Mrs Magdalini Dapsopoulou | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate, AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY of ATHENS DEPT. FORESTRY & MANAGEMENT OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT, Greece

Magdalini Dapsopoulou is a PhD candidate in Forestry & Management of the Natural Environment at the Agricultural University of Athens. With a strong foundation in forestry, green space management, and waste management, she currently works as a Forestry Technologist at the Municipality of Athens. Magdalini has contributed to multiple EU projects focusing on environmental sustainability, particularly in green waste management. Her interdisciplinary work merges ecological, technological, and policy aspects to foster sustainable urban solutions. 🌳🌍📚

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

Magdalini Dapsopoulou is a highly qualified and dedicated researcher with extensive experience in forestry, environmental management, and green waste management. Her academic background, with a PhD in Forestry & Management of the Natural Environment (2023-Present) and an MSc in Waste Management (2020), underpins her knowledge and expertise in sustainable urban forestry and environmental solutions. Her professional work at the Municipality of Athens and her contributions to EU forestry projects demonstrate a strong commitment to practical applications in urban environmental management. Furthermore, her recent research, particularly her work on the sustainable management of green waste in Athens, highlights her ability to innovate by integrating energy recovery and heating solutions into urban sustainability. Her publications, such as the recent journal article on energy recovery in green waste, further reinforce her academic and professional impact. 🌱📚🏆

Areas for Improvement

While Magdalini has made significant contributions to the field, one area for further development could be the expansion of her research scope. Diversifying her research to cover a broader range of global urban sustainability practices or exploring the comparative analysis of green space management in different countries could enhance the impact and relevance of her work on a larger scale. Additionally, increasing the visibility of her research through international collaborations and conferences would further solidify her position as a thought leader in sustainable urban forestry. 🌍💡

Education

Magdalini is pursuing a PhD in Forestry & Management of the Natural Environment at the Agricultural University of Athens (2023-Present). She holds an MSc in Waste Management from the Hellenic Open University (2020), graduating with high distinction (Grade: 9.57/10). Magdalini completed her BSc in Forestry at the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa in 2002, where she earned a Grade of 7.1/10. She also obtained her High School Diploma from the 38th General Lyceum of Athens in 1996, scoring 17.1/20. 🎓🌱

Experience

Magdalini has extensive experience in the field of forestry and environmental management. She has worked at the Municipality of Athens since 2008 as a Forestry Technologist, managing green spaces and urban fauna. Her role includes overseeing urban sustainability projects. In 2007, she contributed to digital forest registry projects at the Ministry of Rural Development & Food. She has also worked with companies like Intel, Motorola, and Oracle in various administrative roles. 🌿🏙️💼

Awards and Honors

Magdalini received a Certificate of Appreciation from Motorola S.A. for her support during the Athens Olympics in 2004, assisting with security systems. Her academic excellence is reflected in her outstanding MSc grade of 9.57/10 in Waste Management, awarded by the Hellenic Open University. She has contributed significantly to EU projects in forestry data, underscoring her commitment to environmental sustainability and research. 🏆🌟🌍

Research Focus

Magdalini’s research centers on sustainable urban forestry, green waste management, and energy recovery solutions. She focuses on innovative methods for managing green spaces in urban environments, particularly through the recovery and repurposing of green waste. Her research aims to explore energy solutions in municipalities, such as heating systems derived from urban waste. This contributes to reducing environmental impacts and promoting circular economy practices. 🌱🌍🔬

Publication Top Notes

Sustainable Management of Green Waste in Urban Settings: A Case Study on Energy Recovery and Heating Solutions in the Municipality of Athens (Greece), Recycling, 2024-12-01. 🌱💡
Sustainable Management of Green Waste in Urban Settings: A Case Study on Energy Recovery and Heating Solutions in the Municipality of Athens (Greece), Preprint, 2024-10-09. 🔄♻️

Conclusion

Magdalini Dapsopoulou has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the fields of forestry, waste management, and sustainable urban solutions. With her practical experience, commitment to innovative research, and ongoing contributions to environmental sustainability, she is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her ability to combine academic rigor with real-world applications makes her a valuable asset to the field of environmental science and urban management. The future potential for her work is significant, with opportunities for further impact in global sustainability efforts. 🌿🌍🌟

Ngonidzashe Mangoro - Urbanisation and Solid Waste Management - Best Researcher Award

University of the Witwatersrand - South Africa

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

AREAS OF RESEARCH FOCUS AND PROFESSIONAL INTEREST

Ngonidzashe Mangoro's research spans diverse and critical areas such as Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability, and Social and Environmental Justice. His professional interests also cover Natural Resources Governance, Waste Governance, and Environmental Policy Analysis. Mangoro's expertise extends to Agri-Food Systems, Heritage Geographies, and the Decolonisation of the Built Environment. Additionally, he has a keen interest in Late Iron Age Archaeology in Africa, reflecting his broad engagement with both contemporary and historical environmental issues.

EDUCATION

Ngonidzashe Mangoro holds a PhD in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand (2024), following an MSc in Geography and Environmental Studies from the same institution (2021). He completed his BA Hons in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, and Museum Studies at Midlands State University in May 2013, graduating with Upper Second Class Honors. His academic background underpins his extensive research and teaching roles in the field.

PROFESSIONAL TEACHING APPOINTMENTS

From 2021 to 2023, Mangoro served as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. He taught both undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Environmental Governance, Thinking Geographically, Food: Security, Politics and Culture, Space and Society, Earth and Atmospheric Processes, Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science, and Economic Geography. His contributions in this role were highly regarded, with notable achievements including co-authoring articles for high-impact journals and being involved in significant projects such as the South African Water Research Commission Sanitation Project.

PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS OUTSIDE ACADEMIA

Before his academic roles, Mangoro worked as a Science Communicator and Project Coordinator at Sci Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg from 2016 to 2021. In this capacity, he managed various projects, including project recruitment and quality assurance, and taught environmental sustainability concepts. He also held a role as a Freelance Heritage and Environmental Consultant from May 2017, managing projects that required expert studies, particularly in construction and mining in Johannesburg.

ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS

Ngonidzashe Mangoro has published several impactful papers, including "Community Perceptions on the Impacts of Solid Waste Management on Human Health and the Environment in Sub-Saharan African Cities" in Development Southern Africa and "An Assessment of Literature on Construction and Demolition Waste Management Barriers in Sub-Saharan Africa" in the International Journal of Environment and Waste Management. His work also covers wetland changes in Gauteng, South Africa, demonstrating his contribution to advancing knowledge in environmental and heritage studies.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Mangoro's professional journey is marked by significant achievements, including his impactful contributions to environmental and heritage consulting, as well as his effective project management at Sci Bono Discovery Centre. His ability to shift between roles and his strong work ethic have earned him recognition and opportunities for further development within his professional spheres.

RESEARCH AND CONSULTING EXPERIENCE

With a background in both research and practical consulting, Mangoro has conducted in-depth studies on indigenous communities and their heritage, managed data and compliance procedures in heritage consulting, and contributed to the development of impactful environmental policies. His experience is a testament to his dedication to advancing both academic and applied aspects of environmental and heritage research.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Exploring Wetland Change in the Gauteng Province, South Africa

Authors: Mangoro, N., Kubanza, N.S., Simatele, M.D.
Year: 2024

Title: Community Perceptions on the Impacts of Solid Waste Management on Human Health and the Environment in Sub-Saharan African Cities: A Study of Diepsloot, Johannesburg, South Africa

Authors: Mangoro, N., Kubanza, N.S.
Year: 2023
Journal: Development Southern Africa

Magdalini Dapsopoulou | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award