Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award

Mr. Zaid Thanawala | Sustainability – Senior Sustainability Scientist at Amazon, United States

Zaid Thanawala is a renowned sustainability scientist with a proven track record in innovative solutions aimed at decarbonization and energy efficiency. He is currently serving as a Senior Sustainability Scientist at Amazon, where he leads the development of AI-powered tools for life cycle assessments (LCAs) and decarbonization models. His work is not only limited to technological advancements but also extends to strategic initiatives that help large corporations meet their sustainability targets. With expertise in sustainable systems, energy technologies, and chemical engineering, Zaid has played an instrumental role in integrating sustainability into business operations, contributing to global efforts towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.

Profile:

Google Scholar

Education:


Zaid Thanawala’s academic journey reflects his commitment to sustainability and scientific innovation. He holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Systems from the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he achieved a perfect CGPA of 4/4, securing a full scholarship. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Technologies at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, with a CGPA of 3.67/4 and a part scholarship. Zaid also earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Thadomal Shahani Engineering College in Mumbai, India, where he graduated with a CGPA of 7.3/10. His rigorous academic background laid the foundation for his pioneering work in sustainability science and innovation.

Experience:


Zaid Thanawala’s professional experience spans across leading corporations and institutions, where he has significantly impacted sustainability strategies. At Amazon, he leads several initiatives, including the development of automated life cycle assessment tools and forecasting models for renewable energy needs, saving valuable resources and optimizing sustainability efforts. Previously, Zaid worked as a Sustainability Data Analyst at Salesforce, where he managed the company’s carbon footprint reporting and helped procure renewable energy to meet the company’s public commitments. He also held the position of Sustainability Engineer at Owens-Illinois, where he contributed to the development of a life cycle assessment tool for glass manufacturing and played a key role in the company’s decarbonization efforts. His experience across diverse industries has given him a unique ability to innovate and lead sustainability initiatives at scale.

Research Interests:


Zaid Thanawala’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable systems, renewable energy, and data-driven environmental solutions. He is particularly focused on the development of advanced life cycle assessment (LCA) tools and predictive models for decarbonization, with an emphasis on automating these processes to increase efficiency and reduce resource consumption. His research extends to the integration of artificial intelligence in sustainability, where he applies machine learning algorithms to enhance forecasting accuracy for energy needs and carbon emissions. Zaid is also interested in the application of circular economy principles in product life cycles, specifically the recycling and reuse of materials like lithium-ion batteries, which are key to reducing environmental impacts in electronics and energy storage systems.

Awards:


Zaid Thanawala’s work has been widely recognized for its innovation and impact on the sustainability field. While he has not received specific individual awards, his leadership in creating and implementing sustainability strategies has contributed to the recognition of the companies he works for, including Amazon and Salesforce. His work on AI-powered LCA tools and forecasting models for renewable energy procurement has been instrumental in achieving significant corporate sustainability milestones. Zaid’s ability to lead high-impact sustainability initiatives has positioned him as a thought leader and innovator in the field.

Publications:

  1. “A Thin-Film Silicon/Silicon Hetero-Junction Hybrid Solar Cell for Photoelectrochemical Water-Reduction Applications” ☀️ (2016) – Published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, cited by 24 articles.
  2. “Measure of Primary Data as a Quality Indicator in Life Cycle Assessments” 📊 (2025) – Published in International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research.
  3. “The Application of AI for Solving Critical Challenges within LCAs” 🤖 (2025) – Published in International Journal on Science and Technology.
  4. “Importance of Product Carbon Footprints in Sustainable Procurement” 🌍 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation.
  5. “Understanding the Potential for Renewable Energy in Supply Chain Decarbonization” 🔋 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Social Science Exceptional Research.
  6. “Enabling Sustainable Product Development through the Use of AI and Life Cycle Assessment” 🔄 (2024) – Published in International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering.
  7. “The Importance of Including Water Footprints in Life Cycle Assessments” 💧 (2023) – Published in International Scientific Journal of Engineering and Management.

Conclusion:


Zaid Thanawala exemplifies the qualities of an innovative sustainability scientist, consistently driving technological advancements that contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. His expertise in life cycle assessments, renewable energy forecasting, and decarbonization strategies has had a measurable impact on major global companies, helping them meet their sustainability targets. Zaid’s ability to blend cutting-edge technology with real-world applications in sustainability makes him an outstanding candidate for the “Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award.” His research and contributions continue to inspire progress in the fields of sustainable systems and renewable energy, offering promising solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

 

Elizabeth Grace Bengi | Environmental science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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.