Oliver Lowe | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

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

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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.

Workina Geleta | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Workina Geleta | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Working Geleta, Wollega university, Ethiopia

Mr. Workina Geleta is a Ph.D. candidate in Soil Science at Wollega University, Shambu Campus, Ethiopia. He holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Physics from Haramaya University and a B.Sc. in Applied Physics from Addis Ababa University. His research focuses on land use and land cover dynamics and their effects on soil physicochemical and hydraulic properties, particularly in the Arjo-Dhidhessa region of Western Ethiopia. He has published in peer-reviewed journals and actively contributes to soil and water conservation research. Mr. Geleta is fluent in English, Afaan Oromo, and Amharic.

Profile

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Summary:

Mr. Workina Geleta is a committed and capable researcher whose work is centered on soil science with tangible implications for environmental sustainability and land management. He meets the core eligibility and evaluation criteria for the Best Researcher Award, including academic merit, publication record, and relevance of research. His trajectory shows promising growth in the field.

🎓 Education

Workina Geleta Likkasa is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Soil Science at Wollega University, Shambu Campus, Ethiopia, since 2021. He holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Physics from Haramaya University, completed between 2013 and 2015. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics from Addis Ababa University, where he studied from 2008 to 2010.

💼Experience

Workina Geleta is affiliated with the Department of Soil Resource and Watershed Management at Wollega University, Shambu Campus. He has been involved in both academic teaching and field research. His professional experience includes advanced research on soil properties, land use, and environmental physics, contributing to soil and water conservation practices.

🔬Research Focus

His current doctoral research focuses on the dynamics of land use and land cover and their effects on soil physicochemical and hydraulic properties at Arjo-Dhidhessa Sugar Estate in Western Ethiopia. His Master’s thesis evaluated the physical water quality of ground and tap water in Guduru Woreda, Western Ethiopia. He has also presented a seminar on organic carbon stock and soil quality in Ethiopia.

🛠️Skills

He has completed additional short-term training in computer and data management in Ethiopia and a 60-hour course in Experimental Statistics (SAS) at Jimma University between May and June 2015. He is fluent in English, Afaan Oromo, and Amharic, with strong skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing across all three languages.

🏆Awards

His active engagement in research publication, ongoing doctoral studies, and participation in professional seminars highlight his academic commitment and recognition in the field of soil science and environmental research.

📚 Publications


Title: Investigating the Effects of Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Factory on Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics: A Case of Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Estate, East Wallaga, Oromia, Western, Ethiopia
Author: Workina Geleta
Year: 2025
Journal: Applied and Environmental Soil Science


Title: Exploring the Influence of Land Use Types on Soil Properties at Arjo‐Dhidhessa Sugar Estate, Western Ethiopia
Author: Workina Geleta
Year: 2024
Journal: Applied and Environmental Soil Science

Conclusion:

Mr. Workina Geleta is suitable for nomination for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His strengths in applied soil science research, academic progression, and publication record make him a strong candidate. To further strengthen his case in the future, expanding his research collaborations, documenting community impact, and pursuing recognition from professional bodies is recommended.

Sivaranjani S | Soil Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

Hong Zheng | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hong Zheng | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Hong Zheng, Beijing University of Technology, china

Prof. Hong Zheng is a distinguished professor at Beijing University of Technology, China, and a leading expert in computational geomechanics. With a Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, his work has resolved major challenges in geotechnical modeling and has been applied to significant projects like the Three Gorges Dam. A recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, Prof. Zheng has published nearly 100 SCI papers, authored a technical book, and holds multiple patents. His contributions have been integrated into academic curricula and international engineering standards.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Hong Zheng stands out as a dedicated and accomplished researcher with substantial contributions to his field. His expertise, leadership, and influence within the academic community make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work continues to inspire innovation and collaboration, positioning him at the forefront of research developments.

🎓 Education

Professor Hong Zheng graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern University in 1985. He continued at the same institution to complete his master’s degree in solid mechanics in 1988. In 2000, he earned his Ph.D. in engineering mechanics from the Graduate University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

💼Experience

Professor Zheng is currently a professor at Beijing University of Technology and holds the title of Beijing Scholar. Between 1995 and 2001, he collaborated with Professor C.F. Lee at the University of Hong Kong. In addition to his academic role, he has led numerous research and consultancy projects, including major initiatives such as the Three Gorges Project.

🔬Research Focus

His primary research area is computational geomechanics, with particular emphasis on the continuous-discontinuous approach in geotechnical mechanics. His work has addressed longstanding challenges in computational mechanics and has significantly influenced the development of textbooks, industry standards, and commercial software applications.

🛠️Skills

Professor Zheng is highly skilled in engineering numerical analysis and computational mechanics. His accomplishments include authoring nearly 100 SCI-indexed journal articles, publishing a technical book (ISBN 978-7-03-072442-7), and contributing to six patents. His expertise also extends to editing academic journals and participating in two professional societies.

🏆Awards

Professor Zheng is a recipient of the prestigious National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars. His professional contributions and research achievements have gained significant recognition in both national and international academic communities.

📚 Publications

Title: Evaluation of initial geostress field of underground powerhouse in the complex alteration area of western Sichuan based on back-propagation neural network method
Authors: Zheng, Hong; Cao, Shiqi; Jiang, Quan; Xu, Dingping; Li, Zhiwei
Year: 2025
Journal: Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources


Title: Analysis of transient free surface seepage flow using numerical manifold method
Authors: Jia, Zhen; Zheng, Hong
Year: 2025
Journal: Computers and Mathematics with Applications


Title: A linear fracture constitutive model for the two-dimensional finite-discrete element method (FDEM) and its parameters calibration procedure
Authors: Yan, Chengzeng; Han, Du; Zheng, Hong; Wang, Tie; Ali, Sajid
Year: 2025
Journal: Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements


Title: Experimental study on dynamic mechanical response and crack control mechanism of anchored layered sandstone by DIC technology
Authors: Lu, Yuyin; Yu, Yang; Feng, Guangliang; Zeng, Jianjun; Zheng, Hong
Year: 2025
Journal: Measurement: Journal of the International Measurement Confederation


Title: Three-dimensional seepage analysis for the tunnel in nonhomogeneous porous media with physics-informed deep learning
Authors: Lin, Shan; Dong, Miao; Luo, Hongming; Guo, Hongwei; Zheng, Hong
Year: 2025
Journal: Engineering Analysis with Boundary Elements

Conclusion:

Prof. Hong Zheng’s suitability for the Best Researcher Award is clear due to his consistent academic excellence and impactful research. However, focusing on expanding his interdisciplinary reach and increasing public engagement could enhance the broader influence of his work. Overall, his contributions to his field make him a deserving nominee for the award, with the potential for even greater impact in the future.

Xusheng Wan | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xusheng Wan | Soil Physics | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xusheng Wan, Southwest Petroleum University, China

Prof. Dr. Xusheng Wan is a professor and assistant dean at the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Southwest Petroleum University, China. He specializes in geotechnical engineering with a research focus on freeze-salt expansion, multi-physics coupling in cold regions, and the thermal and mechanical behavior of frozen soils. He has published over 100 academic papers, holds more than 40 patents, and has led multiple national research projects. Prof. Wan is a doctoral supervisor and serves on the editorial boards of several scientific journals, including the ASCE Journal of Cold Regions Engineering.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Dr. Xusheng Wan demonstrates a rare blend of academic excellence, innovation, leadership, and dedication to education. His work in cold region geotechnics addresses complex, real-world problems and has made a measurable impact both in academia and engineering practice. His consistent research productivity and national recognitions make him a standout candidate.

🎓 Education

Xusheng Wan earned his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in July 2015, with a focus on permafrost research. He completed both his master’s (2009–2012) and bachelor’s (2005–2009) degrees in Civil Engineering at Lanzhou Jiaotong University.

💼Experience

Xusheng Wan currently serves as a professor and assistant dean at the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Southwest Petroleum University. He has held academic positions including associate professor (2018–2022) and lecturer (2015–2018) and completed postdoctoral research at the Civil Engineering Postdoctoral Station of Sichuan University (2019–2021). As a doctoral and master’s supervisor, he trains students in civil engineering and water conservancy disciplines.

🔬Research Focus

Xusheng Wan’s research centers on the mechanisms and prevention of freeze-salt expansion in cold regions, multi-physics coupling models, water freezing mechanisms in soil, prediction of unfrozen water content, and the degradation of concrete under cold and saline conditions. He has led multiple projects under the National Natural Science Foundation and other provincial and institutional programs, making impactful contributions to cold region geotechnics.

🛠️Skills

A prolific scholar, Xusheng Wan has published over 100 academic papers, including 56 SCI-indexed articles with more than 1,200 citations. His most-cited single paper has been referenced over 170 times. He holds more than 40 national patents and four software copyrights. He serves as a reviewer for over 40 journals and is on editorial boards including the ASCE Journal of Cold Regions Engineering and Glaciers and Frozen Soils. As an educator, he teaches both undergraduate and graduate-level courses, contributes to curriculum development, and actively leads teaching reform and textbook editing initiatives.

🏆Awards

Xusheng Wan has received significant recognition for his work, including the first prize of the Gansu Science and Technology Progress Award and the second prize from the China Communications and Transportation Association. He has been honored with titles such as Outstanding Communist Party Member (2021), Youth Science and Technology Award in Civil Engineering (2022), and Outstanding Reviewer multiple times. In 2024, he was recognized with the Teacher Classroom Quality Excellence Award and selected as a reserve candidate for science and technology leadership in Sichuan Province. His students have won numerous national and provincial awards under his guidance.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Experimental investigation on the thermal stability and deformation behavior of a novel duct-ventilated embankment in a snowy permafrost region
    Authors: Yang Sheng, Zhang Mingyi, Pei Wansheng, Bai Ruiqiang, Bi Jun
    Year: 2025
    Journal: International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer

  • Title: Corrigendum to “Mitigating frost heave and enhancing mechanical performance of silty clay with sisal fibre and geopolymer”
    Authors: Lu Jianguo, Deng Fei, Pei Wansheng, You Zhilang, Zhang Zhexi
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Construction and Building Materials

  • Title: Corrigendum to “Heat flow characteristics and thermal resistance model for soil-rock mixtures during freezing-thawing processes: Damping properties”
    Authors: Lu Jianguo, Wang Yindong, Pei Wansheng, Tan Liling, Deng Fei
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Geoderma

  • Title: Current status and prospects of research on conductive concrete in cold regions
    Authors: Lu Jianguo, Yang Xinlian, Pu Wanli, Wang Yindong, Tan Liling
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Tumu yu Huanjing Gongcheng Xuebao / Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • Title: Corrigendum to “A generalized thermal conductivity model of soil-rock mixture based on freezing characteristic curve”
    Authors: Wang Yindong, Lu Jianguo, Pei Wansheng, Gao Jiajia, Deng Fei
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Cold Regions Science and Technology

  • Title: Seismic ground motion study of layered site of saturated frozen soil under P-wave incidence
    Authors: Ma Qiang, Jiao Hao, Wan Xusheng
    Year: 2025
    Journal: Cold Regions Science and Technology

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Xusheng Wan is an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His proven track record of impactful research, academic leadership, and innovation aligns perfectly with the award’s criteria. While there are opportunities to broaden international and interdisciplinary engagement, his current achievements already place him among the top-tier researchers in his field.