Mudasir Hafiz Khan | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan | Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Scientist at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, India

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan is a distinguished academic with a robust background in Genetics and Plant Breeding. He earned his MSc in Agriculture with a thesis on genetic variability, diversity, and traits association in eggplant in 2003, and completed his PhD focusing on induced mutagenesis and cytogenetic studies in soybean in 2008. He has also qualified for the National Eligibility Test (ASRB) in 2010 and holds a life fellowship at the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding, IASR. Dr. Khan’s professional journey includes serving as an Assistant Professor-cum-Jr. Scientist at the Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, and various other roles such as Agriculture Extension Assistant and Technical Associate. His research contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Best Thesis of the Year, the Carl Linnaeus Research Award in Botany, the Young Scientist Award, and several appreciation awards for his innovative work in saffron production technologies.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has an extensive background in agriculture, with a focus on genetics and plant breeding. He obtained his MSc in Agriculture, specializing in Genetics and Plant Breeding, in 2003. His master’s thesis was titled “Genetic variability, diversity, and traits association of yield and quality components in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.).” Dr. Khan furthered his education by earning a PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding in 2008, with his thesis focused on “Induced mutagenesis and cytogenetic studies in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill.].” In 2010, Dr. Khan qualified for the National Eligibility Test (ASRB), demonstrating his proficiency and expertise in the field. He is a Fellow and Life Member of the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding at IASR. Notably, Dr. Khan has contributed to the development of DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) testing guidelines for Saffron and Kalazeera, showcasing his commitment to advancing agricultural practices and standards.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has amassed significant postdoctoral experience, marked by various academic and research positions. Since August 8, 2021, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist (Senior Scale) in the Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, Srinagar (J&K). Prior to this, from August 8, 2017, to August 8, 2021, he held the position of Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at the same division and institution. Before his tenure as an assistant professor, Dr. Khan worked as an Agriculture Extension Assistant from December 25, 2013, to August 7, 2017, at the Department of Agriculture Kashmir, Lal Mandi, Srinagar (J&K). His early postdoctoral roles also include serving as a Technical Associate from May 24, 2012, to December 24, 2013, on the project “In-vitro development of micro corms and stigma-like structures in saffron” at the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Srinagar. Additionally, he was a Research Associate from November 10, 2009, to May 23, 2012, working on the “Integrated farming system in Horticulture” at the Division of Agronomy, SKUAST-K, Shalimar.

Teaching Experience:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has extensive experience in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. At the undergraduate level, he has taught a variety of courses including Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Transformation, Floral Biology, Seed Development and Maturation, Seed Legislation and Certification, In-situ and Ex-situ Conservation of Germplasm, Breeding for Field Crops-1, Principles of Plant Breeding, Seed Production in Field Crops, DUS Testing for Plant Variety Protection, Principles of Plant Breeding (Backlog Course), Principles of Cytogenetics, Advances in Seed Science Research, Hybrid Seed Production, Principles of Seed Technology, Breeding Designer Crops, Principles of Seed Production, and Seed Quality Testing. In addition to his teaching duties, Dr. Khan has also guided and advised several students in their research. He has served as the major advisor for two M.Sc. Agriculture (Genetics & Plant Breeding) students. Furthermore, he has been a member of the advisory committee for six M.Sc. Agriculture/Horticulture students and two Ph.D. students specializing in Genetics & Plant Breeding and Fruit Sciences. His mentorship has been instrumental in the academic and research development of his students.

Honors and Awards:

Dr. Mudasir Hafiz Khan has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to the field of genetics and plant breeding. He was awarded the Best Thesis of the Year by the Directorate of Genetics and Plant Breeding, International Agency for Standards and Ratings. In 2016, he received the prestigious ‘Carl Linnaeus Research Award in Botany’ through an international competition by Photon eBooks Publications. In 2017, he was honored with the ‘Young Scientist Award’ by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, OMNIScriptum GmbH & Co. KG Bahnhofstr. 28/D-66111 Saarbrucken. Dr. Khan’s efforts have also led to the Geographical Indications Tag for Kashmiri Saffron. He was honored with an Appreciation Award by the Advisor to LG Jenab Bashir Ahmad Khan for his promotion of saffron production technologies. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir awarded him an Appreciation Certificate for his development of technologies such as “Indoor Saffron Cultivation” and “Saffron Kalazeera Intercropping” during a Felicitation Ceremony organized by the Directorate of Research SKUAST-K on January 1, 2022. His research work has earned him several accolades, including the Best Poster Presentation (1st prize) for his work titled “Indoor Saffron Cultivation – A novel Technology for Vertical Expansion of Saffron” at the International Conference on Saffron and Seed Spices held on November 7-8, 2021, organized by ARSSSS, SKUAST-Kashmir. He also received the Best Oral Presentation (1st prize) at the IV International Symposium on “Saffron Biology and Technology” held on October 22-25, 2012, at SKUAST-Kashmir. Additionally, he was honored with an Appreciation Letter from the Project Coordinator AICRP Spices on December 15, 2021, for his outstanding research work in saffron and Kalazeera. From October 4, 2017, to October 3, 2021, Dr. Khan served as the Academic Editor of the Research Journal “International Journal of Biochemistry Research and Review.

📚Publications :

Correlation and path coefficient analysis of some quantitative traits in wheat
Authors: MH Khan, AN Dar
Citations: 150
Year: 2010

Effect of Sowing Methods and NPK Levels on Growth and Yield of Rainfed Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: S Gul, MH Khan, BA Khanday, S Nabi
Citations: 130
Year: 2015

Status and strategies in breeding for rust resistance in wheat
Authors: MH Khan, A Bukhari, ZA Dar, SM Rizvi
Citations: 106
Year: 2013

Yield stability of some soybean genotypes across diverse environments
Authors: SS Alghamdi
Citations: 91
Year: 2004

Breeding strategies for improving rice yield—a review
Authors: MH Khan, ZA Dar, SA Dar
Citations: 90
Year: 2015

Studies on genetic variability and interrelationship among the different traits in microsperma lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)
Authors: SD Tyagi, MH Khan
Citations: 83
Year: 2010

Production of nitrogen fixing Azotobacter (SR-4) and phosphorus solubilizing Aspergillus niger and their evaluation on Lagenaria siceraria and Abelmoschus esculentus
Authors: M Din, R Nelofer, M Salman, FH Khan, A Khan, M Ahmad, F Jalil, JU Din, …
Citations: 75
Year: 2019

Studies on effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays, EMS and their combination in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
Authors: MH Khan, SD Tyagi
Citations: 61
Year: 2010

Correlation, path-coefficient and genetic diversity in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) under rainfed conditions
Authors: SD Tyagi, MH Khan
Citations: 60
Year: 2011

New emerging trends on production technology of saffron
Authors: FA Nehvi, SA Wani, SA Dar, MI Makhdoomi, BA Allie, ZA Mir
Citations: 60
Year: 2006

 

Francesca Valenti | Agricultural | Most Reader’s Article Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Prof Dr. Francesca Valenti | Agricultural | Most Reader’s Article Award

Professor at Università di Bologna – Alma Mater Studiorum, Italy

Dr. Francesca Valenti is a highly accomplished professional in the field of Agricultural, Forestry, and Biosystems Engineering, with a strong academic background and extensive experience in research, teaching, and project management. She holds a Ph.D. in Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science and has received national scientific qualifications to function as both an Associate Professor and a Full Professor in Italian Universities. Dr. Valenti has been recognized for her research contributions with awards such as the “Adriano Guarneri” award for the best Ph.D. thesis in Agricultural Engineering. With a diverse range of research interests, including sustainable development, biogas production, and precision agriculture, Dr. Valenti has been involved in several research projects funded by prestigious institutions. Her expertise extends to various software tools, including Microsoft Office, QGIS, R Studio, AutoCAD, and others, which she utilizes in her research and teaching activities. Dr. Valenti’s teaching experience is extensive, spanning across different academic levels and topics such as informatics, data survey analysis, and CAD/GIS modules. She is also a sought-after lecturer, having been invited to speak at conferences and events, demonstrating her expertise and reputation in the field. Overall, Dr. Francesca Valenti’s dedication to advancing agricultural engineering, coupled with her academic achievements and practical skills, make her a valuable asset to the academic and research community.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Francesca Valenti obtained her PhD in Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Science from the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the University of Catania on February 27, 2018. Her doctoral thesis focused on the sustainable development of regional biogas production, specifically conducting a GIS-based Techno Economic Assessment in Southern Italy. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Valenti completed a Master’s course at the Department of Humanities at the University of Catania in 2015, where she explored the sustainable use of cultural and environmental heritage. She also holds a Master of Science in Architectural and Building Engineering from the Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture at the University of Catania, achieved in 2012. Her master’s thesis centered on the existing building acoustic requalification according to the UNI 11367 standard. Additionally, Dr. Valenti has received national scientific qualifications to function as an Associate Professor and Full Professor in Italian Universities for the Macro sector 07C1 – Agricultural, Forestry, and Biosystems Engineering, in 2018 and 2021, respectively.

📝Research:

Dr. Francesca Valenti has been involved in several research projects, showcasing her expertise and commitment to innovative agricultural practices. She collaborated in the research program “Soluzioni innovative per la sicurezza alimentare nella filiera cerealicola (S.I.S.A.CER.)” funded by Bando POR FESR Sicilia 2007-2013, Sicily region, from May 15, 2014, to July 15, 2014. Her research focused on monitoring and processing microclimatic data recorded during thermal treatment for insect pests control. From January 1, 2015, to April 30, 2018, Dr. Valenti participated in the research program “Soluzioni tecnologiche innovative per la valorizzazione degli scarti degli agrumi (SOCRATE)” funded by the Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico. Here, she applied the LCA methodology to evaluate the innovative processes adopted during the project. Another significant contribution was her collaboration in the research program “FIR-2014- Analisi per lo sviluppo della filiera biometano in ambiente mediterraneo” from March 6, 2015, to October 30, 2017. This project, funded by a Public announcement (D.R. n. 2334, 03/06/2014) – codice 335C3E, involved territorial analysis of Mediterranean biomasses availability using Geographic Information Systems. Additionally, Dr. Valenti participated in the research program “FIR-2014- Messa a punto di un sistema automatico per lo studio del comportamento individuale di bovine da latte in stabulazione libera” from March 6, 2015, to October 30, 2017, under the same funding source. Lastly, she contributed to the research program “Progetto di ricerca industriale sul Pastazzo di Agrumi” from November 1, 2015, to January 1, 2016, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation. Her research involved territorial analysis through GIS application for localizing industrial citrus processing companies that produce citrus pulp usable in anaerobic digestion processes for biogas production.

🗣️Professional experience:

Dr. Francesca Valenti has a diverse professional background, starting with her current role as an Associate Professor at the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, where she has been since July 1, 2023. Prior to this, she served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the University of Catania from April 22, 2020, to June 30, 2023. Before her appointment as an Assistant Professor, Dr. Valenti was a Post-doctoral Fellow Researcher at the same department from February 1, 2019, to January 31, 2020, focusing on the development of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to sustainable localize new biogas plants fed by feedstock-mixture suitable for enhancing biogas production. Dr. Valenti also held a research contract at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the University of Catania from December 21, 2018, to February 21, 2019, where she worked on territorial data elaboration for developing a model to quantify electrical and thermal energy from citrus pulp and olive pomace anaerobic digestion. Additionally, she served as a Professor by contract for the Laboratory of Informatics (M-Z course) at the same department, focusing on Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology for the academic year 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 – 1° Year, from November 1, 2018, to April 22, 2020. Prior to these roles, Dr. Valenti was a Post-doctoral fellow at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment at the University of Catania from March 12, 2018, to September 12, 2018, where her research activity involved GIS-based model developing for evaluating the agro-industrial by-products availability through suitable index. She also held a research contract at the Research center for Sustainable Development of the Mediterranean Area (C.Ri.S.A.M.) – Centro di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile dell’Area Mediterranea from November 1, 2017, to December 11, 2017, focusing on spatial analysis to quantify and localize innovative biomasses suitable for enhancing biogas production.

🏆Awards:

Dr. Francesca Valenti has received prestigious awards and recognitions for her outstanding contributions to the field of Agricultural Engineering. She was awarded the National Scientific Qualification to function as a Full Professor in Italian Universities for the Macro sector 07C1 – Agricultural, Forestry, and Biosystems Engineering, valid from June 2021 until June 2030. Prior to this, she achieved the National Scientific Qualification to function as an Associate Professor in Italian Universities for the same sector, valid from October 2018 until October 2027. Additionally, Dr. Valenti was honored with the “Adriano Guarneri” award for the best Ph.D. thesis in Agricultural Engineering by the Italian Association of Agricultural Engineering in July 2017, further highlighting her exceptional research and academic achievements.

Teaching experience:

Dr. Francesca Valenti has a comprehensive teaching experience, contributing significantly to various courses related to Agricultural Science and Technology. She served as a Professor by contract for the Laboratory of Informatics (M-Z course) at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology, for the academic years 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, focusing on 1st-year students. In the academic year 2020/2021, Dr. Valenti took on multiple teaching roles, including Professor of Data survey analysis for Precision Agriculture and Professor of Computer lab and computer-aided design for 3rd-year students in the Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology. Additionally, she served as a Professor of CAD and GIS modules for the course CAD, GIS, and Participatory Mapping for the PhD in Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science. In October 2021, Dr. Valenti was an Invited Main Lecturer at the 3rd Joint Meeting of Agriculture-oriented PhD Programs UniCT, UniFG, and UniUD, where she delivered a lecture titled “GIS modelling for precision and sustainable agriculture.” Continuing her teaching commitment, in the academic year 2021/2022, Dr. Valenti resumed her role as a Professor of Data survey analysis for Precision Agriculture for 3rd-year students in the Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Science and Technology. She also took on the role of Professor in Buildings and Landscape for Food and Wine itineraries for 3rd-year students in the Bachelor’s Degree in Science and Technology for Food Service and Distribution of Mediterranean Foods, showcasing her versatility and expertise in various fields of agricultural education.

Skills:

Dr. Francesca Valenti possesses a wide range of software skills that enhance her capabilities in various aspects of her work. She is proficient in Microsoft Office, which includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, facilitating her administrative and presentation tasks. Additionally, Dr. Valenti is skilled in QGIS software, enabling her to work with geographic information systems effectively. Her proficiency in R Studio allows her to conduct statistical analysis and data visualization, crucial for her research in Agricultural Science and Technology. Furthermore, she is experienced in AutoCAD and 3DS Max Design, which are essential for her work in architectural and building engineering, particularly in existing building acoustic requalification and computer-aided design. Dr. Valenti also has expertise in Photoshop and Corel Draw, which are valuable for graphic design and image editing tasks. Her proficiency extends to ArchiCAD, SAP 2000, and CDS Software, which are essential for architectural and engineering design and analysis. Additionally, she is familiar with Software Echo 6.0 Acustica and software termotecnica ACCA, which are crucial for acoustic and thermotechnical analysis, respectively. Moreover, Dr. Valenti is skilled in Minitab, a statistical software, and Simulation CFD 2015, which is used for computational fluid dynamics analysis. These software skills highlight her versatility and competence in utilizing a wide range of tools to support her research and teaching activities in the field of Agricultural, Forestry, and Biosystems Engineering.

.

📚Publications :

Anaerobic co-digestion of multiple agricultural residues to enhance biogas production in southern Italy

Authors: F Valenti, Y Zhong, M Sun, SMC Porto, A Toscano, BE Dale, F Sibilla

Citations: 75

Year: 2018

Spatial analysis of feedstock supply and logistics to establish regional biogas power generation: A case study in the region of Sicily

Authors: F Valenti, SMC Porto, BE Dale, W Liao

Citations: 59

Year: 2018

Evaluation of biomethane potential from by-products and agricultural residues co-digestion in southern Italy

Authors: F Valenti, SMC Porto, R Selvaggi, B Pecorino

Citations: 50

Year: 2018

Use of citrus pulp for biogas production: a GIS analysis of citrus-growing areas and processing industries in South Italy

Authors: F Valenti, SMC Porto, G Chinnici, R Selvaggi, G Cascone, C Arcidiacono

Citations: 46

Year: 2017

Energy and environmental assessment of plastic granule production from recycled greenhouse covering films in a circular economy perspective

Authors: S Cascone, C Ingrao, F Valenti, SMC Porto

Citations: 43

Year: 2020

Sequential crops for food, energy, and economic development in rural areas: The case of Sicily

Authors: R Selvaggi, F Valenti, G Pappalardo, L Rossi, S Bozzetto, B Pecorino

Citations: 43

Year: 2018

Quantification of olive pomace availability for biogas production by using a GIS‐based model

Authors: F Valenti, C Arcidiacono, G Chinnici, G Cascone, SMC Porto

Citations: 42

Year: 2017

Covering plastic films in greenhouses system: A GIS-based model to improve post-use sustainable management

Authors: MCM Parlato, F Valenti, SMC Porto

Citations: 40

Year: 2020

Co-digestion of by-products and agricultural residues: A bioeconomy perspective for a Mediterranean feedstock mixture

Authors: F Valenti, SMC Porto, R Selvaggi, B Pecorino

Citations: 40

Year: 2020

Tomato puree in the Mediterranean region: An environmental Life Cycle Assessment, based upon data surveyed at the supply chain level

Authors: C Ingrao, N Faccilongo, F Valenti, G De Pascale, L Di Gioia, A Messineo

Citations: 36

Year: 2019

Life cycle assessment of agro-industrial by-product reuse: a comparison between anaerobic digestion and conventional disposal treatments

Authors: F Valenti, W Liao, SMC Porto

Citations: 34

Year: 2020

Potential biogas production from agricultural by-products in Sicily. A case study of citrus pulp and olive pomace

Authors: F Valenti, SMC Porto, G Cascone, C Arcidiacono

Citations: 33

Year: 2017

A GIS‐based model to estimate citrus pulp availability for biogas production: an application to a region of the Mediterranean Basin

Authors: F Valenti, SMC Porto, G Chinnici, G Cascone, C Arcidiacono

Citations: 33

Year: 2016

Assessment of citrus pulp availability for biogas production by using a GIS-based model: The case study of an area in southern Italy

Authors: Valenti, Porto, Chinnici, Cascone, Arcidiacono

Citations: 32

Year: 2017