Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mariam Darestani | Environmental Engineering – Western Sydney University, Kingswood, Australia

Dr. Mariam Darestani is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with a diverse and impactful career in the field of engineering. With a PhD in Engineering from the University of Sydney, Dr. Darestani has made significant contributions to the development of innovative materials and sustainable technologies, particularly in the areas of water purification, sustainable agriculture, and polymer engineering. She is currently serving as a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University (WSU), where she is also an Academic Program Advisor for various undergraduate engineering programs. As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), she has a strong commitment to enhancing the academic experience for students through innovative curriculum development and research.

Her academic journey is marked by numerous awards, including the prestigious Amelia Earhart Fellowship from Zonta International and several Excellence in Research Awards from the University of Sydney. With a background in Polymer Engineering, Dr. Darestani has worked across various sectors, applying her research to practical solutions in industry. In addition to her teaching and research roles, she has held leadership positions in various academic and industry-related initiatives, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in her field.

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Education:

Dr. Darestani’s academic foundation is robust, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Polymer Engineering (Honours) from Tehran Polytechnic University. She pursued her Master’s in Engineering (Polymer) from the Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute before embarking on doctoral studies at the University of Sydney, where she earned her PhD in Engineering. To further enhance her expertise in academic practice, she completed the Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), which underpins her dedication to improving teaching methodologies. Her academic qualifications are complemented by ongoing professional development, including various courses aimed at enhancing her supervisory and leadership skills in academia.

Experience:

Dr. Darestani’s career has spanned multiple research and academic positions, which have contributed to her expertise in sustainable engineering solutions. She has been a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University since 2019, where she has also been involved in several leadership roles, such as Academic Program Advisor for the Undergraduate Advanced Manufacturing, Materials, Mechanical, and Robotic & Mechatronic Engineering programs. Her previous roles include serving as an Advance Queensland Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology, where she focused on the development of novel materials and technologies for sustainable living. Her postdoctoral work at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the University of Sydney has further enriched her ability to collaborate across academic and industrial sectors, providing valuable insights into the intersection of research, teaching, and practical engineering applications.

Research Interests:

Dr. Darestani’s research interests are primarily focused on developing innovative products and materials aimed at sustainable living. Her work is centered on the application of nanotechnology, sustainable water treatment, and the creation of advanced materials for agricultural and environmental purposes. She has a particular interest in water resource management, exploring the potential of zeolite-based products and other novel materials for addressing environmental challenges. Her research is interdisciplinary, drawing from fields such as polymer engineering, environmental sustainability, and nanotechnology to create practical solutions that benefit both industries and communities.

Awards:

Dr. Darestani has received numerous accolades and awards for her outstanding contributions to research and innovation. Some of her notable achievements include winning the EDBE Research Impact Award in 2024 and 2023 at Western Sydney University, as well as being named the Researcher of the Year through Industry Partnership in 2023. Her dedication to sustainability has earned her recognition in prestigious awards such as the Queensland Women in STEM Prize and the AMP Tomorrow Maker Award. Additionally, she was shortlisted for the Green Globe Award by the NSW government in 2019 and has received several industry fellowship awards, highlighting her ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Publications:

Dr. Darestani has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers that have had a significant impact on the field. Some of her recent publications include:

  1. Javan, K., & Darestani, M. (2024). Evaluating the environmental sustainability of a key crop in a crucial area: Analyzing the effects of climate change on agriculture, Heliyon. 🌱 (Cited by: 10+)
  2. Javan, K., & Darestani, M. (2024). Assessing environmental sustainability of a vital crop in a critical region using the SWAT model, Heliyon 10(3). 🌍 (Cited by: 8)
  3. Amari, S., Darestani, M., & Millar, G. (2024). Engineering and Life Cycle Assessment of Sustainable Zeolite-Based Geopolymer Incorporating Blast Furnace Slag, Sustainability 16(1), 440. ♻️ (Cited by: 12)
  4. Javan, K., Altaee, A., BaniHashemi, S., & Darestani, M. (2023). A review of interconnected challenges in the water-energy-food nexus: Urban pollution perspective towards sustainable development, Science of The Total Environment. 🌿 (Cited by: 20)
  5. Javan, K., Mirabi, M., & Darestani, M. (2023). Enhancing environmental sustainability in a critical region: Climate change impacts on agriculture and tourism, Civil Engineering Journal. 🌎 (Cited by: 15)

Conclusion:

Dr. Mariam Darestani is an exemplary figure in the field of engineering, blending academic rigor with practical, sustainable solutions. Her commitment to innovation in water resource management, sustainable materials, and engineering education has earned her a prominent place in both academic and industrial circles. With a proven track record of securing substantial research funding and delivering impactful projects, Dr. Darestani continues to make significant strides in advancing sustainable engineering practices. Through her work, she not only contributes to the academic community but also to the development of technologies that have a lasting, positive impact on the environment and society. Her contributions, both in research and teaching, make her a deserving candidate for recognition in any award nomination.

 

 

 

Musamba Banza | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Musamba Banza | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc fellow | UNISA | South Africa

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza is a distinguished researcher and expert in machine learning and material development, with a strong commitment to advancing sustainable technologies. His research spans multiple domains, including machine learning applications in computer vision, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, alongside material science innovations aimed at addressing environmental challenges. Dr. Banza has contributed to the development of advanced materials like biodegradable packaging, polymeric hydrogels for environmental remediation, and nanocomposites for wastewater treatment. He is passionate about exploring cutting-edge technologies to solve complex real-world problems and has a track record of delivering impactful solutions. Dr. Banza holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Vaal University of Technology and has published extensively in international journals. His work is recognized globally, having earned him several awards for excellence in research and innovation.

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Education

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering at Vaal University of Technology in 2022. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering (2014), followed by a Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering (2019), also from Vaal University of Technology. He further honed his expertise in the field with a National Diploma in Chemical Engineering (2016). Throughout his studies, Dr. Banza consistently demonstrated excellence, paving the way for his future groundbreaking work in machine learning and material development. His education provided him with a solid foundation in chemical engineering principles, materials science, and data analysis, which he has successfully applied in both academic research and industrial projects. His studies in sustainable materials and environmental science form the backbone of his innovative solutions in addressing pressing global challenges.

 

Experience

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza has extensive professional experience in both academia and industry. He currently holds a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of South Africa (2025-2027) in the Department of Environmental Sciences. Prior to this, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Vaal University of Technology from 2023 to 2024, contributing to research in the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering. Between 2019 and 2022, Dr. Banza served as a part-time lecturer and supervised numerous Bachelor’s and Master’s students. His industry experience includes working at Ruashi Mining (Metorex and Jinchuan Group) from 2012 to 2014, where he optimized copper and cobalt leaching circuits and conducted mass balance analysis and water balance studies. His diverse career has allowed him to bridge the gap between research and practical applications, demonstrating his ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in both academia and the industrial sector.

Research Interests

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza’s research focuses on the intersection of machine learning, material development, and environmental science. He has made significant strides in applying machine learning techniques, such as artificial neural networks (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS), to solve complex challenges in various fields, including water treatment and environmental remediation. His work includes the development of advanced materials, such as biodegradable packaging, nanocomposites, and polymeric hydrogels designed to remove organic dyes, heavy metals, and rare earth elements from wastewater. Dr. Banza’s research also emphasizes the optimization of adsorption processes using novel materials for sustainable solutions in hydrometallurgical effluent treatment. By combining his expertise in material science with advanced machine learning algorithms, Dr. Banza is creating groundbreaking solutions that address both environmental and industrial challenges. His focus on sustainability and performance has led to practical applications that contribute to cleaner, safer environments.

Awards

Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza has received several prestigious awards for his exceptional contributions to research and innovation. In 2021, he was recognized as a Young Researcher by the International Academic Awards for his pioneering work in material science and machine learning. He was again honored in 2024 when he was selected as the Best Researcher by the International Academic Awards, acknowledging his significant impact on environmental remediation technologies and sustainable materials. Additionally, Dr. Banza earned a certificate from Elsevier for his article’s contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showcasing the global relevance of his research. These accolades underscore his dedication to addressing critical environmental issues through innovative scientific solutions. Dr. Banza’s awards demonstrate his consistent excellence in both academic and applied research, marking him as a leader in his field.

Publications

Blast Furnace Slag for SO2 Capture: Optimization and Prediction Using Response Surface Methodology and Artificial Neural Network

Authors: Kohitlhetse, I., Evans, S.K., Banza, M., Makomere, R.

Journal: Chemical Industry and Chemical Engineering Quarterly

Year: 2024

Volume: 30(4), pp. 349–357

Citations: 0

Modeling of Biomethane Production from Ultrasonic Pretreated Fruit and Vegetable Waste via Anaerobic Digestion

Authors: Matobole, K., Seodigeng, T., Banza, M., Rutto, H.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health – Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering

Year: 2024

Volume: 59(10), pp. 513–522

Citations: 0

Batch and Continuous Fixed Bed Adsorption of Copper (II) from Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) Using Green and Recyclable Adsorbent from Cellulose Microcrystals (CMCs)

Authors: Banza, M., Seodigeng, T., Linda, S., Owona, S., Musampa, P.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health – Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering

Year: 2024

Volume: 59(9), pp. 488–498

Citations: 0

Preparation, Characterization, and Application of Polymeric Ultra-Permeable Biodegradable Ferromagnetic Nanocomposite Adsorbent for Removal of Cr(VI) from Synthetic Wastewater: Kinetics, Isotherms, and Thermodynamics

Authors: Suter, E., Rutto, H., Makomere, R., Kiambi, S., Omwoyo, W.

Journal: Frontiers in Environmental Chemistry

Year: 2024

Volume: 5, Article: 1451262

Citations: 1

The Impact of Ozone Treatment on the Removal Effectiveness of Various Refractory Compounds in Wastewater from Petroleum Refineries

Authors: Khoza, N., Seodigeng, T., Banza, M., Ochieng, A.

Journal: Journal of Environmental Science and Health – Part A Toxic/Hazardous Substances and Environmental Engineering

Year: 2024

Volume: 59(4), pp. 189–199

Citations: 0

Energy Storage Through a Regenerative Hydrogen Fuel Cell in a Hybrid System of Renewable Energy for Power Generation

Authors: Nkwambe, M.S., Sutherland, T., Seodigeng, T., Banza, M.

Journal: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Year: 2024

Volume: 108, pp. 73–78

Citations: 2

Mass Transfer Modelling of Sclerocarya Birrea Kernels in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Authors: Reddy, T., Seodigeng, T., Banza, M., Rutto, H.

Journal: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Year: 2024

Volume: 108, pp. 25–30

Citations: 0

Application of Artificial Neural Network and Shrinking Core Model for Copper (II) and Lead (II) Leaching from Contaminated Soil Using Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid

Authors: Banza, M., Rutto, H., Seodigeng, T.

Journal: Soil and Sediment Contamination

Year: 2024

Volume: 33(1), pp. 43–63

Citations: 5

Comparison Study of ANFIS, ANN, and RSM and Mechanistic Modeling for Chromium(VI) Removal Using Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals–Sodium Alginate (CNC–Alg)

Authors: Banza, M., Seodigeng, T., Rutto, H.

Journal: Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering

Year: 2023

Volume: 48(12), pp. 16067–16085

Citations: 16

The Use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in Dry Flue Gas Desulphurization Modeling: Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) and Bayesian Regularization (BR) Algorithm Comparison

Authors: Makomere, R., Rutto, H., Koech, L., Banza, M.

Journal: Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering

Year: 2023

Volume: 101(6), pp. 3273–3286

Citations: 15

 

Conclusion

Given his innovative contributions to sustainable technologies, interdisciplinary research in machine learning and material development, and global recognition through multiple awards, Dr. Musamba Jean Claude Banza is undoubtedly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His research, publications, and commitment to making a lasting impact on both industry and academia further solidify his candidacy. Dr. Banza’s work is poised to continue influencing global solutions for environmental challenges, making him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition.