Environment, Climate, Plant and Vegetation Growth

Author Biography

Shah Fahad is working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He obtained his PhD in Agronomy from Huazhong Agriculture University, China, in 2015. After doing his postdoctoral research in Agronomy at the Huazhong Agriculture University (2015–17), he accepted the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Haripur. He has published over 450 peer-reviewed papers (Impact factor 2334.31) with more than 390 research and 60 review articles, on important aspects of climate change, plant physiology and breeding, plant nutrition, plant stress responses and tolerance mechanisms, and exogenous chemical priming-induced abiotic stress tolerance.  He has also contributed 80 book chapters to various book editions published by Springer, Wiley-Blackwell, and Elsevier.  He has edited twenty book volumes, including this one, published by CRC press, Springer, and Intech Open. He wonYoung Rice International Scientist award and distinguish scholar award in 2014 and 2015 respectively.  Shah Saud received his Ph.D. and Post Doctorate in Turf grasses (Horticulture) from Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China. He is currently working as Assistant Professor in College of Life Science, Linyi University, China. Dr. Shah Saud has published over 200 research publications in peer-reviewed journals. He has edited 8 books and written 40 book chapters on important aspects of plant physiology, plant stress responses, and environmental problems in relation to agricultural plants. According to Scopus®, Dr. Shah Saud’s publications have received roughly 8566 citations with an h-index of 44. Taufiq Nawaz is a young biotechnology scientist and earning PhD in Synthetic Biology/Biotechnology in South Dakota State University, USA besides his master’s degree in food science and Technology, he also earned a master’s degree in political science and Master in International Relations. He has authored and co-authored 25 peer-reviewed papers and four book chapters. He is also serving as co-editor for one book. His major research focuses on Applying Synthetic Biology of cyanobacteria to produce Perfect Proteins for Quality Human Nutrition Using Sunlight and N2 Gas. His future research is focused on producing biofuels and other high-value compounds and high-quality nutritional protein powder as food/feedstock supplement. He is currently working on a couple of papers and book chapters on climate change, cyanobacteria and bioNitrogen economy. Liping Gu is a distinguished Research Staff Scientist at South Dakota State University. With a strong academic background, Dr. Gu holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University (2005) as well as a B.S and M.S. in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from Anhui Normal University, China. Her extensive academic journey also includes serving as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University, contributing significantly to her research prowess. Dr. Gu's career trajectory showcases her dedication to education and research. She served as an Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Anhui Normal University, China, prior to her roles in the United States. Her exceptional contributions have been acknowledged through numerous awards and fellowships, including the prestigious 2023 Presidential Award of Excellence from South Dakota State University. Notably, her scientific acumen was recognized in the 1st Annual Science as Art Competition, where her confocal image demonstrated Nif-protein micro-compartmentation, earning her the first-place faculty/staff award. Her research portfolio is equally impressive, with her leadership on various projects funded by renowned organizations. Dr. Gu's work spans genetic engineering of cyanobacteria, multidisciplinary molecular interaction research, advancing the bioeconomy, and more. Her expertise in the field is demonstrated by her prolific publication record of 51 peer-reviewed papers and 5 book chapters. Dr. Gu's influence extends beyond her research endeavors. She has been an integral part of various panels and judging committees, including the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program and Sigma Xi showcase. Her commitment to education is evident through her establishment of a graduate-level course, integrating cutting-edge technologies available at the Functional Genomics Core Facility of South Dakota State University.  Mushtaq Ahmad is currently working as Director QAU Botanical Garden and Herbarium (ISL), Director Technology Science Park (QAU) and Chairman Department of Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan. He is Member & Awardee of IUCN, IBPES, AFOB, FLPH, PAS, TWAS, CAS, NAS, TUBITAK, MEVLANA, HEC, PBS, BSP. He is an elected fellow of Pakistan Academy of Sciences. He has 801 publications (citations ±14379, H-index 59, i10-index 322) in several fields of Plant Sciences including 721 research articles, 24 international books, 22 book chapters published largely by Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Wiley etc. across the world including Asia, Europe, USA and Africa. He has successfully supervised/produced 35 PhD, 100 M.Phil. 65 M.Sc & BS research scholars in advanced areas of Plant Sciences. He has also been awarded various national and international awards in recognition of hisoutstanding contributions in the field of science and technology including Top 2% influential scientist of the World (2020, 2021, 2022); TUBITAK (Turkey) visiting scientist (2022), Young Research Scholar Award by HEC (2019); Highly Cited Research Paper Award by Elsevier and Willey (2019); Young scientist award by CAS –PIFI –China (2018), Young membership award by Pakistan Academy of Sciences, (2016); Productive scientist awards by PCST (2009 to date); TTS Performance based Awards (2010 to date); Post Doc. Fellowship by TWAS-Malaysia (2012); Best book award by HEC (2013); Best research paper award by HEC (2011); Gold Medal award by Pakistan Academy of Sciences (2011). He is the member of many international and national academic bodies. Prof. Ahmad has been awarded with many research grant projects funded by GBIF, BIFA (Japan-USA), NAS-USA, CAS-China, Mevlana-Turkey, PAS, HEC and TWAS. These research grants helped Prof. Ahmad to establish modern digital Herbarium (ISL), Botanical Garden, Technology Science Park, Melissopalynology, Aerobiology, Nutraceutical and Green Biofuel research laboratories.  Ruanbao Zhou is a Professor of molecular microbiology in South Dakota State University, Postdoc Researcher (1998-2001) at MSU-DOE plant research laboratory in Michigan State University, Research Associate and later Assistant Professor (2002-2008) of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. PhD in plant molecular biology of Peking University in China. B.S. of biology in Anhui Normal University in China. Dr. Zhou has been studying N2-fixing cyanobacteria for more than 29 years and secured more than 20 competitive grants totalized about $4.0M on the study of N2-fixing cyanobacteria and its application. Dr. Zhou has published more than 80 peer-reviewed papers including three 1st-author  papers in PNAS (IF>12) and two in Green Chemistry (IF>11).