Ms. Maria Nuria Conejero | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maria Nuria Conejero | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award 

Ms. Maria Nuria Conejero, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain

Mª Nuria Conejero Rodríguez is a Robotics Research Engineer at the Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR) UPM-CSIC, currently working on the FlexiGroBots project. She holds a Ph.D. position in Automation and Robotics at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, building on her Master’s Degree in Robotics and Automation from Carlos III University of Madrid and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. With a passion for robotics and its future potential, she has gained valuable experience through roles such as a Research Fellow at CAR and an internship at Embention Sistemas Inteligentes. Mª Nuria’s dedication to the field is demonstrated by her achievements, including the Cátedra Fundación Torrecid Award for the best Final Degree Project and a top 3 finish in the National Ranking of Industrial Electronic Engineering and Automation. Proficient in a range of technologies, including ROS, Python, and various robotics simulators, she is driven by a strong desire to contribute to innovative research in robotics and automation.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS
ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Maria Nuria Conejero Rodríguez is a highly talented and dedicated researcher in the field of Robotics and Automation, with a strong foundation in industrial electronics, robotic systems, and control systems. Her academic background, combined with her impressive research experience and hands-on work with advanced robotic projects, makes her an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

  • PhD in Automation and Robotics
    Polytechnic University of Madrid | 09/2023-Present

  • Master’s Degree in Robotics and Automation
    Carlos III University of Madrid | 09/2020 – 06/2022

  • Degree in Industrial Electronics and Automation Engineering
    Polytechnic University of Valencia | 09/2016 – 06/2020
    ARA Group (High Academic Achievement)

  • Erasmus Stay
    University of Skövde, Sweden | 09/2019 – 01/2020

💼 Work Experience

  • Robotics Researcher Engineer
    Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR) UPM-CSIC | 08/2022-Present
    Project: FlexiGroBots

  • Research Fellow
    Centro de Automática y Robótica (CAR) UPM-CSIC | 10/2021-06/2022
    JAE Fellowship Intro 2021

  • Internship at Embention Sistemas Inteligentes, SL
    Alicante, Spain | 07/2019-08/2019
    Control Area

🏆 Achievements

IT Skills:

  • Programming & Software: ROS, Python (+OpenCV), Matlab, C/C++, GitHub, Arduino, LaTeX, Robot Simulators (Gazebo, OpenRave), RobotStudio, Mathematica, Blender, Motive

  • Machine/Deep Learning, Proteus, Microsoft Office

Languages:

  • English: Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

🏅 Awards and Honors

  • Cátedra Fundación Torrecid Award
    For the Best Final Degree Project (2019/2020 academic year)

  • 3rd Position
    National Ranking of Industrial Electronic Engineering and Automation 2020 of the Spanish Society of Academic Excellence

  • Best University Entrance Record
    Award for students with the best university entrance record (2016/2017 academic year)

Publication Top Notes:

A collaborative robotic fleet for yield mapping and manual fruit harvesting assistance

Collaborative Harvest Robot

Angelo Azevedo | Internet of Things | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Angelo Azevedo | Internet of Things | Best Researcher Award

A PhD student at ESALQ / USP, Brazil

Angelo Tiago Azevedo is a dedicated researcher and educator specializing in Agricultural Systems Engineering. He graduated with a degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from UFRRJ in 2019 and earned his Master’s from ESALQ – USP in 2021, focusing on irrigation. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Agricultural Systems Engineering at the same institution, working under the guidance of Rubens Duarte Coelho. His research interests lie in agricultural automation, irrigation management, and the integration of technology in agriculture. Azevedo is also actively involved in teaching at the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro, where he imparts knowledge in irrigation, hydraulics, and geoprocessing. His commitment to sustainable agricultural practices is reflected in his ongoing projects and collaborations.

Profile:

Scopus Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Educational Background: Angelo Tiago Azevedo has an impressive academic trajectory, with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, a Master’s in Agricultural Systems Engineering, and ongoing PhD studies at a prestigious institution (ESALQ – USP). His solid foundation in agrarian sciences and engineering enhances his research credibility.
  2. Focused Research Contributions: Azevedo’s research is highly specialized in irrigation, agricultural automation, and instrumentation. His work on automatic irrigation management systems and energy partitioning in crops demonstrates his commitment to addressing critical challenges in modern agriculture.
  3. Diverse Project Involvement: He has participated in multiple research projects that explore various aspects of agricultural productivity, such as evaluating crop adaptability under different irrigation regimes and developing innovative irrigation systems. This breadth of experience showcases his versatility and ability to tackle diverse agricultural issues.
  4. Teaching and Mentorship: As a teacher in technical and technological education, Azevedo actively contributes to the development of future professionals in his field. His involvement in guiding students through research projects highlights his commitment to education and mentorship.
  5. Recognition and Awards: Azevedo has received accolades for his work in scientific research, including recognition for his presentations at academic conferences. This indicates that his peers value his contributions and insights.
  6. Editorial and Peer Review Roles: His position on the editorial board of a scientific journal and as a referee for academic publications demonstrates his recognition as a knowledgeable figure in his field, contributing to the quality and rigor of agricultural research.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Publication Volume: While Azevedo has published significant work, increasing the volume of publications in high-impact journals could enhance his visibility and influence within the scientific community.
  2. Language Proficiency: Although he has reasonable comprehension of English and Spanish, improving his fluency in these languages could broaden his opportunities for international collaboration and dissemination of research findings.
  3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engaging more with researchers from related fields, such as environmental science, technology, and data science, could lead to innovative approaches and enhance the applicability of his research.
  4. Outreach and Communication: Developing skills in science communication could help him effectively share his research findings with broader audiences, including policymakers and practitioners, increasing the impact of his work.

Education:

Angelo Tiago Azevedo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), completed in 2019. He further pursued a Master’s in Agricultural Systems Engineering at ESALQ – USP, where he graduated in 2021, specializing in irrigation management. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate in Agricultural Systems Engineering at ESALQ – USP, focusing on automation and instrumentation in agriculture, particularly irrigation systems. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to research, supported by grants from the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). Azevedo has also enhanced his expertise through various complementary courses, including advanced training in irrigation systems and programming languages, positioning him as a knowledgeable figure in the fields of agronomy and agricultural engineering.

Experience: 

Angelo Tiago Azevedo has extensive experience in agricultural research and education. He has worked as a consultant in Agri-Environmental Systems and has participated in various research projects, including the development of automatic irrigation systems and agricultural automation technologies. Azevedo has served as a research assistant at both UFRRJ and ESALQ – USP, contributing to significant projects such as the automatic weight control system for beehives. Currently, he is a researcher and educator at the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio de Janeiro, where he teaches courses on irrigation, hydraulics, and geoprocessing. His professional experience also includes coordinating research activities related to irrigation management, crop productivity, and resource optimization. Azevedo’s active involvement in research projects showcases his commitment to advancing agricultural practices and enhancing the efficiency of irrigation systems.

Awards and Honors:

Angelo Tiago Azevedo has been recognized for his contributions to agricultural science through various awards and honors. In 2018, he received accolades for his outstanding work presented at the VI Reunião Anual de Iniciação Científica da UFRRJ, specifically for projects on hydraulic conductivity and automation in soil analysis. His innovative research has been acknowledged for its practical applications in irrigation management. Azevedo was also awarded an Honorable Mention in the 7th Mathematics Olympiad (OBMEP) in 2011, reflecting his strong analytical skills. These achievements highlight his commitment to excellence in research and education, motivating him to contribute further to the field of agricultural engineering. His dedication to sustainability and efficiency in agriculture continues to earn him recognition within the academic community.

Research Focus:

Angelo Tiago Azevedo’s research focus is centered on agricultural automation and instrumentation, particularly within irrigation management. His work aims to optimize water usage and enhance crop productivity through advanced technologies and systems. Azevedo explores the development of automated irrigation systems that integrate climate and soil data to improve resource efficiency. His current projects include evaluating the adaptability of various crop cultivars under different irrigation techniques and developing intelligent systems for precision agriculture. He also investigates the effects of water quality on crop yield, specifically examining the impacts of high electrical conductivity on lettuce production. Azevedo’s research contributions are vital in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the overall efficiency of irrigation systems, addressing the growing challenges of water scarcity and food security.

Publications Top Notes:

  • Development of an Automatic Weather Station for Irrigation Management via IoT
  • Water Use Efficiency and Canopy Temperature Response of Soybean Subjected to Deficit Irrigation

Conclusion:

Angelo Tiago Azevedo is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, with a robust educational background, focused research initiatives, and a commitment to teaching and mentorship. His contributions to agricultural engineering and irrigation management are significant and impactful. By addressing areas for improvement, such as increasing publication volume and enhancing language skills, Azevedo can further solidify his reputation and influence in the field. His dedication to innovation in agricultural practices positions him as a valuable asset to the scientific community and the agricultural sector.