Zhengyu Xu | Geophysics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhengyu Xu | Geophysics | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhengyu Xu | Geophysics | Researcher at Chongqing University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhengyu Xu is a distinguished researcher specializing in the theory and application of airborne electromagnetic detection, recognized for his strong academic foundation and extensive contributions to geophysical exploration. With formal academic training in Geophysics and Electrical Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhengyu Xu built a comprehensive expertise in numerical simulation, electromagnetic inversion theory, geophysical surveying, and the development of high-precision detection instruments. His scholarly journey reflects a blend of technical rigor, innovation, and interdisciplinary application. In his professional career, he has demonstrated deep proficiency in designing, debugging, and optimizing geophysical instruments and software essential for transient electromagnetic systems, airborne surveys, and near-surface imaging. His research interests encompass airborne EM theory, transient EM systems, inversion optimization, electromagnetic forward modeling, shallow subsurface anomaly detection, and multi-source geophysical data integration. His research skills include numerical modeling, instrument prototyping, EM inversion algorithms, field survey techniques, signal processing, and advanced geophysical data interpretation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhengyu Xu has published more than forty peer-reviewed articles in reputable international journals such as IEEE Sensors Journal, IEEE Access, IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, PLOS ONE, Lithosphere, and Near Surface Geophysics, demonstrating a robust publication record across key scientific platforms. He has led major national and municipal research projects, including National Natural Science Foundation programs, national R&D sub-projects, and international collaborative studies, while also contributing to the development of four patented innovations. His achievements have earned him prestigious distinctions, including the Excellent Master’s Thesis Award of Jiangxi Province, a National Scholarship for Postgraduates, and an Excellence Award in the “Judeng Cup” National Geophysical League. In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhengyu Xu stands as a highly accomplished academic whose continued commitment to advancing airborne electromagnetic detection promises substantial contributions to global geophysics, scientific instrumentation, and next-generation subsurface exploration technologies.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications 

  1. Xu, Z. (2025). A three-component concentric orthogonal air-core coil sensor. IEEE Sensors Journal. 
  2. Xu, Z. (2025). The PSO-IFAH optimization algorithm for transient electromagnetic inversion. PLOS ONE. 
  3. Xu, Z. (2025). Performance comparison of loop source and grounded-wire source for shallow refined TEM detection. IEEE Access. 
  4. Xu, Z. (2024). Influence of parasitic capacitance on turn-off current and its optimization method for transient electromagnetic system. IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement. 
  5. Xu, Z. (2023). Research on small-loop transient electromagnetic method forward and nonlinear optimization inversion method. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing.
  6. Xu, Z. (2022). A rapid imaging method of the seismic back-scattered wavefield for urban road near-surface anomalous structures. Near Surface Geophysics. 
  7. Xu, Z. (2022). Tunnel concealed karst cave joint detection by tunnel seismic and transient electromagnetic. Lithosphere. 

 

Xiuzhong Li | Ecology | Outstanding Contribution Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiuzhong Li | Ecology | Outstanding Contribution Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiuzhong Li | Ecology | Ecology Associate Professor at North China Institute of Science and Technology | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiuzhong Li is a distinguished scholar and environmental scientist currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Environmental Science Department at the North China Institute of Science and Technology. With an academic background that bridges psychology, agricultural promotion, and wetland ecology, Dr. Li obtained his Ph.D. in Wetland Ecology from Beijing Forestry University, where his research focused on the interactions between ecological restoration, biodiversity, and hydrological processes. His multidisciplinary foundation is further strengthened by his academic experience as a Visiting Scholar at Auburn University (USA), where he expanded his expertise in ecosystem modeling and environmental data analysis. Professionally, Dr. Li previously held the position of Vice Dean at Beijing Forestry University Forestry Technology Co., Ltd., contributing significantly to forestry research and innovation. His international experience includes serving as an Ecological Expert for the UNDP Global Environment Fund, where he played a pivotal role in developing sustainable ecological management strategies. His research interests encompass wetland ecology, biodiversity conservation, hydrodynamic modeling, climate change impacts on ecosystems, and remote sensing-based environmental monitoring. Dr. Li’s research skills include advanced proficiency in PLS-SEM modeling, GIS, remote sensing, environmental data interpretation, and ecological forecasting. His published works in top-tier journals such as Ecological Indicators, Science of the Total Environment, and Sustainability have earned international recognition and numerous citations, highlighting his global academic influence. Among his awards and honors, Dr. Li received the Second Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the Chinese Society of Landscape Architecture, and his research has been featured by CCTV Science and Education Channel, Oriental Outlook, and Beijing Daily. In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiuzhong Li is an innovative environmental scientist whose interdisciplinary expertise and leadership continue to contribute to sustainable development, climate resilience, and the advancement of global ecological research.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Li, X., Anderson, C. J., Wang, Y., & Lei, G. (2021). Waterbird diversity and abundance in response to variations in climate in the Liaohe Estuary, China. Ecological Indicators, 132, 108286. (Cited by 41)

Li, X., Lei, G., Li, Y., Wang, Y., & Tan, Z. (2021). Assessing hydrodynamic effects of ecological restoration scenarios for a tidal-dominated wetland in Liaodong Bay (China). Science of the Total Environment, 752, 142339. (Cited by 33)

Li, X., Zeng, Q., Lei, G., & Sun, G. (2022). Effects of meteorological factors on waterbird functional diversity and community composition in Liaohe Estuary, China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(9), 5392. (Cited by 12)

Li, X., Ji, B., Li, N., Anderson, C. J., & Chen, Q. (2025). Using PLS-SEM models to explore the interactions of meteorology and landscape pattern changes on waterbird diversity: A case of the Liaohe Estuary. Ecological Informatics, 86, 103022. (Cited by 3)

Gao, W., Huang, Z., Li, X., Ji, B., Li, N., Li, S., Liu, X., Zeng, Q., Sun, G., & Zhao, D. (2024). The spatial–temporal changes and driving factors of desertification in the Wuliangsuhai watershed based on remote sensing. Ecological Indicators, 169, 112851. (Cited by 3)

Li, X., Ji, B., Li, N., Chen, Q., Anderson, C. J., & Wang, Y. (2024). Assessing the effectiveness of large-scale ecological restoration measures in the Liaohe Estuary using a landscape pattern perspective. Sustainability, 16(16), 7151. (Cited by 2)

Liu, H., Cao, Z., Jia, L., Li, X., Hao, L., Liu, J., Wang, H., & Xi, B. (2016). Quantitative assessment of atmospheric particulate matter retention on plant leaves using ultrasonic cleaning: A case study of Ginkgo biloba. Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 52(12), 133–140. (Cited by 2)

Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey | Environmental Science – University of North Texas, United States

Michael Kpakpo Allotey is an emerging researcher in the fields of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Environmental Science. His academic and professional trajectory reflects a strong commitment to geospatial technology and its applications in addressing real-world challenges such as climate change, urban heat, land use, and food security. With experience spanning both academic and industry sectors, Michael has developed and contributed to impactful spatial analysis projects and scholarly research with both local and global relevance. He combines strong technical skills with a collaborative research ethos, positioning him as a rising voice in the scientific community.

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Education:

Michael holds a Master of Science in Geo Information Science from the University of Ghana, where he graduated with Distinction, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Geography at the University of North Texas, maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.0. His academic foundation also includes a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Geography from the University of Ghana. Through his formal education, Michael has undertaken rigorous coursework in spatial statistics, Python GIS programming, remote sensing, digital image processing, and geodatabase development, which he has translated into real-world applications and scholarly outputs.

Experience:

Michael has amassed rich and varied experience across academic, research, and consulting settings. He has served as a Teaching and Research Assistant at the University of Ghana, supporting instruction in advanced GIS and remote sensing courses at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels. His responsibilities extended to managing departmental servers, providing lab support, and advising students on geospatial data projects. He also worked with BigData Ghana Limited, where he led the design of a national tourist map and contributed to the development of spatial data infrastructures and real-time traffic monitoring systems. Currently, at the University of North Texas, he serves as a Teaching Assistant, providing academic support and guidance to students enrolled in GIS courses.

Research Interest:

Michael’s research interests lie at the intersection of geospatial science and sustainable development. His work spans remote sensing of urban and rural environments, land surface temperature analysis, spatial planning, food insecurity mapping, and environmental monitoring. He is particularly focused on leveraging satellite data, GIS platforms, and programming tools to inform policy and decision-making processes in Africa and beyond. His methodological approach incorporates data-driven techniques and interdisciplinary perspectives to address socio-environmental issues such as urban heat, land degradation, and rural revitalization.

Award:

Michael’s academic excellence has been recognized through prestigious fellowships and awards, including the 2025 Graduate Student Success Award and a Graduate Teaching Assistantship at the University of North Texas. These awards highlight both his scholarly achievements and his dedication to academic service and mentoring. His recognition reflects his ability to maintain high standards in research while actively contributing to institutional teaching and outreach.

Publications 📚:

Michael has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications, each addressing timely and impactful themes:

  1. 🌡️ Combining remote sensing applications and local knowledge in understanding urban heat in a semi-arid region (Local Environment, 2025) – Cited by 9 articles.
  2. 🍽️ Understanding the Nexus Between Food Insecurity and School Readiness (2025) – Cited by 4 articles.
  3. 🌾 A region-wide, multi-year set of crop field boundary labels for Africa (2024) – Cited by 7 articles.
  4. 🏞️ A bibliometric analysis of China’s rural revitalization paradox (Environment, Development and Sustainability, 2024) – Cited by 5 articles.
  5. 🌍 Advances in global land use systems development and sustainability (Acta Scientiarum Polonorum, 2024) – Cited by 6 articles.
  6. 🌬️ Dust Outbreaks across East Iran: Application of Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data (Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International, 2023) – Cited by 3 articles.
  7. 🪵 Charcoal Scars Mapping Project using Collect Earth (In Review) – A forthcoming contribution focusing on deforestation and energy use.

Conclusion:

Michael Kpakpo Allotey stands out as a dynamic and committed researcher who combines technical proficiency with a passion for sustainable development. His body of work reflects thoughtful engagement with critical global issues through spatial science and remote sensing. He has proven himself as a collaborative researcher, a dedicated academic mentor, and an innovator in the use of geographic data for real-world impact. With his growing portfolio of publications, ongoing academic success, and professional experience in both instructional and applied settings, Michael is exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his contributions through this award would not only validate his current work but also encourage continued innovation and leadership in the geospatial sciences.

 

 

 

 

Mr. Mohammad Hossein Aghahadi | Geochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mohammad Hossein Aghahadi | Geochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mohammad Hossein Aghahadi | Geochemistry – PhD Student at University of Tehran, Iran

Mohammad Hossein Aghahadi is a prominent figure in the realm of mining engineering, currently advancing his doctoral studies at the School of Mining Engineering, University of Tehran. His academic and research pursuits are deeply rooted in the integration of machine learning methodologies with geochemical data analysis, aiming to revolutionize mineral exploration techniques.

Profile:​

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

In September 2023, Aghahadi commenced his PhD journey at the University of Tehran, focusing on mining engineering. This strategic move underscores his dedication to pioneering advancements in geochemical data analysis and mineral exploration.

Research Interests:

Aghahadi’s research is primarily centered on the application of machine learning techniques to geochemical data analysis. His work aims to enhance the accuracy of mineral prospectivity mapping and geochemical anomaly detection, contributing significantly to the efficiency of mineral exploration processes.

Publications:

Throughout his academic career, Aghahadi has contributed to several notable publications:

  1. “Enhancing regional-scale Pb–Zn prospectivity mapping through data augmentation: Joint application of unsupervised random forests and convolutional neural network” (2025)
    • Journal: Earth Science Informatics
    • DOI: 10.1007/s12145-025-01843-8
    • Citation: This article has been cited by multiple subsequent studies, reflecting its impact on the field.
  2. “Geochemical anomaly separation based on geology, geostatistics, compositional data and local singularity analyses: A case study from the kuh panj copper deposit, Iran” (2024)
    • Journal: Applied Geochemistry
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2024.106135
    • Citation: This research has informed various subsequent analyses in geochemical anomaly detection.
  3. “Spatial Clustering of Primary Geochemical Halos Using Unsupervised Machine Learning in Sari Gunay Gold Deposit, Iran” (2024)
    • Journal: Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
    • DOI: 10.1007/s42461-024-01065-4
    • Citation: The methodologies presented have been referenced in studies focusing on geochemical clustering techniques.

Conclusion:

Mohammad Hossein Aghahadi’s scholarly endeavors exemplify a harmonious blend of geological expertise and data science acumen. His publications not only advance the understanding of geochemical processes but also introduce innovative methodologies for data analysis in mineral exploration. His ongoing PhD research holds promise for further contributions to the mining engineering sector, particularly in enhancing the efficiency and precision of geochemical analyses.

Hospice G. Gracias Avakoudjo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hospice G. Gracias Avakoudjo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher | Laboratory of Applied Ecology of the University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin

Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo is an esteemed agronomist and forester specializing in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture. With a PhD in Climate Change and Biodiversity, he has an extensive career focused on the impact of climate change on ecosystems and their relationship with human communities. Avakoudjo has contributed to several international research projects and consultancies, and his expertise spans across agroforestry, non-timber forest products, and dendrochronology, among others. He is dedicated to integrating climate adaptation strategies into national biodiversity policies and advancing sustainable resource management in West Africa.

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Education:

Avakoudjo holds a PhD in Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Agriculture from the University Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Côte d’Ivoire (2020). He earned his MSc in Forestry with a focus on Natural Resources Management from the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin (2015). His academic journey began with a degree in Agronomy, specializing in Natural Resources Management and Planning from the same institution in 2013. He also holds a Baccalaureate D in Mathematics and Natural Sciences from the Office of Baccalaureate in Benin (2016).

Experience: Avakoudjo has gained extensive professional experience, including his current role as a Research Associate at the Laboratory of Applied Ecology at the University of Abomey-Calavi. Here, he leads research projects, trains students, and collaborates with local communities. Previously, as a Postdoctoral Researcher, he implemented a project on the climate influence on plant growth. He has also held roles as a consultant for organizations like the African Forest Forum, where he contributed to the development of agroforestry systems and land management strategies. His leadership has extended to environmental volunteering and advisory roles in various NGOs.

Research Interests:

Avakoudjo’s primary research interests include the effects of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially in West Africa. His work examines the role of climate-induced biodiversity loss, adaptation strategies, and ecosystem resilience. He is particularly focused on the conservation and valorization of non-timber forest products and sustainable agroforestry practices. His expertise also extends to tropical dendrochronology, quantitative ethnobotany, and biodiversity informatics, all aimed at developing solutions for sustainable natural resource management in tropical regions.

Awards: Throughout his career, Avakoudjo has received recognition for his contributions to environmental science and climate change adaptation. Notable accolades include his involvement in the African Tree-Ring Network and his role in advancing the understanding of climate-growth relationships in tropical trees. His research on the impact of climate change on indigenous species like Strychnos spinosa has been acknowledged for its scientific rigor and its practical implications for biodiversity conservation in West Africa.

Publications:

Avakoudjo has authored several influential peer-reviewed publications, including:

  1. Degila J., et al. (2023). “Digital Agriculture Policies and Strategies for Innovations in the Agri-Food Systems—Cases of Five West African Countries.” Sustainability, 15(12), 9192.
  2. Degila J., et al. (2023). “A Survey on Digital Agriculture in Five West African Countries.” Agriculture, 13(5), 1067.
  3. Kochoni B. I., et al. (2023). “Contribution of mangroves ecosystems to coastal communities’ resilience towards climate change.” GeoJournal.
  4. Coulibaly A., et al. (2022). “Impact of climate change on the distribution of Bombax costatum Pellegr.” Trees, Forests and People, 100359.
  5. Atindehou M. M. L., et al. (2022). “Old Sacred Trees as Memories of the Cultural Landscapes of Southern Benin.” Land, 11(4), 478.
  6. Avakoudjo H. G. G., et al. (2022). “Effects of climate and protection status on growth and fruit yield of Strychnos spinosa Lam.” Trees, 1-13.
  7. Avakoudjo H. G. G., et al. (2022). “Wood anatomy and vessel characteristics of spiny monkey orange (Strychnos spinosa).” Dendrochronologia, 72:125941.

These works are widely cited for their contributions to climate change adaptation strategies and biodiversity conservation, particularly in tropical ecosystems.

Conclusion:

Hospice Gérard Gracias Avakoudjo is a leading expert in climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture with a rich academic and professional background. His research continues to shape the understanding of climate-induced biodiversity changes and their impact on ecosystems and human communities in West Africa. Avakoudjo’s commitment to practical solutions for sustainable land management, agroforestry, and the conservation of natural resources reflects his dedication to fostering resilient ecosystems and promoting environmental stewardship. His ongoing contributions to the scientific community and local communities make him a valuable asset in the global effort to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

Shujuan Sun | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shujuan Sun | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Chengdu University | China

Shujuan Sun is a dedicated lecturer at Chengdu University with a rich academic background from the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her research career primarily revolves around planetary science, with a special emphasis on statistical analysis of impact craters and the spatial distribution and genetic analysis of lunar rilles. With a strong foundation in remote sensing technology, Sun’s work contributes to a deeper understanding of planetary surface evolution and geological processes, particularly on the Moon. She is deeply committed to advancing planetary science research and applying her knowledge in the academic realm by nurturing future scientists.

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Scopus

Education:
Shujuan Sun completed her graduate studies at the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, which is part of the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences. Her education focused on remote sensing technology and planetary science, equipping her with the skills to conduct advanced research in these fields. During her postgraduate years, Sun honed her expertise in utilizing remote sensing data for analyzing planetary surfaces, especially the Moon. This educational background laid a solid foundation for her subsequent career in research and teaching.

Experience:
Currently a lecturer at Chengdu University, Sun brings extensive research experience to her academic role. Her expertise lies in the statistical analysis of impact craters, where she processes and analyzes vast amounts of remote sensing data to identify and characterize impact craters, contributing to a deeper understanding of planetary surface evolution. Additionally, Sun’s research on lunar rilles is significant, focusing on their spatial distribution and the formation mechanisms of these features. Through a combination of various research methodologies, she has uncovered valuable insights into the geological processes that shaped the Moon. Sun’s experience is not just confined to research but extends to practical teaching, where she integrates her scientific discoveries into the curriculum to inspire and educate the next generation of planetary scientists.

Research Interests:
Shujuan Sun’s research interests lie at the intersection of planetary science, remote sensing technology, and lunar geology. She focuses particularly on the statistical analysis of impact craters, the spatial distribution of lunar rilles, and their formation mechanisms. By applying remote sensing technology, she is able to extract and analyze crucial data that sheds light on the geological evolution of planetary surfaces. Sun’s work seeks to answer fundamental questions about planetary surface formation, specifically regarding the Moon’s geological history, and the application of these research findings to broader planetary science studies. Additionally, Sun aims to continue advancing her research while incorporating her discoveries into her teaching, ensuring the next generation of scientists builds upon her findings.

Awards:
Shujuan Sun’s contributions to planetary science have been recognized through her participation in several collaborative research projects that have advanced our understanding of lunar geology. Although she has not publicly disclosed specific individual awards, her work has been an integral part of high-impact research publications in renowned scientific journals. Her research on lunar rilles and impact craters has positioned her as an emerging expert in the field of planetary science, earning her recognition within academic circles.

Publications:
Shujuan Sun has contributed to several significant publications that showcase her research in planetary science. Notable among her work are:

  1. Yue, Z., Sun, S., Du, J., Gou, S., Di, K., Wang, Y., Lin Y., Li X., Wu F. (2024). “New Insights into the Geological Evolution History of Mare Fecunditatis,” Icarus, 425.
  2. Yue Z., Gou S., Sun S., Yang W., Chen Y., Wang Y., Lin H., Di K., Lin Y., Li X., Wu F. (2024). “Geological context of the Chang’e-6 landing area and implications for sample analysis,” The Innovation, 5(5), 100663.
  3. Wang, Y., Nan, J., Zhao, C., Xie, B., Gou, S., Yue, Z., Di, K., Zhang, H., Deng, X., & Sun, S. (2024). “A Catalogue of Impact Craters and Surface Age Analysis in the Chang’e-6 Landing Area,” Remote Sensing, 16(11), 2014.
  4. Nan, J., Wang, Y., Di, K., Xie, B., Zhao, C., Wang, B., Sun, S., Deng, X., Zhang, H., & Sheng, R. (2025). “YOLOv8-LCNET: An Improved YOLOv8 Automatic Crater Detection Algorithm and Application in the Chang’e-6 Landing Area,” Sensors, 25(1), 243.

Her publications reflect her expertise in lunar geology, crater analysis, and the application of innovative technologies such as YOLOv8 for crater detection.

Conclusion:
Shujuan Sun’s academic and research journey demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing the field of planetary science, particularly in the areas of lunar geology and remote sensing. With a robust educational background from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and extensive experience at Chengdu University, she continues to make significant contributions to understanding the geological history of the Moon. Her work in analyzing impact craters and lunar rilles provides critical insights into planetary surface evolution, positioning her as a rising expert in planetary science. As she continues to pursue her research interests, Sun remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of planetary scientists and advancing the field further through innovative teaching and groundbreaking research.