Dr.Zwannda Nethavhani | Biodiversity and conservation | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani | Biodiversity and conservation | Young Scientist Award

Researcher at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani is a passionate biodiversity researcher specializing in genetics, biosystematics, and conservation science. With a strong academic foundation and a PhD in Genetics from Stellenbosch University, she has contributed significantly to the understanding of edible insects, termites, pangolins, and Lepidoptera. Currently serving as a Researcher at the Agricultural Research Council’s Biosystematics Unit, she employs integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological and molecular tools. Dr. Nethavhani has experience in mentoring students, leading conservation-centered research, and presenting findings through respected publications and conferences. Her work bridges science and community, especially in sustainable resource use and species protection in Africa. She is a rising leader in conservation genetics and insect biodiversity, with a vision for knowledge translation and biodiversity preservation across ecosystems.

Professional Profile 

ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Nethavhani earned her PhD in Genetics from Stellenbosch University , focusing on cataloguing edible insect biodiversity in South Africa. Her research integrated advanced molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding, RAD-sequencing, mitogenomics, and population genetics. Prior to this, she completed an MSc in Zoology at the University of Venda, where she analyzed the spatial structure and sustainable harvesting of Mopane worms. Her Honours explored the impact of environmental stressors on ant biodiversity using statistical modeling in R. She also holds a BSc in Botany and Zoology. Her academic journey reflects a consistent focus on African invertebrate species, conservation ecology, and molecular systematics—skills that position her as a subject matter expert in the field of biodiversity genomics.

Experience

Dr. Nethavhani brings over Nine years of progressive experience in biodiversity and conservation research. As a current researcher at the ARC’s Biosystematics Unit, she manages projects on Lepidoptera systematics, curates collections, and leads collaborations. Her prior postdoctoral work at Tshwane University of Technology involved pangolin conservation, mapping trafficking routes and identifying parasites. At Stellenbosch University, she was a lab supervisor, co-supervised student theses, and served as a practical demonstrator in molecular genetics. Her foundational experience at SANBI, where she supported insect taxonomy for the FBIP-Karoo BioGaps project, shaped her taxonomic and ecological acumen. Zwannda excels at integrating laboratory techniques with fieldwork and public outreach—vital for bridging research with real-world impact.

Award and Honor

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani’s academic and research contributions have earned her recognition in the field of conservation biology. While specific awards are not listed in the document, her selection for multiple prestigious research roles—such as the postdoctoral fellowship at Tshwane University of Technology and her appointment at the Agricultural Research Council—demonstrates trust in her scholarly merit and leadership capacity. She has published in high-impact journals like Conservation Genetics, PeerJ, and Global Ecology and Conservation, which highlights her scientific credibility and international recognition. Additionally, her role in capacity building through mentorship and teaching has amplified her influence beyond publications. Her trajectory reflects a researcher consistently entrusted with responsibilities that signal excellence, innovation, and societal contribution—qualities that merit consideration for academic and research awards.

Research Focus

Dr. Nethavhani’s research centers on the biodiversity, conservation, and systematics of African insects and endangered species. Her PhD focused on the genomics of edible insects, specifically using DNA barcoding and mitogenomics to catalog species for sustainable use. She has extensively researched the genus Macrotermes, pangolins, and various Lepidoptera using both morphological and molecular data to resolve phylogenetic and taxonomic challenges. A significant area of her work includes conservation genomics—applying genetic tools to inform species protection and combat illegal wildlife trade, particularly for pangolins. Her integrative approach—bridging taxonomy, phylogenetics, conservation policy, and education—addresses biodiversity threats while supporting capacity-building and sustainable ecosystems. Her research is not only scientifically relevant but also socially responsive, making her work both innovative and impactful.

Research Skill

Dr. Nethavhani has a robust skill set spanning laboratory, computational, and field-based research. Her technical proficiencies include DNA extraction, PCR, Sanger and Next-Generation Sequencing (including RAD-seq), and bioinformatics analyses using software such as Geneious, MEGA, MrBayes, PhyloBayes, IQ-tree, and BEAST. She’s proficient in phylogenetic reconstruction, species delimitation, and population genetics using DnaSP, Arlequin, and haplotype networks. She also uses R and QGIS for statistical and spatial analyses. Beyond lab work, she is experienced in specimen curation, collection management, and field surveys. Dr. Nethavhani is skilled in mentoring students, preparing course content, conducting practical lab demonstrations, and writing scientific and popular articles. These multifaceted competencies allow her to work independently and collaboratively across institutions, contributing to impactful research and teaching.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Under the scales: Identification of ticks in rehabilitated African pangolins and confiscated scales
International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
Year: 2025 (December)
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2025.101117
Co-authors: Thando Radebe, Catherine Maria Dzerefos, Essa Suleman, Raymond Jansen

Title: Scaly trade: Analyses of the media reports of pangolin (Pholidota) scale interceptions within and out of Africa
Global Ecology and Conservation
Year: 2025 (September)
DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2025.e03669
Co-authors: Catherine Maria Dzerefos, Raymond Jansen

Title: Multimarker genetic analyses of Gonimbrasia belina, the most harvested wild edible insect of mopane woodlands in Southern Africa, supports concerns over the sustainability of the species
Conservation Genetics
Year: 2025 (June)
DOI: 10.1007/s10592-025-01687-1
Co-authors: Ruan Veldtman, Casper Nyamukondiwa, William Versfeld, Barbara van Asch

Title: Mitogenomics of the Olive Seed Weevil, Anchonocranus oleae Marshall and Implications for Its Phylogenetic Position in Curculionidae
Insects
Year: 2022 (July 6)
DOI: 10.3390/insects13070607
Co-authors: Samuel J. Smit, Elleunorah Allsopp, Virgilio Caleca, Rolf G. Oberprieler, Barbara van Asch

Title: Mitogenomics and phylogenetics of twelve species of African Saturniidae (Lepidoptera)
PeerJ
Year: 2022 (April 18)
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13275

Title: Overview of the Genetic Diversity of African Macrotermes (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) and Implications for Taxonomy, Ecology and Food Science
Insects
Year: 2021 (June 3)
DOI: 10.3390/insects12060518

Conclusion

Dr. Zwannda Nethavhani embodies the qualities of a visionary scientist: innovative, community-driven, technically skilled, and academically accomplished. Her contributions to biodiversity, from molecular systematics to conservation research, have significant implications for African ecosystems and beyond. She is a powerful advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources, mentorship, and public science engagement. With her interdisciplinary expertise and growing body of high-quality research outputs, Dr. Nethavhani stands as an exemplary candidate for research accolades and continued leadership in conservation science.

Gulam Husain Patel | Life Cycle Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Mr. Gulam Husain Patel | Life Cycle Assessment | Best Academic Researcher Award

Junior researcher at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology, Finland

Gulam Husain Patel is a passionate environmental and energy engineer based in Lappeenranta, Finland 🌍. With a strong academic foundation in mechanical, environmental, and power plant engineering, he is currently pursuing his Doctor of Science degree in Energy Systems at LUT University 🎓. Gulam’s work centers around sustainable hydrogen production and life cycle assessment (LCA), aiming to combat climate change through innovative energy solutions 🌱⚡. He has held roles in research, teaching, and industry, reflecting his well-rounded capabilities. Gulam brings international exposure from India, Russia, and Finland and is committed to integrating engineering expertise with sustainability science for real-world impact. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Urdu 🗣️, he also engages in public science education. With a growing publication record and keen interest in Power-to-X technologies, he represents the new wave of environmentally conscious engineers building a cleaner future 🌐🔬.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus 

ORCID 

🎓 Education 

Gulam Husain Patel holds a diverse academic portfolio focused on sustainability and energy systems 📚. He is currently a Doctoral Researcher (D.Sc.) in Energy Systems at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), Finland (2022–Present), with research centered on sustainable hydrogen production and Power-to-X technologies ⚙️🌿. He earned an M.Sc. in Sustainable Science and Solutions from LUT (2021–2022), where he deepened his understanding of environmental engineering practices and systems thinking. Prior to that, he completed an M.Sc. in Power Plant Engineering at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Russia (2020–2021), gaining in-depth technical expertise in large-scale energy systems 🏭. His academic journey began at Mumbai University, India, where he obtained a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering (2012–2014), building the core engineering competencies that underpin his sustainability work. His educational background showcases a solid blend of theoretical knowledge and global perspective 🌍🎓.

💼 Experience 

Gulam has gained dynamic work experience across academia, research, and industry 👷‍♂️🔬. He currently serves as a Junior Researcher at LUT University (2022–Present), contributing to advanced research on life cycle assessment and sustainable hydrogen production for Power-to-X systems 🔄💧. Prior to this, he worked as a Junior Research Assistant at LUT (Jan–Oct 2022), focusing on natural gas-based hydrogen LCA and GHG emission mitigation strategies 🌫️➡️🌱. He also served as a Marketing Assistant at LUMA-keskus Saimaa (2021–2022), where he promoted science education and delivered experimental teaching sessions to inspire young learners 🔍👨‍🏫. Earlier, he interned with Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (2016–2017), monitoring manufacturing processes and supporting production line maintenance 🏭🛠️. Across these roles, Gulam has demonstrated an aptitude for combining technical skills with communication and education, showcasing versatility and purpose-driven engagement in every project he undertakes 📈🔍.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Gulam Husain Patel’s academic and professional journey has been complemented by several enriching certifications and prestigious programs 🏅📜. He participated in the MonGOS project by NAWA, a distinguished initiative focused on sustainability and environmental research 🌍. He also completed the Summer School in Oil and Gas and the Winter School in Wastewater Treatment at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, reflecting his commitment to expanding domain knowledge and technical exposure 💧⚡. While early in his research career, his peer-reviewed publication in Green Chemistry (2024) signifies a strong entrance into scholarly recognition 📰🧪. Gulam’s current pursuit of a Doctorate in Energy Systems at LUT University, underpinned by funded research projects, positions him well for future academic and industry accolades 🏆. His proactive engagement with cutting-edge environmental challenges and sustainable technologies makes him a rising talent in the clean energy sector 🚀🌱.

🔬 Research Focus 

Gulam’s research is rooted in sustainable energy systems, with a focus on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of hydrogen production pathways 🧪⚙️. He is particularly interested in the Power-to-X approach, which involves converting renewable electricity into synthetic fuels like hydrogen for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors 🔄⚡. His current doctoral project at LUT University assesses the environmental performance of hydrogen technologies, aiming to identify the most climate-friendly production methods 🌍🌿. Gulam’s work contributes to the EU’s and Finland’s goals for carbon neutrality by 2035 by targeting reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through data-driven analysis 📉🌫️. He combines modeling tools such as GaBi and Ansys with policy-oriented insight, bridging the gap between research and sustainable implementation 🧩💼. His vision is to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions through robust environmental evaluation, international collaboration, and technological innovation 🌎🔬.

🧰 Research Skills 

Gulam Husain Patel possesses a blend of technical, analytical, and communication skills vital to environmental engineering and energy research 💻🔧. His proficiency in software like Microsoft Office, Ansys, GaBi, and Cloud services enables him to handle simulation, LCA, and data analysis tasks with precision 📊🧩. He has experience using GaBi for in-depth environmental impact modeling and Ansys for thermodynamic simulations — key tools for his work in sustainable hydrogen production and energy systems ⚙️🌱. With full professional proficiency in English, native fluency in Hindi and Urdu, and elementary Finnish, he can effectively collaborate across diverse teams and cultural settings 🌐🗣️. Beyond technical competencies, Gulam brings strong skills in public engagement, gained through his teaching and marketing assistant roles. He is adaptive, innovative, and committed to addressing global sustainability challenges through an interdisciplinary lens 🚀🌍.

Publications Top Notes📚

“Environmental performance of biomethanation based on life cycle assessment”
Journal: Energy, April 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135244
Authors: Gulam Husain Patel, Mika Horttanainen, Marika Kokko, Hulya Civelek Yörüklü, Jouni Havukainen

“Climate change performance of hydrogen production based on life cycle assessment”
Journal: Green Chemistry, 2024
DOI: 10.1039/D3GC02410E
Authors: Gulam Husain Patel, Jouni Havukainen, Mika Horttanainen, Risto Soukka, Mari Tuomaala

 

✅ Conclusion

Gulam Husain Patel exhibits strong potential and a clear trajectory toward becoming an influential academic researcher in environmental and energy systems. His current achievements, particularly in hydrogen research and LCA, are commendable. While he is an emerging researcher with impressive academic breadth, his profile would benefit from expanded research output and leadership roles.

 Verdict: Highly Promising Candidate — suitable for consideration, particularly for early-career researcher recognitions or “Emerging Researcher” categories within the Best Academic Researcher Award framework.