Jun Meng | Soil | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng | Soil | Best Scholar Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng is a faculty member at the School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, China. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from Zhejiang University and specializes in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, biochar technology, and microplastic environmental risk assessment. Dr. Meng has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top environmental science journals and has led multiple national and provincial research projects. His work contributes to sustainable soil management and environmental protection through innovative approaches in soil chemistry and pollutant mitigation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Jun Meng is a well-qualified, highly impactful researcher in the fields of soil science, environmental remediation, and microplastic pollution. His body of work reflects a mature research trajectory marked by high-impact publications, successful grant acquisition, and technological innovation through patents. His contributions are both academically rigorous and practically relevant, addressing key environmental challenges in China and globally.

🎓 Education

Dr. Jun Meng earned his Ph.D. in Soil Science from Zhejiang University in 2014, where he developed a strong foundation in soil chemistry, environmental remediation, and pollutant dynamics. His academic training emphasized interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex environmental challenges, particularly related to soil contamination and restoration.

💼Experience

Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Meng worked at Zhejiang University from 2014 to 2018, contributing to several key research initiatives. In 2018, he joined the School of Environmental and Natural Resources at Zhejiang University of Science and Technology as an Associate Professor. In this role, he has continued to lead research in soil remediation, biochar applications, and microplastic pollution, while mentoring students and managing funded national and provincial-level projects.

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Meng’s research primarily focuses on the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils, biochar production and its environmental applications, as well as the environmental behavior and health risk assessment of microplastics. He has demonstrated exceptional skill in environmental risk assessment, soil microbiome interactions, and the development of novel biochar-based materials. His work also includes investigating the transformation and mobility of potentially toxic elements within the soil-plant system.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Jun Meng possesses extensive expertise in soil science, particularly in the areas of heavy metal contamination, biochar production and application, and microplastic behavior in terrestrial environments. His skills include environmental risk assessment, soil microbiome analysis, field experiment design, and advanced analytical techniques for tracing pollutant transformation and mobility. He is also experienced in interdisciplinary research collaboration and the practical application of lab-scale innovations to field-scale environmental solutions.

🏆Awards

Dr. Meng has been recognized for his contributions to environmental research through multiple competitive research grants, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation. His innovative work has also led to several national and international patents, highlighting his contributions to applied environmental technologies. His publications have garnered significant academic impact, as reflected in his high citation count and H-index.

📚 Publications

Title: Three-year remediation evaluation for arsenic and cadmium co-contaminated acidic and alkaline paddy fields: Insights on availability, bioaccumulation, health risk, and cost
Authors: Liu, Jian; Xu, Xiangxue; Meng, Jun; Yang, Dong; Shan, Shengdao
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Title: Novel CS/MIL-53(Fe)/CdS type-II heterojunction with improved charge transfer: Mechanistic insights, photocatalytic activity, and toxicological evaluation
Authors: Yu, Zhuofan; Yang, Ye; Meng, Jun; Shen, Xiaofeng; Xue, Qingquan
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Title: Efficient conversion and deconstruction of waste straw using compound fungal agent: Fermentation optimization, nutrient enrichment and microbial community analysis
Authors: Liu, Bingyang; Wang, Qun; Shen, Linpei; Sun, Pengfei; Shan, Shengdao
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering

Title: Green synthesized nanoscale zero-valent iron impregnated tea residue biochar efficiently captures metal(loid)s for sustainable water remediation
Authors: Wang, Jie; Huang, Junhao; Meng, Jun; Li, Zhangtao; Ok, Yong Sik
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management

Conclusion:

Assist. Prof. Dr. Jun Meng is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. His research excellence, innovation, and scientific leadership in soil remediation and environmental health place him among the top-tier young scholars in his field. With continued growth in international visibility and mentorship activities, he is poised to make even broader contributions to science and society in the years ahead.

Farshad Kiani | Soil Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farshad Kiani | Soil Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farshad Kiani, Gorgan university of agricultural sciences and natural resources, Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farshad Kiani is a faculty member at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran. He holds BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Soil Science from Isfahan University of Technology. His research focuses on soil quality, soil erosion, and sustainable soil management. With extensive teaching experience across undergraduate to PhD levels, he is recognized for his expertise in geostatistics and remote sensing in soil science. Dr. Kiani has received multiple awards for academic excellence and scientific contributions and is an active member of the Iranian Soil Science Association.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farshad Kiani is a highly qualified soil scientist with deep expertise in soil quality, erosion control, and sustainable management. His research is timely and significant, contributing meaningfully to environmental conservation and academic excellence. With multiple awards and ongoing scientific output, he exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in his field.

🎓 Education

Farshad Kiani completed his academic education at Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture in Isfahan, Iran, where he earned his BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees. His strong academic performance was recognized through top rankings in all levels of study, including first rank in his MSc and PhD programs and second rank among Bachelor’s graduates.

💼Experience

Farshad Kiani is currently serving as an Associate Professor at Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. He has extensive teaching experience across various academic levels. At the undergraduate level, he teaches courses such as Soil Erosion and Conservation, Soil Survey, Land Evaluation, and Soil Management in Sustainable Agriculture. At the MSc level, he teaches Advanced Soil Conservation and Soil Sustainable Management. For PhD students, his courses include Geostatistics and Remote Sensing in Soil Science.

🔬Research Focus

Dr Kiani’s research interests are centered on Soil Quality and Management, Soil Erosion, and Soil Conservation. His work aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the understanding of soil dynamics. More information about his publications can be found on his university profile page.

🛠️Skills

Dr Kiani possesses advanced expertise in soil science, with strong analytical skills in geostatistics and remote sensing. His academic and research background reflects a deep understanding of sustainable soil management and conservation practices. He is also proficient in both Persian and English.

🏆Awards

Throughout his career, Dr Kiani has received numerous awards in recognition of his academic excellence and contributions. He was selected as the top faculty member with the highest scientific growth rate in the Department of Soil Science in both 2021 and 2022. He was honored for having the most qualitative ISI paper in 2018 at GUASNR. He was also named a distinguished educational faculty member at GUASNR in 2010. His academic achievements during his studies include being ranked first in his MSc and PhD programs and second in his Bachelor’s program at IUT.

📚 Publications

  • Title: Effect of bentonite/alginate/nanocellulose composites on soil and water loss: A response surface methodology (RSM)-based optimization approach
    Year: 2025
    Authors: Bajestani M.S., Salimi M., Kiani F., Ebrahimi S., Malekzadeh E., Tatari A.
    Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Conclusion:

Based on his academic achievements, impactful research, and sustained contributions to soil science, Dr. Farshad Kiani is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Strengthening global collaboration and increasing policy or community engagement would further elevate his profile and widen the impact of his work

Liang Zhao | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Prof. Liang Zhao | Soil Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Liang Zhao, Moutai Institute, China

Prof. Liang Zhao is an Associate Professor at Moutai Institute, specializing in microbiology, fermentation science, and plant-microbe interactions. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University and has extensive experience in microbial ecology and brewing research. His work focuses on rhizosphere microbial communities, endophytic bacteria, and their applications in sorghum cultivation and fermentation processes. He has led multiple research projects and holds several patents related to microbial applications in brewing and agriculture. His contributions have been published in high-impact journals, advancing the understanding of microbial diversity and biotechnology in fermentation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Prof. Liang Zhao is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his outstanding contributions to microbiology, fermentation science, and brewing engineering. His work has led to significant advancements in microbial community research, fermentation optimization, and plant-microbe interactions. His ability to translate research into patents and industry applications further solidifies his impact.

🎓 Education

Zhao Liang holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (2009-2015), where he also completed his Master’s degree in Microbiology (2006-2009). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from South China University of Tropical Agriculture, now Hainan University (2002-2006).

💼Experience

He has been an Associate Professor at Moutai College, Department of Brewing Engineering, since 2018. Prior to this, he completed postdoctoral research at Kweichow Moutai Distillery (Group) Co., Ltd. from 2015 to 2018, focusing on microbial applications in brewing science.

🔬Research Focus

His research primarily explores microbial ecology, rhizosphere microbe interactions, endophytic bacteria, and fermentation microbiology. His work contributes significantly to understanding how root-associated microbes influence sorghum cultivation and its application in brewing processes.

🛠️Skills

Zhao Liang specializes in microbiology, microbial ecology, fermentation science, plant-microbe interactions, and metagenomics. His expertise includes molecular techniques for microbial characterization, microbial strain development, and biotechnological applications in brewing and agriculture.

🏆Awards

His contributions to microbiology and brewing science have been recognized through patents and research grants. His patented methodologies and microbial discoveries have applications in brewing, soil health, and plant growth promotion, highlighting his impact on both academic research and industrial biotechnology.

📚 Publications

  • Publication Title: Optimization of the fermentation process of Moutai-flavored Daqu with the addition of green tea: impacts on bacterial succession and endogenous factors
  • Authors: L. Zhao, Liang; X. Wang, Xiangyong; Z. Luo, Zhenbiao; Y. Zhong, Yanxia; X. Wang, Xinye
  • Year: 2025
  • Journal: Journal of Food Science and Technology

Conclusion:

Prof. Zhao is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening international collaborations, increasing citations, and expanding mentorship efforts would further enhance his research profile and impact.

Xiaowen Zheng | Soil Amendments | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Ms. Xiaowen Zheng | Soil Amendments | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xiaowen Zheng, Zhengzhou University, China

 

Ms. Xiaowen Zheng is a dedicated researcher at Zhengzhou University, China, specializing in civil engineering with a focus on soil site protection and reinforcement materials. She holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Zhengzhou University and a Bachelor’s degree from North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power. Her research includes innovative studies on freeze-thaw deterioration of soils and anti-weathering protection using advanced materials. She has contributed to prominent journals such as Coatings and has participated in significant heritage conservation and disaster prevention projects, showcasing her commitment to advancing engineering solutions for environmental and cultural preservation.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Ms. Xiaowen Zheng is an accomplished researcher with a clear focus on civil engineering solutions for environmental and cultural preservation. Her expertise in freeze-thaw-resistant materials and innovative use of nano-composites positions her as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. She has demonstrated both academic rigor and practical application in addressing critical engineering challenges.

 

🎓 Education

Xiaowen Zheng holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Zhengzhou University (2021–2024) and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power (2018–2020).

 

💼Experience

Xiaowen Zheng has participated in several key projects, including compiling slope protection schemes and designing renovation plans for heritage sites. Contributions to research include involvement in major projects like the China National Key Research and Development Program for Natural Disaster Prevention.

 

🔬Research Focus

Xiaowen Zheng focuses on soil site protection, freeze-thaw-resistant materials, and reinforcement technologies to improve stability and durability in seasonally frozen regions, especially using ZDS-2 organosilicon reinforcement agents.

 

Awards

Xiaowen Zheng has published significant research papers, such as on freeze-thaw deterioration and anti-weathering protection using advanced materials. This work has earned recognition in prominent journals.

 

Skills

Xiaowen Zheng possesses expertise in soil site protection, freeze-thaw cycle analysis, and reinforcement material innovation. Additional competencies include the design and investigation of slope protection and heritage conservation projects.

 

Publications

  • The Study on the Freeze–Thaw Deterioration of Soil Sites Modified with the ZDS-2 Organosilicon Reinforcement Agent
    • Authors: Zheng, X.; Ma, Q.; Yan, H.; Chang, X.; Guo, F.
    • Journal: Coatings
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume and Issue: 14(12), Article 1577
    • Citations: 0

 

  • Study on Anti-Weathering Protection of Excavated Ancient Stone Arch Bridge with Nano-Composites
    • Authors: Zhang, J.; Ma, Q.; Zheng, X.; Cheng, K.; Lang, R.
    • Journal: Coatings
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume and Issue: 13(11), Article 1898
    • Citations: 0

 

Conclusion:

Ms. Xiaowen Zheng is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative research, practical contributions, and academic dedication make her a strong contender. However, to further solidify her candidacy, she could focus on increasing her citation impact, gaining broader professional recognition, and diversifying her research applications. These steps will enhance her already impressive credentials and contribute to her standing as a leading researcher in her field.