Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Graduate research fellow at Pwani University/icipe, Kenya.

Bonface Onyango is a dedicated professional with a passion for bioinformatics and computational biology. With a strong educational background in both biochemistry and bioinformatics, Bonface has honed his skills in data analysis, programming, and research methodologies. His extensive experience includes roles as a Graduate Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), where he contributed to the development of biocollections databases and integrative digital platforms. Additionally, Bonface has served as a Medical Representative at Surgipharm Ltd- Abbott Nutrition Int and as a Research Assistant at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), where he conducted household surveys and field data collection on various research projects. His teaching experience as both a high school teacher and an online tutor reflects his commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity building. Bonface has also demonstrated leadership and technical expertise in various bioinformatics projects and hackathons, showcasing his ability to innovate and collaborate in multidisciplinary settings. With a keen interest in leveraging data science and machine learning techniques for biological research, Bonface continues to make significant contributions to the field and is poised to excel in his future endeavors.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Bonface Onyango pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya, graduating in 2019. Subsequently, he embarked on his academic journey in Bioinformatics by enrolling in a Master’s program at Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya, in 2021. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree, aiming to deepen his knowledge and expertise in this interdisciplinary field.

Professional Experience

Bonface Onyango has accumulated diverse professional experiences across various sectors. As a Graduate Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2021 to 2023, he spearheaded the development of a biocollections database and constructed an integrative digital platform. Prior to this, he served as a Medical Representative at Surgipharm Ltd- Abbott Nutrition Int in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2020 to 2021. In this role, he meticulously detailed products to doctors, conducted continuous medical education to healthcare professionals, and actively participated in scientific webinars focusing on nutritional products. Additionally, his tenure as a Research Assistant at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Kisumu, Kenya, from 2019 to 2020, involved conducting household data collection surveys on post-COVID-19 impact and supervising field data collection on the contribution of Non-Profit Institutions (NPIs) to the country’s economy. His proficiency and leadership skills were further demonstrated during his time as a Content Supervisor at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Siaya, Kenya, in 2019, where he supervised enumerators during the Kenya Population and Housing Census.

Research Interest

Bonface Onyango’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of topics within the realm of bioinformatics and computational biology. His primary focus lies in leveraging machine learning techniques for the analysis of genomic data, with specific emphasis on predicting the source of pathogens like Salmonella Enterica from whole genome sequencing data. Additionally, he is deeply involved in exploring microbial diversity in COVID-19 patients using AI-driven approaches. His expertise extends to the development of bioinformatics pipelines for ancestry prediction using whole exome data, reflecting his commitment to unraveling complex biological phenomena through computational methods. Moreover, he has a keen interest in reproducible research practices and machine learning applications in diverse biological contexts.

Award and Honors

Throughout his career, Bonface Onyango has received recognition and accolades for his contributions to various fields. Notable among these honors are his appointments as project lead and technical lead in prestigious bioinformatics hackathons and codeathons organized by institutions like the African Society of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (ASBCB) and Founders Factory Africa. Furthermore, his outstanding performance as a graduate research fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has been acknowledged, reflecting his dedication and proficiency in developing biocollections databases and integrative digital platforms. Additionally, his role as a content supervisor during the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census highlights his commitment to excellence in data collection and management.

Research Skills

Bonface Onyango possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to excel in his field. With a solid foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology, he demonstrates proficiency in data analysis, particularly in handling large-scale genomic datasets and applying machine learning algorithms for predictive modeling. His expertise extends to programming languages such as Python, R, and Bash, along with familiarity with Linux environments. Bonface is adept at utilizing various libraries and tools, including Sklearn, Pandas, Numpy, Git, and Docker, to streamline research workflows and facilitate collaboration. Moreover, his proficiency in citation management software such as Zotero, Mendeley, and Latex underscores his meticulous approach to academic writing and publication. Overall, Bonface’s research skills are instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing complex biological challenges.

 

 

Sumit Chakravarty | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sumit Chakravarty | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India.

Dr. Sumit Chakravarty is a distinguished academic and researcher known for his expertise in forestry and environmental science. With nearly two decades of experience in the field, Dr. Chakravarty has made significant contributions to academia, research, and administration. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy, along with a B.Sc. in Agriculture (Honors) and an M.Sc. in Forestry. Currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Forestry at UBKV, Pundibari, Dr. Chakravarty has been instrumental in guiding doctoral and master’s students, with a track record of supervising numerous research projects. His research interests span a wide range of topics, including biomass mapping, carbon management, and biodiversity conservation in the Himalayan region. Dr. Chakravarty’s dedication to his field has earned him several prestigious awards and honors, including Honorary Fellowships from esteemed societies and the Scientist of the Year 2017 Award. Through his leadership roles, scholarly endeavors, and administrative responsibilities, Dr. Chakravarty continues to make valuable contributions to the field of forestry and environmental science.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Sumit Chakravarty holds a diverse educational background, including a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honors), a Master of Science in Forestry, and a Doctorate in Agronomy. Additionally, he has qualified the ICAR Net (For), further enhancing his expertise in the field. This comprehensive educational journey has equipped him with a strong foundation in agricultural and forestry sciences, enabling him to excel in his career as a professor and researcher in the Department of Forestry at UBKV, Pundibari.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sumit Chakravarty boasts an extensive professional experience spanning over 19 years and 9 months. Throughout his career, he has served in various capacities, including as a Professor in the Department of Forestry at UBKV, Pundibari. Additionally, he has taken on leadership roles such as Head of the Department of Forestry, Deputy Registrar, and Placement Officer at UBKV. Dr. Chakravarty has also served as an Associate Director of Research at the Regional Research Station (Hill Zone) UBKV Kalimpong, showcasing his versatility and leadership skills in both academic and administrative domains.

Research Interest

Dr. Sumit Chakravarty’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum within the field of forestry and environmental science. He is particularly focused on areas such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, carbon mapping, and carbon sink management in Himalayan ecosystems. His work delves into understanding the intricate dynamics of forest ecosystems and their role in mitigating climate change. Additionally, Dr. Chakravarty is interested in exploring the sustainable utilization of forest resources, agro-biodiversity conservation, and the development of innovative approaches for enhancing ecosystem resilience. Through his research endeavors, he aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of sustainable practices for forest management and environmental conservation.

Award and Honors

Dr. Sumit Chakravarty has garnered numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his career for his outstanding contributions to forestry and environmental science. These accolades include Honorary Fellowships by esteemed organizations such as the Society of Environment Science and the Society of Sciences in Dumka, India. Additionally, he has been recognized with an Honorary Fellowship by the East Himalayan Society for Spermatocyte Taxonomy (TaxoClub) at the Department of Botany, North Bengal University, Siliguri, India. One of his notable achievements is receiving the Scientist of the Year 2017 Award from the International Foundation for Environment and Ecology and the Confederation of Indian Universities in New Delhi. These honors underscore Dr. Chakravarty’s significant impact and dedication to advancing research in forestry and environmental science.

Research Skills

Dr. Sumit Chakravarty possesses a diverse set of research skills that have enabled him to excel in the field of forestry and environmental science. His expertise spans various areas, including biomass and carbon mapping, carbon sink management, and mitigation strategies. With a keen focus on interdisciplinary research, Dr. Chakravarty applies advanced methodologies and techniques to address complex environmental challenges. He has demonstrated proficiency in project management, successfully handling multiple external funded projects and overseeing their completion. Furthermore, Dr. Chakravarty is skilled in data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences. His commitment to continuous learning and collaboration underscores his effectiveness as a researcher and his dedication to advancing knowledge in forestry and environmental science.

Publications

  1. Mapping tree carbon density using Sentinel 2A sensor on Google Earth Engine in Darjeeling Himalayas: Implication for tree carbon management and climate change mitigation
    • Authors: Singh, M., Arshad, A., Bijlwan, A., … Shukla, G., Chakravarty, S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  2. A Baseline Study of A’chik Homegardens in North-East India: Structure, Composition and Utilization
    • Authors: Marak, C.R., Marak, C.C., Sarkar, B.C., … Suresh, C.P., Chakravarty, S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  3. Species richness, stand structure and carbon storage under an age chronosequence in Tectona grandis plantation at agricultural landscape of Indian Eastern Himalayan Foothill
    • Authors: Chettri, R., Tamang, M., Sarkar, B.C., … Bhat, J.A., Chakravarty, S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  4. Prioritizing Tree-Based Systems for Optimizing Carbon Sink in the Indian Sub-Himalayan Region
    • Authors: Dey, T., Dinesha, S., Singh, M., … Shukla, G., Chakravarty, S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1
  5. Editorial: Food security: sustainability and accessibility
    • Authors: Chakravarty, S., Nath, A.J., Shukla, G.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  6. Floristic diversity, and conservation status of large cardamom based traditional agroforestry system along an altitudinal gradient in the Darjeeling Himalaya, India
    • Authors: Vineeta, Sarkar, B.C., Tamang, M., … Nath, A.J., Chakravarty, S.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 1
  7. Effects of plant growth regulators and growing media on propagation and field establishment of Stevia rebaudiana: a medicinal plant of commerce
    • Authors: Abha Manohar, K., Shukla, G., Roy, B., Chakravarty, S.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 5
  8. Folk therapeutic uses of ethnomedicinal plants to cure gynecological disorders-A Meta-Analysis of West Bengal State in India
    • Authors: Vineeta, Shukla, G., Bhatt, J.A., Chakravarty, S.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 0
  9. Biomass Production and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Different Agroforestry Systems in India: A Critical Review
    • Authors: Panwar, P., Mahalingappa, D.G., Kaushal, R., … Dutta Roy, A., Gurung, T.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 23
  10. Traditional homegardens and ethnomedicinal plants: Insights from the Indian Sub-Himalayan region
    • Authors: Roy, M., Sarkar, B.C., Shukla, G., … Bhat, J.A., Chakravarty, S.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 10