Le Jiao | Soil Quality | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Le Jiao | Soil Quality | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Le Jiao, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, China

Dr. Le Jiao is an Assistant Researcher at the Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, China. Her research focuses on soil environmental monitoring technologies and the analysis of agricultural pollution sources. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Beijing Normal University, Dr. Jiao has published extensively on topics such as heavy metal contamination, biochar remediation, and ecological risk assessment. She also serves on the youth editorial board of Agricultural Environment and Sustainability, contributing to advancements in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Le Jiao is a dedicated environmental scientist making substantial contributions to the understanding and mitigation of agricultural pollution. Her applied research is both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant, particularly in addressing soil contamination using innovative remediation technologies. Her publication record, technical skills, and institutional affiliation position her as a promising and impactful researcher in the field.

🎓 Education

Le Jiao holds a Doctoral degree in Environmental Science from Beijing Normal University (2016–2022). Prior to that, Jiao earned a Master’s degree in Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control (2011–2014) and a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection (2007–2011), both from Shandong Agricultural University.

💼Experience

Le Jiao currently serves as an Assistant Researcher in the Agriculture Environment Monitoring and Early Warning Innovation Team at the Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. Jiao began this role in July 2022 and has since contributed to national efforts in agricultural environmental monitoring and pollution analysis.

🔬Research Focus

Le Jiao’s research primarily focuses on developing and applying technologies for monitoring soil environmental health and analyzing pollution sources in agriculture. This includes studying the remediation of contaminated soils using biochar, the ecological risks of heavy metals, and the application of machine learning models in predicting soil contamination. Jiao also explores plant-pollinator dynamics and plant population ecology in response to habitat changes and soil feedback, contributing to both agricultural sustainability and ecosystem conservation.

🛠️Skills

Jiao’s expertise spans soil environmental monitoring technologies, source analysis of agricultural pollution, ecological modeling, and the application of biochar in soil remediation. The work demonstrates a strong command of field-based data collection, machine learning techniques for pollution prediction, and plant-soil ecological interactions.

🏆Awards

While the resume does not list formal awards, Jiao’s appointment to the youth editorial board of the journal “Agricultural Environment and Sustainability” reflects recognition within the academic community.

📚 Publications

Title: Ecological risk evaluation of heavy metals based on hyperspectral: a case study of rice paddy soil in Xiangtan County, China
Authors: Tsogtbaatar, Undrakhtsetseg; Huo, Lili; Jiao, Le; Dalantai, Sainbayar; An, Yi; Batsaikhan, Bayartungalag; Jugnee, Unurnyam; Natsagdorj, Boldbaatar; Batsaikhan, Tsogtjargal; Munkhchuluun, Baasantsog
Year: 2025
Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Conclusion:

Dr. Le Jiao is highly suitable for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her achievements in environmental monitoring, sustainable agriculture, and ecological modeling represent the qualities celebrated by this award. With continued growth in research leadership and international visibility, she is poised to become a leading figure in agro-environmental sciences.

Alassane Boukari soumaila | Soil Remediation | Soil Remediation Innovation Award

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Dr. Alassane Boukari soumaila | Soil Remediation | Soil Remediation Innovation Award

Dr. Alassane Boukari Soumaila, Institut National Polytechnique FELIX HOUPHOUET BOIGNY, Ivory Coast

Dr. Alassane Boukari Soumaila is a PhD-Engineer in Environmental Management from the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny (INP-HB), Côte d’Ivoire. His expertise spans environmental impact assessments, mine site rehabilitation, and environmental auditing. With a strong background in mining and environmental sciences, he has contributed to research on soil and water pollution from gold mining in West Africa. Dr. Soumaila is a published researcher, scientific trainer, and recipient of the U7+ Student Challenge Prize in Canada. He is also actively involved in academic networks and international workshops focused on sustainable mining and environmental governance.

Profile

Orcid

Summary:

Dr. Alassane Boukari Soumaila is a dynamic environmental researcher whose work in mining site assessment and soil contamination in West Africa is scientifically rigorous and socially relevant. His academic foundation, real-world engagement, and regional leadership in research make him a strong contender for the Soil Remediation Innovation Award. His research contributes valuable data and analysis critical for developing sustainable soil remediation strategies in post-mining environments.

🎓 Education

Alassane Boukari Soumaila holds a PhD in Environmental Management from the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire (2020–2024). He earned an Integrated Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey (2018–2019), and previously completed an Engineering degree in Mining and Environmental Studies at the School of Mining, Industry and Geology (EMIG), Niamey (2015–2017). He also holds a Senior Oilfield Technician certificate (2015–2016) and a Bachelor’s degree in Bio-Geoscience and Environment from Abdou Moumouni University (2012–2015).

💼Experience

He has served in various capacities including Environmental Manager at UBO GAZ (2020–2021), Health, Safety and Environment Manager with NGO GVD Africa (2019–2020), and intern in occupational safety at SORAZ Refinery (2018). His engineering internships include roles at SOMAÏR, focusing on optimization of sulfuric acid use in uranium ore treatment and on-site safety management. Additionally, he co-founded Cabinet Plead in Niger to mentor students and professionals in scientific and documentary research. From 2021 to 2023, he served as the Communications Secretary for the PhD student network at INP-HB and completed his National Civic Service in the Ministry of Mines in Niger.

🔬Research Focus

His research interests lie in post-mining environmental impacts, soil contamination by trace metals, and environmental monitoring. He has contributed to environmental assessments of gold mining impacts on water and soil in Guinea and Niger. Notable published works include studies on the Komabangou gold mining area and groundwater impacts in Kiniéro. He was awarded the U7+ 3rd Prize in Ottawa, Canada in 2023, and is a laureate of the Eugen Ionescu AUF scholarship in Romania.

🛠️Skills

Alassane specializes in environmental impact assessments, environmental auditing, waste management, health and safety, and scientific research training. He is skilled in software such as Microsoft Office, XLStat, Origin, and Surpac. His personal strengths include thoroughness, team spirit, dynamism, and strong communication.

🏆Awards

Alassane has actively participated in international symposia and workshops across Canada, Romania, Morocco, France, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. These include the “Mining the Connections” Conference (Morocco, 2024), EUR TESS School on Spectral Measurements (Côte d’Ivoire, 2022), and the Journées Scientifiques du CAMES (Senegal, 2023). He has also contributed papers on eco-materials and mining restoration efforts.

📚 Publications

  1. Title: Kinetics of Potentially Toxic Elements Decontamination of Soil at Komabangou Gold Mine Using Indigenous Plants
    Author: Soumaila Alassane Boukari
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Results in Engineering

  2. Title: Morphological and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Soils from Gold Panning in Komabangou, Niger
    Author: Soumaila Alassane Boukari
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Key Engineering Materials

     

  3. Title: Contents of Metallic Elements and Pollution Parameters in the Soil of Komabangou Gold Mining Area in Niger
    Author: Soumaila Alassane Boukari
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Journal of Materials and Environmental Science

Conclusion:

Dr. Soumaila’s experience and contributions position him well for the award, especially given his commitment to environmental impact studies in challenging contexts. With additional emphasis on active remediation innovation and broader dissemination of his findings, he could emerge as a leading voice in soil remediation science on the African continent and beyond.

Sivaranjani S | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sivaranjani S | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sivaranjani S, G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, India

Dr. Sivaranjani S is a Scientist-C at the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, North East Regional Centre, India. She holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, with expertise in carbon sequestration and nutrient dynamics. With a strong academic foundation, including a Gold Medal in M.Sc. Agriculture (Soil and Water Conservation) from Banaras Hindu University, her research focuses on forest soil health, climate adaptation, and sustainable land management in the Indian Himalayan Region. Dr. Sivaranjani has contributed to numerous national and international projects and publications, earning multiple awards for her scientific excellence.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Sivaranjani S is a dedicated and impactful researcher whose work is helping shape our understanding of soil respiration and its environmental drivers in the Himalayan region. Her contributions to ecological modeling and climate-soil interaction studies are well-recognized and align closely with the objectives of the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work not only advances scientific understanding but also aids in conservation planning and sustainable ecosystem management.

🎓 Education

Dr. Sivaranjani S holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the Forest Research Institute (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, with a specialization in carbon sequestration and nutrient dynamics across various vegetation covers. She earned her M.Sc. in Agriculture (Soil and Water Conservation) from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, where she secured a Gold Medal with an impressive 88.90%. She also completed her B.Sc. (Agriculture) from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University with a strong academic record of 84%.

💼Experience

Currently serving as Scientist C at the G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, North East Regional Centre, Dr. Sivaranjani brings a robust research background in soil health and ecosystem-based climate adaptation. Her previous roles include serving as a Research Associate at FRI and as a DST-INSPIRE Fellow, during which she made impactful contributions to forest soil research and conservation strategies. She has participated as Co-Principal Investigator in six significant national and regional research projects focusing on environmental impact, forest fire effects, and social assessments for hydroelectric projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Sivaranjani’s research primarily focuses on soil science, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land management in the fragile ecosystems of the Indian Himalayan Region. Her doctoral work contributed to a deeper understanding of forest soil carbon dynamics under various vegetation types. Currently, her research supports climate adaptation and biodiversity resilience through ecosystem-based approaches. She has also contributed to the national preparation of forest soil health cards and continues to integrate scientific research with conservation-oriented field implementation.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Sivaranjani is skilled in soil carbon modeling, agroforestry, water quality assessment, nutrient management, and forest ecosystem analysis. Her expertise spans various domains including ecological monitoring, environmental impact assessment, and sustainable agricultural systems. She has authored or co-authored over 25 research articles in reputed journals, published one book, and contributed to eight book chapters. She serves as a reviewer for journals such as Scientific Reports and Soil Science, and is affiliated with professional bodies including the National Institute of Ecology and the British Ecological Society.

🏆Awards

Dr. Sivaranjani has received several accolades for her academic and research excellence. These include the “Young Researcher Award 2021” from the Institute of Scholars (InSC), Bangalore, and a travel grant from the British Ecological Society to present at the XXII Dokuchaev International Scientific Conference in Russia, where she also won second prize in oral presentation. Additionally, she secured third prize in a poster presentation at the Summit on Climate Resilient Mountain Agriculture, received the DST-INSPIRE Fellowship during her Ph.D., and was awarded a Gold Medal for topping her M.Sc. program. She has also won a Best Paper Award at an international agricultural conference and earned academic accolades as early as 2005 through a state-level science talent search.

📚 Publications

Title:
Modeling soil respiration: Seasonal variability and drivers in pine and broad-leaved forests of the lower Himalayas

Authors:
Sivaranjani, S.; Sarkar, Mriganka Shekhar; Panwar, Vijender Pal; Mishra, Arun Pratap; Rathnayake, Upaka Sanjeewa

Year:
2025

Journal:
Trees, Forests and People

Conclusion:

Dr. Sivaranjani is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. Her research demonstrates scientific excellence, societal relevance, and a strong foundation for future contributions to environmental science. With continued growth in collaborative and interdisciplinary dimensions, she is poised to be a leading figure in Himalayan ecosystem research and environmental sustainability.

Nafiseh Kakhani | Soil Mapping | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Nafiseh Kakhani | Soil Mapping | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nafiseh Kakhani, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany

Dr. Nafiseh Kakhani is a researcher and lecturer at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Germany, specializing in Earth observation, remote sensing, and machine learning. She holds a PhD in Remote Sensing Engineering from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, where she focused on spectral-spatial classification of high-resolution multispectral images. Her research interests include AI-driven geospatial analysis, explainable machine learning, digital soil mapping, and land cover classification. She has extensive experience in deep learning, computer vision, and statistical modeling for environmental applications. Dr. Kakhani has received prestigious awards, including the Best Poster Award at the 2023 IEEE IADF-GRSS School, and has published widely in her field.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Kakhani is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her innovative contributions to explainable AI applications in soil science. Her interdisciplinary research and ability to integrate AI-driven approaches into environmental studies make her work highly relevant and impactful. She has contributed significantly to understanding soil organic carbon dynamics, a crucial factor in climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture.

🎓 Education

Nafiseh Kakhani holds a PhD in Remote Sensing Engineering from K N Toosi University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, where she specialized in spectral-spatial classification of high-resolution multispectral images using segmentation methods. She completed her MSc in Remote Sensing Engineering from the same university, focusing on integrating neural networks and fuzzy systems to improve classification methods in hyperspectral images. She earned her BSc in Geomatics and Geodesy Engineering from the University of Isfahan, where she developed a statistical classification method for Multi-Beam Echo Sounder data.

💼Experience

She is currently an Earth Observation and Machine Learning Scientist at The LandBanking Group GmbH in Munich, where she applies machine learning techniques to environmental monitoring and land assessment. Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer at the University of Tübingen, where she conducted research in remote sensing and taught courses on deep learning, photogrammetry, and the fundamentals of remote sensing. She has also worked at the Iranian Space Agency, focusing on remote sensing sensor calibration and spectral library preparation. Additionally, she has mentored Master’s students in GIS, remote sensing, and machine learning and has been a guest speaker at international workshops and conferences.

🔬Research Focus

Her research focuses on computer vision for Earth observation, explainable machine learning, deep learning, statistical machine learning, pattern recognition, and Earth system science. She has worked extensively on AI-driven geospatial analysis, digital soil mapping, land cover classification, and the development of deep learning frameworks for remote sensing applications.

🛠️Skills

She is proficient in Python, using libraries such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn, as well as MATLAB and JavaScript for Google Earth Engine applications. She has expertise in geospatial software, including ArcGIS, QGIS, ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE, and Agisoft Metashape. She is experienced in cloud computing platforms such as Google Cloud, AWS, and Tübingen ML Cloud, enabling her to process large-scale remote sensing datasets efficiently.

🏆Awards

She received the Best Poster Award at the 2023 IEEE IADF-GRSS School for her work on SoilNet, a spatio-temporal deep learning framework for digital soil mapping. She was a top-ranked graduate student in both her MSc and BSc programs and was admitted to her MSc without an entrance exam, a privilege reserved for exceptional students in Iran.

📚 Publications

Publication: Towards Explainable AI: Interpreting Soil Organic Carbon Prediction Models Using a Learning-Based Explanation Method

Authors: N. Kakhani, R.T. Mehrjardi, D. Omarzadeh, U. Heiden, T.J. Scholten

Journal: European Journal of Soil Science

Year: 2025

Conclusion:

Dr. Nafiseh Kakhani is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there is always room for further growth, her expertise and achievements in applying AI to soil science place her among the leading researchers in this field.