Lucas Msimo | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Lucas Msimo | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Senior Agriculture Officer assistant to academician from Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

Lucas James Msimo is a dedicated agricultural scientist and development practitioner from Tanzania, with broad expertise in plant pathology, virology, entomology, agronomy, and rural agricultural economics. He currently serves as a Senior Agricultural Officer and scientist at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), where he contributes to research, practical teaching, and agricultural extension. Lucas’s work emphasizes crop productivity, plant disease management, pest control, and sustainable agricultural practices. He has over two decades of experience in agricultural extension, research supervision, and project implementation. Lucas is fluent in both English and Swahili, which facilitates his outreach across local and international networks. Currently pursuing his PhD in Crop Science and Technology at the University of Dar es Salaam, Lucas is actively engaged in research projects, particularly focusing on viral diseases affecting cassava, such as CBSD and CMD. His dedication to improving food security and agricultural sustainability in Tanzania positions him as a promising researcher. With several research papers accepted for publication and a strong commitment to advancing agricultural science, Lucas Msimo exemplifies the qualities of a motivated, practice-oriented scientist contributing significantly to the agricultural development sector.

Professional Profile

Education

Lucas Msimo’s educational journey reflects a steady progression in agricultural science and research. He completed a Diploma in General Agriculture at MATI-Ilonga in 2004, which laid the foundation for his agricultural training. He advanced to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture General from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in 2008, deepening his knowledge in crop and livestock production. His pursuit of advanced international education took him to Hankyong National University in South Korea, where he completed an MSc in Agriculture and Rural Development in 2012, gaining exposure to global agricultural challenges and solutions. Currently, Lucas is pursuing a PhD in Crop Science and Technology (Plant Pathology and Virology) at the University of Dar es Salaam, focusing his research on viral diseases in cassava, a key food security crop. His academic progression demonstrates a clear focus on integrating agricultural science with practical solutions to pressing agricultural problems. Alongside his formal degrees, Lucas has engaged in continuous learning, completing training and workshops on topics like presentation techniques, traditional restoration methods, and advanced software tools, reflecting his commitment to personal and professional development.

Professional Experience

Lucas Msimo has built a multifaceted professional career, beginning as an Agricultural Field Officer and Extension Personnel at Kibaha Town Council from 2004 to 2018. In this role, he worked closely with farmers to promote better agronomic practices, livestock management, and agribusiness entrepreneurship. Since 2018, he has been serving as an Agricultural Officer and Crop Specialist Scientist at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), where he contributes not only to research but also to teaching and practical demonstrations for students. Lucas’s role includes supporting faculty in research activities related to plant pathology, entomology, and applied agricultural sciences. His professional path also involves designing and supervising agricultural research projects, monitoring and evaluating local and international development initiatives, and translating research findings into practical applications for farmers and stakeholders. His work is grounded in real-world agricultural challenges, particularly plant diseases, pest management, and crop productivity improvement. Through his combination of field experience, academic involvement, and research engagement, Lucas has become a respected figure in the Tanzanian agricultural research and development community.

Research Interest

Lucas Msimo’s research interests center on plant pathology and virology, with a special focus on the detection, management, and control of viral diseases affecting key staple crops like cassava. He is particularly interested in combating cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD), both of which threaten food security across East Africa. Beyond plant virology, Lucas is engaged in research on agricultural entomology, exploring pest dynamics and their impact on crop health. He is also interested in weed science, agronomy, and the broader implications of plant diseases and pests on agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. His research extends to the design and implementation of agricultural development projects, impact assessments, and applied monitoring and evaluation strategies that inform national and international agricultural programs. With a strong interest in integrating research into extension services, Lucas is committed to ensuring that scientific insights lead to practical improvements in farming systems, thereby supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and enhancing food security outcomes in Tanzania and the wider region.

Research Skills

Lucas Msimo has developed a comprehensive set of research skills over his academic and professional career. He is proficient in designing and conducting agricultural research, particularly in the areas of plant pathology, virology, entomology, and agronomy. Lucas possesses expertise in laboratory and field experimentation, including pathogen detection, disease assessment, and pest management trials. He is skilled in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, using tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation and presentation. Lucas is also experienced in drafting research proposals, writing scholarly articles, and supervising agricultural projects at both local and international levels. His capacity to bridge research with agricultural extension is a notable strength, as he applies scientific findings to real-world farming contexts. Additionally, Lucas has participated in training programs on presentation techniques, historical restoration methods, and software applications, expanding his technical toolkit. His bilingual abilities in English and Swahili further enhance his research communication skills, enabling him to collaborate effectively with diverse academic, governmental, and community stakeholders.

Awards and Honors

Although Lucas Msimo’s profile does not list major research awards or honors to date, his selection for the PhD-SIDA Funded Food Security Scholarship Programme is a significant academic achievement, reflecting his research potential and commitment to improving cassava productivity through disease control. His prior academic achievements, including earning an MSc in Agriculture and Rural Development from Hankyong National University in South Korea, signal international recognition of his capacity as a researcher and practitioner. Lucas’s ongoing publication efforts, with several research papers accepted in reputable journals and additional review articles under consideration, further position him as an emerging contributor to the scientific community. His long-term dedication to agricultural extension services and applied research at Sokoine University of Agriculture demonstrates professional respect and recognition in Tanzania’s agricultural sector. While his formal awards portfolio may still be developing, Lucas’s achievements so far lay a promising foundation for future research distinctions, both nationally and internationally, as his scholarly impact continues to grow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lucas Msimo is a dedicated and experienced agricultural scientist whose career bridges practical agricultural extension, research, and academic teaching. His ongoing PhD studies in plant pathology and virology, combined with over two decades of field and institutional experience, position him as a strong contributor to Tanzania’s agricultural research landscape. Lucas’s commitment to addressing major agricultural challenges, such as cassava viral diseases, reflects both scientific rigor and social relevance, as these issues directly affect food security and rural livelihoods. While his publication record and formal research awards are still developing, his active engagement in research projects, publication efforts, and international collaborations show promising momentum. Lucas’s combination of practical skills, academic training, and research interests makes him well-suited for recognition as an emerging researcher. However, to compete for top-level research awards, continued focus on publishing high-impact work, expanding his research leadership roles, and gaining broader scientific visibility will be essential. Overall, Lucas Msimo stands out as a dedicated, evolving researcher with the potential to make significant contributions to agricultural science and development.

Jamal Shah | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jamal Shah | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Leturer, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan

Dr. Jamal Shah is an accomplished educator and researcher specializing in agricultural economics. With a robust academic foundation and diverse teaching experience, he is dedicated to enhancing the understanding of economic principles within the agricultural sector. His research focuses on risk management strategies for farmers and the economic factors influencing crop production, contributing valuable insights for policy improvements in Pakistan’s agricultural landscape.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Jamal Shah completed his PhD in Economic Studies at the University of Dundee, Scotland, from 2016 to 2022. He also holds a Diploma in Agribusiness and Technology from Muscatine Community College, Iowa, USA (2012-2013). Additionally, Dr. Shah earned both his MSc (Hons) and BSc (Hons) in Agricultural Economics from Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan, completing his studies there in 2022.

Professional Experience

Dr. Shah is currently a lecturer at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), where he has been since September 2022, following a previous role as a lecturer from June 2015 to July 2016. At AWKUM, he has taken on significant responsibilities, including the analysis of economic trends and the development of comprehensive course materials for teaching advanced econometrics to PhD students. He has also supervised and guided various students in their research projects. Prior to this, he worked as an Economics Tutor at the University of Dundee and the International College Dundee, where he developed engaging tutorials and collaborated on curriculum development.

Research Interests

Dr. Shah’s research interests lie in agricultural economics, specifically focusing on risk management strategies among farmers and the economic dynamics of crop production. His work aims to provide insights that can influence agricultural policies and practices.

Research Projects 

PhD Research: His doctoral dissertation, titled “Factors Affecting Farmers’ Choice to Adopt Risk Management Strategies at Farm Level in Pakistan,” utilized various econometric models to explore the influences on farmers’ decisions regarding risk management. The findings are intended to inform policy development and implementation in agricultural risk management.

MSc Research: For his Master’s research, he conducted a comprehensive study titled “The Economics of Wheat Production in District Peshawar.” This project involved analyzing the key factors affecting wheat productivity using econometric methods, with implications for agricultural efficiency and policy enhancements.

Publications Top Notes

Optimizing performance: Achieving high capacitance and cycling durability in alkaline electrolyte with SnO2/SnSe||AC/KOH-based aqueous hybrid supercapacitor

Authors: Shah, M.Z.U., Shah, J., Hayat, K., Al-Saeedi, S.I., Shah, A.

Year: 2024

Journal: Journal of Energy Storage

Volume: 75

Article Number: 109662

Citations: 4

Conventional and Metal Oxide-Based Inverted Polymer Solar Cells: A Comparative Experimental Study

Authors: Shah, S.K., Ahmad, I., Shah, J., Haq, T., Hayat, K.

Year: 2023

Journal: Journal of Electronic Materials

Volume: 52

Issue: 2

Pages: 1400–1409

Citations: 2

Facile hydrothermal synthesis of zinc sulfide nanowires for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor

Authors: Rauf, M., Shah, S.S., Shah, S.K., Aziz, M.A., Hayat, K.

Year: 2022

Journal: Journal of Saudi Chemical Society

Volume: 26

Issue: 4

Article Number: 101514

Citations: 46

Conclusion

Based on his academic achievements, research output, and technical skills, Dr. Shah demonstrates the qualities of a dedicated and skilled researcher. His contributions align well with the goals of a “Best Researcher Award,” recognizing individuals who produce research with broad applications and societal relevance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Azadeh Hekmat | Biochemical- Biophysics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Azadeh Hekmat | Biochemical- Biophysics | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Science and Research Institute, Iran

Azadeh Hekmat is an accomplished Assistant Professor at Islamic Azad University, Tehran, specializing in biophysics with a focus on apoptosis, biomaterials, drug delivery, and nanotechnology. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Tehran, where she investigated the effects of nanoparticles and doxorubicin on DNA and cancer cell apoptosis. Her postdoctoral work further explored biophysics applications. With a distinguished academic record, including top rankings in her M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, she has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and authored significant books on biophysics and spectroscopy. Hekmat’s expertise spans various laboratory techniques such as spectroscopy, cell culture, and molecular biology. She has received numerous awards, including Best Graduate Student and Best Teacher. Her professional memberships include the Biophysical Society and the Iranian Association for Plant Cell and Tissue Culture. Hekmat is recognized for her contributions to both fundamental and applied biophysics research.

Profile

Education

Azadeh Hekmat earned her Ph.D. in Biophysics from the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Iran, between 2008 and 2013. Her doctoral dissertation, titled “The Synergistic Effects of Silver and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles and Doxorubicin on DNA Structure and Induction of Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cell Lines: T47D and MCF7,” was awarded an excellent grade. She achieved the highest GPA in her cohort with a perfect 4.0/4.0. Prior to her Ph.D., Hekmat completed her M.Sc. in Biophysics at the same institute from 2005 to 2008, where her thesis focused on “The Effects of Temperature and pH on the Function and Structure of Choline Oxidase,” and she also graduated at the top of her class with a GPA of 3.8/4.0. Her foundational education includes a B.Sc. in Biology from Alzahra University, Tehran, completed in 2005.

Professional Experience

Azadeh Hekmat has built a distinguished career in biophysics and related fields, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Islamic Azad University’s Science and Research Branch in Tehran since 2014. Prior to this role, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Biophysics at the University of Tehran from 2013 to 2014. Her academic journey began with a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Tehran, where she specialized in the effects of nanoparticles on DNA and cancer cell apoptosis. Hekmat’s research and teaching experience is complemented by her role as the executive secretary for the 1st conference of Nano from synthesis to industry in 2016 and her leadership as Head of the Committee on Education and Research for the Iranian Association for Plant Cell and Tissue Culture from 2017 to 2024. Her expertise spans apoptosis, nanotechnology, and drug delivery systems.

Research Interest

Azadeh Hekmat’s research interests span a range of topics at the intersection of biophysics, nanotechnology, and molecular biology. Her work primarily focuses on understanding the mechanisms of apoptosis and the effects of bioelectromagnetics on cellular processes. She explores drug delivery systems, particularly the interactions between drugs and biomacromolecules, aiming to improve chemotherapy outcomes. Hekmat’s research also delves into the biological effects of microgravity, multidrug resistance, and nanotechnology. Her expertise extends to molecular dynamic simulations and stem cell bioengineering. Additionally, she investigates the structural and functional impacts of nanoparticles, such as silver and titanium dioxide, on DNA and cell lines. Through her studies, she seeks to advance the development of innovative therapeutic strategies and enhance our understanding of the molecular dynamics underlying cellular and biochemical processes.

Research Skills

Azadeh Hekmat possesses a robust set of research skills that underscore her expertise in biophysics and biochemistry. Her proficiency spans a wide array of techniques including spectroscopic methods such as UV-Visible, Fluorescence, FT-IR, and Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, as well as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). She is adept at Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), crucial for studying molecular interactions and thermal properties. Hekmat’s experience in cell culture techniques includes Flow Cytometry, Fluorescence Microscopy, Electron Microscopy, Optical Microscopy, and MTT Assays, which are essential for evaluating cellular responses and drug effects. Her skills also extend to molecular biology methods like PCR and ELISA. This diverse expertise supports her research into apoptosis, drug delivery, nanotechnology, and microgravity biological effects, highlighting her capability to address complex biological and chemical phenomena.

Award and Recognition

Azadeh Hekmat has earned significant recognition throughout her career, reflecting her outstanding contributions to the field of biophysics. She was ranked 1st among her Ph.D. graduates and also received the Best Graduate Student Award from the University of Tehran in 2009. In 2010, she was honored with the Best Teacher Award at Islamic Azad University. Her academic achievements are highlighted by her top-ranked performance in both her M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, where she excelled in coursework and research. Additionally, her contributions to the scientific community are evidenced by her influential research publications and her role as an executive secretary for significant conferences. These accolades underscore her dedication to advancing biophysics and her impact on both academic and professional circles.

Conclusion

Azadeh Hekmat is a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to her exemplary academic achievements, innovative research, extensive publication record, and recognized contributions to her field. Addressing the areas for improvement could enhance her already impressive profile, potentially leading to even greater advancements in biophysics and related disciplines.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: A Review on Interaction of Nanomaterials of Group-XIV (G14) Elements of the Periodic Table with Proteins and DNA: Applications in Biotechnology and Pharmacy
    • Authors: Hekmat, A., Haertlé, T., Leblanc, R.M., Khan, R.H., Saboury, A.A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: BioNanoScience
    • Volume: 14
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 1978–2003
  • Title: Alteration in the Callogenesis, Tropane Alkaloid Formation, and Gene Expression in Hyoscyamus niger under Clinorotation
    • Authors: Pourhabibian, S., Iranbakhsh, A., Ebadi, M., Hassanpour, H., Hekmat, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Protoplasma
    • Volume: 261
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 293–302
    • Citations: 2
  • Title: Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots from Trigonella foenum-graecum L Seeds and Their Biodistribution in Mice as an Inorganic Isotope Label
    • Authors: Rezaei, M., Hekmat, A., Chamani, J., Sadri, K., Darroudi, M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Inorganic Chemistry Communications
    • Volume: 160
    • Article Number: 111937
    • Citations: 4
  • Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc Oxide-Chitosan Nanocomposite for Targeted Drug Delivery to the Colon
    • Authors: Ghalee-taki, G.N., Rastegari, A.A., Hekmat, A., Rezaee, M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: BioNanoScience
  • Title: Synergistic Antibacterial Effect of the Pistachio Green Hull Extract-Loaded Porphysome Decorated with 4-Nitroimidazole Against Bacteria
    • Authors: Mahafel, N., Vaezi, Z., Barzegar, M., Hekmat, A., Naderi-Manesh, H.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Liposome Research
    • Volume: 34
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 475–488
  • Title: Grafting of Sinapic Acid onto Glucosamine Nanoparticle as a Potential Therapeutic Drug with Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Osteoarthritis Treatment
    • Authors: Tajik, E., Vaezi, Z., Tabarsa, M., Hekmat, A., Naderi-Manesh, H.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
    • Volume: 253
    • Article Number: 127454
    • Citations: 3
  • Title: Chromone-Embedded Peptidomimetics and Furopyrimidines as Highly Potent SARS-CoV-2 Infection Inhibitors: Docking and MD Simulation Study
    • Authors: Shakibay Senobari, Z., Masoumian Hosseini, M., Teimouri, M.B., Samarghandian, S., Hekmat, A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: BMC Research Notes
    • Volume: 16
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: 224
    • Citations: 6
  • Title: Simulated Microgravity Improved Secondary Metabolism in Physalis alkekengi via Influencing Gene Expression and DNA Methylation in a Light Quality-Dependent Manner
    • Authors: Alani, F., Iranbakhsh, A., Ebadi, M., Hassanpour, H., Hekmat, A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Acta Physiologiae Plantarum
    • Volume: 45
    • Issue: 11
    • Article Number: 129
  • Title: Superoxide Dismutases Inhibitors
    • Authors: Hekmat, A., Saboury, A.A., Saso, L.
    • Year: 2023
    • Book: Metalloenzymes: From Bench to Bedside
    • Pages: 523–531
  • Title: Antiproliferative Effects of Palm Oil in the Presence of Photobiomodulation Against K562 Cancer Cells
    • Authors: Hekmat, A., Bahar, K.F., Hajebrahimi, Z.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Journal of Oil Palm Research
    • Volume: 35
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 426–436