Estelle Crochelet | Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Estelle Crochelet | Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award 

Scientific Director | University of Reunion Island | Reunion 

Dr. Estelle Crochelet’s research focuses on marine ecology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable management of tropical and island ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. As a Marine Ecologist at the Biodiversity Research Agency of Réunion Island (ARBRE), she integrates field ecology, molecular analysis, and spatial modeling to study coral reef systems, mesophotic ecosystems, and species connectivity. Her pioneering application of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques has transformed biodiversity monitoring by enabling the detection of rare and cryptic species such as sharks and rays, advancing ecosystem-based management and conservation planning. Through leadership roles in major initiatives including the IRRAE, MAEO, and CONCILIER programs, Dr. Crochelet has contributed to integrated coral reef management, linking ecological research with territorial planning and policy implementation. Her interdisciplinary work, combining marine biology, remote sensing, and ecological modeling, has generated valuable insights into habitat connectivity, reef resilience, and marine spatial planning. Collaborating with organizations such as IUCN, IRD, and the French Biodiversity Office, she has played a vital role in shaping regional conservation strategies and advancing scientific understanding of marine ecosystems. Widely published in prestigious journals such as Nature, Science, Environmental DNA, and Deep Sea Research, Dr. Crochelet’s work has global relevance, addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate impacts on marine environments. Alongside her scientific achievements, she mentors emerging researchers, leads citizen science initiatives, and promotes public awareness of ocean conservation. A certified professional diver, rebreather user, and drone pilot, she combines technical field expertise with innovative research approaches, making significant contributions to sustainable marine governance and biodiversity preservation in the Southwestern Indian Ocean.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Crochelet, E., Desbonnes, O., Inçaby, L., Nazurally, N., Stevens, G., van Beuningen, D., Gadenne, J., Morand, G., Bertrand, G., & Nikolic, N. (2025). Biodiversity and conservation of elasmobranchs in the Mascarene Islands: Policy implementation and protection strategies. Ocean & Coastal Management, 262, 107921.

Crochelet, E., Barrier, N., Andrello, M., Marsac, F., Spadone, A., & Lett, C. (2020). Connectivity between seamounts and coastal ecosystems in the Southwestern Indian Ocean. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, 180, 104774.

Bourjon, P., Crochelet, E., & Fricke, R. (2019). First record of the large caerulean damselfish, Pomacentrus caeruleopunctatus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Pomacentridae), from Réunion Island, southwest Indian Ocean. Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria, 49(3), 293–297.

Queiroz, N., Humphries, N. E., Couto, A., Vedor, M., da Costa, I., Sequeira, A. M. M., Mucientes, G., Santos, A. M., Abascal, F. J., Abercrombie, D. L., et al. (2019). Global spatial risk assessment of sharks under the footprint of fisheries. Nature, 572(7770), 461–466.

Soria, M., Heithaus, M. R., Blaison, A., Crochelet, E., Forget, F., & Chabanet, P. (2019). Residency and spatial distribution of bull sharks Carcharhinus leucas in and around Réunion Island marine protected area. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 626, 85–97.

Dr. Estelle Crochelet’s research advances global marine conservation through innovative studies on elasmobranch ecology, connectivity, and policy implementation across the Mascarene and Western Indian Ocean. Her work bridges ecological modeling, spatial management, and biodiversity protection—informing sustainable fisheries, strengthening marine protected areas, and shaping evidence-based conservation strategies that safeguard ocean ecosystems and coastal livelihoods worldwide.

Felipe Masiero Salvarani | Animal conservation | Wildlife Advocacy Award

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Prof. Dr. Felipe Masiero Salvarani | Animal conservation | Wildlife Advocacy Award

Professor | Federal University of Pará | Brazil

Dr. Felipe Masiero Salvarani is a Professor at the Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, where he also serves as a permanent faculty member in the graduate programs in Animal Health in the Amazon and Animal Reproduction in the Amazon. He holds a Doctorate and a Master’s degree in Animal Science, with a specialization in Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Infectious Diseases of Animals, from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), where he also completed two postdoctoral fellowships. With extensive academic and leadership experience, Dr. Salvarani has served as Director of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Vice-Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Animal Science, and Coordinator of multiple academic committees and laboratories at UFPA. His research focuses on bacterial and clostridial infectious diseases in production animals, vaccine development, and zoonoses, and he has contributed to the scientific community through numerous publications, editorial roles, and as Guest Editor for international journals such as Veterinary Sciences and MDPI. He has been recognized with several awards, including the CAPES Thesis Award in Biotechnology and multiple honors for scientific excellence and academic relevance. His dedication to veterinary science, education, and research is further demonstrated by his active mentorship at undergraduate, residency, master’s, and doctoral levels, and by his contributions to institutional development and interdisciplinary academic collaboration. He has 858 citations with 90 published documents and an h-index of 16.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Sousa, J. C. de M., Lins, A. de M. C., Souza, F. dos A., Manoel, H. O., Araújo, C. S. de, Tomaya, L. Y. C., Gasparotto, P. H. G., Pereira, V. M. de A. G., Pacheco, A. D., Spilki, F. R., et al. (2025). Unveiling the genetic landscape of canine papillomavirus in the Brazilian Amazon. Microorganisms, 13(8), 1811.

2. Benarrós, M. S. C., Sakata, K. A. C., dos Santos, B. J. S., & Salvarani, F. M. (2025). Heavy metal poisoning and its impacts on the conservation of Amazonian parrots: An interdisciplinary review. Biology, 14(6), 660.

3. Salvarani, F. M., da Cruz, K. P. P., da Silva, F. R. C., & Daudt, C. (2025). Lagochilascariasis: A neglected zoonosis in the Brazilian Amazon Biome and the role of wildlife in its epidemiological chain amidst anthropization. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 10(7), 177.

4. Salvarani, F. M., Oliveira, H. G. da S., & Uzal, F. A. (2025). Clostridioides difficile in animal inflammatory bowel disease: A One Health perspective on emerging zoonotic threats. Microorganisms, 13(6), 1233.

5. Souza, F. dos A., Daudt, C., Lins, A. de M. C., dos Santos, I. R., Tomaya, L. Y. C., Lima, A. de S., Reis, E. M. B., Satrapa, R. A., Driemeier, D., Bagon, A., et al. (2025). Characterization of papillomatous lesions and genetic diversity of bovine papillomavirus from the Amazon region. Viruses, 17(5), 719.

Dimitris Klaoudatos | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof. Dr. Dimitris Klaoudatos | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | University of Thessaly | Greece

Dr. Dimitris Klaoudatos, Associate Professor at the University of Thessaly, Greece (Department of Ichthyology and Aquatic Environment), is an expert in fisheries science, aquaculture, and marine ecology. He holds a BSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries from the Technological Educational Institute of Mesolonghi, a BSc in Marine Biology from the University of Wales, Bangor, and a PhD from Swansea University, specializing in the reproductive ecology, population dynamics, and genetics of decapod crustaceans. Bridging applied and theoretical research, he has contributed extensively to sustainable fisheries and marine resource management through roles in academia, research institutes, and industry, including the Hellenic Center for Marine Research and as Head of Industrial Sales at NIREUS Aquaculture S.A. He has led numerous national and international research projects as principal investigator, with over 50 peer-reviewed publications, 80+ conference presentations, and contributions to books and book chapters. His research emphasizes ecosystem-based fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture, and conservation strategies. An active member of the academic community, he serves on editorial boards, academic committees, and scientific panels, and is regularly involved in organizing workshops and editing scientific journals. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses on fisheries management, Mediterranean aquaculture, and environmental sustainability, with additional training in biostatistics, research methodology, and generative AI applications in research and education. Recognized for his interdisciplinary approach and leadership, Dr. Klaoudatos has significantly advanced the field of aquatic sciences. His work has garnered 607 citations from 580 documents, with an h-index of 14, reflecting the impact and quality of his scholarly contributions.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Hatziioannou, M., Kougiagka, E., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). Assessing the effects of species, origin, and processing on frog leg meat composition with predictive modeling tools. Fishes, 10(9), 466.

2. Kokkinos, K., Pitropakis, T., Karagyaurova, T., Mosashvili, I., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). A modified PESTEL- and FCM-driven decision support system to mitigate the extinction of marine species in the Mediterranean Sea. Information, 16(9), 813.

3. Klaoudatos, D., Theocharis, A., Aydin, İ., Pafras, D., Karagianni, K., & Domenikiotis, C. (2025). Forecasting environmental drivers and invasion risk of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) and Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) in the Pagasitikos Gulf (Greece). Geosciences, 15(9), 361.

4. Aydin, İ., Theocharis, A., & Klaoudatos, D. (2025). Exploring life history traits and catch composition of red mullet (Mullus barbatus, L. 1758) in the commercial trawl fisheries of the Eastern Aegean Sea. Water, 17(17), 2540.

5. Conides, A., Cotou, E., Klaoudatos, D., & Glamuzina, B. (2025). An innovative metal–synthetic hybrid thread for the construction of aquaculture nets. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(8), 1384.

 

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.

Majda Aouititen | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Majda Aouititen | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D student at Beijing Forestry University School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, China

Dr. Majda Aouititen is a passionate researcher specializing in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and natural reserve management. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Natural Conservation at Beijing Forestry University and has an impressive academic background, including Master’s degrees in Agriculture and Engineering. Dr. Aouititen has authored 11 research papers, including three SCI-indexed publications, and contributed to four books. She serves as the Academic Director at Eco Astronomy Sri Lanka and as an International Students Advisor at Beijing Forestry University. Her dedication to advancing environmental science has earned her multiple prestigious awards, including the 1st Prize in Academic Presentation (2024) and the Outstanding International Ph.D. Student Award (2023). She is a member of several international committees, such as the IUCN, reflecting her commitment to global conservation initiatives. Dr. Aouititen’s expertise, leadership, and passion for environmental sustainability make her a driving force in ecological research.

Professional Profiles📖

ORCID

Education 🎓

Dr. Majda Aouititen has a diverse and rich educational background. She is currently completing her Ph.D. in Natural Conservation (2021-2025) at Beijing Forestry University, focusing on biodiversity conservation and natural reserve management. She previously earned a Master’s Degree in Agriculture (2017-2021) from the same institution, specializing in Natural Reserve Conservation Science. In addition, she holds a Master’s Degree in Engineering (2011-2013) in Ecology and Biodiversity Management from the University Abdelmalek Essaadi, Morocco. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Life Science (2008-2011) from the same institution. She also obtained a TESOL 120 Teaching Certificate (2020) from the American TESOL Institute and holds an HSK Level 4 Certificate (2017-2018) in Chinese proficiency. Her multidisciplinary education equips her with a strong foundation to address complex ecological challenges effectively, making her a leader in biodiversity and conservation science.

Work Experience💼

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Majda Aouititen has received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of her academic excellence and contributions to ecological research. In 2024, she won the 1st Prize for Academic Presentation at the 2nd IS Academic Forum for her outstanding research work. She was also honored as the Outstanding International Ph.D. Student (2023) at Beijing Forestry University and received recognition for Excellent Ph.D. Scientific Research Projects (2022). Her leadership and impact were acknowledged when she was named a Future Leader & Youth Ambassador in Beijing (2021). During her Master’s program, she was awarded the Outstanding International Master’s Degree Student (2020) and received the President’s Scholarship (2019) from Beijing Forestry University. Other notable awards include recognition at the International Birds Watch Competition (2018, China), Excellent Scientific Research Presentation (2016, Morocco), and Excellent Project Oral Presentation (2015, Turkey), showcasing her consistent academic and research achievements.

Skills💡

Dr. Majda Aouititen possesses a diverse skill set that strengthens her ability to excel in conservation science and academic leadership. Her expertise includes Biodiversity Conservation & Ecosystem Management, focusing on sustainable natural reserve management and restoration. She excels in Research & Data Analysis, with proficiency in SPSS, R, and Excel for statistical analysis and ArcGIS and QGIS for geospatial analysis. She is skilled in Project Management, coordinating international research initiatives and academic programs. Her Mentorship & Leadership capabilities are demonstrated through her guidance of international students and her advisory roles at Beijing Forestry University. Dr. Aouititen also has strong Communication Skills in English, Arabic, French, Chinese, and Spanish, enabling her to collaborate effectively across cultures. Her proficiency in EndNote, Zotero, LaTeX, and Microsoft Office supports her research and publication work. These versatile skills make her a dynamic and impactful leader in conservation science.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Majda Aouititen’s research focuses on biodiversity conservation, natural reserve management, and ecosystem restoration. Her work explores the ecological dynamics of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, emphasizing the sustainable management of natural reserves and the mitigation of environmental threats. Her recent studies investigate jellyfish outbreaks along the Mediterranean coastline and document new records of marine species, contributing to marine biodiversity knowledge. Dr. Aouititen is also interested in applying geospatial technologies, statistical modeling, and data analysis to assess environmental changes. Her commitment to scientific excellence is reflected in her 11 publications, including three SCI papers. Her work with the IUCN Committee on Ecosystem Management and Education also highlights her focus on integrating scientific research with conservation policy. Through her research, Dr. Aouititen aims to develop sustainable solutions for ecological challenges, promoting biodiversity preservation and ecosystem resilience on a global scale.

Publications Top Notes📚

 

“New Records of Two Jellyfish Species Rhizostoma luteum (Quoy and Gaimard 1827) and Cotylorhiza tuberculata (Macri 1778) in the Moroccan Northwest Mediterranean Coast”

  • Year: 2024

  • Type: Journal Article

  • Journal: Discover Life

  • DOI: 10.1007/s11084-024-09649-2

  • ISSN: 2948-2976

  • Contributors: Majda Aouititen, Aravinda Ravibhanu, Shie Ching Ang, Dorel Cevan Magabandi Mouanda, Xiaofeng Luan

“Comparative Systematic Analysis of Proxy to Indicate Younger Dryas Cooling in Late Pleistocene in Sri Lanka”

  • Year: 2019

  • Type: Book

  • Conference: First Research Conference – Ocean University of Sri Lanka

  • DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30378.77768

  • Author: Majda Aouititen

“Reproductive Parameters of Wild Rhinopithecus bieti”

  • Year: 2019

  • Type: Journal Article

  • Journal: Folia Primatologica; International Journal of Primatology

  • DOI: 10.1159/000503246

  • PMID: 31722344

  • Contributors: Xia W., Ren B., Zhou H., Feng H., He X., Krzton A., Hu J., Aouititen M., Luan X., Li D.

Predicting Jellyfish Strandings in the Moroccan North-West Mediterranean Coastline”

  • Year: 2019

  • Type: Journal ArticleJournal: European Scientific Journal (ESJ)

  • DOI: 10.19044/esj.2019.v15n2p72

  • ISSN: 1857-7881 / 1857-7431

  •  Author: Majda Aouititen