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.

Profile Verified:

Google Scholar

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:

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+)
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)
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)
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)
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.

Mrs. Imane OUAGUED | Water treatment | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Imane OUAGUED | Water treatment – PhD student at Hassiba Benbouali University of Chlef, Algeria

Imane OUAGUED is a distinguished chemical engineer specializing in water management and environmental protection. With a strong academic foundation and extensive research experience, she has contributed significantly to the fields of advanced oxidation processes, adsorption techniques, and bio-based material synthesis. Her expertise spans laboratory research, analytical method development, and scientific mentoring. As a dedicated researcher, she actively seeks innovative solutions to address global environmental challenges, ensuring sustainable water treatment methods. Her work is widely recognized for its scientific impact, demonstrating a commitment to research excellence and technological advancements in chemical engineering.

Education

Imane OUAGUED is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering, expected to be completed by June 2025 at Université Hassiba Benbouali, Chlef, Algeria. Her doctoral research is conducted at the prestigious Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM) in Montpellier, France, focusing on innovative approaches to refractory dye degradation through advanced oxidation processes. She holds a Master’s degree in Process Engineering with a specialization in Chemical Engineering, where she graduated as the top student of her class. Her master’s research involved the synthesis of bio-based materials from shrimp shells and the development of biofilms. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Process Engineering, further strengthening her expertise in chemical and environmental applications.

Experience

Imane OUAGUED has amassed extensive research and teaching experience across multiple institutions. At IEM Montpellier, she has actively contributed to the preparation of analytical samples, the use of high-precision instruments such as UV spectrophotometry and TOC analyzers, and the development of novel analytical techniques. Her role in mentoring and supervising students has been crucial in fostering a collaborative research environment.

She has also served as a university instructor, teaching practical laboratory modules related to wastewater treatment, adsorption techniques, and heterogeneous catalysis. As a co-supervisor of master’s research, she has guided students in the development of natural adsorbents for industrial dye removal. Additionally, her experience includes work in laboratory-based water quality analysis, where she optimized analytical methods to improve environmental safety measures.

Research Interests

Her primary research interests include water treatment processes, membrane technologies, and environmental sustainability. She is deeply involved in developing advanced oxidation processes for the removal of refractory pollutants from industrial wastewater. Additionally, she explores adsorption mechanisms using bio-based materials as natural adsorbents. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates chemical engineering principles with sustainable technologies, aiming to reduce environmental pollution through innovative material synthesis and green chemistry. She is particularly interested in the application of membrane science to enhance filtration processes, making water purification more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Awards

Imane OUAGUED has received several accolades for her academic excellence and research contributions. She was awarded the Best Academic Performance Award for ranking first in her Master’s program. Her work has been recognized at various research symposia, where she has presented groundbreaking findings on advanced oxidation processes and membrane-based water treatment methods. She has also received international research grants for conducting experiments at IEM Montpellier, further highlighting her contribution to global scientific advancements.

Conclusion

Imane OUAGUED is a dedicated and innovative researcher whose contributions to chemical engineering and environmental sustainability have had a profound impact. Her expertise in advanced oxidation processes, adsorption techniques, and membrane-based water purification solutions reflects her commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. Through her extensive research, teaching, and mentorship, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership in her field. Her passion for scientific discovery and her ability to translate research into real-world applications make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With a continued focus on pioneering sustainable technologies, she is poised to shape the future of chemical engineering and environmental protection.