Assist. Prof. Dr. Teshome Gemechu | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Teshome Gemechu | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Instructor and Researcher | Madda Walabu University | Ethiopia

Dr. Teshome Gemechu Chawicha is an Assistant Professor at Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia, specializing in Animal and Range Sciences with a strong research background in climate-smart agriculture and livestock production management. He earned his Ph.D. in Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Management from Haramaya University, where he focused on livestock production and management, complemented by an MSc in Dairy Science and a BSc in Animal and Range Science. His international academic exposure includes an International Diploma in Animal Feed from PTC+ Barneveld, Netherlands, and professional certifications in Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals, Data Analysis, and Fisheries Governance for Food Security. Dr. Teshome has held multiple academic and research leadership roles, including Department Head of Animal Science and researcher with global organizations such as GIZ, CIP, and Save the Children, contributing to climate change adaptation, livestock productivity, and sustainable rangeland management projects. His research encompasses dairy science, biodiversity conservation, animal health, and climate resilience, with numerous peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Food Chemistry Advances and African Journal of Agricultural Research. He has also served as a reviewer and internal evaluator for postgraduate curricula, reflecting his academic rigor and institutional leadership. A recipient of the World Bank–sponsored Ph.D. fellowship and Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship, Dr. Teshome is recognized for his contributions to livestock development, climate-smart innovations, and community-centered agricultural projects, making him a distinguished candidate for academic and research excellence awards. His scholarly record includes 5 citations, 3 published documents, and an h-index of 1.

Profiles : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Teshome Gemechu Chawicha*, Honeybee pests, predators and diseases in the selected districts of Bench-Maji and Sheka zones, Southwest Ethiopia. African Journal of Agricultural Research (AJAR), 2024, 20(5), 402–410.

Teshome Gemechu Chawicha, Rangeland biodiversity: status, challenges and opportunities review. Journal of Rangeland Science (JRS), 2023, 13(3), 132326.

Teshome Gemechu Chawicha, An overview of how heat stress impacts dairy cattle fertility. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 2022, 5(3), e2022014.

Teshome Gemechu Chawicha, Antimicrobial susceptibility of major bacterial pathogens isolated from bovine mastitis in Bench Maji zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Multidisciplinary Science Journal, 2021, 3, e20210010.

Ms. Sankwetea Prudent Mokgokong | Veterinary microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sankwetea Prudent Mokgokong | Veterinary microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | North-West University | South Africa

Ms. Sankwetea Prudent Mokgokong is an accomplished academic specializing in Veterinary Microbiology, demonstrating exceptional expertise in genomics, metagenomics, and molecular biology. Her educational foundation in microbiology and chemistry, complemented by advanced research in Veterinary Microbiology, has empowered her to contribute significantly to microbial diversity and genetic studies across various biological systems. Throughout her professional career at institutions such as the North-West University and the South African National Biodiversity Institute, she has actively engaged in teaching, molecular biology research, and next-generation sequencing management—key pillars in Veterinary Microbiology research. Her scholarly pursuits emphasize Veterinary Microbiology applications in animal health, population genetics, and disease monitoring, showcasing her skill in analyzing microbial communities and genomic variations relevant to animal systems. She has authored multiple publications addressing antimicrobial resistance, genomic diversity, and microbial ecology—all rooted in Veterinary Microbiology principles. Recognized for her dedication and contributions, she has received academic honors and led bioinformatics training programs, strengthening capacity building in Veterinary Microbiology research. Her technical skills span bioinformatics, genome assembly, SNP analysis, microbial phylogenetics, and high-performance computing—all central to Veterinary Microbiology innovation. Ms. Mokgokong’s work reflects an unrelenting commitment to advancing Veterinary Microbiology, bridging molecular science, bioinformatics, and animal health. Her achievements in Veterinary Microbiology demonstrate her leadership in genomic data interpretation, laboratory management, and research mentorship. With an enduring passion for Veterinary Microbiology, she continues to influence conservation genetics, microbial ecology, and forensic microbiology through her analytical precision and scientific vision, positioning her as an emerging leader in Veterinary Microbiology excellence across academic and applied biosciences.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Mwale, M., Dalton, D. L., Jansen, R., De Bruyn, M., Pietersen, D., Mokgokong, P. S., … (2017). Forensic application of DNA barcoding for identification of illegally traded African pangolin scales. Genome, 60(3), 272–284.

2. Loots, A. K., Mokgokong, P. S., Mitchell, E., Venter, E. H., Kotze, A., & Dalton, D. L. (2018). Phylogenetic analysis of canine distemper virus in South African wildlife. PLoS One, 13(7), e0199993.

3. Ramatla, T., Mokgokong, P., Lekota, K., & Thekisoe, O. (2024). Antimicrobial resistance profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from broiler chickens. Food Microbiology, 120, 104476.

4. Ramatla, T., Tutubala, M., Motlhaping, T., de Wet, L., Mokgokong, P., … (2024). Molecular detection of Shiga toxin and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli isolates from sheep and goats. Molecular Biology Reports, 51(1), 57.

5. Ramatla, T., Khasapane, N. G., Mlangeni, L. N., Mokgokong, P., Ramaili, T., … (2024). Detection of Salmonella pathogenicity islands and antimicrobial-resistant genes in Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium isolated from … Antibiotics, 13(5), 458.