Dr. Henlay Magara | Food Security Awards | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Henlay Magara | Food Security Awards | Innovative Research Award 

Dr. Henlay Magara, Madagascar Biodiversity Center, Madagascar

Dr. Henlay Juma Otieno Magara is a Kenyan agricultural entomologist and food security expert currently affiliated with the Madagascar Biodiversity Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Security from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, where his research focused on edible cricket species, their feed substrates, and nutritional content. He earned his M.Sc. in Agricultural Entomology from Kenyatta University and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Education and Extension from Egerton University. Dr. Magara has extensive experience in academic and research institutions, including serving as a university lecturer, high school teacher, and research fellow. He has also held leadership roles such as Head of Science Departments and Chairperson of a School Board of Management. Beyond academia, he is deeply committed to community service, volunteering as an agricultural extension worker and working to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. His broad skill set spans scientific research, quality control, education, community outreach, and project management, making him a dedicated contributor to both scientific advancement and societal development.

Professional Profile:

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for the Innovative Research Award:

Dr. Henlay Juma Otieno Magara is a highly suitable candidate for the Innovative Research Award owing to his unique and impactful contributions to the field of food security and agricultural entomology. His research on the nutritional profiling and environmental optimization of edible crickets—specifically Scapsipedus icipe—marks a novel approach to alternative protein sources, addressing both food security and sustainable agriculture.

🎓 Education

  • 🥇 Ph.D. in Food Security (2022)
    Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
    Thesis: Cricket species composition, feed substrates, optimal temperature & nutritional content of edible cricket Scapsipedus icipe

  • 🌾 M.Sc. in Agricultural Entomology (2013)
    Kenyatta University
    Thesis: Effect of Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatiles on maize pest Chilo partellus

  • 🌱 B.Sc. in Agricultural Education and Extension (2004)
    Egerton University – Second Class Honours Upper Division

  • 🧠 Diploma in Human Resource Management (2007)
    Kenya Institute of Management – Upper Credit

  • 💻 Certificate in Computer Systems & Applications (1998)
    Skynet Computer College

  • 🐄 Certificate in Animal Nutrition

💼 Work Experience

  • 🧑‍🏫 University Lecturer – Lecturing and mentoring students

  • 🧬 Research FellowMadagascar Biodiversity Center & icipe

  • 🏫 High School TeacherMoteiribe and Tala High Schools

  • 🌾 Agricultural Extension Officer (Volunteer) – Gucha South Sub-County

  • 🧑‍🔬 Head of Feed Development Department – Madagascar Biodiversity Center

  • 🧑‍🔧 Science Department Head – Multiple high schools

  • 🎓 Board Chairperson – Monianku High School

🏆 Achievements

  • 🧑‍🔬 Mentored students to national & international science fairs

  • 📊 Led quality audits and performance improvements in science departments

  • 🤝 Organized a regional scientific conference for 69+ participants

  • 🌍 Active in community health and agriculture through jigger treatment and farm support

  • 📖 Weekly reading tutor for children with difficulties

  • 🧑‍🏫 Inducted and trained new science teachers

  • 🧠 Led collaborative teams of over 20 professionals

🎖️ Awards & Honors

  • 🏅 Recognized for community service and mentorship in education and agriculture

  • 🏫 Honored leadership roles in school boards and departments

  • 🧑‍🔬 Earned respect as a key researcher in edible insect studies and food security innovation

Publication Top Notes:

Growth Performance and Nutritional Content of Tropical House Cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus (Walker, 1969)) Reared on Diets Formulated from Weeds and Agro By-Products

Weeds and agro by-products for sustainable farming of edible field cricket, Gryllus madagascarensis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Effect of Feed on the Growth Performance, Nutrition Content and Cost of Raising the Field Cricket (Gryllus madagascarensis) as a Sustainable Nutrient Source in Madagascar

Impact of temperature on the bionomics and geographical range margins of the two-spotted field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus in the world: Implications for its mass farming

 

Prof. Dr. Abda Emam | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Abda Emam | Food Security | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Abda Emam, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abda Abdalla Emam is a Sudanese Professor of Agricultural Economics with extensive academic and research experience spanning over two decades. She currently serves at King Faisal University, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, in the Department of Agribusiness and Consumer Science, Saudi Arabia. Dr. Emam earned her Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Khartoum in 1999, with a specialization in Agricultural Marketing and Food Security, following her M.Sc. in Agricultural Price Policy and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the same institution. She was promoted to full Professor in 2011 in recognition of her outstanding scientific research. Her professional journey includes key academic and leadership roles at Sudan University of Science and Technology, including department head and graduate studies coordinator. Dr. Emam has supervised and co-supervised numerous postgraduate theses and has contributed significantly to curriculum development, community consultancy, and academic committees. Fluent in both Arabic and English, she is known for her expertise in agricultural marketing, food security, and rural development.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Abda Abdalla Emam

Dr. Abda Abdalla Emam is a highly accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Agricultural Economics, with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Her expertise in agricultural marketing, food security, and price policy has contributed significantly to both academia and community development, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

  • 🏅 Professor Title: Awarded in 2011 for outstanding scientific research.

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics

    • University of Khartoum, Sudan (1999)

    • Specialization: Agricultural Marketing & Food Security

  • 🎓 M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics

    • University of Khartoum, Sudan (1994)

    • Specialization: Agricultural Price Policy

  • 🎓 B.Sc. Agriculture (Honors)

    • University of Khartoum, Sudan (1991)

💼 Work Experience

  • 👩‍🏫 Professor (2014–Present)

    • King Faisal University, Department of Agribusiness & Consumer Science, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

  • 👩‍🏫 Professor (2011–2014)

    • Sudan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Studies 🇸🇩

  • 👩‍🏫 Associate Professor (2006–2011)

    • Same department as above

  • 👩‍🏫 Assistant Professor (1999–2006)

    • Same department

  • 👩‍💼 Head of Department (2004–2007)

    • Agricultural Economics, Sudan University

  • 📋 Graduate Studies Coordinator (2001–2004)

    • Sudan University

  • 👩‍🏫 Part-time Lecturer

    • Upper Nile University, Malakal (2003)

    • University of Kasala (1996–1998)

  • 👩‍⚖️ Chairperson & Consultant (2007–2008)

    • Economic Consultant Committee, Sudanese Women General Union

🏆 Achievements & Contributions

  • 📚 Taught multiple courses: Agricultural Marketing, Food Security, Finance, Development Economics, Research Methods, Cooperatives

  • 👩‍🎓 Supervised:

    • 10 Ph.D. students

    • 21 M.Sc. students

    • 50+ undergraduate students

  • 👨‍🔬 Examined:

    • 17 external & 15 internal M.Sc. and Ph.D. theses

  • 🤝 Active in community development and consultancy for women empowerment

  • 📘 Member of various academic and scientific committees

🏅 Awards & Honors

  • 🥇 Professor Title awarded for Outstanding Scientific Research (2011)

  • 👩‍🔬 Recognized for extensive contribution to agricultural education, research, and women’s development in Sudan and KSA

Publication Top Notes:

Climate Change Effects on Dates Productivity in Saudi Arabia: Implications for Food Security

Tourism’s Influence on Economic Growth and Environment in Saudi: Present and Future

Consumer decision-making and segmentation of dates market in Saudi Arabia

Effect of Utilization of Different Materials and Thicknesses Evaporative Cooling Pad on Cooling Efficiency in Greenhouses in Hot-Arid Regions

Saudi Fertilizers and Their Impact on Global Food Security: Present and Future

Present and future: Does agriculture affect economic growth and the environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Status and Prospects of Agricultural Growth Domestic Product in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Gelana Urgesa Ayana | Agroforestry System award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gelana Urgesa Ayana | Agroforestry System award | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at Shanghai Ocean University, Ethiopia

Gelana Urgesa Ayana is a dedicated academician from Ethiopia, passionate about education and societal betterment. With a love for football and reading, he balances personal interests with his commitment to knowledge. Currently a PhD candidate at Shanghai Ocean University, Gelana focuses on aquatic disease diagnosis and prevention. His work aims to positively impact the agricultural and veterinary fields, demonstrating his dedication to improving the future for his community and beyond. Through teaching and research, Gelana fosters an inclusive learning environment, helping students excel while building trust and relationships.

Profile:

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Academic Background and Expertise: Gelana holds a PhD candidacy in Aquatic Disease Diagnosis, Prevention, and Control, complemented by an MSc in Fishery Development. This strong academic foundation demonstrates a deep understanding of his field.
  2. Research Contributions: He has authored and co-authored several significant journal articles, including investigations into the bactericidal activity of compounds against pathogens and the role of probiotics in sustainable poultry production. His diverse research topics reflect both breadth and depth of knowledge.
  3. Community Engagement: Gelana has actively participated in community service initiatives, training programs, and vaccination campaigns, indicating a commitment to applying his research for societal benefit.
  4. Continuous Professional Development: He has pursued various training and workshops, enhancing his skills in microbiology, disease management, and academic pedagogy. This commitment to lifelong learning is crucial for a researcher.
  5. Collaborative Skills: His experience in collaborative research projects highlights his ability to work well in teams and contribute to collective goals, which is essential in the research community.
  6. Multilingual Proficiency: His proficiency in multiple languages, including English, Afan-Oromo, and Amharic, facilitates communication and collaboration in diverse settings, broadening his research impact.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Networking: While he has a solid foundation, expanding his research network internationally could lead to more collaborative opportunities and increased visibility in the global research community.
  2. Funding Applications: Engaging more actively in grant writing and funding applications could provide the resources necessary to support larger research initiatives and enhance his project scope.
  3. Publishing Frequency: Increasing the frequency of publications and exploring high-impact journals could further elevate his research profile and impact.
  4. Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Developing these skills could enhance his ability to communicate research findings effectively at conferences and workshops, thereby increasing his influence and visibility.

Education:

Gelana holds a BSc in Veterinary Laboratory Technology from Wollega University, where he explored parasitic disease diagnosis. He then earned an MSc in Fishery Development from Nanjing Agricultural University, focusing on aquatic disease management with a thesis on the bactericidal activity of emodin. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD at Shanghai Ocean University, concentrating on aquatic disease diagnosis, prevention, and control. His education has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to address critical challenges in veterinary medicine and sustainable aquaculture, preparing him for impactful research and teaching roles.

Experience:

Since September 2017, Gelana has served as the Chief Laboratory Assistant at Jimma University’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. His responsibilities include lecturing BSc students, conducting practical laboratory sessions, and assisting MSc and PhD students in microbiology. Gelana actively engages in research collaborations with faculty, focusing on animal disease diagnosis and data analysis. He is also dedicated to community service, providing training and support to improve local veterinary practices. His diverse experiences in teaching, research, and community involvement reflect his commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in agriculture and veterinary medicine.

Research Focus:

Gelana’s research focuses on aquatic disease diagnosis, prevention, and control, particularly within the fields of veterinary science and aquaculture. His current work includes investigating the bactericidal effects of natural compounds on pathogenic bacteria, contributing to sustainable disease management strategies. Through collaborative projects, he aims to develop effective interventions to enhance animal health and production. His recent studies on probiotics in poultry production and biosecurity reflect his commitment to integrating innovative approaches into veterinary practice. Gelana’s research is poised to make a significant impact on food security and public health in Ethiopia and beyond.

Publications Top Notes:

  • Effect of Rice–Carp Coculture on Phytoplankton and Microzooplankton Community Composition in Paddy Water during Different Rice Growth Stages 🌾🐟
  • Probiotics in Disease Management for Sustainable Poultry Production 🐔🔬
  • Natural Sunlight-Mediated Emodin Photoinactivation of Aeromonas hydrophila 💡🔬
  • Probiotics in Disease Management for Sustainable Poultry Production 📄🐔
  • Bacteriological Identification among Patients Attending at Jimma University Veterinary Clinic 🧪🐾

Conclusion:

Gelana Urgesa Ayana exemplifies the qualities of an exemplary researcher through his strong academic background, substantial contributions to the field of aquatic disease management, and dedication to community service. His ongoing commitment to professional development and collaboration positions him well for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Addressing identified areas for improvement could further enhance his research profile and broaden his impact in the academic community.