William Mbasa | Agronomy | Young scientist Award

Mr. William Mbasa | Agronomy | Young scientist Award

 

Mr at University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

William Valerian Mbasa is a dedicated microbiologist/pathologist with a strong background in agricultural research, specializing in cashew crops and microbiology. He holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Dar es Salaam, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture. Currently serving at Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre, William has authored several influential research articles and played pivotal roles in projects focusing on cashew crop protection and organic-based nutrient management. His leadership experience includes coordinating research and innovation efforts, contributing significantly to the agricultural research landscape in Tanzania.

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Ā Personal Profile

I am a microbiologist/pathologist with self-motivation, goal-oriented, well-organized, hardworking, and attentive to details. I can work efficiently both in a team and individually. Moreover, I am eager to effectively contribute to research and development in solving community challenges.

šŸŽ“Academic Qualification

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Microbiology (By Thesis) University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2022 to Date, Master of Science in Microbiology (By Thesis) University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2018 – 2020, Bachelor Degree of Science in Agriculture General Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania 2012 ā€“ 2015, National Form Six Examination Certificate ā€œAdvance levelā€ Kwiro High School, Morogoro, Tanzania, 2010 – 2012, National Form Four Examination Certificate ā€œOrdinary Levelā€ Naliendele Secondary School, Mtwara, Tanzania 2006 – 2009, Primary School Examination Certificate Naliendele Primary School, Mtwara, Tanzania 1999 ā€“ 2005

šŸ’¼Professional/ Work Experience

Research Officer Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre 1st November 2022 ā€“ Present. Agricultural Research Officer Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre under Temporary Terms 25th January 2021 ā€“ 31st October 2022. Agricultural Research Officer. Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre under Cashew Research Program (CRP) September 2016 – 24th January 2021

šŸŒŸLeadership Experience

Assistant of Coordinator of Research and Innovation (CRI) Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre 1st January 2024 ā€“ Present Assistant of Coordinator of Cashew Research Program (CRP) Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre 1st January 2024 ā€“ Present Head of Crop Protection Section Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre under Cashew Research Program (CRP)-Cashew Crop Protection December 2022 ā€“ Present Acting Head of Cashew Agronomy Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre under Cashew Research Program (CRP)-Agronomy section March 2017 – March 2018

šŸ”¬Research Involved

Cashew Apple Organic-Based Nutrient Management Practice: Potential for Improved Productivity of Cashew in Southeastern Tanzania Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre, 2019 – 2022, šŸŒ± One (1) cashew apple organic-based fertilizer was recommended., šŸ“š One (1) research article was published in a reputable journal.. Investigations of Cashew Wilt Disease: An Emerging Threat Caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Tanzania Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre 2018 ā€“ 2020 (Phase I), 2022 – To Date (Phase II)Ā Three (3)

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Distribution, characterization and chemical management of noxious shrub weed (Dichapetalum stuhlmannii Engl) in cashew in southeastern Tanzania
    Authors: Mbasa, W.V., Kapinga, F.A., Nene, W.A., Ngiha, K.N., Bashiru, R.A.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Heliyon
    DOI: e28207

 

  • Title: Influence of cashew apple utilization on soil nutrient replenishment and performance of cashew seedlings
    Authors: Valerian Mbasa, W., Kapinga, F.A., Nene, W.A., Merengo, M.J., Lilai, S.A.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Journal of Plant Nutrition
    Volume and Issue: 47(4)
    Pages: 595ā€“614

 

  • Title: The efficacy of biofungicides on cashew wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum
    Authors: Lilai, S.A., Kapinga, F.A., Nene, W.A., Mbasa, W.V., Tibuhwa, D.D.
    Year: 2022
    Journal: European Journal of Plant Pathology
    Volume and Issue: 163(2)
    Pages: 453ā€“465

 

  • Title: Ecological factors influencing severity of cashew fusarium wilt disease in Tanzania
    Authors: Lilai, S.A., Kapinga, F.A., Nene, W.A., Mbasa, W.V., Tibuhwa, D.D.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Research in Plant Disease
    Volume and Issue: 27(2)
    Pages: 49ā€“60

 

  • Title: In vitro efficacy of botanical leaf extracts on Fusarium oxysporum causing cashew wilt disease in Tanzania
    Authors: Mbasa, W.V.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection
    Volume and Issue: 54(19-20)
    Pages: 2397ā€“2406

 

  • Title: Characterization and chemical management of Cashew Fusarium Wilt Disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Tanzania
    Authors: Mbasa, W.V., Nene, W.A., Kapinga, F.A., Lilai, S.A., Tibuhwa, D.D.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Crop Protection
    Volume: 139
    DOI: 105379

 

Wei Quan Pang | Plant Tissue Culture | Young Scientist Award

Ā Mr. Wei Quan Pang |Plant Tissue Culture| Young Scientist Award

Ā Mr. Universiti Sains Malaysia MalUniversiti Sains Malaysia,Ā  Malaysia.

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ”¬ Pang Wei Quan is a diligent and outcome-oriented Biotechnology professional with a robust academic foundation and practical expertise in various domains, including plant tissue culture, animal cell culture, microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

 

Profile

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Education šŸ“ššŸŽ“

Master of Science in Biotechnology Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Gelugor, Penang2022 ā€“ Present Expected Graduation Date: May 2024Specialization: Plant Tissue Culture Key Achievements: Successfully micro propagated a rare white strawberry variety using plant tissue culture techniques. Achieved rapid fruit production within three months through hydroponic indoor farming. Conducted biochemical and DNA molecular analyses to support research projects. Conducted extensive research on non-native crop adaptation. Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons.) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Gelugor, Penang Graduated in October 2021Grade: 3.64 / Second Class (Upper)Major: Biotechnology Minor: Psychology Key Highlights: Gained a strong foundation in biotechnology and psychology.

Work ExperiencešŸ“š

  • Internship
    • INFORMM, USM, Gelugor, Penang
    • Aug 2020 ā€“ Sept 2020
    • Completed a 6-week internship in an institute specialized in research in molecular medicine.

Ā ObjectivešŸ“–

To leverage my contributions to the field of science, particularly in the advancement of plant science, and be recognized for my impactful work at the International Young Scientist Awards.

Ā Volunteering / Leadership Experience

Volunteer Penang International Science Fair 2017Treasurer10th Annual Book Festival Librarian Unit, USM Tionghua Language SocietyAcademic Season 2017/2018Head of Librarian Unit USM Tionghua Language Society, Academic Season 2018/2019Head of Programme Department11th Annual Book Festival Librarian Unit of USM Tionghua Language Society, Academic Season 2018/2019Executive Committee USM Tionghua Language Society, Academic Season 2019/2020Student Advisor12th Annual Book Festival Librarian Unit of USM Tionghua Language Society, Academic Season 2019/2020U-Voice National Singing Competition, Academic Season 2019/2020

Ā Industry Related skills

šŸŒ± Plant Tissue Culture Proficient in sterile culture techniques, micropropagation, and tissue culture media preparation.šŸ’§ Hydroponic Indoor Farming Knowledgeable in hydroponic system setup, plant growth optimization, and nutrient management.šŸ§« Animal Cell Culture Hands-on experience in cell culture techniques for anticancer research projects.šŸ”¬ Biochemical Analyses Skilled in protein extraction and enzyme assays.šŸ§¬ Molecular Biology Experienced in DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and gene expression analysis.šŸ“Š Research Methodology Strong knowledge of experimental design, data collection, and analysis. šŸ” Laboratory Management Organized and maintained laboratory equipment and supplies. šŸ“ Project Management Demonstrated the ability to plan, execute, and oversee research projects. šŸ’¬ Communication Excellent written and verbal communication skills for scientific reporting and team collaboration. šŸ› ļø Problem-Solving Proven ability to troubleshoot experiments and find creative solutions.

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Effect of graphene oxide nanoparticles on in vitro growth of Fragaria x ananassa (Cameron Highlands white Strawberry) and evaluation of genetic stability using DAMD and ISSR markers
    • Authors: Pang, W.Q., Lai, C.S., Madā€™ Atari, M.F., …, Yoong, I.C.K., Subramaniam, S.
    • Journal: Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 204
    • Page: 108104

 

  • Establishment of an efficient micropropagation protocol for Cameron Highlands White Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) using light emitting diodes (LEDs) system
    • Authors: Pang, W.Q., Tan, S.T., Madā€™ Atari, M.F., Yoong, I.C.K., Subramaniam, S.
    • Journal: South African Journal of Botany
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 157
    • Pages: 189ā€“200