Rima Bou Melhem | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Rima Bou Melhem | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Rima Bou Melhem | Laboratory of Physics and Chemistry of the Environment and Space | France

Dr. Rima Bou Melhem is a dedicated researcher specializing in plant and environmental sciences, with expertise spanning phytoecology, microbiology, and biotechnology. Her research focuses on sustainable plant–soil interactions, microbial diversity, and natural bioactive compounds contributing to ecosystem resilience and agricultural innovation. She has conducted extensive fieldwork on soil and plant sampling in pine and cedar forest ecosystems and led studies on the isolation and molecular identification of entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana for biological pest control applications. Her scientific pursuits also include evaluating the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of plant extracts, integrating analytical chemistry techniques such as LC-MS, HPLC, and spectrophotometry to characterize phytochemical profiles. Beyond laboratory research, she has contributed to applied innovation through co-founding a start-up that integrates digital technologies with biological control systems for sustainable pest management. Her strong command of molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and data analysis tools, combined with interdisciplinary collaboration and field-based research, underpins her goal of enhancing plant health, soil quality, and environmental sustainability. With a multidisciplinary approach bridging ecological research and technological innovation, she continues to contribute to advancing nature-based solutions for agriculture and ecosystem conservation.

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Featured Publications

Bou Melhem, R., Jourdain, L., Gogo, S., Leroy, F., Jacotot, A., Moquet, J.-S., Laggoun-Défarge, F., & Guimbaud, C. (2025, October 14). Rewetting is not enough: Sphagnum transplants promote lowering of greenhouse‐gas emissions in peatlands. Restoration Ecology.

Adriana Favacho Curty | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Adriana Favacho Curty | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Adriana Favacho curty | State University of Rio de Janeiro | Brazil

Dr. Adriana Favacho Curty’s research exemplifies scientific innovation in environmental and soil sciences, focusing on microplastic contamination in coastal and sandy sediments. Her postdoctoral work at Rio de Janeiro State University integrates advanced spectroscopic and X-ray techniques to develop methodologies for polymer characterization using Compton/Rayleigh scattering ratios. By combining FT-IR, Raman, and micro-XRF analyses, she establishes chemometric profiles that link plastic morphotypes to elemental compositions, contributing to the understanding of microplastic-metal interactions and their ecological implications. Her studies bridge environmental engineering, physics, and marine ecology, supporting the creation of standardized protocols for sampling, extraction, and quantification of microplastics in coastal environments. Through collaborative work at BIOTEMA and LIETA laboratories, she enhances analytical precision in assessing contamination pathways and pollutant adsorption mechanisms. Her publications and presentations in prominent scientific platforms demonstrate a consistent effort to improve methodologies for environmental risk evaluation and marine pollution monitoring. Beyond her experimental research, her consultancy experience in environmental and infrastructure projects strengthens her applied perspective on sustainable urban and coastal management. Dr. Curty’s contributions significantly advance the scientific understanding of plastic pollution and its integration into soil and aquatic systems, reinforcing the global framework for sustainable coastal ecosystem management.

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Featured Publications

Curty, A. F., Tsuyama, F., Cunha, P. M. O. M., Anjos, M. J., & Salomão, A. L. S. (2025, October 29). Metals’ adsorption onto environmental microplastics at shoreline sediments. X-Ray Spectrometry. Advance online publication.

Ahmad Zaeem Faraz | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Erika Calderon Medina | Earth | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Erika Calderon Medina | Earth | Best Researcher Award

Erika Calderon Medina | University of Leeds | United Kingdom 

Erika Elizabeth Calderon Medina is a senior geoscientist with over 16 years of combined industry and academic experience across Europe, Africa, and South America, specialising in 3D subsurface modelling, geomechanical analysis, seismic and petrophysical interpretation, and CO₂ storage assessment. Her PhD at Durham University (2024) advanced understanding of pore pressure evolution in basins such as the Gulf of Mexico, New Zealand, and West Africa through innovative thermo-hydro-mechanical modelling and geological reconstruction. She has held key roles at the University of Leeds, OMV Petrom in Romania, and Petrobras in Argentina and Ecuador, successfully leading multidisciplinary teams, enhancing reservoir development strategies, and improving hydrocarbon recovery. Erika has contributed to both exploration and mature field optimisation, delivering workflows that informed drilling, reservoir connectivity, and risk mitigation. Her research outputs are recorded on ORCID, reflecting impact across academic and industry domains. Fluent in English and Spanish, with additional proficiency in Portuguese and Japanese, she combines technical expertise with cross-cultural collaboration. Alongside her professional work, she remains engaged with emerging developments in energy transition, CO₂ storage, and subsurface risk reduction.

Profile:  Orcid 

Featured Publications

Calderon Medina, E. E., Obradors‐Prats, J., Aplin, A. C., Jones, S. J., Rouainia, M., & Crook, A. J. L. (2025). Modeling overpressure development and the mechanical behavior of sediments in a complex, tectonically active setting: East Coast Basin, New Zealand. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth.

Obradors-Prats, J., Calderon Medina, E. E., Jones, S. J., Rouainia, M., Aplin, A. C., & Crook, A. J. L. (2023). Integrating petrophysical, geological and geomechanical modelling to assess stress states, overpressure development and compartmentalisation adjacent to a salt wall, Gulf of Mexico. Marine and Petroleum Geology.

Calderon Medina, E. E., Obradors-Prats, J., Aplin, A. C., Jones, S. J., Rouainia, M., & Crook, A. J. L. (2023, April 24). 1D hydro-geomechanical modelling of pore pressure on an active convergent margin: East Coast Basin, New Zealand. In Proceedings of the Offshore Technology Conference.

Calderon, E., & Gangatharan, G. (2015, June 1). Limitation of data in model generation – Zemeș Field, Romania. In Proceedings of the 77th EAGE Conference and Exhibition 2015.

Jasvir Singh | Environmental | Soil and Sustainable Development

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Dr. Jasvir Singh | Environmental | Soil and Sustainable Development

Jasvir Singh | Environmental | Soil and Sustainable Development

Dr. Jasvir Singh is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in Environmental Chemistry, Soil Science, and Sustainable Development. With a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, his work focuses on developing innovative methods for environmental protection, soil health improvement, and sustainable resource management. As an Associate Professor at Himachal Pradesh University, he has contributed significantly to research, teaching, and guiding future scientists in advancing eco-friendly solutions for global sustainability.

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Summary:

Dr. Jasvir Singh’s research integrates analytical chemistry with environmental sustainability, contributing significantly to soil health improvement and pollution mitigation. His innovative approaches in polymer synthesis, eco-friendly hydrogels, and machine learning-based analytical systems highlight his commitment to advancing sustainable environmental practices.

Education

Dr. Jasvir Singh holds a strong academic foundation in chemistry. He completed his Bachelor of Science with Honors in Chemistry from Himachal Pradesh University, followed by a Master of Science in Chemistry from the same institution. He further pursued advanced research through an M.Phil and earned his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry with a research focus on developing new assay methods for organic compounds beneficial in chemotherapy and their applications in drug analysis.

Experience

Dr. Jasvir Singh has served in multiple teaching and research positions. He began his career as a Research Officer at the Government Research Institute in IS & M and Drug Testing Laboratory, Himachal Pradesh. He progressed to Lecturer and Senior Lecturer, then Reader and Associate Professor, and later served as Professor at IET Bhaddal Campus, Punjab. Currently, he is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.

Research Focus

Dr. Singh’s research primarily focuses on analytical chemistry with specialization in developing novel assay methods for organic compounds used in chemotherapy. His work contributes to improving drug testing, pharmaceutical analysis, and enhancing the accuracy and reliability of drug formulation evaluations.

Skills

Dr. Singh possesses expertise in analytical chemistry, assay method development, drug analysis, pharmaceutical chemistry, and organic compound testing. He is skilled in laboratory research methodologies, academic teaching, and guiding postgraduate and doctoral research scholars.

Awards

Dr. Jasvir Singh has been recognized for his contributions to analytical chemistry and higher education. He has received accolades for his research in drug analysis and innovative methodologies beneficial for chemotherapy applications.

Publications

Title: Synthesis and characterization of arabinoxylan-bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate crosslinked copolymer network by high energy gamma radiation for use in controlled drug delivery applications
Year: 2022
Authors: Singh, B., Singh, J., Dhiman, A., Mohan, M.
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Title: Machine Learning-Based Analytical Systems: Food Forensics
Year: 2022
Authors: Ranbir, Manish Kumar, Gagandeep Singh, Jasvir Singh, Navneet Kaur, Narinder Singh
Journal: ACS Omega

Title: Designing Starch–Alginate Hydrogels for Controlled Delivery of Fungicide for the Alleviation of Environmental Pollution
Year: 2022
Authors: Jasvir Singh, Baljit Singh, Vishavnath
Journal: ACS Agricultural Science & Technology

Title: Application of tragacanth gum and alginate in hydrogel wound dressing’s formation using gamma radiation
Year: 2021
Authors: Singh, B., Singh, J., Rajneesh
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications

Title: A simple and rapid spectrophotometric method for determination of organonitrogen functionalities (Amino group) and commercial drugs based on it
Year: 2020
Author: Jasvir, S.
Journal: International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research

Conclusion:

Dr. Jasvir Singh is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Soil and Sustainable Development Award. With continued focus on applied soil conservation projects and interdisciplinary collaborations, his contributions can further influence sustainable agricultural and environmental practices globally.

Nadhir Al-Ansari | Environment | Best Scholar Award

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Prof. Dr. Nadhir Al-Ansari | Environment | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Dr. Nadhir AI Ansari, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden

Professor Dr. Nadhir Al-Ansari is a distinguished expert in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering at Lulea University of Technology, Sweden. With a career spanning decades across Europe and the Middle East, his research focuses on hydrology, sediment transport, groundwater modeling, and environmental sustainability. He has authored numerous scientific publications, holds a patent in iron oxide separation, and has received several international awards recognizing his scientific and community contributions. Professor Al-Ansari is also a Fellow of CIWEM and an active member of multiple global scientific societies.

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Summary:

Prof. Dr. Nadhir Al-Ansari is a globally respected scholar whose contributions to environmental and water sciences have been academically rigorous and socially impactful. His robust academic record, innovative projects, interdisciplinary scope, and community-centered outcomes position him as a leading figure in environmental scholarship. His work addresses real-world challenges, blending traditional hydrological insights with evolving technological tools.

🎓 Education

Professor Nadhir Al-Ansari holds a Ph.D. in Sediment Transport from Dundee University, an M.Sc. in Geology from Baghdad University, and a B.Sc. (Honours) in Geology from the same institution. His early academic foundation was shaped at Baghdad College, an American secondary school, which laid the groundwork for his extensive career in water resources and environmental engineering.

💼Experience

Dr. Al-Ansari has held professorial roles at several prestigious institutions including Lulea University of Technology in Sweden and the Arab Open Academy in Denmark. He has also served as a professor, dean, director, and chairman at Al-al Bayt University and the University of Baghdad. His leadership roles spanned across departments such as Geology, Environmental Sciences, and Astronomy, and included administrative positions such as Dean of Scientific Research and Director of Strategic Research Units.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily centers on water resources, sediment transport, hydrology, environmental engineering, and sustainability. He has contributed significantly to studies on river systems, sedimentation, groundwater modeling, and environmental management in arid and semi-arid regions. He is also active in interdisciplinary research linking water sciences with policy and community service.

🛠️Skills

Professor Al-Ansari has extensive teaching experience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering subjects like hydrology, groundwater, hydrochemistry, sediment transport, and environmental policy. His technical skill set includes Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Agresso, Canvas, Zoom, Google Meet, DIVA, Ladok, Time Edit, and the BLACKBOARD learning system. He has developed specialized programs in groundwater movement and solute transport using finite element techniques and has participated in training on advanced computing and internet technologies.

🏆Awards

Professor Al-Ansari has been the recipient of numerous awards for his scientific contributions, including the prestigious Mesopotamia Prize for Water Resources, best postgraduate supervisor, and several recognitions from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the British Council, and international scientific conferences. He also holds a patent for the physical separation of iron oxides and has earned accolades for best papers and contributions to scientific arbitration.

📚 Publications

1. Title: Pathway of total petroleum hydrocarbon in a lotic ecosystem: water and sediment of Tigris River, Iraq
Authors: Fikrat M. Hassan, Abdul Hameed M. Jawad Al-Obaidy, Anwar Ridha Noor, Nadhir Alansari
Year: 2025
Journal: Applied Water Science

2. Title: SPAD dynamics in maize crop with precision nitrogen management under rain-fed and irrigated conditions
Authors: K. Shivashankar, M. P. Potdar, Sandeep Gawdiya, Aishwarya Golshetti, Aditya Kamalakar Kanade, Gurupada Balol, D. P. Biradar, K. K. Math, Nadhir Al-Ansari, Salah El-Hendawy, et al.
Year: 2025
Journal: Scientific Reports

3. Title: A comparative analysis of the removal of arsenic from water using magnetite/polyaniline-polypyrrole nanocomposite
Authors: T. Jabeen, M. Rashid, A. Khan, S. Haider, M. Aslam, E. Shahid, H. Shahid, N. Al-Ansari, M. A. Mattar
Year: 2025
Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

4. Title: Application of Decision Support Systems to Water Management: The Case of Iraq
Authors: Hayder AL-Hudaib, Nasrat Adamo, Katalin Bene, Richard Ray, Nadhir Al-Ansari
Year: 2025
Journal: Water

5. Title: Optimizing cultivation practices to enhance growth and yield of Indian mustard
Authors: Akshita Sharma, Vandna Chhabra, Swati Mehta, Yudhishther Singh Bagal, Rajesh Kumar, Nadhir Al-Ansari, Salah El-Hendawy, Mohamed A. Mattar, Ali Salem
Year: 2025
Journal: Scientific Reports

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Nadhir Al-Ansari is highly suitable for the Research for Best Scholar Award. He exemplifies the ideals of scholarly excellence, global impact, and sustainability leadership that this award is designed to honor. With a few strategic steps to increase his digital and global integration, his influence could be further magnified.

Thiago Santos | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Thiago Santos | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Thiago Santos, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Mr. Thiago F. Santos is a Brazilian ecologist affiliated with the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from the Federal University of Bahia and specializes in tropical ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and plant-insect interactions. His research focuses on understanding ecological responses to environmental changes, aiming to support sustainable management and restoration of Brazil’s native biomes. With expertise in ecological modeling, biomonitoring, and statistical analysis, Mr. Santos actively contributes to advancing ecological science and conservation strategies in Brazil.

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Summary:

Mr. Thiago Santos is a dedicated researcher and academic affiliated with the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering, with specialized research in the development and mathematical modeling of innovative textile materials for renewable energy applications. With a Master’s degree in Textile Engineering, his work has focused on high-performance fabrics, particularly investigating the impact resistance and photodegradation properties of non-Newtonian fluids in Kevlar® textiles. He has also explored surface modification of cotton yarns during his undergraduate studies. His research integrates textile science, materials engineering, and energy innovation. Mr. Santos has served as a substitute professor in Textile Chemistry and earned multiple regional awards at INOVA SENAI 2019 for innovation-driven projects. His technical skills span experimental design, materials modeling, and fluid-structure interaction, contributing significantly to sustainable and protective textile advancements.

🎓 Education

Thiago Felix dos Santos holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil, completed in 2022. His doctoral research focused on the development and mathematical modeling of new textile materials as renewable energy sources, under the guidance of Prof. Jose Heriberto Oliveira do Nascimento and co-supervision of Prof. Domingos Fabiano de Santana Souza. He received a scholarship from the Carrefour Brasil Group to support this work. He also earned a Master’s degree in Textile Engineering from UFRN in 2019. His thesis examined the photodegradation properties and impact performance of non-Newtonian fluids impregnated in Kevlar® fabrics, guided by Prof. José Ivan de Medeiros and co-advised by Professors Fernando Ribeiro Oliveira and Marcos Silva de Aquino, with scholarship support from CNPq. Thiago completed his Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering at UFRN in 2017, with a final project on the mechanical properties of 100% cotton yarns modified with DBD plasma and sizing treatments, under the supervision of Prof. Michelle Cequeira Feitor. His early education was completed at various schools in Brazil, including Almirante Tamandaré State School and João Guió Municipal School.

💼Experience

In 2019, Thiago was approved in a public competition as a substitute professor in the area of Textile Chemistry at the Department of Textile Engineering (DET/CT) at UFRN. His role contributed to academic development and research in textile sciences and materials engineering, aligning with his strong background in chemical and textile engineering.

🔬Research Focus

Thiago’s primary research interests lie in advanced textile materials, renewable energy integration in fabrics, shear thickening fluids, ballistic and impact-resistant materials, and photodegradation behavior in engineered composites. His work bridges engineering, material science, and applied chemistry with strong interdisciplinary relevance to safety, sustainability, and performance textiles.

🛠️Skills

Thiago possesses expertise in experimental and mathematical modeling of textile systems, high-performance fabric design, fluid-material interactions, and the application of non-Newtonian fluids in protective fabrics. He is skilled in using engineering tools for material characterization and has experience in academic instruction and applied industrial research.

🏆Awards

In 2019, Thiago won two regional championships at the INOVA SENAI competition organized by FIERN-SENAI. He secured 1st place in both the “Projects with Anchor Companies” category and the “Project Searching for Partners” category. Additionally, he was listed as a CAPES scholarship recipient in the PPGET master’s program and was recognized for his academic achievements by being selected as a substitute professor at UFRN in the same year.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Investigation of Mechanical Properties of a Composite Material Supported with Nano Materials for Manufacturing Prosthetic Socket
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Mechanics

     

  • Title: Corrigendum to “Characterization of renewable material from biowaste: Waste Albizia lebbeck leaves biomass-based bioplasticizer for futuristic applications”
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(1)

  • Title: Design of Experiments and Statistical Approach on Tensile Properties of Simple-Pique Fabrics for Potential Use in Composite Reinforcement
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Sustainable Materials and Technologies

     

  • Title: Finite Element Analysis for Aluminium Alloy 7075-T6 Subjected to the Bending-Torsional Variable Phase of Fatigue Loading
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Mechanics

Conclusion:

Mr. Thiago Santos continues to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable technologies and high-performance textile applications. His work reflects a commitment to scientific excellence, practical innovation, and societal impact.

Kevin OShea | Environmental Science | Outstanding Contribution Award

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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

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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.

Saad Mohallel | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saad Mohallel | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saad Mohallel, Desert Research Center, Egypt

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saad Mohallel is a groundwater expert at the Desert Research Center, Egypt, specializing in hydrogeology, geomorphology, and hydrology. With extensive experience in groundwater studies, he has led field research on desert water resources, stable isotope analysis, and aquifer recharge mechanisms. He has contributed to 16 scientific research projects and has expertise in data interpretation for sustainable water management. His work plays a crucial role in understanding groundwater dynamics in arid regions.

Profile

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Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saad Mohallel is a leading expert in groundwater studies, with a strong research portfolio and significant contributions to desert hydrology. His work plays a vital role in water sustainability and environmental conservation, making him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

Saad Ahmed Mohallel has a strong academic background in groundwater studies, hydrogeology, and environmental sciences. His education has provided him with the expertise needed to analyze desert hydrology, geomorphology, and geological formations. His academic training has equipped him with advanced knowledge in stable isotope analysis and groundwater recharge mechanisms.

💼Experience

As an Associate Professor at the Desert Research Center in Egypt, Saad Ahmed Mohallel has extensive experience in groundwater studies and data interpretation in desert environments. He has led numerous scientific field trips, recording field observations and conducting measurements related to geomorphology, geology, and hydrology. His expertise extends to the interpretation of stable isotope data, which is crucial for understanding groundwater aquifers’ age and recharge sources. He has also contributed to 16 scientific research projects, further strengthening his impact in the field of desert hydrology.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily revolves around groundwater studies, including hydrogeology, geomorphology, and hydrology. He specializes in stable isotope analysis to determine groundwater recharge sources and ages. He has been involved in 16 scientific research projects, contributing significantly to desert hydrology and water resource management.

🛠️Skills

His skill set includes hydrogeological data analysis, field research techniques, geomorphological assessments, groundwater recharge evaluation, and stable isotope data interpretation. He is proficient in conducting scientific surveys and analyzing hydrological systems to support sustainable water management.

🏆Awards

Saad Ahmed Mohallel has been nominated for an international award in soil science, reflecting his contributions to groundwater research and desert hydrology. His research and consultancy efforts have had a notable impact on scientific understanding and water resource management in arid environments.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Recharge Sources and Hydrogeochemical Evolution of the Groundwater in the Quaternary Aquifer El Gallaba Plain, Southwestern Desert, Egypt
    Authors: S.A. Sharawey, S.A. Mohallel, Saad Ahmed, E.A. Mohamed, Essam A.
    Journal: Egyptian Journal of Chemistry
    Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saad Mohallel is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His work is essential for addressing critical water resource challenges in arid regions, and with continued advancements, he can further enhance his global research influence.

Sony Baral | Ecology | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Sony Baral | Ecology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Sony Baral, Institute of Forestry Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Dr. Sony Baral is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. She holds a Ph.D. in Green Economy from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in forestry policy, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and climate change. She has worked with organizations like UNDP, IUCN, and UN Women, contributing to policy development, research, and project implementation. Dr. Baral has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and technical reports and has received multiple research grants and scholarships. Her expertise includes green economy, natural resource management, policy analysis, and academic leadership.

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Summary:

Dr. Sony Baral is a distinguished researcher and academic leader in forestry, green economy, and climate change policy. Her extensive publication record, leadership roles, and international collaborations position her as a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her research has made significant contributions to policy formulation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest management, demonstrating both academic and practical impact.

 

🎓 Education

Sony Baral holds a Ph.D. in Green Economy from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria, completed with distinction. She earned her Master of Science in Mountain Forestry with a specialization in environmental economics from the same university, where she secured the first position. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry from Tribhuvan University, Institute of Forestry, Nepal, passing in First Division.

💼Experience

Dr. Baral is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean at the Institute of Forestry, Tribhuvan University, Nepal, responsible for research coordination, policy formulation, Ph.D. program management, and academic excellence enhancement. She previously served as a Member of the City Planning Commission, Pokhara Metropolitan City, and worked with UNDP Nepal as a Policy and Institutional Analyst for Biodiversity Finance. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked with international organizations such as IUCN, UN Women, and ANSAB, contributing to policy development, green economy, impact assessment, and participatory research. She has also been a visiting faculty at several institutions and has led major projects on forest management, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.

 

🔬Research Focus

Her research encompasses forestry policy, green economy, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, climate change, and natural resource management. She has conducted extensive studies on forest carbon assessment, policy analysis, wetlands restoration, and socio-ecological resilience. She has authored more than two dozen peer-reviewed articles in national and international scientific journals and contributed to technical reports and policy briefs.

 

Awards

She has received multiple competitive scholarships, including the North-South Dialogues Scholarship for her Ph.D. and M.Sc. studies in Austria, as well as a DANIDA Fellowship for her undergraduate studies. She was also awarded a Postdoctoral Scholarship from the Institute of Silviculture, BOKU University. Her research has been supported by grants from Tribhuvan University, SANDEE/ICIMOD, the Australian Impact Fund, the University Grant Commission, and the Koshi Province Ecosystem Services Assessment Grant. She has also secured funding for international conferences, including IUFRO and FLARE.

 

Skills

Dr. Baral possesses expertise in research methodology, project management, policy formulation, strategic planning, GIS applications, statistical analysis (SPSS, R studio), ecosystem modeling, and scientific writing. She has strong networking and collaboration skills and has played a key role in capacity-building initiatives, faculty development, and academic policy formulation.

 

Publications

 

  • Forest restoration efficiency: A comparative analysis of collectively vs. individually managed forests in Nepal

    • Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    • Year: 2025

 

  • The economics of forest restoration: A cost-effectiveness analysis of the leasehold forestry programme in Nepal

    • Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    • Year: 2025

 

  • Growth dynamics of Shorea robusta Gaertn in relation to climate change: A case study from tropical region of Nepal

    • Journal: Trees
    • Year: 2022

 

  • Erratum: Form Factors of an Economically Valuable Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) of Nepal

    • Journal: Forests
    • Year: 2020

 

  • Form Factors of an Economically Valuable Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) of Nepal

    • Journal: Forests
    • Year: 2020

 

  • Factors Affecting Fuelwood Consumption and CO2 Emissions: An Example from a Community-Managed Forest of Nepal

    • Journal: Energies
    • Year: 2019

 

  • A Total Economic Valuation of Wetland Ecosystem Services: Evidence from Jagadishpur Ramsar Site, Nepal

    • Journal: The Scientific World Journal
    • Year: 2016

Conclusion:

Based on her credentials, contributions, and leadership in environmental research, Dr. Sony Baral is a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. While she already possesses an impressive research and leadership portfolio, further increasing her research visibility, industry collaborations, and gender-focused initiatives in forestry could further strengthen her application. Her work exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher dedicated to sustainable development and climate resilience.