Jenifer de Carvalho Lopes Dantas | Plant conservation | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Jenifer de Carvalho Lopes Dantas – Plant conservation – Women Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Lopes’ extensive research contributions in plant systematics, evolutionary biology, and biogeography position her as a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her work has significantly advanced the field, and her association with prestigious institutions such as Harvard University highlights her recognition as a leading researcher in her domain.

 Harvard University | United States

Profile

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Scholar

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Jenifer C. Lopes has dedicated her career to understanding the evolutionary patterns, systematics, and biogeography of plants in the Neotropics. Her academic journey began at the University of São Paulo, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology (2005–2009). She further specialized in botany by completing her Master’s degree (2010–2012) and later obtained a Ph.D. in Botany (2012–2018) from the same institution. Throughout her studies, she developed a profound interest in plant systematics, particularly focusing on the Annonaceae family and the biodiversity of the Brazilian flora.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Jenifer’s professional career has been marked by significant contributions to plant systematics and evolutionary biology. From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of São Paulo’s Instituto de Biociências, where she deepened her expertise in botany. In September 2023, she joined Harvard University Herbaria as a Research Associate in the Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology. Her current work at Harvard is focused on the systematics of Vellozia, a genus native to South American mountaintops, particularly within the biodiversity-rich campos rupestres of Brazil.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Plant conservation

Lopes’ research has primarily revolved around the systematics, biogeography, and evolutionary history of plant families, particularly Annonaceae and Velloziaceae. She has investigated the historical biogeography of Vellozia, shedding light on range expansion in South American mountaintops following climatic cooling events. Her work has also explored the role of frugivores in the dispersal of Annonaceae from Africa to the Neotropics, leading to multiple transitions across biomes. Additionally, her research on phytotoxicity in Annona coriacea has contributed to understanding the chemical ecology of plant species in tropical ecosystems.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Lopes’ contributions have been widely recognized within the scientific community. Her work has been cited extensively, and she has collaborated with leading researchers in the field of botany. She has participated in international research collaborations and contributed to the conservation of endangered plant species through her taxonomic and ecological studies.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Jenifer C. Lopes’ research has had a profound impact on the fields of systematics, evolutionary biology, and conservation science. Her studies on the diversification and adaptation of plant lineages in response to climatic and ecological changes have provided valuable insights into plant evolution in tropical and subtropical environments. By documenting new species and analyzing their evolutionary history, she has contributed to biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly in South America’s threatened ecosystems.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

As a research associate at Harvard University, Lopes continues to advance the field of plant systematics and evolutionary biology. Her ongoing work on Vellozia and related plant families will likely yield further critical insights into the historical biogeography and adaptive evolution of Neotropical plants. Her research is expected to play a crucial role in shaping conservation strategies for plant species facing habitat loss due to climate change.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Jenifer C. Lopes‘ exceptional contributions to evolutionary biology and plant systematics, her innovative research on Neotropical flora, and her dedication to biodiversity conservation make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her impactful work, academic excellence, and ongoing research at Harvard University demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field

📚Publications

Vanishing ecosystems: The looming threat of climate change on an iconic genus Vellozia in the Brazilian campos rupestres

Authors:  Rain E. Bugado; Nawal Shrestha; Renato A. Magri; Jefferson Prado; Jenifer C. Lopes

Journals: Global Ecology and Conservation

Historical biogeography of Vellozia (Velloziaceae) reveals range expansion in South American mountaintops after climatic cooling events and increased diversification rates after the occupation of Southern Espinhaço Province

Authors: Renato A Magri; Federico Luebert; Andressa Cabral; Suzana Alcantara; Lúcia G Lohmann; Jefferson Prado; Jenifer C Lopes

Journals: Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society

Unveiling the aftermath of conflict and herbarium specimens’ loss: Typifications of species described by Pohl within the Neotropical genus Vellozia

Authors: Jenifer C. Lopes; Renato A. Magri; Jefferson Prado

Journals: TAXON

Two new critically endangered species of Vellozia (Velloziaceae) from the Campos Rupestres of Espinhaço Range, Brazil

Authors: R.A. MAGRI; A. CABRAL; J. PRADO; J.C. LOPES

Journals: Phytotaxa

Liu Jiaying | biological diversity | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Liu Jiaying  – biological diversity – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Liu Jiaying’s groundbreaking research achievements, innovative methodologies, and commitment to biodiversity and conservation make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions align perfectly with the award’s focus on innovation, impact, and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge for societal benefit.

 

Jimei University | China

 

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Liu Jiaying, an Associate Professor and Ph.D. holder at the Fisheries College of Jimei University, has made remarkable strides in the fields of biodiversity and conservation, fisheries policy, and fisheries economy and management. Her extensive academic and research pursuits, coupled with her impactful contributions to environmental sustainability, have established her as a distinguished figure in the global scientific community.

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

As an Associate Professor at the Fisheries College of Jimei University, Dr. Liu Jiaying combines teaching, research, and mentorship to advance knowledge in her field. Her role extends beyond academia, as she collaborates with local and international organizations to develop policies and strategies for sustainable fisheries management. Dr. Liu’s work is particularly influential in Xiamen, China, where she has contributed to the understanding of marine biodiversity and the socio-economic aspects of fisheries management. Her professional endeavors reflect a commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical policy implementation.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on biological diversity

Dr. Liu Jiaying’s research interests span biodiversity and conservation, fisheries policy, and the economic and managerial aspects of sustainable fisheries. Her major research achievements highlight her expertise:

  1. Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife
    In the 2025 publication “Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China” (Water, 17(3), 305), Dr. Liu and her team analyzed the illegal trade of aquatic wildlife, proposing actionable management strategies to combat the issue and protect biodiversity.
  2. Species Diversity in Xiamen Bay
    Dr. Liu has contributed significantly to documenting the biodiversity of Xiamen Bay. Her 2023 study, “The Species Diversity of the Genus Echinogorgia in Xiamen Bay and Its New Record in China” (Water, 15(20), 3547), introduced newly recorded species and enriched the understanding of marine biodiversity in the region.
  3. Spatial Distribution and Coral Diversity
    Another notable achievement is her 2022 publication, “Revealing the Coral Species Diversity in Xiamen Bay: Spatial Distribution of Genus Astrogorgia (Cnidaria, Alcyonacea, Plexauridae) and Newly Recorded Species” (Water, 14(15), 2417), where she revealed the spatial distribution and diversity of coral species, underscoring the ecological significance of the genus Astrogorgia.

 

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Liu Jiaying’s work has earned widespread recognition, both in China and internationally. Her publications in high-impact journals such as Water have been lauded for their innovative approaches and practical implications. As a thought leader in biodiversity conservation and fisheries management, she has been invited to present her findings at global conferences and has received commendations for her efforts in sustainable development.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Dr. Liu’s research has had a profound impact on marine biodiversity conservation and fisheries management. By documenting new species and assessing the ecological health of aquatic ecosystems, she has provided invaluable insights for policymakers and environmentalists. Her studies on the illegal trade of protected aquatic wildlife have influenced regulatory frameworks, contributing to the preservation of endangered species. Dr. Liu’s interdisciplinary approach has also fostered collaborations between academia, government, and industry, amplifying the reach and applicability of her work.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Liu Jiaying is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of biodiversity and fisheries management. Her ongoing research focuses on developing circular and sustainable solutions to address the challenges of marine ecosystem degradation. As a mentor and educator, she continues to inspire the next generation of researchers and policymakers to prioritize environmental conservation. Looking ahead, Dr. Liu aims to expand her research to include global comparisons of marine biodiversity, furthering our understanding of ecological interconnections and promoting international cooperation.

Conclusion

Dr. Liu Jiaying’s dedication to biodiversity conservation, fisheries policy, and sustainable management underscores her pivotal role in addressing critical ecological issues. Through her academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and impactful research, she has made significant contributions to environmental science and policy. As she continues her work, Dr. Liu’s influence will undoubtedly extend to shaping a more sustainable future for marine ecosystems worldwide.

📚Publications

Exploring Illegal Trade and Management Strategies in Protected Aquatic Wildlife in Xiamen, China

Authors: Jia-Ying Liu; Jia-Qiao Wang; Yi-Jia Shih; Cheng-Ye Wu; Ta-Jen Chu

Knowledge Mapping of the Development Trend of Smart Fisheries in China: A Bibliometric Analysis

Authors: Qiu-Yuan Qin; Jia-Ying Liu; Yong-He Chen; Xin-Ruo Wang; Ta-Jen Chu

The Species Diversity of the Genus Echinogorgia in Xiamen Bay and Its New Record in China

Authors: Yun-Pei Wang; Jing Yang; Ta-Jen Chu; Jia-Ying Liu

Revealing the Gene Diversity and Candidate Gene Family for Adaption to Environment Depth in Leucosiid Crabs Comparing the Transcriptome Assembly

Authors: Yi-Jia Shih; Yin-Ming Yang; Si-Te Luo; Jia-Ying Liu

Revealing the Coral Species Diversity in Xiamen Bay: Spatial Distribution of Genus Astrogorgia (Cnidaria, Alcyonacea, Plexauridae) and Newly Recorded Species

Authors: Jiaying Liu