Ishita Biswas | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ishita Biswas | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | S.B.S. Government College, Hili | India

Dr. Ishita Biswas is an esteemed Assistant Professor in Botany at S. B. S. Government College, Hili, West Bengal, India. With a rich academic background in microbiology and plant sciences, she has made remarkable contributions to microbial research and plant biochemistry. Her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge is evident through her extensive research, numerous accolades, and commitment to mentoring young scholars.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • 🌟 Academic Excellence: Dr. Biswas has consistently excelled academically, earning top ranks throughout her educational journey, including a silver medal for securing the second position in her Master of Science in Botany.
  • 📊 Research Contributions: She has published 17 full-length research papers in reputed journals, including Elsevier and MDPI, showcasing a diverse range of research interests from plant biochemistry to microbiology.
  • 🏅 Awards and Recognition: Her achievements include multiple “Best Presenter” and “Outstanding Paper” awards at international conferences, reflecting her ability to effectively communicate research findings.
  • 🧬 GenBank Submissions: Submission of seven gene sequences to NCBI highlights her contributions to genetic research, which is a valuable addition to the scientific community.
  • 👩‍🏫 Professional Involvement: Active participation in academic committees, student welfare initiatives, and administrative roles demonstrates her dedication to institutional development.
  • 🌐 Interdisciplinary Approach: Her research integrates microbiology, biochemistry, and plant physiology, reflecting a multidisciplinary perspective.
  • 📈 Competitive Edge: Qualifying for prestigious exams like UGC JRF-NET, GATE, and SET further underscores her academic rigor and research potential.

Education 🎓

Dr. Biswas’s academic journey began at WBBSE, where she completed her secondary education with distinction. She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Botany from the University of North Bengal, securing first-class honors. Her quest for knowledge led her to pursue a B.Ed. and ultimately a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Raiganj University in 2024. Additionally, she qualified for prestigious examinations such as UGC JRF-NET, NET-LS, SET, and GATE, showcasing her academic excellence.

Experience 💼

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at S. B. S. Government College, Hili, Dr. Biswas plays an active role in various academic and administrative committees. She has served as the Convener of the Students’ Welfare & Disciplinary Sub-Committee and Joint Convener of the Routine Sub-Committee and Women Grievance & Redressal Cell. Additionally, she contributes to the External Examination, Sports, Internal Complaint, UGC, and Website Sub-Committees.

Research Interests On Biology 🔬

Dr. Biswas’s research interests lie in plant biochemistry, plant physiology, and microbiology. Her work focuses on microbial interactions, enzyme characterization, and exploring natural methods for environmental remediation. She is particularly passionate about studying plant-microbe interactions and harnessing microbial potential for sustainable agriculture and bioremediation.

Awards 🏆

  • Silver Medal from the Honorable Governor for securing First Class Second Position in M.Sc. Botany, University of North Bengal (2013).
  • “Best Presenter Award” at the 7th Annual International Conference Biospectrum 2023, organized by the University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (2023).
  • “Outstanding Paper Award” at the 6th Regional Science & Technology Congress (Region 2) (2023-24).
  • “Best Presenter Award” at the 8th Annual International Conference Biospectrum 2024, organized by the University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata, in collaboration with the University of Iasi, Romania (2024).

Publications 📖

  • Title: Valorization of vermicompost with bacterial fermented chicken feather hydrolysate for the yield improvement of tomato plant: A novel organic combination
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra, A Senapati, D Mitra, S Chattaraj, M Ali, G Basak
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 25

  • Title: Bioactive compounds as a potential inhibitor of colorectal cancer; an insilico study of Gallic acid and Pyrogallol
    Authors: D Mitra, A Dey, I Biswas, PK Das Mohapatra
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 23

  • Title: Recent advancement in metabiotics: a consortium with bioactive molecules after fermentation by probiotic bacteria with multidisciplinary application potential and future prospects
    Authors: I Biswas, PKD Mohapatra
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 21

  • Title: Contributions of protein microenvironment in tannase industrial applicability: An in-silico comparative study of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial tannase
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra, AK Bandyopadhyay, PKD Mohapatra
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Structural and catalytic advancement of fungal tannase: A proteomic contribution in industrial applicability
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra, PKD Mohapatra
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Concomitant yield optimization of tannase and gallic acid by Bacillus licheniformis KBR6 through submerged fermentation: An industrial approach
    Authors: PKD Mohapatra, I Biswas, KC Mondal, BR Pati
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 12

  • Title: Application of egg shell with fortified vermicompost in Capsicum cultivation: a strategy in waste management
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra, D Mitra, S Chattaraj, A Senapati, A Chakraborty
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 10

  • Title: Paraburkholderia tropica PKI7 and Kosakonia arachidis PKI8: Two newly reported tannase producing bacteria isolated from forest soil and study of their tannase producing potential
    Authors: I Biswas, PKDAS Mohapatra
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Preparation of metabiotic curd and optimization of tannase and gallic acid production by probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum PKI15
    Authors: I Biswas, JP Soren, PKD Mohapatra
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

  • Title: Insilico sequence-structure based analysis of bacterial chromate reductase to unravel enzymatic specificity towards chromium pollution
    Authors: I Biswas, D Mitra
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

Conclusion 📊

Dr. Ishita Biswas has made significant strides in the field of botany and microbiology. Her dedication to research and education, coupled with numerous accolades and a strong publication record, highlights her passion for advancing scientific knowledge. She continues to inspire future generations through her teaching and research, leaving an indelible mark in her field.

Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dan Zhao | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Fellow | Harvard medical school | United States

Dan Zhao, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher in biochemistry and molecular biology, currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University. With a strong background in protein quality control, ER-associated degradation (ERAD), and autophagy, Dr. Zhao has made significant contributions to understanding cellular homeostasis mechanisms. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques in cell biology, biochemistry, and structural analysis.

Profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

Outstanding Research Impact: Dan Zhao has made significant contributions to biochemistry and molecular biology, particularly in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) and autophagy. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell, and Autophagy.

Strong Academic and Research Background: His journey from Peking University to Harvard University, along with his research at prestigious institutions such as the National Institute of Biological Sciences (NIBS) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), showcases his academic excellence.

Breakthrough Discoveries: His identification of Epr1 as the first soluble ER-phagy receptor and his work in ERAD have advanced fundamental knowledge in cell biology, making him a leader in his field.

Recognized Achievements: Multiple awards and honors, including “Outstanding Researcher” at NIBS and a poster award at an International Symposium on Autophagy, highlight his scientific contributions.

Consistent Conference Presentations: Presenting at prestigious international conferences (e.g., Gordon Research Conference, ASCB | EMBO Meeting) underscores his active engagement in the research community.

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2011 – 2017)
    Peking University & National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China
  • B.A. in Biological Sciences (2007 – 2011)
    Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

🧪 Experience

  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2021 – Present)
    Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University

    • Investigated how the Mnl1/Htm1-Pdi1 complex recognizes misfolded proteins and initiates ERAD.
    • Identified Pdi1 as the key reductase in ERAD.
    • Developed a novel assay for detecting mannosidase activity.
  • Research Associate (2017 – 2021)
    National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing, China

    • Discovered Epr1, the first soluble ER-phagy receptor.
    • Explored the molecular mechanisms of Epr1 in ER-phagy.
    • Characterized a novel protein, SPBC1685.04, in macroautophagy.
  • Ph.D. Candidate (2012 – 2017)
    Peking University-Tsinghua University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Program

    • Studied PX-BAR family proteins and their role in organelle autophagy.
    • Investigated XRCC4 homologs in fission yeast.
  • Early Research Roles (2010 – 2012)

    • Conducted metagenomic sequencing of Cordyceps Sinensis.
    • Performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing.
    • Researched amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing.

🔬 Research Interests On Biology

  • Protein quality control and degradation
  • ER-associated degradation (ERAD)
  • Autophagy and ER-phagy mechanisms
  • Structural and functional analysis of protein complexes

🏆 Awards & Honors

  • 2017 – Excellent Graduate, Peking University
  • 2015 – Outstanding Researcher, National Institute of Biological Sciences
  • 2015 – Poster Award, International Symposium on Autophagy
  • 2014 – Best Oral Talk, Chinese Fungi Symposium
  • 2013 – Merit Student, Peking University
  • 2011 – Excellent Graduate, Sichuan University

📄 Publications

  • Initiation of ERAD by the bifunctional complex of Mnl1 mannosidase and protein disulfide isomerase

    • Authors: Dan Zhao; Xudong Wu; Tom A. Rapoport
    • Year: 2024
  • Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein interactions in fission yeast using a Pil1 co-tethering assay

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2021
  • Visual detection of binary, ternary, and quaternary protein-protein interactions in fission yeast by Pil1 co-tethering assay

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Dan-Dan Xu; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2021
  • Atg38-Atg8 interaction in fission yeast establishes a positive feedback loop to promote autophagy

    • Authors: Zhong-Qiu Yu; Ling-Ling Sun; Zhao-Di Jiang; Xiao-Man Liu; Dan Zhao; Hai-Tao Wang; Wan-Zhong He; Meng-Qiu Dong; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2020
  • Epr1, a UPR-upregulated soluble autophagy receptor for reticulophagy

    • Authors: Dan Zhao; Li-Lin Du
    • Year: 2020
  • A UPR-Induced Soluble ER-Phagy Receptor Acts with VAPs to Confer ER Stress Resistance

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2020
  • Atg20 and Atg24 family proteins promote organelle autophagy in fission yeast

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2016
  • Genome-wide Screens for Sensitivity to Ionizing Radiation Identify the Fission Yeast Nonhomologous End Joining Factor Xrc4

    • Authors: Dan Zhao
    • Year: 2014

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Dan Zhao’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of protein degradation and autophagy. His discoveries, including the role of ER-phagy receptors and ERAD pathways, contribute to fundamental biological processes with implications for diseases like neurodegeneration. As a leading scientist in the field, his work continues to shape our understanding of cellular homeostasis.

Youming Hou | Biological Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Youming Hou | Biological Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry | China

Youming Hou is a distinguished entomologist and the Dean of the College of Plant Protection at Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. With expertise in ecological pest control and invasive species management, he has significantly contributed to innovative strategies for managing agricultural pests. His groundbreaking research has led to key advancements in controlling major invasive species such as Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant) and Octodonta nipae (nipah palm beetle). His achievements have been recognized with prestigious national and provincial science and technology awards.

👤Profile

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  1. Extensive Research Contributions 📚
    • Published 135 SCI-indexed journal articles, demonstrating a strong research output.
    • H-index of 23, indicating significant influence in the entomology and pest control research field.
    • 1,802 citations, showcasing global recognition and impact.
  2. Innovative Research & Patents 🔬
    • Specializes in ecological control of pests and monitoring and control of invasive organisms—an area of high agricultural and ecological importance.
    • Secured 16 patents, highlighting strong innovation and application-driven research.
  3. Major Research Projects & Leadership 🌍
    • Leading two national key research and development projects related to pest control.
    • Heads two National Natural Science Foundation projects on Tuta absoluta control.
    • Actively collaborates with international institutions (Egyptian Academy of Sciences and Dalhousie University), demonstrating global research engagement.
  4. Awards & Recognitions 🏆
    • Received national and provincial science and technology progress awards for contributions to pest control and invasive species management.
  5. Editorial & Professional Contributions ✍️
    • Holds editorial positions in multiple entomology and biosafety journals.
    • Serves as President of the Fujian Entomological Society and Standing Director of the China Entomological Society, reflecting leadership and recognition in the field.

🎓 Education

Youming Hou obtained his degree in entomology from South China Agricultural University in 1999. Under the mentorship of Academician Pang Xiongfei, he developed a strong foundation in pest ecology and control strategies. His academic journey laid the groundwork for his extensive contributions to integrated pest management and biosecurity measures.

💼 Experience

With a career spanning over two decades, Youming Hou has led multiple national and international research projects on ecological pest control. He has played a pivotal role in the development of cutting-edge pest monitoring and control technologies. As a professor and researcher, he has mentored numerous students and collaborated with esteemed institutions, including the Egyptian Academy of Sciences and Dalhousie University, to tackle global agricultural pest challenges.

🔬 Research Interests On Biological Sciences

His primary research interests include:

  • 🌿 Ecological Control of Pests: Developing sustainable pest management techniques for major agricultural pests like Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) and Phyllotreta striolata (striped flea beetle).
  • 🦟 Invasive Species Management: Investigating the invasion characteristics, ecological impacts, and control measures for invasive pests such as Tuta absoluta (tomato leaf miner) and Solenopsis invicta.
  • 🧬 Biological Control and Biotechnology: Exploring innovative biological and ecological solutions to mitigate pest outbreaks and enhance crop protection.

🏆 Awards

Youming Hou’s contributions to pest control and invasive species management have earned him numerous accolades, including:

  • 🏅 National Science and Technology Progress Awards for innovations in ecological pest control.
  • 🏅 Provincial Science and Technology Awards for groundbreaking research in invasive species monitoring and management.

📚 Publications

  • Floral Resource Integration: Enhancing Biocontrol of Tuta absoluta
    • Authors: Moazam Hyder, Inzamam Ul Haq, Muhammad Younas, Muhammad Adeel Ghafar, Muhammad Rehan Akhtar, Zubair Ahmed, Aslam Bukero, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2025
  • High Antennal Expression of CYP6K1 and CYP4V2
    • Authors: JiangXinyi Jiang, Jiacheng Shen, Peng Lin, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2025
  • Spätzle Regulates Developmental and Immune Trade-Offs
    • Authors: Pengju Li, He Zhang, Anran Tan, Zhuolin Hu, Lu Peng, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • Interactions Between Nanoparticles and Tomato Plants
    • Authors: Inzamam Ul Haq, Xiangyun Cai, Habib Ali, Muhammad Rehan Akhtar, Muhammad Adeel Ghafar, Moazam Hyder, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • Role of Gut Bacteria in Tuta absoluta Host Adaptation
    • Authors: Luohua Shang, Xiangyun Cai, Xiu-Jie Li, Yu-Zhou Wang, Jin-Da Wang, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • A C-Type Lectin, RfCTL27, Activates Immune Defense
    • Authors: Yanru Gong, Yongjian Xia, Zhiping Su, Xinghong Wang, Yishuo Kou, Bing Ma, Youming Hou, Zhanghong Shi
    • Year: 2024
  • The Diversity of Wolbachia and Other Bacterial Symbionts
    • Authors: Yuan Liu, Lina Zhang, Xiangyun Cai, Alexandre Rutikanga, Baoli Qiu, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • Histone Acetylation Enhancing Host Melanization
    • Authors: 堃 蒋, Yan Zhou, Wen Cui, Yan-Wei Han, Pei Chen, Gui-Ming Liao, Youming Hou, Baozhen Tang
    • Year: 2024
  • Host-Encoded Aminotransferase Import into Nardonella
    • Authors: Ying Huang, Zhen-Feng Feng, Fan Li, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2024
  • Symbiotic Bacteria Affecting Phenoloxidase Activation
    • Authors: Sanda N. B., Youming Hou
    • Year: 2023
  • Cellular Immunological Responses to Asecodes hispinarum
    • Authors: Zhiming Chen, Tingting Fu, Lang Fu, Bin Liu, Yaping Lin, Baozhen Tang, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2022
  • Entomopathogenic Nematodes Inhibiting proPO System
    • Authors: Sanda N. B., Bofeng Hou, Youming Hou
    • Year: 2022
  • Effect of Gut Bacteria on Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
    • Authors: Qian-Xia Liu, Zhi-Ping Su, Hui-Hui Liu, Sheng-Ping Lu, Bing Ma, Yue Zhao, Youming Hou, Zhanghong Shi
    • Year: 2021

🔚 Conclusion

Youming Hou’s pioneering research in ecological pest control and invasive species management has left a lasting impact on agricultural biosecurity. His extensive work on sustainable pest management techniques has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also contributed to global efforts in controlling invasive species. As a leader in entomology, he continues to drive innovative solutions to mitigate agricultural threats and protect food security worldwide.

Yelena Rakhimova | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yelena Rakhimova | Biology | Best Researcher Award

Chief Researcher | Institute of Botany and Phyto introduction | Kazakhstan

Yelena Rakhimova, Chief Researcher at the Laboratory of Mycology and Algology at the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, has dedicated her career to advancing the understanding of fungal and algal species. Since joining the institute in 1989, she has progressed from senior laboratory assistant to chief researcher, contributing significantly to the field of mycology. Her work explores the intricate relationships between plants and pathogenic fungi, with a particular focus on apple tree diseases.

Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards

  • Extensive Research Experience: Over three decades of research experience in the fields of mycology and algology.
  • Academic Contributions: Authored more than 200 papers, including 14 articles indexed in Scopus and 15 monographs, which are significant contributions to the study of fungi and plant diseases.
  • Leadership in Research Projects: Successful leadership and execution of national and international research projects, including collaborative efforts with scientists from Russia.
  • Educational Impact: Development of illustrated guides on fungal species used in educational processes, receiving international recognition and awards.

Education 🎓

Yelena Rakhimova holds a degree in biology from Kazakh State University’s Faculty of Biology, Department of Botany. She earned her PhD in 1994 with research on the ultrastructure of powdery mildew fungi and defended her doctoral thesis in 2009, focusing on plant-pathogen compatibility in apple trees. Her academic journey reflects a lifelong commitment to botanical sciences and applied research.

Experience

With over three decades of experience at the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Yelena has led numerous research initiatives, serving as project manager and principal executor for nine major studies. Her international collaborations have fostered knowledge exchange and innovation in mycological research. Additionally, she is an editorial board member for prominent journals and has guided graduate students in their thesis and dissertation work.

Research Interests On Biology🔬

Yelena’s primary research interests center around mycology, including fungal biodiversity, plant-pathogen interactions, and algal flora. Her studies have broadened understanding of fungal species in Kazakhstan’s ecosystems, leading to practical applications in agriculture and botany.

Awards and Recognitions 🏆

Yelena Rakhimova has been recognized for her contributions to science with certificates for publishing illustrated guides to fungi that have been showcased at international exhibitions, including Frankfurt and Sochi. Her works have earned accolades for being exemplary educational and informational resources.

Publications 📝

  • Annotated Checklist of Poroid Hymenochaetoid Fungi in Central Asia: Taxonomic Diversity, Ecological Roles, and Potential Distribution Patterns
    • Authors: Yusufjon Gafforov, Manzura Yarasheva, Xue-Wei Wang, Milena Rašeta, Yelena Rakhimova, Lyazzat Kyzmetova, Kanaim Bavlankulova, Sylvie Rapior, Jia-Jian Chen, Ewald Langer, et al.
    • Publication Year: 2025
    • Citations: As this article was published recently, citation data may not yet be available.
    • DOI: 10.3390/jof11010037
    • Source:
  • Studying of the Lichens Diversity in the Chulak Ridge
    • Authors: Yelena Rakhimova, Abibulla Ametov, Anel Myrzakhan
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.26577/eb.2024.v99.i2.02
  • An Annotated Checklist of Powdery Mildew Fungi (Erysiphaceae) in the Ile-Alatau Mountains (within Kazakhstan)
    • Authors: G. Sypabekkyzy, T. Bulgakov, M. Sedlářová, Y. Rakhimova, L. Kyzmetova, A. Assylbek
    • Publication Year: 2024
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.3844/ojbsci.2024.71.94
  • Records of New and Rare Species for Mycobiota of Southeastern Kazakhstan
    • Authors: Elena V. Rakhimova, Gulnaz Sypabekkyzy, Michaela Sedlářová, Asem M. Asylbek, Lyazzat A. Kyzmetova
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.26.4.15
  • Characteristics of Antagonistic Activity of Two Trichoderma Species New to Kazakhstan Against Soil Pathogens
    • Authors: Yelena Rakhimova, Assem Assylbek, Lyazzat Kyzmetova, Gulnaz Sypabekkyzy, Aitymbet Zhankeldy, Georgy Urmanov
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.3844/ojbsci.2023.441.450
  • Revision of the Species Composition of Slime Molds in the Ile Alatau (Kazakhstan)
    • Authors: Yelena Rakhimova
    • Publication Year: 2021
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.23880/oajmms-16000147
  • New to Kazakhstan Species of Zygomycetes in Forest Soil of Trans-Ili Alatau and Kungey Alatau
    • Authors: Elena V. Rakhimova, Asem M. Assylbek, Lyazzat A. Kyzmetova, Gulnaz Sypabekkyzy, Zhangeldy Aitymbet, Georgy A. Urmanov
    • Publication Year: 2021
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.24.3.12
  • Structure of Soil Fungi Complexes Associated with Rhizosphere of Woody Plants of the Zailisky Alatau (Kazakhstan)
    • Authors: Yelena Rakhimova
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.5943/CREAM/10/1/21
  • New Data for the Mycobiota of the Sugaty Mountains (Kazakhstan)
    • Authors: Yelena Rakhimova
    • Publication Year: 2020
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.31857/S0026364820020105
  • Diversity of Zygomycetes Associated with the Rhizosphere of Woody Plants from Ile-Alatau National Park (Kazakhstan)
    • Authors: Yelena Rakhimova
    • Publication Year: 2019
    • Citations: Citation data is not available.
    • DOI: 10.5943/cream/9/1/6

Conclusion

Yelena Rakhimova’s extensive contributions to mycology and algology research have cemented her reputation as a leading expert in her field. Through her dedication to education, research, and innovation, she continues to advance the understanding of fungal biodiversity and plant health management.