Zhang Li | Agronomy | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Ms. Zhang Li | Agronomy | Research Excellence Award

College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University and Institute of Animal Husbandry, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Sciences | China

Ms. Zhang Li is a Master’s Candidate at the College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, jointly affiliated with the Institute of Animal Husbandry, Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science, specializing in Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction with a strong research focus on gene-edited livestock improvement and molecular mechanisms governing growth and development in Chinese Merino sheep (Xinjiang type); she has actively contributed as a core member to several major national and autonomous region-level scientific and technological programs including high-impact initiatives on efficient sheep breeding technologies, precision breeding strategies for cattle and sheep, and the establishment of advanced in vitro embryo production systems supporting the creation of gene-edited sheep; she is proficient in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, RNA-seq transcriptome analysis, and RT-qPCR validation and has applied these technologies to investigate the regulatory pathways associated with MSTN gene knockout, leading to the identification of differentially expressed genes and key molecular regulators influencing body weight, body measurements, and muscle development; her first-author publication in a leading Q1 SCI-indexed journal presents significant insights into the effects of MSTN gene editing on growth performance and muscle transcriptomic profiles in Chinese Merino sheep, contributing valuable knowledge to the field of molecular breeding; she has collaborated closely with the Xinjiang Academy of Animal Science on gene-edited sheep growth performance evaluation and played a role in the development of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Sheep Engineering Research Center; her work supports regional livestock improvement programs and provides a scientific foundation for enhancing productivity, genetic advancement, and sustainable development within the sheep industry, positioning her as a promising young researcher in animal genetics and molecular breeding.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publications : 

Zhang, L., Li, P., Wang, X., Kong, M., Wu, W., & Zheng, W. (n.d.). Effects of MSTN gene knockout on growth performance and muscle transcriptome in Chinese Merino sheep (Xinjiang type). Animals. Advance online publication.

Maria Gerakari | Agronomy | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Dr. Maria Gerakari | Agronomy | Young Scientist Award

Plant Breeding at Agricultural University of Athens | Greece

Dr. Maria Gerakari is a highly dedicated agronomist whose research in plant breeding and genetics focuses on developing high-yield and stress-tolerant crop varieties, particularly legumes and vegetables of nutritional and economic importance. With a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics and a Master’s in Sustainable Agriculture and Agro-Meteorology from the Agricultural University of Athens, she combines deep scientific knowledge with innovative research applications. Her professional experience includes serving as a research assistant in multiple European and national projects, contributing to experimental design, biochemical analyses, and advanced molecular techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, gene expression studies, qPCR, and transcriptome sequencing. Dr. Gerakari has published 17 research papers cited in 208 documents, achieving an h-index of 5, reflecting her growing influence in agronomy research. Her research interests encompass sustainable agriculture, genetic improvement, and crop resilience to environmental stress. She has participated in international collaborations, including a Short-Term Scientific Mission at Goethe University in Frankfurt, and gained valuable experience in agricultural industry settings. Recognized for academic excellence, she graduated with distinction and continues to contribute innovative approaches to sustainable crop productivity. Her achievements exemplify scientific rigor, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing modern agricultural science and global food security.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Kapazoglou, A., Gerakari, M., Lazaridi, E., Kleftogianni, K., Sarri, E., & Tani, E., et al. (2023). Crop wild relatives: A valuable source of tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Plants, 12(2), 328.

Mladenov, V., Fotopoulos, V., Kaiserli, E., Karalija, E., Maury, S., Baranek, M., et al. (2021). Deciphering the epigenetic alphabet involved in transgenerational stress memory in crops. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(13), 7118.

Kapazoglou, A., Tani, E., Avramidou, E. V., Abraham, E. M., Gerakari, M., et al. (2021). Epigenetic changes and transcriptional reprogramming upon woody plant grafting for crop sustainability in a changing environment. Frontiers in Plant Science, 11, 613004.

Lazaridi, E., Kapazoglou, A., Gerakari, M., Kleftogianni, K., Passa, K., Sarri, E., et al. (2024). Crop landraces and indigenous varieties: A valuable source of genes for plant breeding. Plants, 13(6), 758.

Kapazoglou, A., Gerakari, M., Lazaridi, E., Kleftogianni, K., Sarri, E., & Tani, E., et al. (2023). Crop wild relatives: a valuable source of tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Plants, 12(2), 328.