Abdul Hadi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Abdul Hadi | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Govt Degree College Zanskar, Ladakh | India

Dr. Abdul Hadi is an accomplished botanist, educator, and early-career researcher whose work focuses on plant reproductive biology, conservation, and biodiversity of the Himalayan region. He earned his Integrated Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Kashmir under the joint supervision of Dr. Seema Singh and Prof. Irshad Ahmad Nawchoo, completing a significant research contribution on the reproductive biology and conservation strategies of Aconitum violaceum, a threatened medicinal plant of the Ladakh Himalaya. His academic foundation also includes an M.Sc. in Botany from Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University and a B.Ed. from the University of Kashmir. Dr. Hadi has qualified multiple national and state-level competitive examinations, including CSIR-NET-JRF, JK-SET/SLET, and CTET, showcasing strong academic merit and disciplinary expertise. Professionally, he serves as an Assistant Professor at Govt. Degree College Zanskar and has held several teaching positions across higher secondary institutions in Ladakh, contributing to science education at grassroots levels. He has also engaged in research as a Junior Research Fellow in a Department of Biotechnology (DBT)-funded project on apricot germplasm characterization and conservation. Alongside teaching and research, Dr. Hadi has taken on administrative and leadership roles, serving on institutional committees and leading educational initiatives, including founding the Ibex Academy in Kargil. His professional memberships include the National Environmental Science Academy (NESA), and he possesses strong technical proficiency across a wide range of scientific and data-analysis software. With an emerging publication record and measurable academic impact reflected through citation indices on ResearchGate, Scopus, and Google Scholar, Dr. Hadi continues to advance plant science research while fostering academic growth and scientific awareness in the remote Himalayan region.

Featured Publications

Ali, S., Singh, S., Shah, M. A., Hadi, H., Akhone, I. A., Khatoon, Z., & Rafiq, R. (2025). Green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles enhance in vitro regeneration in Artemisia dracunculus L. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 162, 70.

*Rafiq, R., Malla, B. A., Wagay, N. A., Kaloo, Z. A., Mahajan, R., & Hadi, A. ** (2025). Genetic diversity assessment of Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes, a critically endangered and endemic medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya, using ISSR markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 72, 255–269.

Malla, B. A., Rafiq, S., Hadi, A., Ali, A., Kaloo, Z. A., Wagay, N. A., & Dar, N. A. (2023). Downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers NF-κB1, RelA and COX-2 using Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes—in vitro and in silico study. Industrial Crops and Products, 197, 116564.

Hadi, A., Rafiq, S., Singh, S., Ali, S., & Nawchoo, I. A. (2022). Seed viability, seed germination, and micropropagation of Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf—A rare and threatened medicinal plant of Ladakh Himalaya. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology – Plant, 59, 315–328.

Hadi, A., Singh, S., Rafiq, S., Nawchoo, I. A., & Wagay, N. A. (2022). In vitro propagation of Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf through seed culture and somatic embryogenesis. Horticulturae, 8(7), 599.

Rafiq, S., Wagay, N. A., Elansary, H. O., Malik, M. A., Bhat, I. A., Kaloo, Z. A., Hadi, A.*, Alataway, A., Dewidar, A. Z., El-Sabrout, A. M., Yessoufou, K., & Mahmoud, E. A. (2022). Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antifungal activities of Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes wild rhizome extracts. Antioxidants, 11(6), 1052.

Hadi, A., Singh, S., Nawchoo, I. A., Rafiq, S., & Ali, S. (2022). Impacts of habitat variability on the phenotypic traits of Aconitum violaceum Jacq. ex Stapf at different altitudes and environmental conditions in the Ladakh Himalaya, India. Plant Science Today, 9(3), 546–554.

Goshen David Miteu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Goshen David Miteu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Goshen David Miteu, University of North Dakota, Nigeria

Goshen David Miteu is a dynamic biomedical researcher deeply committed to addressing global health challenges through translational science. Currently pursuing a PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of North Dakota, his work focuses on HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. A Commonwealth Scholar and recipient of multiple academic honors, Goshen brings a robust background in biotechnology, biochemistry, and infectious disease research. Beyond the lab, he actively contributes to scientific communication, community engagement, and mentorship through numerous roles, including Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) representation and global mentorship initiatives. Goshen has demonstrated leadership in both academic and professional settings and maintains active affiliations with prestigious scientific societies. A passionate advocate for Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), he blends scientific rigor with social impact, leveraging both wet and dry lab skills. Goshen embodies a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community-driven research in public health and biomedicine.

Publication Profile

google scholar

🎓 Education

Goshen David Miteu is currently a PhD candidate in Biomedical Science at the University of North Dakota, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases and infectious pathologies. He earned an MSc in Biotechnology with Distinction from the University of Nottingham, UK (2023), where he researched recombinant protein production and RNA helicase purification. His undergraduate degree, a BSc in Biochemistry from Caleb University, Lagos (2020), was completed with First Class Honours (CGPA 4.90/5.0), and he emerged as the overall best graduating student. His BSc thesis centered on the levels of granzymes and TGF-β in HIV-1 infected patients. Goshen has also undertaken various certified professional courses in biotechnology, antimicrobial resistance, Python and R programming, and data visualization. His education is enhanced by prestigious scholarships and has spanned interdisciplinary fields, combining molecular biology, biotechnology, and biomedical science, giving him a broad and deep understanding of human health and disease at the cellular and systemic levels.

💼 Experience

Goshen David Miteu has diverse experience in biomedical research, spanning academia, industry, and public health. He currently serves as a Graduate Research Assistant in Chen’s Lab at the University of North Dakota, contributing to therapeutic development for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Previously, at the Center for Infectious Disease Control and Drug Development, Nigeria, he conducted antimicrobial and phytochemical assays on natural compounds like Moringa oleifera. His industrial stint at Dangote Pasta and Flour Ltd (2019–2020) yielded innovations such as a manual pasta crack test, which improved product reliability. Goshen has also held roles in quality assurance and control, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. He is an active scientific communicator, leading research teams in the ICORMED Collaborative and Pan African Research Group. His work experience reflects his strong capacity for independent research, cross-functional teamwork, and public health impact, integrating both wet and dry lab methodologies to address complex biomedical problems.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Goshen David Miteu has received numerous accolades recognizing his academic excellence and leadership. He is a recipient of the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship (UK, £50,000) and the University of North Dakota Doctoral Scholarship (~$270,000). In 2024, he was awarded the Campbell Scholarship. His early academic excellence was recognized with awards such as Valedictorian, Overall Best Graduating Student, and Best Student in Biochemistry at Caleb University, where he earned multiple departmental prizes including the Okebukola Science Foundation Prize, Prof Nimbe’s Prize, and the Joseph Ayedun’s Prize. During his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he received a State Honors Award for public health outreach. Additional distinctions include awards from the Education USA Membership Program, the i-Scholar Initiative, and various alumni honors. His award trajectory showcases a consistent record of excellence in research, academics, and community service, positioning him as a rising leader in global biomedical science and innovation.

🔬 Research Focus

Goshen David Miteu’s primary research focus is the molecular basis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Working in Chen’s Lab at the University of North Dakota, he explores how HIV impacts the central nervous system, leading to cognitive decline. His objective is to define the mechanistic pathways involved in HAND, particularly those related to endolysosomal dysfunction, and leverage this knowledge to develop novel therapeutic targets. His broader interests extend to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease, driven by a vision to address major public health challenges through translational neuroscience and molecular interventions. Goshen also has experience in recombinant protein technology, genomic profiling, and bioinformatics, and has contributed to research in antimicrobial resistance, plant-derived bioactives, and RNA helicases. His research philosophy is anchored in innovation, sustainability, and relevance to global health needs, particularly within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 for Good Health and Wellbeing.

📚 Publications

  • 🧬 Aptamer Design as Biosensor to Detect Microbes

  • 🧪 Aptamer Design for Allergy Detection

  • 💉 Conceptualized a Biosimilar Design to Replace Cancer Treatment with Provenge

  • 🧫 Genomic Profiling of Bacillus Subspecies via pCR-4-TOPO Vector Cloning of 16s rRNA Gene

  • 🧬 Gateway Cloning of TIR1 Gene into Plasmid Vector pENTER11

  • 🌱 Transcriptome Data Analysis on Cytokinin Treatment on Roots of Seedlings

  • 🔬 Identification and Characterization of Bacillus Microbiota from Rumex obtusifolius Sample

  • 🧫 FDA Approves CASGEVY™: First CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease – Review

  • 🧪 Culture-Free Biphasic Approach for Early Sepsis Detection – Review Article

Eugen Kokin | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Eugen Kokin | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Eugen Kokin, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Estonia

Eugen Kokin, born on May 4, 1953, is a distinguished researcher in energy applications and biotechnology at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. With a Doctorate earned in 2003, his work has significantly contributed to agricultural energy efficiency, data analytics, and sustainability. He has led multiple high-impact projects focused on smart farming, precision livestock management, and sustainable energy systems. His career spans decades of research, fostering innovation in environmental and agricultural engineering. As a principal investigator, he has driven initiatives funded by prominent institutions, enhancing environmental management and digital transformation in agriculture. His expertise bridges engineering and biotechnology, ensuring improved sustainability in agricultural processes.

Publication Profile

scopus

Education 

Eugen Kokin graduated summa cum laude from the Estonian Agricultural Academy in 1976, specializing in energy applications in agriculture. He completed high school at Tartu High School No. 4 in 1971, also with honors. His Research Master’s Degree, obtained in 1992 under Jaan Lepa’s supervision, focused on electricity demand modeling in agricultural processes. In 2003, he earned his Doctorate from the Estonian University of Life Sciences under Kuno Jürjenson’s mentorship, with a dissertation on agricultural measurements, data analysis, and modeling. His academic journey has been dedicated to precision agriculture, energy optimization, and environmental sustainability, forming the foundation for his groundbreaking research in digital agricultural solutions and smart energy applications. His education laid the groundwork for pioneering data-driven agricultural engineering and sustainable energy management, making a profound impact on the field.

Experience

Eugen Kokin has had an extensive career at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, contributing to energy applications, smart farming, and precision agriculture. As a principal investigator, he has led projects focusing on ICT-driven environmental sustainability and dairy farm management. He has played a key role in research collaborations, including the development of zero-energy buildings and automated livestock welfare assessments. His expertise spans decades in academia, fostering interdisciplinary research between biotechnology and engineering. His leadership in national and international research projects has shaped advancements in agricultural sustainability and digital transformation. Throughout his career, he has mentored students and researchers, driving forward innovations in precision livestock farming, environmental monitoring, and data-driven decision-making in agriculture. His contributions continue to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in agricultural systems.

Awards & Honors

Eugen Kokin’s outstanding contributions to agricultural engineering and energy applications have been recognized with multiple research grants and awards. His leadership in ICT-based environmental sustainability projects has earned him funding from the Estonian Ministry of Rural Affairs. His work in precision livestock farming and data management for smart agriculture has been supported by institutions like the Estonian Science Foundation and the Ministry of Education and Research. His role in high-impact projects, such as zero-energy buildings and smart dairy farm management, highlights his excellence in sustainability research. His achievements in precision livestock farming and ICT integration in agriculture have positioned him as a leading researcher in Estonia. His dedication to data-driven environmental management and smart farming continues to drive innovation in agricultural technology and engineering.

Research Focus

Eugen Kokin’s research is centered on precision livestock farming, energy applications in agriculture, and smart environmental management. His work integrates data-driven approaches, IoT-enabled sensors, and ICT technologies to enhance sustainability and transparency in dairy farming. He has explored the automation of livestock welfare assessments, focusing on improving animal health monitoring. His contributions to zero-energy and resource-efficient buildings reflect his commitment to sustainable energy solutions. His projects emphasize removing barriers to adopting digital agriculture solutions, ensuring widespread implementation of ICT in farming practices. His interdisciplinary research spans biotechnology and engineering, leveraging data analytics to optimize agricultural production. With a focus on environmental sustainability, his work continues to push the boundaries of innovation in energy-efficient agricultural practices and smart farm management.

 

Publication Top Notes

📖 Measurements, Data Analysis, and Models in Agriculture – Doctoral Dissertation (2003)
📖 Study and Modelling of Electricity Demand in Agricultural Technological Processes – Research Master’s Thesis (1992)
📖 Development of a Practical Data Management System with Embedded Sensors for Improved Environmental Management and Transparency of Dairy Farming (2023–2026)
📖 Investigation of Cows’ Automatic Welfare Assessment Possibilities (2005–2008)
📖 Cattle Health and Welfare – Aspects of Precision Livestock Farming (2008–2012)
📖 Zero Energy and Resource-Efficient Buildings and Districts (2015–2023)
📖 Enhancing Environmental Sustainability of Livestock Farms by Removing Barriers for Adopting ICT Technologies (2021–2023)