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👤

Google Scholar

Scopus

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.

Bio Gazali Sanni | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bio Gazali Sanni | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC) | Benin

Gazali Bio Sanni is a passionate agricultural scientist and PhD candidate in Biotechnology and Plant Breeding at the University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Benin. With hands-on experience in crop genetics, plant physiology, and molecular biology, Gazali has contributed significantly to the advancement of agricultural sciences in West Africa. His dedication to improving crop productivity and sustainability is reflected through his work with Sesame, Soybean, Pumpkin, and other essential crops 🌱.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Diverse Research Experience:
    Gazali has demonstrated consistent involvement in agronomic research, particularly in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology. His hands-on work with crops like Sesame, Soybean, Cowpea, and Pumpkin shows practical relevance and alignment with regional agricultural priorities.

  2. International Exposure:
    His fellowship at the University of Cologne, Germany and participation in interdisciplinary plant science seminars reflect global engagement, skill development in cutting-edge molecular techniques, and an ability to adapt to international research environments.

  3. Publication Record:
    With six publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles in International Journal of Agronomy, Scientifica, Heliyon, Oil Crop Science, and CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, he has contributed to both fundamental and applied aspects of plant breeding and agronomy. The focus on genetic characterization and agro-morphological traits strengthens his academic footprint.

  4. Awards & Recognition:
    The Jeff Schell Fellowship by the Bayer Foundation is a prestigious award that underlines his potential and credibility as a young scientist in agricultural biotechnology.

  5. Technical Proficiency:
    Skills in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, qPCR, and bioinformatics (R, SPSS, SAS) are particularly valuable in today’s interdisciplinary plant science landscape.

🎓 Education

Gazali began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Crop Science (2013–2016), followed by a Master’s in Biotechnology and Plant Breeding (2018–2021), both from FSA/UAC 🎓. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the same institution (2022–present), focusing on plant genetic improvement using modern biotechnological tools.

💼 Experience

Since March 2019, Gazali has served as a Research Assistant at the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, UAC, assisting in high-impact research on staple crops and supporting students in plant physiology and ecophysiology 📘. He undertook a prestigious fellowship at the University of Cologne, Germany (Feb–Aug 2024), where he mastered advanced molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing 🧪. He also gained early experience as a Laboratory Technician at INRAB (2017) and as an Agronomy Technician at GBioS (2016–2017), building a strong foundation in fieldwork and lab analysis 🌾.

🔬 Research Interest On Agriculture

Gazali’s research revolves around plant biotechnology, crop improvement, genetic diversity, molecular characterization, and sustainable agriculture 🌍. His focus lies in understanding the genetic and morphological variability in key African crops to enhance yield and resilience through modern breeding techniques and genomic tools 🔍.

🏆 Award

In 2023, Gazali was honored with the Jeff Schell Fellowship for Agricultural Science by the Bayer Foundation 🌟. This competitive international award enabled him to conduct part of his PhD research at the Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, recognizing his academic excellence and research potential in agricultural biotechnology 🎖️.

📚 Publications

Gazali has co-authored several peer-reviewed articles in respected journals, reflecting his strong research productivity. His works are already being cited and making a significant impact in the academic community :

  • “Characterization of Genetic and Agromorphological Variation in 30 Soybean (Glycine max) Accessions in Northern and Southern Benin”

    • Authors: Vincent Ezin, Fatimata Bachabi, Florida Corolle Mintodè Dubogan, Wassiou Ahanchede, Gazali B. T. A. Sanni, Mohamed Salim Moussa, Adam Ahanchede, Mohamed Abdelsalam​

    • Publication Year: 2025​

  • “Genetic and Agromorphological Characterization of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes for Dehiscence‐Related Traits and Grain Yield Performances”

    • Authors: Gazali B. T. A. Sanni, Vincent Ezin, Antoine Abel Missihoun, Quenum Florent, Adam Ahanchede, Mohamed Addi​

    • Publication Year: 2025​

  • “Production and Achievements in Sesamum indicum Industry in the World: Past and Current State”

    • Authors: Gazali B. T. A. Sanni, Vincent Ezin, Ifagbémi Bienvenue Chabi, Antoine Abel Missihoun, Quenum Florent, Zangui Hamissou, Mareme Niang, Adam Ahanchede​

    • Publication Year: 2024​

  • “Farmers’ Knowledge, Practices and Use of Sesame Genetic Resources in the Production Systems of Benin: Case Study of Agro-Ecological Zone IV”

    • Authors: Gazali B. T. A. Sanni, Vincent Ezin, Adam Ahanchede​

    • Publication Year: 2022​

  • “Ethnobotanical Study of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) Landraces in Benin”

    • Authors: Vincent Ezin, Ulrich Herbert Gbemenou, Gazali B. T. A. Sanni, Adam Ahanchede​

    • Publication Year: 2021​

  • “Fiche Technique Synthétique pour la Production de la Corète Potagère (Corchorus olitorius L.)”

    • Authors: Gazali Bio Sanni, Lègba C. E., Aglinglo A. L., Djido U., Francisco R., Fassinou Hotègni V. N., Achigan-Dako G. E.​

    • Publication Year: 2018​

✅ Conclusion

With a strong foundation in agricultural science, notable research contributions, and international recognition, Gazali Bio Sanni stands out as a promising young scientist in Africa’s agricultural transformation 🌟. His dedication to sustainable crop development and genetic research continues to support food security and scientific advancement both locally and globally 🌾🌍.