Fortune Lindy Manganyi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Mrs. Fortune Lindy Manganyi | Agricultural | Young Scientist Award

Research Technician at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Fortune Lindy Manganyi-Valoyi is a South African Research Technician at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), specializing in forage production and evaluation. She holds an MSc in Agriculture (Pasture Science) and has vast experience in fieldwork, project management, and research in the agricultural sector. Fortune is passionate about improving livestock production through forage crops, and she leads various research initiatives related to sustainable land management and environmental conservation. She is skilled in overseeing experimental trials, training farmers, and facilitating knowledge transfer. Additionally, she supervises forage production teams and interns, contributing to the development of South Africa’s agricultural research and knowledge base.

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🎓 Education

MSc in Agriculture (Pasture Science), University of South Africa, 2024. BSc. Agriculture (Pasture Science) (Honours), University of Limpopo, 2014. Project Management (Certificate), University of Pretoria, 2024. Introduction to Seed Science (Certificate), University of Pretoria, 2022. Scientist Profession (SACNASP Registration), 2018. Senior Certificate, Nyanisi Secondary School, 2010

💼 Experience

Fortune has served as a Research Technician at ARC since December 2019, managing forage production projects, conducting veld condition assessments, and overseeing the evaluation of various forage species. She coordinates field trips, trains farmers, and supervises the forage production team. Previously, she worked as a Scientific Production Intern, Agricultural Advisor, and Postgraduate Trainee, gaining expertise in pasture management, research development, and sustainable agricultural practices.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Accepted Publications in African Journal of Range & Forage Science and Grasses Journal, 2024. Contributed to the development of scientific methodologies in forage crop preservation and seed germination research. Recognition for outstanding research contributions, including the publication on “The Potential for Endozoochorous Dispersal of Vachellia nilotica Seeds”. Active in national research initiatives for South African rangeland improvement, including funding for forage production trials and demonstration plots.

🔬 Research Focus

Fortune’s research focuses on sustainable forage production, seed germination, and the evaluation of Brachiaria and other indigenous grass species. She investigates methods to improve livestock feed through better crop practices, evaluating crops like Calobota sericea and Vachellia nilotica in semi-arid rangelands. Her work also addresses bush encroachment and water-limited agricultural conditions, striving for solutions in the optimization of forage resources in South Africa’s challenging ecological zones.

Conclusion

Fortune Lindy Manganyi-Valoyi is a highly promising candidate for the Young Scientist Award, demonstrating a blend of academic excellence, practical research contributions, and leadership potential. Her work in the forage and pasture science sector addresses key challenges in South Africa’s agricultural landscape, particularly regarding sustainable feed production and bush encroachment management. Given her solid academic background, significant research involvement, and leadership skills, she stands out as a deserving candidate for this recognition.

📚Publications 

  1. Ensiling as a technique for preservation of the nutritional quality of Vachellia nilotica
    • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science
    • Date: December 11, 2024
    • DOI: 10.2989/10220119.2024.2415667
    • Contributors: Fortune L Manganyi, Julius Tjelele, Khanyisile R Mbatha, Ngoako Letsoalo, Stephen Modiba, Thamsanqa Mpanza, Francuois Müller

 

  1. Seed Germination Responses to Temperature and Osmotic Stress Conditions in Brachiaria Forage Grasses
    • Journal: Grasses
    • Date: October 17, 2024
    • DOI: 10.3390/grasses3040019
    • Contributors: Francuois L. Müller, Jabulile E. Leroko, Clement F. Cupido, Igshaan Samuels, Nothando Ngcobo, Elizabeth L. Masemola, Fortune Manganyi-Valoyi, Tlou Julius Tjelele

 

  1. Influence of different temperatures on seedling growth and development of Calobota sericea, a semi-arid rangeland species of South Africa
    • Journal: African Journal of Range & Forage Science
    • Date: July 2, 2024
    • DOI: 10.2989/10220119.2024.2311105
    • Contributors: Francuois Müller, Letty Masemola, Fortune Manganyi, Nothando Ngcobo

 

Pablo Luis Godínez Mendoza | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Pablo Luis Godínez Mendoza | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Mr at Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Mexico🌟

Pablo Luis Godínez Mendoza is a dedicated researcher specializing in plant biotechnology, with a focus on enhancing crop production through innovative methods. He holds a Master’s degree in Plant Biotechnology from Cinvestav – Unidad Irapuato and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biosystems Engineering at Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro. Pablo is committed to using science to improve agricultural practices and ensure sustainable food production.

Profile

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Education 🎓

Pablo earned his Master’s degree in Plant Biotechnology from Cinvestav – Unidad Irapuato (2018-2021) and a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (2013-2018). He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering in Biosystems at Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (2022-present). He has also completed courses in bioinformatics and participated in workshops enhancing his research skills.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Pablo has extensive research experience, including plasmid transformation in bacteria, fungal cultivation, and protoplast transformation during his Master’s studies. He is currently involved in plant cultivation and greenhouse management at UAQ, where he conducts enzymatic activity assays and gene amplification. Additionally, he completed a summer research internship at INMEGEN in 2017, contributing to significant advancements in his field.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Pablo received a bronze medal at the BIOMOD competition in San Francisco for developing a biosensor for early detection of diabetic retinopathy in 2016. He was also awarded the best CAD biotechnology project at ITESM Querétaro (2016-2017), focusing on Larrea tridentata extracts for tartar removal. His achievements reflect his commitment to excellence in research and innovation in biotechnology.

🔬 Research Focus

Pablo’s research primarily focuses on plant secondary metabolite production, exploring stress-induced methods to enhance crop quality. His recent studies include the impact of acoustic emissions on Capsicum annuum cultivation and the review of biostimulation concepts in sustainable agriculture. He aims to integrate biotechnological advancements to address agricultural challenges, promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Conclusion 🏆

Pablo Luis Godínez Mendoza is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his robust academic background, substantial research experience, innovative projects, and notable achievements. By addressing the areas for improvement, he can further enhance his contributions to the field of plant biotechnology and make significant strides in sustainable agricultural practices. His commitment to research and passion for biotechnology make him an asset to the scientific community, and he is well on his way to becoming a leading figure in his field.

Publications 📚

Eustressors to Improve Plant Secondary Metabolites Production: Insect Frass and Physical Factors as Examples Applied in Agriculture and Horticulture

  • In: Molecular Dynamics of Plant Stress and its Management
  • Publication Date: June 26, 2024
  • DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-1699-9_2
  • ISBNs: 9789819716982, 9789819716999
  • Contributors: Godínez-Mendoza, P.L.; Hurtado-Zuñiga, A.; Siboney-Montante, V.; Guzman-Cruz, R.; Guevara-González, R.G.

 

Plant Hormesis: Revising of the Concepts of Biostimulation, Elicitation and Their Application in Sustainable Agricultural Production

  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
  • Publication Year: 2023
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164883
  • EID: 2-s2.0-85163176060
  • Part of ISSN: 18791026, 00489697
  • Contributors: Godínez-Mendoza, P.L.; Rico-Chávez, A.K.; Ferrusquía-Jimenez, N.I.; Carbajal-Valenzuela, I.A.; Villagómez-Aranda, A.L.; Torres-Pacheco, I.; Guevara-González, R.G.

 

Marie Bragg | Food Policy | Excellence in Research

Dr. Marie Bragg | Food Policy | Excellence in Research

Dr. Marie A. Bragg is an Assistant Professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, affiliated with NYU School of Global Public Health and NYU Stern School of Business. Her research focuses on food marketing’s impact on obesity and health disparities, funded by prestigious grants like NIH Early Independence Award. Dr. Bragg directs the SeedProgram for Obesity & Health Disparities Research and leads the Food Policy Research Platform. She holds leadership roles in diversity initiatives at NYU and has received numerous awards for mentorship and research excellence. Dr. Bragg is committed to educating on health equity and structural racism in public health and medicine.

Profile

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Scholar

 

🎓Education

B.S./B.A. Psychology/English University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 05/2008. M.S. Clinical Psychology Yale University, New Haven, CT, 05/2011. M.Phil. Clinical Psychology Yale University, New Haven, CT, 05/2011. Ph.D. Clinical Psychology Yale University, New Haven, CT, 05/2014

🏥👨‍🏫Previous Appointments and Leadership Positions

Clinical Supervisor Yale Center for Anxiety and Mood Disorders, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 08/2011-08/2012. Psychology Intern
Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine / Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, 08/2013-08/2014. Teaching Fellow & Coordinator Yale University Teaching Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 08/2010-08/2011

🏆Awards, Honors, and Memberships

Mentor of the Year Award Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 05/2020. Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor Award Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 10/2020. Best in Medical Education Collaboration Award
Office of Medical Education, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 10/2020

🧪Research Activity

Director, SocioEconomic Evaluation of Dietary Decisions Program (SeedProgram). Primary research themes: food marketing, racially targeted food advertising, obesity prevention policies, nutrition labeling.

💡Grant History

Current Grants include NIH R01 projects on sugary beverage taxes, smoke-free housing policies, and Facebook food advertisements. Pending Grant focuses on social media intervention for preventing e-cigarette use among Latinx adolescents.

 📚Education Activity

  • Designed courses emphasizing health equity and public health issues, recognized with the Best Medical Education Collaboration Award.

 📝Teaching Activities

Teaching Assistant Roles at Yale University and NYU Grossman School of Medicine, teaching various psychology and public health courses.. Guest Lectures across medical, doctoral, undergraduate, and MPH courses on topics like food policy, obesity, and food marketing.

Publications Top Notes 📝

 

  • Cancer misinformation on social media
    • Journal: CA Cancer Journal for Clinicians
    • Year: 2024 (Article in Press)
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Menu Labeling and Calories Purchased in Restaurants in a US National Fast Food Chain
    • Journal: JAMA Network Open
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 12
    • Pages: E2346851
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 3

 

  • Food industry donations to patient advocacy organisations focused on non-communicable diseases
    • Journal: Public Health Nutrition
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 26
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: 510–518
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 0

 

  • COVID-19–Related Changes to Drug-Selling Networks and Their Effects on People Who Use Illicit Opioids
    • Journal: Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 84
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 222–229
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 3

 

  • Contemporary Approaches for Monitoring Food Marketing to Children to Progress Policy Actions
    • Journal: Current Nutrition Reports
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 12
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 14–25
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 11

 

  • The impact of racially-targeted food marketing and attentional biases on consumption in Black adolescent females with and without obesity: Pilot data from the Black Adolescent & Entertainment (BAE) study
    • Journal: PLoS ONE
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 18
    • Issue: 1 January
    • Pages: e0279871
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Food and Beverage Product Appearances in Educational, Child-Targeted YouTube Videos
    • Journal: Childhood Obesity
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 18
    • Issue: 8
    • Pages: 515–522
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 1

 

  • COVID-Washing in US Food and Beverage Marketing on Twitter: Content Analysis
    • Journal: JMIR Formative Research
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 10
    • Pages: e37642
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 5

 

  • Beverage Availability and Price: Variations by Neighborhood Poverty Level in New York City
    • Journal: Health Equity
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 322–329
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 1

 

  • Informal Coping Strategies Among People Who Use Opioids During COVID-19: Thematic Analysis of Reddit Forums
    • Journal: JMIR Formative Research
    • Year: 2022
    • Volume: 6
    • Issue: 3
    • Pages: e32871
    • Access: Open access
    • Citations: 6