Lilya Boucelha | Biology | Women Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Lilya Boucelha | Biology | Women Researcher Award

University Of Science And Technology Houari Boumediene | Algeria

Assist. Prof. Dr. Lilya Boucelha is a plant physiologist and academic researcher specializing in seed priming, abiotic stress tolerance, and plant physiological adaptation to water deficit conditions. Her scientific contributions focus on understanding the molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms underlying seed vigor, aging, and germination responses in legume species, particularly Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek). Through her innovative studies, Dr. Boucelha has advanced the field of seed physiology by exploring redox regulation, antioxidant defense systems, and the signaling role of molecules such as silicon, proline, and ascorbate in improving plant resilience under drought and oxidative stress. Her work integrates biochemical assays, molecular markers, and eco-physiological analyses to link laboratory findings with agronomic improvement strategies, contributing to sustainable crop productivity and food security. She has actively collaborated on national and international research projects, including programs focusing on the enhancement of drought tolerance and physiological responses through priming and silicon treatments. Dr. Boucelha’s scientific productivity is reflected in her growing research impact, with 16 peer-reviewed international publications, including several in high-impact journals such as Functional Plant Biology, Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, and Plants. According to Google Scholar, her work has been cited over 80 times, with an h-index of 5 and an i10-index of 3, while her Scopus profile records comparable citation metrics, underscoring the scientific visibility and influence of her studies in plant physiology and seed science. Recognized for her excellence as a woman researcher, she was honored with a Women Researcher Award, acknowledging her sustained contribution to advancing knowledge in plant stress physiology and her leadership in promoting women in science. Her publications consistently address the biochemical and physiological determinants of seed vigor, aiming to improve germination performance and stress tolerance—crucial for crop adaptation to climate change and arid environments.

Publication Profile

Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Boucelha, L., Djebbar, R., & Abrous-Belbachir, O. (2021). Is protein carbonylation a biomarker of seed priming and ageing? Functional Plant Biology, 48(6), 611–623.

Boucelha, L., Djebbar, R., & Abrous-Belbachir, O. (2019). Vigna unguiculata seed priming is related to redox status of plumule, radicle and cotyledons. Functional Plant Biology, 46(6), 584–594.

Boucelha, L., Djebbar, R., & Benlahrech, S. (2025). The ambiguous role of silicon in the pregermination treatment of Vigna unguiculata seeds. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation.

Boucelha, L., Djebbar, R., Gueridi, S., & Merah, O. (2025). Modifications in carbon and nitrogen metabolites of Vigna unguiculata L. seed organs induced by different priming treatments. Plants, 14, 3218.

Beggah, S., Ellouzi, H., Boucelha, L., Zorrig, W., Djebbar, R., & Abrous-Belbachir, O. (2023). Ascorbate attenuates damages caused by paraquat-induced oxidative stress in fenugreek seedlings. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 23(1), 1185–1199.

 

 

 

Alemayehu Hido Gedo | Biological Sciences | Academic Excellence Teacher Award

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo | Biological Sciences | Academic Excellence Teacher Award

Wolaita Sodo University | Ethiopia 

Academic Background

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo holds a Master of Science degree in Production Forestry and a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management and Utilization. His academic training has provided him with a solid foundation in sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, agroforestry systems, forest policy, and advanced research methodologies. He has undergone extensive professional training in proposal writing for international grants, statistical analysis, experimental design, and scientific report writing. Alemayehu’s research contributions are recognized internationally, with 72 citations, an h-index of 5, and an i10-index of three on Google Scholar, reflecting the quality and impact of his scholarly work in forestry and natural resource management. His publications are also indexed in Scopus, demonstrating the relevance of his research in global academic discourse.

Research Focus

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo research primarily investigates the biophysical impacts of forest management, disturbances, and the sustainable utilization of forest resources. His work explores non-timber forest products, bamboo production, agroforestry practices, and the socio-economic aspects of forest resource management, integrating ecological and community perspectives to inform sustainable forestry interventions.

Work Experience

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo has served as a lecturer and researcher at Wolaita Sodo University, delivering undergraduate courses in sustainable forest management, agroforestry systems, biodiversity conservation, and research methods. He has supervised student research projects and coordinated practical and laboratory training. Prior to his current role, he contributed as an assistant researcher at both the Ethiopian Environment and Forest Research Institute and the Southern Agricultural Research Institute, where he led research teams, developed scientific proposals, trained agricultural experts, and analyzed data for forest conservation and management initiatives. His early professional experience includes providing training and extension services in natural resource management for local communities.

Key Contributions

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo has significantly advanced forestry research through the evaluation of non-timber forest products, bamboo production systems, and the socio-economic impacts of forest utilization. He has actively reviewed national and international research proposals, contributed to scientific capacity building, and published studies that inform policy and practice in sustainable forest management. His expertise bridges academic research, community engagement, and applied forestry, creating a tangible impact on environmental conservation and resource governance.

Awards & Recognition

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo has been acknowledged for his academic excellence and teaching proficiency, receiving awards that highlight his dedication to higher education and his contributions to research and community service. His recognition extends to reviewing scholarly work and supporting university development through research mentorship.

Professional Roles & Memberships

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedo has served in leadership and coordination roles within research centers and academic institutions, including acting as a representative for forestry and agroforestry teams. Alemayehu is an active member of professional forestry and environmental networks, contributing to knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives.

Profile : 

Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Alemayehu, A., & Hido, A. (2023). Determinants and governance of bamboo production and marketing in Ethiopia: A critical review. Advances in Bamboo Science, 5, 100047.

Hido, A. (2018). Population Status and Resin Quality of Frankincense Boswellia neglecta Growing in South Omo, Southwestern Ethiopia. Hawassa University, Wondo Genet College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Gebremedhin, A. T., Hido, A. H., & Edo, G. Y. (2020). Evaluation of multi-functional fodder tree and shrub species in mid-altitudes of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Journal of Horticulture and Forestry, 12(1), 27-34.

Hido, A., Teka, A., & Alemayehu, A. (2023). Analysis of Charcoal Producers Perceptions of Its Production, Forest Degradation, and Governance in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia’s Dry Afromontane Forests. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2023, 3352702.

Hido, A., & Alemayehu, A. (2022). The social and economic significance of natural gum and resin in the Woodlands of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Forestry Research, 2022, 8742823.

Impact Statement / Vision

Mr. Alemayehu Hido Gedoenvisions advancing sustainable forest management practices through research that integrates ecological, socio-economic, and policy dimensions. His goal is to generate knowledge that informs conservation strategies, supports community livelihoods, and strengthens the scientific foundation for resilient forest ecosystems.