Dr. Nitesh Kaushal | Agricultural Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nitesh Kaushal | Agricultural Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at CSIR-IHBT, Palampur | India

Dr. Nitesh Kaushal demonstrates a clear and ambitious goal to advance education and research in the floriculture sector. His focus on contributing to the next generation of floriculturists and conducting innovative research highlights his commitment to academic excellence and practical application in his field.

Professional Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Academic Achievements

Nitesh has a strong academic background in floriculture and landscape architecture. He earned his Ph.D. from Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, with an impressive CGPA of 8.22 (82.20%). His doctoral research focused on nutritional and growth regulator modules for quality cutting production of marigold (Tagetes erecta). He also holds an M.Sc. in Horticulture with a specialization in floriculture and landscape architecture from the same university, achieving a CGPA of 7.47 (74.70%). Earlier, he completed his B.Sc. in Horticulture from Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, scoring 68.50% in 2018. These academic milestones reflect his deep commitment to horticultural science.

🌱 Research and Work Experience

During my Ph.D. program, I gained practical experience working with temperate ornamentals. My initial research trials were conducted at RHR&TS, Mashobra, from August 2021 to April 2022, under the guidance of Dr. J.S. Wazir. This work involved standardizing propagation methods for temperate ornamental trees, enhancing my understanding of advanced cultivation techniques and their practical applications in floriculture.

🏆 Awards and Recognition

Nitesh has received multiple prestigious awards for his research contributions. He won the Best Poster Presentation Award for his work on “The Sustainable Future of Hydroponics in Floriculture” at the National Conference on Precision Farming for Sustainable Agriculture (PFSA 2024) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Another significant recognition was for his research titled “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Jeevamrit as a Sustainable Fertilizer Alternative for Marigold Production,” which earned him the Best Poster Presentation Award at the International Conference on Advances in Agriculture Technology and Allied Sciences (ICAATAS 2024), organized by The Neotia University, West Bengal, and Southern Federal University, Russia. Additionally, he contributed to award-winning research on edible flowers titled “A Floral Feast for the Senses and Health,” recognized at the International Conference on Protected Cultivation of Horticultural Crops, Post-Harvest Handling, and Digital Agriculture held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Publications Top Noted📚

Research on Cuttings and Flower Yield Improvement of Marigold cv. Siracole for Sustainable Production through Jeevamrit Application

Authors: Nitesh Kaushal, Bharati Kashyap, Balbir Singh Dilta

Journal: Heliyon

Year: 2024

 Jeevamrit: A Sustainable Alternative to Chemical Fertilizers for Marigold (Tagetes erecta cv. Siracole) Cultivation under Mid-Hills of Himachal Pradesh

Authors: Nitesh Kaushal, Bharati Kashyap, Suman Bhatia, Manish Kumar, Ali Haidar Shah, Ragini Bhardwaj, Balbir Singh Dilta, Priyanka Thakur

Journal: Horticulturae

Year: 2024

Natural Farming: A Sustainable Alternative to Chemical Fertilizers for Marigold (Tagetes erecta cv. Siracole) Cultivation under Mid-Hills of Himalayan Region

Authors: Nitesh Kaushal, Bharati Kashyap, Suman Bhatia, Manish Kumar, Ali Haidar Shah, Ragini Bhardwaj, Balbir Singh Dilta, Priyanka Thakur

Journal: Preprints

Year: 2024

Mr. Finnan Ageng’o, Agricultural Chemistry, Young Scientist Award

Mr. Finnan Ageng’o, Agricultural Chemistry, Young Scientist Award

Mr. Finnan Ageng’o, Kenya Fisheries Service, Kenya

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

🌟Summary

Mr. Ageng’o Finnan Okoth is a dedicated Fisheries Officer and environmental activist with a passion for solving issues related to food security, malnutrition, and poverty through sustainable aquaculture and natural resource management. With a strong academic background and hands-on experience, Finnan is committed to making a significant impact in the field of fisheries and environmental conservation.

🎓 Education

M.Sc. in Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology, and Parasitology (Fish Science Option)
University of Nairobi, 2022 – Ongoing (Graduation: December 2024)

Course Diploma in Fish for Development
Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 2021 – 2022

B.Sc. in Fisheries and Aquaculture
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, 2015 – 2019

💼 Professional Experience

Fisheries Officer, Kenya Fisheries Service (Kericho)
July 2021 – Present
Enforcing fisheries laws, analyzing data, promoting fish marketing, and conducting extension activities.

Hatchery Manager, Dolphin Farm
October 2019 – December 2020
Managed fish breeding, supervised workers, and ensured hatchery biosecurity.

Volunteer Fisheries Extension Officer, Kakamega
September 2018 – September 2019
Educated farmers on sustainable aquaculture practices and monitored pond conditions.

🔬 Research Interests

Fish Health:
Specializing in parasitic infections in tilapia and their impact on aquaculture.

Aquaculture Development:
Focused on sustainable fish breeding, feed formulation, and environmental conservation practices.

Environmental Conservation:
Active in community campaigns for wetland protection, mangrove planting, and urban greening initiatives.

Publications 📚 

Prevalence and Intensity of Ectoparasites in Nile Tilapia Hatcheries in Homa Bay County, Kenya

Authors: Jacob M. Wainaina, Robert M. Waruiru, Philip N. Nyaga, Finnan O. Ageng’o, Paul G. Mbuthia, Nicodemus M. Kamuti, Edith A. Keya, Beatrice M. Munde, Shimaa E. Ali, Mohan V. Chadag

Year: 2024

Management Practices and Risk Factors Associated with Parasitic Infestations in Farmed Nile Tilapia in Bomet and Kericho Counties, Kenya

Authors: G. Mbuthia, M. Hamisi, V. Chadag, E. Ali

Year: 2024

Prevalence of Potential Pathogenic and Zoonotic Aerobic Bacteria in Wild and Farmed Oreochromis jipe, Oreochromis niloticus, and Source Water in Taita-Taveta County, Kenya

Authors: Mercy M. Hamisi, Christine M. Mbindyo, Lucy W. Njagi, Phillip N. Nyaga, Robert M. Waruiru, Finnan O. Ageng’o, Shimaa E. Ali, Jérôme Delamare-Deboutteville, Daniel W. Wanja, George A. Dimbu, Saraya Tavornpanich, Paul G. Mbuthia

Year: 2024

 

Ms. Cynthia Wakhungu, Agricultural Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Ms. Cynthia Wakhungu, Agricultural Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Ms. Cynthia Wakhungu, Technical University of Kenya, Kenya

Professional Profile

Scopus

Professional Summary

  • Dedicated science professional with a strong background in process, research, and analysis. Proficient in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Experienced in report writing, concept notes, proposals, and grants. Excellent tutor and researcher with a passion for developing new technologies and improving processes.

Career Objective🎯

  • To contribute to national economic growth through research and knowledge transfer, while strengthening human development and values.

Skills🛠️

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in data collection, management, and analysis
  • Competent in preparing reports, manuscripts, and proposals
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Effective in multicultural environments

Education🎓

  • Ph.D. in Microbiology (2019 - Present)
    University of Nairobi
  • M.Sc. in Plant Pathology (2016)
    Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya
  • B.Sc. General (Botany and Zoology) (2013)
    Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya

Professional Experience💼

  • Assistant Lecturer (03/2023 - Present)
    The Technical University of Kenya
    Teaching, student supervision, and research collaborations
  • Field Officer (01/2021 - 06/2022)
    International Food Policy Research Institute, Kenya
    Market survey on aflatoxin contamination awareness
  • National Program Supervisor/Technical Advisor (06/2021 - 07/2021)
    Ministry of Health Kenya
    Coordination of Measles and Rubella Vaccine campaign
  • Project Team Leader (01/2016 - 03/2016)
    Bioversity International Kenya
    Promotion of agrobiodiversity activities and their impacts on nutrition

Research Interests🔬

  • Mycotoxin analysis and mitigation
  • Plant pathology and disease management
  • Sustainable agricultural practices
  • Biodiversity and environmental conservation

Conferences Attended🌍

  • Responding to Climate Change through Land Governance (2023)
  • Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (2023)
  • Fourth Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (2023)
  • The Future of Malabo Declaration Beyond 2025 (2024)
  • Innovations for Sustainable Production of Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species (2024)

Notable Publication📝

  • Paper Title: Mycotoxins contaminating herbs and spices in Africa: A review
  •           Authors: Wakhungu, C.N, Okoth, S, Wachira, P, Otieno, N.A
  •           Journal: African Journal of Biological Sciences
  •           Volume: 3
  •           Issue: 3
  •           Pages: 10-28
  •           Year: 2021​

 

  • Paper Title: Incidence and severity of Fusarium wilt on Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea L.) landraces in Western Kenya
  •           Authors: Nderitu, J., Mwaura, L., & Kimenju, J.
  •           Journal: African Journal of Agricultural Research
  •           Volume: 16
  •           Issue: 3
  •           Pages: 401-410
  •           Year: 2021​ ​
  • Paper Title: Distribution of Fusarium wilt of Bambara nut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) in farmers’ fields of Busia County in Western Kenya and its management using farmyard manure
  •           Authors: Wamalwa, B.M., Nderitu, J.H., Kimenju, J.W., & Kariuki, I.W.
  •           Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology
  •           Volume: 103
  •           Issue: 2
  •           Pages: 543-552
  •           Year: 2021​

Dr. Omkar Warang, Agricultural Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Dr. Omkar Warang, Agricultural Chemistry, Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at the Kai. Rajaram Marathe College of Agriculture, India

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Academic Background:

  • B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Horticulture (Fruit Science), Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli
  • Ph.D. in Horticulture (Fruit Science), Anand Agricultural University, Anand

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor with 2 years of experience in teaching and research in Horticulture

Research Projects:

  • Effect of pruning time and fertilizer doses on growth, yield and quality of Phalsa cv. Local
  • Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield, Soil, and Plant Nutrient Status in Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis L.) cv. Phule Mosambi

Professional Memberships:

  • Society of Agricultural Research and Management
  • Indian Society of Alliums
  • Society for Advancement in Agriculture, Horticulture and Allied Sectors

Areas of Research:

  • Horticulture

Publication Top Noted:

Paper Title: Effect of different sources of nitrogen on fruit quality and shelf life of custard apple (Annona squamosa L.) cv. Sindhan

Authors: R Jangid, MM Masu, P Bhattacharjee, OS Warang
Journal : Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Year: 2021
Authors: P Bhattacharjee, O Warang, S Das, S Das
Journal: Current World Environ

Authors: OS Warang, PM Haldankar, YR Parulekar, BR Salvi, SA Chavan, NV Dalvi, SB Thorat, AV Bhuwad

Journal: Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences

Year: 2019
citations: 5
Authors: Dharmendra Kumar Gautam, Omkar Warang, G Ranganna, Harish Chandra Yadav, Budhesh Pratap Singh, Satyendra Verma
Journal: International Journal of Environment and Climate Change
Authors: OS Warang, NI Shah, NJ Jadav
Journal: Journal of Applied Horticulture
Year :2023