Amarachi Paschaline Onyena | Biodiversity And Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr. Amarachi Paschaline Onyena | Biodiversity And Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Nigeria Maritime University | Nigeria

Dr. Amarachi Paschaline Onyena’s research spans marine biology and aquatic environmental science, with a core focus on water sediment quality assessment, benthic macroinvertebrate ecology, ecotoxicology, molecular characterization, and environmental risk evaluation. Her work examines how pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and microplastics influence aquatic ecosystems, using integrated approaches that combine biomonitoring tools, molecular techniques, and analytical assessments to understand contamination pathways, ecological stress responses, and indicators of ecosystem degradation. She contributes extensive research on mangrove ecosystem dynamics, sediment biogeochemistry, and the role of macrobenthic communities as sensitive bioindicators of environmental change. Through field investigations, experimental analyses, and systematic reviews across diverse Nigerian aquatic environments, she provides evidence-based insights for pollution mitigation, microplastic monitoring, and sustainable aquatic resource governance. Her involvement in environmental risk assessments, consultancy-based evaluations, and collaborative marine studies supports policy development for coastal sustainability and blue-economy advancement. Contributions to global platforms, including work for the United Nations World Ocean Assessment, reflect her commitment to translating scientific findings into practical frameworks for ocean governance. With 590 citations, 29 indexed documents, and an h-index of 12, her growing research impact highlights her role in advancing marine pollution science, improving environmental monitoring frameworks, and promoting evidence-based strategies for resilient coastal and marine ecosystems.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publication

Onyena, A. P., & Sam, K. (2020). A review of the threat of oil exploitation to mangrove ecosystem: Insights from Niger Delta, Nigeria. Global Ecology and Conservation, 22, e00961.

Onyena, A. P., Aniche, D. C., Ogbolu, B. O., Rakib, M. R. J., Uddin, J., & Walker, T. R. (2021). Governance strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution in the marine environment: A review. Microplastics, 1(1), 15–46.

Rakib, M. R. J., Rahman, M. A., Onyena, A. P., Kumar, R., Sarker, A., Hossain, M. B., … (2022). A comprehensive review of heavy metal pollution in the coastal areas of Bangladesh: Abundance, bioaccumulation, health implications, and challenges. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(45), 67532–67558.

Chris, D. I., Onyena, A. P., & Sam, K. (2023). Evaluation of human health and ecological risk of heavy metals in water, sediment and shellfishes in typical artisanal oil mining areas of Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(33), 80055–80069.

Sam, K., Onyena, A. P., Zabbey, N., Odoh, C. K., Nwipie, G. N., Nkeeh, D. K., Osuji, L. C., … (2023). Prospects of emerging PAH sources and remediation technologies: Insights from Africa. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(14), 39451–39473.

The nominee’s work advances environmental sustainability by providing evidence-based insights into pollution risks affecting coastal and marine ecosystems. Their research supports stronger policies, healthier communities, and long-term ecosystem resilience.

Qianqian Wang | Wildlife Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr. Qianqian Wang | Wildlife Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Engineer | China Conservation and Research Center | China

Dr. Qingqing Wang is a conservation biologist at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Chengdu, specializing in wildlife ecology, biodiversity monitoring, and molecular biology. Her research integrates field-based ecological surveys with molecular analyses to strengthen conservation strategies for endangered species and ecosystems. Dr. Wang has led and contributed to major biodiversity studies, including camera-trapping surveys revealing mammalian diversity in the Tibetan mountains and species identification and spatial mapping within the Giant Panda National Park. She has also advanced molecular research on aquatic organisms such as the Oriental river prawn and Chinese mitten crab, uncovering gene expression patterns linked to lipid metabolism, stress response, and environmental adaptation. Her publications in high-impact journals such as Global Ecology and Conservation, Animals, and Journal of Crustacean Biology highlight her interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to conservation science. Widely recognized for her academic excellence and research innovation, Dr. Wang has received numerous distinctions including the National Scholarship for Doctoral Students, the Research and Innovation Award for Graduate Students, and the Best Poster Award at the Ecology PhD Student Forum. Through her leadership in biodiversity research and her contributions to ecological understanding and conservation policy, Dr. Wang continues to advance sustainable management and protection of China’s rich biological heritage.

Profile : ORCID

Featured publications

Wang, Q., Yang, B., Chang, J., Wang, X., Chen, X., Li, S., Renzeng, J., Gongqiu, D., & Zhang, L. (2025). The population ecological characteristics of Gongshan Muntjac (Muntiacus gongshanensis) in southeastern Tibet based on camera‐trap technology. Ecology and Evolution, 15(7).

Wang, Q., Yang, B., Zhu, R., Wang, X., Li, S., & Zhang, L. (2024). Unveiling the biodiversity and conservation significance of Medog: A camera-trapping survey on mammals in the southeastern Tibetan mountains. Animals, 14(15), 2188.

Wang, Q., Cai, C., Zhang, J., Shui, D., Cui, G., Wang, Z., Ren, S., Wu, P., & Ye, Y. (2023). Gene cloning, expression pattern, and response to dietary total lipids and phospholipids of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the Oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense De Haan, 1849 (Decapoda: Caridea: Palaemonidae). Journal of Crustacean Biology, 43(2).

Wang, Q., Cai, C., Zhang, J., Shui, D., Cui, G., Wang, Z., Ren, R., Wu, P., & Ye, Y. (2022, July 28). Gene cloning, expression pattern, and response to dietary total lipids and phospholipids of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the Oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense. Preprint.

Wang, Q., Cai, C., Shui, D., Ren, S., Chen, W., Cao, X., Wu, P., Li, T., & Ye, Y. (2018). Identification and characterization of two novel peritrophic membrane (PM) genes in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis that exhibit activity against high-pH stress and Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. Aquaculture Research, 50(2), 473–484.

Dr. Qianqian Wang’s research bridges wildlife ecology and molecular biology to advance biodiversity conservation and sustainable aquaculture. Through pioneering camera‐trap monitoring and gene function studies, her work enhances understanding of ecosystem dynamics and species adaptation supporting global conservation strategies and sustainable resource management.

Anna Vatsanidou | Environmental Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Assist. Prof. Dr. Anna Vatsanidou | Environmental Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens | Greece

Dr. Anna Vatsanidou is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural Development, Agri-Food and Natural Resources Management, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). She is an accomplished agriculturist with extensive expertise in precision and sustainable agriculture, environmental impact assessment, and life cycle analysis of agri-food systems. Her academic path and professional journey reflect a strong commitment to advancing agri-food sustainability and contributing to innovative solutions for global agricultural challenges.

Professional Profiles

ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Vatsanidou holds a Master’s degree in Integrated Agricultural Production Systems and a Doctorate in Environmental Assessment from the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment at the University of Thessaly. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her specialized expertise in evaluating environmental impacts within agricultural and food production systems. During this period, she gained a deep understanding of sustainable agricultural practices, system optimization, and the application of environmental models to assess agricultural inputs and outputs. Her multidisciplinary training combines agronomy, environmental sciences, and technological innovation, equipping her with the tools to address complex challenges in modern agriculture.

Experience

Dr. Vatsanidou has developed a distinguished career spanning academia, research institutes, and both public and private organizations. She began as an agronomist in public agencies, gaining valuable experience in agricultural systems and their operational challenges. Expanding into the private sector, she focused on applied agricultural practices and project implementation. At the Benaki Phytopathological Institute, she served as project manager, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and advancing research outcomes into practical strategies. Her academic pathway includes serving as a PhD Researcher at CERTH’s Institute of Bio-Economics and Agrotechnology, specializing in environmental impact assessment. She has also collaborated as an external fellow with the Agricultural University of Athens and the University of Thessaly. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at NKUA, teaching, mentoring, and leading projects in precision agriculture and sustainability.

Research Focus

Dr. Vatsanidou’s research is centered on the evaluation and development of precision agricultural techniques, environmental footprint analysis, and sustainable production systems. A core component of her work is the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts across the agri-food chain, from primary production to processing. Her studies address key challenges in climate-smart agriculture, sustainable resource management, and environmental protection, with an emphasis on balancing productivity with ecological sustainability. She has made significant contributions to precision farming technologies for crop protection, environmental assessment of emission reduction technologies, and the integration of innovative tools such as imaging recognition and digital algorithms in agriculture. Her research supports the global transition towards agriculture 4.0 and 5.0 by incorporating digitalization, automation, and sustainable practices into farming systems.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Freshness Prediction for Apples & Lettuces
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; George Kalitsios; Marianna I. Kotzabasaki; Dimitrios V. Giannopoulos; Kosmas Dimitropoulos; Anna Vatsanidou
Summary: Presents a mobile app that combines imaging recognition with advanced algorithms to predict fruit and vegetable freshness in real time. The tool helps reduce food waste and ensures better quality monitoring along the supply chain.

Title: Life Cycle Assessment of Insect vs. Conventional Feed
Authors: Anna Vatsanidou; Styliani Konstantinidi; Eleftherios Bonos; Ioannis Skoufos
Summary: Compares the environmental impact of conventional and insect-based protein feeds using life cycle assessment (LCA). Findings highlight insect-based proteins as a sustainable alternative for animal production.

Title: Biopolymer Nanopesticides for Degradation
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; Giasemi K. Angeli; Anna Vatsanidou; Marianna I. Kotzabasaki
Summary: Reviews the design of biopolymer-based nanopesticides aimed at improving pesticide degradation. Emphasizes eco-friendly nanotechnology solutions to enhance crop protection while reducing environmental risks.

Title: Cybersecurity in Agriculture 4.0 & 5.0
Authors: Chrysanthos Maraveas; Muttukrishnan Rajarajan; Konstantinos G. Arvanitis; Anna Vatsanidou
Summary: Analyzes cybersecurity challenges in digital agriculture, covering precision farming and smart technologies. Proposes risk mitigation measures to protect agricultural data, devices, and infrastructures.

Title: Emission Reduction in Livestock Systems
Authors: Vasileios Anestis; Anna Vatsanidou; Thomas Bartzanas
Summary: Examines emission reduction strategies in livestock systems. Evaluates their effectiveness, environmental benefits, and potential adoption, supporting sustainable practices in animal production.

Conclusion

Dr. Anna Vatsanidou is an innovative and impactful researcher whose work bridges the fields of agriculture, environmental science, and digital technology. Her commitment to sustainability, leadership in major international projects, and contributions to both academic scholarship and practical applications mark her as an outstanding candidate for recognition. Through her teaching, research, and collaborations, she continues to advance sustainable agricultural development while shaping the next generation of agricultural scientists. Her work exemplifies excellence in addressing the pressing challenges of food security, environmental stewardship, and technological innovation in the agri-food sector.