Yosef Wubet | Electrical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Yosef Wubet | Electrical Engineering | Young Scientist Award

University of Gondar Institute of Technology | Ethiopia

Yosef Birara Wubet is a lecturer and researcher in Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in power systems and renewable energy. He holds a Master of Science in Power System Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Power and Control Engineering, both from Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. Since joining the University of Gondar as Lecturer (previously Assistant Lecturer), he has taught, supervised undergraduate projects and internships, reviewed journals, managed team projects, and contributed to practical works in both academic and industrial settings. His research interests span transient stability analysis using machine learning (notably artificial neural networks), fault classification and detection, solar power system design, smart grid technologies, modeling and design of controllers, system stability and forecasting, and modeling renewable energy integration. He has published multiple articles in peer-reviewed journals, including “Transient Stability Assessment and Enhancement of Hydropower Plant Using Artificial Neural Network” and “Design and modeling of ANN-based automatic generation control and voltage regulator for integrated hydropower plants in Ethiopia.” His honors include high academic distinctions (CGPA 3.96/4.0 in MSc, “Very great distinction”), the “Best Project of the Year 2018” at Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, and an Electrical Installation License from the Ethiopian Petroleum and Energy Authority. Yosef’s work contributes both theoretically and practically toward more stable, reliable, and renewable-energy-enabled power systems in Ethiopia and beyond.

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Featured Publications

Wubet, Y. B., Getahun, H. M., Alemu, Y. A., & Gela, T. T. (2025). Transient stability assessment and enhancement of hydropower plant using artificial neural network. Scientific African, Elsevier.

Wubet, Y. B., Gela, T. T., & Getahun, H. M. (2025). Design and modeling of ANN-based automatic generation control and automatic voltage regulator for two integrated hydro power plants in Ethiopia. Scientific African, Elsevier.

Muhammad Amer Qureshi | Biomedical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amer Qureshi | Biomedical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Nizwa | Oman

Associate Professor Muhammad Amer Qureshi is a distinguished mathematician. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics , an M.S. in Engineering Sciences , and an M.Sc. in Computational Mathematics . His academic career has spanned roles as Associate Professor at the University of Nizwa (Oman), Associate and Assistant Professor at KFUPM (Saudi Arabia), and earlier appointments at GIK Institute and the University of Auckland. His research interests lie in numerical methods for ordinary differential equations (including one-step and multistep integrators, symplectic schemes), computational fluid dynamics (especially nano-hybrid fluids and heat transfer modeling), and the application of symmetries in general relativity (Noether’s theorem, space–time symmetries). He has supervised numerous undergraduate and graduate research projects, secured multiple externally funded grants, and published extensively in ISI/Scopus journals. Among his honors are repeated recognition in the Top 2% of global scientists, an Excellence in Teaching Award, and merit-based scholarships for Ph.D. and MS studies. In sum, his multifaceted contributions to theory, computation, and pedagogy mark him as a leading researcher and educator dedicated to advancing mathematics and engineering science.

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Featured Publications

Qureshi, M. A., & Hussain, S., & Sadiq, M. A. (2021). Numerical simulations of MHD mixed convection of hybrid nanofluid flow in a horizontal channel with cavity: Impact on heat transfer and hydrodynamic forces. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 27, 101321.

Qureshi, M. A. (2022). Thermal capability and entropy optimization for Prandtl–Eyring hybrid nanofluid flow in solar aircraft implementation. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 61(7), 5295–5307.

Qureshi, M. A. (2020). Numerical simulation of heat transfer flow subject to MHD of Williamson nanofluid with thermal radiation. Symmetry, 13(1), 10.

Qureshi, M. A. (2021). A case study of MHD driven Prandtl–Eyring hybrid nanofluid flow over a stretching sheet with thermal jump conditions. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 28, 101581.

Shahzad, F., Jamshed, W., Ibrahim, R. W., Nisar, K. S., & Qureshi, M. A., et al. (2021). Comparative numerical study of thermal features analysis between Oldroyd-B copper and molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles in engine-oil-based nanofluids flow. Coatings, 11(10), 1196.

Tesfamichael Derso | Social Sciences | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Tesfamichael Derso | Social Sciences | Young Researcher Award

Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Mr. Tesfamichael Derso is a historian and researcher specializing in Ethiopian history, heritage management, and social integration, with more than nine years of experience in teaching, research, and community service. He holds a MA in History from the University of Gondar and a BA in History and Heritage Management from Wolita Sodo University. Since he has taught history at the secondary level, and since he has served as a university lecturer at Bahir Dar University, where he delivers lectures, designs and grades assessments, leads review sessions, supervises student learning, and carries out scholarly research. His publications include four articles in peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals on topics such as ethnic interaction, Iddir institutions, forestry history, infrastructure development, and the impact of the Fascist Italian occupation in Gondar. His research interests include interethnic relations, heritage and indigenous institutions, environmental history, colonial and wartime impacts, and local community identity. He has also participated in seminars and training in research ethics, conservation, leadership, and manuscript restoration. Among his recognitions is the Young African Fellowships Award from CODESRIA and the Mastercard Foundation.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Derso, T. F. (2025). Fascist Italian occupation and its impact on Ethiopia: The case of Gondar, 1936 to 1941. National Identities, 24(4), 1–24.

Derso, T. F. (2024). Ethnic interaction and integration in Gondär (Ethiopia): The case of the Amhara and Tigre, 1930–1970s. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 11(1), 2330177.

Derso, T. F. (2024). Forest and forestry in Gondar (Ethiopia) from 1938 to 1991: Utilization, opportunities, and constraints. Israel Journal of Ecology and Evolution, 1–10.

Fentie, T. (2023). Iddir in Gondar: Historical development and its role in promoting social interaction among different ‘ethno-linguistic’ groups (1936–1994). Ethiopian Journal of Social Sciences, 9(1), 45–63.

Fentie, T. (2023). An assessment of road and bridge construction in Simen and Begemider province, 1963–1991. Ethiopian Journal of Social Sciences, 9(2), 75–90.

Rashad Mukhtar Balal | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Rashad Mukhtar Balal | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Prof. Rashad Mukhtar Balal is a leading horticultural researcher and academician currently heading the Department of Horticulture at the University of Sargodha. He holds a PhD in Pomology, Biotechnology, and Horticultural Stress Physiology  and earlier earned an MPhil in Horticultural Biotechnology and a BSc (Hons) in Horticulture. Over more than two decades, he has served in roles from Assistant Professor to full Professor, with visiting appointments at Cornell University (USA) and Harper Adams University (UK). His research spans Pomology, stress physiology of horticultural crops, biotechnology, citrus rootstocks and nursery management, off-season vegetable production, and the use of phytoextracts to mitigate abiotic and biotic stress. According to his profile on ScienceDirect, He has received numerous national and international recognitions, including the ASHS Outstanding Research Publication Award, national innovation awards, and accolades for establishing certified disease-free citrus nurseries. Through leading significant funded projects and mentoring many MPhil and PhD scholars, he continues to advance horticultural research and education in Pakistan.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shahid, M. A., Sarkhosh, A., Khan, N., Balal, R. M., Ali, S., Rossi, L., Gómez, C., … (2020). Insights into the physiological and biochemical impacts of salt stress on plant growth and development. Agronomy, 10(7), 938.

Abbas, T., Balal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., Pervez, M. A., Ayyub, C. M., Aqueel, M. A., … (2015). Silicon-induced alleviation of NaCl toxicity in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is associated with enhanced photosynthesis, osmoprotectants and antioxidant activities. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(2), 6.

Khan, H. A., Ayub, C. M., Pervez, M. A., Bilal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., & Ziaf, K. (2009). Effect of seed priming with NaCl on salinity tolerance of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at seedling stage. Soil and Environment, 28(1), 81–87.

Shahid, M. A., Pervez, M. A., Balal, R. M., Mattson, N. S., Rashid, A., Ahmad, R., … (2011). Brassinosteroid (24-epibrassinolide) enhances growth and alleviates the deleterious effects induced by salt stress in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Australian Journal of Crop Science, 5(5), 500–510.

Shahid, M. A., Balal, R. M., Khan, N., Zotarelli, L., Liu, G. D., Sarkhosh, A., … (2019). Selenium impedes cadmium and arsenic toxicity in potato by modulating carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 180, 588–599.

Job Allan Wefwafwa | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Job Allan Wefwafwa | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

The Technical University of Kenya | Kenya

Dr. Job Allan Wefwafwa is a scholar in Communications and Media Studies whose work examines digital media useespecially WhatsApp and social mediz in African electoral politics, with a focus on indigenous communication, social justice, and Afrocentric approaches. He holds a PhD in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand, an MA in Communication Studies from the University of Nairobi, and a BA in Mass Communication from Makerere University. Professionally, he has taught and done research at institutions including the Technical University of Kenya, the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication, Mt. Kenya University, and Wits University, and he has experience designing curricula, supervising MA and PhD students, and innovating in pedagogy and digital ethnographic methods. His current research interests include digital deliberation, techno-affective politics, vernacular and indigenous media, disinformation, gendered intimidation in social media, media and democracy in Africa. According to AD Scientific Index, his profile includes metrics such as total h-index and citation and document counts, which reflect his scholarly output and influence. He has received grants and fellowships (e.g. Social Science Research Council, Open Society Foundation, NextGen Social Sciences in Africa, Mellon Foundation) and convenes and presents in international conferences. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and in edited volumes, and he is engaged in academic service, including examining, workshops, and collaborative research. In sum, he is an established researcher whose work bridges theory and practice in digital media in African electoral contexts, and he continues to expand knowledge in inclusive, indigenous, and justice-oriented directions.

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Featured Publications

Wefwafwa, J. A. (2014). An evaluation of training standards in Kenyan media colleges: A case study of public and private middle level media training colleges in Nairobi. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 19(2), 68–83.

Wefwafwa, J. A. (2014). Indigenous communication systems versus modern communication systems: A case study of the Bukusu Subtribe of Western Kenya. Global Media Journal – African Edition, 8(2), 301–317.

Wefwafwa, J. A., Wekesa, B., & Gagliardone, I. (2025). Tensions, confrontations, and consensus: WhatsApp use in Kenyan electoral politics. Social Media + Society, 11(1),

Wefwafwa, J. A. (2025). TV portrayal and people’s perceptions on indigenous environmental conservation in Kenya. African Journalism Studies, 1–19.

Wefwafwa, J. A. (2025). Vulgarities, vulnerabilities, and vengeance: Gendered intimidation and WhatsApp use in electoral politics in Kenya. Global Studies Quarterly, 5(3), ksaf065.

Sohail Ahmad Khan | Mathematics | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Sohail Ahmad Khan | Mathematics | Young Scientist Award

Quaid I Azam University Islamabad | Pakistan

Dr. Sohail Ahmad Khan is a distinguished researcher in Applied Mathematics with a strong background in Computational Fluid Dynamics, mathematical modeling, and heat and mass transfer. He earned his Ph.D., M.Phil., and M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics from Quaid-i-Azam University, Pakistan. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing analytical and numerical methods for nonlinear problems in Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid mechanics.  Dr. Khan’s research primarily focuses on nanofluid flow, entropy generation, magnetohydrodynamics, and thermal analysis using advanced techniques such as the Homotopy Analysis Method, Finite Difference Method, and Keller Box Method. He actively serves as a reviewer for more than 120 high-impact journals and has received multiple international recognitions, including the World’s Top 2% Scientist ranking by Stanford University in 2022 and 2024. His dedication to mathematical innovation and interdisciplinary applications continues to influence modern engineering and physical sciences, contributing significantly to global research on nonlinear transport phenomena and energy optimization.

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Featured Publications

Hayat, T., Khan, S. A., Khan, M. I., & Alsaedi, A. (2019). Theoretical investigation of Ree–Eyring nanofluid flow with entropy optimization and Arrhenius activation energy between two rotating disks. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine, 177, 57–68.

Khan, S. A., Hayat, T., Alsaedi, A., & Ahmad, B. (2021). Melting heat transportation in radiative flow of nanomaterials with irreversibility analysis. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 140, 110739.

Hayat, T., Khan, S. A., Khan, M. I., & Alsaedi, A. (2019). Optimizing the theoretical analysis of entropy generation in the flow of second grade nanofluid. Physica Scripta, 94(8), 085001.

Razaq, A., Hayat, T., Khan, S. A., & Momani, S. (2023). ATSS model based upon applications of Cattaneo-Christov thermal analysis for entropy optimized ternary nanomaterial flow with homogeneous-heterogeneous chemical reactions. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 79, 390–401.

Khan, S. A., Hayat, T., Khan, M. I., & Alsaedi, A. (2020). Salient features of Dufour and Soret effect in radiative MHD flow of viscous fluid by a rotating cone with entropy generation. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45(28), 14552–14564.

David Owolabi | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. David Owolabi | Civil Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Morgan State University | United States

Mr. David Olusogo Owolabi is a researcher and educator specializing in sustainable infrastructure and resilient engineering. He holds a PhD (in progress) and an MSc in Sustainable Infrastructure and Resilient Engineering from Morgan State University, and a BSc in Architecture from Caleb University. In his role as a Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant at Morgan State, he supports undergraduate lab instruction in CAD and structural analysis (SAP2000) while conducting experimental research in self-healing bacterial concrete, fiber integration, and MICP-based crack remediation. Earlier, as an Architectural Designer at Kreativity Projects (Lagos) and an intern at Ab.dt Partnership (Ibadan), he developed design concepts, 3D visualizations, working drawings, and integrated sustainable design principles. His research interests span microbial self-healing concrete, bio-based infrastructure resilience, green building practices, and material durability. His published works include comparative analyses of autogenous vs microbial calcite precipitation in concrete and studies on crack healing performance via microbial carriers. He has also contributed to interdisciplinary studies on air quality in engineering labs and noise mitigation in buildings. He is a certified professional in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD, has earned certifications in machine learning and socially just coding, and is committed to applying data-driven, sustainable innovation in civil infrastructure.

Profile : Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Ahmad, I., Shokouhian, M., Owolabi, D., Jenkins, M., & McLemore, G. L. (2025). Assessment of biogenic healing capability, mechanical properties, and freeze–thaw durability of bacterial-based concrete using Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sphaericus, and Bacillus megaterium. Buildings, 15(6), 943.

Ahmad, I., Shokouhian, M., Jenkins, M., McLemore, G. L., & Owolabi, D. O. (2025). Crack healing performance of microbial self-healing concrete using different carriers. In Structures Congress 2025 (pp. 362–372). American Society of Civil Engineers.

Owolabi, D. O., Shokouhian, M., Ahmad, I., Jenkins, M., & McLemore, G. L. (2025). Comparative analysis of autogenous and microbial-based calcite precipitation in concrete: State-of-the-art review. Buildings, 15(18), 3289.

Dunmoye, A. C., Owolabi, O. A., Banjo, A. V., Abiri, T. I., Dunmoye, I. D., & Owolabi, D. O. (2025). Noise mitigation strategies for vertical sound transmission in buildings with wooden floor. INTER-NOISE and NOISE-CON Congress and Conference Proceedings, 271(1), 1009–1018.

Balogun, G. Y., Owolabi, D. O., Ige, M. O., Abiri, T., Abiodun, P. O., & Owolabi, O. A. (2025). Assessing air quality at HBCU engineering laboratories to enhance student safety and learning. 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. American Society for Engineering Education.

Marwa Hassan | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Marwa Hassan | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute | Egypt

Marwa Hassan is an immunologist with substantive contributions in stem cell biology, molecular immunology, and translational research. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare & Hospital Management (American University in Cairo, 2020). Over her career she has held roles from resident researcher to acting head of department at the Immunology Division of TBRI, and has organized and led numerous specialized training courses (e.g. stem cell culture, molecular immunology, ELISA). Her research interests include non-coding RNAs, stem cell differentiation, immune regulation in liver disease, and biomarker development. She has published in peer-reviewed journals (e.g. on circulating liver cancer stem cells) and contributed to capacity building via workshops and academic leadership. Her awards and recognitions reflect her dual strengths in research and academic service. In sum, Dr. Hassan combines rigorous scientific inquiry with institutional leadership, advancing immunology and regenerative medicine in Egypt and beyond.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Ahmed, M. H. M., & Abdel Hamid, H. M. (2022). Circulating liver cancer stem cells: Clinical implications and future perspectives. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 28(1), 39–52

Ahmed, M. H. M., El Refai, S., & El-Shenawy, R. (2021). MicroRNA-based biomarkers in hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Egyptian Journal of Immunology, 28(2), 75–90.

Ahmed, M. H. M., Hussein, M., & El Sayed, A. (2020). Impact of mesenchymal stem cell passaging on proliferation and differentiation potential. Theodor Bilharz Medical Journal, 18(4), 201–210.

Ahmed, M. H. M., Ibrahim, N., & Khalifa, M. (2019). Role of regulatory T-cells in autoimmune liver diseases: An immunopathological study. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, 9(3), 355–362.

Ahmed, M. H. M., & El Demerdash, R. (2017). Gene expression profiling of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells under oxidative stress. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 8(1), 112.

Faustin Maniraguha | Social Impact of Scientific Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Faustin Maniraguha | Social Impact of Scientific Discoveries | Best Researcher Award

University of Rwanda College of Business and Economics, Gikondo Campus | Rwanda

Dr. Faustin Maniraguha is an economist and data scientist currently serving as Acting Manager and Principal Economist in the Modelling and Forecasting Division of the Research Department at the National Bank of Rwanda. He is completing a PhD in Data Sciences and Econometrics at the African Centre of Excellence, University of Rwanda. He holds a Master’s (DEA) in Applied Macroeconomics from Omar Bongo University, Gabon, and has participated in advanced quantitative economics training in Germany and Rwanda. Over more than a decade, he has held roles in research, consulting, monitoring and evaluation, teaching, and policy advisory. At the central bank, he leads medium- and near-term macroeconomic projections (covering real, fiscal, external, monetary, and inflation sectors), works with survey design, micro-simulation, time series and panel econometric models, and contributes to policy briefs and international publications. His research interests span econometrics, macroeconomics, development economics, monetary economics, microeconomics, international trade and external shocks. He has published several peer-reviewed articles in academic journals and contributed to policy work, including in forecasting inflation, exchange rate transmission, financial development, poverty, and external shocks. He has also participated in numerous conferences, workshops, and capacity building programs.  Dr. Maniraguha continues to shape economic policy analysis in Rwanda and the East African region.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Bayale, N., Traoré, F., Diarra, S., & Maniraguha, F. (2022). Endogenous threshold effects and transmission channels of foreign aid on economic growth: Evidence from WAEMU zone countries. Transnational Corporations Review, 14(1), 77–93.

Maniraguha, F., & Ndemezo, E. (2022). Exports, finance, and economic growth: Does financial development boost the impact of exports on economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa? Macroeconomics and Finance in Emerging Market Economies, 1–44.

Maniraguha, F. (2020). Does formalization of informal enterprises matter? Evidence from Rwanda. Randwick International of Social Science Journal, 1(3), 419–432.

Maniraguha, F., Uwilingiye, J., Ndemezo, E., & Ruranga, C. (2025). Economic growth and poverty in sub-Saharan African countries: Non-linearity and exports threshold effect. Journal of Applied Economics, 28(1), 2557407.

Maniraguha, F., Uwilingiye, J., Ndemezo, E., & Ruranga, C. (2025). Financial development and economic growth amid external shocks in the East African Community. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies.

Mahdi Sadeghi Pour Marvi | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mahdi Sadeghi Pour Marvi | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Tehran Province | Iran

Dr. Mahdi Sadeghi Pour Marvi is a molecular and soil microbiologist whose research spans microbial ecology, soil biology, genomics and ecosystem biodiversity. He earned his Ph.D. in Soil Biology & Biotechnology from the University of Tehran, following an M.Sc. in Soil Science from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Over more than a decade of academic work, he has investigated the biodiversity and functional capabilities (e.g. sulfur oxidation) of native chemolithotrophic microorganisms in agricultural and mining soils, published on the diversity of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in copper mine ecosystems, and studied plant-microbe interactions under stress conditions. His methodological skills include molecular techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, DGGE), bioinformatics (phylogenetics, sequence alignment), and statistical & GIS modeling (SAS, SPSS, PAST, ArcGIS).  He has 9- citations, h-index-1, to date, with ongoing research contributions in microbial and soil ecology.  In summary, Dr. Sadeghi’s expertise bridges microbiology, soil ecology and bioinformatics, making him a valuable contributor to environmental and ecosystem research.

Profiles :  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Sadeghi Pour Marvi, M. (2017). Isolation and identification of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria in agricultural soil and evaluating sulfur oxidation yield. Biological Journal of Microorganism, 21(1), 113–125. University of Isfahan, Iran. ISSN: 2322-5173.

Sadeghi Pour Marvi, M. (2017). Operational evaluation of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria yield isolated from copper mine soil and their molecular identification based on 16S rRNA sequence. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Research (Iranian Journal of Biology). University of Tehran.

Sadeghi Pour Marvi, M. (2016). The diversity of sulfur-oxidizing bacterial populations at an Iranian copper mine and the surrounding agricultural soils. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 14(3), 509–533.* ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.

Sadeghi Pour Marvi, M. (2012). Effect of inoculation with VA mycorrhiza and Azotobacter on grain yield, LAI and protein of wheat under drought stress conditions. International Journal of Agriscience, 2(6), 466–476.* ISSN 2228-6322.

Sadeghi Pour Marvi, M. (2011). Thermoplastic biopolymer production (PHB, Poly 3-Hydroxybutyric acid) using secondary carbon source bioreactor based on nitrogen fixation biotechnology. Bioresearch Bulletin, 5, 284–298.