Flavio Justino | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Flavio Justino | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Flavio Justino, Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil

Prof. Flavio Justino is a climate scientist at the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil, specializing in atmospheric dynamics, oceanography, and climate modeling. His research focuses on climate variability across timescales, extreme weather, and the environmental impacts of global change. He leads the Climate Interaction Research Group (InteraC), contributing to international studies on fire danger, agrometeorology, and polar-tropical interactions. With global collaborations and fellowships—including Fulbright and ICTP—Prof. Justino is a recognized expert in climate risk and environmental sustainability.

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Summary:

Prof. Flávio Justino of the Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil, is a distinguished climate scientist with deep expertise in atmospheric dynamics, climate extremes, and ocean-atmosphere interactions. His extensive research, leadership of the Climate Interaction Research Group, and numerous high-impact publications position him as a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His global collaborations and prestigious fellowships, including Fulbright and ICTP, further underscore his international influence. While his work excels in scientific depth and modeling, greater focus on real-world applications and cross-sector collaboration could enhance the societal reach of his research. Overall, Prof. Justino’s achievements, innovation, and leadership make him highly suitable for this award.

🎓 Education

Flávio Barbosa Justino holds a strong academic foundation in atmospheric and ocean sciences. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Meteorology from the Federal University of Paraíba in Brazil, followed by a master’s degree in Physical Oceanography from the University of São Paulo. He further advanced his studies with a Ph.D. in Meteorology and Oceanography from the University of Kiel in Germany. His interdisciplinary academic path provided him with a deep understanding of both atmospheric and oceanic dynamics, equipping him to explore climate systems with scientific rigor.

💼Experience

Professor Justino has developed a distinguished academic career at the Federal University of Viçosa, where he currently serves in the Department of Agricultural Engineering. He has held several teaching and research positions including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies, and most recently, Professor of Climate. Earlier in his career, he worked as a consultant for the United Nations at the National Institute for Space Research in Brazil within the fire weather division. His international research experience also includes scholarly appointments at the Byrd Polar Climate and Research Center at The Ohio State University and the Department of Physics at the University of Toronto.

🔬Research Focus

Professor Justino’s research is centered on climate variability and change across different timescales, from glacial epochs to contemporary global warming. His work delves into the interplay between polar and tropical climate systems, the role of atmospheric-oceanic interactions in shaping extreme weather, and the consequences of climate change for agriculture and wildfire risk. As the leader of the Climate Interaction Research Group (InteraC), he spearheads efforts to investigate past climate dynamics, forecast future environmental conditions, and inform international climate risk policies. His interdisciplinary approach supports the development of predictive tools and adaptation strategies in response to global climate challenges.

🛠️Skills

Professor Justino brings a robust set of skills that span climate modeling, atmospheric and oceanic dynamics, agrometeorology, and environmental risk management. He is well-versed in conducting regional and global climate simulations, analyzing extreme weather and fire danger patterns, and applying scientific insights to agriculture and environmental management. His leadership in academic settings, coupled with his collaboration in international research networks, underscores his capacity for scientific innovation, mentorship, and strategic research planning.

🏆Awards

His contributions have been widely recognized with several prestigious awards. He is a Simon Fellow and Senior Associate at the International Center for Theoretical Physics in Italy and was also honored with the Fulbright All Disciplines Award in the United States. His long-standing affiliation with international research bodies reflects his global impact in climate science.

📚 Publications

Title: Climate Extremes, Vegetation, and Lightning: Regional Fire Drivers Across Eurasia and North America
Author: Flávio Justino et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Fire

Title: Atmospheric Variability and Sea-Ice Changes in the Southern Hemisphere
Author: Flávio Justino et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Atmosphere

Title: Rainy Season Migration across the Northeast Coast of Brazil Related to Sea Surface Temperature Patterns
Author: Flávio Justino et al.
Year: 2024
Journal: Atmosphere

Title: Revisiting Climate-Related Agricultural Losses across South America and Their Future Perspectives
Author: Flávio Justino et al.
Year: 2023
Journal: Atmosphere

Title: Past and Future Responses of Soil Water to Climate Change in Tropical and Subtropical Rainforest Systems in South America
Author: Flávio Justino et al.
Year: 2023
Journal: Atmosphere

Conclusion:

Prof. Flavio Justino exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher—scientific excellence, international leadership, and a strong track record of addressing global climate challenges. His contributions are timely, highly relevant, and aligned with the goals of the Research for Best Researcher Award. With minor enhancements in applied impact and broader outreach, his profile would be even more comprehensive. Overall, he is a highly deserving and competitive candidate for this prestigious recognition.

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.