Joy Nneamaka Obi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Joy Nneamaka Obi | Renewable Energy | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow | University of Witswatersrand | South Africa

Dr. Joy Nneamaka Obi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Wits School of Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, within the Educational Leadership, Policy and Skills (ELPS) Division. She holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with specialization in Resource and Environmental Economics, complemented by advanced training in Sustainable Urban Development Studies at Erasmus University, Rotterdam.Her interdisciplinary research integrates climate change, agricultural sustainability, and education for development. Through rigorous empirical and bibliometric approaches, Dr. Obi investigates the intersections of poverty alleviation, food security, and environmental resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. Her work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 1, 2, 4, 7, 13, and 17, emphasizing climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and knowledge transfer systems.Dr. Obi has authored and co-authored over 17 peer-reviewed journal articles, 4 book chapters, and numerous international conference papers, including presentations at Springer Nature–licensed symposia and global education conferences such as ICERI and INTED. Her collaborative projects extend across Africa and Europe, reflecting strong South-South and North-South research partnerships.With prior academic appointments at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Nigeria, Dr. Obi has served in various administrative capacities, including Acting Head of Department and Examination Officer. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE), Agricultural Society of Nigeria (ASN), and the Organisation of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).Her current research explores the role of digital technologies, vocational skills, and environmental education in promoting employability and sustainable development across Africa—bridging evidence-based research, policy, and transformative education.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Enete, A. A., Obi, J. N., Ozor, N., & Mba, C. L. (2016). Socioeconomic assessment of flooding among farm households in Anambra State, Nigeria. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 8(1), 96–111. [Citations: 34]

  2. Onyeneke, R. U., Emenekwe, C. C., Munonye, J. O., Olaolu, M. O., Izuogu, C. U., & others. (2020). Adoption of bio-fortified pro-vitamin-A cassava and health outcome of farming households in Abia and Anambra States, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 24(2), 81–91. [Citations: 19]

  3. Ibrahim-Olesin, S., Munonye, J., Ok, O., Adefalu, L. L., Olaolu, M. O., & others. (2021). Farmer–Herders’ conflict and climate change: Response strategies needed in Nigeria and other African countries. The International Journal of Climate Change: Impacts and Responses, 14(1), 73. [Citations: 12]

  4. Munonye, J. O., Matthew, D. E., Olaolu, M., Onyeneke, R. U., Obi, J. N., Amadi, M., & others. (2023). The impact of food security and poverty status on rural household farmers in Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 23(6). [Citations: 11]

  5. Munonye, J., Osuji, E., Olaolu, M., Okoisu, A., Obi, J., Eze, G., Ibrahim-Olesin, S., & others. (2022). Perceived effects of COVID-19 pandemic on food security in Southeast Nigeria. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 6, 936157. [Citations: 11]

Jonathan Ruiz | Renewable Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Jonathan Ruiz | Renewable Energy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Doctor | Technical University of Cotopaxi | Ecuador

Dr. Jonathan Alexander Ruiz Carrillo is a highly accomplished academic and researcher recognized for his strong expertise in industrial engineering, higher education, and applied technological innovation. His research demonstrates analytical precision and a deep understanding of modern industrial challenges, with significant contributions across project management, sustainable manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 applications. His scholarly output, including nine peer-reviewed publications and 17 citations with an h-index of 2, reflects growing visibility and influence in his field. Dr. Ruiz Carrillo’s major strengths lie in interdisciplinary research integration, effective academic leadership, and his ability to translate complex industrial processes into practical and scalable solutions. He also exhibits a strong commitment to mentorship, curriculum advancement, and community-focused projects, fostering a culture of innovation and learning. Areas for further growth include expanding international collaborations, enhancing the global reach of his publications through high-impact journals, and increasing engagement in cross-disciplinary technological research networks. With his consistent record of academic excellence, Dr. Ruiz Carrillo holds significant potential to advance research on artificial intelligence integration in industrial education, digital transformation, and sustainable production systems. His recent publication on AI model adoption among preservice teachers further highlights his evolving role as a forward-thinking scholar contributing to the intersection of technology, education, and human development.

Profiles: Google scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  1. Benalcázar, M. C. A., Hidalgo, O. M. R., Paredes, M. F. J., & Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R. (2021). Situación de la mediana empresa ecuatoriana: Rasgos distintivos de sus prácticas gerenciales. Revista de Ciencias Sociales (VE), 27(2), 352–366. Citations: 36

  2. Grunauer, M. S. N., Berrezueta, L. A. O., Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R., Ludeña, I. O. E., … (2016). Análisis del potencial turístico de las comunidades rurales: Caso de estudio: Comunidad Muyuyacu, El Oro-Ecuador. RIAT: Revista Interamericana de Medioambiente y Turismo, 12(1), 48–59. Citations: 17

  3. Jaramillo Paredes, M. F., Romero Hidalgo, O. M., Aguirre Benalcázar, M. C., … (2020). Influencia de la innovación en la competitividad de las medianas empresas del Ecuador. Cuestiones Políticas, 38. Citations: 4

  4. Berrezueta, L. A. O., Grunauer, M. S. N., Ruiz Carrillo, J. A. R., Contreras, O. S. O., … (2017). Commune perceptions of the sociocultural impacts derived from rural tourism: Bellavista case, Ecuador. RIAT: Revista Interamericana de Medioambiente y Turismo, 13(1), 15–27. Citations: 4

  5. Zhindon‐Almeida, R. G., & Ruiz‐Carrillo, J. A. R. (2025). Factors influencing the adoption of renewable energies in developing countries. Sustainable Development. Citations: 2