Michaela Holubová | Fish Ecology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Michaela Holubová | Fish Ecology | Women Researcher Award

Ceske Budejovice at Biological Center of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, v.v.i., Czech Republic.

Michel Mutabaruka is a dedicated educator and civil engineer specializing in health safety, environmental engineering, and technical education. With a career spanning over a decade, Michel serves as an assistant lecturer at Rwanda Polytechnic Kigali College and a trainer at Rwanda TVET Trainer Institute, where he plays an influential role in shaping the next generation of technical professionals. His experience in civil engineering education includes teaching a wide array of subjects such as construction safety, materials strength, and structural analysis. Michel is deeply committed to improving technical education standards in Rwanda, actively preparing students for their careers through practical training, supervision of final-year projects, and rigorous academic evaluations. His comprehensive background and teaching expertise make him a valuable contributor to Rwanda’s education and engineering landscape.

Professional Profile

Education

Michel holds a Master’s in Health Safety and Environment Engineering from Chandigarh University (2021-2023) and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the National University of Rwanda (2006-2010). Complementing his formal education, Michel earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Education (2012-2013) from Kenya Technical Teachers College, enhancing his pedagogical skills in civil engineering. Additionally, he obtained a certificate in National TVET Training from Rwanda TVET Trainer Institute in 2016, underscoring his dedication to technical education. Michel’s education began with a secondary school certificate in Biology-Chemistry (A2) from Byimana School of Sciences (2000-2003), and an English Language Certificate in 2005 from the National University of Rwanda, which strengthened his communication skills essential for an academic career.

Professional Experience

Michel’s professional experience centers on technical education, spanning more than 13 years as an assistant lecturer at Rwanda Polytechnic Kigali College, where he teaches diverse engineering subjects, including Health Safety in Construction, Technical Drawing, and Building Services. His role also involves supervising final-year projects, assessing student work, and designing curricula for technical courses. Since 2018, he has also served at Rwanda TVET Trainer Institute, where he coordinates and administers district-level entrance exams and training programs. Michel’s early experience includes a teaching position at Institut Secondaire d’Enseignement Technique et Artistique de Runda (2010-2011), where he focused on wood treatment, technical drawing, and entrepreneurship education. His roles across institutions highlight his dedication to Rwanda’s technical education, mentoring students and empowering them with skills for successful engineering careers.

Research Interest

Michel’s research interests lie in health safety and environmental engineering within the civil engineering context. His focus includes developing innovative construction safety practices, analyzing sustainable materials, and exploring cost-effective structural solutions for emerging economies. With a strong background in technical education, he is also interested in research methodologies that enhance vocational training and curriculum development for engineering education, especially in health safety compliance. He seeks to contribute to advancements in construction safety standards and explore the environmental impact of engineering practices. Michel’s interest in research aims to bridge practical education with contemporary industry needs, ensuring that future engineers are equipped to face challenges in health safety and sustainability within the construction sector.

Research Skills

Michel possesses a versatile skill set centered around technical education and civil engineering, with particular strengths in course development, student supervision, and curriculum evaluation. He has honed his skills in analyzing engineering materials and cost estimation, critical to construction safety and structural integrity. His experience in preparing and administering assessments has strengthened his analytical skills, and his role in supervising projects allows him to guide research initiatives. Michel’s proficiency in technical drawing and his ability to conduct structured analyses of structures contribute to his practical approach to engineering education. He continues to develop his expertise in environmental and health safety engineering, building a foundation that supports applied research in sustainable and safe construction practices.

Awards and Honors

Although his CV does not mention specific awards, Michel’s long-standing contributions to technical education and civil engineering reflect a professional recognition in his field. His roles at Rwanda Polytechnic and Rwanda TVET Trainer Institute signify a trusted reputation as an educator dedicated to advancing engineering education in Rwanda. Michel’s commitment to academic excellence is further highlighted by his participation in various educational institutions and his contribution to Rwanda’s vocational training sector. Through his service, he has likely garnered appreciation from his colleagues and students, strengthening his influence as an educator. Future research publications and contributions to industry standards may pave the way for formal recognitions, further enhancing his professional profile.

Conclusion

Michel Mutabaruka demonstrates notable strengths as an educator with extensive expertise in health safety, civil engineering, and technical training. His career reflects dedication to advancing technical education in Rwanda, making a positive impact in the field. However, for the Best Researcher Award, a stronger emphasis on original research contributions and active engagement in civil engineering or health safety research would be needed to fully support his candidacy. Pursuing and documenting research publications, industry collaborations, or applied projects would significantly enhance his suitability for this award.

Publication Top Notes

  • Collapse of the native ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua) population in the Biesbosch lakes (the Netherlands) owing to round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) invasion
    • Authors: T. Jůza, P. Blabolil, R. Baran, D. Bartoň, M. Čech, V. Draštík, J. Frouzová, …
    • Journal: Biological Invasions
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 37
  • Contrasting structural complexity differentiate hunting strategy in an ambush apex predator
    • Authors: M. Říha, K.Ø. Gjelland, V. Děd, A.P. Eloranta, R. Rabaneda-Bueno, H. Baktoft, …
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 24
  • Ontogenetic and interpopulation differences in otolith shape of the European perch (Perca fluviatilis)
    • Authors: A.T. Souza, K. Soukalová, V. Děd, M. Šmejkal, P. Blabolil, M. Říha, T. Jůza, …
    • Journal: Fisheries Research
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 22
  • Seasonal habitat use of three predatory fishes in a freshwater ecosystem
    • Authors: M. Říha, R. Rabaneda-Bueno, I. Jarić, A.T. Souza, L. Vejřík, V. Draštík, …
    • Journal: Hydrobiologia
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 13
  • Density dependent attributes of fish aggregative behaviour
    • Authors: M. Holubová, M. Čech, M. Vašek, J. Peterka
    • Journal: PeerJ
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 13
  • Species‐specific schooling behaviour of fish in the freshwater pelagic habitat: an observational study
    • Authors: M. Holubová, P. Blabolil, M. Čech, M. Vašek, J. Peterka
    • Journal: Journal of Fish Biology
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 12
  • Invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus has sex‐dependent locomotor activity and is under‐represented in catches from passive fishing gear
    • Authors: J. Žák, T. Jůza, P. Blabolil, R. Baran, D. Bartoň, V. Draštík, J. Frouzová, …
    • Journal: Journal of Fish Biology
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 12
  • Some like it deep: Intraspecific niche segregation in ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernua)
    • Authors: A.P. Eloranta, I. Vejříková, M. Čech, L. Vejřík, M. Holubová, M. Šmejkal, …
    • Journal: Freshwater Biology
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 12
  • Assessment of burbot Lota lota (L. 1758) population sustainability in central European reservoirs
    • Authors: P. Blabolil, J. Duras, T. Jůza, L. Kočvara, J. Matěna, M. Muška, M. Říha, …
    • Journal: Journal of Fish Biology
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 11
  • Less is more–Basic quantitative indices for fish can be achieved with reduced gillnet sampling
    • Authors: P. Blabolil, M. Čech, V. Draštík, M. Holubová, L. Kočvara, J. Kubečka, …
    • Journal: Fisheries Research
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 9

 

 

Arjun Pandit | Wildlife Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Arjun Pandit | Wildlife Diseases | Best Researcher Award 

Graduate Student at Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan

Arjun Pandit is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate at the Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan. His research focuses on the epidemiology of elephant tuberculosis, exploring transmission dynamics at the human-elephant interface, and optimizing diagnostic methods using non-invasive techniques. With a strong academic background in veterinary medicine, Arjun has conducted significant research on various infectious diseases affecting wildlife, particularly Asian elephants. He has published several journal articles on topics such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV), and endoparasitic diseases. His work has been recognized with awards, including a travel grant and the prestigious Rufford International Grant. Additionally, Arjun has extensive experience working as a Livestock Development Officer in Nepal, where he contributed to animal health management and disease control. His expertise extends to veterinary public health, infectious diseases, and wildlife medicine, making him a valuable contributor to veterinary science and conservation efforts.

Profile

Education

Arjun Pandit is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine at the Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan, where he focuses on the epidemiology of elephant tuberculosis and its transmission dynamics at the human-elephant interface. His research aims to optimize the diagnosis of elephant tuberculosis using non-invasive methods such as fecal samples. Prior to his doctoral studies, Pandit earned a Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) in Medicine from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, graduating with an impressive 87.55% in 2014. His master’s thesis investigated the seroprevalence of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV) infection, endoparasitic diseases, and the serum biochemical profile of Asian elephants in the Chitwan District of Nepal. Additionally, Pandit holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) from Tribhuvan University, where he graduated in 2011 with an 80.27% score. His bachelor’s mini-thesis focused on assessing subclinical mastitis in dairy animals using the California mastitis test and cultural tests.

Professional Experience

Arjun Pandit has garnered extensive professional experience in the field of veterinary medicine and animal husbandry, working in various capacities over the past decade. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. at the Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan, where he focuses on the epidemiology of elephant tuberculosis. Prior to this, Arjun served as a Livestock Development Officer in Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, where he played a crucial role in animal health and livestock management. His work involved overseeing livestock programs, conducting field research, and implementing disease control measures. Additionally, he has worked as a veterinary doctor with the National Trust for Nature Conservation in collaboration with Elephant Aid International, USA, contributing to wildlife conservation efforts. Arjun’s experience is complemented by his earlier academic roles, including his tenure as an Assistant Professor at Gokuleshwor Agriculture and Animal Science College, where he taught courses on livestock production and management.

Research Interests

Arjun Pandit’s research interests focus on the intersection of veterinary public health, wildlife medicine, and infectious diseases, particularly within the One Health framework. His work primarily revolves around the epidemiology of diseases in wildlife, with a specialized interest in elephant tuberculosis and other zoonotic diseases that pose risks to both animal and human health. Pandit is committed to enhancing diagnostic methodologies, particularly non-invasive techniques, for tracking and managing diseases in wildlife populations. His research extends to the study of endoparasitic diseases and their impact on wildlife, alongside the seroprevalence of viral infections such as Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV). Through his research, Pandit aims to contribute to the broader understanding of disease transmission dynamics at the human-animal interface, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in disease surveillance and wildlife conservation to safeguard both animal and public health.

Research Skills

Arjun Pandit possesses robust research skills, honed through extensive experience in veterinary medicine and wildlife epidemiology. His expertise lies in the epidemiology of elephant tuberculosis, with a particular focus on transmission dynamics at the human-elephant interface. He has developed non-invasive diagnostic methods for detecting tuberculosis in elephants, demonstrating his innovative approach to solving complex veterinary challenges. Arjun’s research on the seroprevalence of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV) and endoparasitic diseases in Asian elephants highlights his proficiency in disease surveillance and wildlife health management. His ability to design and conduct comprehensive field studies, coupled with his proficiency in statistical analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel, underscores his analytical acumen. Arjun’s collaborative efforts with international organizations and his contributions to multiple peer-reviewed publications further emphasize his strong research foundation, making him a valuable asset in the field of veterinary public health and wildlife epidemiology.

Awards and Recognition

Arjun has been recognized for his academic excellence and research achievements, including securing top positions in national exams and receiving international grants for his research. These accolades affirm his dedication and success in his field, making him a deserving candidate for this award.

Conclusion

Arjun Pandit’s extensive research contributions, geographic impact, collaborative efforts, and focus on applied research in veterinary medicine make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work on elephant health, particularly in the areas of tuberculosis and herpesvirus, demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical issues in wildlife conservation and public health. With his extensive experience, recognized publications, and significant achievements, Arjun Pandit stands out as an exemplary researcher whose work has made a meaningful impact in his field.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis including a drug-resistant strain associated with mortality of Asian elephants in Nepal 2019–2022
  • Authors: Pandit, A., Thapa, J., Sadaula, A., Paudel, S., Tsubota, T.
  • Year: 2024