Charu Joshi | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Charu Joshi | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar, Kumaun University, India

Ms. Charu Joshi is a dedicated young ecologist currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Botany at Kumaun University, Nainital, India. With a strong academic background from the University of Delhi, she has demonstrated deep commitment to ecological research—particularly focusing on the invasion dynamics of Lantana camara in the Kumaun Himalayan forests. Her work spans floristic diversity assessments, allelopathic impacts, and biomass applications of invasive species. She has published five peer-reviewed papers and presented her work at national and international platforms, winning the first position for an oral presentation in 2024. Ms. Joshi’s passion lies in understanding how invasive species alter native ecosystems and developing strategies for their sustainable management. Her early contributions reflect not just academic rigor but also applied ecological insight. She stands out as a promising researcher shaping the future of biodiversity conservation and forest ecology in India.

Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Ms. Charu Joshi began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Botany from the University of Delhi in 2019, where she laid the foundation for her interest in plant science. She pursued her Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Botany from the same university and graduated in 2021 with a strong academic record and research inclination. Currently, she is a Ph.D. research scholar at the Department of Botany, DSB Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital. Her doctoral research investigates the ecological impacts and functional dynamics of Lantana camara shrublands in the Kumaun Himalaya. Her education has been marked by a consistent focus on ecological systems, invasive plant management, and biodiversity conservation. With her progression from undergraduate to doctoral levels, Ms. Joshi has developed a firm grasp of theoretical and practical aspects of environmental botany, preparing her for impactful ecological research.

💼 Experience

Ms. Charu Joshi has gathered hands-on research experience in plant invasion ecology and agro-ecological studies. Between June and December 2022, she conducted a project evaluating the effects of aqueous extracts (soaked and crushed) of Lantana camara stem on the germination and early growth of rice variety Chandan-21. This work introduced her to plant allelopathy and its implications for agricultural productivity. Currently, she is working on a doctoral project titled “Structural and functional attributes of Lantana camara shrublands in different forests of Kumaun Himalaya”, focusing on the ecological consequences of invasive species on forest biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Her work involves extensive field studies, lab-based analysis, and collaborative research with senior scientists. Through active involvement in experiments, data analysis, and manuscript writing, Ms. Joshi has developed a solid foundation in ecological methodology, contributing both to scientific knowledge and environmental management strategies.

🏅 Awards and Honors

In recognition of her scientific excellence and presentation skills, Ms. Charu Joshi was awarded First Position in the oral presentation category at the International Conference on Mountain Ecosystem Processes and Sustainable Livelihood – 2024, held from 5–7 March 2024. Organized by the Himachal Pradesh Regional Centre, GBPIHED, Kullu, the conference showcased cutting-edge ecological research across the Himalayan region. Ms. Joshi’s work on the floristic impact of Lantana camara invasion in forest ecosystems stood out for its scientific depth and practical relevance. This award highlights her capability to communicate complex ecological dynamics effectively to both experts and broader audiences. Additionally, her involvement in five published papers and five conference abstracts has earned her respect within the academic community as a promising early-career researcher. Such accolades reflect her continued commitment to research excellence and her emerging leadership in Himalayan ecology and environmental botany.

🔬 Research Focus

Ms. Charu Joshi’s research primarily revolves around invasion ecology, with a focus on the impact of Lantana camara, an aggressive alien species, on native forest ecosystems of the Kumaun Himalaya. Her studies assess the floristic changes, species diversity loss, and alteration in plant community structure due to invasive species. She also investigates the allelopathic effects of Lantana extracts on agricultural crops such as rice and wheat, providing insights into plant–plant interactions. Another dimension of her research explores the potential use of invasive plants as biomass for biochar production, linking ecological challenges to sustainable solutions. Her interdisciplinary approach combines field ecology, experimental plant biology, and agro-environmental applications. The research contributes significantly to forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the development of eco-restorative strategies. Through her scholarly work, Ms. Joshi aims to bridge the gap between ecological research and practical conservation measures in Himalayan landscapes.

📄 Publication Top Notes

  1. Floristic composition and diversity in Lantana camara L. invaded forest zones of Kumaun Himalaya, India
    Authors: Joshi, C., Joshi, V., Bargali, K., Fartyal, A., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
    Journal: Vegetos, 1–16
    Summary: This paper analyzes species richness and vegetation composition in areas invaded by Lantana camara. It concludes that the invasive species significantly reduces native species diversity and alters the structural balance of forest ecosystems.

  2. Effects of aqueous leachates from above ground parts of Lantana camara on seed germination, growth and yield of wheat crop
    Authors: Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Bargali, S. S., & Bargali, K. (2024)
    Journal: Ecological Frontiers, 44(6), 1241–1250
    Summary: The study evaluates how leachates from Lantana suppress wheat growth, highlighting the toxic allelopathic effects and recommending agricultural safeguards in invaded zones.
    Citations: 4 (2024)

  3. Comparative impacts of soaked and crushed aqueous extracts of Lantana camara leaf and stem on germination and early seedling length of Oryza sativa
    Authors: Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Fartyal, A., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2024)
    Journal: Current Agriculture Research Journal, 12, 1345–1360
    Summary: This experimental paper examines how different preparations of Lantana extracts affect rice seedlings, offering new insights into crop-weed dynamics and control.

  4. Assessing the Potential of Three Invasive Alien Plants as Possible Feedstock for the Production of Biochar and Crop Productivity
    Authors: Fartyal, A., Bhambra, G. K., Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
    Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 1–17
    Summary: The study assesses the use of Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Ageratina adenophora for biochar production, linking ecological control with resource utilization.

  5. Altered composition and structure of plant communities in response to Lantana camara invasion in forest ecosystems of Kumaun Himalaya, India
    Authors: Joshi, C., Joshi, V., Fartyal, A., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
    Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100947
    Summary: This study shows how Lantana disrupts community dynamics in forest plots and recommends ecological restoration practices based on the level of invasion.

Conclusion

Ms. Charu Joshi demonstrates outstanding potential and performance as a young environmental researcher. Her focused and impactful contributions to understanding Lantana camara invasion ecology, emerging citation metrics, and academic recognition make her a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued publication momentum and broader engagement (international or interdisciplinary), she is poised to make long-term contributions to ecological science.

Jasmin Cooper | Environmental Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr Jasmin Cooper | Environmental Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr Jasmin Cooper, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

Dr. Jasmin Cooper, PhD, AMIChemE, is a leading Research Associate at Imperial College London, specializing in emissions inventory analysis and the life cycle sustainability of energy systems. She earned her PhD in Environment and Sustainable Technology from The University of Manchester, where her research assessed the sustainability of shale gas in the UK. Dr. Cooper’s work primarily focuses on evaluating the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of energy systems, including natural gas, hydrogen, and biomethane. She has consulted on multiple projects, offering expertise in emissions quantification, methane leakage analysis, and the techno-economic assessment of low-carbon technologies. With numerous peer-reviewed publications and involvement in high-profile consultancy projects, Dr. Cooper is a prominent figure in the field of sustainable energy systems.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

Dr. Jasmin Cooper stands out as an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to the fields of emissions inventory analysis, life cycle sustainability of energy systems, and decarbonization. Her research on methane emissions, sustainability assessments of shale gas, and the environmental impact of various energy technologies has not only resulted in high-impact publications but has also provided valuable insights into sustainable energy pathways for the UK. Dr. Cooper’s ability to secure funding, her role as a consultant on multiple high-profile projects, and her interdisciplinary approach make her a strong contender.

Her work, cited by numerous researchers, emphasizes the breadth of her impact. Key projects, such as life cycle assessments for UK industrial decarbonization, further showcase her leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The breadth of her research covers critical areas like hydrogen emissions, negative emission technologies, and methane detection, proving her expertise in reducing environmental impacts.

Areas for Improvement

While Dr. Cooper’s contributions are exceptional, a potential area for growth could be increasing engagement in cross-disciplinary collaborative projects. By expanding the application of her findings in international contexts or other energy sectors, her research’s influence could reach a broader audience. Additionally, greater involvement in public dissemination could enhance the societal understanding and implementation of her findings on sustainability and decarbonization.

Education

Dr. Jasmin Cooper received her PhD in Environment and Sustainable Technology from The University of Manchester (2013–2017), where her research focused on the life cycle sustainability assessment of shale gas in the UK. Her work, funded by the EPSRC and The University of Manchester, examined the environmental, economic, and social implications of shale gas extraction and electricity generation in the UK, comparing its sustainability with other electricity options. Her thesis, titled Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Shale Gas in the UK, was supervised by Professor Adisa Azapagic and Dr. Laurence Stamford. Prior to her PhD, Dr. Cooper completed a First Class (Honours) MEng in Chemical Engineering with Environmental Technology (2009–2013) at The University of Manchester. Her undergraduate dissertation explored the swelling behavior of porous polymer adsorbents used for CO₂ capture, further solidifying her expertise in environmental technology and sustainable energy solutions.

Experience

Dr. Jasmin Cooper is currently a Research Associate at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, where she has worked since 2018. Her research focuses on decarbonizing energy systems by analyzing emissions from natural gas, biomethane, hydrogen, and negative emission technologies. Dr. Cooper conducts emission data analysis and life cycle modelling, and she leads projects on the quantification of methane emissions from natural gas supply chains. Her expertise extends to supply chain sustainability, where she assesses the transfer of greenhouse gas emissions across value chains and validates Scope 3 emissions quantification. Dr. Cooper has also worked as a consultant on various high-profile projects, such as methane leakage analysis for Shell and technoeconomic assessments of low-carbon marine fuels for the Royal Academy of Engineering. She has served as an expert witness and third-party reviewer for several consultancy projects and reports, demonstrating her broad expertise in environmental sustainability.

Research Focus

Dr. Jasmin Cooper’s research focuses on the life cycle sustainability of energy systems, with a particular emphasis on emissions analysis and environmental impact assessment. Her work covers natural gas, biomethane, hydrogen, and negative emission technologies, investigating how these energy sources can be used to decarbonize global energy systems. She specializes in the quantification of methane and other short-lived climate pollutants, as well as the technologies used to detect and measure these emissions. Dr. Cooper also explores the sustainability of energy supply chains, assessing how greenhouse gas emissions transfer across value chains and validating Scope 3 emissions data. In addition to this, her research includes the environmental, economic, and social sustainability assessment of shale gas, providing critical insights into its role in energy markets. Overall, her research contributes to understanding how future energy systems can meet global climate goals while minimizing environmental impacts.

Publications Top Notes

  • Shale gas: A review of the economic, environmental, and social sustainability 🛢️🌍💼 – J Cooper, L Stamford, A Azapagic (Energy Technology, 2016)
  • Hydrogen emissions from the hydrogen value chain-emissions profile and impact to global warming 💨⚗️🌍 – J Cooper, L Dubey, S Bakkaloglu, A Hawkes (Science of The Total Environment, 2022)
  • Economic viability of UK shale gas and potential impacts on the energy market up to 2030 💰💡🇬🇧 – J Cooper, L Stamford, A Azapagic (Applied Energy, 2018)
  • Methane emissions along biomethane and biogas supply chains are underestimated ♻️💨🌾 – S Bakkaloglu, J Cooper, A Hawkes (One Earth, 2022)
  • Environmental impacts of shale gas in the UK: Current situation and future scenarios 🛢️🇬🇧🔍 – J Cooper, L Stamford, A Azapagic (Energy Technology, 2014)
  • Natural gas fuel and greenhouse gas emissions in trucks and ships 🚛⛴️🌍 – J Speirs, P Balcombe, J Cooper (Progress in Energy, 2020)
  • The quantification of methane emissions and assessment of emissions data for natural gas supply chains 📊🌿🛢️ – J Cooper, P Balcombe, A Hawkes (Journal of Cleaner Production, 2021)
  • Social sustainability assessment of shale gas in the UK 💼👨‍👩‍👦🇬🇧 – J Cooper, L Stamford, A Azapagic (Sustainable Production and Consumption, 2018)

Conclusion

Dr. Jasmin Cooper’s research achievements, particularly in the sustainable energy sector, underscore her suitability for the Best Researcher Award. Her work addresses critical global challenges in reducing emissions and advancing renewable energy, demonstrating both academic rigor and practical impact. This combination of scholarly influence and societal relevance makes her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award.