Minhsuan Chen | Environmental | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Minhsuan Chen | Environmental | Research Excellence Award

Department of Environmental Engineering | Taiwan 

Minhsuan Chen is a dedicated environmental engineering researcher whose scholarly presence continues to expand through impactful contributions to waste valorization, sludge recycling, and sustainable resource recovery. With 84 citations, 83 citing documents, and 4 published documents, supported by a developing h-index of 3, his academic influence demonstrates both depth and growing recognition within the scientific community. Chen’s work integrates innovative approaches to circular economy frameworks, particularly emphasizing advanced strategies for organic waste conversion, heavy-metal behavior assessment, and bio-based energy applications. His publication portfolio reflects strong engagement with high-quality journals and collaborative environmental initiatives, reinforcing his commitment to bridging fundamental research and practical environmental solutions. The consistent citation performance derived from his studies illustrates how his findings are becoming essential references in discussions on sludge management, sustainable biofuel development, and integrated waste-recycling technologies. Minhsuan Chen’s research trajectory highlights a clear vision toward environmentally conscious engineering, supported by an evidence-based approach that continues to influence international scientific discourse. His growing scholarly metrics demonstrate both the relevance of his work and its increasing adoption by fellow researchers, positioning him as a promising contributor to advancements in sustainable environmental engineering.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Chen, M., Oshita, K., Mahzoun, Y., Takaoka, M., Fukutani, S., & Shiota, K. (2021). Survey of elemental composition in dewatered sludge in Japan. Science of the Total Environment, 752, 141857.

Chen, M., Oshita, K., Takaoka, M., & Shiota, K. (2022). Co-incineration effect of sewage sludge and municipal solid waste on the behavior of heavy metals by phosphorus. Waste Management, 152, 112–117.

Oleszek, S., Shiota, K., Chen, M., & Takaoka, M. (2022). Effective separation and recovery of manganese and potassium from biomass ash by solvent extraction. ACS Omega, 7(23), 20155–20164.

Chen, M., Oshita, K., & Takaoka, M. (2021). Feasibility study on the co-incineration of municipal solid waste and sewage sludge in Taiwan. Journal of Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Ser. G (Environmental Research).

Lidi Shi | Earth | Young Scientist Award

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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.

Gaelle Ndayizeye | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Gaelle Ndayizeye | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Gaelle Ndayizeye | University of Gottingen | Germany

Ms. Gaelle Ndayizeye has made significant research contributions in the areas of ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, and plant–microbe interactions, with a focus on sustainable natural resource management in Burundi and beyond. Her work as a research associate and PhD candidate at the University of Göttingen and her previous academic and research positions demonstrate her dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental and agricultural sciences. Her published research includes 7 scientific documents that have garnered 39 citations across 37 scholarly sources, reflecting a growing influence in her field, with an h-index of 1. Her professional affiliations with organizations such as the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Society for Conservation Biology further underline her commitment to global scientific collaboration and gender equity in science. Through her interdisciplinary research and international engagement, she continues to contribute meaningfully to ecological resilience, community-based conservation, and sustainable development initiatives.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Baumann, M., Duguma, D., Vögele, S., Wollni, M., Sun, P., Ndayizeye, G., & Fischer, J. (2025). Design principles for social-ecological research at the landscape scale applied to western Rwanda.

Md Suhag | Agroforestry | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Md Suhag | Agroforestry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Md Suhag | Gazipur Agricultural University | Bangladesh

Md. Suhag is an emerging researcher in Agroforestry and Environmental Science whose work focuses on sustainable crop production, soil fertility enhancement, and integrated land-use systems. He has published seven scientific papers in reputed international journals, contributing to advancing knowledge on alley cropping, multistoried agroforestry, and allelopathic interactions among tree species such as Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium, Eucalyptus, and Aonla. His research outputs collectively demonstrate strong methodological rigor, blending field experimentation with soil biochemical analysis to optimize productivity and sustainability. Suhag’s publications have earned growing academic recognition with two indexed documents, one citation, and an h-index of 1, reflecting the early but impactful trajectory of his scholarly engagement. He has also led three funded research projects as Principal Investigator and contributed as Co-Principal Investigator in another, addressing critical environmental and agricultural challenges in Bangladesh, including soil degradation, nutrient cycling, and crop yield optimization. His research initiatives exhibit strong interdisciplinary collaboration and practical relevance for agroecological innovation. Suhag’s academic excellence, demonstrated through top-ranking performance in his MS and BS (Ag) degrees, complements his active involvement in professional and institutional development, positioning him as a promising scholar committed to advancing sustainable agricultural systems and environmental stewardship.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Suhag, M., Ahamed, T., Das, A. K., Rahman, M. A., Rahman, M. M., & Miah, M. G. (2025). Leucaena-based alley cropping system: An approach for reclaiming degraded land, reducing the use of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer, and improving crop productivity. Nitrogen, 6(2), Article 25.

Gopal Ashok Gupta | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.Gopal Ashok Gupta | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Gopal Ashok Gupta | Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | India

Dr. Gopal Ashok Gupta is a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow at IIT Kanpur whose work integrates design engineering, air pollution control, and sustainable manufacturing technologies. His research focuses on developing innovative devices for emission mitigation and worker safety in industrial environments, addressing challenges such as aerosol filtration, heavy metal exposure, and hazardous particulate control. With 3 published journal articles, 26 citations, and an h-index of 2, his scholarly output demonstrates growing academic impact in the domains of clean air technology and green manufacturing. He has contributed several patents covering air filtration systems, emission control assemblies, and pollution mitigation tools, many of which are under review or filed for protection. His publications in reputed journals like npj Clean Air and International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing–Green Technology reflect his multidisciplinary approach combining materials science, mechanical design, and environmental engineering. Through his ongoing projects on industrial filter design and exposure risk analysis, Dr. Gupta’s research contributes significantly to sustainable industrial development, promoting safer and cleaner shop-floor environments. His work stands at the intersection of innovation and public health, advancing both environmental engineering solutions and occupational safety practices for industrial systems.

Profile : Scopus  

Featured Publications

Gupta, G. A., Singh, M., Ramkumar, J., Gupta, T., & Patil, S. (2024). Comprehensive analysis of heavy metal aerosol emissions and health risk from the electrical discharge machining process: A control and mitigation approach for green manufacturing. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing–Green Technology, 11, 1703–1729.

Christopher Eastoe | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Christopher Eastoe | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Christopher Eastoe | University of Arizona | Australia

Dr. Christopher J. Eastoe, a distinguished researcher in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona, has made significant contributions to the fields of hydrogeochemistry, isotope geochemistry, and mineral deposit studies. His work primarily focuses on the application of geological, light stable isotopes (S, Cl, C, O, H), and radiogenic isotopes (³H, ¹⁴C) to investigate hydrothermal ore deposits, sedimentary basins, groundwater systems, and atmospheric processes. Through advanced isotope and fluid inclusion techniques, he has enhanced the understanding of geochemical processes shaping Earth’s crust and fluid evolution in diverse geological settings. Dr. Eastoe’s research also emphasizes the development and quality assurance of sulfur and chlorine isotopic methodologies, which have become essential tools in modern geoscientific studies. His prolific scientific output includes 112 peer-reviewed documents, reflecting a sustained commitment to excellence in geochemical research and laboratory innovation. With a strong record of collaboration and mentorship, his scholarly influence is underscored by 3,191 citations across 2,290 referencing documents, demonstrating the global impact of his contributions to isotope geochemistry and environmental geoscience. His research legacy continues to guide new investigations in isotope applications for resource exploration and environmental assessment, solidifying his role as a leader in Earth science research.

Profiles: Scopus  | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Hibbs, B. J., Eastoe, C. J., & Merino, M. (2024). Issues of bias in groundwater quality data sets in an irrigated floodplain aquifer of variable salinity. Geosciences, 14(3), 66.

  • Eastoe, C. J. (2023). Isotope record of groundwater recharge mechanisms and climate change in southwestern North America. Applied Geochemistry, 153, 105604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2023.105604

  • Eastoe, C., Hibbs, B., Merino, M., & Dadakis, J. (2022). Origins of sulfate in groundwater and surface water of the Rio Grande floodplain, Texas, USA and Chihuahua, Mexico. Hydrology, 9(6), 95.

  • Gu, A., & Eastoe, C. J. (2021). The origins of sulfate in Cenozoic non-marine evaporites in the Basin-and-Range Province, southwestern North America. Geosciences, 11(11), 455.

  • Zamora, H. A., Eastoe, C. J., McIntosh, J. C., & Flessa, K. W. (2021). Groundwater origin and dynamics on the eastern flank of the Colorado River Delta, Mexico. Hydrology, 8(2), 80.

  • Callegary, J. B., Norman, L. M., Eastoe, C. J., Sankey, J. B., & Youberg, A. (2021). Preliminary assessment of carbon and nitrogen sequestration potential of wildfire-derived sediments stored by erosion control structures in forest ecosystems, Southwest USA. Air, Soil and Water Research, 14, 11786221211001768.

Saliha Ahmad | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Saliha Ahmad | Soil-Plant | Best Researcher Award

Saliha Ahmad | Case Western Reserve University | United States

Dr. Saliha Ahmad, a PhD candidate in Biology at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, Ohio), is an emerging researcher specializing in plant–microbe interactions, microbial ecology, and sustainable agriculture. Her scientific contributions focus on unraveling the mechanisms through which beneficial microbes enhance plant tolerance to environmental stress, combining molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field-based ecological approaches. She has co-authored 3 peer-reviewed publications, which have collectively received 125 citations across 123 documents, resulting in an h-index of 3—reflecting her growing impact in microbial and environmental sciences. Dr. Ahmad’s publications in high-quality journals such as Plant and Soil, Frontiers in Plant Science, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research explore microbial detoxification, biosorption, and plant–soil–microbe interactions. She is currently leading an innovative project supported by the Research Foundation of the American Rhododendron Society, aimed at developing microbiome-based bioinoculants (“Yogurt for your Plants”). Her strong command of molecular techniques, sequencing data analysis in R, and experimental design, coupled with awards like the Greer Memorial Conference Award (2024) and Oglebay Research Fund, highlight her excellence and potential as a future leader in sustainable plant–microbiome research.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Ali, B., Hafeez, A., Ahmad, S., Javed, M. A., et al. (2022). Bacillus thuringiensis PM25 ameliorates oxidative damage of salinity stress in maize via regulating growth, leaf pigments, antioxidant defense system, and stress-responsive gene expression. Frontiers in Plant Science.

Lakshmikanthan P | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lakshmikanthan P | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Lakshmikanthan P | Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Fourth Paradigm Institute | India

Dr. Lakshmikanthan P, Senior Scientist at CSIR-4PI, Bangalore, and Assistant Professor at AcSIR, is a distinguished environmental engineer and researcher with a strong academic and professional background. His research focuses on greenhouse gas measurement, climate change modeling, solid waste management, and sustainability engineering, contributing significantly to environmental forecasting and urban health risk assessment. He has published 25 peer-reviewed journal papers, along with several conference papers, technical articles, and book chapters, reflecting a consistent research output and collaborative engagement in the scientific community. His scholarly influence is underscored by 331 citations received from 291 documents, establishing a solid foundation of academic recognition. With an h-index of 11, Dr. Lakshmikanthan demonstrates both the quality and impact of his scientific contributions, particularly in waste management and landfill engineering. His pioneering work on landfill fire prevention, bioreactor performance, and methane estimation has guided practical advancements in environmental protection. As an active mentor, he supervises multiple Ph.D. and master’s students, nurturing the next generation of environmental researchers. Through his interdisciplinary expertise and impactful publications, Dr. Lakshmikanthan continues to advance sustainable solutions addressing critical challenges in environmental systems.

Profile:  Scopus

Featured Publications

Santhosh, L. G., & Lakshmikanthan, P. (2024, July 14). Quantification of methane emissions from municipal solid waste landfill using Land GEM model.

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda | Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa | Sri Lanka

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. She holds a PhD in Water Engineering and an MSc in Water Management from the University of South Australia. Her research focuses on sustainable water management, construction waste minimization, and innovative construction materials. With leadership experience as Head of the Civil Engineering Technology Division, she also serves as a mentor and student counsellor, contributing to academic growth and research excellence. She has published in leading journals, co-chaired international conferences, and actively collaborates to enhance research visibility and institutional capacity.

Profiles

Orcid

Google Scholar

Summary

Dr. Semananda combines expertise in civil engineering, water management, and sustainable construction with leadership roles in academia. Her publications address pressing global challenges such as water scarcity, urban agriculture, and sustainable construction practices. She also plays a pivotal role in supporting institutional research growth through collaborations, conference leadership, and mentoring.

Education

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda holds a PhD in Water Engineering and an MSc in Water Management from the University of South Australia. Her academic training blends civil engineering with advanced expertise in sustainable water resource management.

Experience

She serves as a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa, where she has also held leadership roles such as Head of the Civil Engineering Technology Division. She contributes to student development as a counsellor and mentor while playing an active role in guiding and strengthening academic research at her institution.

Research Focus

Her research is centered on construction waste management, sustainable water management, corrosion resistance in civil engineering materials, and innovative use of by-products such as rice husk ash in construction. She is particularly noted for her pioneering doctoral research on wicking bed technology, which advanced sustainable water management.

Skills

Her skills include research supervision, water management, sustainable construction practices, waste minimization, and academic leadership. She has expertise in corrosion studies of civil engineering materials, innovative construction materials such as rice husk ash and non-autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, and institutional research coordination, including DOI management and publication partnerships.

Awards

She has been recognized through appointments such as Co-Chair of the International Research Conference at ITUM in 2024 and 2025, editorial membership since 2019, and reviewer roles for MDPI journals. She has also contributed as a reviewer and guest editor, enhancing the visibility and impact of research at ITUM.

Publications

Estimation of Low Flow Statistics for Sustainable Water Resources Management in South Australia
Authors: Niranjani P. K. Semananda, Guna A. Hewa
Journal: Hydrology (MDPI), 2022

Assessing Reliability of Recycled Water in Wicking Beds for Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Authors: Niranjani P. K. Semananda, James D. Ward, Baden R. Myers
Journal: Earth (MDPI), 2021

Experimental Investigation of Wicking Bed Irrigation Using Shallow-Rooted Crops Grown under Glasshouse Conditions
Authors: N. P. K. Semananda, J. D. Ward, B. R. Myers
Journal: Irrigation Science (Springer), 2020

A Semi-Systematic Review of Capillary Irrigation: The Benefits, Limitations, and Opportunities
Authors: N. P. K. Semananda, J. D. Ward, B. R. Myers
Journal: Horticulturae (MDPI), 2018

Evaluating the Efficiency of Wicking Bed Irrigation Systems for Small-Scale Urban Agriculture
Authors: N. P. K. Semananda, J. D. Ward, B. R. Myers
Journal: Horticulturae (MDPI), 2016

Conclusion

Niranjani Premila Kumari Semananda demonstrates strong research capability, leadership, and institutional impact, making her a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With further expansion of her publication record and engagement in international collaborations, she has the potential to achieve even greater recognition in her field.

Haial Alkordi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Haial Alkordi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Haial Alkordi | Kuvempu University | India

Haial Alkordi is a geoscientist affiliated with Kuvempu University, India, specializing in geological sciences with a strong academic foundation and research experience in stratigraphy, petrology, and environmental geology. His work integrates field investigations with laboratory analyses to advance understanding of Earth’s processes and natural resource management.

Profile

Google Scholar

Summary

Haial Alkordi is an accomplished environmental and earth science researcher whose work blends geospatial technology with environmental hazard assessment. His applied research addresses critical issues affecting vulnerable regions, producing results that can guide mitigation strategies and policymaking. His academic achievements and technical expertise make him a competitive candidate for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of his scientific contributions and societal impact.

Education

Mr. Haial Alkordi holds a Master of Science in Geology from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, India under the Faculty of Science and Technology and graduated with an A+ grade demonstrating exceptional academic performance in the geosciences

Experience

He has been actively engaged in geological research and academic work applying advanced knowledge in Earth sciences through both field investigations and laboratory analysis and has contributed to projects involving geological data interpretation and environmental studies

Research Focus

His research centers on geological sciences with a particular focus on stratigraphy petrology and environmental geology integrating field observations with laboratory data to develop a deeper understanding of geological formations and natural processes

Skills

His expertise includes geological mapping and stratigraphic analysis petrological and mineralogical studies scientific data interpretation and preparation of technical reports along with strong capabilities in field surveying and sampling supported by analytical thinking and problem solving in geoscience applications

Awards

Mr. Alkordi earned academic recognition for excellence through the conferment of his Master of Science degree with A+ distinction reflecting his dedication and high-level achievement in geology

Publications

Title: Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Using Geospatial, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) Techniques – A Study of Wadi Habban Basin, Shabwah, Yemen
Authors: H. Al-kordi, A. Al-Amri
Journal: Results in Earth Sciences

Title: Flash Flood Susceptibility Mapping Using Geospatial and Analytical Hierarchy Process Modeling – A Study of Wadi Habban Basin, Shabwah, Yemen
Authors: H. Alkordi, A. Al-Amri

Conclusion

Given his strong track record in producing impactful, methodologically sound research with tangible real-world applications, Haial Alkordi is a suitable and deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on expanding the interdisciplinary reach and global dissemination of his work, he has the potential to make even greater contributions to environmental science and hazard management at both national and international levels.