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

Posted on by Academic achievements

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.

Dominic Ndulue | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Dominic Ndulue | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

University of Nigeria | Nigeria

Chukwuka Dominic Ndulue is a dedicated scholar from Oba, Anambra State, Nigeria. Known for his extensive research in Geomorphology and Geography, Ndulue has made significant strides in the field, contributing to various academic and practical applications.

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Education🎓

Ndulue’s academic journey began at All Saints Secondary School, Oraifite, Anambra State (2008-2014). He pursued a in Geography with First Class Honours at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2014-2018). He continued his studies with an in Geography at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State (2020-2023), and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography (Geomorphology) at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Experience📚

Ndulue’s work experience includes serving as a Surveyor/Research Assistant at UD RUA Project Ltd since July 2020. He has also been a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member at the Department of Geography, College of Education Ikere, Ekiti State, and participated in the NYSC Community Development Service as a Flag Cadet.

Research Interest🔬

Ndulue’s research interests lie in Geomorphology, GIS, and Remote Sensing. His work has focused on soil erosion, land-use dynamics, and climate change impacts, with significant contributions to understanding terrain and landscape analysis.

Awards and Recognition🏅

Throughout his academic career, Ndulue has been recognized for his excellence. He has attended multiple workshops, such as the Capacity Building Workshop in Career and Leadership for Undergraduate Students and the Vocational Skill Acquisition/Training in Computer Appreciation and Web Design.

Publications📖

Ndulue has published numerous articles in renowned journals, including:

Hydrogeomorphological analysis of Niger River Sub-basins for flood prediction in Anambra State, Nigeria

  • Published in Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2024
  • DOI: 10.1007/s12517-024-12127-8
  • Contributors: Romanus Udegbunam Ayadiuno; Dominic Chukwuka Ndulue

This article discusses flood prediction in the sub-basins of the Niger River, with a focus on hydrogeomorphological characteristics relevant to Anambra State.

Integrating Remote Sensing and GIS-Based Map Analysis in Determining Spread of Built-Ups and Land-Use Dynamics of Terrain of Onitsha Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

  • Published in Land, 2024 (Volume 13, Issue 11)
  • DOI: 10.3390/land13111896
  • Contributors: Romanus Udegbunam Ayadiuno; Dominic Chukwuka Ndulue

This study employs remote sensing and GIS to analyze the spread of built-up areas and changes in land use in Onitsha, revealing significant urban growth and forecasting future trends.

A review of soil erosion modeling in Nigeria using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model

This review by Dominic Chukwuka Ndulue provides insights into the use of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) for soil erosion modeling in Nigeria, though specific citation and journal information were not available from the sources retrieved.

Conclusion✨

Ndulue’s journey from his early education to his current Ph.D. studies showcases his dedication and passion for Geography. His contributions to research and practice in Geomorphology have been recognized through various publications and awards. His continuous efforts in academia and fieldwork highlight his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.

 

Keyvan Soltani | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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.

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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.

 

Nagham Sayour | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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.

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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.

 

Petra Chui | Microplastics in Aquatic environment | Best Researchers Awards

Posted on by Academic achievements

Ms. Petra Chui | Microplastics in Aquatic environment | Best Researchers Awards

Master student | Egerton University, Kenya | Cameroon

Short Bio

🎓 Chui Petra Kienyiy is a dedicated environmental scientist from Cameroon, currently pursuing her MSc in Natural Resources Management at Egerton University, Kenya. With a strong academic background and varied professional experience, she is passionate about environmental sustainability and innovative research in natural resource management.

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Education

📚 Petra’s academic journey began with a B.Tech in Environmental Engineering from the University of Bamenda (2012-2016), where she researched soy effluent treatment. Currently, she is pursuing her MSc in Natural Resources Management at Egerton University (2020-Present), focusing on the spatial and seasonal variations of microplastics and surface water quality in Kenyan ecosystems.

Experience

🌍 Petra has held various roles, including Project Manager at Gordon’s Agricultural Organization-Uganda (2021-2022), where she managed administrative tasks and developed digital platforms. She also served as a Biology Teacher and Secretary at Gratitude Bilingual College in Cameroon (2019-2020), and as a Stock Accountant at SALEH Business (2018-2019). Her earlier roles include environmental delegate, intern, and data collector in multiple organizations, contributing to environmental audits, agricultural training, and waste management surveys.

Research Interest

🔬 Petra’s research interests lie in environmental sustainability, focusing on the assessment of microplastic pollution, water quality, and innovative waste management techniques. Her MSc research explores the spatial and seasonal variations of microplastics in the River Njoro and Lake Nakuru ecosystems in Kenya.

Awards

🏆 Petra has been recognized for her innovative contributions with the Audience Award on Digital Innovation at StartHub Africa (April 2022) in Nairobi, Kenya. She is also a recipient of the prestigious MasterCard Foundation Scholarship (2020) for her Master’s program and received Presidential grants (2012-2016) for her outstanding academic performance during her undergraduate studies.

Publications

📖 Petra has contributed to several publications and conference proceedings, reflecting her research interests:

  • Spatial and Seasonal Variations of Microplastics and Surface Water Quality in River Njoro and Lake Nakuru Ecosystems, Kenya. (Under Review)
  • Seasonal Variations of Surface Water Quality in River Njoro and Lake Nakuru Kenya (2023, Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research)
  • Integrated Water Resources Management and River Basin Governance: The case of Congo Basin Forest in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Implications for Environmental Sustainability. (Conference Proceedings)
  • Biogeochemical Processes in Forest Ecosystems: A Review (Conference Proceedings)

 

 

FahadAL Dhabaan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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FahadAL Dhabaan | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. FahadAL Dhabaan, Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.