Hyppolite Aïgnon | Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Hyppolite Aïgnon | Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award 

Northeastern University, China.

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon, a Beninese researcher born in 1991, specializes in fungal ecology and conservation. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Parakou in 2021, focusing on the diversity and molecular taxonomy of the Inocybaceae family in West Africa. Aignon’s work spans fungal taxonomy, biogeography, and the application of fungi in ecosystem restoration and conservation. His research includes significant contributions to understanding fungal communities in West Africa, with a strong emphasis on the Inocybaceae family. He has held various positions, including research assistant and visiting researcher at institutions in Rwanda, Zambia, and Sweden. Aignon has been involved in numerous symposiums, including organizing the Symposium of Young Mycologists from Tropical Africa. His research is well-supported by grants from various organizations, and he has published extensively, contributing to several new taxa descriptions and international conferences.

Profile
Education

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon holds a distinguished academic background in the field of Botany and Agronomy. He earned his Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Parakou, Benin, in August 2021. His doctoral research focused on the diversity, molecular taxonomy, and phylogeny of the Inocybaceae family in West Africa. Prior to this, he completed his M.Sc. in Agronomy at the same institution in April 2016, where his thesis investigated the influence of soil characteristics on ectomycorrhizal fungi communities. His undergraduate studies in Agronomy, culminating in a B.Sc. degree in April 2013, involved research on the effects of thinning on teak growth in peasant forestry. Throughout his academic journey, Aignon has been guided by notable advisors including Nourou S. Yorou and Nestor Sokpon, contributing significantly to the field of fungal ecology and conservation.

Professional Experience

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon is an accomplished researcher with a strong focus on fungal ecology and conservation. He has held a position as a research assistant at the Tropical Mycology and Plant-Soil Fungi Interactions Unit at the University of Parakou, Benin, from January 2016 to June 2023. During this time, he managed the herbarium, supervised molecular and microscopic analyses, and contributed to conservation education and the monitoring of ectomycorrhizal fungi communities. Aignon has also been involved in several high-profile research visits, including stints as a visiting researcher at the University of Rwanda, University of Zambia, and Uppsala University. He has played a key role in organizing the Symposium of Young Mycologists from Tropical Africa and has led applied research projects aimed at ecosystem restoration and conservation of rare fungal species. His collaborative efforts extend to interdisciplinary projects and community science initiatives.

Research Interest

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon’s research focuses on fungal ecology, taxonomy, and conservation, with a particular emphasis on the family Inocybaceae in West Africa. His work delves into the diversity, molecular taxonomy, and phylogeny of fungi, exploring their ecological roles and interactions within various ecosystems. Aignon investigates fungal toxicity and biogeography, aiming to understand the distribution patterns and environmental impacts on fungal species. His research also includes the application of fungi in ecosystem restoration projects, specifically utilizing mycorrhizal fungi to rehabilitate degraded habitats. Collaborating with NGOs, he contributes to conservation programs for rare and endangered fungal species, integrating community science and interdisciplinary approaches. Through his efforts, Aignon seeks to enhance fungal biodiversity conservation and advance the scientific knowledge of fungal systems in tropical Africa.

Research Skills

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon possesses a diverse and robust set of research skills in the field of fungal ecology and conservation. His expertise spans fungal taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, and biogeography, with a focus on the Inocybaceae family in West Africa. Aignon is proficient in advanced molecular techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis, which he has applied extensively during his research and training at institutions such as Uppsala University and the University of Rwanda. His experience in data analysis is reinforced by his skills in statistical software like R and Python, as well as GIS and remote sensing for studying fungal distributions. Additionally, Aignon’s role as a herbarium manager and his involvement in conservation education highlight his capacity to manage and analyze ecological data effectively. His collaborative work with ecologists, botanists, and soil scientists further underscores his interdisciplinary approach to research.

Awards and Recognition

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon has garnered significant recognition for his contributions to fungal ecology and conservation. In 2024, he received the prestigious Rufford Foundation grant for “Sustainable management and conservation of fungal biodiversity in West Africa,” highlighting his impact on regional biodiversity. He was awarded funding from the Society for the Protection of Underground Networks in June 2024 for his research on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, reflecting his commitment to advancing fungal science. His work on the Inocybaceae family was further acknowledged with the Hesler Visiting Researcher Fellowships in March 2024, supporting his phylogenetic classification studies. Additionally, Aignon’s role in organizing the Symposium of Young Mycologists from Tropical Africa in November 2023, supported by various international organizations, underscores his leadership in the mycology community. These accolades underscore Aignon’s dedication to fungal research and conservation efforts in West Africa.

Conclusion

Hyppolite Loughbenon Aignon is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His expertise in fungal ecology and conservation, combined with his international research experience, organizational skills, and successful grant acquisitions, highlights his significant contributions to the field. To strengthen his candidacy further, focusing on increasing the impact factor of his publications, broadening the application of his research, and diversifying his research topics could be beneficial.

Publications Top Notes

  • Pseudosperma brunneopilosum, a new species of Inocybaceae from West Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Fan, Y.-G., Matheny, P.B.
    • Year: 2024
  • A new species of Inosperma, and first record of I. afromelliolens (Inocybaceae, Fungi) from West Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Fan, Y.-G., De Kesel, A., Ryberg, M., Yorou, N.S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
  • Four new nodulose-spored species of Inocybe (Agaricales) from West Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Jabeen, S., Verbeken, A., Yorou, N.S., Ryberg, M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3
  • Mallocybe africana (Inocybaceae, Fungi), the first species of Mallocybe described from Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Naseer, A., Matheny, B.P., Yorou, N.S., Ryberg, M.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 15
  • State of knowledge on the diversity, phylogeny and distribution of Inocybaceae in Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Acar, İ., Naseer, A., Yorou, S.N.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 2
  • Three new species of Inosperma (Agaricales, Inocybaceae) from Tropical Africa
    • Authors: Aïgnon, H.L., Jabeen, S., Naseer, A., Yorou, N.S., Ryberg, M.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 16

 

Rasmi soltani | Biological Sciences | Best Scholar Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Rasmi soltani | Biological Sciences | Best Scholar Award

 Assistant Rasmi Soltani, Centre Regional des Researchers Agricoles a Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia.

Dr. Rasmi Soltani is a distinguished Maître Assistant in Agricultural Higher Education at the Centre Régional des Recherches Agricoles (CRRA) in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia. With a strong academic background and extensive research experience, Dr. Soltani has contributed significantly to the field of entomology and agricultural protection. His work focuses on the biological control of agricultural pests and the exploration of essential oils and plant extracts for pest management.

Profile:

Education 🎓

  • 1995: Baccalauréat in Experimental Sciences
  • 2001: Diplôme d’Ingénieur National en Agronomy, Specializing in Horticulture, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem, Sousse
  • 2004: DEA in Agricultural Sciences, Specializing in Plant Protection and Environment, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem, Sousse, Tunisia
  • 2009: Doctorate in Agricultural Sciences, Specializing in Plant Protection and Environment, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem, Sousse. Thesis: Oryctes agamemnon arabicus Fairmaire, 1896: Etude bioécologique et éthologique dans les oasis de Rjim Maâtoug au Sud Ouest Tunisien. (Director: Prof. Mohammed Habib BEN HAMOUDA)

Experience 🔬

  • 2002-2003: DEA Internship at Centre Régional de Recherches en Agriculture Oasienne, Tozeur. Research on Oryctes agamemnon Burmeister and its impact in Tozeur’s oases.
  • 2004-2009: Doctoral Research at Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem, Sousse. Research focused on Oryctes agamemnon arabicus in Rjim Maâtoug’s oases.
  • 2010-2023: Agricultural Entomologist at CRRA, Sidi Bouzid. Research on pest management and the bio-insecticide activities of essential oils and plant extracts.

Research Interests 🌱

Dr. Soltani’s research primarily revolves around:

  • The study of pests affecting crops in central-western Tunisia.
  • The bio-insecticidal properties of essential oils and plant extracts.
  • Entomological research and pest management strategies.

Awards 🏆

  • Recognized for outstanding research in entomology and agricultural pest management.
  • Awarded for significant contributions to the study of bio-insecticides and sustainable agriculture.

Publications 📚

  1. Soltani, R., & Ben Hamouda, M.H. (2009). Oryctes agamemnon arabicus Fairmaire, 1896: Etude bioécologique et éthologique dans les oasis de Rjim Maâtoug au Sud Ouest Tunisien. Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott Mariem, Sousse. [DOI or Hyperlink]
  2. Soltani, R. (2015). Etude de quelques potentialités biopesticides des feuilles de Lantana camara dans la zone de Sidi Bouzid. Institut Supérieur des Etudes Technologiques de Sidi Bouzid. [DOI or Hyperlink]
  3. Soltani, R. (2016). Mise en évidence de l’effet insecticide des huiles essentielles de la camomille et du chrysanthème sur le tribolium rouge de la farine. Faculté des Sciences et Techniques à Sidi Bouzid. [DOI or Hyperlink]
  4. Soltani, R. (2017). Contribution à l’étude de l’entomofaune dans les vergers de pommier de la délégation de Foussana. Ecole Supérieure d’Agriculture de Mograne. [DOI or Hyperlink]