Joyce Mongai Chindong | Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Vegetation | Research Excellence Award

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Ms. Joyce Mongai Chindong | Remote Sensing in Agriculture and Vegetation | Research Excellence Award

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University | Morocco

Ms. Joyce Mongai Chindong is an emerging researcher in geospatial sciences whose work centers on leveraging GIS, remote sensing, and machine learning to improve environmental monitoring in data-scarce regions. Her research primarily focuses on soil degradation processes, including drought dynamics and soil salinity, by integrating multi-sensor satellite observations, proximal sensing techniques, and advanced analytical frameworks. She applies Earth Observation data—such as remotely sensed precipitation products, vegetation indices like NDVI, and field-based spectral and electrical conductivity measurements—to quantify environmental anomalies and assess ecosystem responses to climatic variability. Ms. Chindong’s work emphasizes methodological rigor through preprocessing workflows, anomaly detection, spatial modeling, and the use of supervised learning algorithms to generate accurate, scalable predictions of land surface conditions. Her recent contribution, a multi-sensor machine learning framework for field-scale soil salinity mapping, demonstrates her commitment to developing robust, transferrable solutions for sustainable land management, particularly in resource-limited environments where environmental data is sparse. By combining optical, radar, and ground-based measurements with algorithmic modeling, she advances the precision and reliability of landscape-level assessments that support agricultural resilience and environmental planning. Motivated by global sustainability goals, Ms. Chindong aims to refine geospatial intelligence to better understand environmental processes across diverse landscapes. Her interdisciplinary approach—blending geoinformation science, environmental monitoring, and computational methods—positions her as a promising contributor to research on land degradation, climate impacts, and data-driven environmental decision-making.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Chindong, J. M., Ouzemou, J.-E., Laamrani, A., El Battay, A., Hajaj, S., Rhinane, H., & Chehbouni, A. (2025). A multi-sensor machine learning framework for field-scale soil salinity mapping under data-scarce conditions. Remote Sensing, 17(22), Article 3778.

Fatemeh Rezaei | Agricultural Technology | Best Review Paper Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatemeh Rezaei | Agricultural Technology | Best Review Paper Award

K. N. Toosi University of Technology | Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatemeh Rezaei is an Associate Professor of Physics at K.N. Toosi University of Technology (KNTU), Iran, whose research centers on laser–plasma interactions, photonics, and biophotonics. Her primary focus lies in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), where she investigates the mechanisms of self-absorption, optically thick plasma formation, and plasma parameter determination through both experimental and computational approaches. She has developed advanced models and correction methods for plasma emission spectra and applied machine learning and deep learning algorithms to enhance the accuracy of LIBS-based elemental analysis. Dr. Rezaei’s interdisciplinary work extends to laser-assisted cancer therapy, integrating photothermal and photodynamic techniques with nanoparticles such as gold and curcumin–magnetic composites for effective tumor treatment. Her expertise also includes laser Doppler vibrometry, LIDAR systems, plasma diagnostics, and nano–bio laser interactions, bridging optical physics with biomedical and industrial applications. Through her extensive research and collaborations, Dr. Rezaei has made significant contributions to the advancement of laser spectroscopy, plasma science, and laser-based therapeutic technologies, with her findings published in leading international journals such as Spectrochimica Acta B, Scientific Reports, and Applied Optics.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Rezaei, F., Cristoforetti, G., Tognoni, E., Legnaioli, S., Palleschi, V., & Safi, A. (2020). A review of the current analytical approaches for evaluating, compensating and exploiting self-absorption in Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy. Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy, 169, 105878.

  2. Ashkbar, A., Rezaei, F., Attari, F., & Ashkevarian, S. (2020). Treatment of breast cancer in vivo by dual photodynamic and photothermal approaches with the aid of curcumin photosensitizer and magnetic nanoparticles. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 21206.

  3. Rezaei, F., Karimi, P., & Tavassoli, S. H. (2014). Effect of self-absorption correction on LIBS measurements by calibration curve and artificial neural network. Applied Physics B, 114(4), 591–600.

  4. Safi, A., Tavassoli, S. H., Cristoforetti, G., Legnaioli, S., Palleschi, V., & Rezaei, F. (2019). Determination of excitation temperature in laser-induced plasmas using columnar density Saha-Boltzmann plot. Journal of Advanced Research, 18, 1–7.

  5. Aberkane, S. M., Safi, A., Botto, A., Campanella, B., Legnaioli, S., Poggialini, F., Rezaei, F., & Palleschi, V. (2020). Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for determination of spectral fundamental parameters. Applied Sciences, 10(14), 4973.

Bekir Sitki Karatas | Agricultural Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas | Agricultural Technology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Akdeniz University, Turkey 

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas is a seasoned academic and researcher, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation at Akdeniz University, Turkey. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as an expert in irrigation systems, water management, geographic information systems (GIS), and remote sensing applications in agriculture. Dr. Karatas’s academic foundation was laid at Ege University, where he earned his B.S., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Agricultural Structures and Irrigation. Throughout his professional journey, he has held diverse roles in academia and governmental institutions, demonstrating a robust blend of scientific knowledge and practical field experience. His work consistently focuses on enhancing the efficiency of agricultural water use and integrating advanced technologies such as GIS and remote sensing to inform irrigation practices. Dr. Karatas has a strong record of interdisciplinary collaboration and has contributed significantly to national and international research projects. His leadership and academic rigor have been instrumental in shaping water management policies and education within his field. With a commitment to scientific advancement and sustainable agricultural practices, he continues to mentor students and conduct impactful research, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world agricultural challenges.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas has pursued a comprehensive academic trajectory entirely at Ege University, one of Turkey’s leading institutions in agricultural sciences. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Structures and Irrigation in 1995, laying a strong foundation in the fundamental aspects of agricultural engineering. Driven by a passion for research and sustainable agricultural development, he continued at Ege University to earn his Master of Science in the same field in 1999. His master’s studies focused on the design and optimization of irrigation systems, combining theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Building on this momentum, he completed his Ph.D. in 2006, with a dissertation that integrated modern irrigation technologies and spatial analysis tools—skills that would later define much of his academic career. His doctoral work involved in-depth exploration of water resource management and the utilization of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing for agricultural efficiency. Throughout his academic development, Dr. Karatas honed a multidisciplinary perspective, blending engineering principles with environmental stewardship. His educational path reflects a strong commitment to agricultural sustainability, precision water management, and academic excellence, positioning him as a knowledgeable and innovative leader in the field of agricultural structures and irrigation systems.

Professional Experience

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas has built a multifaceted professional career characterized by academic achievement, government service, and applied research. His journey began at Ege University, where he served as a Teaching Assistant from 1997 to 2006, engaging in both academic instruction and early-stage research. He transitioned into public service as an Agricultural Engineer for the İzmir Provincial Special Administration from 2006 to 2009, where he played a vital role in implementing regional agricultural development projects. Progressing to the position of R&D Specialist in 2009 and later Director in 2010, Dr. Karatas contributed to the strategic planning and execution of sustainable agricultural programs. In 2011, he returned to academia as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Structures and Irrigation at Adnan Menderes University, where he later became an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering. He held this position until 2020, focusing on teaching and research that aligned with emerging trends in water resource management and precision agriculture. Since 2020, he has been serving at Akdeniz University as an Associate Professor, leading research initiatives and guiding graduate students. His professional trajectory reflects a rare synergy between institutional leadership, public policy, and academic innovation.

Research Interest

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas’s research interests lie at the intersection of agricultural sustainability, technological innovation, and efficient resource management. His primary focus is on irrigation systems and water management, aiming to optimize water use in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Recognizing the growing global concern over water scarcity, he investigates strategies to enhance irrigation efficiency through both traditional and advanced techniques. A significant component of his work involves the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies into agricultural planning. These tools allow for the spatial analysis of land, water resources, and crop needs, facilitating informed decision-making and precision agriculture. Dr. Karatas also explores climate-responsive irrigation strategies, evaluating how environmental variables influence irrigation scheduling and water allocation. His research contributes to sustainable agriculture by promoting smart farming techniques and the conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, he is interested in developing data-driven models that simulate irrigation system performance under varying climatic conditions. By aligning his academic pursuits with practical challenges faced by farmers and policy-makers, Dr. Karatas’s research offers tangible solutions to modern agricultural problems, bridging science, policy, and practice for resilient and productive farming systems.

Research Skills

Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas possesses a comprehensive and highly specialized skill set that supports his work in agricultural engineering and resource management. He is an expert in irrigation design and evaluation, with hands-on experience in developing efficient systems tailored to diverse climatic and soil conditions. His skills in water balance analysis, soil-water-plant interactions, and evapotranspiration assessment enable him to devise irrigation strategies that conserve water while maximizing crop yields. He is also highly proficient in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), employing spatial analysis to map agricultural landscapes, identify irrigation inefficiencies, and support land-use planning. Dr. Karatas integrates remote sensing tools to monitor vegetation health, soil moisture, and land use changes, allowing for data-driven management of agricultural resources. His command of hydrological modeling and decision support systems further enhances his ability to analyze complex datasets and recommend actionable interventions. In addition to his technical expertise, he is skilled in research design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, and academic mentoring. These skills enable him to lead interdisciplinary research projects, publish high-impact papers, and guide students in both theoretical and applied agricultural research. His versatile and evolving skill set ensures his continued contribution to advancing sustainable irrigation practices and agricultural innovation.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas has been recognized for his impactful contributions to agricultural sciences, particularly in irrigation and water management. Although specific awards are not detailed in the provided biography, his progressive academic appointments and leadership roles serve as significant indicators of his esteemed reputation within the field. His transition from public administration into academia, followed by consistent promotions to Associate Professor positions at two major Turkish universities, reflects institutional recognition of his expertise and leadership. His appointment to lead strategic roles, such as Director at the İzmir Provincial Special Administration, also highlights the trust placed in his technical and managerial capabilities. Furthermore, his long-standing involvement in research and teaching has earned him the respect of peers and students alike, often evidenced through collaboration opportunities and invitations to contribute to national research projects. It is likely that he has received internal university recognitions, grants, and honors for his research achievements, conference contributions, and mentorship efforts. His active presence in platforms like Google Scholar and ORCID also suggests a robust academic footprint, potentially linked to citations, project funding, or national-level recognition. These accolades, both formal and informal, collectively affirm his standing as a respected authority in his field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Bekir Sitki Karatas stands as a distinguished academic whose work bridges scientific research, public policy, and practical application in the field of agricultural water management. With a career rooted in excellence, he has made significant contributions to irrigation engineering, sustainable agriculture, and the integration of spatial technologies in farming systems. His academic path, entirely shaped at Ege University, has given him a deep understanding of Turkey’s agricultural landscape, while his roles in both governmental agencies and academia have broadened his perspective and influence. Dr. Karatas’s ability to translate complex research into actionable strategies has made him a valuable resource for farmers, policymakers, and fellow researchers. His ongoing work at Akdeniz University reflects his commitment to training the next generation of agricultural engineers and addressing pressing issues like water scarcity and climate adaptation. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and maintaining a future-oriented research agenda, he continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in his field. Dr. Karatas’s career is a testament to the power of applied science, community engagement, and academic leadership, and he remains a vital contributor to sustainable agricultural development both in Turkey and internationally.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Using satellite remote sensing to assess irrigation performance in Water User Associations in the Lower Gediz Basin, Turkey
    Authors: BS Karatas, E Akkuzu, HB Unal, S Asik, M Avci
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 93

  2. Title: Determination of water conveyance loss in the Menemen open canal irrigation network
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Ünal, BS Karataş
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 81

  3. Title: General irrigation planning performance of water user associations in the Gediz Basin in Turkey
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Unal, BS Karatas, M Avci, S Asik
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 30

  4. Title: Evaluation of irrigation canal maintenance according to roughness and active canal capacity values
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Unal, BS Karatas, M Avci, S Asik
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 24

  5. Title: İzmir Kentsel Arıtılmış Atık Sularının Sulamada Kullanım Olanaklarının İncelenmesi
    Authors: BS Karataş, E Akkuzu, Ş Aşık
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 18

  6. Title: İzmir ili dahilindeki sulama birliklerinin genel sulama planlarına göre işletim performansı
    Authors: E Akkuzu, BS Karataş
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 16

  7. Title: Sulama suyu dağıtımına çiftçi tepkileri: Menemen Sol Sahil sulama sistemi örneği
    Authors: HB Ünal, M Avcı, Ş Aşık, E Akkuzu, M Kılıç, BS Karataş
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 14

  8. Title: Menemen Sol Sahil Sulama Sistemi su dağıtımında yeterliliğin ve değişkenliğin belirlenmesi
    Authors: E Akkuzu, Ş Aşık, HB Ünal, BS Karataş, M Avcı
    Year: 2003
    Citations: 14

  9. Title: Coğrafi bilgi sistemi ve uzaktan algılama teknikleriyle menemen sulama sistemi performansının değerlendirilmesi
    Authors: BS Karataş
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 9

  10. Title: Menemen sulama sisteminde taban suyunun zamana ve mekâna göre değişiminin jeoistatistiksel yöntemlerle değerlendirilmesi: Maltepe Ana Kanal Örneği
    Authors: G Çamoğlu, MK Ölgen, BS Karataş, Ş Aşık
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 9

  11. Title: Sürdürülebilir Mimarlık Bağlamında Çok Katlı Ofis Binalarında Ekolojik Tasarım İlkelerinin İrdelenmesi
    Authors: B Karataş
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 8

  12. Title: Aydın ili koşullarında sera ısıtmasında jeotermal enerjinin kullanılabilirliğinin incelenmesi
    Authors: BS Karataş, ÖF Durdu
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 7

  13. Title: Aşağı Gediz Havzası sulama sisteminde ana kanal düzeyinde su dağıtımında yeterliliğin ve değişkenliğin belirlenmesi
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Ünal, S Karataş
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 7

  14. Title: Gediz Havzası Akarsuları Yıllık Toplam Akımlarına En Uygun Olasılık Dağılım Modelinin Belirlenmesi
    Authors: Ş Aşık, E Akkuzu, BS Karataş
    Year: 2004
    Citations: 7

  15. Title: Araştırma görevlilerinin sorunları ve çözüm önerileri
    Authors: BS Karataş
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 4

  16. Title: İzmir atıksularının Menemen Ovası sulamasında kullanılabilirliğinin değerlendirilmesi üzerine bir inceleme
    Authors: BS Karataş
    Year: 1999
    Citations: 4

  17. Title: Amerikan Karşıtlığında Güncel Küresel Eğilimler ve Trump Etkisi
    Authors: C Dinç, B Karataş
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 3

  18. Title: Determination of irrigation performance of water user associations in the vicinity of Sarigol and Alasehir using remote sensing techniques
    Authors: BS Karatas, E Akkuzu, M Avci
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 3

  19. Title: Finansal Başarısızlık Tahmini Üzerine Türkiye’de Yayımlanan Lisansüstü Tezlerin Bibliyometrik Analizi (1991-2021)
    Authors: B Karataş, AV Can
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

  20. Title: Determination of adequacy and equity of water delivery in irrigation systems: a case study of the Gediz basin
    Authors: E Akkuzu, HB Ünal, BS Karatas
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 2