Nagham Sayour | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Nagham Sayour | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor Zayed University United Arab Emirates

Nagham Sayour is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Finance and Economics at Zayed University, United Arab Emirates. She has a robust academic background in economics and financial economics, with significant contributions to her field through research and teaching. Her work primarily focuses on economic development, labor economics, and the intersection of environmental and economic policies.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Nagham holds a Ph.D. in Economics from McGill University, completed in 2016. She earned her M.A. in Financial Economics from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 2009, and a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science (High Distinction) from AUB in 2006.

Experience 👩‍🏫

Currently an Associate Professor at Zayed University since 2023, Nagham was previously an Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2020 to 2023. Before this, she served as an Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University from 2016 to 2019. Nagham also has extensive teaching experience at McGill University, where she taught various economics courses from 2010 to 2017.

Research Interests 🔬

Nagham’s research interests span economic development, labor economics, and the economic impacts of environmental policies. She explores the effects of social movements on educational outcomes, the economic implications of wars on the environment, and the relationship between environmental awareness and corporate reputation.

Awards 🏆

Nagham has received numerous accolades, including a significant grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation worth USD $248,325 for 2023-2024, and the Research Incentive Fund (RIF) Grant worth AED 115,800 for 2022-2023. She is also a Fellow at the UK Higher Education Academy and the Global Labour Organization.

Publications 📄

  1. “Home Affordability Crisis and Delayed Fertility: Evidence from the USA” (2024) with Irakli Japaridze, forthcoming in Population Research and Policy Review.
  2. “Environmental Awareness and Firm Creation” (2024) with K. Peren Arin, Alessandro De Iudicibus, and Nicola Spagnolo, Journal of Economic Studies, 51(9), 137-147.
  3. “Youth Voting Behavior and Institutional Change in the Post-Arab Spring” (2023) with Ali Fakih and Mohammad Hammoud, Economic and Political Studies, 1-27.
  4. “COVID-19, firm closure and Job Losses in the MENA Region: A Propensity Score Matching Approach” (2023) with Ali Fakih and Rihab Baltaji, forthcoming in Development Policy Review, 41(6), e12722.
  5. “Adaptation to climate change and emissions: halo effect or complacency?” (2022) with Salpie Djoundourian and Walid Marrouch, Energy Journal 43(4), 215-230.
  6. “Dying from Envy: The Role of Inequality” (2021) with Irakli Japaridze, Health Economics 30(6), 1374-1392.
  7. “After-School Care, Childcare Arrangements and Child Development” (2020) with Ailin He, Journal of Human Capital 14(4), 617-652.
  8. “Hedonic Housing Prices and Environmental Quality in Lebanon” (2020) with Walid Marrouch, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis 14(5), 953-968.
  9. Information Asymmetry and Dividend Policy around the Sarbanes-Oxley Act” (2020) with Mostafa Harakeh and Ghida Matar, Journal of Economic Studies.
  10. “The Impact of Maternal Care on Child Development: Evidence from Sibling Spillover Effects of a Parental Leave Reform” (2019), Labour Economics, 58, 167-186.
  11. “Experimental Evidence on the Relation between Personality Traits and Preferences” (2019) with Jim-Engle Warnick and Sonia Laszlo, Bulletin of Economic Research 72(3), 288-317.
  12. “The Effects of a Change in the Point System on Immigration. Evidence from the 2001 Quebec Reform” (2016) with Matthieu Chemin, Journal of Population Economics, 29(4), 1217-1247.

 

Trevan Flynn | Digital soil mapping | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Trevan Flynn | Digital soil mapping | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | University of Sydney | Australia

Short Bio 🌍

Trevan Flynn is a seasoned researcher and lecturer specializing in geostatistics and soil science. Based in Aspen, Colorado, Trevan collaborates with academics globally—from the USA to Pakistan—producing reliable soil and environmental data for land-use management. Utilizing advanced digital soil mapping techniques and Google Earth Engine in R, he supervises graduate students and contributes to a free database of soil information.

Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Trevan’s academic journey began at Stellenbosch University, where he earned his BSc in Soil Science and Horticulture with Summa Cum Laude honors in 2015. He pursued an MSc in Soil Science at the same institution, which was upgraded to a PhD in 2017. His dissertation focused on “Digital Soil Mapping Techniques Across Multiple Landscape Scales in South Africa.” Following his PhD, Trevan completed multiple postdoctoral fellowships, including Ecosystem Modeling at the Biological Centre CAS and Dynamic Soil Carbon Modeling at the Swedish University of Agriculture Sciences. He is currently a researcher at the University of the Free State, studying mineral and water resources in South Africa under Dr. Martin Clark.

Experience 💼

Trevan Flynn’s professional experience is extensive and varied. He is the Director of Rafikisol Soil Mapping for Africa, making soil spatial information accessible to African nations. As a Geospatial Analyst at Phyla Regeneration Systems, he develops spatial models for natural resources and consults on soil organic carbon improvements. Trevan also lectures at the Zambia Institute of Agriculture, teaching soil and crop sciences, sustainable agriculture, and smallholder farming. Additionally, he provides consultancy services through Phyla Ntaka Soil Health Advisory Services, specializing in hyper-local spatial models using Mid-Infrared spectroscopy. His earlier roles include being a Junior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University and a Geospatial Analyst at SASSCAL.

Research Interests 🔬

Trevan’s research interests are centered on digital soil mapping, geostatistics, and the use of advanced modeling techniques in environmental and soil science. He is passionate about developing reliable soil information for land-use management and improving hydrological models in arid regions. His work often involves coding in R and utilizing Google Earth Engine for large-scale environmental data analysis.

Awards 🏆

Trevan Flynn has been recognized with several prestigious awards throughout his career. In 2022, he received the Best Paper Award from the South African Journal of Plant and Soil for his manuscript on high-resolution digital soil mapping. He was also awarded the National Research Foundation Innovation Bursary from 2017 to 2020, the Stellenbosch Merit Bursary from 2013 to 2019, and the Stellenbosch Travel Grant in 2017. In 2015, he received the Perold Medal, the Soil Science Society Silver Medal, and the Hortgro Science Prize for his academic excellence.

Publications 📚

 

 

Charith Fonseka | Resource Recovery | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Charith Fonseka | Resource Recovery | Best Researcher Award

Water Strategy Officer NSW DCCEEW Australia

Dr. Charith Fonseka, based in Parramatta, NSW, is a distinguished environmental engineer with a Ph.D. from the University of Technology Sydney. With extensive experience in environmental policy, water management, and community engagement, Dr. Fonseka has made significant contributions to advancing scientific research and its practical applications.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Fonseka holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Technology Sydney (2023), where he was awarded the International Research Scholarship, the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Scholarship, and the CSIRO postgraduate top-up scholarship. Additionally, he earned an Erasmus Scholarship from the European Commission in 2022. He also has a Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Engineering and Management (2018) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (2015) from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, where he was on the Dean’s List and received the President’s Award for scientific publication.

Experience 💼

Dr. Fonseka currently serves as a Water Strategy Officer at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water, where he provides critical analysis and advice on water markets and urban water strategies. His previous roles include Ph.D. Researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, Research Scholar at the Norwegian University of Life Science, Process Engineer at ABC Aqua Science Pvt Ltd, Environmental Engineering Consultant for the World Wildlife Fund-USA, and Lecturer at the University of Moratuwa.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Fonseka’s research interests focus on water and wastewater engineering, environmental impact assessments, and the development of sustainable water treatment technologies. His work includes the synthesis of novel materials for water purification and the study of innovative coagulants for organic matter removal.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Fonseka has received several prestigious awards, including the International Research Scholarship and the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology Scholarship from the University of Technology Sydney, the CSIRO postgraduate top-up scholarship, and the Erasmus Scholarship from the European Commission. He was also recognized on the Dean’s List at the University of Moratuwa and received the President’s Award for scientific publication.

Publications 📚

Dr. Fonseka has published several influential papers, including:

  1. Fonseka, C. D., et al. (2023). “Selective recovery of Europium using chromium-based metal-organic frameworks.” Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. Cited by 60 articles.
  2. Fonseka, C. D., et al. (2022). “Novel coagulants for organic matter removal from Nepean river catchment.” Water Research. Cited by 45 articles.
  3. Fonseka, C. D., et al. (2021). “Lab scale Nano Filter and Membrane Distillation systems for acid mine drainage filtration.” Separation and Purification Technology. Cited by 30 articles.
  4. Fonseka, C. D., et al. (2020). “Mesoporous silica-based adsorbent for cost-effective recovery of Europium.” Chemical Engineering Journal. Cited by 25 articles.

 

FahadAL Dhabaan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

FahadAL Dhabaan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. FahadAL Dhabaan, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.

Diego Germán San Blas – Lepidoptera Award – Best Researcher

Dr. Diego Germán San Blas - Lepidoptera Award - Best Researcher Award

Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Aridas - Argentina

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Diego Germán San Blas embarked on his academic journey in the realm of biological sciences at the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina. His undergraduate and doctoral studies laid the foundational stone of his illustrious career. During his bachelor's degree in biological sciences, he focused on a systematic analysis of Argentinian species of agaristines (Lepidoptera. Noctuidae), with a special emphasis on the province of Tucumán, achieving the highest grade possible for his thesis.

His passion for entomology and systematic biology led him to pursue a Doctorate in Biological Sciences, where he specialized in a systematic revision and cladistic analysis of the genus Agrotis Ochsenheimer (Lepidoptera. Noctuidae) in Argentina. Once again, he excelled by securing the highest possible grade for his doctoral thesis, underscoring his commitment and expertise in his field of study.

Professional Endeavors

Following his academic achievements, Dr. San Blas took on the role of Investigador Adjunto at CONICET (the National Scientific and Technical Research Council of Argentina), a prestigious position that signifies his contributions and expertise in his research field. Additionally, he serves as a Profesor Adjunto in the Biodiversity chair at the Department of Natural Sciences, within the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. These roles have allowed him to continue his research while also contributing to the education of the next generation of scientists.

Contributions and Research Focus On Lepidoptera Award

Dr. San Blas's research primarily revolves around the systematic and cladistic analysis of Lepidoptera, focusing on the Noctuidae family, which includes a significant number of species known as cutworms or armyworms. These insects are of great agricultural significance due to their impact on crops. His work has not only contributed to a better understanding of the biodiversity and evolutionary relationships within this group but also has implications for agricultural pest management and conservation strategies.

Accolades and Recognition In Lepidoptera Award

While the provided information does not detail specific accolades and recognition, Dr. San Blas's exceptional grades during his academic career and his position at CONICET—a highly competitive and esteemed institution—speak volumes about his standing in the scientific community. Achieving the role of Investigador Adjunto at such a respected institution is in itself a significant recognition of his research contributions and expertise.

Impact and Influence

The impact of Dr. San Blas's work extends beyond academia, influencing conservation policies, pest management strategies, and the broader understanding of biodiversity in Argentina and potentially in similar ecosystems globally. His contributions to the field of entomology, specifically within the taxonomy and systematics of Noctuidae, provide essential insights necessary for biodiversity conservation efforts and agricultural practices. By educating future biologists and engaging in ongoing research, he influences both current and future scientific endeavors.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Lepidoptera Award

Dr. Diego Germán San Blas is well on his way to leaving a significant legacy in the field of biological sciences, with a particular focus on entomology. His work continues to fill critical gaps in the understanding of Lepidoptera biodiversity and systematics. As he progresses in his career, his ongoing and future research is expected to further elucidate the complexities of evolutionary relationships among these insects, contributing to the global body of knowledge and influencing both conservation and agricultural practices.

His dedication to teaching and mentorship will also shape the next generation of scientists, ensuring that his legacy will extend through his contributions to science and his impact on those he teaches and mentors.

Notable Publications

Morphology of the immature stages of Agrotis canities and A. robusta and an identification key of Agrotis species associated to economic crops in South America 2024

Modeling and updating the occurrence of Aedes aegypti in its southern limit of distribution in South America 2024

Detection of the "poplar moth", Leucoptera sinuella (Lepidoptera: Lyonetiidae), in Argentina 2022

First report of a Copitarsia species (Lepidoptera. Noctuidae) damaging soybean crops, with identification key to most common pest species 2022

Xinhua Wang – Waste Treatment – Best Researcher Award

Xinhua Wang - Waste Treatment - Best Researcher Award

Jiangnan University - China

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Xinhua Wang embarked on his academic journey at Qingdao Technological University, where he obtained his Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering in 2003. This laid the foundation for his pursuit of higher education, leading him to complete his Master's degree in Environmental Engineering at the same institution from 2003 to 2006. Driven by a passion for research and innovation, Wang further honed his expertise by pursuing a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Tongji University, graduating in 2009.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his doctoral studies, Xinhua Wang delved into academia, starting as an Assistant Professor at Jiangnan University in 2009. Over the years, he climbed the academic ranks, serving as an Associate Professor from 2013 to 2018 before attaining the prestigious position of Full Professor in 2019. His academic journey also led him to Nanyang Technological University, where he served as a Visiting Scholar at the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute from 2014 to 2015, broadening his research horizons and fostering international collaborations.

Contributions and Research Focus On Waste Treatment

Wang's research interests primarily revolve around Membrane Science and Technology, with a particular focus on various aspects such as wastewater treatment and reuse, membrane bioreactor technology, forward osmosis-based technology for wastewater reclamation and energy recovery, membrane fouling and fouling control, and membrane technology for waste activated sludge (WAS) treatment. His contributions in these areas have significantly advanced the understanding and application of membrane technology in environmental engineering.

Accolades and Recognition In Waste Treatment

Xinhua Wang's dedication and contributions to his field have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by numerous accolades and honors throughout his career. He was awarded the Best Young Scholar Award by Jiangnan University in 2023 and the Best Teaching Award in 2022. His excellence in academia was further recognized with the Cultivate Middle-aged and Young Science Leaders of Colleges and Universities of Jiangsu Province award in 2021 and inclusion in the prestigious Six Major Talent Peaks of Jiangsu Province in 2018. Additionally, he received the Excellent Teaching Staff Award by Jiangnan University in 2017, underscoring his commitment to education and mentorship.

Impact and Influence

Xinhua Wang's impact extends beyond his academic achievements to his role as a reviewer for numerous scholarly journals. With expertise spanning various domains of environmental engineering, he has reviewed over 100 papers annually for more than 50 esteemed journals. His insightful critiques and evaluations contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and the dissemination of high-quality research within the academic community.

Waste treatment encompasses a diverse range of processes aimed at managing and mitigating the environmental impact of various types of waste. From municipal solid waste to industrial effluents, effective waste treatment strategies are essential for safeguarding human health and preserving ecosystems.

Legacy and Future Contributions To Waste Treatment

As Vice President of the School of Environment and Civil Engineering at Jiangnan University, Xinhua Wang continues to inspire and lead the next generation of researchers and engineers. His legacy lies not only in his significant contributions to membrane science and technology but also in his dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and nurturing talent. With his relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation, Wang's future contributions are poised to further propel the field of environmental engineering forward, addressing critical challenges and shaping a sustainable future.

Notable Publications

Fabrication of novel thin-film composite membrane based on ultrathin metal-organic framework interlayer for enhancing forward osmosis performance 2023

Integrating anaerobic acidification with two-stage forward osmosis concentration for simultaneously recovering organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus from municipal wastewater 2023

Photocatalytic thin film composite forward osmosis membrane for mitigating organic fouling in active layer facing draw solution mode 2023

 High propensity of membrane fouling and the underlying mechanisms in a membrane bioreactor during occurrence of sludge bulking 2023