Rahul Kumar | Genetics and Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rahul Kumar | Genetics and Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr atĀ ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra India

Dr. Rahul Kumar is a researcher at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, specializing in Genetics and Plant Breeding. He earned his Ph.D. (2023) and M.Sc. (2018) from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, securing first-class honors. His research focuses on molecular mapping of seed traits in soybean, with 12 research publications. Rahul has filed patents on software innovations like “SEEDFIG” and actively engages in seminars and workshops on genomics and biotechnology. A recipient of multiple awards, including the IARI Ph.D. Best Student Award and Young Scientist Award, he also holds leadership roles in professional societies.

 

Publication profile

Scholar

Education

PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding (ICAR-IARI, 2023). MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding (ICAR-IARI, 2018). BSc in Agriculture (GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, 2016)

Achievements & Awards:

Best Ph.D. Student Award at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (2022). Young Scientist Award (2023, APSR & AEEFWS). Best Paper & Poster Awards at national and international conferences

Research Contributions:

  • 12 Research Papers published, with a focus on seed traits in Soybean
  • 2 Patents filed (Software: ‘SEEDFIG’ and Entrepreneurial Climate Estimation)

Professional Involvement:

  • Former President of Post Graduate School Student Union, ICAR-IARI
  • Life member of various scientific societies, including APSR and ISGPB

Extracurricular Achievements:

  • Winner of singing and badminton competitions at ICAR

Trainings & Workshops:

  • Attended numerous seminars and training programs, including intellectual property rights and advanced agricultural techniques.

Publication

  1. Breeding for herbicide tolerance in crops: a review
    PN Ranjan, CJ Ram, T Anurag, J Nilesh, PB Kumar, Y Suresh, K Rahul
    2020

 

  1. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes for seed shape and 100-seed weight in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
    R Kumar, M Saini, M Taku, P Debbarma, RK Mahto, A Ramlal, D Sharma, et al.
    2023

 

  1. Accelerated ageing test reveals quantitative nature of inheritance of seed viability in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
    M Saini, RR Yadav, S Chandra, A Kumar, R Kumar, S Sheoran, et al.
    2022

 

  1. An insight into the nitrogen use efficiency and its importance in crop production
    R Kumar, NR Prakash, BK Padhan
    2019

 

  1. Meta-QTLs linked to nitrogen use efficiency are randomly distributed in Indian rice germplasm
    R Kumar, M Nagarajan, H Bollinedi, PK Bhowmick, AK Singh, RK Ellur, et al.
    2022

 

  1. Development of seed shape software ā€˜SEEDFIGā€™ and study of seed size and seed shape traits in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)
    R Kumar, RK Mahto, R Kumar, M Saini, A Talukdar
    2022

 

  1. Genetic studies and mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for yield and yield-related traits in vegetable and seed soybean (Glycine max L.)-derived populations
    R Kumar, M Saini, M Taku, P Debbarma, D Sharma, R Pandey, et al.
    2023

 

  1. Autophagy: an important proteolytic process for the enhancement of post-anthesis nitrogen remobilization in food crops
    BK Padhan, PR Divte, N Sharma, R Kumar, S Nayak
    2020

 

  1. Exploration of miRNA diversity for nutrient use efficiency
    R Kumar, NR Prakash, RR Yadav, KK Rathore, M Saini
    2020

 

Zekeria Yusuf | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ā Dr. Zekeria Yusuf | Plant Biotechnology| Best Researcher Award

Zekeria Yusuf Habib is an accomplished Associate Professor and Biological Science Program Head at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and a background in Applied Genetics, he specializes in genetic variability and performance of agricultural crops, notably groundnut and citrus. His research, published in reputable journals, focuses on plant biotechnology, enzymatic properties, and phyto-fabrication of nanoparticles. Zekeria is dedicated to enhancing research activities and educational quality, serving as a subtheme leader and coordinator at his institution. Fluent in Oromo, Amharic, and English, he actively contributes to academia through curriculum development, manuscript reviews, and training programs in biotechnology and molecular biology.

Profile

Scopus

šŸŽ“ Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding Haramaya University, Maya, Ethiopia October 2011 to August 2018 Dissertation Title: Genetic Variability, Inter-Relationship and Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) varieties for Yield and Oil Traits in Ethiopia. M.Sc. in Applied Genetics Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia September 2005 to March 2008
Thesis Title: Study of chromosomes of snail spp in Bulinus truncatus/tropicus complex collected from various localities in Ethiopia. B.Ed. in Biology Haramaya University, Maya, Ethiopia October 1998 to July 2001

šŸ«šŸ§ŖExperiences in Academic, Research, and Community Activities

  1. Subtheme Leader of Bioscience Research

Position: Subtheme Leader (equivalent to headship position), Institution: Basic Science Research (Theme VI), Duration: Since December 15, 2018, Responsibilities: Actively participated in improving research activities, identifying research priority areas, and encouraging young staff in research activities.

  1. Biological Science Program Coordinator

Position: Coordinator (equivalent to headship position), Institution: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Haramaya University, Duration: Since June 28, 2022, Responsibilities: Contributing to the reorganization of laboratory resources within the School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology (SBBT) and ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all staff members.

  1. Training Participation: Frontiers in Flow Cytometryā„¢ 2023

Event: 24 Hour Virtual Event, Details: Training in cellular laboratory analysis

  1. Capacity Building Training

Topic: Enhancing the Quality of Education at Higher Education Institutions, Audience: Middle-level Institutional Leaders

  1. Curriculum Review Committee Member

Programs: M.Sc Genetics and Biotechnology,Institution: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Haramaya University, Role: Ad hoc committee member

  1. Ad Hoc Committee Member

Activities: Staff promotion committee member, Facilitating national exit exams

  1. External Examiner

Institutions: Madda Walabu University, Dire Dawa University, Salale University, Role: External examiner for M.Sc theses

  1. Manuscript Reviewer

Journals: Reviewed manuscript titled “Physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of three varieties of melon (Cucumis melo) seed oils” in Food Science and Nutrition (Wiley journal). Reviewed manuscript titled “White Clover Components as an Effective Biosorbent for the Elimination of Toxic Malachite Green from Wastewater” in Natural Product Communications (SAGE journal)

  1. R Software Training Facilitator

Collaboration: Haramaya University Research Office and CNCS. Role: Involved in the facilitation of R software training sessions

  1. Laboratory Manual Preparation

Courses: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Enzymology, and Enzyme Technology, Program: Undergraduate Molecular Biology and Biotechnology program, Responsibility: Preparing laboratory manuals for specified courses

 

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Article 1

    • Title: Characterization of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for extraction of harar coffee (coffea arabica L.) genomic DNA
    • Authors: T. Beyene, Z. Yusuf, E. Teju
    • Journal: Vegetos
    • Year: 2024 (Article in Press)

    Article 2

    • Title: On farm diversity and genetic erosion of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]
    • Authors: I. Adem, Z. Yusuf, M. Chimdesa
    • Journal: International Journal of Vegetable Science
    • Year: 2024 (Article in Press)

    Article 3

    • Title: Direct Organogenesis of Citrus Cultivars from Shoot Tip Nodal Segments
    • Authors: Z. Yusuf, M. Desta, W. Mohammed
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 18
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 63ā€“70

    Article 4

    • Title: Phyto-fabrication of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles from Ocimum Gratissimum L. Leaf and Flower Extracts and their Antimicrobial Activities
    • Authors: M. Abdi, Z. Yusuf, J.M. Sasikumar
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Article Number: e18740707261876

    Article 5

    • Title: Biological Activities of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seed, Rind and Pulp Oil Extracts
    • Authors: A. Getahun, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Anti-Infective Agents
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 21
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 1ā€“5, e310323215317

    Article 6

    • Title: Optimization of Hormonal Compositions of Media in In Vitro Propagation of Orange Cultivars from Shoot Tip Nodal Segments
    • Authors: F. Abdi, Z. Yusuf, Y. Petros, M. Desta
    • Journal: International Journal of Agronomy
    • Year: 2023
    • Article ID: 3581881

    Article 7

    • Title: Enzymatic Properties of Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaf, Root Pulp and Peel
    • Authors: T. Sileshi, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 395ā€“404

    Article 8

    • Title: Optimization of Hormonal Compositions of Media for In vitro Propagation of Apple (Malus Ɨ domestica Borkh.) Cultivars
    • Authors: B. Abdella, Z. Yusuf, Y. Petros
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: e187407072301240

    Article 9

    • Title: Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Koseret (Lippia adoensis Hochst. Var. Koseret) Seed and Leaf Oil Extracts
    • Authors: M. Shiferaw, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 142ā€“150

    Article 10

    • Title: Effects of Indigenous and Commercial Rhizobia on Growth and Nodulation of Soybean (Glycine max L) under Greenhouse Condition
    • Authors: M. Desta, A. Akuma, M. Minay, Z. Yusuf, K. Baye
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: e187407072302070

Prem Sagar Mathangi | Plant Breeding | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Prem Sagar Mathangi | Plant Breeding | Young Scientist Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Izmir YĆ¼ksek Teknoloji EnstitĆ¼sĆ¼This link is disabled.,Ā Izmir, Turkey

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ”¬ As an M.Sc. student in agricultural sciences, I bring a dedication to advancing sustainable agriculture through impactful research in plant breeding and plant physiology. With a background in agronomy and plant developmental biology, I thrive in collaborative environments, driven by visionary thinking, consistency, and self-motivation. My commitment to excellence and responsibility shapes my contributions as an Early Career Researcher in the Wheat Initiative’s Expert Working Group (EWG).šŸŒŸ

šŸŒ± Expertise

My expertise spans across Plant Developmental Biology, Plant Physiology, Agronomy, Plant Breeding, and Data Analysis. I have hands-on experience in Digital Phenotyping, particularly in cereals like wheat. Additionally, I possess skills in laboratory work, seed sciences, and wheat cultivation.

Profile

Scopus

scholar

Orcid

šŸ“š Education

  • Master of Science Agricultural Sciences: University of Hohenheim Stuttgart, Germany, Oct 2022 – Present
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture: Suresh Gyan Vihar University Jaipur, Rajasthan, Aug 2017 – Oct 2021

šŸ’¼ Work Experience

I have held various research positions, including:

Junior Scientist at CIMMYT Mexico, focusing on Wheat Improvement ConsortiumResearch Assistant in departments of Fertilization and Soil Matter Dynamics, Biotechnology and Food Science, Nutritional Physiology of Crops, and Plant Quality Products in Stuttgart, GermanyScientific Assistant analyzing the effects of nitrogen fertilization on wheat qualityResearch Intern working on a solar PV power system for shea-butter productionInternships at NACL Industries Limited and Bellamkonda Allied Farmers Produce Company in India

šŸ¤ Volunteer Experience

I actively engage in volunteer work with organizations like Plantgenomia and Green Community, organizing events and programs in agricultural research and community outreach.

šŸ“ Projects

My project experiences include studies on maize cultivation under salt conditions, phosphorus fertilization in maize starch digestion, and the impact of chemicals on rice germination.

šŸŽ“ Trainings

I’ve participated in training programs focusing on Smart Farming, Precision Agriculture, and the application of AI, Robotics, IoT, and Cloud Computing in agriculture.

šŸ† Awards & Honors

I’ve been recognized as an Early Career Researcher by the Wheat Initiative and have received scholarships like DAAD PROMOS and MSc Career Exploration Scholarship.

šŸ› ļø Skills

My skill set includes abilities in leadership, teamwork, data analysis, laboratory work, crop cultivation, and effective communication. I excel in presentations and possess proficiency in Microsoft Office tools.

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  1. Title: Principles of focused ultrasound
    • Journal: Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies
    • Year: 2018
    • Volume: 27
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 41-50
    • Authors: S Mihcin, A Melzer
    • Citations: 29

 

  1. Title: Investigation of wearable motion capture system towards biomechanical modelling
    • Conference: 2019 IEEE International Symposium on Medical Measurements and Applications
    • Year: 2019
    • Authors: S Mihcin, H Kose, S Cizmeciogullari, S Ciklacandir, M Kocak, A Tosun, …
    • Citations: 17

 

  1. Title: A focused ultrasound treatment system for moving targets (part I): generic system design and in-silico first-stage evaluation
    • Journal: Journal of therapeutic ultrasound
    • Year: 2017
    • Volume: 5
    • Pages: 1-14
    • Authors: M Schwenke, J Strehlow, D Demedts, S Haase, D Barrios Romero, …
    • Citations: 16

 

  1. Title: Wearable motion capture system evaluation for biomechanical studies for hip joints
    • Journal: Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
    • Year: 2021
    • Volume: 143
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 044504
    • Authors: S Mihcin, S Ciklacandir, M Kocak, A Tosun
    • Citations: 12

 

  1. Title: Finite element study of PEEK materials applied in post-retained restorations
    • Journal: Polymers
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 14
    • Issue: 16
    • Pages: 3422
    • Authors: H Yu, Z Feng, L Wang, S Mihcin, J Kang, S Bai, Y Zhao
    • Citations: 9

 

  1. Title: Evidence-based cross validation for acoustic power transmission for a novel treatment system
    • Journal: Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies
    • Year: 2017
    • Volume: 26
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 151-161
    • Authors: S Mihcin, J Strehlow, D Demedts, M Schwenke, Y Levy, A Melzer
    • Citations: 9

 

  1. Title: Feasibility study of pre-clinical Thiel embalmed human cadaver for MR-guided focused ultrasound of the spine
    • Journal: Minimally Invasive Therapy & Allied Technologies
    • Year: 2016
    • Volume: 25
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 154-161
    • Authors: I Karakitsios, S Mihcin, T Saliev, A Melzer
    • Citations: 9

 

  1. Title: Optimization of hip implant designs based on its mechanical behaviour
    • Book: Biomechanics in Medicine, Sport and Biology
    • Year: 2022
    • Pages: 37-43
    • Authors: H Gƶktaş, E Subaşi, M Uzkut, M Kara, H BiƧici, H Shirazi, KN Chethan, …
    • Citations: 8

 

  1. Title: Database covering the prayer movements which were not available previously
    • Journal: Scientific data
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 10
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 276
    • Authors: S Mihcin, AM Sahin, M Yilmaz, AT Alpkaya, M Tuna, S Akdeniz, …
    • Citations: 6

 

  1. Title: Simultaneous validation of wearable motion capture system for lower body applications: Over single plane range of motion (ROM) and gait activities
    • Journal: Biomedical Engineering/Biomedizinische Technik
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 67
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 185-199
    • Authors: S Mihcin
    • Citations: 6