Junqin Li | Microbial Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Natural Scientist Awards

Dr. Junqin Li | Microbial Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Teacher | Guizhou Normal University | China

Dr. Junqin Li is a dedicated teacher and researcher at Guizhou Normal University, specializing in ecosystem ecology with a strong focus on the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in regulating carbon–nitrogen cycling in grassland ecosystems. He earned his Ph.D. from Northeast Normal University in 2022 and has since established himself as a promising scholar in plant–soil interactions under global climate change. His research highlights the interactive effects of AM fungal symbiosis and climate change on ecosystem-level carbon inputs and outputs, as well as the mediation of carbon and nitrogen allocation following litter decomposition, thereby clarifying critical processes in ecosystem sustainability. Dr. Li has published 27 peer-reviewed SCI papers in respected international journals, accumulating 429 citations with an H-index of 10, reflecting both productivity and influence in his field. He has secured multiple funded projects, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Province, and the Guizhou Provincial Department of Education. His international collaborations include joint publications with renowned scientists such as Prof. Raúl Ochoa-Hueso (University of Cádiz), Prof. Scott L. Collins (New Mexico State University), and Prof. Jennifer A. Rudgers (New Mexico State University), underscoring his active role in global ecological research networks. His recent publications, including studies on microplastics’ effects on plant development and the stability of AMF communities in grasslands, further demonstrate his commitment to advancing ecological knowledge. Through his innovative research, growing academic recognition, and dedication to teaching, Dr. Li continues to make valuable contributions to ecosystem science.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Li, J., Zhang, X., Wang, Y., & Liu, H. (2025). Polyethylene microplastic: Impacts on ryegrass seed germination and seedling development. BMC Plant Biology.

Li, J., Chen, Y., Wu, Q., & Zhao, L. (2025). Shrub encroachment enhances AMF network stability and complexity, while cropland destabilizes AMF communities in a subtropical alpine grassland. BMC Biology.

Li, J., Ochoa-Hueso, R., Zhang, W., & Ma, X. (2021). Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediate grassland responses to global change: Evidence from soil carbon and nitrogen cycling. Biology and Fertility of Soils, 57(6), 823–835.

Li, J., Collins, S. L., Wu, Z., & Zhang, Y. (2021). Grassland ecosystem responses to climate extremes: The role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in carbon and nitrogen dynamics. Ecology, 102(12), e03459.

Li, J., Collins, S. L., & Zhao, Q. (2022). Decomposition-mediated shifts in carbon and nitrogen allocation in grassland ecosystems regulated by AM fungi. Journal of Ecology, 110(8), 2035–2048.

Gessesse Kebede Bekele | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele | Bioremediation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer and Researcher | Addis Ababa Science and Technology University | Ethiopia

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Ethiopia. He holds a Master of Science in Microbial Cellular and Molecular Biology from Addis Ababa University and is pursuing a doctoral degree in Industrial Biotechnology at AASTU. His research focuses on industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology, with emphasis on microbial diversity, biodegradation, and biotechnological applications in extreme environments. He has authored numerous scientific publications and led several funded projects, contributing to advancements in microbial ecology, fermentation, environmental bioremediation, and applied biotechnology in Ethiopia.

Publication Profile

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Academic Background

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Ethiopia. He earned a Master of Science in Microbial Cellular and Molecular Biology with specialization in Applied Microbiology from Addis Ababa University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Industrial Biotechnology at AASTU. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in biotechnology and microbiology, which has guided his research interests in microbial diversity, biodegradation, fermentation, and applied biotechnology. His educational background provides a solid base for his contributions to industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology.

Professional Experience

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele serves as a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Ethiopia. His professional work is centered on industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology, with a strong focus on microbial diversity, hydrocarbon biodegradation, and functional microbial applications in extreme environments. He has contributed to numerous scientific publications and successfully led funded research projects at both national and institutional levels. Through his professional experience, he has advanced microbial ecology, fermentation, secondary metabolites, and environmental bioremediation, making valuable contributions to the scientific and technological development of biotechnology in Ethiopia.

Awards and Honors

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele has earned recognition for his dedicated contributions to the field of biotechnology and applied microbiology. His research excellence has been acknowledged through institutional support and competitive national research grants, which highlight the trust placed in his expertise and leadership. His publications in reputable journals and his role in advancing microbial applications have positioned him as a respected figure in the scientific community. Through his commitment to innovation and problem-solving in industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology, he continues to gain honors that reflect his impact on both academic and applied scientific advancement.

Research Focus

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele concentrates his research on industrial, environmental, and food biotechnology with a special emphasis on microbial applications. His work explores microbial diversity in extreme environments, biodegradation of hydrocarbons, and the functional characterization of microbial communities in ecosystems such as soda lakes. He also investigates fermentation processes, secondary metabolites, and bioethanol production using microbial resources. His studies aim to address environmental challenges through bioremediation and promote sustainable industrial practices. By integrating applied microbiology with biotechnology, his research contributes to innovative solutions for ecological preservation, resource utilization, and advancements in microbial science and technology.

Publication Top Notes

Factors influencing the bacterial bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminants in the soil: mechanisms and impacts
Year: 2021 | Cited by: 217

Isolation and characterization of urease‐producing soil bacteria
Year: 2021 | Cited by: 67

Isolation and Characterization of Diesel‐Degrading Bacteria From Hydrocarbon‐Contaminated Sites, Flower Farms, and Soda Lakes
Year: 2022 | Cited by: 55

Optimization of bioethanol production from sugarcane molasses by the response surface methodology using Meyerozyma caribbica isolate MJTm3
Year: 2023 | Cited by: 32

Isolation and characterization of bioethanol producing wild yeasts from bio-wastes and co-products of sugar factories
Year: 2022 | Cited by: 23

Conclusion

Mr. Gessesse Kebede Bekele is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University in Ethiopia. His academic journey includes a master’s degree in microbial cellular and molecular biology and ongoing doctoral studies in industrial biotechnology. His research focuses on microbial diversity, hydrocarbon biodegradation, and food biotechnology. With impactful publications, funded projects, and recognition for advancing microbial applications, he has established himself as a promising scientist contributing to environmental and industrial sustainability.