Denisse Archundia Peralta | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Denisse Archundia Peralta | Environmental Science | Research Excellence Award

National Autonomous University of Mexico | Mexico 

Denisse Archundia Peralta is a researcher specializing in the study of anthropogenic pollutants and their behavior within hydrological and hydrogeological basins, with a strong focus on understanding environmental impacts at multiple spatial scales. Her work emphasizes pollutant dynamics in the unsaturated zone, integrating hydrogeochemical approaches to assess transport, transformation, and environmental risk. She also applies remote sensing techniques to monitor and map environmental pollution, particularly in complex and large-scale settings, enhancing the detection and interpretation of contamination processes. As a CONACYT Research Professor at the Institute of Geology, she contributes to advancing interdisciplinary research at the interface of geology, hydrology, and environmental sciences. Her academic background combines Earth and Environmental Sciences, aquatic ecosystem management, microbiology, ecology, and biology, providing a robust foundation for addressing environmental pollution challenges. She has led and participated in research projects focused on remote sensing mapping of acid mine drainage and the hydrochemistry of regional water resources, highlighting her expertise in both field-based and analytical methodologies. In addition to research, she is actively involved in postgraduate teaching in Earth Sciences and contributes to institutional initiatives dedicated to soil and environmental studies. Her work has been recognized through national-level academic distinctions and competitive research support.

View ORCID Profile

Global environmental and toxicological data on emerging plasticizers: current understanding, regrettable substitution challenges, green alternatives, and future perspectives

– Green Chemistry (Journal Article)
 

Comparative assessment of global environmental and toxicological impacts of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organophosphate esters under the framework of regrettable substitution

– Journal of Hazardous Materials (Journal Article)
 

Potentially toxic elements across the soil–plant–water–animal continuum in a mining region of northwestern Mexico: exposure pathways and health risks for children

– Environmental Geochemistry and Health (Journal Article)
 

Biodegradation of sulfamethoxazole and its effects on soil microbial communities in an arid high-altitude catchment in Bolivia

– Chemosphere (Journal Article)
 

Integrating remote sensing techniques with the DRASTIC index to evaluate groundwater vulnerability in the Rio Sonora aquifer mining region, northwestern Mexico

– Preprint

Lidi Shi | Earth | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Lidi Shi | Earth | Young Scientist Award

University of Toronto | Canada

Lidi Shi is a researcher with strong expertise in stratified flows in reservoirs, lakes, and rivers, with a particular focus on the mixing dynamics of confluent flows, stratification processes, and their ecological impacts on phytoplankton distributions. His current work emphasizes winter limnology, where he investigates oxygen dynamics under ice-covered lakes and examines how thermal stratification in dimictic lakes influences fish habitat availability. Motivated by the goal of generating meaningful environmental benefits, he integrates high-resolution field measurements with advanced numerical modeling to better understand physical–ecological interactions in inland waters. He is proficient in Matlab, Fortran, and Python, with full command of Delft-3D and Mike21 hydrodynamic modeling systems, and is experienced in using specialized field instruments such as temperature chains, ADV, ADCP, VMP, and fish telemetry. His scientific contributions are reflected in 13 research documents, 82 citations, and an h-index of 7, demonstrating both productivity and growing influence within the aquatic sciences community. Lidi Shi’s research advances predictive insights into water quality, ecosystem resilience, and habitat dynamics, positioning him as a promising scientist committed to applying limnological understanding toward tangible and positive environmental change.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Shi, L., Sun, J., Zuo, X., Morovati, K., Gualtieri, C., & Lin, B. (2025). Interplay between convection and wind in driving surface mixing in the Xiangjiaba Reservoir, China. Hydrological Sciences Journal.

Shi, L., Sun, J., Wells, M., Morovati, K., Gualtieri, C., Wu, M., Wang, X., Lin, B., & Zuo, X. (2025). Near-surface turbulence mixing in a large channel-type reservoir: Potential impacts on phytoplankton distribution. Journal of Hydrology.

Li, Y., Sun, J., Feng, H., Wang, X., Shi, L., & Lin, B. (2024). A comparative study on aquatic environment of two mega reservoirs in the mainstream of Yangtze River. Journal of Hydrology.

Morovati, K., Tian, F., Pokhrel, Y., Someth, P., Shi, L., Zhang, K., Nakhaei, P., & Ly, S. (2024). Fishery and agriculture amidst human activities and climate change in the Mekong River: A review of gaps in data and effective approaches towards sustainable development. Journal of Hydrology.

Georgina Gordon | Earth | Interdisciplinary Soil Research Award

Ms. Georgina Gordon | Earth | Interdisciplinary Soil Research Award

Ms Georgina Gordon | Geological consulting | Australia 

Georgina Gordon is a highly accomplished geologist and Senior Hyperspectral Geoscientist recognized for her extensive expertise in hyperspectral core scanning and spectral geoscience. With deep experience in applying advanced mineralogical analysis to diverse deposit types, she has significantly contributed to developing innovative techniques that enhance the interpretation of geological materials. Her leadership in managing the HyLogger Project and integrating new technologies such as Raman and Gold Sniffer scanning has strengthened spectral data analysis in mineral exploration. She has been instrumental inmentoring researchers, facilitating industry collaborations, and organizing national and international geoscience workshops and conferences. Georgina’s career reflects a strong focus on innovation, data-driven insights, and collaborative research that bridges academic and industry applications. Her commitment to improving data quality and accessibility has established her as a leading figure in geological spectral analysis. She has published 7 scientific documents, which have collectively earned 207 citations from 181 referencing sources, reflecting her growing research influence and practical impact in the global geoscience community. Her work continues to advance the application of hyperspectral technologies in mineral systems, fostering innovation, sustainability, and deeper understanding of Earth’s complex geological processes.

Profiles:  Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Baudet, E., Tiddy, C., Giles, D., Hill, S., & Gordon, G. (2023). Diverse provenance of the Lower Cretaceous sediments of the Eromanga Basin, South Australia: Constraints on basin evolution. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 

Ahmad Zaeem Faraz | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ahmad Zaeem Faraz | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ahmad Zaeem Faraz | Hohai University | United States 

Ahmad Zaeem Faraz is a highly accomplished Ph.D. candidate in Management (Strategic Management) at Hohai University, specializing in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and strategic management in emerging markets. His research focuses on green CSR practices and the development of sustainable business models, integrating digital transformation and innovation to enhance organizational performance. With an MBA in Marketing and a Master’s in Educational Administration, Ahmad combines strong academic expertise with over seven years of teaching experience in strategic management and business courses at leading universities in Pakistan. He has successfully designed corporate training programs on CSR, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, bridging theory and practice for both students and professionals. Ahmad has published in top-tier journals, including Sustainable Development (Wiley, Q1, IF 8.2) and Kybernetes (Emerald, Q2, IF 2.5), and presented research at international conferences in China, the USA, and Romania. As a reviewer for several academic journals and a mentor to emerging scholars, he actively contributes to advancing knowledge and promoting research ethics. His interdisciplinary work links strategic management, green HRM, and digital innovation to practical solutions for SMEs in emerging markets, providing actionable insights that balance economic growth with social and environmental responsibility, demonstrating a significant impact on academia and industry alike.

Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

  • Xu, Y., Faraz, A. Z., Sarfraz, M., Arshad, S., Sun, J., & Ahmad, A. (2025). Strategic capabilities for sustainability: An integrated model of digital inclusion and sustainable performance. Sustainable Development.

  • Faraz, A. Z., Deng, Y., Arshad, S., & Rui, S. (2025). Digital transformation as a catalyst: Linking green CSR to sustainable development through environmental strategy and innovation in Pakistani SMEs. Kybernetes.

Anam Khalid | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anam Khalid | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Anam Khalid| University of the Punjab| Punjab

Anam Khalid is a researcher and academic at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, specializing in Environmental Sciences. Her doctoral work focused on the concentration profiling of persistent organic pollutants among breast cancer patients in Punjab. With expertise in environmental health, pollution control, and occupational safety, she has taught, supervised research, and conducted training programs on environmental audits and data analysis. Her academic excellence is highlighted by top positions in her postgraduate studies, and her research continues to address critical issues in industrial pollution, wastewater treatment, and human health risks.

Profiles

Scopus

Google Scholar

Summary

Anam Khalid’s research demonstrates both scientific rigor and practical impact. Her studies on pollutants, wastewater treatment, and occupational safety contribute significantly to environmental health. She is also actively engaged in teaching and mentoring, which strengthens her role as both a researcher and educator.

Education

Anam Khalid holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, where her research focused on the concentration profiling and contribution of selected persistent organic pollutants among breast cancer patients in Punjab. She also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Law, securing the top position in her class. Her MS in Environmental Sciences, also from the University of the Punjab, concentrated on reducing heavy metals and EDTA from column leachate using selected adsorption materials in EDTA-assisted phytoextraction of tannery solid waste. Earlier, she earned her BS (Hons) in Environmental Sciences with research on occupational health and safety practices in the pharmaceutical sector. She has a strong foundational background in the sciences, having studied pre-medical at Government College Samanabad, Lahore, and matriculated in science from Nishat High School, Multan.

Experience

Anam has been associated with the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, where she has served as visiting faculty, engaging in teaching and research. Prior to this, she worked as a research scholar at the same institution, undertaking academic research, teaching, and administrative duties. She also gained corporate experience as Assistant Manager Sales and Marketing at Indus Home Limited, where she managed global sales, merchandising, and client coordination. Her earlier professional journey includes working as an Environmentalist and Trainee Auditor at Responsible Business Options, where she contributed to environment, health, and safety audits. She also undertook internships and auditor roles in institutions such as INMOL, Greenlays Pakistan, and Sun Rise Green Pakistan, where her work ranged from radiation protection and environmental risk analysis to auditing carbon sink projects and community awareness programs on solid waste management.

Research Focus

Her research contributions revolve around environmental health, pollution control, and occupational safety. She has conducted research on persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, wastewater treatment, risk assessment, and industrial safety practices. She has supervised multiple theses on groundwater contamination, industrial wastewater treatment efficiency, occupational health and safety, poly-chlorinated biphenyls exposure, and environmental risk assessment in industries.

Skills

Anam possesses strong academic and professional skills, including expertise in environmental audits, occupational health and safety, and risk assessment. She is proficient in IT applications such as Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint, and SPSS for data handling and interpretation. Her communication skills are strengthened by her teaching, supervision, and course-conducting experience. She is fluent in English and Urdu, which enhances her ability to work in diverse environments.

Awards

Anam’s academic excellence is reflected in her top positions during her postgraduate studies, where she stood first in Environmental Law and third in her MS in Environmental Sciences. Her consistent performance highlights her commitment and dedication to academic growth and excellence.

Publications

Noise pollution in the hospital environment of a developing country: A case study of Lahore (Pakistan)
Author: Baqar, M., Arslan, M., Abbasi, S.A., Ashraf, U., Khalid, A., Zahid, H.
Journal: Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health

Synthesizing and Characterizing Sawdust Biochar/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites and its Potential Application in Textile Wastewater Treatment
Author: Nadeem, F., Jamil, N., Moazzam, A., Ahmad, S.R., Lateef, A., Khalid, A., Qadir, A., …
Journal: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies

Reuse of textile wastewater after treating with combined process of chemical coagulation and electrocoagulation
Author: Ali, A., Shaikh, I.A., Abid, T., Samina, F., Islam, S., Khalid, A., Firdous, N., Javed, M.T.
Journal: Textile Industries

Application of Chitosan in the Recycling of Spent Wash-off Liquor from Cotton Dyeing
Author: Ali, A., Shaikh, I.A., Abid, T., Qayyum, S., Khalid, A., Naveed, N., Samina, F., …
Journal: Science International

Level of polychlorinated biphenyls in tumor and blood serum of breast cancer patients and control subjects from Punjab, Pakistan
Author: Khalid, A., Abbasi, N.A., Jamil, N., Syed, J.H., Ahmad, S.R., Qadir, A.
Journal: Science of The Total Environment

Surveillance of blood chemistry in breast cancer patients belonging to Punjab, Pakistan
Author: Khalid, A., Qadir, A., Abbasi, N.A., Jamil, N., Shakoor, M.B., Ahmad, S.R.
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Science

Assessment of organochlorine pesticides in blood and tumor of breast cancer patients and control subjects from Punjab, Pakistan
Author: Khalid, A., Abbasi, N.A., Jamil, N., Syed, J.H., Qadir, A., Ahmad, S.R.
Journal: Environmental Geochemistry and Health

Conclusion

Overall, Anam Khalid is well-suited for the Best Researcher Award. Her work reflects excellence, relevance, and dedication, and with further international outreach and strategic growth, she can achieve even greater recognition on the global stage.

Kevin OShea | Environmental Science | Outstanding Contribution Award

Prof. Dr. Kevin OShea | Environmental Science | Outstanding Contribution Award

Prof. Dr. Kevin Oshea, Florida International University, United States

Prof. Dr. Kevin E. O’Shea is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University, United States. With a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from UCLA and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin, his research focuses on environmental chemistry, advanced oxidation processes, and the remediation of emerging pollutants. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and delivered around 300 scientific presentations worldwide. A recognized leader in his field, Dr. O’Shea has received numerous awards for excellence in research, teaching, and mentoring, and has secured nearly $4 million in research funding.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Kevin O’Shea exemplifies the spirit of the Research for Outstanding Contribution Award through his extensive scholarly productivity, impactful environmental research, and dedicated mentorship. His contributions have shaped critical areas of environmental chemistry, particularly in water treatment and pollutant remediation, backed by a long history of funded research and international collaboration.

🎓 Education

Kevin E. O’Shea earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with honors from California State University, Sacramento. He pursued a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles under Professor Christopher S. Foote, where his dissertation explored the photoxygenation of complex organic molecules. He then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin with Professor Marye Anne Fox, focusing on reactive species for anti-cancer agents and photochemistry in supercritical fluids.

💼Experience

Professor O’Shea has held numerous academic positions over his career. He began as an Assistant Professor at Florida International University in 1991, later promoted to Associate Professor and eventually full Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He served in key administrative roles including Interim Dean and Senior Associate Dean of the Graduate School at FIU. He has been a visiting professor at institutions such as the University of Miami, University of California Davis, and Georgia Institute of Technology. His extensive teaching experience spans undergraduate and graduate-level organic chemistry, laboratory design, and interdisciplinary honors courses.

🔬Research Focus

His research specializes in environmental chemistry, advanced oxidation processes, photochemistry, and nanomaterials for water purification. He has led investigations into the degradation of cyanotoxins, perfluorinated compounds, and pharmaceutical contaminants using innovative photocatalytic and sonochemical methods. O’Shea has been consistently funded for over three decades, securing approximately $4 million in extramural support from organizations such as the National Science Foundation, EPA, DOE, NIH, and others. He has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students in original research projects, producing substantial contributions to environmental remediation science.

🛠️Skills

Professor O’Shea is highly skilled in organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, spectroscopic structural elucidation, and environmental contaminant degradation. His publications emphasize both experimental and computational approaches in environmental chemistry. His scholarly output includes over 150 peer-reviewed papers and approximately 300 scientific presentations delivered globally. His research has garnered more than 16,000 citations with an h-index of 65, reflecting significant impact in the scientific community.

🏆Awards

Professor O’Shea has received several accolades throughout his career. These include the FIU University Graduate School Lifetime Achievement Award, Excellence in Research Award, Excellence in Teaching and Advising Awards, and Excellence in Mentoring Award. He was named a Henry Dreyfus Teacher Scholar and has been honored with honorary membership in the Golden Key Honor Society. His work has also earned recognition such as top-cited and editor’s pick articles in prestigious journals. He has served extensively in leadership roles within the American Chemical Society and other professional organizations.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Ultrasound induced mineralization of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
    Authors: Xuexiang He, Danni Cui, Natalia Soares Quinete, Kevin E. O’Shea
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal

  • Title: Molecular insights into the bonding mechanisms between selenium and dissolved organic matter
    Authors: Zhe Zhang, Lance M. Miller, Huan He, Kevin E. O’Shea, Dionysios D. Dionysiou
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Science of the Total Environment

  • Title: Reaction rate coefficient study of the perfluoroalkyl and ω-Perfluoroalkyloic acid radicals
    Authors: Claude Bernard Paultre, Alexander M. Mebel, Kevin E. O’Shea
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Chemical Physics Letters

  • Title: Impact of chromium (VI) as a co-contaminant on the sorption and co-precipitation of uranium (VI) in sediments under mildly alkaline oxic conditions
    Authors: Mariah S. Doughman, Kevin E. O’Shea, Nikolla P. Qafoku, Kenneth C. Carroll, Yelena P. Katsenovich
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

  • Title: Ferrate(VI) mediated degradation of the potent cyanotoxin, cylindrospermopsin: Kinetics, products, and toxicity
    Authors: Cen Zhao, Luís E. Vera Arroyo-Mora, Anthony P. DeCaprio, Kevin E. O’Shea, Virender K. Sharma
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Water Research

  • Title: The effects of soil properties and sorbent amendments on immobilization of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in contrasting soils: Experimental and numerical study
    Authors: Anahita Esmaeilian, Natalia Soares Quinete, Piero R. Gardinali, Kevin E. O’Shea
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Conclusion:

Prof. O’Shea is highly deserving of the Research for Outstanding Contribution Award. His body of work reflects sustained excellence, innovation, and global impact. Recognizing his achievements through this award would honor a career that continues to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Alexander Kokhanovsky | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alexander Kokhanovsky | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alexander Kokhanovsky, GFZ Potsdam, Germany

Dr. Alexander Kokhanovsky is a senior scientist at the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. He earned his PhD in optical sciences from the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and completed his habilitation in cloud and snow remote sensing in Russia. With over three decades of international experience, including positions at the University of Bremen, Imperial College London, and EUMETSAT, his research focuses on radiative transfer, light scattering, and satellite remote sensing of snow, clouds, and aerosols. He is a recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Alexander Kokhanovsky’s career reflects a sustained and impactful contribution to the fields of radiative transfer, remote sensing, and cryosphere science. His international research footprint, prestigious awards, and involvement in major scientific missions underscore his leadership and innovation. His interdisciplinary expertise and scientific rigor make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Dr. Alexander A. Kokhanovsky completed his undergraduate studies at the Physical Department of the Belarussian State University in Minsk, Belarus, graduating in 1983. He earned his PhD in optical sciences in 1991 from the Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. His doctoral research focused on developing analytical approximations for the radiative transfer characteristics of atmospheric aerosols and oceanic whitecaps. In 2011, he completed his habilitation at the Main Geophysical Observatory in St. Petersburg, Russia, with a focus on cloud and snow remote sensing from space.

💼Experience

Dr. Kokhanovsky has held research and academic positions at several prestigious institutions worldwide. From 1983 to 2004, he worked at the Institute of Physics in Minsk, Belarus. He conducted research at the Japanese Space Exploration Agency in Tokyo from 1996 to 1997. He then moved to Clausthal Technical University in Germany from 1997 to 1998, followed by a position at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom from 1999 to 2000. From 2001 to 2013, he was affiliated with the University of Bremen in Germany. Between 2013 and 2022, he worked with VITROCISET/TELESPAZIO Belgium and EUMETSAT in Darmstadt, Germany. He is currently based at the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam – GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences.

🔬Research Focus

His current research focuses on radiative transfer, light scattering, and the remote sensing of atmospheric and surface properties including snow, clouds, and aerosols. His work plays a crucial role in improving satellite-based climate monitoring and environmental analysis.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Kokhanovsky possesses deep expertise in optical sciences, particularly in the domains of light scattering and radiative transfer in complex media. He has extensive experience in the remote sensing of snow, clouds, and aerosols, and in the retrieval of atmospheric properties from satellite observations. His technical competencies span analytical modeling, satellite instrumentation, and atmospheric physics.

🏆Awards

Dr. Kokhanovsky is a recipient of the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung. This honor recognized his significant contributions to the field of radiative transfer in media with optically large scatterers.

📚 Publications

Title: Insights of aerosol-precipitation nexus in the central Arctic through CMIP6 climate models
Authors: Basudev Swain, Marco Vountas, Aishwarya Singh, Hartmut Bösch, John Philip Burrows
Year: 2025
Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science


Title: Editorial: Remote sensing of the cryosphere
Authors: Alexander A. Kokhanovsky, Biagio Di Mauro, Z. Sun
Year: 2025
Journal: npj Climate and Atmospheric Science


Title: The EnMAP spaceborne imaging spectroscopy mission: Initial scientific results two years after launch
Authors: Sabine Chabrillat, Saskia Foerster, Karl Segl, Laura la Porta, Sebastian Fischer
Year: 2024
Journal: Remote Sensing of Environment

Conclusion:

Dr. Kokhanovsky is highly recommended for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His scientific achievements, international collaborations, and contributions to global climate science align exceptionally well with the goals of the award. With minor improvements in outreach and mentorship, his already significant impact could be extended even further.