Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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 countryā€™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.

 

 

Juan Pulhin | Forest Governance | Excellence in Research

Prof. Juan Pulhin | Forest Governance | Excellence in Research

ProfessorĀ and UP Scientist III at University of the Philippines Los BaƱos, 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 BaƱos (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 BaƱos (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. šŸŒ³šŸžļøšŸŒ²

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 BaƱos (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. šŸŒšŸ“šŸŒ±

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. šŸŒ³šŸŒšŸ”¬

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. šŸŒšŸ”¬āœØ

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

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 AlibiglooisĀ  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 AlibiglooisĀ  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 AlibiglooisĀ  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 AlibiglooisĀ  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.