Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University | Iran

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti is a globally recognized professor, researcher, and consultant specializing in organic farming, medicinal plants, and plant-based functional foods. With extensive academic, industrial, and leadership experience, he has contributed significantly to the development of herbal-based nutraceuticals, sustainable agricultural systems, and functional food innovations. His vision combines scientific rigor with practical applications, positioning him as a bridge between research and industry. Known for his integrity, patience, and inclusive leadership style, Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti has established a reputation as an innovator whose work improves community health and advances global agricultural knowledge.

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Education

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti holds academic degrees in Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Agronomy, and Agroecology from leading Iranian universities. His education was further enriched by advanced research training in medicinal and aromatic plants at the University of Massachusetts, USA. This blend of national and international education gave him both technical depth and a global outlook, enabling him to contribute effectively to agricultural science, biotechnology, and functional food research.

Experience

Throughout his career, Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti has advanced from lecturer to professor, holding multiple leadership roles in universities, research centers, and innovation hubs. He has served as Head of Department, Chancellor, and Chief Editor of international journals, where he has influenced research strategies, promoted faculty development, and elevated institutional rankings. His leadership extended beyond academia into agricultural enterprises, where he has worked as a consultant to improve crop yields, develop natural food additives, and guide startups in medicinal plants. He has also played a pivotal role in establishing innovation and technology centers, mentoring young scientists, and guiding product development from laboratory findings to market-ready solutions.

Research Interests

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti’s primary research interests lie in organic farming systems, medicinal and aromatic plants, ethnobotany, and plant-based functional foods. He focuses on the bioactivity of plant compounds, their applications in pharmaceutical and food industries, and their role in sustainable agriculture. His work explores how natural elicitors, bio-fertilizers, and organic systems influence plant growth, essential oil profiles, and secondary metabolites. By merging traditional knowledge with modern agricultural biotechnology, his research addresses global challenges related to food security, health, and environmental sustainability.

Awards

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti has earned numerous national and international awards, recognizing his exceptional contributions to science, teaching, and innovation. He has been consistently acknowledged among the top scientists worldwide, honored with prestigious national researcher titles, and celebrated for his publications and patents. His awards include distinctions for research excellence, authorship of influential books, innovation in agricultural products, and academic leadership. These accolades underscore his impact in both academic and applied sciences, while affirming his standing as one of the leading voices in agricultural and medicinal plant research.

Publications

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed papers across high-impact international journals. His publications cover topics such as organic farming practices, biochemical traits of medicinal plants, and applications of herbal extracts in food and pharmaceutical sciences. Some representative works include:

  • Interactive effects of drought stress and chitosan application on physiological characteristics and essential oil yield of Thymus daenensis Celak
    Journal: The Crop Journal
    Published on: 2017
    Citation: 363

  • Essential oil and chemical compositions of wild and cultivated Thymus daenensis Celak and Thymus vulgaris L.
    Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
    Published on: 2013
    Citation: 318

  • Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by Kurd tribe in Dehloran and Abdanan districts, Ilam province, Iran
    Journal: African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines 
    Published on: 2013
    Citation: 295

  • Effects of drying methods on qualitative and quantitative properties of essential oil of two basil landraces
    Journal: Food Chemistry
    Published on: 2013
    Citation: 285

  • Exogenous application of chitosan on biochemical and physiological characteristics, phenolic content and antioxidant activity of two species of basil
    Journal: Scientia Horticulture
    Published on: 2017
    Citation: 238

  • Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oils obtained from seven Iranian populations of Rosmarinus officinalis
    Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
    Published on: 2017
    Citation: 196

  • Dehydration behaviour, mathematical modelling, energy efficiency and essential oil yield of peppermint leaves undergoing microwave and hot air treatments
    Journal: Renewable and Sustainable Energy
    Published on: 2016
    Citation: 186

Conclusion

Prof. Abdolah Ghasemi Pirbalouti is an exceptional academic leader whose research has transformed the understanding and application of medicinal plants, organic farming, and functional foods. With a remarkable publication record, impactful patents, and global recognition, he has consistently demonstrated innovation, academic excellence, and dedication to advancing science for societal benefit. His sustained contributions position him as an outstanding candidate for prestigious research awards.

Muhammad Asrar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asrar | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Government College University of Faisalabad | Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Asrar is an accomplished academic and researcher currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. He is widely recognized for his expertise in entomology, particularly Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and for his leadership in various academic and administrative capacities. Over the course of his career, he has made substantial contributions to teaching, research, and institutional governance, while also engaging actively in professional societies and editorial roles. His commitment to both science and service reflects a balance of scholarly rigor and organizational skill, earning him recognition at national and international levels.

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Education

Dr. Asrar holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology from Government College University Faisalabad, where his research focused on developing pest management strategies for key agricultural pests in cotton. Prior to his doctorate, he completed both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Agricultural Entomology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, equipping him with a strong foundation in crop protection and insect biology. His earlier academic training in the sciences provided the basis for a career that integrates biological research with practical applications in agriculture and environmental management.

Experience

His professional journey encompasses a wide range of roles in teaching, research, and university administration. At Government College University Faisalabad, he has advanced from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, mentoring students, supervising research, and delivering lectures in zoology and related disciplines. Beyond teaching, he has served in pivotal administrative positions, including Deputy Controller and Controller of Examinations, Deputy Director of Advanced Studies, Assistant Registrar, and Research Officer. These positions have involved overseeing academic policies, managing examination systems, facilitating research approvals, and ensuring compliance with higher education standards. He has also represented his institution at numerous conferences, chaired scientific sessions, and contributed to academic boards and committees across multiple universities.

Research Interest

Dr. Asrar’s research expertise lies at the intersection of entomology, pest ecology, and sustainable agriculture. He has a particular interest in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), focusing on the control of insect pests such as jassids and whiteflies in cotton, as well as stored-product pests like Tribolium castaneum. His work integrates field trials, laboratory experiments, and molecular approaches to develop environmentally friendly pest control solutions. He is also engaged in research related to fisheries and molecular biology, expanding his scope to encompass aquatic ecosystems and genetic tools for species management. Through his research, he aims to reduce pesticide dependence, promote biodiversity, and support sustainable farming practices.

Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Asrar has been honored with multiple awards and distinctions in recognition of his academic excellence, innovative research, and outstanding service to the academic community. He has received commendations from university leadership for his dedication to institutional responsibilities and for organizing major academic events. Internationally, he has been awarded competitive travel grants to present his work at prestigious scientific forums. His achievements also include recognition for his administrative leadership, active participation in professional societies, and editorial contributions to well-regarded scientific journals. One of his notable honors is the Best Research Award for exceptional contributions to innovative research in science and agriculture.

Publications

Title: Foliar exposure of zinc oxide nanoparticles improved the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and decreased cadmium concentration in grains under simultaneous Cd and water stress
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 267

Title: Combined use of different nanoparticles effectively decreased cadmium (Cd) concentration in grains of wheat grown in a field contaminated with Cd
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 84

Title: 6‐Phosphogluconate dehydrogenase fuels multiple aspects of cancer cells: From cancer initiation to metastasis and chemoresistance
Journal: BioFactors
Published on: 2020
Citation: 58

Title: Effect of gibberellic acid and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on growth, antioxidant defense system and mineral nutrient uptake in wheat
Journal: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Published on: 2021
Citation: 55

Title: Physcion and physcion 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside: Natural anthraquinones with potential anticancer activities
Journal: Current Drug Targets
Published on: 2021
Citation: 46

Title: Exploration of polyacrylamide microplastics and evaluation of their toxicity on multiple parameters of Oreochromis niloticus
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Published on: 2023
Citation: 43

Title: Phosphoglycerate mutase 1 in cancer: A promising target for diagnosis and therapy
Journal: IUBMB Life
Published on: 2019
Citation: 35

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Asrar exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated scholar, effective educator, and capable administrator. His career reflects a continuous pursuit of scientific advancement alongside a commitment to strengthening academic institutions. With expertise that spans both fundamental and applied research, he has contributed to solving critical agricultural challenges while also shaping the academic environment through leadership and mentorship. His professional record demonstrates not only technical proficiency in zoology and pest management but also a vision for integrating research, education, and service for the broader benefit of science and society.

Curtis VanderSchaaf | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Curtis VanderSchaaf | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mississippi State University | United States

Dr. Curtis Lee Vanderschaaf is a Certified Forester® with a prolific career spanning research, academia, and forest resource management. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University, he is widely recognized for his work in forest biometrics, growth and yield modeling, and forest carbon markets. With decades of dedication across multiple states, including Minnesota, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, Dr. Vanderschaaf has become a leading figure in forestry extension and decision support systems. His cross-sector expertise bridges technical innovation and on-the-ground forest management, positively impacting both landowners and the academic community.

Author Profile👤

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Curtis Lee Vanderschaaf, Certified Forester® and Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University, stands out as a deeply accomplished forest biometrician and silvicultural modeler. His extensive academic background—Ph.D. in Forest Biometrics from Virginia Tech, M.S. in Forest Management from the University of Idaho, and a B.S. from Stephen F. Austin State University—has laid a rigorous foundation for over two decades of high-impact contributions. His career includes academic positions and applied research roles with organizations like the Minnesota Division of Forestry, the Texas Forest Service, and Louisiana Tech University.

Curtis’s research strengths lie in growth and yield modeling, carbon sequestration modeling, forest inventory systems, and timber decision support systems (TDSSs). He has developed and implemented numerous advanced forest modeling tools, including LONGeOFIELD, LOBtech, and others for pine species management. His work has supported both academic communities and forest industries, ensuring sustainable forest productivity through applied science.

🎓 Education

Dr. Vanderschaaf earned his Ph.D. in Forest Biometrics from Virginia Tech University (2006), where he specialized in modeling size-density relationships in loblolly pine plantations under the guidance of Dr. Harold Burkhart. His Master’s in Forest Management was completed at the University of Idaho (1999), focusing on operational fertilization effects on understory vegetation. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Forest Management from Stephen F. Austin State University (1996), where he received an academic scholarship from the International Society of Arboriculture.

🧑‍💼 Experience

Dr. Vanderschaaf’s diverse professional experience includes academia, government, and extension. At Mississippi State University, he leads forest modeling initiatives, teaches landowner workshops, and develops forest carbon market tools. Previously, he held a faculty role at Louisiana Tech University, where he taught forestry courses and developed various Timber Decision Support Systems (TDSS). He served as a biometrician with the Minnesota Division of Forestry, contributing to state-level forest management plans using strategic models like Remsoft Woodstock. Earlier, at the Texas Forest Service, he worked on forest inventory systems and bioenergy economics.

🔬 Research Interests On Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Dr. Vanderschaaf’s research centers on forest growth and yield modeling, forest carbon accounting, biometric analyses, and decision support tools for landowners. He actively develops simulators for southern pine species and works on carbon estimation in different pools—biomass, soil, and harvested wood products. His work spans from optimizing thinning and reforestation to integrating forest economics and climate resilience into long-term management.

🏆 Awards

  • 2012 Conservation Enhancement Employee Recognition Commissioner’s Award, MN DNR Extended Rotation Forestry Policy Team

  • Twice nominated for Louisiana Tech’s College of Applied and Natural Sciences Teaching and Research Awards

  • Recipient of the International Society of Arboriculture Academic Scholarship
    These accolades reflect his unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable forest management and education.

📚 Publications

  • Regional mixed-effects height–diameter models for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations
    Authors: G. Trincado, C.L. VanderSchaaf, H.E. Burkhart
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 163

  • Comparison of methods to estimate Reineke’s maximum size-density relationship species boundary line slope
    Authors: C.L. VanderSchaaf, H.E. Burkhart
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 90

  • The effect of density on the height-diameter relationship
    Authors: B. Zeide, C. Vanderschaaf
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 90

  • A multilevel individual tree basal area increment model for aspen in boreal mixedwood stands
    Authors: Y. Yang, S. Huang, S.X. Meng, G. Trincado, C.L. VanderSchaaf
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 77

  • Evaluation of population-averaged and subject-specific approaches for modeling the dominant or codominant height of lodgepole pine trees
    Authors: S.X. Meng, S. Huang, Y. Yang, G. Trincado, C.L. VanderSchaaf
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 55

  • Assessing the impacts of species composition, top height and density on individual tree height prediction of quaking aspen in boreal mixedwoods
    Authors: S. Huang, D.P. Wiens, Y. Yang, S.X. Meng, C.L. Vanderschaaf
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 51

  • Determining productivity gains from herbaceous vegetation management with ‘age-shift’ calculations
    Authors: D.B. South, J.H. Miller, M.O. Kimberley, C.L. Vanderschaaf
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 50

  • Using segmented regression to estimate stages and phases of stand development
    Authors: C.L. VanderSchaaf, H.E. Burkhart
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 36

  • Winter nitrogen fertilization of loblolly pine seedlings
    Authors: C. VanderSchaaf, K. McNabb
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 32

  • Growth of graded sweetgum 3 years after root and shoot pruning
    Authors: K. McNabb, C. VanderSchaaf
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 29

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Curtis Lee Vanderschaaf is a visionary forest scientist whose expertise spans academic research, practical forestry, and landowner education. His dedication to advancing forest biometrics, sustainable forest management, and carbon market readiness makes him a compelling nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His career demonstrates a perfect blend of quantitative modeling, community service, and applied forest science that supports both policy and practice.