Francis Mmanda | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Francis Mmanda | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer from Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Egypt

Dr. Francis Pius Mmanda is a Tanzanian aquaculture expert and academic with over 15 years of experience in fisheries research, policy, and community-based aquaculture development. He currently serves as a Lecturer and Head of the Marine Technology and Innovation section at the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam. His academic journey includes a PhD in Animal Sciences (specializing in Animal Nutrition and Management) from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, an MSc in Aquaculture from Ningbo University in China, and a BSc in Aquaculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. Dr. Mmanda’s research focuses on sustainable aquaculture practices, particularly the utilization of locally available feed ingredients to enhance fish farming productivity in Tanzania. He has contributed significantly to the field through numerous peer-reviewed publications, workshops, and collaborative projects aimed at improving aquaculture practices and policies. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also has practical implications for small-scale fish farmers, contributing to food security and economic development in the region.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Mmanda’s educational background reflects a strong foundation in aquaculture and animal sciences. He earned his PhD in Animal Sciences, focusing on Animal Nutrition and Management, from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. His doctoral research centered on evaluating the nutritive value of locally available, low-cost feed ingredients for tilapia farming in Tanzania, aiming to develop sustainable and cost-effective feeding strategies for small-scale fish farmers. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed an MSc in Aquaculture at Ningbo University in China, where he specialized in aquatic animal diseases and control. His undergraduate studies culminated in a BSc in Aquaculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania. This comprehensive academic training has equipped Dr. Mmanda with the expertise to address various challenges in aquaculture, from feed formulation and disease management to sustainable farming practices.

Professional Experience

Dr. Mmanda’s professional career encompasses roles in academia, government, and community development. Since July 2021, he has been serving as a Lecturer and Head of the Marine Technology and Innovation section at the Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam. In this capacity, he is involved in teaching, research, consultancy, and public service, focusing on courses related to fish feeds, mariculture technologies, and fisheries governance. Prior to this, from 2015 to 2021, he worked as a Senior Fisheries Officer at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries in Tanzania, where he specialized in aquaculture and fisheries, fish diseases and biosecurity, and aquaculture feeds and production. His responsibilities included providing extension services, developing aquaculture guidelines, and supervising fish farmers to enhance aquaculture production. From 2009 to 2015, he served as a District Fisheries Officer at Mbarali District Council, focusing on aquaculture extension services and the establishment of fish farming groups and processing centers. These roles have allowed Dr. Mmanda to make significant contributions to the development and regulation of aquaculture practices in Tanzania.

Research Interests

Dr. Mmanda’s research interests are centered on sustainable aquaculture practices, with a particular focus on the utilization of locally available feed ingredients to improve fish nutrition and reduce production costs. He is interested in exploring the nutritive value and digestibility of various local feed resources, aiming to develop cost-effective and environmentally friendly feeding strategies for tilapia farming. His research also encompasses the assessment of heavy and transitional metal concentrations in feed ingredients, contributing to the development of climate-smart aquaculture practices. Additionally, Dr. Mmanda is involved in studies related to the socio-economic aspects of aquaculture, including the contribution of rural aquaculture to household income and food security. His work aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications, promoting sustainable aquaculture development in Tanzania and beyond.

Research Skills

Dr. Mmanda possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to conduct comprehensive studies in aquaculture and fisheries. His expertise includes the formulation and evaluation of fish feeds using locally available ingredients, assessment of feed ingredient digestibility, and analysis of mineral content in feed resources. He is proficient in statistical analysis using software such as SAS and R, which he has utilized in various research projects to analyze data and interpret results. Dr. Mmanda is also skilled in conducting field surveys and participatory research, engaging with local fish farmers to gather data and assess the impact of aquaculture practices on livelihoods. His ability to integrate scientific research with community engagement has been instrumental in developing practical solutions to challenges faced by small-scale fish farmers in Tanzania.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Dr. Mmanda has been recognized for his contributions to aquaculture research and development. He has been actively involved in various national and international projects, including the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project funded by the World Bank, where he serves as the Institute of Marine Sciences’ contact person for private sector engagement. His participation in workshops and conferences, such as the Third East African Regional Aquaculture Conference and the Science-Policy Lab on Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems, highlights his commitment to advancing aquaculture practices and policies. While specific awards and honors are not detailed in the available information, Dr. Mmanda’s leadership roles and involvement in significant projects underscore his recognition as a key contributor to the field of aquaculture.

Conclusion

Dr. Francis Pius Mmanda is a dedicated aquaculture professional whose work has significantly impacted the development of sustainable fish farming practices in Tanzania. His academic background, combined with extensive experience in research, policy, and community engagement, positions him as a leader in the field. Dr. Mmanda’s focus on utilizing locally available feed ingredients addresses critical challenges in aquaculture, promoting cost-effective and environmentally sustainable practices. His commitment to bridging scientific research with practical applications has not only advanced the field of aquaculture but also improved the livelihoods of small-scale fish farmers. Dr. Mmanda’s contributions continue to shape the future of aquaculture in Tanzania and serve as a model for sustainable development in the region.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Digestibility of local feed ingredients in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus juveniles, determined on faeces collected by siphoning or stripping

  2. Authors: Mmanda, Francis Pius; Lindberg, Jan Erik; Haldén, Anna Norman; Kitula, Rukia A.; Lundh, T. J.O.

  3. Journal: Fishes

  4. Year: 2020

  5. Citations: 16

 

Ling Tian | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ling Tian | Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Professor at South China Agricutural University, China

Dr. Ling Tian is a distinguished professor at the College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University. With over 15 years of research experience, Dr. Tian has established herself as a leading expert in agro-animal genomics, molecular breeding, and insect biochemistry. Her prolific academic output includes numerous high-impact publications in journals like Autophagy, Waste Management, and Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Dr. Tian’s research emphasizes practical solutions for agriculture, including selective breeding of cold-tolerant insect species and autophagy mechanisms in silkworms. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the First Prize of Natural Science in Guangdong Province (2021) and the Liang Xi Young Scholar Award (2014), she is also a member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association, demonstrating her innovative and leadership capabilities in science.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Ling Tian received her Ph.D. in Forestry Protection from Nanjing Forestry University in 2008, following a Bachelor’s degree in Tree and Ornamental Plants from the same institution in 2003. Her academic training provided a strong foundation in plant sciences, which she later extended to molecular biology and animal science. Her education reflects a solid combination of theoretical knowledge and applied research skills that underpin her successful academic career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Tian began her professional journey as a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, where she worked from 2008 to 2010. She then advanced to the roles of Assistant Professor and Associate Professor within the same institution, contributing to key discoveries in plant and insect molecular biology. Since 2016, she has been a full professor at South China Agricultural University, leading groundbreaking research in agro-animal genomics and molecular breeding. Her professional trajectory illustrates her consistent dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and her leadership in academia.

Research Interests

Dr. Tian’s research focuses on agro-animal genomics, molecular breeding, and insect biochemistry, with particular emphasis on autophagy mechanisms and their applications in sustainable agriculture. Her studies aim to uncover molecular pathways that regulate insect development, stress tolerance, and autophagic processes, providing insights into pest control and agricultural productivity. Additionally, her work on selective breeding of insects, such as the cold-tolerant black soldier fly, demonstrates a commitment to solving practical agricultural challenges through innovative research.

Research Skills

Dr. Tian possesses advanced expertise in molecular biology techniques, including gene editing, transcriptomic analysis, and protein biochemistry. She is proficient in designing and conducting experiments that explore molecular pathways in insects and plants, as evidenced by her extensive publication record. Her skills also include the use of bioinformatics tools to analyze genomic data and identify molecular targets for breeding and pest control. Dr. Tian’s ability to integrate laboratory research with applied agricultural solutions highlights her exceptional research capabilities.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Tian’s outstanding contributions to science have been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received the First Prize of Natural Science in Guangdong Province in 2021, acknowledging the impact of her research on agro-animal genomics. In 2014, she was honored with the Liang Xi Young Scholar Award by the Ministry of Forestry, further cementing her reputation as a leading scientist. Additionally, as a member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, she has been recognized for her innovative approaches to addressing agricultural challenges.

Conclusion

Dr. Ling Tian’s exceptional academic achievements, extensive research experience, and impactful contributions to the fields of molecular breeding and agro-animal genomics make her a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work combines innovative scientific approaches with practical applications, addressing critical challenges in agriculture and pest management. With numerous accolades, a strong publication record, and a demonstrated ability to lead and innovate, Dr. Tian exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher who is deserving of this recognition.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Title: Study on the Life Cycle of Spodoptera frugiperda Feeding on Mulberry Leaves
    Authors: Tian, L., Li, Y., Xie, X., … Li, X., Liu, J.
    Year: 2024
  2. Title: Selective breeding of cold-tolerant black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae: Gut microbial shifts and transcriptional patterns
    Authors: Ma, C., Huang, Z., Feng, X., … Hu, W., Tian, L.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3
  3. Title: Proteomic and transcriptomic analysis of cold- and heat-tolerant black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae
    Authors: Feng, X., Memon, F.U., Ma, C., … Hu, W., Tian, L.
    Year: 2024
  4. Title: Silencing of V-ATPase-E gene causes midgut apoptosis of Diaphorina citri and affects its acquisition of Huanglongbing pathogen
    Authors: Guo, C.-F., Qiu, J.-H., Hu, Y.-W., … Liu, Y.-T., Qiu, B.-L.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 12
  5. Title: Morphofunctional characterization of hemocytes in black soldier fly larvae
    Authors: Bruno, D., Montali, A., Gariboldi, M., … Casartelli, M., Tettamanti, G.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 8
  6. Title: Reproductive toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics in Drosophila melanogaster under multi-generational exposure
    Authors: Tu, Q., Deng, J., Di, M., … Tian, L., Zhang, Y.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 20
  7. Title: Cytoskeleton Protein BmACT1 Is Potential for the Autophagic Function and Nuclear Localization of BmAtg4b in Bombyx mori
    Authors: Ma, Q., Deng, J., Li, H., Huang, Z., Tian, L.
    Year: 2023
  8. Title: Study on the Growth Performance of the Hybrid Progeny Black Soldier Fly Derived from Wuhan Strain × Bioforte Strain
    Authors: Qin, C., Hu, B., Ye, C., … Huang, Z., Hu, W.
    Year: 2023
  9. Title: Atg1 phosphorylation is activated by AMPK and indispensable for autophagy induction in insects
    Authors: Zhao, H., Long, S., Liu, S., … Tian, L., Li, K.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 5
  10. Title: Identification of Host Molecules Involved in the Proliferation of Nucleopolyhedrovirus in Bombyx mori
    Authors: Xu, J., Xie, X., Ma, Q., … Xu, H., Tian, L.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 3

 

Heveakore Maraia | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Heveakore Maraia | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Student and Researcher at Biology Center, Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Czech Republic

Heveakore Maraia is a researcher based at the Department of Zoology, University of South Bohemia, Czech Republic, and the Institute of Entomology at the Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences. Her research focuses on plant functional traits, community ecology, plant systematics, and behavioral ecology. She has contributed significantly to the study of herbivore communities and plant-herbivore interactions. Maraia’s recent work includes exploring niche partitioning in plant species and their vertical stratification, primarily in tropical forests. Her published works are part of several prominent ecological journals, and her ongoing projects examine the future of Southeast Asian microclimates and plant-herbivore dynamics across mountain ranges.

Professional Profile

Education

Heveakore Maraia completed her MSc in 2017 at Papua New Guinea University of Technology. Her thesis focused on investigating aspects of niche partitioning in Ixora species (Rubiaceae) and their spatial and genetic diversity in Papua New Guinea. She went on to pursue doctoral studies, contributing to the understanding of leaf traits and their effects on herbivore communities along vertical gradients, with implications for community ecology and the evolution of plant defense mechanisms in tropical environments.

Professional Experience

Maraia’s professional experience includes her role at the University of South Bohemia and the Institute of Entomology in Czechia, where she works on plant traits and their ecological interactions. Her fieldwork has taken her to Papua New Guinea and other tropical regions, studying ecological processes in diverse environments. She also participates in several research collaborations with international researchers and institutions, contributing to publications on plant systematics and herbivore community dynamics.

Research Interests

Maraia’s research interests lie at the intersection of plant functional traits and ecology, with a particular focus on community ecology and behavioral ecology. She explores how plant traits affect herbivore communities and how these interactions vary across environmental gradients. Her work on the vertical stratification of herbivores and their defense mechanisms against predators in tropical forests is of great interest to the ecological community. She is also keenly interested in plant systematics and the evolutionary relationships within plant species in diverse ecosystems like those in Papua New Guinea.

Research Skills

Maraia is skilled in field ecology, especially in conducting ecological surveys and experiments in tropical environments. Her expertise includes the study of plant-herbivore interactions, niche partitioning, and the use of various ecological modeling tools. She is proficient in analyzing plant traits, conducting genetic diversity studies, and using statistical tools for ecological data analysis. Additionally, Maraia has significant experience in publishing research and contributing to collaborative international research projects.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards are not detailed, Maraia’s research on plant-herbivore interactions and ecological processes in tropical environments has garnered attention in the scientific community. Her contributions are recognized through her ongoing publications in journals like Oecologia and Environmental Research Letters, as well as through collaborative projects and research partnerships across international institutions​

Conclusion

Heveakore Maraia is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to the field of tropical ecology and his dedication to biodiversity conservation. His extensive research, publications, and community engagement efforts make him a valuable asset to the global scientific community. With a few improvements in expanding his network and public outreach, he could further enhance the impact of his research. Overall, his passion, leadership, and commitment to environmental sustainability position him as a leading researcher in his field.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Patterns of tropical forest understory temperatures
    Authors: A Ismaeel, APK Tai, EG Santos, H Maraia, I Aalto, J Altman, J Doležal, …
    Journal: Nature Communications
    Year: 2024
  2. Engaging communities and government in biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation in Papua New Guinea
    Authors: B Jacobs, K McKenna, L Boronyak, F Dem, S Sui, K Pomoh, M Jimbudo, …
    Book: Managing Climate Change Adaptation in the Pacific Region
    Year: 2020
  3. Insectivorous birds and bats outperform ants in the top‐down regulation of arthropods across strata of a Japanese temperate forest
    Authors: E Sivault, J Kollross, LR Jorge, S Finnie, D Diez‐Méndez, …
    Journal: Journal of Animal Ecology
    Year: 2024
  4. Impact of Predators on Arthropod Herbivores and Herbivory along Mountain Ranges on Islands Versus Mainland
    Authors: K Sam, A Mrazova, M Houska Tahadlova, J Kollross, H Maraia
    Book: Ecology and Evolution of Plant-Herbivore Interactions on Islands
    Year: 2024
  5. Substantial Insect Herbivory in a South African Savanna‐Forest Mosaic: A Neglected Topic
    Authors: H Maraia, T Charles‐Dominique, KW Tomlinson, AC Staver, LR Jorge, …
    Journal: Ecology and Evolution
    Year: 2024
    Citations: Not available (as it’s a recent publication).
  6. Field Work in Papua New Guinea Documents Seven New Records of a Hemiepiphytic Habit in Ferns
    Authors: M Sundue, H Maraia
    Journal: Plants
    Year: 2024
  7. The future of microclimate in Southeast Asia
    Authors: EG Santos, H Maraia, J Altman, J Doležal, K Sam, M Kopecky, M Svatek, …
    Journal: Environmental Research Letters
    Year: 2024
  8. An update on the distribution and morphology of Ixora amplexifolia (Ixoroideae, Rubiaceae) in Papua New Guinea
    Authors: H Maraia, L Orsak, O Gideon, T Okpul
    Journal: Phytotaxa
    Year: 2019
  9. Community responses to the effects of climate change in PNG
    Authors: K McKenna, B Jacobs, S Sui, L Boronyak, F Dem, K Pomoh, M Jimbudo, …
    Blog: Devpolicy Blog
    Year: 2019
  10. Investigating aspects of niche partitioning in Ixora L. (Rubiaceae), its spatial and morphological diversity in Papua New Guinea
    Author: H Maraia
    Institution: University of Technology
    Year: 2017