Muluken Bantayehu | Environment Economics | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Muluken Bantayehu | Environment Economics | Best Researcher Award

Division Head at Bahirdar University, Ethiopia

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie is an accomplished Assistant Professor in Plant Sciences at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, with extensive expertise in plant breeding and postharvest technology. His academic journey includes a Master’s degree in Plant Breeding from Haramaya University and research experience at KU Leuven, Belgium. Nigatie has significantly contributed to agricultural research, particularly through his studies on banana varieties and malting barley, which have led to the development and release of new crop varieties. His work has practical applications, including community training and the creation of production technology manuals. Nigatie’s publications in esteemed journals and his active role in community outreach reflect his commitment to advancing agricultural practices in Ethiopia. While his research is impactful, expanding his focus to a broader range of crops and increasing international collaboration could further enhance his contributions to the field.

Profile

Education

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie’s educational background is distinguished by his advanced studies and accomplishments in the field of plant sciences. He earned a Master of Science in Plant Breeding from Haramaya University, Ethiopia, in 2006, graduating with very great distinction. His undergraduate studies were completed at the same institution, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences in 2002, graduating with great distinction. Prior to these degrees, he served as a Research Assistant (Pre-doctoral) at KU Leuven in Belgium from 2011 to 2012, further enhancing his expertise and research capabilities. This solid educational foundation, combined with his hands-on research experience, has equipped Nigatie with the skills and knowledge essential for his current role as an Assistant Professor of Plant Sciences at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, where he has been contributing significantly to the field of plant breeding and agricultural research.

Professional Experience

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie brings extensive experience in plant sciences, particularly in plant breeding and postharvest technology. He has served as an Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar University since 2013, where he specializes in plant breeding and contributes to the development and release of new crop varieties. Prior to this role, Nigatie worked as a Research Assistant at KU Leuven in Belgium, enhancing his research skills and international perspective. His career began at Adet Agriculture Research Center, where he worked as an Associate Researcher for over a decade, focusing on plant resource improvement. Throughout his career, Nigatie has been actively involved in community outreach, including training programs and developing production technology manuals for local farmers. His experience reflects a strong commitment to advancing agricultural practices and improving crop varieties, making significant contributions to both academic research and practical applications in Ethiopia.

Research Interest

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie’s research interests are primarily centered on plant breeding and postharvest technology. His work focuses on developing and improving crop varieties, particularly malting barley and bananas, to enhance agricultural productivity and quality. Nigatie’s research explores the genetic and phenotypic aspects of plant traits, including yield, quality, and adaptation to diverse agroecological conditions. He is also deeply involved in studying postharvest quality traits, ripening behavior, and reducing losses in tropical fruits. His interest extends to community-based applications, where he works on participatory adaptation and extension of improved varietal technologies, providing practical solutions for local farmers. Through his research, Nigatie aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and agricultural practices, contributing to food security and sustainable agricultural development in Ethiopia.

Research Skills

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie possesses a diverse and comprehensive set of research skills that underscore his expertise in plant sciences and agricultural research. His proficiency in quantitative analysis is evident through his extensive use of statistical software such as SAS, SPSS, and Cropstat for analyzing plant breeding data and postharvest quality traits. His expertise in experimental design is highlighted by his work on malting barley and banana varieties, where he has conducted rigorous evaluations of crop performance under various conditions. Nigatie’s skills in community outreach are demonstrated through his development of practical guides and training programs for local farmers, enhancing the application of his research findings. Furthermore, his collaborative approach in participatory research and extension activities reflects his ability to work effectively with both local and international partners, thereby translating scientific research into tangible benefits for agricultural communities.

Award and Recognition

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie has garnered significant recognition for his impactful contributions to plant sciences, particularly in plant breeding and postharvest technology. As an Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar University, his innovative research on banana varieties and malting barley has advanced agricultural practices in Ethiopia. His work has led to the development and release of new crop varieties, directly benefiting local farmers. Nigatie’s dedication extends beyond research; he has actively engaged in community outreach by training seed multipliers and developing educational materials for farmers. His scholarly contributions are well-documented in numerous publications across reputable journals. The recognition of his efforts is evident from his continued involvement in pivotal agricultural research projects and his role in enhancing food security and agricultural productivity. His achievements underscore his excellence and commitment to advancing agricultural sciences, making him a deserving candidate for prestigious awards and honors.

Conclusion

Muluken Bantayehu Nigatie is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to plant sciences, practical applications of his research, and active engagement with the agricultural community. While there are areas where his research scope could be broadened, his existing achievements and community impact make him a noteworthy nominee for this award.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Efficacy of Postharvest Technologies on Ripening Behavior and Quality of Banana Varieties Grown in Ethiopia
    • Authors: Bantayehu, M., Alemayehu, M.
    • Journal: International Journal of Fruit Science
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 20
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 59–75
    • Citations: 9
  2. Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path coefficient analysis for yield and yield-related traits in advanced bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines
    • Authors: Baye, A., Berihun, B., Bantayehu, M., Derebe, B.
    • Journal: Cogent Food and Agriculture
    • Year: 2020
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 1
    • Article ID: 1752603
    • Citations: 57
  3. Estimation of pre and postharvest losses of tropical fruits in Ethiopia
    • Authors: Bantayehu, M., Alemayehu, M., Abera, M., Bizuayehu, S.
    • Journal: International Journal of Postharvest Technology and Innovation
    • Year: 2019
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 46–56
    • Citations: 5

 

Yajuan WANG | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yajuan WANG | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Student at China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), China .

Ya Juan Wang is a Ph.D. candidate in Hydroclimatology at China University of Geosciences, with a focus on climate dynamics and air pollution. Her research investigates how atmospheric oscillations, particularly the Antarctic Oscillation, influence pollution events in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and southern China. Wang has published influential papers in journals like the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres and the International Journal of Climatology. Her work has significant practical applications, including a patent related to pollution modulation by Antarctic sea ice. Recognized with multiple awards, including national scholarships and academic poster awards, Wang’s research is distinguished by its collaborative approach, geographic impact, and practical relevance to environmental health. Her contributions are pivotal in advancing our understanding of how climate patterns affect air quality, making her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Profile

Education🎓

Ya Juan Wang is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Hydroclimatology at the China University of Geosciences in Wuhan, a program she has been engaged in since September 2018. Her doctoral research follows a master’s stage (2018-2020) and continues into her doctoral studies (2020-2022), focusing on climate dynamics and air pollution. Prior to this, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Physics at Nanjing University of Information Technology in July 2018, where she studied the optical properties of black carbon aerosol particles. Her academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in physical geography, with her master’s degree in Physical Geography from the China University of Geosciences, Wuhan. Wang’s educational background combines rigorous training in atmospheric science and climate research, positioning her as a leading researcher in her field.

Professional Experience 🏢

Ya Juan Wang is a distinguished Ph.D. candidate specializing in hydroclimatology at China University of Geosciences, Wuhan. Her professional experience spans roles that reflect her expertise in climate dynamics and air pollution. As a researcher, Wang has contributed significantly to the understanding of atmospheric patterns and their impact on pollution. Her work includes leading studies on the Boreal Autumn Antarctic Oscillation and its influence on winter pollution events in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. Wang has also presented her findings at notable conferences, such as the American Geophysical Union and the Regional Climate Change Monitoring Symposium. Her research has been published in respected journals, including the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres and the International Journal of Climatology. Wang’s professional journey is marked by her ability to integrate complex climate models and contribute to practical solutions for air quality management, underscoring her role as a leading researcher in her field.

Skills and Expertise

  1. Technical Proficiency: Proficient in various analytical techniques and computer programs for data analysis and interpretation.
  2. Language Skills: Excellent command of English, enabling effective communication and collaboration in international research projects.

Research Interests 🔬

Ya Juan Wang’s research interests are centered on hydroclimatology and atmospheric science, with a particular focus on climate dynamics and air pollution. She investigates the interactions between atmospheric oscillations, such as the Antarctic Oscillation, and their impact on pollution events in specific regions, notably the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area in China. Her work aims to understand how large-scale climate patterns influence air quality and weather-related pollution, providing insights crucial for developing effective air quality management strategies. Wang’s research also extends to the effects of geomagnetic activity on atmospheric conditions and how Antarctic sea ice modulates climate patterns. By integrating advanced computational tools and interdisciplinary approaches, Wang seeks to translate her findings into practical solutions for environmental and public health challenges. Her contributions are vital for enhancing our understanding of the complex relationships between climate phenomena and air pollution.

Award and Honors

Ya Juan Wang has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions to climate science and atmospheric research. In October 2021, she was awarded the Second Prize Scholarship for Outstanding Students, reflecting her exceptional academic performance. Her presentation at the 2019 annual meeting of the Chinese Academy of Hydrology earned her the Outstanding Report Award in September 2020. Wang’s dedication and excellence were further recognized with the National Scholarship in October 2019 and the Outstanding Academic Poster Award at the 2018 Youth Academic Forum in May 2019. Additionally, she has been honored with several scholarships throughout her academic career, including the Yat-Sen Inspirational Scholarship and the Eight-Seven Economic Geography Scholarship in 2017 and 2016, respectively. These awards highlight her significant achievements and contributions to her field, underscoring her commitment to advancing climate science and environmental research.

Research Skills

Ya Juan Wang possesses advanced research skills that are pivotal to her work in hydroclimatology and atmospheric science. Her expertise includes using sophisticated computer software such as R, MATLAB, Python, and ArcGIS for data analysis and modeling. Wang’s proficiency in Python and MATLAB allows her to conduct complex simulations and analyze large datasets, which are crucial for understanding climate dynamics and air pollution. Her skills in ArcGIS and AutoCAD support her work in spatial data analysis and visualization. Additionally, Wang demonstrates strong capabilities in designing and executing experiments, as evidenced by her contributions to influential publications and conference presentations. Her ability to interpret and apply statistical tools, such as those provided by Minitab, enhances her research’s rigor and reliability. Wang’s technical skills, combined with her proficiency in scientific writing and communication, enable her to effectively convey her findings and contribute to advancing knowledge in her field.

Conclusion

Ya Juan Wang is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to her significant contributions to climate science and air pollution research. Her work is characterized by a deep understanding of atmospheric dynamics and their impact on pollution, with practical implications for environmental health. Her collaborative efforts, applied research focus, and recognition through various awards underscore her exceptional capabilities as a researcher. Wang’s research not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses critical environmental issues, making her an excellent choice for this award.

Publications

  1. Role of the Boreal Autumn Antarctic Oscillation in Controlling the Winter Frequency of Severe Pollution Events in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region, China”
    • Authors: Wang, Y., Qin, J., Li, S., Huang, S.
    • Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 129
    • Issue: 14
    • Article ID: e2023JD040352
  2. “Influence of geomagnetic activity on the southern atmosphere and its cross-seasonal association with SAM”
    • Authors: Luo, G., Qin, J., Huang, S., Wang, Y., Mbululo, Y.
    • Journal: International Journal of Climatology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 43
    • Issue: 16
    • Pages: 7745–7760
  3. “The role of Antarctic sea ice in modulating the relationship between September–October Antarctic Oscillation and following January–February wet and cold weather in southern China”
    • Authors: Yuan, Z., Qin, J., Du, L., Wang, Y., Mbululo, Y.
    • Journal: International Journal of Climatology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 43
    • Issue: 8
    • Pages: 3605–3628
  4. “Relationship between air pollutant distribution and large-scale circulation”
    • Authors: Mbululo, Y., Jun, Q., Nyihirani, F., Huang, S., Wang, Y.
    • Journal: Environmental Science: Advances
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 2
    • Issue: 8
    • Pages: 1119–1129