Huan Zhang | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang, Nanjing Normal University, China

Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang is an Associate Professor at the School of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Physical Geography from Nanjing University and specializes in soil organic matter cycling, carbon sequestration, and land use change impacts. His research integrates multi-omics analysis, machine learning, and stable isotope techniques to investigate soil quality evolution and microbial regulation. With numerous publications in high-impact journals, he has significantly contributed to soil science. He was honored with the “Doctor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation” talent project in Jiangsu Province. His work advances sustainable soil management and ecosystem stability.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang’s research on soil carbon dynamics, microbial interactions, and land use change demonstrates outstanding scientific contributions. His work is methodologically innovative, well-published, and highly relevant to contemporary environmental issues. His interdisciplinary approach, combined with strong technical expertise, makes him a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Huan Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Physical Geography from Nanjing University, a Master’s degree in Soil Science from Nanjing Agricultural University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Resources and Environments from Hebei Normal University of Science & Technology. His academic background has provided him with a strong foundation in soil science, environmental sustainability, and geographical studies.

💼Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Huan Zhang has previously worked as a Lecturer at the same institution. Before that, he was a Research Assistant at the School of Geography and Marine Sciences, Nanjing University. His professional journey has been dedicated to soil research, with a focus on soil quality evolution and organic matter cycling.

🔬Research Focus

Huan Zhang’s research primarily revolves around the mechanisms driving soil organic matter change. His work involves constructing soil time series to analyze the evolution of soil quality under varying land use intensities, employing machine learning for precise simulation of soil processes, and investigating microscale organic carbon turnover in environments affected by human activities. His studies contribute to understanding soil carbon storage, ecosystem stability, and the broader implications of land use on soil sustainability.

🛠️Skills

Huan Zhang possesses expertise in soil organic matter cycling, land use change impact assessment, and carbon sequestration mechanisms. His technical skills include machine learning applications for soil process modeling, multi-omics analysis for microbial community assessment, and stable isotope techniques for organic carbon studies. He is proficient in quantitative research methodologies and has a deep understanding of soil-microbe interactions.

🏆Awards

He was recognized under the “Doctor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation” talent project in Jiangsu Province in 2018, receiving a grant for his contributions to innovative soil science research.

📚 Publications

Title: Carbon dynamics and pathways in soil density fractions across different land-use types over 3000 years: Insights from 13C natural abundance.
Authors: Xu, M., Jiao, H., Zhang, Y., Zhang, H., & Gao, C.
Year: 2025
Journal: Catena

Title: Stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in soil: Impacts of soil development and land use across the catchment scale.
Authors: Su, B., Gao, C., Zhang, H., Zhang, Y., & Jiao, H.
Year: 2025
Journal: Catena

Title: Bacterial and fungal diversity, community composition, functional groups, and co-occurrence network succession in dryland and paddy soils along a 3000-year chronosequence.
Authors: Jiao, H., Xu, M., Ji, J., Zhang, H., & Gao, C.
Year: 2025
Journal: Catena

Conclusion:

 Prof. Dr. Huan Zhang is well-suited for the Best Researcher Award. While further strengthening international collaborations and research leadership roles could enhance his profile, his existing work already makes a significant impact in soil science and environmental research. He is a strong contender for this recognition.

Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi | Soil | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi | Soil | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi is a Full Professor at Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, specializing in watershed management, soil and water conservation, and erosion control. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India, and completed postdoctoral research at Kyoto University, Japan. With over three decades of experience, he has held leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Watershed Management Engineering and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources. His research focuses on erosion modeling, sediment yield analysis, hydrology, and climate change impacts. Prof. Sadeghi has received numerous national and international awards and is recognized as a distinguished professor in Iran.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi is an outstanding scientist with significant contributions to watershed management, soil and water conservation, and hydrological studies. His work has led to important advancements in erosion modeling, sediment yield assessment, and sustainable land-use practices. He has a strong international profile, substantial research output, and recognized leadership in his field. His innovative contributions to cyanobacterization, watershed sustainability, and flood risk management make him a prime candidate for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award.

🎓 Education

Prof. Dr. SHR Sadeghi obtained his M.Sc. in Watershed Management Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, in 1992. He earned his Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation Engineering from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, India, in 2000. He further pursued postdoctoral research at Kyoto University, Japan, specializing in the mechanisms and processes governing suspended sediment yield in forest watersheds in 2006​.

💼Experience

Prof. Sadeghi has held various academic and professional positions. He served as an Expert of Watershed Management Engineering at the Ministry of Agriculture from 1986 to 1988 and later as a Master Expert at the Ministry of Jihad-e-Sazandegi from 1991 to 1994. He joined Tarbiat Modares University as an Assistant Professor in 1994 and later became a Full Professor in 2011. He has served as Head of the Department of Watershed Management Engineering multiple times, Vice Dean and Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, and Dean of the International Campus of Tarbiat Modares University. He has also been a member of various scientific and international cooperation committees​.

🔬Research Focus

Prof. Sadeghi’s research focuses on watershed management, soil and water conservation, erosion and sedimentation processes, climate change impacts on soil erosion, flood and sediment hazard mitigation, ecohydrology, and the application of modeling techniques in hydrological studies. His work also includes evaluating watershed health and sustainability, using amendments for soil and water conservation, and developing innovative techniques for sediment measurement​.

🛠️Skills

His expertise spans watershed management, soil conservation, erosion control, hydrology, sediment yield analysis, and sustainable land and water resource management. He has strong skills in research leadership, academic administration, international collaboration, and environmental policy advisory​.

🏆Awards

Prof. Sadeghi has received numerous prestigious awards, including Golden Medals for both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He was selected for inclusion in Leading Educators in the World by the International Biographical Center, Britain (2005), and Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, USA (2005-2006). He was honored with the Leadership Award from the Soil Conservation Society of India in 2008 and received the Gold Medal from the same society in 2014. He has also been recognized multiple times as a Superior Researcher and Professor in Iran and received the Distinguished Professor of Iran title in 2021​.

📚 Publications

  1. Inhibiting soil and water loss in a saline soil through cyanobacterization

    • Authors: Sudabeh Gharemahmudli, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi
    • Journal: Soil and Tillage Research
    • Year: 2025
  2. Comparative effect of traditional and collaborative watershed management approaches on flood components

    • Authors: Ali Nasiri Khiavi, Mehdi Vafakhah, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Changhyun Jun, Sayed M. Bateni
    • Journal: Journal of Flood Risk Management
    • Year: 2025
  3. HOTSED: A new integrated model for assessing potential hotspots of sediment sources and related sediment dynamics at watershed scale

    • Authors: M. La Licata, Alberto Bosino, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Andrea Terret, Michael Maerker
    • Journal: International Soil and Water Conservation Research
    • Year: 2025
  4. Improvability of quality main indices of a marl soil using endemic microorganisms

    • Authors: Atefeh Jafarpoor, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Mehdi Homaee, Behrouz Zarei Darki
    • Journal: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth
    • Year: 2025
  5. Significance of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus on the Watershed Health Status

    • Authors: Sanaz Pourfallah Asadabadi, Seyed Hamidreza Sadeghi, Mehdi Vafakhah, M. Delavar
    • Journal: Water Resources Management
    • Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Prof. Sadeghi is a highly suitable candidate for this award. His long-standing contributions, global research collaborations, practical applications in environmental conservation, and leadership roles make him an ideal nominee. Strengthening his impact through higher citation outreach, policy engagement, and global research initiatives would further solidify his standing as one of the foremost experts in watershed management and soil conservation.

Bernard Omomoh | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bernard Omomoh | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bernard Omomoh, Federal University of Technology, Nigeria

Bernard Omomoh is a researcher in Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. His work focuses on forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, invasive species management, and ecosystem restoration. With extensive experience in plant taxonomy, herbarium management, and soil seed bank studies, he has contributed to multiple international research collaborations. He has received grants from institutions like Florida International University and IDEA WILD. Bernard is skilled in data analysis, ecological assessments, and forest measurement techniques, making significant contributions to sustainable forest management and conservation in Nigeria.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Mr. Bernard Omomoh is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his expertise in forestry, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem restoration. His extensive publication record, international collaborations, and field research experience make him a distinguished researcher in his field.

🎓 Education

Omomoh Bernard Eromosele holds a Higher National Diploma from the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, where he studied the effects of different provenances on Thaumatococcus daniellii. He obtained a Postgraduate Diploma from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, investigating altitudinal influences on plant diversity. His Master of Technology from the same university focused on species diversity and soil seed banks in different land-use types. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, where he studied the impact of invasive species on native plant diversity. Additionally, he completed a certificate in Tropical Botany at Florida International University, gaining expertise in tropical plant taxonomy and laboratory techniques.

💼Experience

Omomoh is a researcher and laboratory technologist in Forestry and Wood Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Akure. His work includes supervising research on tree crop cultivation, nursery practices, and seed technology. He has significant teaching experience in silviculture, forest soil science, and plant taxonomy. Previously, he worked as a field and laboratory assistant at Obafemi Awolowo University, gaining expertise in plant identification and herbarium management. He also completed an internship at the University of Ibadan Botanical Garden. As a research assistant at the Centre for Research and Development, he has contributed to field experiments, plant identification, and grant-funded research.

🔬Research Focus

Omomoh’s research covers forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, invasive species management, soil seed banks, and ecosystem restoration. His work examines how land-use changes impact plant diversity and regeneration potential. He collaborates internationally on plant systematics, species adaptation, and conservation strategies, particularly in Nigeria’s forest ecosystems.

🛠️Skills

Omomoh is proficient in data science and statistical analysis, using R, ANOVA, regression, and data visualization tools like ggplot, Prism, and Origin. He has expertise in plant identification, forest measurement, and herbarium management. His technical skills include operating tree measurement instruments such as altimeters, clinometers, and GPS devices.

🏆Awards

He has received multiple research grants, including a $4,000 scholarship from Florida International University for tropical botany studies and a $1,500 IDEA WILD grant for research equipment. He was also awarded funding from Botanic Gardens Conservation International and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture for conservation projects.

Publications

  • Soil seed bank dynamics of two invasive alien plants in Nigeria: Implications for ecosystem restoration. AoB PLANTS.
  • Authors: Akomolafe, G. F., Rusly, R. R., & Omomoh, B. E.
  • Year: 2024

Conclusion:

 Mr. Bernard Omomoh is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant research contributions in forestry, biodiversity conservation, and ecological restoration. His innovative studies on invasive species, extensive publication record, and international collaborations highlight his impact in the field. Additionally, his expertise in species diversity, soil seed banks, and ecological restoration further strengthens his candidacy. While his work is already influential, enhancing policy engagement and public outreach could further amplify his research impact and visibility.