olga jordi torres | Ecology biodiversity management | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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

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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.

Keyvan Soltani | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Keyvan Soltani | Environment | Best Researcher Award 

Researcher | Laval university | Iran

Short Biography:

Keyvan Soltani, born on July 1, 1990, is a distinguished researcher specializing in climate change, water resources management, and environmental impact assessment. With a robust background in remote sensing and machine learning, Soltani has contributed significantly to advancements in predicting and managing water-related phenomena. His academic journey, marked by exceptional performance and international research experience, highlights his dedication to addressing critical environmental challenges.

Profile

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Based on the provided information about Keyvan Soltani, here’s an assessment of his suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award:

Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse and Relevant Research Interests: Keyvan Soltani’s research focuses on critical and timely issues such as climate change, water resources management, and environmental impact assessment. His expertise spans advanced areas like remote sensing, machine learning, and rainfall runoff modeling, reflecting a broad and relevant research portfolio.
  2. Impressive Publication Record: Soltani has a strong publication record with several high-impact journal articles, including those in well-regarded journals like Theoretical and Applied Climatology and Journal of Hydrology. His work on forecasting and mapping using remote sensing and machine learning is particularly notable.
  3. Strong Academic Performance: He has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, including being the top student in his master’s program and ranking 19th in a highly competitive national entrance exam. This academic excellence underscores his dedication and capability in his field.
  4. International Research Experience: Soltani’s experience working as a research assistant at prestigious institutions in Canada and his involvement in international research teams highlight his ability to collaborate globally and bring diverse perspectives to his work.
  5. Innovative Patents: His pursuit of patents related to energy generation and water management solutions shows a commitment to translating research into practical applications, a quality that enhances his profile as a researcher.
  6. Professional Memberships and Contributions: His roles as a reviewer for scientific journals and his participation in conferences indicate active engagement with the research community, contributing to the advancement of his field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Publication Impact: While Soltani has a solid publication record, further increasing the number of publications in high-impact journals could enhance his visibility and influence in the field. A focus on high-impact factors and emerging trends in his research areas could be beneficial.
  2. Language Proficiency: His IELTS scores suggest that there might be room for improvement in English proficiency, particularly in listening and speaking. Strengthening these skills could improve his communication of complex research findings and expand his professional opportunities.
  3. Broader Outreach: Increasing engagement in high-profile conferences, workshops, and public lectures could help Soltani gain more recognition for his work and establish himself as a leading figure in his field.
  4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Although his research spans multiple relevant areas, further interdisciplinary collaboration could enhance the scope and impact of his work, particularly in integrating different scientific domains and practical applications.

Education:

Keyvan Soltani completed his Bachelor’s degree in Watershed Management from Razi University in 2013, graduating as the second top student in his class. He pursued his Master’s degree in Nature Engineering at the University of Tehran, where he was recognized as the top student. His thesis focused on evaluating surface evaporation methods, achieving a perfect score of 20/20.

Experience:

Soltani has held notable research positions at several prestigious institutions. He has been a Research Assistant at Razi University since March 2016, and has also contributed to research at Laval University and the University of Ottawa. His roles have involved significant work in climate modeling, water management, and environmental assessments.

Research Interests:

His research interests encompass climate change impacts, water resources management, environmental impact assessments, and advanced modeling techniques. Soltani is particularly focused on utilizing remote sensing and machine learning to enhance predictions related to rainfall runoff, flood susceptibility, and groundwater anomalies.

Awards:

Soltani’s academic achievements include being a top student in both his Bachelor’s and Master’s programs and ranking 19th out of approximately 10,000 candidates in the National Master’s entrance exam. His innovative contributions to water management and environmental research have been widely recognized.

Publications:

Bonakdari, H., Zaji, A. H., Soltani, K., Gharabaghi, B. (2020). Improving the accuracy of a remotely-sensed flood warning system using a multi-objective pre-processing method for signal defects detection and elimination. Comptes Rendus. Géoscience, 352(1), 73-86. Link
Cited by: 28 articles

Soltani, K., Amiri, A., Zeynoddin, M., Ebtehaj, I., Gharabaghi, B., Bonakdari, H. (2021). Forecasting monthly fluctuations of lake surface areas using remote sensing techniques and novel machine learning methods. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 143(1), 713-735. Link
Cited by: 30 articles

Soltani, K., Ebtehaj, I., Amiri, A., Azari, A., Gharabaghi, B., Bonakdari, H. (2021). Mapping the spatial and temporal variability of flood susceptibility using remotely sensed normalized difference vegetation index and the forecasted changes in the future. Sci. Total Environ, 770, 145288. Link
Cited by: 25 articles

Ebtehaj, I., Soltani, K., Amiri, A., Faramarzi, M., Madramootoo, C. A., Bonakdari, H. (2021). Prognostication of Shortwave Radiation Using an Improved No-Tuned Fast Machine Learning. Sustainability, 13(14), 8009. Link
Cited by: 12 articles

Soltani, K., Azari, A., Zeynoddin, M., Amiri, A., Ebtehaj, I., Ouarda, T. B., Gharabaghi, B., Bonakdari, H. (2021). Lake Surface Area Forecasting Using Integrated Satellite-SARIMA-Long-Short-Term Memory Model. Soft Computing. Link
Cited by: 10 articles

Soltani, K., Azari, A. (2022). Forecasting Groundwater Anomaly in the Future Using Satellite Information and Machine Learning. Journal of Hydrology, 128052. Link
Cited by: 8 articles

Soltani, K., & Azari, A. (2023). Terrestrial water storage anomaly estimating using machine learning techniques and satellite-based data (a case study of Lake Urmia Basin). Irrigation and Drainage. Link
Cited by: 5 articles

Amiri, A., Soltani, K., Ebtehaj, I., Bonakdari, H. (2023). A novel machine learning tool for current and future flood susceptibility mapping by integrating remote sensing and geographic information systems. Journal of Hydrology. Link
Cited by: 3 articles

Conclusion

Keyvan Soltani exhibits many qualities that make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His outstanding academic performance, robust publication record, and international research experience highlight his significant contributions to his field. Addressing areas such as enhancing publication impact, improving language proficiency, and increasing interdisciplinary collaboration could further strengthen his candidacy. Overall, Soltani’s innovative research and dedication position him as a commendable nominee for this prestigious award.

 

Vivian Chu | Sustainability policy and collaborative governance | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.Vivian Chu | Sustainability policy and collaborative governance | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer The University of Hong Kong  Hong Kong  

Dr. Vivian Ho Yee Chu is a dedicated Lecturer and Deputy Director at The University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Civil Society and Governance. Her work focuses on sustainability leadership, governance, and environmental management. She actively supports the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership and Governance and contributes to academic publications on commoning, collaborative governance, rural revitalization, and sustainability assessment.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Chu holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The University of Hong Kong, where she researched policy entrepreneurship and transboundary externalities in the Greater Pearl River Delta region. She also earned an MSc in Environment, Science and Society from University College London and a BSc in Geography from the same institution.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Since October 2022, Dr. Chu has been a Lecturer at The University of Hong Kong. She is also the Deputy Director of the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership and Governance program. Previously, she served as an Assistant Lecturer, Post-doctoral Fellow, and Senior Research Assistant at the same institution. Dr. Chu has been involved in various teaching, research, and coordination roles, significantly contributing to the development of sustainability impact assessments and academic publications.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Chu’s research interests encompass sustainability impact assessment, collaborative governance, rural revitalization, and commoning. She is particularly focused on the creation of robust social-ecological systems and the role of policy brokers and learning in rural sustainability.

Awards 🏆

  • ESG Professional Certificate for International Sustainable Business (ISB) Specialist Level II (2023)
  • Fellow of Advance HE, the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support in higher education (2021)
  • Certificate of Distinction for outstanding oral presentation at the 15th Annual Research Postgraduate Conference (2015)
  • Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2020)
  • Certificate of Completion on Mental Health First Aid Standard Course (2013)
  • Certificate of Teaching and Learning Stage 1 (2012)

Publications 📚

  1. Williams, J.M., Chu, V. H. Y.*, Lam, W. F., Law, W. W. Y. (2024). “Nested Institutions for Nested Problems: Commoning for Rural Revitalisation in the Peri-Urban Setting.” International Journal of the Commons (In copyediting).
  2. Chu, V. H. Y., Lam, W. F., Law, W. W. Y., Yiu, S. (2023). “Sustainability Impact Assessment: Framework and Report on HSBC Rural Sustainability,” Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong.
  3. Chu, V.H.Y., Lam, W.F., Williams, J.M. (2023). “Building robustness for rural revitalisation: A social-ecological systems perspective,” Journal of Rural Studies, 101, 103042. [Cited by: 4 articles]
  4. Chu V.H.Y., Law W.W.Y., Williams J.M. (2022). “Advocacy coalitions in rural revitalisation: the roles of policy brokers and policy learning,” Environmental Science and Policy, 136: 9-18. [Cited by: 7 articles]
  5. Williams J.M., Chu V.H.Y*., Lam W.F., Law W.W.Y. (2021). “Revitalising Rural Communities,” SpringerBriefs on Case Studies of Sustainable Development, Singapore: Springer. (*corresponding author). [Cited by: 10 articles]
  6. Chu V.H.Y., Lee A.K.Y. (2019). “Institutional obstacles and opportunities for policy entrepreneurship in cross-border environmental management: a case study in China’s Greater Pearl River Delta region,” Asian Geographer, 36:2, 165-183. [Cited by: 5 articles]
  7. Lee, F., Chu, V.H.Y. (2017). “Policy entrepreneurship, policy diffusion and transboundary environmental regulation: Evidence from Southern China,” Mondes en Développement, 177:1,13-27. [Cited by: 3 articles]