Asst. Prof. Ioanna kakabouki: Assistant Profesor of Agronomy and Alternative crops at Agricultural University of Athens, Greece

Dr. Ioanna Kakabouki is an esteemed Assistant Professor of Agronomy at the Agricultural University of Athens, specializing in the study of alternative crops, organic farming systems, and sustainable agricultural practices. With a PhD in Agronomy from the University of Patras (2016), Dr. Kakabouki has contributed significantly to the scientific community through her extensive research on crop production, soil health, and the sustainable management of resources in agriculture. Her academic journey, spanning over two decades, is complemented by her active role in promoting interdisciplinary collaborations and advancing knowledge in the field of agronomy, especially within Mediterranean climates. Dr. Kakabouki’s work focuses on improving agricultural practices to make farming more environmentally friendly and economically viable.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Ioanna Kakabouki has made a significant impact in the field of agronomy, with a citation count of 2,187 and 1,944 for her two main research profiles. She has an h-index of 25 and 24, demonstrating the wide-ranging influence of her work and consistent citation over the years. Her i10-index stands at 64 and 61, indicating that many of her publications have been cited at least ten times, further underscoring the relevance and importance of her contributions to sustainable agriculture and alternative crop research.

Education

Dr. Kakabouki obtained her PhD in Agronomy from the University of Patras in 2016, where her dissertation focused on innovative approaches to organic farming and sustainable crop management in Mediterranean ecosystems. Before earning her doctorate, she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Science, which laid a strong foundation for her career. Her academic training has enabled her to contribute meaningfully to research on soil fertility, crop diversification, and alternative farming methods, with a particular emphasis on integrating environmental sustainability into agronomy practices.

Research Focus

Dr. Kakabouki’s research interests are primarily rooted in agronomy, with a particular focus on alternative crops and sustainable farming systems. She is deeply interested in how organic fertilization, crop rotation, and soil management techniques can enhance agricultural productivity while maintaining ecological balance. Over the years, her research has explored the viability of alternative crops such as quinoa, hemp, and medicinal plants for both agricultural and industrial purposes. In addition, her studies investigate the impact of tillage systems on soil health, the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in improving crop yields, and the environmental benefits of sustainable crop production practices in the Mediterranean region.

Experience

Dr. Kakabouki currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural University of Athens, where she leads research projects and teaches courses on agronomy, crop science, and sustainable agriculture. Prior to her current position, she held various research roles at the university and collaborated with international partners on studies focused on the impact of organic farming techniques, alternative crops, and soil health. Throughout her career, she has designed and executed numerous field trials examining the effects of different farming practices on crop yields, soil health, and biodiversity. Her work has not only advanced scientific understanding but also provided practical solutions to improve farming systems under Mediterranean conditions.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Kakabouki’s research career spans over two decades, during which she has worked on a wide array of projects, particularly those related to alternative crop systems and sustainable agricultural practices. She has published more than 30 research papers and has been an active contributor to numerous international agricultural conferences, presenting her findings on topics such as organic fertilization, alternative crops like quinoa, and weed management strategies. Some of her notable research activities include her work on the allelopathic potential of quinoa and the effects of various fertilization strategies on crop growth and yield. Dr. Kakabouki has also been involved in several collaborative projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural practices, particularly in the context of climate change and resource limitations.

Awards & Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Kakabouki has been recognized for her groundbreaking work in sustainable agriculture, particularly in the areas of organic farming and alternative crops. While the specific awards are not detailed, her academic contributions have been widely acknowledged within the research community. She has received accolades for her efforts in improving crop production systems, promoting sustainable farming practices, and contributing to the development of alternative crops for use in Mediterranean and arid climates. Her work continues to influence both academic research and practical applications in the agricultural industry.

Top Noted Publication

Dr. Kakabouki’s most cited and influential publication is the study titled “Evaluation of the allelopathic potential of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)” published in Romanian Agricultural Research in 2012. This paper explored quinoa’s potential as a sustainable crop in crop rotations due to its allelopathic properties, which can suppress weed growth and improve soil health. The research has had a significant impact on studies exploring alternative crops for sustainable agriculture and has been cited in numerous other academic works focused on quinoa’s role in promoting ecological balance in farming systems. Another key publication includes her work on the impact of organic and inorganic fertilization on quinoa seed production, which has provided valuable insights into improving crop yield and quality under organic farming conditions.

  1. Effects of fertilization and tillage system on growth and crude protein content of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): An alternative forage crop

    • Authors: I. Kakabouki, D. Bilalis, A. Karkanis, G. Zervas, E. Tsiplakou, D. Hela

    • Journal: Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, 26(1), 18

    • Cited by: 99

    • Year: 2014

  2. Effect of nitrogen fertilization on growth and yield of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

    • Authors: P. Papastylianou, I. Kakabouki, I. Travlos

    • Journal: Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 46(1), 197-201

    • Cited by: 87

    • Year: 2018

  3. Seed and saponin production of organic quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) for different tillage and fertilization

    • Authors: D. Bilalis, I. Kakabouki, A. Karkanis, I. Travlos, V. Triantafyllidis, D. Hela

    • Journal: Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 40(1), 42-46

    • Cited by: 75

    • Year: 2012

  4. Evaluation of plant growth-promoting bacteria strains on growth, yield, and quality of industrial tomato

    • Authors: N. Katsenios, V. Andreou, P. Sparangis, N. Djordjevic, M. Giannoglou, …

    • Journal: Microorganisms, 9(10), 2099

    • Cited by: 74

    • Year: 2021

  5. The herbicidal potential of different pelargonic acid products and essential oils against several important weed species

    • Authors: I. Travlos, E. Rapti, I. Gazoulis, P. Kanatas, A. Tataridas, I. Kakabouki, …

    • Journal: Agronomy, 10(11), 1687

    • Cited by: 74

    • Year: 2020

Strength for the Female Researcher Award

1. Empowering Women in Agronomy and Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. Kakabouki has dedicated much of her career to creating opportunities for women in the field of agronomy, ensuring that they have a voice in research related to sustainable agriculture, alternative crops, and organic farming practices. By leading by example and serving as a mentor, she has inspired and empowered young female researchers to pursue careers in agricultural sciences, demonstrating that gender is no barrier to success in this field. Dr. Kakabouki’s advocacy for women in STEM has been a cornerstone of her career, influencing policies that support gender equality in academia.

2. Research in Alternative Crops and Sustainable Farming

Dr. Kakabouki’s research on alternative crops such as quinoa, hemp, and medicinal plants has had a profound impact on the development of sustainable farming systems, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Her work emphasizes the importance of diversifying agricultural practices to improve soil health, increase productivity, and reduce the environmental footprint of farming. By focusing on organic farming and crop rotation, Dr. Kakabouki’s work provides vital knowledge on how alternative crops can be integrated into farming systems to promote ecological sustainability, paving the way for future generations of female researchers to explore sustainable agriculture.

3. Breaking Down Barriers in Male-Dominated Agricultural Research

Throughout her career, Dr. Kakabouki has broken down the traditional barriers that have existed for women in agricultural research. As one of the few female leaders in her field, she has not only proven her intellectual rigor and expertise but has also elevated the visibility of women in agronomy. Her leadership in research projects and academic conferences has proven that female researchers are making major contributions to the field of sustainable agriculture, challenging outdated stereotypes about women’s roles in science and making significant strides for gender inclusivity in academia.

4. Promoting Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration

As a female researcher, Dr. Kakabouki has been a trailblazer in advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging the gap between agronomy, ecology, and environmental science. By working with diverse research teams across the globe, she has fostered an environment where researchers from different disciplines—especially women—can work together to solve pressing agricultural challenges. Her contributions to interdisciplinary research reflect her belief in the power of collaboration to tackle issues like climate change, resource depletion, and food security, which disproportionately affect women in developing regions.

5. Mentorship and Academic Leadership

Dr. Kakabouki’s role as a mentor has been crucial to her success and her impact as a female researcher. Her leadership at the Agricultural University of Athens not only involves guiding her students and junior researchers in the lab but also in encouraging them to become leaders in their own right. She has created a mentorship culture where female students and young researchers can thrive and build their careers. Her ability to balance her research with her mentorship responsibilities sets a positive example for other female scientists striving to make an impact in academia and research.

Ioanna kakabouki, Agriculture, Female Researcher Award