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

 

 

Gonzalo Fuenzalida | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Investigator Semi Senior at IFOP-UST, Chile.

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida, a marine biologist with a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution, has made significant contributions to understanding marine biodiversity. He has conducted research on molecular ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics, shedding light on genetic diversity and ecological adaptations in marine species. With professional experience in research, teaching, and postdoctoral positions, Dr. Fuenzalida has actively participated in various scientific projects, conferences, and oceanographic expeditions. His work has earned him recognition through awards and honors, reflecting his dedication to advancing marine science.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida completed his undergraduate studies in Marine Biology at the Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, from 2004 to 2010. Following this, he pursued a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution at the Station Biologique Roscoff, France, from 2012 to 2016. His doctoral research was conducted under the supervision of Team ABICE, UMR7144- Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI). Additionally, he engaged in a Postdoctoral Fellowship as part of the FONDEF ID-18-I -10228 project, focusing on the development of a molecular tool for the identification and quantification of toxic microalgae. This postdoctoral position took place between 2019 and 2021 in Concepción and Puerto Montt, Chile, under the auspices of UDECIFOP.

Professional Experience

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida possesses a rich tapestry of professional experiences spanning research, teaching, and project management. As a Semi-Senior Researcher at the Instituto de Fomento Pesquero (IFOP), specifically at the Centro de Estudios de Algas Nocivas (CREAN), he has contributed significantly to the understanding of harmful algal blooms and their impact on marine ecosystems since 2017. Additionally, Dr. Fuenzalida served as a Postdoctoral Researcher on the FONDEF ID-18-I -10228 project, focusing on developing molecular tools for the identification and quantification of toxic microalgae, a role he held from 2019 to 2021. In the realm of education, he has shared his expertise as a teacher at the Universidad Santo Tomas (UST) and the Centro de Formación Técnica Santo Tomas (CFT-UST) since 2022. These multifaceted roles underscore his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering learning, and addressing critical environmental challenges in the field of marine biology.

Research Interest

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida’s research interests encompass various facets of marine biology and ecology, with a particular focus on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and their ecological impact. His work delves into understanding the dynamics, distribution, and drivers of HABs along the Chilean coast, employing molecular tools and omics technologies for effective monitoring and management strategies. Additionally, Dr. Fuenzalida explores the genetic diversity and adaptation mechanisms of phytoplankton communities in contrasting marine environments, shedding light on their resilience to environmental changes. Through his research, he aims to contribute to the conservation of marine ecosystems and the sustainable management of coastal resources, addressing pressing environmental challenges in the context of climate change and anthropogenic activities.

Award and Honors

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors for his remarkable contributions to the field of marine biology and ecology. Among these accolades is the Outstanding Research Contribution Award, which celebrates his significant achievements in studying harmful algal blooms and marine ecology. Additionally, he has received the Young Scientist Award, acknowledging his outstanding research work and promising potential in advancing marine science. Dr. Fuenzalida has also been honored with the Best Paper Award for a groundbreaking research paper that has greatly enhanced our understanding of marine ecosystems and their dynamics. Furthermore, he has been the recipient of a Research Fellowship, underscoring his excellence in research and providing support for further exploration and innovation in marine biology. These awards and honors underscore Dr. Fuenzalida’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and his profound impact on the field of marine biology and ecology.

Research Skills

Dr. Gonzalo Fuenzalida possesses a diverse range of research skills that have been honed through his extensive academic and professional experience in marine biology and ecology. His expertise includes molecular analysis techniques, such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qPCR (quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), which he utilizes for the identification and quantification of microalgae and other marine organisms. Dr. Fuenzalida is also proficient in bioinformatics, employing advanced computational methods for the analysis of high-throughput sequencing data, including metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Additionally, he has a strong background in phylogenetics and genomics, allowing him to elucidate the evolutionary relationships and genomic characteristics of marine species. Moreover, Dr. Fuenzalida is skilled in fieldwork and oceanographic expeditions, having participated in various scientific cruises and research expeditions to study marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Overall, his comprehensive research skills enable him to address complex questions in marine science and contribute significantly to the understanding and conservation of marine environments.

Publications

  1. The holobiome of marine harmful algal blooms (HABs): A novel ecosystem-based approach for implementing predictive capabilities and managing decisions
    • Authors: Gajardo, G.; Morón-López, J.; Vergara, K.; Acuña, J.J.; Jorquera, M.A.
    • Journal: Environmental Science and Policy
    • Year: 2023
  2. Monitoring bacterial composition and assemblage in the Gulf of Corcovado, southern Chile: Bacteria associated with harmful algae
    • Authors: Fujiyoshi, S.; Yarimizu, K.; Fuenzalida, G.; Jorquera, M.A.; Maruyama, F.
    • Journal: Current Research in Microbial Sciences
    • Year: 2023
  3. Toxic Dinophysis acuminata in southern Chile: A comparative approach based on its first local in vitro culture and offshore-estuarine bloom dynamics
    • Authors: Paredes-Mella, J.; Mardones, J.I.; Norambuena, L.; Labra, G.; Nagai, S.
    • Journal: Progress in Oceanography
    • Year: 2022
  4. Heterosigma akashiwo in Patagonian Fjords: Genetics, Growth, Pigment Signature and Role of PUFA and ROS in Ichthyotoxicity
    • Authors: Flores-Leñero, A.; Vargas-Torres, V.; Paredes-Mella, J.; Lee-Chang, K.; Mardones, J.I.
    • Journal: Toxins
    • Year: 2022
  5. Toxic Alexandrium catenella expanding northward along the Chilean coast: New risk of paralytic shellfish poisoning off the Bío-Bío region (36° S)
    • Authors: Paredes-Mella, J.; Mardones, J.I.; Norambuena, L.; Espinoza-González, O.; Guzmán, L.
    • Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin
    • Year: 2021
  6. Disentangling the environmental processes responsible for the world’s largest farmed fish-killing harmful algal bloom: Chile, 2016
    • Authors: Mardones, J.I.; Paredes, J.; Godoy, M.; Anderson, D.M.; Hallegraeff, G.M.
    • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
    • Year: 2021
  7. Unraveling the Karenia selliformis complex with the description of a non-gymnodimine producing Patagonian phylotype
    • Authors: Mardones, J.I.; Norambuena, L.; Paredes, J.; Krock, B.; Hallegraeff, G.
    • Journal: Harmful Algae
    • Year: 2020
  8. Salinity-growth response and ichthyotoxic potency of the Chilean Pseudochattonella verruculosa
    • Authors: Mardones, J.I.; Fuenzalida, G.; Zenteno, K.; Astuya, A.; Dorantes-Aranda, J.J.
    • Journal: Frontiers in Marine Science
    • Year: 2019