Maryam Bayatvarkeshi | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Maryam Bayatvarkeshi | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Maryam Bayatvarkeshi | University of Waterloo | Canada

Maryam Bayatvarkeshi is a researcher at the University of Waterloo, Canada, specializing in water science, hydrology, and environmental sustainability. She holds dual Ph.D. degrees in Geography–Water from the University of Waterloo and in Agricultural Hydrology from Bu-Ali Sina University. Her research focuses on hydroclimatic processes, peatland restoration, and sustainable irrigation practices, integrating field measurements with modeling approaches. She has teaching and research experience in both Iran and Canada, with expertise spanning hydrology, GIS, water resource management, and environmental data analysis. Recognized with awards such as the RBC Water Scholars Graduate Entrance Scholarship and best thesis and presentation honors, she continues to contribute to advancing water and environmental sciences through research, teaching, and professional service.

Profile

Google Scholar 

Summary

Dr. Bayatvarkeshi has established herself as a promising researcher with a strong foundation in soil-water science, hydrology, and environmental sustainability. Her academic excellence, publication record, and international teaching experience highlight her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a track record of recognition and an expanding research portfolio, she is well-placed to make continued contributions to both science and society.

Education

Dr. Maryam Bayatvarkeshi holds dual doctoral degrees, one in Geography–Water from the University of Waterloo with a research emphasis on hydroclimatic influences of seismic line disturbances, and another in Agricultural Hydrology from Bu-Ali Sina University, where she studied nitrogen-nano fertilizer effects on nitrate movement in soil. She also earned her master’s degree in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering at Bu-Ali Sina University with a focus on applying Neuro-Fuzzy inference systems and artificial neural networks for estimating crop evapotranspiration, following a bachelor’s degree in Water Engineering from the same institution. In addition, she has received specialized training in pedagogy with a Certificate in University Teaching from the University of Waterloo.

Experience

Dr. Bayatvarkeshi has served as an assistant professor at the University of Malayer, where she taught a range of hydrology, irrigation, meteorology, and water resource management courses. She has continued her teaching journey in Canada as a sessional instructor and teaching assistant at the University of Waterloo, covering topics from map design and applied statistics to hydroclimatology, urban stormwater management, and geographic information systems. She also works as a tutor at Varsity Tutors, teaching statistics to undergraduate and graduate students. Her research assistantship roles at the University of Waterloo include projects on the socio-economic impacts of mining in Africa and on Canadian peatland carbon stocks and greenhouse gas exchanges.

Research Focus

Dr. Bayatvarkeshi’s research interests bridge water science, hydrology, and environmental sustainability. Her work emphasizes hydroclimatic dynamics, peatland restoration, sustainable irrigation practices, and the impacts of land-use changes on water and nutrient movement. She is particularly interested in integrating field measurements with modeling approaches to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, agricultural sustainability, and ecosystem restoration.

Skills

Dr. Bayatvarkeshi has strong expertise in hydrology, irrigation and drainage systems, water resource management, geographic information systems, hydroclimatology, and remote sensing. She has hands-on field experience in deploying meteorological stations, conducting snow surveys, and measuring hydrological components in both peatland and agricultural systems. In addition, she is skilled in environmental data modeling, statistical analysis, and integrating artificial intelligence approaches in agricultural and water sciences.

Awards

Her academic excellence has been recognized with multiple honors, including the prestigious RBC Water Scholars Graduate Entrance Scholarship at the University of Waterloo, the best oral presentation award at the Environment Graduate Students Association conference, and the best thesis award in a national competition in Iran for Agriculture and Natural Resources. She has consistently ranked among the top students throughout her academic career, holding second position in her bachelor’s program and first position in both her master’s and doctoral studies.

Publications

  • Groundwater level prediction using machine learning models: A comprehensive review
    Authors: H Tao, M M Hameed, H A Marhoon, M Zounemat-Kermani, S Heddam, M Bayatvarkeshi, …
    Journal: Neurocomputing

  • Effects of slow-release fertilizers on nitrate leaching, its distribution in soil profile, N-use efficiency, and yield in potato crop
    Authors: H Zareabyaneh, M Bayatvarkeshi
    Journal: Environmental Earth Sciences

  • Performance evaluation of ANN and ANFIS models for estimating garlic crop evapotranspiration
    Authors: H Z Abyaneh, A M Nia, M B Varkeshi, S Marofi, O Kisi
    Journal: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering

  • Modeling soil temperature using air temperature features in diverse climatic conditions with complementary machine learning models
    Authors: M Bayatvarkeshi, S K Bhagat, K Mohammadi, O Kisi, M Farahani, …
    Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture

  • Soil temperature estimation using an artificial neural network and co-active neuro-fuzzy inference system in two different climates
    Authors: H Zare Abyaneh, M Bayat Varkeshi, G Golmohammadi, K Mohammadi
    Journal: Arabian Journal of Geosciences

  • Forecasting nitrate concentration in groundwater using artificial neural network and linear regression models
    Authors: A Zare, V Bayat, A Daneshkare
    Journal: International Agrophysics

  • Determination of water requirement, single and dual crop coefficient of garlic (‘Allium sativum’) in the cold semi-arid climate
    Authors: H Z Abyaneh, M B Varkeshi, A Ghasemi, S Marofi, R A Chayjan
    Journal: Australian Journal of Crop Science

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Maryam Bayatvarkeshi embodies the qualities of an emerging global leader in soil and water sciences. Her demonstrated academic achievements, impactful research, and commitment to professional service make her highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. With further expansion of international collaborations and societal engagement, she has the potential to become an even more influential figure in advancing sustainable solutions for global water and environmental challenges.

Ana Barros | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Dr. Ana Barros | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Ana Barros | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | United States

Ana P. Barros is the Donald Biggar Willett Distinguished Chair of Engineering and Professor and Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States. Her research focuses on hydrology, hydrometeorology, and environmental physics, with pioneering contributions to AI and machine learning applications in precipitation, flood, and drought prediction. She is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of AGU, AMS, ASCE, and AAAS, recognized globally for advancing water-cycle science, extreme event forecasting, and climate resilience.

Profiles

Scopus

Orcid

Summary

Dr. Barros has made landmark contributions to hydrological and environmental sciences through innovative methodologies that integrate observational data, remote sensing, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence. Her leadership in research, academia, and international scientific organizations highlights her as a thought leader in climate change resilience, flood prediction, and water-cycle science.

Education

Dr Ana P Barros holds a PhD in Civil Engineering with a major in Hydrology and a minor in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington Seattle She earned an MSc in Environmental Science and Engineering from the Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology OHSU She also completed an MSc in Hydraulics with a specialization in Ocean Engineering from the University of Porto Portugal and obtained a Diploma in Civil Engineering with a double major in Structures and Hydraulics from the University of Porto Portugal.

Experience

Dr Barros is the Donald Biggar Willett Distinguished Chair of Engineering and Professor and Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign She is also the Founding Director of the Center for Secure Water at UIUC and a Fellow at NOAA CIROH Previously she served as the Edmund T Pratt Jr School Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Duke University where she also held roles as James L Meriam Professor and Professor of Earth and Ocean Sciences She has been on the faculty of Harvard University Penn State University and the University of Porto She has served in numerous leadership and advisory roles including the Space Studies Board the Water Science and Technology Board the Board of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate and the US National Committee for the UNESCO International Hydrology Program.

Research Focus

Dr Barros’s research is centered on climate change hydrology hydrometeorology and extreme event prediction with emphasis on multiscale water cycle processes and land atmosphere interactions She investigates orographic precipitation processes precipitation microphysics aerosol cloud precipitation dynamics vegetation soil water interactions and regional climate variability Her work integrates field and laboratory experimentation remote sensing computational and data driven modeling AI based forecasting and environmental sustainability solutions She is deeply engaged in advancing risk assessment tools for extreme precipitation floods and droughts and in developing strategies for climate change adaptation and resilient infrastructure.

Skills

Her expertise spans hydrology hydrometeorology and environmental physics with advanced skills in satellite based remote sensing computational modeling AI and machine learning applications and environmental informatics She is recognized for pioneering early AI and ML applications for precipitation flood and drought estimation as well as long lead forecasting She has strong skills in developing coupled AI and physical modeling frameworks for predicting extreme precipitation floods and drought risk in complex terrain regions.

Awards

Dr Barros is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union American Meteorological Society American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Association for the Advancement of Science She is a senior member of IEEE and has received major honors including the AIH Ray K Linsley Award the ASCE Ven Te Chow Award the Borland Hydrology Award the NASA Group Achievement Award the NASA Robert H Goddard Award the NSF CAREER Award and the NASA New Investigator Award She has also been recognized with the Lorenz G Straub Award the AMS Sigma Xi Distinguished Lectureship and the Prize Foundation A Almeida for top national student in Civil Engineering.

Publications

  • Toward optimal rainfall for flood prediction in headwater basins – improving soil moisture initialization to close the water budget within observational uncertainty
    Authors: Mochi Liao; Ana P. Barros
    Journal: Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies (2025)

  • Modeling Celerity‐Discharge Behavior and Riverbank Storage for Improving Flood Simulations in Headwater Basins
    Authors: Mochi Liao; Ana P. Barros
    Journal: Water Resources Research (2025)

  • Thank You to Our 2024 Reviewers
    Authors: Alberto Montanari; Ana Barros; Thorsten Becker; Marc Bierkens; Sharon Billings; M. Bayani Cardenas; Eric Davidson; Nicolas Gruber; Eileen Hofmann; Mary Hudson; et al.
    Journal: AGU Advances (2025)

  • Multi‐Physics Data Assimilation Framework for Remotely Sensed Snowpacks to Improve Water Prediction
    Authors: Prabhakar Shrestha; Ana P. Barros
    Journal: Water Resources Research (2025)

  • The role of root dynamics on the climate sensitivity of ecohydrological processes of over- and understory in a semi-arid groundwater-dependent ecosystem
    Authors: Qiyue Liu; Ana P. Barros
    Journal: Frontiers in Environmental Science (2024)

  • Thank You to Our 2023 Peer Reviewers
    Authors: Ana Barros; Thorsten Becker; M. Bayani Cardenas; Eric Davidson; Nicolas Gruber; Eileen Hofmann; Mary Hudson; Tissa Illangasekare; Sarah Kang; Alberto Montanari; et al.
    Journal: AGU Advances (2024)

  • Toward Building a Virtual Laboratory to Investigate Rainfall Microphysics at Process Scales
    Authors: Lihui Ji; Ana P. Barros
    Journal: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences (2024)

Conclusion

Dr. Ana P. Barros stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering scientific achievements, leadership in global hydrological research, and commitment to advancing knowledge for societal benefit strongly align with the award’s vision. While opportunities exist to strengthen cross-disciplinary engagement and policy translation, her impact on the field is both profound and far-reaching, making her highly deserving of this recognition.

Oliver Lowe | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Mr. Oliver Lowe | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Oliver Lowe, HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany

Mr. Oliver Löwe is a soil scientist at the HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Göttingen, Germany. He holds a Master of Geoscience with honors from Georg August University and has extensive experience in subsoil analysis, environmental geology, and soil contamination. Since 2020, he has been serving as a research assistant and lecturer in the Faculty of Resource Management, focusing on sustainable soil management and applied geosciences. In addition to his academic role, he works as an expert at the environmental office ARBOR revital, contributing to practical solutions in environmental protection and land assessment.

Profile

Scopus

orcid

Summary:

Mr. Oliver Löwe has developed a well-rounded profile that bridges academic research, practical field experience, and teaching. His work in developing mobile soil CO₂ measuring technologies contributes significantly to environmental monitoring and sustainable land management. His strengths in applied soil science and his balanced involvement in both academia and industry make him a commendable candidate.

🎓 Education

Oliver Löwe completed his secondary education at Elector Joachim Friedrich High School in Wolmirstedt between 2003 and 2010, earning his high school diploma. He went on to study Geosciences at Georg August University in Göttingen, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from 2011 to 2014. He continued his academic journey at the same university, completing a Master of Geoscience with honors from 2014 to 2017.

💼Experience

Oliver began his professional engagement in 2010 with community service at the Magdeburg Education Network. In 2014, he undertook an internship as a geologist at the Rainer Hartmann Society for Applied Biology and Geology mbH. His professional career progressed in 2017 when he joined Geotechnik Heiligenstadt GmbH as a geologist focusing on subsoil investigations. In 2019, he took on a broader role at Eurofins Umwelt Nord GmbH in Göttingen, specializing in both subsoil analysis and construction-related contaminants. Since 2020, Oliver has been serving as a research assistant in soil science at the Faculty of Resource Management at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Göttingen. In 2022, he expanded his responsibilities as a lecturer in the same field and faculty. In 2023, he additionally became an expert at the environmental office ARBOR revital in Halle.

🔬Research Focus

Oliver’s research focuses on soil science, with an emphasis on subsoil characteristics, soil contamination, and environmental sustainability. His academic work supports the Faculty of Resource Management, where he contributes to both research and instruction in soil-related topics.

🛠️Skills

Oliver possesses strong analytical and practical expertise in geosciences, soil science, subsoil assessment, and environmental contamination. His combined academic and professional background reflects capabilities in scientific research, teaching, geological fieldwork, and environmental consulting.

📚 Publications

Title:
Determination of soil CO₂ concentration with two newly developed mobile measuring devices

Authors:
Löwe, O., Thiers, O., Weltecke, K., Kurth, E. W., Gaertig, T.

Year:
2025

Journal:
Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science

Conclusion:

Mr. Oliver Löwe is a strong and deserving nominee for the Research for Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on publishing, international collaboration, and independent research leadership, he has the potential to become a leading figure in soil and environmental sciences.