Maham Riaz | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maham Riaz | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maham Riaz | Environmental | Researcher at University of Agriculture Faisalabad | Pakistan

Ms. Maham Riaz is an emerging researcher and Laboratory Technician at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station, Faisalabad, Pakistan, recognized for her dedication to advancing aquatic toxicology and environmental zoology. She holds a Master of Philosophy in Zoology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, with an exceptional CGPA of 3.89/4.00, where her thesis, “Evaluation of Toxic Effects of Benzophenone on Histopathology of Major Carps,” supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Sajid Abdullah, contributed valuable insights into fish physiology and pollutant impact assessment. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Government College Women University, Faisalabad, graduating with a CGPA of 3.81/4.00. Professionally, Ms. Riaz has developed strong laboratory expertise, including sample preparation, microscopy, histological analysis, and spectrophotometry, and she demonstrates proficiency in experimental design and statistical data analysis using Minitab and Statistix 8.1. Her research interests encompass aquatic toxicology, environmental pollutants, fish histopathology, and biosafety, with a growing focus on ecological risk assessment of emerging contaminants. Ms. Riaz has contributed to several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in reputed scientific outlets such as Toxicology Reports and Turkish Journal of Zoology, addressing contemporary environmental challenges like benzophenone toxicity and ocean acidification. She has also presented her research at national zoological conferences and contributed to multidisciplinary book projects published by Unique Scientific Publishers. Her honors include the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship and the PEEF Master Level Scholarship awarded for outstanding academic performance. Beyond academics, she has volunteered in community service initiatives such as fundraising for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and creative graphic design for the Volunteer Leading Governance society. Through her strong academic foundation, technical skills, and dedication to research excellence, Ms. Maham Riaz continues to contribute meaningfully to the fields of zoology and environmental toxicology.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Riaz, M., Abdullah, S., Jamil, M., Rasheed, A., Sheikh, U., Fatima, M., Umer, N., & Aslam, K. (2025). Evaluation of toxic effects of benzophenone on histopathology of Labeo rohita. Toxicology Reports, 14, 101914. (Citations: 12)

  2. Jamil, M., Abdullah, S., Riaz, M., & Aziz, S. (2025). Ecological assessment of a sunscreen-derived pollutant, Benzophenone-2, on freshwater fish (Labeo rohita). Turkish Journal of Zoology. (Citations: 8)

  3. Riaz, M., Abdullah, S., Khalil, Z., Jamil, M., Fatima, W., Rasheed, A., Fatima, M., & Gulshan, S. (2025). Impact of ocean acidification on fish health and marine ecosystem dynamics. In Holistic Health: Diseases Across Life: From Humans to Land and Sea (pp. 156–162). Unique Scientific Publishers. (Citations: 6)

  4. Hafeez, M., Abdullah, S., Jamil, M., & Riaz, M. (2025). Biosafety measures for public health: Challenges and strategies. In Holistic Health: One Health Horizons (pp. 164–169). Unique Scientific Publishers. (Citations: 4)

  5. Jamil, M., Abdullah, S., Riaz, M., Mustafa, M., & Shakeel, M. (2025). Personal care products: Ecological and human risk assessment. In Holistic Health: One Health in a Changing World (pp. 271–275). Unique Scientific Publishers. (Citations: 5)

  6. Riaz, M., Abdullah, S., & Fatima, M. (2024). Histopathological biomarkers in fish as indicators of aquatic pollution. Environmental Biology Journal, 38(2), 45–52. (Citations: 10)

  7. Riaz, M., & Abdullah, S. (2024). Fish toxicology and environmental risk analysis of benzophenone derivatives. Asian Journal of Aquatic Sciences, 12(1), 23–30. (Citations: 9)

 

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.