Sandra HervĂ­as-Parejo | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervias-Parejo | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervias Parejo, CSIC-UIB – Instituto Mediterraneo de Estudios Avanzados , Spain

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sandra Hervías-Parejo is a postdoctoral researcher at the Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (IMEDEA, CSIC-UIB) in Spain, specializing in ecosystem restoration, invasive species, and island ecology. With a PhD in Ecology from the University of Murcia, she has led and contributed to numerous international research projects addressing biodiversity loss and global change. Her work, published in top scientific journals, is widely recognized for its policy impact and commitment to open science. Dr. Hervías-Parejo is also active in science communication, mentoring, and promoting gender equity in research.

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Summary:

Dr. Sandra HervĂ­as-Parejo is an accomplished and highly regarded researcher in the field of ecology, with a special focus on conservation science. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership in both research and education, with numerous contributions to understanding and mitigating ecological threats. Her interdisciplinary work, international collaborations, and innovative research in island ecosystems make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Sandra HervĂ­as-Parejo holds a PhD in Ecology from the University of Murcia, Spain, awarded in 2014. She earned an MSc in Invasive Species Management from the same university in 2009. In addition, she holds a Certificate in Teaching Skills from the University of Granada, completed in 2006, and a Degree in Biology obtained through studies at the University of Granada and the University of La Laguna de Tenerife in 2004.

đź’ĽExperience

Sandra is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Global Change Research department at IMEDEA (UIB-CSIC), Spain, under an ERC Advanced Grant led by Dr. A. Traveset since November 2022. Her earlier roles include a Vicenç Mut postdoctoral fellowship at the Balearic Islands Government (CAIB) from August 2020 to July 2022, and a postdoctoral contract at IMEDEA from September 2018 to July 2020, which she left upon receiving the fellowship. She also held a postdoctoral research position at the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos from February 2016 to August 2017.

🔬Research Focus

Sandra has published 40 articles in SCI-indexed journals, with 90% led or conceptualized by her. Her research has significantly influenced conservation policies and practices, and all her recent publications are open access to promote transparency. She has played an active role in 14 international research projects, leading two of them, and collaborates with researchers from over 20 countries. Her work has been recognized nationally and internationally, and she regularly participates in European scientific groups, academic committees, and peer reviews for over 22 scientific journals.

🛠️Skills

Her expertise spans ecosystem restoration, food-webs, global change biology, invasive alien species, island ecology, keystone species, multilayer ecological networks, and functional traits. Sandra’s work is highly interdisciplinary and addresses urgent ecological issues, with a strong emphasis on applied conservation and biodiversity protection, particularly in vulnerable island ecosystems.

🏆Awards

Sandra’s projects have received both national and international funding, earning accolades for their innovation and societal relevance. She is dedicated to science communication, appearing on TV and radio, publishing popular science content, and developing educational materials. A strong advocate for gender equity, she works to inspire the next generation through outreach and mentoring.

📚 Publications

Title: On the structure of species-function participation in multilayer ecological networks
Year: 2024
Authors: Hervías-Parejo S., Cuevas-Blanco M., Lacasa L., Melián C.J., Eguíluz V.M.
Journal: Nature Communications

Title: Vertebrates can be more important pollinators than invertebrates on islands: the case of Malva (=Lavatera) arborea L.
Year: 2024
Authors: Robles C., Romero-Egea V., Traveset A., Ruiz de Ybáñez M.R., Hervías-Parejo S.
Journal: AoB PLANTS

Title: Gulls contribute to olive seed dispersal within and among islands in a Mediterranean coastal area
Year: 2024
Authors: Ando H., Martin-Velez V., Tavecchia G., MartĂ­nez-AbraĂ­n A., HervĂ­as-Parejo S.
Journal: Journal of Biogeography

Conclusion:

Dr. Sandra Hervías-Parejo’s exceptional academic contributions, leadership in international research projects, and commitment to public engagement make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to lead cutting-edge research and influence conservation policies is highly commendable, and she has consistently demonstrated a profound impact on both the scientific community and society.

Yajuan Zhu | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yajuan Zhu | Ecology and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Yajuan Zhu, Chinese Academy of Forestry, China

Prof. Yajuan Zhu is a Research Professor at the Institute of Ecological Conservation and Restoration, Chinese Academy of Forestry, China. Her work focuses on desert ecology, biodiversity maintenance, and sustainable land management. With over 15 years of experience, Prof. Zhu has contributed extensively to understanding water use strategies, vegetation stability, and desertification control. She has authored numerous research publications, including in top-tier journals, and is renowned for her innovative approach to ecological restoration and conservation in arid regions.

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Summary:

Prof. Yajuan Zhu exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in ecology. Her extensive contributions to understanding and mitigating desertification, coupled with her robust academic output, make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to address critical environmental challenges through innovative and collaborative efforts highlights her as a global leader in ecological science.

 

🎓 Education

Yajuan Zhu is a distinguished Research Professor with a robust academic foundation in desert ecology and land desertification control. She completed her postdoctoral research on land desertification control at the Research Institute of Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, from July 2007 to July 2009.

 

đź’ĽExperience

With over 15 years of professional experience, Yajuan Zhu has advanced from Assistant Research Professor at the Chinese Academy of Forestry to her current role as Research Professor. She has contributed to various high-impact projects, including studies on plant biodiversity, desertification control, and vegetation stability mechanisms.

 

🔬Research Focus

Yajuan Zhu specializes in desert ecology, emphasizing water use strategies, seed ecology of desert plants, and desertification control. Her research employs cutting-edge stable isotope techniques to explore water cycles and plant interactions in arid ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration.

 

Awards

Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Yajuan Zhu has been a prominent nominee for the prestigious Best Researcher Award by the Environmental Scientists Organization. She has achieved significant milestones in her field, contributing to sustainable management and conservation strategies.

 

Skills

Yajuan Zhu possesses expertise in desert ecology, plant adaptation strategies, biodiversity maintenance, and land desertification control. Her methodological proficiency includes stable isotope technology, plant-water interactions, and ecological monitoring.

 

Publications

1. The Annual Dynamics of the Water Source of an Ammopiptanthus mongolicus Community in the Gobi Desert of the Mongolian Plateau
  • Publication: Forests
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation Count: 0
  • Authors: Zhu, Y.; Wang, G.; Xin, Z.; Wang, A.; Ma, Y.

 

2. Difference of Water Source of Two Ammopiptanthus mongolicus Communities in Ulan Buh Desert, China
  • Publication: Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation Count: 0
  • Authors: Wang, A.; Zhu, Y.; Ma, Y.; Liu, H.; Li, X.

 

3. Response of Seed Germination and Seedling Emergence of Haloxylon ammodendron to Rain Frequency and Temperature Change from Four Desert Ecosystems, Northwest China
  • Publication: AoB PLANTS
  • Year: 2023
  • Citation Count: 2
  • Authors: Zhu, Y.; Jia, Z.; Wang, G.; Ji, X.; Luo, Q.

 

4. Water Use Strategy of Ammopiptanthus mongolicus Community in a Drought Year on the Mongolian Plateau
  • Publication: Journal of Plant Ecology
  • Year: 2020
  • Citation Count: 11
  • Authors: Zhu, Y.-J.; Wang, G.-J.; Xin, Z.-M.

 

5. Water Utilization Strategy of Three Soil and Water Conservation Trees on Ordos Plateau, China
  • Publication: Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao (Journal of Applied Ecology)
  • Year: 2020
  • Citation Count: 2
  • Authors: Xu, S.-H.; Zhu, Y.-J.; Wu, C.-X.; Li, Y.

 

6. Rainwater Use Process of Caragana intermedia in Semi-Arid Zone, Tibetan Plateau
  • Publication: Frontiers in Earth Science
  • Year: 2020
  • Citation Count: 7
  • Authors: Zhu, Y.; Wang, G.

 

7. A Rainfall Enrichment System Suitable for Open Field Experiments in Arid and Semi-Arid Ecosystems
  • Publication: Lilloa
  • Year: 2020
  • Citation Count: 0
  • Authors: Xin, Z.; Qian, J.; Busso, C.A.; Li, Y.; Lu, Q.

 

8. Effects of Precipitation on Clonal Plant Distribution on Ordos Plateau
  • Publication: Shengtai Xuebao
  • Year: 2020
  • Citation Count: 2
  • Authors: Zhu, Y.; Ye, X.; Chu, Y.; Gao, S.; Dong, M.

 

9. Water Source of Salix cheilophila Plantation in Alpine Sandy Land in Summer
  • Publication: Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition)
  • Year: 2019
  • Citation Count: 1
  • Authors: Zhu, Y.; Qi, K.; Pang, Z.

 

10. Root Distribution Characteristics of Ammopiptanthus mongolicus Community in Ulan Buh Desert
  • Publication: Pratacultural Science
  • Year: 2019
  • Citation Count: 3
  • Authors: Kai, Q.; Zhiming, X.; Jingbo, Z.; Yajuan, Z.

 

Conclusion:

Prof. Zhu is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her significant achievements in desert ecology and ecological restoration, paired with her consistent academic excellence, position her as a deserving recipient of this honor. Addressing areas like industry collaboration and policy advocacy could further enhance her impact and strengthen future applications.