Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering – Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia

Dr. Mariam Darestani is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with a diverse and impactful career in the field of engineering. With a PhD in Engineering from the University of Sydney, Dr. Darestani has made significant contributions to the development of innovative materials and sustainable technologies, particularly in the areas of water purification, sustainable agriculture, and polymer engineering. She is currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University (WSU), where she is also an Academic Program Advisor for various undergraduate engineering programs. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), she has a strong commitment to enhancing the academic experience for students through innovative curriculum development and research.

Her academic journey is marked by numerous awards, including the prestigious Amelia Earhart Fellowship from Zonta International and several Excellence in Research Awards from the University of Sydney. With a background in Polymer Engineering, Dr. Darestani has worked across various sectors, applying her research to practical solutions in industry. In addition to her teaching and research roles, she has held leadership positions in various academic and industry-related initiatives, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in her field.

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Education:

Dr. Darestani’s academic foundation is robust, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering (Honours) from Tehran Polytechnic University. She pursued her Master’s in Engineering (Polymer) from the Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute before embarking on doctoral studies at the University of Sydney, where she earned her PhD in Engineering. To further enhance her expertise in academic practice, she completed the Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), which underpins her dedication to improving teaching methodologies. Her academic qualifications are complemented by ongoing professional development, including various courses aimed at enhancing her supervisory and leadership skills in academia.

Experience:

Dr. Darestani’s career has spanned multiple research and academic positions, which have contributed to her expertise in sustainable engineering solutions. She has been a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University since 2019, where she has also been involved in several leadership roles, such as Academic Program Advisor for the Undergraduate Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, Mechanical, and Robotic & Mechatronic Engineering programs. Her previous roles include serving as an Advance Queensland Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology, where she focused on the development of novel materials and technologies for sustainable living. Her postdoctoral work at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Sydney has further enriched her ability to collaborate across academic and industrial sectors, providing valuable insights into the intersection of research, teaching, and practical engineering applications.

Research Interests:

Dr. Darestani’s research interests are primarily focused on developing innovative products and materials aimed at sustainable living. Her work is centered on the application of nanotechnology, sustainable water treatment, and the creation of advanced materials for agricultural and environmental purposes. She has a particular interest in water resource management, exploring the potential of zeolite-based products and other novel materials for addressing environmental challenges. Her research is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as polymer engineering, environmental sustainability, and nanotechnology to create practical solutions that benefit both industries and communities.

Awards:

Dr. Darestani has received numerous accolades and awards for her outstanding contributions to research and innovation. Some of her notable achievements include winning the EDBE Research Impact Award in 2024 and 2023 at Western Sydney University, as well as being named the Researcher of the Year through Industry Partnership in 2023. Her dedication to sustainability has earned her recognition in prestigious awards such as the Queensland Women in STEM Prize and the AMP Tomorrow Maker Award. Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Green Globe Award by the NSW government in 2019 and has received several industry fellowship awards, highlighting her ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Publications:

Dr. Darestani has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers that have had a significant impact on the field. Some of her recent publications include:

  1. Javan, K., & Darestani, M. (2024). Evaluating the environmental sustainability of a key crop in a crucial area: Analyzing the effects of climate change on agriculture, Heliyon. 🌱 (Cited by: 10+)
  2. Javan, K., & Darestani, M. (2024). Assessing environmental sustainability of a vital crop in a critical region using the SWAT model, Heliyon 10(3). 🌍 (Cited by: 8)
  3. Amari, S., Darestani, M., & Millar, G. (2024). Engineering and Life Cycle Assessment of Sustainable Zeolite-Based Geopolymer Incorporating Blast Furnace Slag, Sustainability 16(1), 440. ♻️ (Cited by: 12)
  4. Javan, K., Altaee, A., BaniHashemi, S., & Darestani, M. (2023). A review of interconnected challenges in the water-energy-food nexus: Urban pollution perspective towards sustainable development, Science of The Total Environment. 🌿 (Cited by: 20)
  5. Javan, K., Mirabi, M., & Darestani, M. (2023). Enhancing environmental sustainability in a critical region: Climate change impacts on agriculture and tourism, Civil Engineering Journal. 🌎 (Cited by: 15)

Conclusion:

Dr. Mariam Darestani is an exemplary figure in the field of engineering, blending academic rigor with practical, sustainable solutions. Her commitment to innovation in water resource management, sustainable materials, and engineering education has earned her a prominent place in both academic and industrial circles. With a proven track record of securing substantial research funding and delivering impactful projects, Dr. Darestani continues to make significant strides in advancing sustainable engineering practices. Through her work, she not only contributes to the academic community but also to the development of technologies that have a lasting, positive impact on the environment and society. Her contributions, both in research and teaching, make her a deserving candidate for recognition in any award nomination.

 

 

 

Mannan Aleem | Phytoremediation | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Mannan Aleem | Phytoremediation | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mannan Aleem | Phytoremediation – Master in Science at University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan

Mannan Aleem is an aspiring Agricultural Engineer from Pakistan, currently pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). His long-term research goal is to enhance global food and water security by developing innovative and sustainable water management solutions. Aleem focuses on utilizing geodesy technologies like GRACE, remote sensing datasets, hydrological models like SWAT, and advanced machine learning techniques to address critical environmental challenges, such as the impacts of climate change. Through his work, he aims to significantly improve water management strategies in emerging regions, especially in areas affected by extreme weather events and climate change. His academic pursuits and research interests reflect a passion for solving some of the most pressing global environmental challenges.

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Education

Mannan Aleem completed his Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in 2024, earning a CGPA of 3.56/4.00. Prior to that, he completed his Intermediate (FSc Pre-Engineering) at Muhammad Ali Jinnah Higher Secondary School, Faisalabad, with impressive results (931/1100, 85%). He also completed his Matriculation (Science) at the same institution, securing 1028/1100 (94%). Throughout his education, Aleem exhibited a strong academic foundation, particularly in agricultural engineering, with a keen interest in water management and climate change issues. His training in engineering and research methodologies has set the stage for his future contributions to environmental science and engineering.

Experience

Mannan Aleem has gained significant hands-on experience through his internship at the Water Management and Training Institute (WMTI) in Lahore, Pakistan. During this internship, he worked extensively with remote sensing techniques, Google Earth Engine, and ArcGIS software, gaining practical knowledge in water management and environmental data analysis. He also contributed to several class and semester projects, including groundwater analysis using GRACE and Google Earth Engine, water quality monitoring in irrigation canals, and designing dairy farm models. Aleem’s experience reflects his proactive approach to learning, as he also participated in various extracurricular activities, such as being an active member of the Society of Engineering and Technology, Green Youth Movement Club, and the Debating Club at UAF.

Research Interest

Aleem’s research interests are rooted in environmental and agricultural engineering, particularly focusing on climate change adaptation, precision agriculture, and hydrological modeling. His work includes using GIS, remote sensing, and ecohydrological modeling to understand and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events like floods and droughts. He is also deeply involved in exploring the use of machine learning for water management, wastewater treatment through phytoremediation, and groundwater hydrology. His future research aims to develop sustainable water management solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of semi-arid regions and areas facing water scarcity due to climate change.

Awards and Achievements

Mannan Aleem’s contributions to research and his active participation in academic conferences have earned him several recognitions. Notably, he represented his research at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Fall Meeting 2024 in Washington, D.C. Additionally, he received certificates for his oral and poster presentations at various international conferences, such as the International Conference on Geo-informatics for Water and Agricultural Resource Management and the 8th International Water Conference. Aleem has also completed various certifications in community safety and CPR, reflecting his commitment to both professional and social responsibility. His growing list of awards highlights his dedication to advancing environmental engineering solutions through collaboration and innovation.

Publications

  • Ten Billion Tree Tsunami Project Reveals Climate Change Mitigation and Precipitation Increase in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan
    Authors: M Aleem, SN Khan, MU Akbar, A Arshad, Y Alsubhi, M Pandey, A Javaid, et al.
    Published in: Earth Systems and Environment, Pages: 1-18
    Year: 2024 🌍📅
  • Designing Sustainable Drainage Systems to Mitigate Flood Risks in Urban Areas of the Lower Chenab Canal Region
    Authors: M Aleem, SNK Khan, N Siddique, M Ali, S Abid
    Published in: MDPI
    Year: 2024 💧📅
  • Hydroponic System For Kitchen Gardening
    Authors: M Tanveer, M Aleem, A Ayub, A Akram, C Arslan
    Published in: MDPI
    Year: 2024 🌱📅
  • Utilizing Remote Sensing and Machine Learning for Efficient Irrigation Management in Semi-Arid Regions
    Authors: M Aleem, S Khan, A Arshad, M Tanveer, S Abid, M Aleem
    Published in: MDPI
    Year: 2024 🌍📅
  • Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategies for Water Resources in Bari Doab
    Authors: M Ali, N Saddique, S Khan, M Aleem
    Published in: MDPI
    Year: 2024 🌍📅
  • Integrating IoT and AI for Smart Water Management: Enhancing Urban Water Networks with Real-Time Monitoring and Digital Twin Technology
    Authors: S Abid, S Khan, M Aleem, A Nasir, R Abid
    Published in: MDPI
    Year: 2024 💡📅

Conclusion

Mannan Aleem is a promising young researcher and engineer whose work is shaping the future of water management and environmental sustainability. With a strong academic background, hands-on experience, and a growing list of published research, he is poised to make significant contributions to addressing the global challenges of climate change and water scarcity. Aleem’s work is not only academically rigorous but also highly applicable to real-world environmental problems, making him a valuable asset in the field of agricultural engineering. His passion for innovative water management solutions and his dedication to improving the environmental resilience of vulnerable regions reflect his commitment to creating a sustainable future for all.