Rethabile Frangenie Motloung | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Rethabile Frangenie Motloung |Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at UNISA, South Africa

Rethabile Frangenie Motloung is a dedicated biodiversity scientist with over nine years of experience in species information systems, conservation policy, and stakeholder coordination. She currently serves as Scientist II at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), where she contributes to compiling and maintaining vital data on South Africa’s animal species. Her career spans roles in government and research institutions, where she has demonstrated expertise in biodiversity planning, environmental policy analysis, and project leadership. With a strong foundation in zoology, Rethabile’s academic and professional journey reflects a commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. She has presented her work at major scientific conferences and published in reputable journals. Passionate about advancing biodiversity knowledge and its integration into policy, she plays a crucial role in shaping conservation strategies in Southern Africa. Rethabile’s technical, analytical, and communication skills position her as a key advocate for ecological resilience and informed environmental governance.

Professional Profiles

Google Scholar |  ORCID Profile

Education

Rethabile holds a Master’s degree in Zoology from the University of Pretoria , where she researched the distribution of Australian Acacias in Southern Africa under the guidance of Dr. John Wilson, Prof. Mark Robertson, and Prof. Mathieu Rouget. Prior to this, she earned her Honours and Bachelor’s degrees in Zoology and Botany from the University of the Free State. Her Honours thesis focused on molecular detection techniques for Anaplasma marginale in cattle, and she achieved distinctions in both her undergraduate and Honours studies. Rethabile completed her secondary education at Phofung Senior Secondary School. Her academic path laid a robust scientific foundation and exposed her to interdisciplinary environmental challenges, especially those related to invasive species and conservation biology. Her education not only shaped her research interests but also empowered her with advanced analytical and GIS skills, which she continues to apply in her professional work at SANBI and in national conservation policy contexts.

 Experience

Rethabile Motloung has built a solid career in biodiversity and environmental management. At SANBI, where she has served as Scientist II since, she leads animal species information projects and supports national conservation policy through data cleaning, species-level analysis, and research. Prior to this, she worked as a Biodiversity Officer and Environmental Officer in the Western Cape Government, developing environmental policies, coordinating workshops, and mainstreaming biodiversity into governance structures. She also contributed to research on sustainability in education departments and conducted energy efficiency projects. Rethabile began her professional journey at SANBI as a Technical Assistant and Intern, focusing on spatial data for endemic plants. Her experience spans database management, project planning, policy consultation, and facilitating stakeholder engagement. Through these roles, she has contributed to strategic biodiversity frameworks while enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of ecological data across South Africa. Her contributions have had both scientific and policy-level impacts.

Award and Honor

Rethabile’s commitment to excellence in environmental science has been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received the South African National Biodiversity Institute Postgraduate Bursary for her Master’s degree, supporting her research on invasive species modeling. Additionally, she was granted the National Research Foundation (NRF) Innovation Award and NRF Honours Postgraduate Bursary, underscoring her academic merit and research potential. Her leadership and emerging influence in biodiversity conservation earned her the esteemed WWF Nedbank Green Trust Emerging Leaders Fellowship, administered by GreenMatter. These accolades reflect her contributions to ecological sustainability and her capability as a rising leader in natural sciences. Rethabile’s professional achievements are further amplified through affiliations with the South African Association of Botanists and her registration as a Candidate Scientist with the Southern African Council of Natural Science Professionals. Her award history highlights her dual strengths in rigorous scientific research and impactful environmental leadership.

Research Focus

Rethabile Frangenie Motloung’s research focuses on biodiversity data systems, species distribution modeling, and conservation planning. Her MSc research explored how climate-based species distribution models can predict the invasive potential of Australian Acacias, contributing valuable insights into managing ecological threats. At SANBI, her work emphasizes compiling species-level data for South Africa’s animal taxa, aligning conservation priorities with national biodiversity strategies. She is particularly interested in the biogeographical patterns of narrow-range endemic species, using spatial data and GIS tools to inform policy and prioritize conservation actions. Her work contributes to the foundational biodiversity knowledge base that supports legislation, planning frameworks, and the sustainable management of threatened ecosystems. Rethabile has presented on the role of bioclimatic modeling and endemic species conservation at national symposia, showcasing her ability to bridge scientific research with practical conservation needs. Her focus remains on integrating robust data into governance frameworks to support biodiversity protection in rapidly changing environments.

Research Skill

Rethabile possesses a versatile skill set that bridges research, policy, and project implementation. She excels in biodiversity policy development, environmental governance, and scientific data analysis. Her GIS proficiency supports spatial data mapping and species modeling, while her research background enables rigorous analysis of ecological data. With strong communication and facilitation skills, she effectively engages with governmental departments, NGOs, and scientific communities to promote sustainable practices. She is adept at organizing stakeholder workshops, writing technical reports, and developing legislative inputs. Rethabile is trained in project management, leadership for environmental sustainability, and sustainable development through programs from the Sustainability Institute and GreenMatter. Her ability to translate scientific evidence into practical policy recommendations enhances her impact in conservation planning. She thrives in collaborative, multidisciplinary settings and demonstrates high organizational competence in coordinating complex environmental projects. Her knowledge of civil society engagement and policy mainstreaming makes her a valuable contributor to biodiversity-focused initiatives in South Africa.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

Rethabile Frangenie Motloung is a well-rounded researcher and environmental leader with deep expertise in biodiversity science, policy integration, and ecological data management. Her contributions to national biodiversity assessments, species conservation strategies, and mainstreaming efforts have had measurable impacts on environmental governance in South Africa. She is not only a strong scientist but also a strategic thinker and mentor who fosters community engagement and capacity building.

Olfat Mahdy | Diseases | Best Innovation Award

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Prof. Dr. Olfat Mahdy | Diseases | Best Innovation Award

Parasitology Department at Faculty of veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt

Dr. Olfat Anter Mahdy Ahmed Auob is a renowned Professor of Parasitology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University. With decades of academic, research, and leadership experience, she has significantly advanced the fields of helminthology, protozoology, and fish parasitic diseases. Her contributions have shaped veterinary parasitology education and public health policies across Egypt and the wider Middle East. She has led pioneering research projects in zoonotic parasites, fish health, and nanotechnology-based diagnostics. Through active mentorship and scientific leadership, Dr. Olfat has trained numerous professionals and researchers. Her work continues to have lasting impact on veterinary science, disease control, and ecosystem health.

Professional Profiles

 Google Scholar | Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Olfat holds all her academic degrees in veterinary parasitology from Cairo University. Her early training focused on parasite identification and disease transmission in birds and aquatic species. She pursued advanced studies that incorporated morphological and biological analysis of helminths and protozoa, laying the foundation for her later specialization in zoonotic diseases and environmental parasitology. Throughout her academic path, she has maintained a strong integration of traditional microscopy with modern diagnostics, enabling her to bridge classical techniques and current innovations in parasitic disease research.

Experience

Dr. Olfat has served in multiple academic ranks at Cairo University, currently holding a professorship in parasitology. She teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in helminthology, protozoology, and entomology. In addition to classroom teaching, she leads laboratory training, supervises theses, and mentors researchers. She has provided technical training to veterinarians and health professionals from neighboring countries and conducted numerous national workshops. She is also active in academic promotion and assessment committees in various countries. Her practical work includes collaborations on fish parasitic diseases, zoonoses, and environmental parasitology with government and research institutions.

Award and Honor

Dr. Olfat has been honored repeatedly for her contributions to research and education. She has received multiple awards for internationally published work in peer-reviewed journals. Her research in fish parasitology, zoonotic infections, and diagnostic innovation has been widely recognized by academic institutions and scientific committees. She has been invited to serve on faculty promotion panels and advisory boards in several countries and is often consulted for national research evaluation. Her career is marked by consistent acknowledgment of her scientific excellence, leadership, and dedication to parasitology and public health.

Research Focus

Her research interests span helminthic and protozoal diseases affecting domestic and wild animals, particularly those with public health relevance. A major emphasis of her work lies in the diagnosis and control of parasitic infections in fish, using advanced tools such as scanning electron microscopy and molecular markers. She has contributed to the development of nanotechnology applications in parasite management, particularly in aquaculture. Her projects address parasite biodiversity, zoonotic risks, and the ecological impacts of environmental pollutants on aquatic life. Her interdisciplinary research strengthens sustainable veterinary practices and food safety initiatives.

Research Skill

Dr. Olfat is skilled in morphological and molecular parasite identification, scanning electron microscopy, and the integration of nanotechnology in disease control. She designs and conducts laboratory experiments, manages multi-disciplinary research teams, and delivers expert training to students and professionals. Her teaching capabilities include course design, academic advising, and evaluation. She plays a key role in national academic promotion and research quality assurance. Her technical and communication skills have made her a leader in diagnostic parasitology, curriculum development, and cross-border knowledge exchange in veterinary science.

Publication Top Notes

Title: An Innovative Approach to Control Fish-Borne Zoonotic Metacercarial Infections in Aquaculture by Utilizing Nanoparticles
Published: Scientific Reports
Year: 2024
Citations: 4

Title: Evaluation of Praziquantel Effectiveness in Treating Nile Tilapia Clinostomid Infections and Its Relationships to Fish Health and Water Quality
Published: BMC Veterinary Research
Year: 2024
Citations: 5

Title: Innovative Molecular and Immunological Approaches of Heterophyiasis Infecting Some Egyptian Marketed Fishes
Published: BMC Veterinary Research
Year: 2024
Citations: 9

Conclusion

Rafita Haque | Diseases | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Rafita Haque | Diseases | Best Researcher Award

PHD Student at Florida International University, United States

Rafita Haque is a dynamic researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Computer and Electrical Engineering at Florida International University (FIU), USA. With a solid background in software and computer science engineering, her academic and professional pursuits are centered around Artificial Intelligence (AI), biomedical sensors, cardiovascular health management, and blockchain-based healthcare communication systems. Rafita has served as a lecturer at renowned institutions in Bangladesh, including Daffodil International University and the Asian University of Bangladesh. She has also gained valuable industry experience as a Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer. Her research contributions span interdisciplinary domains with a strong focus on technological innovation for health and information security. Rafita has authored several impactful publications indexed in Scopus, Springer, and Web of Science. Her work has earned her multiple honors, including the Best Paper Award in Malaysia and Best Project Award in Bangladesh. She continues to push boundaries in AI-driven health technologies and secure data systems

Professional Profile 

 Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile | Goolge Scholar

Education

Rafita Haque is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Computer and Electrical Engineering at Florida International University (FIU), USA, where her research is focused on AI, biomedical sensors, PPG signal analysis, optical systems, and cardiovascular health. She is under the supervision of Dr. Nezih Pala. She previously completed her M.Sc. in Software Engineering from Daffodil International University, Bangladesh, with a thesis centered on consumer-to-consumer (C2C) information quality in Facebook-based purchasing decisions. Her academic focus was in Management Information Systems and data analysis, graduating with a CGPA of  Rafita earned her B.Sc. in Computer Science and Engineering from Gono Bishwabidyalay, where she developed a secure intra-university network management system for her final year project, graduating with a CGPA of Throughout her academic journey, she has integrated software engineering fundamentals with applied machine learning and security domains to develop impactful research in interdisciplinary technologies.

Experience

Rafita Haque has held multiple roles combining academia and industry. She served as a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the Asian University of Bangladesh (AUB), and earlier at Daffodil International University. Her teaching repertoire included core courses like Operating Systems Design, Theory of Computing, and Programming Languages. Her role extended beyond classroom instruction to research collaboration and student mentoring. Before transitioning to academia, Rafita worked as a Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer at Data-Soft Systems Bangladesh Ltd. and Cloud Production Ltd., where she was involved in banking and insurance-related AML (Anti-Money Laundering) software solutions. She applied her technical acumen in Python, ASP.NET, MySQL, and NoSQL technologies to modify, test, and document large-scale enterprise systems. These diverse experiences across teaching, research, and software engineering have shaped her into a versatile technology expert with a strong understanding of software reliability, cybersecurity, and academic innovation.

Award and Honor

Rafita Haque has received several academic and research distinctions. Most notably, she was awarded the Best Paper Award in the Internet of Things (IoT) Track at the 1st International Conference on Technology Innovation and Data Sciences (ICTIDS) in Malaysia. Earlier in her academic career, Rafita’s innovative project titled “Intra University Secure Network Management System” won the Best Project Award during the Spring  Project Fair at Gono Bishwabidyalay. Her excellence in research communication was also acknowledged through a Paper Presentation at Blockchain Olympiad Bangladesh (BCOLBD). These recognitions highlight her commitment to combining technical rigor with real-world applications. Her work has earned visibility and praise in both academic and public forums, establishing her as a promising researcher with both innovation potential and academic integrity. These accolades continue to drive her motivation toward impactful, ethical, and scalable technological solutions in the fields of health, AI, and cybersecurity.

Research Focus

Rafita Haque’s interdisciplinary research integrates Artificial Intelligence, biomedical sensors, signal processing, and data security. Her primary work at FIU focuses on using PPG signal analysis to improve cardiovascular health monitoring through AI-enhanced biomedical devices. Rafita also explores the integration of blockchain in securing Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), improving privacy and interoperability in healthcare communication systems. Previously, her research delved into Ajax vulnerability, session management flaws, and remote code execution, aligning with web application security. She has contributed to several Scopus and Springer-indexed publications on blockchain integration, CoT (Cloud of Things), and data-driven decision systems in smart environments. Rafita’s broader research vision is to harness intelligent, secure technologies to bridge healthcare gaps in under-resourced communities. Her future plans include advancing predictive models in biomedical engineering using deep learning and exploring real-time health monitoring systems powered by wearable sensors and blockchain infrastructure.

Research Skill

Rafita Haque brings a well-rounded skillset combining academic, technical, and analytical competencies. Her programming expertise includes Python, C/C++, JavaScript, Node.js, and ASP.NET. She is well-versed in blockchain platforms such as Ethereum, MetaMask, and Remix Framework, enabling secure and decentralized applications, especially in healthcare. In data analysis, she leverages tools like SPSS, PLS, and research methodology frameworks to conduct evidence-based studies. Her background in network and information security is bolstered by training in CCNA, RCE vulnerabilities, and cybersecurity practices. She has applied her knowledge in projects involving cloud computing, AML solutions, and secure communication systems. Rafita’s pedagogical skills include course design and student mentorship. Her interdisciplinary mindset allows her to excel in areas such as cardiovascular signal analysis, AI model development, project management, and system validation. She continuously upgrades her expertise through professional development and collaborative projects, ensuring a skillset aligned with industry and research trends.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Broken Authentication and Session Management Vulnerability: A Case Study of Web Application
Cited by: 48
Year: 2018

Title: Blockchain-based Information Security of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) in a Healthcare Communication System
Cited by: 36
Year: 2021

Title: Integration of Blockchain and Remote Database Access Protocol-Based Database
Cited by: 14
Year: 2020

Title: Modeling the Role of C2C Information Quality on Purchase Decision in Facebook
Cited by: 13
Year: 2018

Title: A Cloud of Things (CoT) Approach for Monitoring Product Purchase and Price Hike
Cited by: 10
Year: 2021

Title: Identification of Construction Era for Indian Subcontinent Ancient and Heritage Buildings by Using Deep Learning
Cited by: 10
Year: 2020

Title: Performance Analysis of Different Feature Detection Techniques for Modern and Old Buildings
Cited by: 9
Year: 2018

Title: A Study of Ajax Template Injection in Web Applications
Cited by: 9
Year: 2018

Title: A Combined Model of Blockchain, Price Intelligence and IoT for Reducing the Corruption and Poverty
Cited by: 8
Year: 2018

Conclusion

Rafita Haque’s academic progression, research diversity, and consistent involvement in impactful projects position her as a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to synthesize knowledge from software engineering, data science, and biomedical applications demonstrates her cross-disciplinary research potential. She is not only contributing to the academic domain but also aligning her research with societal needs—especially in healthcare innovation. With ongoing doctoral work in the U.S. and an expanding publication record, Rafita shows strong potential for future leadership in AI-driven biomedical research and academia.

Robert Gammariello | Marine Biology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Robert Gammariello | Marine Biology | Young Scientist Award

Post-doctoral researcher at Loma Linda University , United States

Robert Thomas Gammariello, Jr. is a passionate marine biologist and Ph.D. candidate at Loma Linda University, with a research focus on the physiology and conservation of sea turtles, particularly hawksbill hatchlings. Drawing from a robust academic foundation in marine and conservation biology from UCLA, Robert blends empirical fieldwork with physiological analysis to address conservation challenges. He has collaborated with organizations like ProTECTOR Inc. in Honduras and served as assistant to the President of the International Sea Turtle Society. With a commitment to community outreach and education, he has volunteered extensively at the Aquarium of the Pacific. His goal is to bridge the gap between scientific research and conservation policy, using evidence-based findings to reduce sea turtle mortality. Robert’s interdisciplinary work has been presented internationally and has earned him multiple academic awards. His skills span dissection, GIS, R programming, and marine ecology, making him a rising voice in marine conservation biology.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile | Goolge Scholar

Education

Robert Gammariello is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biology at Loma Linda University, focusing on sea turtle ecophysiology and conservation. His dissertation explores the spectral thresholds, color preferences, and ocular anatomy of hawksbill turtle hatchlings. Prior to this, he completed a B.S. in Marine Biology with a Minor in Conservation Biology at UCLA.  His coursework encompassed a diverse suite of scientific disciplines, including ecophysiology, oceanography, GIS for natural sciences, and vertebrate ecology. His undergraduate research contributions included work on climate change during the end-Triassic extinction event using isotope paleothermometry under NASA’s Planetary Data System Fellowship. Throughout both institutions, Robert maintained academic excellence and was active in several honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa and Mortar Board. This well-rounded academic background has equipped him with the tools to explore marine species behavior in relation to environmental change and to contribute to applied conservation science.

Experience

Robert has an extensive background in marine biology and science education. As a Ph.D. student at Loma Linda University he conducts independent research and serves as a teaching assistant in courses like Marine Biology and Biodiversity. In  he acted as Assistant to the President of the International Sea Turtle Society, organizing the 42nd Symposium in Thailand. Earlier, he worked with ProTECTOR Inc. in Honduras, leading community-based research on sea turtle conservation. Robert volunteered at the Aquarium of the Pacific, educating the public about marine life. At UCLA, he was a teaching assistant across multiple biology courses, while simultaneously contributing to NASA’s research efforts on paleo-temperature reconstruction through isotope analysis. His experiences blend research, education, conservation policy, and public outreach—giving him a unique skill set to impact marine biodiversity conservation on both scientific and community fronts.

Award and Honor

Robert Gammariello has earned numerous academic accolades. At Loma Linda University, he received the Paul Buchheim Award twice and multiple Lathrop Recognitions, acknowledging research excellence. He was also awarded a University Grant. During his undergraduate years at UCLA, Robert made the Dean’s Honor List six times and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Lambda Delta, and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. He was a Mortar Board Academic Committee Co-Chair Beyond academia, he achieved the prestigious Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, he was a recipient of the NASA Planetary Data System Fellowship, Boyd Lyon Sea Turtle Fund Scholarship, and the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians Conservation Grant. These honors reflect his consistent dedication to scientific rigor, leadership, and contributions to marine biology and conservation.

Research Focus

Robert’s research bridges the disciplines of physiology and conservation biology, with a focus on understanding how sensory ecology influences sea turtle behavior. His doctoral work investigates the spectral light detection, color preferences, and visual anatomy of hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings, aiming to inform lighting policy in nesting beaches to reduce hatchling mortality. He examines how light wavelength and intensity influence seafinding behaviors, offering critical insights into human-wildlife interactions in coastal habitats. His early research with NASA included paleoclimate reconstructions using isotope thermometry to analyze extinction events, which laid the foundation for his analytical skills. Now, his conservation-based physiological approach helps develop evidence-based management strategies for marine turtles. Robert’s fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and international presentations position him at the forefront of ecological conservation science, where he is actively shaping conservation policy through physiological research and collaborative field outreach.

Research Skill

Robert is skilled in marine ecological research, dissection techniques, and microscopic slide preparation. Technically proficient, he utilizes R scripts for data analysis and ArcGIS for geospatial ecological modeling. His communication skills are honed through over 500 volunteer hours in public education at the Aquarium of the Pacific, and through teaching assistant roles at Loma Linda University and UCLA. He’s experienced in developing test questions, leading lab sessions, and grading scientific assessments across numerous biology courses. His interdisciplinary approach draws from ecology, physiology, and geobiology, and he has experience with carbonate isotope analysis, particularly in paleoclimate studies. Robert also holds a PADI Open Water Dive Certification and is proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), which enhances his outreach capabilities. With a balance of fieldwork, laboratory precision, and teaching, Robert is equipped to contribute meaningfully to both academic science and applied conservation.

Publication Top Notes

Title: The role of temperature in the initiation of the end-Triassic mass extinction
Authors: V.A. Petryshyn, S.E. Greene, A. Farnsworth, D.J. Lunt, A. Kelley, R. Gammariello, et al.
Journal: Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 208, Article 103266
Year: 2020
Citations: 20

Title: ProTECTOR, Inc. National report of activities for the 2018 Research Season
Authors: S.G. Dunbar, M.K. Wright, E.C. Hyatt, R.T. Gammariello, D.S. Baumbach, et al.
Published: Organizational Technical Report
Year: 2019
Citations: 1

Title: Thresholds of visible light detection in hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings
Authors: R.T. Gammariello, S.G. Dunbar
Journal: Regional Studies in Marine Science, Article 104337
Year: 2025
Citations: Not yet cited (newly published)

Title: role of temperature in the initiation of the end-Triassic mass extinction (alternate author arrangement)
Authors: A. Farnsworth, A. Kelley, R. Gammariello, Y. Ibarra, A. Tripati
Journal: Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 208
Year: 2020
Citations: Likely same as entry #1 (part of same study)

Title: Color preferences of Eretmochelys imbricata hatchlings
Authors: R. Gammariello, C. Gerke, L. Salinas, S.G. Dunbar
Conference: 39th International Sea Turtle Symposium
Year: 2019
Citations: Not tracked (conference abstract)

Title: Community-based evidence accrual for characterization of Guanaja, Honduras as an active nesting site for Caribbean sea turtle populations
Authors: E. Hyatt, R. Gammariello, C. Gerke, L. Salinas, S.G. Dunbar
Conference: 39th International Sea Turtle Symposium
Year: 2019
Citations: Not tracked (conference abstract)

Conclusion

Robert Gammariello is a promising early-career researcher whose academic rigor, conservation impact, and community involvement make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions have advanced knowledge in marine physiology and informed practical conservation strategies for endangered species. With his trajectory of international collaboration and educational outreach, he is well-positioned for future leadership in marine biology and environmental stewardship.