Christopher Mulanda Aura – Water resources sustainability – Excellence in Research

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Christopher Mulanda Aura - Water resources sustainability - Excellence in Research

KENYA MARINE AND FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE - Kenya

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

🎓 ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Christopher Mulanda Aura holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Bio-resource and Environmental Science from Hokkaido University, Japan. His doctoral research focused on the integrated habitat suitability model for managing Japanese scallop aquaculture, incorporating ecological and socio-economic modeling, GIS, remote sensing, climate change projections, and marine sciences. He completed his undergraduate studies with a 1st Class Honours Degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from Moi University, Kenya.

🌐 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS

Aura has pursued various professional development courses, enhancing his skills in computer programming, project management, productivity improvement, and data security. These certifications, obtained from institutions such as Asset Africa Institute and Kenya School of Government, reflect his commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

🏆 MAJOR AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Aura has received numerous prestigious awards, including being recognized as the Top Cited Author in Fisheries Management and Ecology for 2022-2023. His keynote address at the FAR4ViBE Conference and his accolades for top-cited and downloaded papers underscore his significant contributions to the field.

📚 SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS

His research includes influential studies such as the application of phytoplankton community structure for assessing pollution in lake basins. His work on small water bodies as management tools for fisheries has been widely cited and has contributed significantly to the understanding of aquatic resource management.

🌍 INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

Aura's contributions have earned him international recognition, including a Champion Certificate from the World Summit on the Information Society for the Electronic Fish Market Information System. His global impact is further highlighted by his top-cited status and various awards from international conferences and organizations.

🏅 DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE

Christopher Mulanda Aura has been honored with the Overall Best and Top Scientist/Performer titles at KMFRI for multiple consecutive years. These awards reflect his outstanding performance and leadership in the field of bio-resource and environmental science.

🌱 COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY

Throughout his career, Aura has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. His research and professional activities are driven by a deep dedication to improving aquatic ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Considerations for environmental biogeochemistry and food security for aquaculture around Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: A.L. Marriott, O.F. Osano, T.J. Coffey, M.J. Watts, C.M. Aura
Year: 2023
Journal: Environmental Geochemistry and Health

Response of fish stocks in Lake Victoria to enforcement of the ban on illegal fishing: Are there lessons for management?
Authors: C.S. Nyamweya, V. Natugonza, B.B. Kashindye, R. Proud, A.S. Brierley
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Great Lakes Research

Challenges to the lake fisheries, and factors affecting the effectiveness of a co-management regime in African Great Lakes: A case study of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: C.O. Odoli, H. Owiti, J. Mwamburi, C. Nyamweya, C. Aura
Year: 2023
Journal: Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management

Emerging frontiers for blue growth in African Great Lakes: The potential for recreational fishing industry in Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: H. Nyaboke, J. Nyaundi, M. Owili, V. Sudoi, D. Liti
Year: 2023
Journal: Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Management

Ahmad Shaabani – Sustainable Development – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Ahmad Shaabani - Sustainable Development - Best Researcher Award

Shahid Beheshti University - Iran

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ACADEMIC CAREER

Ahmad Shaabani is a renowned Professor of Organic Chemistry at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. He began his academic journey as an Assistant Professor from 1994 to 1998, progressed to an Associate Professor from 1998 to 2002, and has been a full Professor since 2003. His academic career is marked by his dedication to teaching and research in organic chemistry.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ahmad's research focuses on the discovery and design of novel isocyanide-based multi-component reactions (I-MCRs) for synthesizing biologically important heterocyclic compounds. He also works on creating neoteric functional materials with functionalized/modified nanomaterials and natural polymers via I-MCRs, which are applied in drug delivery and biomedical platforms. His interests extend to the synthesis of methalophtalocyanines and developing new synthetic methods through heterogeneous catalysts in chemical transformations.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Ahmad has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including being named Distinguished Professor of Shahid Beheshti University multiple times (2002, 2006, 2007) and being selected as the Distinguished Professor of Iranian Universities by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran in 2003. He was awarded the prestigious prize of the International Kharazmi Festival in Basic Science in 2009 and was recognized as the Iranian Chemical Society’s Distinguished Chemist in 2010.

SABBATICAL LEAVES

Ahmad has taken sabbatical leaves to advance his research at prominent institutions, including the University of Regina in Canada (2000-2001) under the mentorship of Prof. Donald G. Lee, and the University of California, USA, in 2018, working with Prof. Shaowei Chen. These experiences have significantly contributed to his professional development and research output.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Ahmad has participated in various training programs to enhance his expertise, including the UNIDO Group Training Program on the Utilization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Pharmaceutical and Related Industries in 1996 in Eskisehir, Turkey, and the HIJ-COMSATS Workshop on the Use of Spectroscopic Techniques in Structural Organic Chemistry in 2000 in Karachi, Pakistan.

MEMBERSHIPS

Ahmad is a fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the advancement of science in developing countries, and a member of the Academy of Sciences in Iran. He is also an active member of the Iranian Chemical Society and the Scientific Committee of the Chemistry Olympiad. Furthermore, he serves on the editorial advisory board of ACS Combinatorial Science and the editorial boards of the Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society and the Journal of Current Green Chemistry.

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Ahmad contributes his expertise to the scientific community through his editorial roles. He is on the editorial advisory board of ACS Combinatorial Science (ACS) and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society (Springer) and the Journal of Current Green Chemistry (Bentham Science), where he helps guide the direction of research in these fields.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Ali Nazari – Sustainable Engineering – Best Scholar Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Ali Nazari - Sustainable Engineering - Best Scholar Award

Sharif University of Technology - Iran

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

CURRENT ROLE AND EXPERIENCE

Ali Nazari is an experienced Teaching Assistant with a strong background in construction materials and structural analysis. He has served at prestigious institutions such as Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, where he assisted in teaching courses on Construction Materials and Concrete Technology under the supervision of Dr. Mohammadhasan Ramesht and Dr. Vahab Toufigh. He also held a Teaching Assistant position at the University of Mazandaran in Babolsar, Iran, focusing on Structural Analysis under the guidance of Dr. Mahdi Nematzadeh.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ali’s research interests are diverse and impactful, encompassing Rehabilitation and Strengthening Techniques for Existing Structures, Application of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP), and Polymer Concrete. He is also dedicated to Nondestructive Testing and Structural Health Monitoring using Ultrasonic Techniques, Laboratory Testing of Structural Components, and the Application of Green Construction Materials. Additionally, Ali explores Structural Fire Engineering and the integration of Machine Learning into structural analysis.

HONORS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Ali has been recognized for his academic excellence, ranking in the top 1% out of approximately 148,429 participants in the National Post-Secondary University Entrance Exam in Iran in September 2017. He also ranked 27th in the nationwide M.Sc. Civil Engineering program entrance exam among over 30,000 candidates in October 2021. His leadership skills were evident when he served as the Secretary of the University of Mazandaran Students' Scientific Association in the Department of Civil Engineering from December 2020 to August 2021.

RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS

Ali has made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering through his research. He co-authored a paper with Nematzadeh and Tayebi in 2022, titled “Post-fire impact behavior and durability of steel fiber-reinforced concrete containing blended cement–zeolite and recycled nylon granules as partial aggregate replacement,” published in the Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering. In 2024, he collaborated with Toufigh on a paper examining the effects of elevated temperatures and re-curing on concrete containing rice husk ash, which appeared in Construction and Building Materials. Ali also presented a conference paper on the compressive strength analysis of fly ash-based geopolymer concrete using a machine learning approach at the Second International Congress of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials, and Environment.

APPLICATION OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Ali is passionate about sustainable construction practices, particularly the application of green construction materials. His research focuses on developing eco-friendly solutions and incorporating materials like blended cement-zeolite and recycled nylon granules to enhance the durability and environmental impact of construction projects.

NONDSTRUCTIVE TESTING AND STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING

Ali’s expertise extends to nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring, utilizing advanced ultrasonic techniques. His work in this area aims to improve the safety and longevity of structures by identifying and addressing potential issues without causing damage.

PERSONAL INTERESTS AND ACTIVITIES

Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Ali enjoys a variety of activities that enrich his life. He is an avid reader and translator, enjoys computing, and has a keen interest in research. His hobbies also include swimming, bicycle riding, art, photography, and traveling, all of which contribute to his well-rounded personality and diverse skill set.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Effects of elevated temperatures and re-curing on concrete containing rice husk ash

Authors: Nazari, A., Toufigh, V.
Year: 2024
Journal: Construction and Building Materials, 439, 137277

Spatiotemporal deep learning approach for estimating water content profiles in soil layers

Authors: Fazel Mojtahedi, F., Ghaffari, M.A., Rahmati, S., Sadeghi, H., Vanapalli, S.K.
Year: 2023
Conference: E3S Web of Conferences, 382, 22003

Use of InSAR data for measuring land subsidence induced by groundwater withdrawal and climate change in Ardabil Plain, Iran

Authors: Ghorbani, Z., Khosravi, A., Maghsoudi, Y., Javadnia, E., Nazari, A.
Year: 2022
Journal: Scientific Reports, 12(1), 13998

Correction to: Comparison of Soil Strength Parameters in a Small and Large Scale Direct Shear Test (Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation, 10.1007/978-3-030-01665-4_41)

Authors: Mojtahedi, S.F.F., Rezvani, S., Nazari, A.
Year: 2019
Journal: Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation, pp. C1–C3

Correction to: Comparison of Soil Strength Parameters in a Small and Large Scale Direct Shear Test (Recent Advances in Geo-Environmental Engineering, Geomechanics and Geotechnics, and Geohazards, Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation, 10.1007/978-3-030-01665-4_41)

Authors: Mojtahedi, S.F.F., Rezvani, S., Nazari, A.
Year: 2018
Journal: Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation, pp. C1–C3

Farzaneh Shayeganfar – Nanofiltration – Best Researcher Award

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Farzaneh Shayeganfar - Nanofiltration - Best Researcher Award

University of Michigan - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

FARZANEH SHAYEGANFAR, Ph.D.

Farzaneh Shayeganfar is a distinguished researcher and postdoctoral fellow specializing in the fields of optoelectronic devices, nanotechnology, and computational nanoscale systems. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow and Visitor Scientist at Rice University, Texas, where she conducts cutting-edge research on nanopillar BN/graphene for energy storage under the supervision of Prof. Rouzbeh Shahsavari. Her work at Rice University has been supported by a research scholarship, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the field.

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

Farzaneh completed her Ph.D. in Physics at Sharif University of Technology, focusing on Condensed Matter Theory. Her doctoral research, supervised by Prof. MohammadReza RahimiTabar and Prof. Nima Taghavinia, centered on the controlled nucleation and growth of nanoparticles through turbulent dispersion and the study of sol-gel transition by light scattering. This solid foundation in theoretical physics has propelled her into advanced research roles.

RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Before joining Rice University, Farzaneh was a Postdoctoral Fellow and Visitor Scientist at École Polytechnique de Montréal, where she worked in the Department of Engineering Physics under the guidance of Prof. Alain Rochefort. Her research there delved into the electronic properties of organic molecules and self-assembled layers on graphene and SiB, contributing significantly to the understanding of these materials' electronic behaviors.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Farzaneh's research interests include the simulation of electronic and optoelectronic properties of nanostructures, computational nanoscale systems, and the integration of machine learning in these domains. Her innovative approach combines theoretical and computational methods to address complex challenges in nanotechnology and material science.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Farzaneh's excellence in research has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She received the prestigious Berkeley scholarship for the BGW workshop in 2015, the best poster prize at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, and a scholarship from Santa Barbara University, California, in 2014. Additionally, she was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at École Polytechnique Montréal and received a prize for her Ph.D. thesis in nanotechnology from Iran in 2011.

SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

Farzaneh has made significant contributions to the understanding of nanostructures and their electronic properties. Her research at Rice University and École Polytechnique de Montréal has been pivotal in advancing the field of optoelectronic devices and energy storage solutions. Her work is well-regarded in the scientific community, as evidenced by her numerous scholarships and awards.

Through her extensive research and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, Farzaneh Shayeganfar continues to make impactful contributions to the fields of physics, nanotechnology, and optoelectronic devices. Her innovative approaches and groundbreaking research hold promise for future developments in energy storage and electronic materials.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

A comprehensive review on planar boron nitride nanomaterials: From 2D nanosheets towards 0D quantum dots 2022 (71)

Deep learning method to accelerate discovery of hybrid polymer-graphene composites 2021 (17)

Surface/edge functionalized boron nitride quantum dots: Spectroscopic fingerprint bandgap modification by chemical functionalization 2020 (42)

Phase transition and mechanical properties cesium bismuth silver halide double perovskites (Cs 2 AgBiX 6, X= Cl, Br, I): a DFT approach 2020 (35)

Amutha Chinnappan – Urban Solutions and Sustainability – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

Amutha Chinnappan - Urban Solutions and Sustainability - Best Researcher Award

National University of Singapore - Singapore 

AUTHOR PROFILE

Google Scholar

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Amutha Chinnappan's academic journey is marked by excellence in Chemistry, culminating in a Ph.D. in Energy Science and Technology from Myongji University, South Korea. Her doctoral research on new pyridinium dicationic ionic liquids showcased her commitment to innovative solutions in chemical transformations, biomass conversion, and energy applications.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

From her postdoctoral research at Myongji University to her current role as a Senior Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore, Amutha has consistently pursued cutting-edge research in Organic Chemistry, Green Chemistry, and Engineering. Her contributions to sustainable technologies, such as passive radiative cooling and nanofiber-based thermal management, underscore her commitment to addressing global challenges.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Amutha's research interests span a wide range of topics, including ionic liquids, biomass conversion, plastic recycling, and nanomaterials. Her work emphasizes circular economy principles and sustainability, with a particular focus on developing novel materials and technologies for energy efficiency and environmental preservation.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Through her mentorship of students and researchers, Amutha has played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and fostering innovation in her field. Her collaborative research projects and grants reflect her ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and address pressing societal needs, contributing to urban solutions and sustainability initiatives.

ACADEMIC CITES

Amutha's research has been recognized through numerous awards and grants, reflecting the significance of her contributions to the scientific community. Her publications and projects have garnered attention for their relevance to urban solutions and sustainability, driving positive change in the pursuit of a more sustainable future.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As she continues her academic journey, Amutha's legacy will be defined by her dedication to leveraging chemistry and engineering principles for sustainable development. Through her research, mentorship, and advocacy, she is poised to make lasting contributions to urban solutions and sustainability, shaping the trajectory of scientific inquiry and societal progress.

NOTABLE PUBLICATIUON

Significance of Nanomaterials in Wearables: A Review on Wearable Actuators and Sensors 2019 (511)

A review on inkjet printing of CNT composites for smart applications 2017 (183)

John Ramirez Avila | Water Resources Engineering | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Civil Engineering

John Ramirez Avila | Water Resources Engineering | Best Scholar Award

Mississippi State University - United States 

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus
ORCID

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS:

Dr. John J. Ramirez-Avila initiated his academic journey by obtaining a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 1999. His early academic pursuits set the foundation for a career dedicated to environmental and natural resources engineering.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:

With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Ramirez-Avila has held significant academic, research, and service positions in Colombia, Puerto Rico, and Mississippi. His work spans educational institutions, research organizations, and professional bodies, showcasing a diverse and impactful career.

EDUCATION:

Dr. Ramirez-Avila's academic journey includes an M.S. in Soils from the University of Puerto Rico (2005) and a Ph.D. in Engineering (Civil Engineering - Water Resources Engineering) from Mississippi State University (2011). His academic achievements reflect a commitment to advancing knowledge in environmental and water resources engineering.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Throughout his career, Dr. Ramirez-Avila has held various roles, including Associate Professor at the Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mississippi State University. His experience extends from tenure-track positions to non-tenure track roles, with a focus on research, teaching, and service responsibilities.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS:

Dr. Ramirez-Avila's research work has significantly contributed to the development of sustainable environmental soil and water resources engineering alternatives. His expertise lies in implementing management, protection, and restoration strategies for native and fragile ecosystems. He has been instrumental in reducing point and non-point source pollution from agricultural and urban systems.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE:

With a commitment to mentoring, Dr. Ramirez-Avila has supervised over 100 undergraduate and graduate students in the field of environmental and natural resources engineering. His leadership in technical committees has contributed to the dissemination of information and advancements in conserving environmental and natural resources.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS:

Dr. Ramirez-Avila's academic impact is evident through his teaching responsibilities and the multitude of students he has instructed. With over 1,200 students taught in junior, senior, and graduate-level courses, his influence extends to shaping the next generation of environmental engineers.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS:

As a keynote speaker, invited presenter, and panelist in national and international forums, Dr. Ramirez-Avila continues to contribute to the global dialogue on environmental engineering. His legacy is marked by a commitment to enhancing human well-being through the advancement of engineering knowledge and practices.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

NRCS Curve Number Method: Comparison of Methods for Estimating the Curve Number from Rainfall-Runoff Data.  2022 (5)

Managing Animal Manure to Minimize Phosphorus Losses from Land to Water.  2020 (10)

Development of PLEAD: A Database Containing Event-based Runoff Phosphorus Loadings from Agricultural Fields.  2019 (3)

Barrier island restoration: A literature review.  2019 (2)