Maria Medvedeva | soil science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Maria Medvedeva | soil science | Best Researcher Award

Head of Laboratory, Forest Research Institute of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Maria Vladimirovna Medvedeva is a senior researcher and Head of the Laboratory of Forest Soil Science at the Forest Research Institute, Karelian Research Centre, Russian Academy of Sciences. With a PhD in Biological Sciences (2002), she has over two decades of experience in soil science, focusing on forest ecosystems. She has led the laboratory since 2019, spearheading research on forest soil microbiology, ecological monitoring, and post-fire soil restoration. A prolific author, she has contributed extensively to top scientific journals and has played a key role in advancing knowledge on boreal forest soil dynamics.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Maria Medvedeva earned her PhD (Candidate of Biological Sciences) in 2002, specializing in forest soil science. Her academic journey has been dedicated to understanding soil microbiology, carbon dynamics, and environmental monitoring in boreal forests. Through continuous learning and collaboration, she has developed expertise in post-fire soil recovery and the ecological assessment of soil health, contributing significantly to forest conservation and management studies.

🏢 Experience

Dr. Medvedeva has over 20 years of experience in soil science research, focusing on boreal forests. She has been a senior researcher at the Forest Research Institute, Karelian Research Centre, RAS, and has led the Laboratory of Forest Soil Science since 2019. Her work includes extensive field studies, laboratory research, and international collaborations. She has also mentored young scientists and contributed to large-scale ecological monitoring projects, enhancing understanding of forest soil resilience and degradation.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Maria Medvedeva has received multiple awards recognizing her contributions to forest soil science, including honors for her research on post-fire soil recovery and microbial diversity. She has been acknowledged for her high-impact publications and collaborative projects in soil monitoring. Her work has earned national and international recognition, positioning her as a leading expert in boreal forest soil studies.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Medvedeva’s research focuses on forest soil microbiology, ecological monitoring, post-fire soil restoration, and carbon stock assessment. She investigates the impact of land use on soil properties and develops strategies for sustainable forest management. Her studies contribute to understanding soil biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and climate change mitigation through soil conservation efforts in boreal ecosystems.

🏆 Conclusion

Dr. Maria Vladimirovna Medvedeva is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her exceptional contributions in forest soil science. Her strong publication record, leadership, and expertise in environmental monitoring make her a top contender. Expanding her interdisciplinary reach and enhancing policy engagement could further solidify her global research impact.

Publication

Medvedeva, M., & Raevsky, B. (2025). The influence of juniper on the soil properties of pine stands in the taiga zone of the European North. Forests. https://doi.org/10.3390/f16020365

Medvedeva, M., & Ananyev, V. (2023). The influence of logging equipment on the content, stock, and stratification coefficient of elements of the mineral nutrition of plants in the soils of the taiga zone of Karelia. Forests. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14071424

 

Bakhmet, O. N., & Medvedeva, M. V. (2022). Decomposition of coniferous litterfall in soils forming under artificial pine stands in Eastern Fennoscandia. Contemporary Problems of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995425522070034

 

Dubrovina, I. A., Moshkina, E. V., Tuyunen, A. V., Genikova, N. V., Karpechko, A. Y., & Medvedeva, M. V. (2022). Dynamics of soil properties and ecosystem carbon stocks for different types of land use (Middle Taiga of Karelia). Eurasian Soil Science. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229322090046

 

Karpechko, A. Y., Moshkina, E. V., Medvedeva, M. V., & Tuyunen, A. V. (2022). Patterns in the spatial distribution of fine roots in Pinus sylvestris L. (Using the example of a mid-taiga cowberry-type pine forest). Contemporary Problems of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995425522020032

 

Bakhmet, O. N., & Medvedeva, M. V. (2022). Pine needles litter decomposition in soils of the Eastern Fennoscandia’s pine plantations. Russian Journal of Forest Science. https://doi.org/10.31857/S0024114822030032

 

Bakhmet, O. N., Medvedeva, M. V., Moshkina, Y. V., Tkachenko, Y. N., Mamay, A. V., Novikov, S. G., Moshnikov, S. A., Timofeeva, V. V., & Karpechko, A. Yu. (2022). Spatial variability of podzol properties depending on the plant microgroups on the example of the cowberry pine forests. Russian Journal of Forest Science. https://doi.org/10.31857/S002411482105003X

 

Moshkina, Y. V., Bakhmet, O. N., Medvedeva, M. V., Karpechko, A. Yu., & Mamay, A. V. (2022). Spatio-temporal dynamics of soils’ biological activity in the phytogenous field of Scots pine in Karelia Republic’s middle taiga. Russian Journal of Forest Science. https://doi.org/10.31857/S0024114822040076

Ananyev, V. A., Timofeeva, V., Kryshen’, A., Pekkoev, A., Kostina, E., Ruokolainen, A. V., Moshnikov, S. A., Medvedeva, M., Polevoi, A. V., & Humala, A. E. (2022). Fire severity controls successional pathways in a fire-affected spruce forest in Eastern Fennoscandia. Forests. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13111775

 

Medvedeva, M., & Bakhmet, O. N. (2022). Changes in the microbiological properties of soils along the gradient of the altitude zone of Mount Kivaka in Eastern Fennoscandia, Russia. Forests. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13060849

 

Bakhmet, O. N., Medvedeva, M. V., Raevsky, B. V., Novikov, S. G., & Shelekhova, T. S. (2021). Characteristics of soils and the soil cover in the Kostomuksha State Nature Reserve, Russia. Nature Conservation Research. https://doi.org/10.24189/ncr.2021.004

 

Novikov, S. G., Medvedeva, M. V., & Bakhmet, O. N. (2021). Environmental assessment of the state of urban soils in Petrozavodsk, Russia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/862/1/012105

 

Resham Thapa| Soil Science & Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Resham Thapa| Soil Science & Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Belize-Mexico Program Manager, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Belize

Resham B Thapa is a dedicated researcher and professional in the field of soil sciences, specializing in sustainable crop production and soil health. He is currently a research professional at the University of Wyoming, where he investigates the use of coal char and biochar as soil amendments to enhance plant growth and soil properties. With a diverse academic background, including a Ph.D. in Soil Sciences and an M.S. in Agricultural Economics, Resham has actively contributed to projects involving sustainable agriculture and environmental management. His interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental sustainability, economic analysis, and scientific innovation.

Publication Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Ph.D., Soil Sciences (Minor in Statistics), University of Wyoming, USA (2023): Focus on soil health and sustainable crop production, using coal char and biochar for soil amendment. M.S., Agricultural Economics (Minor in Statistics), University of Wyoming, USA (2020): Analyzed economic risk and return for using pyrolyzed coal as soil amendment. M.A., NGO Studies, Ajou University, South Korea (2010): Focus on community-based development. M.B.S., Master in Business Studies, Tribhuvan University, Nepal (2005): Specialization in financial analysis. B.B.S., Bachelor in Business Studies, Tribhuvan University, Nepal (2001): Focus on financial management.

💼 Experience

Research Professional, School of Energy Resources, University of Wyoming (2023-present): Leads research on soil amendments and plant growth, including experimental setups, data analysis, and publication of results. Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Ecosystem Science & Management, University of Wyoming (2015-2023): Spearheaded agricultural and soil research projects, conducting field experiments and data analysis to improve crop yield. Lecturer, Nagarguna College of Information Technology and Management & Apollo International College, Nepal (2011-2015): Taught and supervised undergraduate students in IT and management fields. Social Mobilization Expert, Renewable Energy Project, Nepal (2007-2008): Conducted feasibility studies and capacity building for solar PV system use in rural communities.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Research Excellence Award, University of Wyoming (2022): Recognition for outstanding research in soil science. Graduate Fellowship, University of Wyoming (2020-2023): Awarded for exceptional academic performance and research contributions. Best Paper Presentation, International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture (2019): Awarded for innovative research on biochar and coal char in agriculture. Young Researcher Award, International Conference on Soil Health (2018): Acknowledged for contributions to sustainable agriculture research. Distinguished Lecturer Award, Apollo International College (2014): Recognized for teaching excellence and student engagement.

🔬 Research Focus

Resham’s research centers on improving soil health and sustainable crop production through innovative approaches like coal char and biochar as soil amendments. His work focuses on enhancing plant growth, increasing crop yields, and improving soil properties in semiarid dryland ecosystems. By studying the effects of these materials on soil’s water-holding capacity, nutrient retention, and bulk density, his research promotes sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. His interdisciplinary studies bridge soil science with economic analysis to optimize agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

🏅Conclusion

Dr. Addiel U. Perez is an exemplary researcher whose interdisciplinary approach has had a profound impact on fisheries and environmental management in Belize and Mexico. His extensive publication record, coupled with his practical contributions to conservation efforts and stakeholder engagement, make him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Perez’s ability to bridge the gap between science, policy, and local communities sets him apart as a leader in the field of socio-ecological research. With continued efforts to expand his research’s reach and impact, Dr. Perez has the potential to further elevate the quality of coastal ecosystem management on an international scale.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Use of stratified cluster sampling for efficient estimation of solid waste generation at household level
    • Year: 2008
    • Authors: MB Dangi, MA Urynowicz, KG Gerow, RB Thapa
    • Citation: 60
  2. An Assessment of Plant Growth and Soil Properties Using Coal Char and Biochar as a Soil Amendment
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: RB Thapa, RH Coupal, MD Dangi, PD Stahl
    • Citation: 7
  3. Enhancing Corn Yield and Soil Quality in Irrigated Semiarid Region with Coal Char and Biochar Amendments
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: RB Thapa, S Budhathoki, C Shilpakar, D Panday, B Alsunuse, SX Tang, …
    • Citation: 2
  4. Use of Pyrolyzed Coal as a Soil Amendment: Effect on Plant Growth, Crop Yield, and Soil Health
    • Year: 2023
    • Author: RB Thapa
    • Citation: 1
  5. Effect of coal char concentrations on soil bulk density and soil water-holding capacity
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: RB Thapa, P Shrestha
  6. UW Researchers Publish Results Assessing Coal Char as a Soil Amendment
    • Year: 2024
    • Author: RB Thapa
  7. Mycorrhizal Fungal Inoculum Potential in Crop Rotation Soil With Different Levels of Irrigation
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: BTB Alsunuse, N Al-Awwal, S Budhathoki, RB Thapa, M Baidoo, F Zaid, …
  8. Initial greenhouse observations on use of coal char as a soil amendment: Influences on plant growth and soil water holding capacity
    • Year: 2024
    • Authors: RB Thapa, SX Tang, PD Stah
  9. Field Tests of Coal-Derived Soil Amendments Yield Promising Results for UW Researchers
    • Year: 2022
    • Author: PDS Resham B. Thapa

 

Xianwei Zhang | Geotechnical engineering | Best Scholar Award

Prof Dr. Xianwei Zhang | Geotechnical engineering| Best Scholar Award

 Professor at Chinese Academy of Sciences

Dr. Xianwei Zhang is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics (IRSM), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). With a BSc and PhD from Jilin University, China, he has vast expertise in geotechnical engineering and engineering geology . Dr. Zhang has led over 20 research projects, including five funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China . He has authored over 150 research papers , contributing as the first or corresponding author. Additionally, he serves as an academic editor for Geofluids and holds editorial roles in three international journals

Publication

  • Mechanical Behavior of Natural Granite Residual Soil in Simple Shear
    Journal: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
    Year: 2024

 

  • Stabilization of Micaceous Residual Soil with Industrial and Agricultural Byproducts: Perspectives from Hydrophobicity, Water Stability, and Durability Enhancement
    Journal: Construction and Building Materials
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

 

  • Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Micaceous Weathered Granitic Soil: A Synergetic Approach Using Natural Fibers and Fly Ash
    Journal: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment
    Year: 2024

 

  • Impact of Mica on Geotechnical Behavior of Weathered Granitic Soil Using Macro and Micro Investigations
    Journal: Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 6

 

  • A General Method for Quantifying the Shear Strength Anisotropy of Soil
    Journal: International Journal of Geomechanics
    Year: 2024

 

  • Dynamic Evolution of Desiccation Cracks and Their Relationship with the Hydraulic Properties of Expansive Soil
    Journal: International Journal of Geomechanics
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

Conclusion

Dr. Xianwei Zhang is a strong candidate for the Best Scholar Award due to his prolific research, leadership in academic publishing, and significant contributions to geotechnical engineering. Expanding his international collaboration and engagement would further enhance his already impressive scholarly achievements.