Francis Ssenkuba | Aquatic | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Mr. Francis Ssenkuba | Aquatic | Young Scientist Award 

Mr. Francis Ssenkuba | Aquatic | PhD Researcher at Mbarara University of Science and Technology | Uganda

Aquatic – Mr. Francis Ssenkuba is a dedicated Ugandan biologist whose work focuses on freshwater ecosystems, particularly the parasites, invertebrates, and biodiversity of lakes and lotic systems in Uganda’s rift and forest regions. Born on 16 June 1998 in Kiboga, Uganda, Mr. Francis Ssenkuba earned his Bachelor of Science with Education (Biological) with First Class Honors (2018–2022), then went on to complete a Master of Science in Biology with a specialization in Natural Resources Ecology, Management and Conservation (2023–2024), and is currently pursuing a PhD in Biology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda — his doctoral research centers on point-of-care monitoring of schistosomiasis parasites in Lake Albert (Western Uganda) using environmental DNA (eDNA) loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. Professionally, Mr. Francis Ssenkuba serves as PhD researcher under the Action towards Reducing Aquatic snail-borne Parasitic diseases (ATRAP) project at Mbarara University (since October 2024), and since May 2022 has also worked as a Research Assistant on a PhD project at Justus Liebig University Giessen (Germany), concerning aquatic biodiversity studies on Lake Albert and Lake Edward. In parallel, from July 2022 onward, he volunteers as a teaching assistant in Hydrobiology and Aquatic Science at the Department of Biology, Mbarara University. Mr. Francis Ssenkuba’s research interests include freshwater ecology and conservation, aquatic macroinvertebrates and molluscs, parasite-host relationships (including schistosomiasis), biodiversity monitoring using molecular methods (eDNA), conservation assessment of threatened species (e.g. molluscs, odonates), and taxonomic inventory of aquatic fauna in tropical African lakes and forest streams. His research skills encompass field sampling of aquatic organisms, environmental DNA metabarcoding and LAMP-based assays, taxonomic identification (macroinvertebrates, molluscs, odonates), ecological survey design, conservation assessment protocols, data analysis for biodiversity and community structure, and project coordination. Mr. Francis Ssenkuba has also secured several research grants — notably as Principal Investigator for a conservation assessment of endemic threatened Odonate species in the Albertine Rift (Echuya Forest Reserve and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) funded by Rufford Foundation (≈ US$10,491, ongoing since September 2025), and a mollusc and crustacean inventory in Lakes Mutanda and Bunyonyi (Southwestern Uganda) funded via Save Our Species / Conservation Action Fund (≈ US$7,528, 2023–2024). He contributed as a team member in a project rediscovering critically endangered gastropods in Lakes Edward and Albert (Rufford-funded), and also led a short-term survey of odonates in Afromontane forests (Rufford grant ~ US$7,516, 2023). Through these efforts, Mr. Francis Ssenkuba has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bridging molecular ecology, traditional taxonomy and conservation science to safeguard freshwater biodiversity. In conclusion, Mr. Francis Ssenkuba represents a new generation of aquatic conservationists combining rigorous academic training, hands-on field and molecular research, and active conservation engagement; his work not only enhances scientific understanding of Uganda’s ragged freshwater ecosystems but also contributes critically needed baseline data and conservation assessments that can inform future management and policy — thereby embodying the promise of impactful, ecosystem-oriented science for tropical freshwater conservation.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Bálint, M., Tumusiime, J., Nakintu, J., Baranski, D., Schardt, L., Romahn, J., Dusabe, M.-C., Tolo, C. U., Kagoro, G. R., & Ssenkuba, F. (2024). Environmental DNA barcoding reveals general biodiversity patterns in the large tropical rift Lake Albert. Science of the Total Environment.
Ssenkuba, F., Komujuni, C., & Tumusiime, J. (2022). In vitro anthelmintic activity of Leonotis nepetifolia ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts on Fasciola gigantica. Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, 14(4), 82–90.
Ssenkuba, F., Tumusiime, J., Akite, P., Toloa, E., Ndimulodi, J., Dusabe, C., Albrecht, C., & Kagoro, G. (2025). Unveiling Management Implications for Odonata Assemblages in Tropical Rain Forests of the Albertine Rift, Uganda. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems.

 

José Fernandes Bezerra-Neto | Limnology | Distinguished Academic Leadership Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Assoc. Prof. Dr. José Fernandes Bezerra-Neto | Limnology | Distinguished Academic Leadership Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. José Fernandes Bezerra-Neto | Limnology – Associate Professor at Federal University of minas Gerais, Brazil

José Fernandes Bezerra Neto is a distinguished academic in the field of environmental sciences, specializing in biogeochemistry, ecology, and aquatic ecosystems. His work primarily focuses on the dynamics of dissolved organic matter (DOM), biogeochemical cycles, and greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and CH4) from tropical aquatic environments. As an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), he has significantly contributed to the understanding of ecosystem metabolism, water balance, and organic matter degradation in tropical lakes. His scholarly contributions have not only advanced scientific knowledge but have also influenced environmental policies and management strategies. With a remarkable career spanning several research areas, including limnology and ecological modeling, he continues to lead groundbreaking studies that impact both local and global environmental sustainability.

Profile:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:


José Fernandes Bezerra Neto’s educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in 1999, where he developed a keen interest in ecological research. He further advanced his academic expertise with multiple postdoctoral fellowships. His first postdoctoral experience at UFMG focused on limnology and ecosystem ecology, and he later pursued additional postdoctoral work at the University of Alberta, Canada, under the support of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brazil. His academic training has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of ecological systems, making him a prominent figure in his field. Throughout his education, he built a robust foundation for his current research on tropical aquatic systems and environmental sustainability.

Experience:

José Fernandes Bezerra Neto’s academic and professional experiences have been marked by both leadership and impactful research. He has been serving as a professor at UFMG since 2015, where he holds a position in the Department of Biological Sciences. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to mentor a diverse group of students and researchers, guiding them through complex ecological and environmental challenges. His extensive research experiences, including his involvement in tropical ecosystem modeling and his contributions to the understanding of dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems, have earned him recognition in academic circles. Bezerra Neto’s leadership has extended to securing funding from notable Brazilian research agencies such as CNPq, CAPES, and FAPEMIG, allowing him to advance his projects and collaborate with both national and international scientists. This combination of teaching, research, and leadership positions him as a leader in environmental sciences.

Research Interests:


Bezerra Neto’s research interests center on the biogeochemistry of carbon, focusing on the degradation processes of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in tropical aquatic environments. His work explores the effects of environmental factors on the emission and oxidation of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and CH4. He is also interested in understanding ecosystem metabolism, water balance, and the dynamics of organic matter in lakes. His studies are pivotal for understanding tropical ecosystems’ role in global biogeochemical cycles, especially regarding the impact of human activity and climate change on water quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, his expertise in the optics of water and the thermal structure of aquatic systems contributes to a more nuanced understanding of environmental processes in freshwater bodies.

Awards:


José Fernandes Bezerra Neto’s scholarly contributions have earned him various recognitions in the scientific community. He has been awarded several prestigious research grants from Brazilian agencies such as CNPq and CAPES, allowing him to carry out significant studies on tropical aquatic systems. Although he has not yet received the “Distinguished Academic Leadership Award,” his body of work demonstrates the level of dedication and innovation that is deserving of such an honor. His leadership and contributions to advancing the understanding of tropical ecosystems, both in terms of scientific knowledge and in the application of environmental policies, make him an exemplary candidate for such recognition. His continued focus on interdisciplinary research further solidifies his standing as a respected leader in his field.

Publications:


Bezerra Neto’s research has led to a significant number of influential publications. Here are seven of his most notable works:

  1. “Forest-lake ecotones in a tropical forest: Terrestrial invertebrate inputs to lakes decrease with forest distance” (2022) – Freshwater Biology 🧑‍🔬📚
    Cited by: 1
  2. “Modelling the abundance of a non-native mollusk in tropical semi-arid reservoirs” (2022) – Hydrobiologia 🐚📖
    Cited by: 3
  3. “Rainfall and drainage basin shape strongly control temporal and spatial variation of dissolved organic matter in a tropical lake” (2022) – Limnology 🌧️💧
    Cited by: 7
  4. “Characteristics of hydroclimatic conditions in the Rio Doce State Park (MG)” (2022) – Biota 🌳🌊
    Cited by: 2
  5. “Dams pose a critical threat to rivers in Brazil’s Cerrado hotspot” (2022) – Water 🌍⚠️
    Cited by: 1
  6. “Water quality evaluation and dissolved organic matter characterization of a tropical hypereutrophic reservoir” (2021) – Environmental Science and Pollution Research 💧📊
    Cited by: 8
  7. “Is it stochastic? Chaoborus larvae bioturbation likely affect the timing of daily methane (CH4) ebullitive flux in a tropical reservoir” (2020) – Hydrobiologia 🌾💨
    Cited by: 6

Conclusion:


José Fernandes Bezerra Neto’s academic journey is a testament to his leadership in environmental science and his impactful contributions to the understanding of tropical aquatic ecosystems. His research not only advances scientific knowledge but also holds immense practical value for the conservation of aquatic environments and the management of greenhouse gases in the context of global climate change. His extensive publication record, mentorship, and leadership in the academic community highlight his deserving candidacy for the “Distinguished Academic Leadership Award.” Bezerra Neto’s dedication to both research and education underscores his ongoing influence in environmental sciences, making him a highly respected figure within his field.

Seiyed Mossa Hosseini | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seiyed Mossa Hosseini | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Physical Geography Dept., University of Tehran | Iran

Dr. Seiyed Mossa Hosseini is an Associate Professor in Water Resources Engineering at the University of Tehran’s Physical Geography Department. With a robust academic and professional background, Dr. Hosseini specializes in hydrology, contaminant remediation, and geohazards like floods and land subsidence. Over his career, he has contributed significantly to water resources management through research and numerous published works. He has held leadership positions such as the Head of the Physical Geography Department at the University of Tehran, further cementing his role as an expert in the field.

Profile

Scopus

Education:
Dr. Hosseini’s academic journey began with his BSc in Water Engineering from the University of Shiraz (2000-2003). He then pursued an MSc in Water Resources Engineering at the University of Tehran (2003-2006), focusing on optimizing reservoir operation policies. His PhD (2006-2010) at the University of Tehran furthered his expertise, with a thesis on nitrate removal from groundwater using nano-Fe0 and Fe/Cu particles, advised by renowned scholars Dr. Majid Kholghi and Prof. B. Ataie-Ashtiani.

Experience:
Dr. Hosseini has accumulated extensive experience through both teaching and research. As an Associate Professor, he has taught a wide range of subjects, including Groundwater Hydrology, Karst Hydrogeology, and Urban Environmental Hazards. His teaching contributions span MSc and PhD programs, equipping the next generation of hydrologists with critical knowledge. In addition to teaching, Dr. Hosseini has held leadership roles, including Head of the Physical Geography Department at the University of Tehran, where he guided various academic and research initiatives.

Research Interests:
Dr. Hosseini’s research interests are centered around hydrology, numerical modeling, and the remediation of contaminants in aquifers. His work explores geohazards such as flood modeling, land subsidence, and the impacts of climate change on water systems. Additionally, Dr. Hosseini has focused on the development of methods for sustainable groundwater management, including the application of zero-valent iron in removing contaminants from groundwater. His ongoing projects continue to contribute to both national and international water resource management strategies.

Awards:
Dr. Hosseini has been recognized for his excellence in research and contribution to the scientific community. Notable awards include the Superior Young Researcher and Superior International Researcher awards from the University of Tehran’s 9th International Festival (2019). He also received the Outstanding Contribution in Reviewing Award from Elsevier’s Journal of Hydrology (2017). His early achievements include securing the top rank in the National PhD Entrance Exam for Water Resources Engineering (2006) and earning the Distinguished Graduate Student Award during his BSc studies (2003).

Publications:
Dr. Hosseini has made substantial contributions to the scientific literature, with his work being widely cited. Below are some of his key publications:

  1. Nikraftar, Z., Parizi, E., Saber, M., Hosseini, S. M., Ataie-Ashtiani, B., & Simmons, C. T. (2023). Groundwater sustainability assessment in the Middle East using GRACE/GRACE-FO data. Hydrogeology Journal, 1-17.
  2. Hosseini, S. M. (2023). Nitrate removal from groundwater by microscale zero‐valent iron and activated carbon: A nonpumping reactive wells experiment. CLEAN–Soil, Air, Water, 51(8), 2300019.
  3. Golpaygani, A., Keshtkar, A., Mashhadi, N., Hosseini, S. M., & Afzali, A. (2023). Optimal selection of cost-effective biological runoff management scenarios at watershed scale using SWAT-GA tool. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 49, 101489.
  4. Sheibani, S., Ataie-Ashtiani, B., Safaie, A., & Hosseini, S. M. (2023). Coupled water and salt balance models for Lake Urmia: Salt precipitation and dissolution effects. Journal of Great Lakes Research.
  5. Bagheri-Gavkosh, M., & Hosseini, S. M. (2023). Flood Seasonality Analysis in Iran: A Circular Statistics Approach. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, 28(2), 04022039.
  6. Sadeghi, A. R., & Hosseini, S. M. (2023). Assessment and delineation of potential groundwater recharge zones in areas prone to saltwater intrusion hazard: a case from Central Iran. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195(1), 203.
  7. Geravand, F., Hosseini, S. M., Maghsoudi, M., & Yamani, M. (2022). Characterization of Karst Springs from Zagros Mountain in southwestern Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 81(23), 1-24.

Conclusion:
Dr. Seiyed Mossa Hosseini has established himself as a leading figure in Water Resources Engineering with a focus on hydrology, groundwater management, and geohazard mitigation. His extensive research contributions, numerous awards, and dedication to both teaching and scientific advancements make him an invaluable asset to the academic and research community. His work continues to influence water management practices, particularly in the context of sustainable practices and environmental protection in regions facing increasing water stress.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Augustine Ovie Edegbene | Aquatic ecology | Best Scholar Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Augustine Ovie Edegbene | Aquatic ecology | Best Scholar Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Augustine Ovie Edegbene, Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Nigeria

🌍 Dr. Augustine Ovie Edegbene, an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Nigeria, is a distinguished scholar with dual PhDs in Water Resources Science and Zoology. With over 15 years of teaching and research experience, he has mentored 50+ students globally. 🌊 His pioneering research in aquatic ecology led to the first macroinvertebrate biotic index in West Africa. 🌱 Dr. Edegbene serves as the Deputy Director of the Institute of Global Health and Health Security and co-leads Climate Change & Disaster Risk Reduction at the Global Young Academy. 📚 A prolific author, his work advances freshwater ecosystem monitoring.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

Suitability for the Best Scholar Award:

Dr. Augustine Ovie Edegbene stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Scholar Award due to his outstanding contributions to environmental science, particularly in the areas of aquatic ecology, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. His dual PhDs in Water Resources Science and Zoology provide a strong interdisciplinary foundation, allowing him to address complex environmental challenges with innovative solutions. Dr. Edegbene’s research has had a profound global impact, exemplified by his development of the first macroinvertebrate biotic index in West Africa, a groundbreaking tool for monitoring the health of freshwater ecosystems in the region. This achievement underscores his leadership and transformative role in advancing environmental science in West Africa.

Education & Experience 

🎓 Education:

  • PhD in Water Resources Science 🏞️
  • PhD in Zoology 🐾
  • Bachelor’s & Master’s in Biological Sciences 🧬

💼 Experience:

  • Associate Professor, Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Nigeria 🏢
  • Deputy Director, Institute of Global Health and Health Security 🏥
  • Co-lead, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, Global Young Academy 🌏
  • 15+ years of teaching and research experience 📚
  • Mentor to 50+ postgraduate students globally 🌐

Professional Development

🚀 Dr. Edegbene is a leader in biodiversity conservation, climate change, and aquatic ecology. 🌊 He has developed innovative biotic indices for freshwater ecosystem biomonitoring, transforming environmental science in West Africa. As a reviewer for 50+ international journals and editorial board member for Discover Sustainability and Frontiers in Environmental Science, he contributes significantly to global academia. 📖 His collaborations span six continents, highlighting his international impact. 🌍 Dr. Edegbene has spearheaded high-impact projects, such as developing tools for biomonitoring wadeable riverine systems and studying Lassa fever in Nigeria. 💡 His expertise integrates science diplomacy and sustainability.

Research Focus

🔬 Dr. Edegbene’s research focuses on applied aquatic ecology, freshwater biodiversity, and climate change. 🌿 He developed the first macroinvertebrate multimetric index in West Africa and introduced macroinvertebrate trait-based biomonitoring in Africa. 🌊 His work advances water governance, ecological health, and socio-ecology in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 🌏 His interdisciplinary approach bridges public health and environmental sciences, including the study of emerging diseases like Lassa fever. 🦠 As a global collaborator, Dr. Edegbene fosters innovations that address critical environmental and health challenges, ensuring resilience and sustainability in diverse ecosystems. 💧

Awards & Honors 

🏅 Fellow, African Research Excellence Fund (AREF)
🌟 Member, Global Young Academy (GYA)
🌍 Member, Society for Freshwater Science (SFS)
📖 Editorial Board Member, Discover Sustainability (Springer)
🔍 Guest Editor, Frontiers in Environmental Science & Ecology and Evolution
📜 Over 40 peer-reviewed publications indexed in SCI & Scopus

Publication Top Notes:

  • 📄 Anthropogenic impact on water chemistry and benthic macroinvertebrate associated changes in a southern Nigeria stream
    • Cited by: 126
  • 📄 Identifying and classifying macroinvertebrate indicator signature traits and ecological preferences along urban pollution gradient in the Niger Delta
    • Cited by: 52
  • 📄 Developing and applying a macroinvertebrate‐based multimetric index for urban rivers in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
    • Cited by: 51
  • 📄 Exploring the distribution patterns of macroinvertebrate signature traits and ecological preferences and their responses to urban and agricultural pollution in selected rivers
    • Cited by: 46
  • 📄 Effect of anthropogenicity on the composition and diversity of aquatic insects of a municipal river in North Central Nigeria
    • Cited by: 43