Saif Alharbi | Water Use Efficiency | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Saif Alharbi | Water Use Efficiency | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at The National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah), United States

Summary:

Dr. Saif Alharbi is the Acting Director of the R&D Department and Head of the Research Planning and Follow-up Department at the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah). He earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science from Oklahoma State University, where he specialized in Soil and Water Chemistry, Biodegradation, and Soil Nutrient Management. Dr. Alharbi also holds a Master’s degree in Soil Science from King Saud University and a Bachelor’s degree in Soil and Water from Qassim University. His professional interests include environmental soil chemistry, organic soil amendments, soil fertility and precision nutrient management, and soil salinity management. Dr. Alharbi has contributed to numerous research projects and international collaborations, particularly with the IAEA, and has published extensively in his field.

Profile:

Education:

Dr. Saif Alharbi holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, which he completed between January 2015 and May 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Brian Arnall. His doctoral studies encompassed advanced coursework in Soil and Water Chemistry, Advanced Soil Chemistry, Environmental Soil Physics, Biodegradation and Bioremediation, Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology, and Soil Nutrient Management. Prior to this, he earned a Master of Science degree in Soil Science from King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from June 2006 to April 2010, with Dr. Abdullah Modaihsh as his advisor. His master’s curriculum included Design and Analysis of Agricultural Experiments, Soil Fertility and Fertilizers, Irrigation Water Quality, Soil, Plant and Water Analysis, Environmental Soil Chemistry, Environmental Soil Physics, Plant Nutrition, Soils Genesis, and Geomorphology. Dr. Alharbi also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Soil and Water from Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia, which he obtained between October 1999 and June 2004. His undergraduate coursework covered a wide range of topics including Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Plant Physiology, Soil Analysis Methods, Irrigation and Drainage Principles, Soil Reclamation, Soil Conservation, Soil Pedology, Soil Survey and Classification, Soil Physics, Soil Microbiology, Soil Mineralogy, and Soil Fertility and Fertilizers.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Saif Alharbi has held various prominent positions throughout his career, showcasing his expertise in soil science and sustainable agriculture. Since October 2023, he has been serving as the Acting Director of the R&D Department at the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah), where he has also been the Head of the Research Planning and Follow-up Department since October 2018. In these roles, Dr. Alharbi has been instrumental in creating and activating operational strategies, establishing policies and procedures, and driving the digital transformation of research and innovation. At the Institute of Advanced Agricultural and Food Technologies, KACST, Dr. Alharbi served as an Associate Research Professor of Soil Chemistry and Plant Nutrition from June 2022 to October 2023. He also headed the Soil and Water Chemistry Laboratory during the same period and chaired the Strategic Plan Preparation Committee from November 2022 to October 2023. His leadership extended to international projects, where he was the Principal Investigator and research group leader for a cooperative project with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on climate-smart crop production starting in January 2022. Additionally, he has been the Saudi counterpart in designing and implementing technical cooperation projects with the IAEA since November 2021. Dr. Alharbi’s contributions also include his role as CO-Principal Investigator for national projects on vegetation cover with the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification (November 2021 – October 2023), and as a member of the Committee of Experts at the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Center for Research, Environmental Studies, and Tourism, King Khalid University (June 2022 – June 2023). He has been involved with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, studying the prevalence of abandoned and open wells (June 2022 – March 2023), and was a team member for innovative technologies for the Saudi green initiative with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (November 2021 – May 2022). Dr. Alharbi served as a full-time advisor for private affairs for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (January 2019 – January 2021). He was part of King Abdullah’s initiative for solar water desalination, investigating the use of desalinated water in agriculture (April 2012 – January 2013).

Research Interest:

Dr. Saif Alharbi’s research interests are focused on several critical areas within soil science and sustainable agriculture. His work in environmental soil chemistry explores the interactions between soil components and contaminants, aiming to improve soil health and productivity. He is also deeply involved in studying organic soil amendments, which enhance soil fertility and structure through the addition of organic materials. Dr. Alharbi’s expertise in soil fertility and precision nutrient management is directed towards optimizing the use of fertilizers to ensure sustainable crop production. Additionally, his research on soil salinity management in agriculture seeks to develop strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity on crop yield. Another significant aspect of his research is bioremediation for soil pollution, which involves using biological methods to detoxify polluted soils. Dr. Alharbi’s comprehensive research efforts contribute significantly to advancing agricultural sustainability and environmental conservation.

Skills:

Dr. Saif Alharbi possesses a diverse set of skills essential for advancing research and development in sustainable agriculture. He is an experienced soil scientist with a strong background in environmental soil chemistry, organic soil amendments, and precision nutrient management. His proficiency in biostatistics, particularly using SPSS and R programs, enables him to conduct detailed data analysis and interpret complex research findings effectively. Dr. Alharbi is adept at creating and implementing operational strategies, policies, and procedures to enhance research productivity and innovation. As the admin of a Telegram group, Toxo Clinic, he provided critical consultations and referrals during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating his commitment to practical applications of his expertise. Additionally, he has extensive experience training junior doctors and researchers, focusing on the first care management of clinical toxicology and other critical areas in soil science and agriculture. Dr. Alharbi’s comprehensive skill set underscores his capability to contribute significantly to both academic and practical advancements in his field.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Saif Alharbi has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the field of sustainable agriculture and soil science. He was honored with the Guild Shield by the Doctors Syndicate in Sohag, Egypt, on March 29, 2023, in acknowledgment of his dedicated efforts in training junior doctors on the first care management of clinical toxicology cases. This award highlights his commitment to education and mentorship, as well as his significant impact on improving clinical practices and agricultural sustainability.

 

Publications:

Regulation of Root Growth and Elongation in Wheat

  • Authors: Alrajhi, A., Alharbi, S., Beecham, S., Alotaibi, F.
  • Journal: Frontiers in Plant Science
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 15
  • Article: 1397337
  • Citations: 0

Precise Genome Editing of Plants Through Base and Prime Editor

  • Authors: Alharbi, S., Al-Dakhil, M., Alotaibi, F.S.
  • Book: OMICs-based Techniques for Global Food Security
  • Year: 2024
  • Pages: 269–286
  • Citations: 0

Application of Beet Sugar Byproducts Improves Maize Growth and Salt Redistribution in Saline Soils

  • Authors: Alharbi, S.F., Alotaibi, F.S., Ku, L., Zhang, W., Abou-Elwafa, S.F.
  • Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 23
  • Issue: 2
  • Pages: 2152–2161
  • Citations: 1

Organic Nitrogen Fertilization Minimizes Requirement of Inorganic Fertilizers and Improves Growth and Yield Attributes of Superior Grapevines

  • Authors: Muhammed, M., Qayyum, M.F., Alotaibi, F., Alharbi, S.F.
  • Journal: Journal of Plant Nutrition
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 46
  • Issue: 17
  • Pages: 4171–4187
  • Citations: 0

Role of Transcriptomics in Countering the Effect of Abiotic Stresses in Wheat

  • Authors: Alotaibi, F., Alharbi, S., Alrajhi, A.
  • Book: Abiotic Stresses in Wheat: Unfolding the Challenges
  • Year: 2023
  • Pages: 233–246
  • Citations: 0

Application of Molasses as an Eco-Innovative Approach Substitutes Mineral Nitrogen Fertilization and Enhances Sugar Beet Productivity

  • Authors: Al-Dhumri, S.A., Al Mosallam, M.S., Zhang, W., Alharbi, S., Abou-Elwafa, S.F.
  • Journal: Waste and Biomass Valorization
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 14
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 287–296
  • Citations: 4

Effect of Phosphorus-Loaded Biochar and Nitrogen-Fertilization on Release Kinetic of Toxic Heavy Metals and Tomato Growth

  • Authors: Ding, Z., Alharbi, S., Ali, E.F., Wang, G., Eissa, M.A.
  • Journal: International Journal of Phytoremediation
  • Year: 2022
  • Volume: 24
  • Issue: 2
  • Pages: 156–165
  • Citations: 10

Recycling of Beet Sugar Byproducts and Wastes Enhances Sugar Beet Productivity and Salt Redistribution in Saline Soils

  • Authors: Aljabri, M., Alharbi, S., Al-Qthanin, R.N., Chen, J., Abou-Elwafa, S.F.
  • Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 28
  • Issue: 33
  • Pages: 45745–45755
  • Citations: 12

A New Method to Recycle Dairy Waste for the Nutrition of Wheat Plants

  • Authors: Alharbi, S., Majrashi, A., Ghoneim, A.M., Hassan, F.A.S., Eissa, M.A.
  • Journal: Agronomy
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 11
  • Issue: 5
  • Article: 840
  • Citations: 15

Improving Quality of Metal-Contaminated Soils by Some Halophyte and Non-Halophyte Forage Plants

  • Authors: Ding, Z., Alharbi, S., Almaroai, Y.A., Eissa, M.A.
  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 764
  • Article: 142885
  • Citations: 18

 

Guangcai Gong | Resource Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Guangcai Gong, Resource Conservation, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Hunan University, China

Professor Guangcai Gong is an esteemed academic and researcher specializing in Environmental Science and Engineering. He currently holds the position of Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at Hunan University, where he has been actively involved in research and teaching since 1996. Throughout his career, Professor Gong has also held various international roles, including Visiting Professorships at Hopkins University, USA, and McGill University, Canada. He has a strong focus on building energy conservation, environment simulation, and control, contributing significantly to sustainable building practices and environmental engineering.

Profile:

Professional Experience:

Professor Guangcai Gong brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the field of Environmental Science and Engineering. Since 1996, he has served as a dedicated Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering at Hunan University. His contributions extend beyond academia, with international engagements including a Visiting Professorship at Hopkins University, USA, in 2013, and roles as a Visiting Scholar and Professor at McGill University, Canada, from 2004 to 2005. He also spent time as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Hong Kong in 2002. Prior to these roles, Professor Gong honed his research skills as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Postdoctoral Research Station of Metallurgy, Central South University, from 1997 to 1999. Throughout his professional journey, he has been deeply involved in research, teaching, and collaborations, focusing particularly on building energy conservation, environment simulation, and control, thus contributing significantly to advancements in sustainable building practices and environmental engineering.

Research Interest:

Building Energy Conservation: Investigating advanced techniques and technologies to reduce energy consumption in buildings while maintaining optimal performance and occupant comfort.

Environment Simulation and Modeling: Utilizing computational models and simulations to analyze environmental processes, predict outcomes, and optimize design strategies for sustainable built environments.

Building Environment Control Systems: Developing innovative control systems to regulate indoor environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and air quality, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and occupant well-being.

Sustainable Building Practices: Researching sustainable building materials, construction methods, and design principles to minimize environmental impact and promote eco-friendly building practices.

Renewable Energy Integration: Exploring the integration of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal energy into building systems to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Urban Environmental Quality: Studying strategies to improve urban environmental quality, including green infrastructure development, urban heat island mitigation, and pollution control measures.

Climate Change Adaptation: Investigating adaptation strategies for buildings and infrastructure in response to climate change challenges such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise.

Honors And Awards:

Second Prize of Science and Technology Progress of Hunan Province: This award recognizes significant contributions to science and technology advancement within Hunan Province. Professor Gong likely received this award for his research and innovations in environmental science and engineering.

Second Prize of China Machinery Industry Science and Technology Award: This national-level award is given to individuals or organizations for outstanding achievements in machinery industry science and technology. Professor Gong’s contributions to environmental engineering may have earned him this prestigious recognition.

Third Prize of Teaching Achievement of Hunan University: This award acknowledges excellence in teaching practices and achievements at Hunan University. Professor Gong’s dedication to teaching and mentoring students likely contributed to this recognition.

Excellent Teaching Quality Award of Hunan University: This award further highlights Professor Gong’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and fostering a positive learning environment.

The first “Tianyu” Teacher Award of Hunan University: This award is a testament to Professor Gong’s exceptional teaching skills and positive impact on students’ academic and personal development.

Baosteel Excellent Teacher Award: Unfortunately, I don’t have specific details about this award. If you have more information about the Baosteel Excellent Teacher Award, such as the criteria for selection or any other relevant details, please provide them, and I’ll be happy to include them in the biography.

Publication Top Noted:

New rationale for the effect of multiple buoyancies and their influence on the propagation of respiratory pollutants

  • Authors: Deng, X., Gong, G., He, X., Huang, Y., Chen, X.
  • Journal: Physics of Fluids
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 36
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 015116

A real options-based decision-making model analysis for climate change mitigation strategies on buildings

  • Authors: Li, W., Gong, G., Jia, H., Ren, Z., Chong, A.
  • Journal: Journal of Cleaner Production
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 429
  • Pages: 139524

Investigation on indoor airflow and contaminant dispersion of diffuse ceiling ventilation in heating and cooling modes

  • Authors: Peng, P., Zhang, C., Li, W., Chun, L., Guo, R.
  • Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 80
  • Pages: 107972
  • Citations: 3

Thermodynamic study on the effect of foaming on the heat and moisture control ability of humidity control material

  • Authors: Shi, X., Gong, G., Wu, Y., Fang, X., Wang, H.
  • Journal: Applied Thermal Engineering
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 234
  • Pages: 121323