David Gwapedza – Water Resources Management – Best Researcher Award

David Gwapedza - Water Resources Management - Best Researcher Award

Institute for Water Research - South Africa

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

DAVID GWAPEDZA, Ph.D.

David Gwapedza is a renowned expert in hydrological modeling, sediment transport modeling, and natural resource management, with extensive experience in African countries. He has demonstrated strong capabilities in providing intellectual leadership in collaborative research processes involving multiple partners in UKRI and WRC projects. David's strategic thinking allows him to conceptualize complex issues, write grant proposals, and lead impactful research projects.

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

David earned his Ph.D. in Hydrology from Rhodes University, South Africa, where he developed and evaluated the sediment yield model (WQSED) for catchment management in African regions. His research concentrated on hydrological modeling, erosion and sediment modeling, and catchment management. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Hydrology from Rhodes University and a BSS (Honours) degree in Geography and Population Studies from Lupane State University in Zimbabwe.

RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Currently, David is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Rhodes University, where he drafts manuscripts, presents findings at international conferences, and conducts independent research. He is also a Project Leader and Principal Researcher at the Water Research Commission, where he conceptualizes projects, facilitates collaboration with research partners, and supervises students. His work involves applying hydrological models, leading stakeholder engagement initiatives, and writing scientific publications.

David has also served as a Research Scientist for the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), where he developed online courses, facilitated stakeholder engagement workshops, and provided hydrological modeling support for project partners. His experience includes a PhD exchange program at Technische Universität Braunschweig, where he worked on hydrological modeling using the PANTA RHEI Model.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PROJECT LEADERSHIP

David has a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and project leadership. He has supported stakeholder engagement for the UKRI-ARUA water project in Rwanda and Uganda, facilitated workshops with the Western Cape Government-LandCare, and collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund. His role as a Project Leader at the Water Research Commission involves supervising students, preparing budgets, and managing project implementation.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

David's excellence in research has been recognized through various awards and scholarships. Notably, he received the Rhodes University research scholarship and the Berkeley scholarship for the BGW workshop. He has also been awarded for the best poster at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, and received a scholarship from Santa Barbara University, California.

TEACHING AND MENTORING

David is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of hydrologists. He supervises postgraduate students, lectures on hydrology courses, and develops tailored lectures and workshops. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of practical application and stakeholder engagement in water resource management.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

David's expertise extends to GIS and remote sensing. He has worked as a GIS Intern, where he monitored and evaluated water supply systems, mapped aquifers and water points, and provided GIS information to stakeholders. His technical skills in using GIS software to identify water sources and digitize maps have been instrumental in various research and consultancy projects.

Through his extensive research, leadership, and stakeholder engagement, David Gwapedza continues to make significant contributions to hydrological modeling, catchment management, and natural resource management in Africa. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses critical water resource challenges in the region.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Modelling storm event-based sediment yield and assessing its heavy metal loading: case of Lake Victoria's Inner Murchison Bay catchment in Uganda 2024

Assessing soil erosion risk in a peri-urban catchment of the Lake Victoria basin 2023 (1)

Equity-based allocation criteria for water deficit periods: A case study in South Africa 2023 (2)

Regionalising MUSLE factors for application to a data-scarce catchment 2018 (19)

Prediction of sediment yield of the Inxu River catchment (South Africa) using the MUSLE 2021 (39)

Farzaneh Shayeganfar – Nanofiltration – Best Researcher Award

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)

Taufiq Ihsan – Environmental Science – Best Researcher Award

Taufiq Ihsan - Environmental Science - Best Researcher Award

Andalas University - Indonesia

AUTHOR PROFILE

Scopus
ORCID
Google Scholar

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Taufiq Ihsan embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering from Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia, from 2004 to 2009. He furthered his education by pursuing a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering at Bandung Institute of Technology from 2010 to 2012. Building upon his foundation, he pursued a Doctorate in Life Environmental Science at Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan, from 2021 to the present.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Since April 2014, Taufiq Ihsan has been serving as a Lecturer in Environmental Engineering at Andalas University, where he shares his expertise and passion for the field with students. His commitment to academia is reflected in his ongoing dedication to teaching and research, empowering the next generation of environmental engineers.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Taufiq Ihsan's research focuses on various aspects of Environmental Science, including water and soil quality, pollution assessment, and sustainable waste management. His contributions to the field have been significant, with numerous publications in esteemed journals covering topics such as the removal of contaminants from drinking water, the impact of pesticide exposure on aquatic organisms, and solid waste management initiatives.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Through his research and scholarly activities, Taufiq Ihsan has made a tangible impact on the field of Environmental Science. His work has contributed to advancements in understanding environmental challenges and developing innovative solutions to address them. By disseminating his findings through publications and peer-reviewed journals, he has influenced the discourse surrounding environmental issues and informed policy and decision-making processes.

ACADEMIC CITES

Taufiq Ihsan's research findings have been cited by fellow researchers and scholars in the field of Environmental Science, indicating the significance and relevance of his contributions. His work serves as a valuable resource for further study and exploration, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the academic community.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Taufiq Ihsan's dedication to Environmental Science positions him as a leader in the field, with a legacy of impactful research and scholarly contributions. As he continues to pursue his academic and professional endeavors, his work will undoubtedly shape the future of environmental engineering and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

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.  2020 (13)

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

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

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