Dr. Seltene Abady | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Popular Engineer

Dr. Seltene Abady | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Dr. Seltene Abady Tesfamariam is a dedicated plant breeder committed to enhancing agricultural resilience in Eastern and Southern Africa. He earned a PhD in Plant Breeding from the University of KwaZulu‑Natal (2018–2021), supported by an OFID scholarship under CGIAR. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the African Centre for Crop Improvement (since 2023), he previously led the National Groundnut Research Program in Ethiopia and served as Assistant Professor at Haramaya University. With over two decades of experience in research and teaching, Dr. Tesfamariam specializes in breeding drought‑tolerant groundnut, sorghum, maize, and wheat, integrating genetics, field trials, and advanced statistical tools. He has secured multiple grants and training awards, making him a recognized leader in agricultural innovation, capacity building, and sustainable food systems in Africa.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Tesfamariam’s academic path combines solid foundational training with rigorous postgraduate specialization. He completed a BSc in Plant Sciences (2003–2006) and an MSc in Plant Breeding (2011–2013) at Haramaya University, Ethiopia, focusing on crop genetics and breeding under local agronomic conditions. He went on to earn a PhD in Plant Breeding from the University of KwaZulu‑Natal, South Africa (2018–2021), supported by an OFID/CGIAR scholarship. His doctoral work employed genome-wide association studies and advanced statistical analysis to dissect drought tolerance traits in groundnut. During this period, he also participated in numerous high‑level trainings—such as ASReml‑R modeling, meta‑analysis of research, and demand‑led variety design—shaping both theory and practice in modern plant breeding.

Professional Experience

Dr. Tesfamariam has more than 17 years of progressive agricultural research and academic experience. From 2007 to 2013, he worked as an Assistant Researcher at the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, including leading SIMLESA projects at Pawe Research Center. He then transitioned to Haramaya University, serving as Lecturer (2013–2016) and Assistant Professor (2017–2023), where he taught plant breeding, supervised students, conducted field trials, and led local crop improvement initiatives. He coordinated Ethiopia’s National Groundnut Research Program (2015–2017), driving variety development and stakeholder engagement. Since 2023, he has been a Postdoctoral Fellow at the African Centre for Crop Improvement at the University of KwaZulu‑Natal, focusing on enhancing stress resilience in African staple crops. His experience spans applied genomics, extension outreach, and leadership of multi‑institutional research teams.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Tesfamariam has earned recognition through competitive grants and training awards tied to innovation and crop improvement. He received the OFID scholarship under CGIAR to support his doctoral studies. In 2019, he was awarded funding from the International Foundation for Sciences (IFS), Stockholm. In 2021, he secured a Haramaya University research grant on transpiration efficiency in groundnut. In 2023, he received an Africa UniNet award on gender‑inclusive peanut production and aflatoxin mitigation. He has participated in prestigious international training programs—including ACIAR’s ASReml‑R workshop (2024), ICRISAT’s drought‑tolerance breeding initiative (2018–2020), and meta‑analysis and demand‑led variety design courses at KwaZulu‑Natal and Makerere. Professional memberships include the Southern Africa Plant Breeders’ Association and the Crop Science Society of Ethiopia.

Research Focus

Dr. Tesfamariam’s research is centered on breeding climate‑resilient cultivars to improve food security in drought‑prone regions of Africa. He specializes in groundnut, sorghum, maize, and wheat, targeting traits such as drought tolerance, early maturity, water‑use efficiency, harvest index, and carbon storage. His approach integrates genome-wide association studies (GWAS), SNP markers, advanced statistical modeling (e.g. ASReml‑R), and field experimentation across diverse agro‑ecologies. He examines physiological traits—transpiration efficiency, proline accumulation, nitrogen use—and their genetic basis. His work also addresses aflatoxin contamination and gender‑inclusive peanut production strategies. Collaboration with institutions like ICRISAT, Cranfield University, and regional universities has enabled multidisciplinary innovation. His goal is development and deployment of improved varieties that support nutrition, farm resilience, and sustainable intensification under climate stress.

Publication Top Notes

  • Breeding for resistance to maize streak virus: Challenges, progress and future directions

Frontiers in Plant Science, 2025. Contributors: Mushayi, Malven; Shimelis, Hussein; Derera, John; Tesfamariam, Seltene Abady.
Summary: A comprehensive review of breeding efforts against maize streak virus, synthesizing progress in genetic resistance and outlining future breeding strategies tailored to African maize systems.

  • Genetic diversity and population structure analyses of tropical maize inbred lines using SNP markers

PLOS ONE, 2025. Contributors: Rodreck GununduID; Hussein Shimelis; Seltene Abady Tesfamariam.
Summary: This study uses SNP genotyping to dissect population structure in tropical maize, highlighting key diversity patterns to inform parent selection in breeding programs.

  • Progress in Sorghum Improvement for Early Maturity, Harvest Index, and Water‑Use Efficiency

Food and Energy Security, 2025. Contributors: Byamungu Lincoln Zabuloni; Hussein Shimelis; Seltene Abady Tesfamariam; Maryke Labuschagne; Elize Botha.
Summary: Evaluates sorghum genotypes for proxy traits associated with drought tolerance; identifies early‑maturing lines with superior harvest index and water‑use efficiency.

  • Genetic Parameters and Trait Associations in Wheat Under Drought and Low Nitrogen Conditions

Nitrogen, 2024. Contributors: Sbongeleni Warren Duma; Hussein Shimelis; Seltene Abady Tesfamariam; Toi Tsilo.
Summary: Examines wheat under water and nitrogen stress, quantifying trait correlations—vital for selection of dual‑stress tolerant lines under resource‑limited settings.

  • Genetic variation and association of yield, yield components, and carbon storage in sorghum genotypes

BMC Genomic Data, 2024. Contributors: Asande Ngidi; Hussein Shimelis; Seltene Abady; Vincent Chaplot; Sandiswa Figlan.
Summary: Links yield and biomass traits in sorghum with carbon storage potential, informing breeding for both productivity and soil carbon offset benefits.

  • Genome‑wide association analysis for drought tolerance and component traits in groundnut gene pool

Euphytica, 2024. Contributors: Abady, Seltene; Shimelis, Hussein; Janila, Pasupuleti; Wankhade, Ankush; Chimote, Vivek P.
Summary: Identifies marker-trait associations for key drought adaptive traits in groundnut germplasm; supports marker-assisted selection for stress resilience.

  • Response of Sorghum bicolor genotypes for yield and carbon storage in shoot and root systems

Scientific Reports, 2024. Contributors: Asande Ngidi; Hussein Shimelis; Seltene Abady; Sandiswa Figlan; Vincent Chaplot.
Summary: Field trial assessment of sorghum varieties for biomass partitioning and organic carbon storage under varying management regimes.

Conclusion

Dr. Seltene Abady Tesfamariam exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient. His research directly addresses pressing challenges in African agriculture—climate change adaptation, food security, and sustainable crop production. With an exceptional blend of scientific rigor, leadership, training, and international engagement, he has significantly advanced the field of plant breeding and made lasting contributions to the agricultural development of the region. He is, without doubt, a highly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Nousheen Zahoor | Animal Husbandry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Popular EngineerLeave a Comment on Nousheen Zahoor | Animal Husbandry | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nousheen Zahoor | Animal Husbandry | Best Researcher Award

Master Student, Yangzhou University, Pakistan

Nousheen Zahoor is a dedicated researcher and graduate student from Punjab, Pakistan, currently enrolled in a Chinese language course at Yangzhou University. She is pursuing a degree in Animal Science, having previously completed a BS in Zoology from Government Sadiq College Women University in Bahawalpur. Throughout her academic journey, Nousheen has earned multiple scholarships and awards, including the Ehsas Scholarship, PM Laptop Scheme, and Yangzhou University Scholarship. She is passionate about animal science and biotechnology, with a strong foundation in stem cell research and animal welfare. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has volunteered in various scientific events, including the 20th anniversary of the School of Animal Science at Yangzhou University. Her diverse skill set, including lab expertise and language proficiency, has helped her contribute to several impactful scientific projects.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Nousheen Zahoor’s educational background reflects her commitment to scientific excellence. She completed her Matriculation and F.Sc. in Pre-medical from Ali Garh Science College and Government Degree College Women, Kahror Pacca, Pakistan, respectively. She pursued a BS (Hons.) in Zoology from Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, where she studied key subjects like Fisheries, Genetics, Anatomy, and Animal Diversity. Her academic excellence is demonstrated by her consistent high grades. Currently, she is furthering her education in China at Yangzhou University, pursuing a Chinese Language course (HSK Level 3) under a university scholarship. This combination of scientific and language studies enhances her interdisciplinary understanding and her ability to collaborate globally. Her academic journey reflects strong academic performance, a commitment to animal science, and a passion for continuous learning in diverse fields.

Experience

Nousheen Zahoor has gained valuable experience through academic studies and practical research roles. She is currently a graduate student at Yangzhou University, enrolled in the College of Animal Science and Technology, where she is enhancing her research skills in the field of animal science. Prior to this, she completed a BS (Hons.) in Zoology at Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, where she developed expertise in various biological techniques, including stem cell research, PCR, and microscopy. She has also volunteered for several significant events, including the 20th Anniversary of Yangzhou University’s School of Animal Science and Technology and the Science and Technology Innovation competition. As an author, she has contributed to the field of veterinary sciences through her research on induced pluripotent stem cells in birds. Her academic and extracurricular experiences have equipped her with a solid foundation for her future contributions to the field of animal science.

Research Focus

Nousheen Zahoor’s primary research focus is on stem cell research and its applications in animal science and biotechnology. Her work investigates the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in birds, exploring the potential for regenerative medicine and agricultural advancements. She is particularly interested in the opportunities and challenges associated with applying stem cell technology to animal production and welfare. Her research aims to bridge gaps in understanding the biological mechanisms of stem cells and their potential for improving livestock breeding, disease resistance, and sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, she has gained expertise in various molecular biology techniques, including PCR, western blotting, and fluorescence microscopy, which have supported her research. Through her publications and academic pursuits, she is contributing to the growing field of animal biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on ethical, sustainable, and practical applications of stem cell technology in agriculture.

Publication Top Note

  1. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Birds: Opportunities and Challenges for Science and Agriculture (Veterinary Sciences, 2024) 🦠🔬

Tatiany Ribeiro | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Popular EngineerLeave a Comment on 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

Orcid

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.