Kit Prendergast | Conservation | Young Scientist Award

Posted on 27/06/202527/06/2025 by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Kit Prendergast | Conservation | Young Scientist Award

University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Dr. Kit Prendergast, known as the “Bee Babette,” is an award-winning native bee ecologist, author, and science communicator from Australia, deeply passionate about pollinator conservation and biodiversity. With a Ph.D. from Curtin University, her research focuses on native bee ecology in urban environments and the interactions between native bees and introduced honeybees. Dr. Prendergast has authored multiple books and scientific papers, received numerous prestigious awards, and is an active advocate through various media including YouTube, Facebook, and public outreach events. Her work spans academia, government consulting, community science, and public education, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with creative outreach. She is widely recognized for her innovative projects such as “Bee Hotels to Boost Bees After Bushfires,” and is a prominent figure in entomology and environmental awareness both nationally and internationally. Dr. Prendergast continues to inspire and educate global audiences on native bee conservation and ecological sustainability.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Kit Prendergast earned her Ph.D. in 2021 from Curtin University’s School of Science and Engineering, focusing on native bee communities and the impact of honeybees in urban plant-pollinator networks. She completed her Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Zoology and Conservation Biology from the University of Western Australia in 2014, with a thesis on equine cognitive abilities. Prior to that, she also earned a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and Cultural Studies, from the same university in 2013, achieving high distinctions across all units. She distinguished herself early, graduating from Methodist Ladies College with a TER of 99.4 and multiple academic excellence awards in biology and media studies. Dr. Prendergast has also been recognized through competitive scholarships such as the Forrest Research Foundation Scholarship, enabling her interdisciplinary pursuit of science, communication, and conservation. 🎓

💼 Experience

Dr. Kit Prendergast has held diverse roles across academia, government, NGOs, and consultancy. Currently a postdoctoral researcher at University of Southern Queensland (2024–2026), she has conducted extensive native bee surveys and ecological assessments for organizations including WA Parks and Wildlife, Transport NSW, and Greening Australia. Her portfolio includes science communication, academic tutoring, ecological consulting, writing, and education, with key contributions like the “Powerful Pollinator Planting Guides.” She has authored reports, articles, and books while contributing to high-profile journals and platforms. Kit’s innovative work bridges science and community engagement, evidenced by projects like bee hotels for bushfire recovery and biodiversity surveys across WA, QLD, and Melbourne. Additionally, she has held multiple roles as a content creator, tutor, circus coach, and ambassador, showcasing a rare blend of ecological expertise and creative outreach.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Prendergast has received over 40 prestigious awards, including the 2024 Curtin University Young Achievement Alumni Award and multiple research grants such as the Transport NSW “Save Our Bees” Grant ($30,000) and the Federal Bushfire Recovery Grant ($120,030). She won the Box Office Award at the Anywhere Festival 2024 for her scicomm circus comedy “The Birds & the Bees” and was Highly Commended in the ESA’s 2023 Ecological Impact Awards. Other accolades include the Ivan Beatty Award (2024), Herman Slade Grant (2021–23), multiple top-cited journal recognitions, and early-career travel grants. Her impactful outreach earned her the OEH/ESA Award for Outstanding Outreach and a featured billboard campaign with Liquor Barons in WA. Kit’s work consistently bridges research excellence with creative science communication, garnering national and international recognition.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Kit Prendergast’s research centers on the ecology, behavior, and conservation of native bees, especially within urbanized and fire-affected environments in Australia. Her Ph.D. investigated urban bee assemblages and the impact of European honeybees on native plant-pollinator networks in biodiversity hotspots. She has pioneered methods for native bee sampling, advocated for urban pollinator habitats, and published over 70 scholarly works on topics such as bee-hotel use, floral resource preferences, and social behaviors of cavity-nesting bees. Kit’s multidisciplinary approach integrates field ecology, molecular identification, citizen science, and spatial analysis. Her work also addresses the threats posed by introduced species, habitat fragmentation, and climate change. From conducting national biodiversity surveys to developing practical guides for conservation, Kit’s research contributes to science-based policy and public awareness, making her a leader in native pollinator science and applied environmental management.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Kit Prendergast is a highly accomplished early-career researcher with a rare blend of scientific rigor, creativity, and public engagement. Her significant contributions to native bee research, conservation practices, and science outreach make her a deserving nominee for the Young Scientist Award. With her demonstrated passion, productivity, and potential for growth, she is poised to make continued and profound impacts in both academic and societal contexts.

📝Publications

1. Is the loss of Australian digging mammals contributing to a deterioration in ecosystem function?

Year: 2014
Authors: PA Fleming, H Anderson, AS Prendergast, MR Bretz, LE Valentine, …
Citation: 324

2. The relative performance of sampling methods for native bees: an empirical test and review of the literature

Year: 2020
Authors: KS Prendergast, MHM Menz, KW Dixon, PW Bateman
Citation: 203

3. A global review of determinants of native bee assemblages in urbanised landscapes

Year: 2022
Authors: KS Prendergast, KW Dixon, PW Bateman
Citation: 103

4. Monitoring the birds and the bees: Environmental DNA metabarcoding of flowers detects plant–animal interactions

Year: 2023
Authors: JP Newton, PW Bateman, MJ Heydenrych, JH Kestel, KW Dixon, …
Citation: 63

5. Interactions between the introduced European honey bee and native bees in urban areas varies by year, habitat type and native bee guild

Year: 2021
Authors: KS Prendergast, KW Dixon, PW Bateman
Citation: 58

6. Plant-pollinator networks in Australian urban bushland remnants are not structurally equivalent to those in residential gardens

Year: 2021
Authors: KS Prendergast, J Ollerton
Citation: 56

7. Urban native vegetation remnants support more diverse native bee communities than residential gardens in Australia’s southwest biodiversity hotspot

Year: 2022
Authors: KS Prendergast, S Tomlinson, KW Dixon, PW Bateman, MHM Menz
Citation: 47

8. Impacts of the introduced European honeybee on Australian bee‐flower network properties in urban bushland remnants and residential gardens

Year: 2022
Authors: KS Prendergast, J Ollerton
Citation: 45

9. Continental risk assessment for understudied taxa post‐catastrophic wildfire indicates severe impacts on the Australian bee fauna

Year: 2021
Authors: JB Dorey, CM Rebola, OK Davies, KS Prendergast, BA Parslow, …
Citation: 27

10. Bee representations in human art and culture through the ages

Year: 2021
Authors: KS Prendergast, JE Garcia, SR Howard, ZX Ren, SJ McFarlane, AG Dyer
Citation: 26

11. Honey bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) outnumber native bees in Tasmanian apple orchards: Perspectives for balancing crop production and native bee conservation

Year: 2021
Authors: KS Prendergast, N Leclercq, NJ Vereecken
Citation: 26

12. Methodological shortcomings and lack of taxonomic effort beleaguer Australian bee studies

Year: 2021
Authors: KS Prendergast, K Hogendoorn
Citation: 24

13. The evidence for and against competition between the European honeybee and Australian native bees

Year: 2022
Authors: KS Prendergast, KW Dixon, PW Bateman
Citation: 23

14. The relative performance of sampling methods for native bees: an empirical test and review of the literature

Year: 2020
Authors: KS Prendergast, MHM Menz, KW Dixon, PW Bateman, C Prendergast, …
Citation: 20

15. Checking in at bee hotels: trap-nesting occupancy and fitness of cavity-nesting bees in an urbanised biodiversity hotspot

Year: 2023
Authors: KS Prendergast
Citation: 17

Beatrice Sorrentino | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Posted on 22/08/202422/08/2024 by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Beatrice Sorrentino | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Assegnista di Ricerca, ENEA, Italy

Beatrice Sorrentino is an accomplished Italian researcher with a strong background in physical and astrophysical sciences. With extensive experience in environmental research and spectroscopy, Beatrice has made significant contributions to various European Union projects aimed at understanding and improving environmental and climate policies. She has a keen interest in the intersection of environmental science and physics, which drives her innovative research in meteorological data analysis and air quality modeling.

Publication Profile

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Strengths for the Award:

Research Experience: Beatrice Sorrentino has a strong background in environmental research, particularly in areas related to environmental and climate policy, meteorology, and air quality. Her experience working on European Union projects such as LIFE AIRFRESH and LIFE VEG-GAP demonstrates her ability to contribute significantly to environmental research, which aligns with the goals of the Research for Women Researcher Award.
Publications and Presentations: She has an impressive list of publications in reputable journals such as Environmental Research and Environmental Pollution, showcasing her contributions to the field. Additionally, her presentations at international conferences highlight her active participation in the scientific community.
Diverse Skill Set: Sorrentino has a solid foundation in physics, astrophysics, and radiotherapy, which broadens her expertise beyond environmental research. Her knowledge of various spectroscopic techniques and her experience in data analysis add to her qualifications.
International Exposure: Her Erasmus+ study experience in France and participation in international workshops and conferences demonstrate her global perspective and ability to collaborate across borders, which is crucial for modern scientific research.
Language Proficiency: With strong skills in English, French, and basic knowledge of Spanish, she is well-equipped to communicate and collaborate in an international research environment.

Areas for Improvement:

Extended Research Focus: While her expertise in environmental research is evident, expanding her research to include other pressing global environmental issues, such as climate change mitigation or sustainable development, could enhance her candidacy for this award.
Leadership Roles: While she has significant experience as a researcher, taking on more leadership roles in research projects or initiatives could strengthen her profile and demonstrate her ability to lead and mentor other researchers.
Broader Collaboration: Increasing her involvement in collaborative research projects with institutions outside of Europe could diversify her research portfolio and further highlight her global impact.

🎓 Education

Beatrice holds a Master’s degree in Physical and Astrophysical Sciences from the University of Florence, where she specialized in Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics. Her thesis focused on the performance of Silicon Drift Detectors for PIXE measurements using a compact accelerator detection system. Beatrice also has a Bachelor’s degree in General Physics from the University of Pisa, complemented by an Erasmus+ study experience at Aix-Marseille Université, where she explored topics in Relativistic Cosmology and Quantum Field Theory.

💼 Experience

Beatrice is currently working as a researcher at ENEA, focusing on projects like LIFE AIRFRESH and LIFE VEG-GAP, which involve the analysis and processing of meteorological data for environmental assessments. Her work has also included collaboration with ENEA’s analysis laboratory in Frascati, where she contributed to the TOP IMPLART project by acquiring and analyzing X-ray and gamma-ray spectra. Additionally, she has experience teaching mathematics and physics to high school students in Rome.

🔬 Research Focus

Beatrice’s research interests lie at the nexus of environmental science and physics, with a particular emphasis on meteorological data analysis, air quality modeling, and the spectral analysis of materials. Her work often involves the application of advanced spectroscopy techniques to study environmental impacts and improve climate-related decision-making processes.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Beatrice has been recognized for her contributions to environmental science, particularly for her presentation on the impact of green roofs on the atmosphere, which won the Best Presentation in the field of natural sciences at the International Sopot Youth Conference 2021 in Poland.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Meteorological, chemical and biological evaluation of the coupled chemistry-climate WRF-Chem model from regional to urban scale – Published in Environmental Research, June 2024. Cited by 8 articles

Surface ozone risk to human health and vegetation in tropical regions: The case of Thailand – Published in Environmental Research, July 2023. Cited by 5 articles

The Role of Vegetation on Urban Atmosphere of Three European Cities – Published in Forests, June 2023. Cited by 7 articles

Urban Vegetation Effects on Meteorology and Air Quality: A Comparison of Three European Cities – Chapter in book Air Pollution Modeling and its Application XXVIII, January 2023. Cited by 3 articles

Canopy-based Classification of Urban vegetation from Very High-Resolution Satellite Imagery – Published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, February 2023. Cited by 6 articles

Conclusion:

Beatrice Sorrentino is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her extensive experience in environmental research, impressive publication record, and active participation in international conferences make her a strong contender. While expanding her research focus and taking on leadership roles could enhance her profile, her current achievements and skills already position her as a worthy recipient of this award.

Parthankar Choudhury | Environment Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 06/07/202410/07/2024 by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Parthankar Choudhury| Environment Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Professor Parthankar Choudhury is the Dean and former Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at Assam University, Silchar. He graduated from G.C. College and completed his M.Sc. in Zoology from G.U. With 36 years of teaching and 28 years of research experience, he has published 102 papers, five books, and 56 popular science articles. He has supervised 19 Ph.D. and two M.Phil scholars, with six Ph.D. projects ongoing. His research focuses on wildlife and biodiversity conservation. An awardee of the ‘Friends of the Environment’ by the Government of Assam, he has attended and delivered talks at 210 seminars globally.

profile:

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🎓 Education:

Graduated from G. C. College (1984), M.Sc. in Zoology from G. U. (1987)

📚 Publications:

Papers: 102
Books: 5
Science-based popular articles: 56

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience: 36 years

🔬 Research Experience: 28 years Produced 19 Ph.Ds and 2 M.Phils, Supervising 6 ongoing Ph.D. research works

🌳 Field of Interest: Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Friends of the Environment Award by Government of Assam (Awarded: August 15, 2022)

🌍 International Visits

Europe, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal
Visiting Fellow at Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh (April 1-15, 2016)

🎤 Seminars, Symposia, Conferences

Attended/Delivered Invited Talks: 210

🤝 Collaborations

Universities: Kerala, Periyar, Pondicherry, Kalyani, Burdwan, Goa, Bharathiar, Rajiv Gandhi, Gauhati, Mizoram, NE Hill University

📋 Memberships

International Primatological Society, USA, Zoological Society of Assam, SANIZE, Zoo Outreach Organization, Fellow, Society of Environmental Sciences, India, Executive Council Member, Assam University, Silchar, President, Governing Body, Cachar College, Silchar, Governing Body Member, Haflong Govt. College, Editorial Board Member, Journal of Life Science and Technologies, Editorial Board Member, The Indian Journal of Environment And Research, Life Member, Centre for Environment, Education and Economic Development, Member, Board of Research Studies, Assam University, Member, Board of Post Graduate Studies, Environmental Science, Assam University, Member, Board of Under Graduate Studies, Environmental Studies, Assam University, Chairman, E. P. Odum School of Environmental Science, Assam University, Member, District Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Hailakandi District, Assam, Chairman, Green Audit Team, Assam University, Member, Eco-forest Development Committee, Assam University, Member, Board of Post Graduate Studies, Department of Mathematics, AUS, Life Member, Vijnana Bharati

📊 Projects (Completed and Ongoing)

Pests of Tea and Control in Tea Agro-ecosystem
- Agency: UGC North East
- Period: 1998-2001
- Grant: ₹1.0 Lakh
SAP-DRS: Biodiversity Conservation
- Agency: UGC
- Period: 2009-2012
- Grant: ₹46.2 Lakhs
Status Survey of Western Hoolock Gibbon and Conservation Initiative
- Agency: UGC-MRP
- Period: 2013-2017
- Grant: ₹9.45 Lakhs
Status Survey and Conservation Needs of Primates
- Agency: International Primatological Society, USA
- Period: 2016-2017
- Grant: $2000
Habitat Restoration and Conservation of Gangetic Dolphin
- Agency: North East Council Secretariat (NEC) under DoNER Ministry
- Period: 2021-2024
- Grant: ₹24.89 Lakhs

Publication:📝

Importance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in rural livelihood: A study in Patharia Hills Reserve Forest, northeast India
- NR Talukdar, P Choudhury, RA Barbhuiya, B Singh
- Trees, Forests and People 3, 100042, 2021

Impact of pesticide use on the health of farmers: A study in Barak valley, Assam (India)
- KR Dey, P Choudhury, BK Dutta
- Journal of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology 5 (10), 269-277, 2013

Habitat suitability of the Asiatic elephant in the trans-boundary Patharia Hills Reserve Forest, northeast India
- NR Talukdar, P Choudhury, F Ahmad, R Ahmed, F Ahmad, H Al-Razi
- Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 6, 1951-1961, 2020

Conserving wildlife wealth of Patharia Hills reserve forest, Assam, India: A critical analysis
- NR Talukdar, P Choudhury
- Global Ecology and Conservation 10, 126-138, 2017

Assessment of forest health status using a forest fragmentation approach: A study in Patharia Hills Reserve Forest, northeast India
- NR Talukdar, R Ahmed, P Choudhury, NA Barbhuiya
- Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 6, 27-37, 2020

Diversity of Plankton in Maijan, Upper Assam Beel
- SKS Abujam, S Dakua, B Bakalial, AK Saikia, SP Biswas, P Choudhury
- Asian Journal of Experimental Biological Sciences 2 (4), 562-568, 2011

Avifaunal diversity in Assam University Campus, Silchar, India
- B Chakdar, P Choudhury, H Singha
- Journal of Threatened Taxa 8 (1), 8369-8378, 2016

Digital soil mapping: a predictive performance assessment of spatial linear regression, Bayesian and ML-based models
- AK Matazi, EE Gognet, RG Kakaï
- Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 10 (1), 595-618, 2024

Rapid screening for resistance of maize inbred and hybrid lines against southern corn leaf blight
- BN Shukuru, TS Archana, AM Kangela
- Journal of Phytopathology 171 (9), 452-469, 2023

Does Eucalyptus determine agricultural soil quality?
- AK Matazi, EK Luganda, SM Mukotanyi
- Cogent Food & Agriculture 9 (1), 2157115, 2023

Lakshmipathak | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 02/07/202402/07/2024 by Young Scientists Awards

Lakshmipathak | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lakshmi Pathak, Banaras Hindu University, India.

Dr. Lakshmi Pathak is an esteemed researcher and educator at Banaras Hindu University, specializing in Environmental Biotechnology and Bioenergy. With a profound commitment to sustainability, Dr. Pathak’s work focuses on the rehabilitation of degraded land using energy plants, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability. She is fluent in English and Hindi and is a gold medalist in M.Tech Biotechnology from the Institute of Engineering & Technology, Lucknow. Dr. Pathak is married to Prashant Kumar Mishra and resides in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 👩‍🔬

Publication Profile

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Education and Experience

Dr. Pathak earned her Ph.D. in 2022, focusing on the rehabilitation of degraded land by energy plants for environmental sustainability. She completed her M.Tech in Biotechnology with First Division honors (83.4%) in 2012 from Uttar Pradesh Technical University and her B.Tech in Biotechnology with First Division honors (81.4%) in 2008 from Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. Dr. Pathak has excelled academically, securing a 95.7 percentile in GATE 2011 and receiving the DST-INSPIRE 2014 Scholarship. Her early professional experience includes a role as an Assistant Scientific Officer at Environment Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Lucknow.

Professional Development

Dr. Pathak has participated in numerous seminars and conferences, presenting her research on renewable energy policies, water resource management, and bioelectrochemical technologies. Notable presentations include the DST-SERB Sponsored National Workshop at Pondicherry University and the Energy Conclave at Banaras Hindu University. Her hands-on experience includes work at the Central Drug Research Institute and industrial training at Dabur Research Foundation and Ranbaxy Pvt. Ltd.

Research Focus

Dr. Pathak’s research is centered on environmental sustainability, particularly through the use of energy plants for land rehabilitation. Her areas of specialization include Environmental Biotechnology, Bioenergy, Renewable Energy Policy, and Plant Science, with a keen interest in enzyme and fermentation technology. Dr. Pathak has published extensively, with recent works on natural colonizers for restoring polluted wastelands and transgenic energy plants for phytoremediation.