Ms. Sara Tassoni | Agroecology | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at  University of Hohenheim , Germany

Sara Tassoni is a Doctoral Researcher in Ecology at the University of Hohenheim, Germany. With over six years of experience in insect classification and project management, Sara specializes in multitrophic interactions in agricultural landscapes. Her interdisciplinary academic journey, spanning environmental protection, agricultural science, and diagnostic imaging, underscores her broad scientific expertise. Sara’s work focuses on promoting biodiversity in agroecosystems and enhancing sustainable practices. She is proficient in RStudio and QGIS, fluent in three languages (Italian, English, German), and has co-authored research on insect conservation published in Global Ecology and Conservation. Her passion for nature extends beyond her research, as she enjoys hiking, dog training, and reading.

Profile:

ORCID Profile

Strengths for the Award:

1. Extensive Research Experience:
   • Sara has over six years of experience in insect classification, particularly with Coleoptera and Hymenoptera, which demonstrates her technical expertise in entomology.
   • Her PhD work focuses on multitrophic interactions within a landscape context, a complex area of ecology. This shows her ability to engage in multidisciplinary research.
   • Her experience in leading a small team and managing field and lab work underlines her project management and leadership skills, vital for any researcher.
2. Publication Record:
   • Sara co-authored a significant research article in Global Ecology and Conservation about insect conservation in agricultural landscapes. Publishing in such a reputable journal shows that her work is contributing to the scientific community at a high level.
3. Diverse Academic Background:
   • Her educational journey, spanning agricultural and food sciences, ecology, and diagnostic imaging, showcases versatility. This interdisciplinary approach enhances her research perspective, particularly in understanding ecological systems in agricultural contexts.
4. Technical Proficiency:
   • Proficient in RStudio and QGIS, Sara demonstrates strong data analysis and geospatial skills, which are essential for modern ecological research.
5. International and Multilingual Experience:
   • Fluent in English, Italian, and German, she can collaborate with a broad international audience. Her fluency in multiple languages could enhance her ability to participate in global research initiatives and conferences.
6. Award-Winning Involvement in Projects:
   • Her contribution to the BiodivObst project, which was recognized by the UN, is a notable achievement. It indicates that her work has not only scientific merit but also real-world impact in promoting biodiversity in fruit orchards.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Broader Research Impact:
   • While Sara has made valuable contributions, particularly in agricultural landscapes, increasing her publication output or extending her research to more global or diverse ecological issues might enhance her standing further.
2. Advanced Statistical Skills:
   • Although she has intermediate knowledge of RStudio, further development of advanced statistical analysis skills could enhance her research depth, particularly for high-level ecological modeling.
3. Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition:
   • There’s no mention of her involvement in securing research funding. Gaining experience in grant writing and acquiring independent research funding would be a key area to improve her candidacy for higher research accolades.

Education:

Sara Tassoni began her academic career with a BSc in Diagnostic Imaging Radiography and Radiation Therapy (2014) from the University of Parma, Italy, where she graduated with full honors. She then pursued a BSc in Agricultural and Food Science and Technology (2018) at the University of Reggio Emilia and Modena, graduating cum laude with a thesis on invertebrate biodiversity in pear orchards. Her MSc (2021) from the University of Hohenheim focused on the environmental protection of agricultural systems, where her thesis studied tree microhabitats as indicators of bat and bird communities. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Ecology (since 2022), investigating multitrophic interactions in landscape contexts, particularly concerning insect conservation and biodiversity promotion.

Experience:

Since 2022, Sara Tassoni has been working as a Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Ecology of Tropical Agricultural Systems at the University of Hohenheim. She leads a small research team, focusing on fieldwork and lab work in agricultural ecosystems, and is skilled in statistical analysis using RStudio and QGIS. Prior to this, she worked as a Student Research Assistant (2018-2020), where she contributed to a biodiversity project in fruit orchards that was awarded by the UN. Sara’s earlier experience includes internships and assistant roles in entomology labs, radiology departments, and administrative work. Her hands-on expertise in insect classification, biodiversity conservation, and project management makes her a valuable researcher in agroecology and sustainability.

Research Focus:

Sara’s research primarily focuses on the conservation of insect biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Her PhD explores multitrophic interactions within a landscape context, looking at the role of semi-natural habitats and crop heterogeneity in promoting sustainable ecosystems. A key focus of her work is on wild bee species and their relationships with flowering plants, aiming to develop practical recommendations for agricultural systems to enhance biodiversity and ecological health. Sara’s research not only addresses ecological concerns but also promotes agroecological practices that can be integrated into sustainable agriculture. She combines field experiments with statistical analyses using RStudio and geospatial mapping through QGIS to understand these complex interactions.

Publications Top Notes:

1. Insect conservation in agricultural landscapes needs both high crop heterogeneity and semi-natural habitats (🌿🐝)

Conclusion:

Overall, Sara Tassoni is highly suitable for the “Best Researcher Award” based on her strong research background, leadership in ecological projects, and her publication record in reputable journals. Her technical proficiency and international experience further strengthen her candidacy. While there are areas for growth, particularly in expanding her research impact and securing research funding, her current achievements and contributions to the field of ecology make her a strong contender for the award.