Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana| Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Doctoral School of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest | Romania

Peste-Ras (Marcu) Iuliana is an accomplished Chemistry and Physics educator and an emerging researcher dedicated to advancing sustainable practices and innovative methodologies in chemical and environmental sciences. She currently serves as a Chemistry Teacher at High School Toma Socolescu, within the Department of Chemistry in Ploiesti, Romania, where she has been contributing to the academic and personal development of students since 2001. Her teaching career reflects a deep commitment to scientific literacy, hands-on learning, and the promotion of green chemistry principles among young learners. Between 2013 and 2015, she also served as a University Lecturer at the University of Oil and Gas, Ploiesti, Romania, where she taught chemistry-related subjects and guided undergraduate students in research projects. Dr. (PhD candidate) Iuliana Peste-Ras’s academic journey demonstrates a solid foundation in both the natural and applied sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Physics from the University of Petroleum and Gas, Faculty of Letters and Science, Ploiesti in 2001. Pursuing her passion for environmental sustainability, she completed a Master’s degree in Life Sciences and Ecology from the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica, Bucharest in 2019. She is currently a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica, Bucharest, where her research focuses on the valorization of natural products, food chemistry, and eco-friendly analytical methods for assessing the quality and antioxidant potential of horticultural produce. Her scientific contributions include notable research on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits, focusing on their physical and chemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and preservation techniques. Her publications highlight her growing influence in the field of food chemistry and sustainable processing. In 2022, she co-authored “The Effect of Peel and Seed Removal on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Tomato Fruits” published in U.P.B. Scientific Bulletin, Series B (84(3), 78–88). Her 2024 study, “The Effect of Freezing on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Tomato Fruits” (U.P.B. Sci. Bull., 86(1), 166–172), examined the influence of storage conditions on nutritional quality. Her 2025 publication in Horticulturae (Q1, IF: 3) titled “Analysis of the Antioxidant Capacity of Whole-Fruit Tomato Powder Using the FRAP Assay — An Eco-Friendly Approach for the Valorization of Horticultural Products” underscores her commitment to sustainable science and innovation in agricultural product research. Through her teaching excellence, research dedication, and academic leadership, Iuliana Peste-Ras continues to make a meaningful contribution to science education, food chemistry, and ecological sustainability in Romania and beyond.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Pește-Ras (Marcu), I., Radu, G. L., & Dăncilă, A. M. (2025). Analysis of the antioxidant capacity of whole-fruit tomato powder using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay—An eco-friendly approach for the valorization of horticultural products. Horticulturae, 11(9), 1145. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11091145

Juan Pulhin | Forest Governance | Excellence in Research

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Prof. Juan Pulhin | Forest Governance | Excellence in Research

Professor and UP Scientist III at University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines.

Professor Juan M. Pulhin is a distinguished full professor and former Dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). With a career marked by significant academic and scientific achievements, he has held the esteemed rank of UP Scientist III since 2011. Prof. Pulhin is known for his pioneering work in the fields of human dimensions of environmental change, social forestry, and natural resource governance. He has made notable contributions to the development of participatory approaches for climate risk, vulnerability, and adaptation assessments. His work has been instrumental in enhancing climate resiliency and adaptive capacity across various local government units in the Philippines. Prof. Pulhin has served as a Lead Author and Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), contributing to global climate assessments. He is also an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in the Philippines, reflecting his national and international standing in the scientific community. His extensive experience and dedication to environmental research and governance continue to drive impactful change and innovation in sustainable development practices.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Prof. Juan M. Pulhin holds a Ph.D. in Forestry and Environmental Studies from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), where he also earned his Master of Science in Watershed Management and his Bachelor of Science in Forestry. His academic journey at UPLB equipped him with extensive expertise in forestry, watershed management, and environmental studies, laying a strong foundation for his distinguished career in academia and research. 🌳🏞️🌲

Professional Experience

Prof. Juan M. Pulhin is a full Professor and former Dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Since 2011, he has held the prestigious rank of UP Scientist III, recognizing his scholarly contributions and international scientific standing. For the past decade, he has chaired the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM), leading its development into a prominent center for research and public service. Prof. Pulhin has also been a Visiting Professor at the University of Tokyo and a Visiting Scholar at Waseda University in Japan. His extensive experience includes roles as a Lead Author and Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and contributions to various national and regional environmental initiatives. 🌏📝🌱

Research Interest

Prof. Juan M. Pulhin is an internationally recognized scientist specializing in the human dimensions of environmental change, social forestry, and natural resource governance. His pioneering work focuses on participatory approaches to climate risk, vulnerability, and adaptation assessments. He integrates scientific and local knowledge to address climate change challenges. Prof. Pulhin’s research contributes to enhancing the adaptive capacity and climate resilience of communities, particularly in regions affected by severe weather events. His work on climate change assessments is cited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in the Philippines. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of collaborative frameworks for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Southeast Asia, working with organizations like SEARCA and ASEAN. His research continues to influence policies and practices in community-based forest management and environmental protection. 🌳🌍🔬

Award and Honors

Prof. Juan M. Pulhin has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his significant contributions to environmental science and climate change. His most notable achievement is his contribution to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. This award highlighted his role in advancing global understanding of climate change. Additionally, he holds the highest academic rank of UP Scientist III at the University of the Philippines, a testament to his scholarly excellence and international scientific standing. As an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in the Philippines, he continues to be a leading voice in his field. His numerous awards reflect his commitment to integrating science with community-based approaches to environmental management and climate resilience. 🌍🔬✨

Research Skills

Professor Juan M. Pulhin excels in various research methodologies and analytical techniques that have propelled his career as an influential environmental scientist. His expertise includes the development of participatory approaches for climate risk, vulnerability, and adaptation assessments, integrating both scientific and local knowledge. This blend of interdisciplinary methods ensures that his research is both scientifically robust and practically applicable. Prof. Pulhin is adept at using qualitative and quantitative research techniques to analyze the human dimensions of environmental change, social forestry, and natural resource governance. He is skilled in the application of GIS and remote sensing for environmental monitoring and assessment, which enhances his research on forest fragmentation and landscape change. His involvement with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a Lead Author and Coordinating Lead Author showcases his capability in synthesizing complex scientific data for global climate reports. Moreover, Prof. Pulhin’s extensive experience in collaborative research projects, both locally and internationally, highlights his ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural research environments. His proficiency in these diverse research skills underpins his significant contributions to the fields of environmental management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.

Publications

  • Correction to: Exploring bioproduction systems in socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes in Asia through solution scanning using the Nature Futures Framework (Sustainability Science, (2023), 10.1007/s11625-023-01338-9)
    • Authors: Lahoti, S.A., Withaningsih, S., Lomente, L., Hashimoto, S., Saito, O.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Factors affecting land use and land cover change and fragmentation in selected protected areas in the Philippines
    • Authors: Buhay, A.F.V., Cruz, R.V.O., Tiburan, C.L., Pulhin, J.M.
    • Year: 2023
  • No Island is an Island: Understanding the Geo-social Interaction of Small Islands in the Philippine Archipelagoscape
    • Authors: Hilvano, N.F., Bantayan, N.C., Pulhin, J.M., Nelson, G.L.M., Arboleda, M.D.M.
    • Year: 2023
  • Ten new insights in climate science 2022
    • Authors: Martin, M.A., Boakye, E.A., Boyd, E., Van Der Geest, K., Zhao, Z.J.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 10
  • Estimating the Recreational Value and Setting Entrance Fees during Early Development of Ecotourism Sites: the Case of Bataan Natural Park
    • Authors: Fajardo, A.R., Sajise, A.J.U., Predo, C.D., Diona, D.L.Z., Pulhin, J.M.
    • Year: 2022
  • Small Island Spatial Accessibility: The Case of San Vicente, Northern Samar, Philippines
    • Authors: Hilvano, N.F., Bantayan, N.C., Pulhin, J.M., Nelson, G.L.M., Arboleda, M.D.M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  • Unbundling Property Rights among Stakeholders of Bataan Natural Park: Implications to Protected Area Governance in the Philippines
    • Authors: Pulhin, J.M., Fajardo, A.R., Predo, C.D., De Luna, C.C., Diona, D.L.Z.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3
  • Recalibrating burdens of blame: Anti-swidden politics and green governance in the Philippine Uplands
    • Authors: Dressler, W.H., Smith, W., Kull, C.A., Carmenta, R., Pulhin, J.M.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 19
  • Enhancing resilience through capacity building in LCCAP formulation in the local government of Aurora, Philippines
    • Authors: Pulhin, J.M., Tapia-Villamayor, M.A., de Luna, C.C., Tiburan, C.L., Almarines, N.R.
    • Year: 2021

 

Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloo | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloo | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Faculty Member at University of Religions and Denominations, Iran.

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois an accomplished professional with expertise spanning communication science, journalism, and agricultural engineering. Holding a Ph.D. in Communication Science from Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran, alongside degrees in journalism and agricultural engineering, Dr. Mall’s interdisciplinary background enriches his work. With experience as an Assistant Professor at the University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran, and prior roles in university lecturing and managerial positions in public relations and international affairs, Dr. Mall demonstrates versatility and leadership. His research interests encompass media studies, journalism, and public relations, exploring the impact of media on cultural perceptions and societal change.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois  academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering from Urmia University, Iran, followed by a Master’s in Communication Science and Journalism from Islamic Azad University, Tehran. He furthered his academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Communication Science from Islamic Azad University, Tabriz. This diverse educational background equips him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois  has held various positions spanning academia, public relations, journalism, and management. His roles include Assistant Professor at the University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran, University Lecturer at the University of Applied Science and Technology in Tehran and Urmia, and Public Relations & International Affairs Manager at the Maku Free Zone Organization.

Research Interest:

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois  research interests primarily revolve around communication science, with a focus on areas such as media studies, journalism, and public relations. He is particularly interested in exploring the role of media in shaping cultural perceptions and facilitating social change.

Award and Honors:

Throughout his career, Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois has been recognized for his contributions to academia and journalism. He has received prestigious awards from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for his excellence in writing, journalism, and photojournalism.

Research Skills:

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois  possesses a diverse skill set in research methodologies, data analysis, and communication strategies. His proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, coupled with his extensive experience in journalism and media, enables him to conduct comprehensive and insightful studies in his field.