Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji | Ekology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji |Ekology | Best Researcher Award

Dr, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran

Dr. Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji is an emerging voice in agroecology and sustainable agriculture. With a Ph.D. from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, he combines academic research with practical expertise in field management and agricultural innovation. His work bridges plant physiology, soil-plant interactions, and ecosystem services, aiming to optimize food systems while preserving biodiversity. Beyond his publications in high-impact journals, Dr. Kaleji has co-authored several books addressing cultivation techniques and pest management. His role as an Agricultural Specialist in Mazandaran has strengthened his applied research capabilities, ensuring that scientific findings translate into sustainable agricultural practices. Fluent in Persian and English, he actively contributes to global discussions on agroecology.

Profile

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🎓 Education 

Dr. Kaleji holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture specializing in Agroecology from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (2018–2023). His doctoral research delved into sustainable farming systems and plant-soil dynamics. He previously earned his M.Sc. in Agroecology from the Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch (2012–2014), where he explored organic farming and ecosystem services. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr Branch (2007–2011), focusing on crop genetic improvement and field management. This strong educational foundation has enabled Dr. Kaleji to develop a multi-disciplinary approach to agroecological research, blending theory with practice to address modern agricultural challenges.

🏢 Professional Experience 

Dr. Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji brings over two decades of professional expertise to his research. Since 2013, he has served as an Agricultural Specialist and Production Manager for the Jahad-e-Agriculture Organization, Mazandaran Province, overseeing modernization initiatives in crop production. Previously, he conducted research on cotton cultivars at the Cotton Research Institute (2002–2003), enhancing the region’s fiber crop resilience. From 2001 to 2012, he worked as an Agricultural Expert for the Babolsar Defense Organization, managing large-scale cultivation and harvest programs. His dual engagement in applied and academic settings enables him to bridge gaps between research innovations and field-level applications, fostering sustainable agricultural advancements.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Kaleji’s research lies at the intersection of agroecology, sustainable agriculture, plant physiology, soil-plant interactions, and ecosystem services. He investigates how plant-microbial symbioses and ecological management practices improve crop performance, resource-use efficiency, and environmental sustainability. His current work emphasizes biofertilizers like mycorrhizal fungi and Azotobacter to reduce chemical inputs and enhance plant health under varying planting densities. His interest in modeling and simulation tools like DSSAT and spatial analysis via GIS technologies allows him to forecast ecological outcomes in agroecosystems. Dr. Kaleji’s interdisciplinary research aims to contribute directly to regenerative farming and food security strategies.

📚 Publications with Full Details and Summaries

1. Interplay Between ROS and Hormones in Plant Defense Against Pathogens

  • Journal: Plants

  • Publication Date: 2025-04-25

  • DOI: 10.3390/plants14091297

  • Authors: Mostafa Haghpanah, Amin Namdari, Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji, Azam Nikbakht-dehkordi, Ahmad Arzani, Fabrizio Araniti
    Summary:
    This study examines the intricate network between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plant hormonal pathways in combating pathogens. Highlighting novel crosstalk mechanisms, the work suggests integrated strategies for breeding disease-resistant plants.

2. Inoculation with Mycorrhiza and Azotobacter chroococcum Affects the Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Eryngium caeruleum at Different Planting Densities

  • Journal: Agronomía Colombiana

  • Publication Date: 2023-08-14

  • DOI: 10.15446/agron.colomb.v41n2.106390

  • Authors: Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji, Mohammad Reza Ardakani, Sheida Khoshniat
    Summary:
    This paper demonstrates that bio-inoculants improve both biomass and secondary metabolite content in Eryngium caeruleum, promoting the use of eco-friendly agricultural inputs.

3. Quantitative and Qualitative Performance of Froriepia subpinnata as Affected by Mycorrhizal Symbiosis, Compost Tea, and Vermicompost

  • Journal: Unspecified (likely submitted/published in 2024)

  • Author: Mostafa Koozehgar Kaleji
    Summary:
    The study highlights how integrating organic soil amendments and beneficial symbionts boosts the agronomic traits of Froriepia subpinnata, emphasizing low-input sustainable farming models.

Conclusion

Mostafa Koozegar Kaleji shows strong expertise, commitment to agricultural sustainability, real-world impact, and ongoing academic productivity. His profile is very suitable for national-level Best Researcher Awards, especially those emphasizing applied sciences and agriculture.

Tatiany Ribeiro | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Tatiany Ribeiro | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Tatiany Ribeiro, Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil

Tatiany Ciriaco Ribeiro is a dedicated PhD student in Agricultural Engineering at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), Brazil. Her research specializes in the storage and processing of agricultural products, with a particular focus on drying and extraction techniques for medicinal plants. Tatiany’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of São João Del-Rei. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at UFV, where she concentrated on process engineering. Tatiany has gained practical experience through various roles, including serving as a technical responsible in the brewery and cachaça industry, and as a research and development intern at Haskell Cosmetics. She has also contributed to academia as a teaching intern, assisting in courses on beverage production and applied programming for agriculture. Tatiany’s work has significantly impacted the technological advancement of traditional Brazilian beverages like cachaça.

Publication Profile

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Strengths for the Award

  • Diverse Academic Background: Tatiany Ciriaco Ribeiro has a solid academic foundation with a PhD in Agricultural Engineering and a Master’s in Chemical Engineering. Her research focuses on the storage and processing of agricultural products, which is a significant area in both agricultural and chemical engineering.
  • Innovative Research: Her work in optimizing convection air-drying with ultrasound pretreatment and investigating the chemical composition of essential oils from medicinal plants highlights her ability to merge traditional agricultural practices with advanced chemical engineering techniques. This interdisciplinary approach is innovative and highly relevant in the context of sustainable agriculture and food processing.
  • Publication Record: With six published journal papers, including those in respected journals like Drying Technology, she has demonstrated her capability in producing high-quality research. Her work on the optimization of drying processes and the antimicrobial activity of essential oils is particularly noteworthy.
  • Practical Industry Experience: Her experience as a regulatory/research and development intern and as a technical responsible for a brewery and cachaça factory adds a strong practical dimension to her academic expertise. This experience bridges the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications, which is crucial for impactful research in engineering fields.
  • Contributions to Technology: Her contributions to cachaça production and the discovery of a new chemotype of Cyperus rotundus are significant achievements that demonstrate her potential for innovation in agricultural product processing.

Areas for Improvement

  • Limited Patents and Books: Despite her impressive research, the lack of published patents and authored books may be seen as a limitation in demonstrating her ability to translate research into widely recognized intellectual property and educational resources.
  • Broader Impact: While her research is significant, there could be more emphasis on how her work has influenced or could influence industry practices, policy, or wider societal impacts, which are often key criteria for awards like the Best Researcher Award.
  • Professional Network: Enhancing her involvement in international conferences, workshops, and collaborations with other research institutions could further strengthen her profile by expanding her professional network and influence.

Education 

Tatiany Ciriaco Ribeiro’s academic journey is marked by a solid foundation in chemical engineering and a deep commitment to agricultural research. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of São João Del-Rei (UFSJ), where she developed a strong interest in process optimization and the application of factorial designs. Building on this, Tatiany pursued a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), focusing on process engineering. Her master’s research contributed to the optimization of chemical processes, particularly in the production of traditional Brazilian beverages like cachaça. Currently, Tatiany is pursuing her PhD in Agricultural Engineering at UFV. Her doctoral research is pioneering in the storage and processing of agricultural products, particularly in the drying and extraction of medicinal plants. Tatiany’s education reflects a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, positioning her as a rising expert in her field.

Experience 

Tatiany Ciriaco Ribeiro has accumulated diverse experience in both industry and academia, enhancing her expertise in chemical and agricultural engineering. She began her career as a regulatory and research and development intern at Haskell Cosmetics, where she was involved in innovative product development. Tatiany then transitioned to the food and beverage industry, serving as the Technical Responsible for a brewery and cachaça factory. In this role, she oversaw production processes and ensured compliance with industry standards. Tatiany’s academic experience includes a teaching internship at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), where she assisted in courses such as Beverage Production and Programming Applied to Agriculture. She also co-supervised undergraduate research projects, further contributing to the academic community. Her work in optimizing drying processes for medicinal plants during her PhD has not only advanced her research skills but also brought new insights into agricultural product processing. Tatiany’s experience is a testament to her versatility and commitment to innovation.

Research Focus 

Tatiany Ciriaco Ribeiro’s research is at the intersection of chemical and agricultural engineering, with a strong focus on the storage and processing of agricultural products. Her work is particularly concentrated on the drying and extraction processes for medicinal plants, aiming to optimize these methods for better preservation of bioactive compounds. During her Master’s degree, Tatiany explored process engineering with an emphasis on traditional Brazilian beverages, including cachaça, where she developed unconventional distiller models. Her doctoral research at the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) has led to significant advancements in the use of ultrasound and ethanol as pretreatments in drying processes. Tatiany’s work has also uncovered new chemotypes of plants like Cyperus rotundus, contributing to both the scientific community and the agricultural industry. Her research is characterized by a commitment to improving the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural product processing, with a particular interest in the medicinal and beverage industries.

Publication Top Notes

Operational parameters optimization of convection air-drying with ultrasound pretreatment of Cyperus rotundus L. tubers by RSM 🌾📊

Investigation of the influence of pre-treatment with ultrasound + ethanol on the drying of mature fruits of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi 🍒🔬

Investigation of drying with ultrasonic pretreatment on the chemical composition of the essential oil from Cyperus rotundus L. tubers 🌿🧪

Influence of drying with ultrasound+ethanol pre-treatment on the chemical composition of the essential oil from ripe fruits of S. terebinthifolius 🍃🌱

Literature review: use of ultrasound and ethanol as pre-treatment in the drying of vegetable products with bioactive compounds 🥦📚

Analysis of atmospheric pollutants NO2 and O3 via low-cost passive samplers 🌫️🧫

Conclusion

Tatiany Ciriaco Ribeiro is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly due to her interdisciplinary research, publication record, and industry experience. However, she could benefit from focusing on translating her research into patents, expanding her professional network, and emphasizing the broader impact of her work. With these improvements, her profile could become even more compelling for this prestigious award.