Keval Jodhani | Water Resources Engineering |

Dr. Keval Jodhani | Water Resources Engineering | Young Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India

Dr. Keval H. Jodhani is an outstanding early-career researcher whose impressive contributions in water resources, flood modeling, and environmental sustainability demonstrate strong potential for the Best Researcher Award. With a recent PhD (2024) and numerous publications in high-impact Q1 journals—including Scientific Reports and Results in Engineering—his research combines advanced tools like Google Earth Engine and machine learning to address pressing environmental challenges. Dr. Jodhani’s editorial roles and two granted patents reflect his active engagement and innovation within the scientific community. His experience includes funded projects and collaboration with ISRO, highlighting practical and impactful research. While his international collaborations and leadership as a principal investigator could be expanded, his current achievements and consistent productivity make him a highly deserving candidate. Overall, Dr. Jodhani exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, innovative, and promising young researcher poised to make significant future contributions to his field.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Keval H. Jodhani has a strong academic foundation in civil and environmental engineering, marked by a steady progression of qualifications. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Civil Engineering from B.V.M. Engineering College, affiliated with Gujarat Technological University (GTU), in 2014. Building on this, he completed his Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Water Resources and Management from L.D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, also under GTU, with an excellent CGPA of 8.74 in 2016. Demonstrating a commitment to advanced research, Dr. Jodhani recently completed his PhD from Pandit Deendayal Energy University (P.D.E.U.), Gandhinagar, in July 2024. His doctoral research focused on soil erosion studies in flood-prone areas, showcasing his specialization in water resource management and environmental sustainability. Complementing his formal education, he gained valuable practical experience through a project trainee position at the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad, which provided hands-on exposure to satellite data applications. This robust academic background underpins his expertise and ongoing contributions to research in his field.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Keval H. Jodhani possesses significant professional experience that complements his academic achievements. He has worked as a Project Trainee at the Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO, Ahmedabad, gaining valuable expertise in satellite data and geospatial technologies, which are integral to his research in water resources and environmental monitoring. Since April 2019, he has been actively involved as a Schedule I GPCB Auditor in the Chemical Engineering Department at Nirma University, contributing to environmental compliance and consultancy projects with substantial financial turnovers each year. His role reflects strong practical knowledge and industry engagement. Additionally, Dr. Jodhani has served in various editorial capacities, including Associate Editor and Guest Editor for reputed international journals such as Elsevier and Springer, demonstrating his leadership within the research community. He has also managed funded research projects, collaborating as a Co-Principal Investigator, showcasing his ability to handle research administration alongside technical work. This blend of academic, consultancy, and editorial roles highlights his well-rounded professional experience.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Keval H. Jodhani’s research interests lie at the intersection of water resources management, environmental sustainability, and geospatial technologies. He focuses on flood risk assessment and modeling, soil erosion studies, and sustainable groundwater management using advanced tools like remote sensing, GIS, and machine learning. His work extensively employs Google Earth Engine and Earth Observation data to analyze land use changes, water quality, and hydrogeological patterns, addressing critical challenges in urban flood management and groundwater quality monitoring. Additionally, Dr. Jodhani explores the application of multi-criteria decision-making techniques to develop integrated solutions for water resource sustainability. His innovative approach includes developing predictive models for urban flood scenarios and designing monitoring systems that support real-time environmental decision-making. By combining technical expertise with practical insights, his research contributes to advancing climate resilience, resource conservation, and environmental risk mitigation, making significant impacts on both academic knowledge and real-world applications in water and environmental engineering.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Keval H. Jodhani has earned several notable awards and honors that highlight his excellence in research and academic contributions. In 2025, he was honored with the prestigious Editor of Distinction Award, recognizing his outstanding editorial contributions to scientific journals. He serves as an editorial board member, associate editor, and guest editor for multiple reputable international journals published by Springer, Elsevier, and others, which is a significant achievement for a young researcher. Early in his career, Dr. Jodhani won the 1st prize for Best Poster Presentation at KAIZEN, LDCE in 2016, showcasing his research communication skills. Additionally, his innovative spirit is reflected in the granting of two design patents related to urban flood management and groundwater quality monitoring. These accomplishments demonstrate his dedication to advancing research, contributing to scientific literature, and fostering innovation in environmental and water resource engineering. Collectively, these awards and honors affirm Dr. Jodhani’s growing reputation as a promising young researcher.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Keval H. Jodhani possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills that enable him to tackle complex environmental and water resource challenges effectively. He is proficient in geospatial analysis tools such as ArcGIS, ERDAS, and Google Earth Engine, which he uses extensively for remote sensing, land use classification, and environmental monitoring. His expertise includes hydrological modeling using Delft3D and Delft Dashboard, enabling accurate flood risk assessment and soil erosion studies. Additionally, Dr. Jodhani integrates machine learning techniques and multi-criteria decision-making approaches to enhance predictive modeling and decision support systems in water management. He is skilled in data analysis and programming environments like Google Colab, facilitating the application of cutting-edge computational methods. Complemented by strong problem-solving and management abilities, his technical and analytical proficiency allows him to conduct high-impact research that bridges theory and practice in sustainable environmental engineering. These skills make him a versatile and innovative researcher in his field.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Keval H. Jodhani clearly demonstrates the qualities of a rising star in civil and environmental engineering research. His prolific publishing record in top journals, technical skills, editorial contributions, and focus on sustainability make him highly deserving of this recognition. With continued emphasis on leadership in research grants and international collaborations, he is well-positioned to be a leading researcher in his field.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • A review on analysis of flood modelling using different numerical models

    • Authors: K.H. Jodhani, D. Patel, N. Madhavan

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 50

  • Assessment of forest fire severity and land surface temperature using Google Earth Engine: A case study of Gujarat State, India

    • Authors: K.H. Jodhani, H. Patel, U. Soni, R. Patel, B. Valodara, N. Gupta, A. Patel, …

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 44

  • Soil erosion assessment by RUSLE, Google Earth Engine, and geospatial techniques over Rel River watershed, Gujarat, India

    • Authors: K.H. Jodhani, D. Patel, N. Madhavan, S.K. Singh

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 36

  • Synergizing Google Earth Engine and Earth observations for potential impact of land use/land cover on air quality

    • Authors: K.H. Jodhani, N. Gupta, A.D. Parmar, J.D. Bhavsar, H. Patel, D. Patel, S.K. Singh, …

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 30

  • Unveiling seasonal fluctuations in air quality using Google Earth Engine: a case study for Gujarat, India

    • Authors: K.H. Jodhani, N. Gupta, A.D. Parmar, J.D. Bhavsar, D. Patel, S.K. Singh, …

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 15

  • Shoreline change and rate analysis of Gulf of Khambhat using satellite images

    • Authors: K. Jodhani, P. Bansal, P. Jain

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 15

  • Unravelling flood risk in the Rel River watershed, Gujarat using coupled earth observations, multi criteria decision making and Google Earth Engine

    • Authors: K.H. Jodhani, D. Patel, N. Madhavan, N. Gupta, S.K. Singh, U. Rathnayake

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 14

  • Land use land cover classification for REL river using machine learning techniques

    • Authors: K.H. Jodhani, D. Patel, N. Madhavan

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 13

  • Channel planform dynamics using earth observations across Rel river, western India: A synergetic approach

    • Authors: K.H. Jodhani, D. Patel, N. Madhavan, U. Soni, H. Patel, S.K. Singh

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 10

  • Integrating GEE and IWQI for sustainable irrigation: A geospatial water quality assessment

    • Authors: U. Vyas, D. Patel, V. Vakharia, K.H. Jodhani

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 8

Tewekel Melese gemechu | Physical Geography (Hydrology) | Young Scientist Award

Mr Tewekel Melese gemechu | Physical Geography (Hydrology) | Young Scientist Award 

PhD Student, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Tewekel Melese is an Assistant Lecturer at Ambo University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science in Oromia, Ethiopia, where he has been employed since January 2017. He holds a Bachelor’s degree with high distinction from Wollega University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Geography at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Tewekel’s work focuses on environmental science, particularly the interplay of land use, climate change, and water resources. He actively contributes to various academic journals, collaborating with international researchers to address pressing environmental issues. His commitment to education and research has established him as a notable figure in his field.

Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Excellence: Tewekel Melese graduated with very high distinction from Wollega University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Geography, reflecting his strong academic foundation and commitment to advancing his knowledge.
  2. Diverse Research Contributions: He has authored and co-authored multiple publications in reputable journals, focusing on critical environmental issues such as climate change, atmospheric pollution, and water resource management. His recent work enhances understanding of the impacts of land use and climate dynamics, contributing valuable insights to the field.
  3. Collaborative Approach: Tewekel collaborates effectively with international researchers, broadening the scope and impact of his work. This multidisciplinary approach fosters innovation and facilitates the sharing of knowledge across different regions.
  4. Teaching Commitment: As an Assistant Lecturer, he demonstrates a dedication to education, actively engaging students in complex topics such as water resources and irrigation management.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact Metrics: While Tewekel’s publications are commendable, increasing focus on the societal impact of his research could enhance visibility and recognition. Engaging with policymakers and communities could bridge the gap between research and practice.
  2. Networking Opportunities: Expanding his professional network by attending international conferences and workshops could provide him with additional platforms to share his findings and gain feedback from peers.
  3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Pursuing collaborations with researchers from different fields, such as public health or economics, could enrich his research and open new avenues for impactful studies, particularly in relation to environmental issues.

Education 

Tewekel Melese completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2016 from Wollega University, where he graduated with very high distinction. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Geography at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, expected to be completed by July 2025. Earlier in his academic journey, he studied at Jilin University in Changchun, China. His educational background has provided him with a strong foundation in environmental sciences, equipping him with the skills necessary to investigate and address complex ecological challenges. Tewekel’s academic achievements highlight his dedication to advancing his knowledge and expertise in geography and environmental management.

Experience

Since January 2017, Tewekel Melese has been serving as an Assistant Lecturer at Ambo University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science in Oromia, Ethiopia. His teaching focus includes water resources and irrigation management, where he employs innovative methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Prior to this role, Tewekel excelled academically, earning a Bachelor’s degree with very high distinction from Wollega University. He has also been involved in various research projects, collaborating with both local and international experts to tackle significant environmental issues. His professional activities reflect a commitment to both teaching and research, contributing to the academic community’s understanding of critical topics in environmental science.

Awards and Honors

Tewekel Melese graduated with a Bachelor’s degree with very high distinction from Wollega University, a recognition that underscores his academic excellence. His commitment to research has led to significant contributions in environmental science, and his publications have been well-received in reputable journals. Although specific awards beyond his academic distinctions are not detailed, his ongoing pursuit of a PhD indicates a commitment to further scholarly achievement. Tewekel’s collaborative efforts with international researchers highlight his recognition within the global academic community, positioning him as an emerging expert in his field. His work addresses pressing issues related to climate change, water management, and public health, reflecting a dedication to impactful research that benefits society.

Research Focus

Tewekel Melese’s research primarily focuses on environmental science, emphasizing the interactions between land use, climate dynamics, and water resources. His work investigates the impacts of climate change on water balance and hydrological components, utilizing models such as SWAT to analyze and predict environmental changes. He also examines atmospheric pollution, particularly in relation to land cover changes, contributing to a broader understanding of ecological sustainability. Tewekel is involved in assessing flood hazards and their socio-economic impacts, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to environmental challenges. His research is characterized by a collaborative spirit, often involving multiple contributors from diverse backgrounds, aiming to generate actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners in the field of water resource management.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Evaluating the potential footprints of land use and land cover and climate dynamics on atmospheric pollution in Pakistan 🌍
  2. Evaluating the potential footprints of land use and land cover and climate dynamics on atmospheric pollution in Pakistan (vol 11, 1272155, 2024) 🌍
  3. Enhancing Transpiration Estimates: A Novel Approach Using SIF Partitioning and the TL-LUE Model 🌱
  4. Global Evaluation and Intercomparison of XCO2 Retrievals from GOSAT, OCO-2, and TANSAT with TCCON 🌌
  5. Impacts and Causes of Flood Hazards on Public Health and Socio-Economic: The Case of Hirna Town, West Hararghe Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia 🚨
  6. Impacts of climate change on water balance components of Guder Catchment, Upper Abbay Basin, Ethiopia: SWAT model 💧
  7. Prioritizing management options using a risk assessment for soil erosion based on GIS, remote sensing, and RUSLE. A case study of Midhagdu Watershed, Eastern Ethiopia 🌾
  8. Estimation of Hydrological Components under Current and Future Climate Scenarios in Guder Catchment, Upper Abbay Basin, Ethiopia, Using the SWAT 🌦️

Conclusion

Tewekel Melese is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his academic achievements, impactful research contributions, and commitment to teaching. By addressing areas for improvement, such as enhancing the societal impact of his research and expanding his professional network, he can further elevate his profile in the academic community. His ongoing dedication to environmental science positions him as a promising researcher with the potential to make significant contributions to addressing global challenges.

AYISHA SIDIQUA M – WASTEWATER TREATMENT – BEST RESEARCHER AWARD

AYISHA SIDIQUA M - WASTEWATER TREATMENT - BEST RESEARCHER AWARD

B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology - India

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

Ayisha Sidiqua M. holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, completed in November 2023. She earned her M.E. in Environmental Engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai in April 2014, and her B.E. in Civil Engineering from the University College of Engineering, Panruti Campus, Anna University, Chennai in April 2012. She is also GATE qualified.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Ayisha Sidiqua M. has been an Assistant Professor at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology, Vandalur, Chennai, India, since June 2014. With nearly a decade of teaching experience, she has contributed significantly to the field of Environmental Engineering through her research, teaching, and mentoring of students.

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS

Her research focuses on municipal solid waste management, water quality analysis, and advanced oxidation processes for wastewater treatment. She has presented numerous papers at international and national conferences, including topics such as geographical information systems for waste management and the treatment of dyes in textile effluents. Her notable publications include works on resilient cloud networks and production bounce-back approaches in cloud manufacturing.

BOOK CHAPTERS AND REVIEWS

Ayisha Sidiqua M. has published book chapters on textile dye wastewater treatment and the influence of COVID-19 on the Indian education system. She has also reviewed chapters for books published by BP International in 2024, contributing her expertise to the academic community.

NPTEL COURSES COMPLETED

She has completed several NPTEL courses in environmental engineering, wastewater treatment, geoenvironmental engineering, and integrated waste management. These courses have further enhanced her knowledge and teaching capabilities in these specialized areas.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Ayisha Sidiqua M. has received several awards, including the Crescent Seed Money of Rs.25,000/- for her project proposal on dye removal from textile effluents using novel carbon-based adsorbents in 2021. She was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing from the Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology in January 2022 and the AGAR-Best Young Faculty Award in 2024.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Throughout her career, Ayisha Sidiqua M. has held various responsibilities, including Class Advisor, Website Coordinator, Faculty Advisor, and Department Level ISO Coordinator. She has also been the Environmental Engineering Lab Incharge and Department Level Library Incharge, showcasing her commitment to academic and administrative excellence.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Useful metals recovery from electronic scraps of headphones–A sustainable approach 2024

BIM -Based Problem-Solving Analysis of Construction related issues and clash 2023

Synthesis of magnetic ZnFe2O4- reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite photocatalyst for the visible light degradation of cationic textile dyes 2023 (5)

Removal of yellow dye using composite binded adsorbent developed using natural clay and activated carbon from sapindus seed 2021 (24)

Fragmentary substitution of fine aggregate by tannery sludge in concrete 2018 (2)