Hong Li | Plant-Microbial Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Hong  Li | Plant-Microbial Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Xinjiang Agricultural University, China

Dr. Hong Li earned her Ph.D. from China Agricultural University in 2021 and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Xinjiang Agricultural University. She is a member of the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering’s Facility Horticulture Engineering Committee. Dr. Li’s research focuses on plant-microbial interactions, salinity, salt tolerance, and plant mineral nutrition. Her pioneering work, published in The ISME Journal, demonstrated how both salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive plants recruit specific microorganisms to alleviate salt stress and improve resilience. Additionally, she has integrated soil carbon management with water and fertilizer applications to enhance soil quality via microbial activity in facility vegetable cultivation. Her innovative research on microbe-root-knot nematode interactions has led to a screening method for beneficial bacteria and the development of a microbial agent effective against root-knot nematodes, resulting in two Chinese national invention patents. Dr. Li has published approximately 10 refereed articles and continues to contribute to sustainable agricultural research.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

Ph.D., China Agricultural University, 2021

🔬 Research Interests:

  • Plant-microbial interactions

  • Salinity & salt tolerance

  • Plant mineral nutrition

🌟 Key Achievements:

  • Published ~10 peer-reviewed papers, including pioneering work in The ISME Journal

  • Discovered how salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive plants recruit microbes to mitigate salt stress, boosting resilience

  • Integrated soil carbon management with precise water and fertilizer application to enhance soil quality via microbial activity

  • Developed a screening method for bacteria that promote root growth and resist root-knot nematodes

  • Holder of 2 Chinese national invention patents for a microbial agent effective against root-knot nematodes

🤝 Professional Membership:

Member, Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering — Facility Horticulture Engineering Committee

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Understanding the changes of phenylpropanoid metabolism and lignin accumulation in wounded cassava root during postharvest storage
    Scientia Horticulturae, 2023-02
    DOI: 10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111765

  2. Antifungal activity of montmorillonite/peptide aptamer nanocomposite against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Stylosanthes
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2022-07-12
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.034

  3. Antifungal activity of an artificial peptide aptamer SNP-D4 against Fusarium oxysporum
    PeerJ, 2022-02-22
    DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12756

  4. Hfq Regulates Efflux Pump Expression and Purine Metabolic Pathway to Increase Trimethoprim Resistance in Aeromonas veronii
    Frontiers in Microbiology, 2021-11-24
    DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.742114

  5. Integrated analysis reveals an association between the rhizosphere microbiome and root rot of arecanut palm
    Pedosphere, 2021-10
    DOI: 10.1016/s1002-0160(21)60022-x

  6. Network-based analysis of virulence factors for uncovering Aeromonas veronii pathogenesis
    BMC Microbiology, 2021-06-24
    DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02261-8

  7. First Report of Grammothele lineata Causing Stem Rot of Areca catechu in Hainan Province, China
    Plant Disease, 2021-04-08
    DOI: 10.1094/pdis-01-21-0218-pdn

 

Dali Francis | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Dali Francis | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

postdoctor uae uniuversity United Arab Emirates

Dr. Dali Vilma Francis is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in biotechnology with expertise in microbiology, nano fertilizers, and controlled environment agriculture. Based in Dubai, UAE, Dr. Francis leverages her diverse skill set in nanotechnology, microbiology, and horticulture to drive sustainable agricultural innovation. Her focus includes optimizing plant growth with nanoparticles, enhancing post-harvest technology, and advancing eco-friendly microbial research.

Profile

Google scholar

📚 Education

  • Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2023) – BITS Pilani Dubai Campus
  • Master of Biotechnology (2006) – M.G. University, Kerala
  • Bachelor of Biotechnology (2004) – M.G. University, Kerala
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research – CROME, India

💼 Experience

  • Postdoctoral Fellow (Aug 2023–present), UAE University, Al Ain: Working on biosynthesis of nanoparticles from plants, algae, and bacteria, including nano-fertilizer development for hydroponic systems.
  • Doctoral Scholar (Jan 2018–Apr 2023), BITS Pilani, Dubai: Conducted independent research projects, assisted in teaching microbiology and downstream processing, and mentored B.E. Biotechnology students.
  • Teacher & Coordinator (2015–2018), GEMS Winchester School, Dubai: Delivered chemistry instruction, managed curriculum updates, and coordinated teaching methods.
  • Lecturer, MSc Biotechnology (2009–2013), Aquinas College, Kerala: Taught biotechnology courses and developed materials to enhance student learning experiences.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Francis’s research includes nanotechnology applications in agriculture, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture techniques. She focuses on nano fertilizer synthesis, microgreen cultivation, microbial genetics, and bioremediation to address global food security and environmental challenges.

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Promoted to Postdoctoral Fellow at UAE University (Dec 2023)
  • Best Oral Presenter at ICES, Dubai (Nov 2023)
  • Best Researcher Award on BITS Research Day (May 2021)
  • Best Teacher Award for exceptional work with SEND students, GEMS Winchester (2017)
  • Department Head Promotion in Biotechnology, Aquinas College (2012)

📄 Publications Top Notes:

Francis, D.V., et al., “Optimizing germination conditions of Ghaf seed using ZnO nanoparticle priming,” Scientific Reports, 2024. Cited by 25 articles

Francis, D.V., et al., “Nanoparticle-Enhanced Plant Defense Mechanisms for Sustainable Crop Protection,” in Nanoparticles in Plant Biotic Stress Management, 2024.

Francis, D.V., et al., “Sustainable packaging materials for probiotic foods,” AIMS Microbiology, 2024.

Francis, D.V., et al., “Metallic Nanoparticle Integrated Ternary Polymer Blend for Food Packaging,” Polymers, 2022.