olga jordi torres | Ecology biodiversity management | Best Researcher Award

Dr. olga jordi torres | Ecology biodiversity management | Best Researcher Award

Technician ecology management | Government of Catalonia | Spain

Olga Jordi Torres is a highly skilled ecologist and biologist specializing in biodiversity conservation and environmental management. She holds a PhD in Biology with a focus on conservation and biodiversity management from the University of Barcelona. Currently, she works in the Biodiversity and Natural Environment Section at the Department of Territory, Housing, and Ecological Transition of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Olga’s work revolves around the conservation of biodiversity, forest management, and water body rehabilitation, with a particular emphasis on designing and planning conservation strategies that adapt to climate change and human activity. She is also a member of the research group ECOCONS of IRBIO/UB.

Profile

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Education:

Olga Jordi Torres completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), with a specialization in zoology and systems biology. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master’s degree in Terrestrial Ecology and Biodiversity Management from UAB. Her doctoral research, focused on bioacoustics and forest management, was conducted at the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, studying the ecoacoustics of the Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). She also holds certifications in drone piloting and forest analysis through remote sensing technologies such as LIDAR and GIS software.

Experience:

Olga’s professional experience spans over a decade, with a focus on fauna and forest management. She has worked in various research and conservation projects across Spain and internationally, including species recovery programs, ecosystem monitoring, and habitat restoration. From 2016 to 2023, she played a key role in managing wildlife and ecosystems in Catalonia, particularly within the context of natural parks and conservation projects. Her experience includes the management of forest ecosystems, the assessment of wildlife populations, and the implementation of forest management strategies to enhance resilience to climate change.

Research Interests:

Olga’s research interests are centered on forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, bioacoustics, and the use of remote sensing technologies in environmental management. Her doctoral thesis focused on the ecoacoustics of the Western Capercaillie, utilizing ambisonic bio-acoustic techniques to study the relationship between sound propagation and habitat selection. She is particularly interested in how acoustic monitoring can inform the management of species and habitats, ensuring their resilience in the face of climate change. Additionally, her work involves analyzing forest structure and using LIDAR and satellite technologies for ecosystem monitoring.

Awards:

Throughout her career, Olga has been recognized for her contributions to biodiversity conservation and forest management. Notably, her doctoral research was well-received, and she has been involved in numerous award-winning conservation projects. She has received various accolades for her work on bioacoustics and her contributions to the ecological management of natural habitats.

Publications:

Olga’s work has been published in several prominent scientific journals. Her doctoral thesis, “Ecoacústica del gall fer Tetrao urogallus al Pirineu català,” was submitted to the University of Barcelona. Other significant publications include:

  1. Jordi, O., Farina, A., Mañosa, S. (2024). Sound amplitude (dB) of male Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus calls. Revista Catalana d’Ornitologia, 39, 60–64. DOI
  2. Jordi, O., Puig, X., Farina, A., Mañosa, S. (2024). Vocal individuality of Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus male calls, an ambisonic bio-acoustic approach. Bird Study. DOI
  3. Jordi, O., Farina, A., Mañosa, S. (2024). Forest sound propagation and habitat selection in Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.). Forest Ecology and Management. (In press)
  4. Jordi, O., Arizaga, J. (2016). Sex differences in growth rates of Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis chicks. Bird Study, 63(2), 273–278. DOI
  5. Jordi, O., Herrero, A., Aldalur, A., Cuadrado, J. F., Arizaga, J. (2014). The impact of non–local birds on yellow–legged gulls (Larus michahellis) in the Bay of Biscay: a dump–based assessment. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 37, 183-190. DOI

Conclusion:

Olga Jordi Torres has demonstrated exceptional expertise in ecology and biodiversity management. With a solid foundation in research and practical experience, she continues to contribute to the scientific community through her work in biodiversity conservation, forest management, and the application of innovative techniques such as bioacoustics and remote sensing. Her research not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides practical solutions for ecosystem management and conservation. Through her work, Olga is dedicated to enhancing the resilience of natural environments and ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Elizabeth Grace Bengi | Environmental science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Grace Bengi | Environmental science | Best Researcher Award

Associated Professor | Kyrenia University | Turkey

Dr. Elizabeth Grace Tunka Bengil is an esteemed academic and researcher with expertise in marine sciences, particularly in the biology, ecology, and conservation of elasmobranch species. With a passion for marine conservation, she has dedicated her career to studying the biodiversity of marine ecosystems, focusing on chondrichthyans, including sharks and rays. Dr. Bengil holds a Ph.D. from Ege University, where she has also contributed significantly to various research projects aimed at understanding the complex dynamics of marine species and habitats.

Profile

Scopus,

Education:
Dr. Bengil completed her BSc in Fisheries at Ege University in 2009, followed by an MSc in the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences at the same institution in 2012. Her doctoral studies, culminating in a PhD in 2018 from Ege University, focused on marine biodiversity and conservation. Additionally, she earned an associate degree in Agriculture from Anadolu University, further expanding her interdisciplinary knowledge in environmental sciences.

Experience:
Dr. Bengil has extensive academic and research experience, currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Kyrenia’s Faculty of Marine Science since 2022. Prior to this, she held faculty positions at Girne American University, where she served as an Assistant Professor and Associate Professor in the School of Marine and Logistics. Her leadership extends to her role as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mediterranean Conservation Society. Dr. Bengil has been instrumental in shaping the academic environment and fostering marine research initiatives at various institutions.

Research Interests:
Dr. Bengil’s research interests lie in marine biodiversity, particularly the conservation of elasmobranchs and other marine species. Her work focuses on understanding the feeding ecology, reproductive biology, and migratory patterns of sharks and rays, as well as the impacts of human activities such as fishing and pollution on marine ecosystems. She is also involved in assessing the restoration potential of marine habitats and exploring the role of estuaries and lagoons as vital nurseries for endangered species.

Awards and Recognition:
Dr. Bengil has been recognized for her significant contributions to marine science and conservation. She was awarded multiple research grants from prestigious organizations such as The Rufford Foundation, the Mediterranean Conservation Society, and the European Commission. Her work has been acknowledged for its impact on marine conservation and the advancement of knowledge in the field of marine sciences. Dr. Bengil’s ability to bridge science and conservation has earned her a reputation as a leader in the field.

Publications:
Dr. Bengil has authored several key publications in top-tier journals. Her notable works include:

  1. Bengil, E. G. T., & Erdoğan Sağlam, N. (2024). Beyond the anchovy: Unveiling the Black Sea’s elasmobranchs, Zoology in the Middle East.
  2. Bengil, E. G. T., & Başusta, N. (2024). The biology and conservation of elasmobranchs and chimaeras, Frontiers in Marine Science.
  3. Kılıç, E., Yücel, N., Bengil, F., Bengil, E. G. T., & Şahutoğlu, S. M. (2024). Microplastic pollution levels in the surface water and sediment of Orontes basin, Marine Pollution Bulletin.
  4. O’Keefe, M., Bengil, E. G. T., et al. (2023). Diversity and distribution of elasmobranchs in the coastal waters of Cyprus, Frontiers in Marine Science.
  5. Bengil, E. G. T. (2022). Biology and ecology of Squalus blainville (Risso, 1827) from the eastern Mediterranean, Thalassas: An International Journal of Marine Sciences.
  6. Papageorgiou, M., Bengil, E. G. T., et al. (2022). Increased knowledge affects public attitude and perception towards elasmobranchs, Mediterranean Marine Science.
  7. Bengil, E. G. T., Bengil, F., et al. (2021). Descriptive capability of datasets as proxy of sea water temperature in coastal systems, Turkish Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences.

Conclusion:
Dr. Elizabeth Grace Tunka Bengil is a prominent figure in marine science, particularly in the conservation of chondrichthyan species. With extensive research experience and a profound commitment to preserving marine biodiversity, her work continues to influence conservation practices and marine research. Through her scholarly publications, leadership roles, and involvement in international projects, Dr. Bengil has made substantial contributions to the scientific community, advancing knowledge on marine ecosystems and advocating for the protection of vulnerable species. Her ongoing efforts in research and conservation ensure her continued impact in the field.