., Iqbal, N.
    • Journal: Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • “Green-synthesized gold nanoparticles induce adaptation in photosynthetic responses, sugar and nitrogen metabolism, and seed yield of salt-stressed mustard plants”
    • Authors: Khatoon, S., Mahajan, M., Kumari, S., …, Wahid, I., Khan, M.I.R.
    • Journal: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • “The Ethylene Biosynthetic Enzymes, 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate (ACC) Synthase (ACS) and ACC Oxidase (ACO): The Less Explored Players in Abiotic Stress Tolerance”
    • Authors: Khan, S., Alvi, A.F., Saify, S., Iqbal, N., Khan, N.A.
    • Journal: Biomolecules, 2024, 14(1), 90
    • Citations: 8
  • “A new perspective of melatonin in stress tolerance through regulation of nutrients”
    • Authors: Seth, T., Asija, S., Khatoon, S., …, Umar, S., Khan, M.I.R.
    • Journal: South African Journal of Botany, 2023, 163, pp. 316ā€“329
    • Citations: 3
  • “Sulfur supplementation enhances nitric oxide efficacy in reversal of chromium-inhibited Calvin cycle enzymes, photosynthetic activity, and carbohydrate metabolism in wheat”
    • Authors: Fatma, M., Sehar, Z., Iqbal, N., …, Proestos, C., Khan, N.A.
    • Journal: Scientific Reports, 2023, 13(1), 6858
    • Citations: 7
  • “Synergistic action of Pseudomonas fluorescens with melatonin attenuates salt toxicity in mustard by regulating antioxidant system and flavonoid profile”
    • Authors: Khan, V., Umar, S., Iqbal, N.
    • Journal: Physiologia Plantarum, 2023, 175(6), e14092
    • Citations: 8
  • “Brassinosteroid modulates ethylene synthesis and antioxidant metabolism to protect rice (Oryza sativa) against heat stress-induced inhibition of sourceā€’sink capacity and photosynthetic and growth attributes”
    • Authors: Nazir, F., Jahan, B., Kumari, S., …, Sofo, A., Khan, M.I.R.
    • Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology, 2023, 289, 154096
    • Citations: 5
  • “Melatonin Reverses High-Temperature-Stress-Inhibited Photosynthesis in the Presence of Excess Sulfur by Modulating Ethylene Sensitivity in Mustard”
    • Authors: Iqbal, N., Sehar, Z., Fatma, M., …, Masood, A., Khan, N.A.
    • Journal: Plants, 2023, 12(17), 3160
    • Citations: 5