Magdalini Dapsopoulou | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

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. πŸŒ³πŸŒπŸ“š

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. πŸŒ±πŸ“šπŸ†

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. πŸŒπŸ’‘

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. πŸŽ“πŸŒ±

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. πŸŒΏπŸ™οΈπŸ’Ό

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. πŸ†πŸŒŸπŸŒ

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. πŸŒ±πŸŒπŸ”¬

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. πŸŒ±πŸ’‘
  • 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. πŸ”„β™»οΈ

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. 🌿🌍🌟

 

Milena Belloni – Urban policies – Best Researcher Award

Milena Belloni - Urban policies - Best Researcher Award

University of Antwerp - Belgium

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

MILENA BELLONI RESEARCH FIELDS

Milena Belloni is an expert in migration and refugee studies, focusing on ethnography, European asylum policies, transnationalism, gender and migration, and migration-related diversity within urban contexts. Her research encompasses migration dynamics, particularly related to the Horn of Africa.

MAIN PROFESSIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Dr. Belloni has received significant accolades for her work, including an Honorable Mention for her book The Big Gamble: The Migration of Eritreans to Europe (UC Press, 2019) at the 2021 RC31 Book Award, as well as a 2021 ENMISA Honorable Mention for the Best Book in ethnicity, nationalism, and migration studies. She also received the IMISCOE Maria Baganha Doctoral Award for Migration Studies in 2016.

GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND AWARDS

Dr. Belloni has been awarded numerous grants and scholarships throughout her career, including the FWO Postdoctoral Fellowship for Social Sciences (2020-2023), the American Academy in Rome - Italian Fellowship in Modern Italian Studies (2016), and the University of Trento Doctoral Dissertation Award (2015-2016). She was also a recipient of various doctoral scholarships, including a Doctoral Scholarship with the University of Trento.

SUPERVISION OF DOCTORAL STUDENTS

Dr. Belloni has been actively supervising doctoral students since 2021, with projects focusing on various aspects of migration and refugee governance. Current PhD candidates include Giovanni Penna, Woldegebriel Dagne, Roos Derrix, and others, addressing topics such as EU border externalization and refugee family integration.

TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS

Dr. Belloni has held lecturer positions at the University of Antwerp and the University of Trento, teaching courses in Anthropology, Migration and Development, and Qualitative Research Methods at both undergraduate and master's levels.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Once We Relax, the Door of Trauma Is Open: Aaron’s Life Story
Author: Belloni, M.
Book: Finding Home in Europe: Chronicles of Global Migrants
Year: 2023

Title: Uneven Borders: Family Reunification Regulations and Their Implications in Europe
Authors: Bonizzoni, P., Belloni, M.
Book: Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research
Year: 2023

Title: Accumulated Homelessness: Analysing Protracted Displacement along Eritreans' Life Histories
Authors: Belloni, M., Massa, A.
Journal: Journal of Refugee Studies
Year: 2022

Title: The Right to Exit as National and Transnational Governance: The Case of Eritrea
Authors: Belloni, M., Cole, G.
Journal: International Migration
Year: 2022

Title: Much More Than Just Money: Investigating Remittances Across Time and Place in the Eritrean Context
Authors: Belloni, M., Fusari, V., Massa, A.
Journal: Modern Africa
Year: 2022

Rahman Davtalab – Stormwater Management – Best Researcher Award

Rahman Davtalab - Stormwater Management - Best Researcher Award

Singhofen and Associate Inc. - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus
ORCID

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Rahman Davtalab's academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Irrigation Engineering from Tehran University, Iran, in 2000, followed by a Master of Science in Applied Meteorology from the same institution in 2003. His thesis on the climatic classification based on cluster analysis showcased his early interest in meteorological science, laying the foundation for his future research endeavors.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Davtalab's professional journey spans over two decades, encompassing roles as a Senior Engineer in Stormwater Management at Singhofen and Associates Inc. in Florida, USA, where he has been instrumental in various activities such as stormwater management, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, and environmental permitting for new developments. Prior to this, he served as an Advisor and part-time project employee at the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, University of Central Florida, focusing on climate change effects on water resources and agriculture.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Throughout his career, Davtalab has made significant contributions to the fields of stormwater management, climate change, and water resources. His research interests include hydrological and hydraulic modeling, the use of GIS and RS in water resources, and sustainable development in water resources and the environment. He has been involved in research projects addressing climate change adaptation strategies, drought and water shortage mitigation, and integrated water resource studies.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Davtalab's work has had a notable impact on the understanding and management of stormwater, climate change effects on water resources, and sustainable water development practices. His expertise in hydrology, climatology, and water resources management has influenced policy-making and planning efforts aimed at addressing water-related challenges, both in the USA and internationally.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS

As a respected expert in his field, Davtalab's research has been cited in various academic journals and technical reports, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in hydrology, meteorology, and climate science. His refereeing of papers and technical reports for esteemed journals and organizations underscores his role as a trusted authority in the field.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Rahman Davtalab's dedication to stormwater management and sustainable water resources development positions him as a leader in his field. His legacy will be defined by his continued efforts to address pressing water challenges, advance scientific understanding, and promote resilient and environmentally sound water management practices.

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Davtalab's expertise in stormwater management is evident in his extensive professional experience and research contributions. His work encompasses various aspects of stormwater management, including hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, environmental permitting, floodplain analysis, and integrated surface water and groundwater modeling. Through his efforts, he has helped to mitigate flood risks, protect water quality, and promote sustainable development practices in water resources management.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Sea Level Rise Effect on Groundwater Rise and Stormwater Retention Pond Reliability.Β  2020 (13)

An Integrated Approach for Site Selection of Snow Measurement StationsΒ  2016 (1)

Climate Change Impacts on Maize Production in the Warm Heart of Africa.Β  2016 (52)

Evaluating the Effects of Climate Change on Water Reliability in Iran's Karkheh River BasinΒ  2014 (11)

Alanda Kamana | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Alanda A. Kamana - Mohammed VI Polutechnic University - Morocco

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS:

Alanda A. Kamana embarked on his academic journey at the National School of Architecture (ENA) in Rabat, Morocco, where he earned his Architect Diploma. His studies encompassed various aspects of architecture, including Urban Design & Research, Territorial Planning, Construction Technology, Urban Policy, Landscape Architecture, and Structural Engineering.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:

As an Architect & Urban Researcher, Alanda has shown dedication to frugal innovations and smart technology for integrated resilient and sustainable infrastructure in African Cities. He has served as a Project Manager at Cabinet GHESQUIERE in Tangier, Morocco, contributing to research, design processes, and project management. His leadership extends to his role as the President of the Rwandan Community Abroad - Moroccan Chapter.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

Alanda's academic background includes a comprehensive Architect Diploma from ENA. He has engaged in training internships in architectural firms and research institutions, broadening his expertise in various facets of the architectural field.

RESEARCH FOCUS & INTERESTS:

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the School of Architecture, Planning, and Design (SAP+D) - Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Alanda's research focuses on Strategic Spatial Planning in East African Cities. His interests extend to Smart African Cities, Urban Antifragility, Sustainability, and Urbanization processes in African Cities.

PROJECTS & AWARDS:

Alanda has been actively involved in various architectural and urban projects, earning recognition and awards for his contributions. Notable projects include the Rubavu Balneotherapy Hub in Rwanda, the construction of the football stadium in Rwamagana, and the restoration of Ibn Batouta Museum in Tangier, Morocco.

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:

As the Co-founder & CEO of Daba.Cities, Alanda leads a multicultural team working towards implementing antifragile and sustainable urban practices in city centers. He has demonstrated leadership as the President of the Rwandan Community Abroad - Moroccan Chapter, fostering collaboration between Rwandan and Moroccan officials.

ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS & RESEARCH:

Alanda's academic journey has evolved into a role as a Ph.D. Candidate and the Academic Quality Assurance Coordinator at SAP+D. He is involved in ensuring the quality standards of lectures and evaluating syllabi and curricula effectiveness.

FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS:

With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable urban practices, Alanda A. Kamana is poised to continue making impactful contributions to the field of architecture and urban planning. His future endeavors are likely to further shape resilient and sustainable urban landscapes, especially in African cities.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Urban Challenges and Strategies in African Cities – A Systematic Literature Review.Β  2023