Zezhong Zheng | Remote sensing | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zezhong Zheng | Remote sensing | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zezhong Zheng | Remote sensing – Associate Professor at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China

Zezhong Zheng is an accomplished researcher and associate professor at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), specializing in geospatial technology, remote sensing, and machine learning applications for environmental monitoring. With a deep-rooted background in civil engineering, Zheng has made significant strides in improving early warning systems for natural hazards, such as landslides and wildfires. His contributions to disaster management and infrastructure safety have earned him recognition in both academic and professional circles. Throughout his career, he has published a series of influential papers that apply advanced technologies to real-world environmental problems, particularly in the fields of environmental monitoring, remote sensing, and machine learning.

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Education

Zheng’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science from Jianghan University of Petroleum, which laid the foundation for his expertise in environmental science. He continued his education with a Master’s degree in Information Engineering from Chengdu University of Technology, where he deepened his understanding of technology’s role in environmental research. Zheng’s pursuit of knowledge culminated in a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Southwestern Jiaotong University in 2010, where he specialized in the application of geospatial data in disaster management. His strong educational foundation in both engineering and geospatial technologies has positioned him at the forefront of his field.

Experience

Zheng’s professional experience spans several significant roles, from his initial position as an Assistant Engineer of Petroleum Geology at the Bohai Research Institute to his current position as Associate Professor at UESTC. His academic career began as an Assistant Professor at UESTC in 2010, and he has since advanced to Associate Professor, where he continues to guide students and contribute to the university’s research initiatives. His extensive experience in both industry and academia has allowed him to apply cutting-edge technologies to practical challenges, ensuring that his work is relevant and impactful.

Research Interests

Zheng’s research interests are primarily focused on remote sensing, machine learning, and environmental hazard prediction. His work in these areas aims to improve early warning systems for natural disasters such as landslides, wildfires, and flooding, which are increasingly important due to climate change and urbanization. He has a particular interest in integrating machine learning algorithms with remote sensing data, such as InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar), to monitor and predict environmental hazards. Zheng’s interdisciplinary approach also includes work on the detection of infrastructure defects using machine learning, which has practical applications in the fields of energy and urban planning.

Awards

While Zheng has not explicitly listed awards in his curriculum vitae, his contributions to the field of environmental science and technology have been widely recognized. His extensive publications in reputable journals, such as IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, and Applied Sciences-Basel, attest to the recognition of his research by the academic community. These contributions reflect the significance of his work, and he is highly regarded as a leading researcher in his field. Given his numerous impactful publications and ongoing research initiatives, Zheng is a strong candidate for prestigious awards in the scientific community.

Publications

  1. Landslide Evolution Assessment Based on Sequential InSAR Methods in the Kunming Transmission Line Corridor (Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 2025) 🌍
  2. Wildfire Detection Based on the Spatiotemporal and Spectral Features of Himawari-8 Data (IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 2024) 🔥
  3. Machine Learning-Based Systems for Early Warning of Rainfall-Induced Landslides (Natural Hazards Review, 2024) 🌧
  4. Improved YOLO Network for Insulator and Insulator Defect Detection in UAV Images (Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 2024) 🛠
  5. Magnetic Field Simulation of Reactor Based on Deep Neural Networks (IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 2023) ⚡
  6. A Domain Adaptation Method for Land Use Classification Based on Improved HR-Net (IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 2023) 🌍
  7. Insulator Detection for High-Resolution Satellite Images Based on Deep Learning (IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, 2023) 🛰

Conclusion

Zezhong Zheng’s outstanding academic and professional achievements make him an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research in environmental monitoring, particularly in the integration of machine learning and remote sensing for natural hazard prediction, is not only innovative but also has substantial practical applications. Zheng’s dedication to improving disaster management systems and his ability to collaborate with experts from various fields demonstrate his capacity to drive meaningful change in the scientific and academic communities. His exceptional contributions to environmental science, coupled with his growing body of influential publications, make him a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.

Fayera Gizawu | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Fayera Gizawu | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Wollega University, Ethiopia

Fayera Gizawu Garbaba is a dedicated lecturer at Wallaga University, specializing in Geo-information Science with expertise in GIS and Remote Sensing. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geo-information Science and a Master’s degree in GIS and Remote Sensing. Garbaba’s work primarily focuses on leveraging geospatial technologies to address a variety of environmental and agricultural challenges in Ethiopia. His research spans areas such as agricultural drought, land-use planning, climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and the management of mining-related environmental concerns.

Profile:

Scopus

Education:

Fayera Gizawu Garbaba completed his academic journey in the field of Geo-information Science. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Geo-information Science and went on to complete a Master’s degree in GIS and Remote Sensing. His strong academic foundation and technical expertise have shaped his research interests and professional engagements, making him a significant contributor to his field. His education has been integral in developing his skills in geospatial analysis and environmental mapping, which he applies to various real-world challenges in Ethiopia.

Experience:

Fayera has built a solid foundation in his career as a lecturer at Wallaga University. He teaches various subjects related to earth sciences, GIS, and remote sensing, imparting knowledge to undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, Garbaba is well-versed in utilizing advanced geospatial software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS Imagine, and STATA for image processing and spatial data analysis. His experience extends to practical applications, such as groundwater potential assessment, mapping, and analyzing agricultural suitability using geospatial technologies. Garbaba’s technical skills and teaching capabilities have positioned him as an important figure in the academic and professional domains.

Research Interests:

Fayera Gizawu Garbaba’s research interests are broad, focusing on the application of geo-spatial technologies in addressing key environmental and agricultural issues. His areas of research include agricultural drought, land-use planning, and the mitigation of climate change impacts. Garbaba is particularly interested in the role of geospatial tools in enhancing biodiversity conservation, soil and water conservation, and managing mining-related environmental challenges. His work also extends to assessing forest cover and its relationship with drought in semi-arid regions. These research areas reflect his commitment to applying modern technological solutions to pressing environmental concerns in Ethiopia and beyond.

Awards:

Fayera Gizawu Garbaba’s contributions to the field of geospatial sciences have not gone unnoticed. His work in applying GIS and remote sensing to environmental and agricultural challenges has earned him recognition within his institution and the broader academic community. In 2025, Garbaba was nominated for the prestigious award at Wallaga University, which acknowledges outstanding faculty members for their research excellence and teaching contributions. This nomination reflects his ongoing commitment to advancing the field and his significant impact on both the academic community and the application of geospatial technologies in solving real-world problems.

Publications:

  1. Wolteji, B. N., & Garbaba, F. G. (2023). A Geo-spatial assessment of drought impacts on forest cover in Yabello forest, in the semi-arid region of Ethiopia. SN Applied Sciences, 5(5), 148.

  2. Garbaba, F. G., & Wolteji, B. N. (2024). Application of geospatial technology on land suitability analysis for wheat and maize farming: A case of Guder sub-watershed, NorthWest Oromia, Ethiopia. Heliyon, 10(13).

These publications reflect Garbaba’s contribution to advancing research on geospatial technology and its application in environmental and agricultural management, specifically within the Ethiopian context.

Conclusion:

Fayera Gizawu Garbaba is an accomplished academic and researcher whose work in Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing has significantly impacted the fields of environmental science and agriculture. Through his teaching and research, he has applied geospatial technologies to address critical challenges in Ethiopia, including climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. His technical expertise, combined with a strong academic foundation, positions him as a key figure in the integration of geospatial tools into environmental management and decision-making processes. As he continues to advance his research, Garbaba is poised to make even more contributions to the field, further enhancing the application of geospatial technologies to solve pressing environmental issues.

Yong Wang | Geodesy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr.Yong Wang | Geodesy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr.Yong Wang | Geodesy – Professor at Tianjin Chengjian University, China

Professor Wang Yong is a distinguished researcher in the field of GNSS meteorology, known for his pioneering contributions to atmospheric studies and remote sensing applications. With a strong academic background and extensive research experience, he has made significant strides in integrating GNSS data with meteorological models, particularly in haze monitoring and water vapor fusion. His groundbreaking work has been widely recognized, with numerous publications in high-impact journals and active participation in editorial and review boards. His commitment to advancing geosciences and atmospheric research has positioned him as a leading figure in the field.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Professor Wang Yong pursued his doctoral studies at the Institute of Surveying and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he specialized in GNSS meteorology. His academic journey was further enriched through a postdoctoral fellowship at Peking University, where he deepened his expertise in geospatial science and meteorological data analysis. His education has provided him with a strong foundation in surveying, remote sensing, and atmospheric research, enabling him to contribute novel insights to the field.

Experience

With years of experience in GNSS meteorology, Professor Wang has played a crucial role in advancing research on water vapor dynamics, haze monitoring, and atmospheric pollution assessment. He has collaborated with national and international research institutions, contributing to innovative methodologies for integrating satellite-based remote sensing with ground-based GNSS data. His expertise extends to scientific publishing, serving as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for numerous reputable journals. His work has not only enhanced meteorological modeling techniques but also influenced policy recommendations on environmental monitoring and disaster prediction.

Research Interests

Professor Wang’s research interests encompass a wide range of topics in geosciences, with a primary focus on GNSS-based atmospheric studies. His pioneering work in utilizing GNSS water vapor data for haze monitoring has laid the foundation for new research directions in meteorology. He is also deeply involved in data fusion techniques, integrating GNSS, MODIS, FY-4A, and ERA5 datasets to improve the accuracy of atmospheric models. His research extends to air pollution studies, climate variability, and the development of neural network models for meteorological predictions.

Awards and Recognitions

Professor Wang Yong’s contributions to GNSS meteorology have earned him significant recognition in the scientific community. He has received accolades for his innovative research in atmospheric sciences, including awards for excellence in remote sensing applications. His leadership roles in scientific committees, editorial boards, and peer review panels highlight his influence in the field. Additionally, his outreach activities as a science ambassador demonstrate his commitment to knowledge dissemination and public engagement in geospatial sciences.

Publications

📡 Research on the fusion of PWV over the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region based on ERA5 PWV and FY-4A PWVAdvances in Space Research, 2025
🌍 Improving MODIS Precipitable water vapor in mainland China based on the LSF modelAdvances in Space Research, 2023
🌫 A neural network model to predict spatiotemporal PM2.5 with FY-4A total precipitable waterAtmospheric Pollution Research, 2023
🔬 Assessment and calibration of FY-4A AGRI total precipitable water products based on CMONOCAtmospheric Research, 2022
🌪 Study on the regional prediction model of PM2.5 concentrations based on multi-source observationsAtmospheric Pollution Research, 2022
🛰 Fusion of CMONOC and ERA5 PWV Products Based on Backpropagation Neural NetworkRemote Sensing, 2022

Conclusion

Professor Wang Yong’s contributions to GNSS meteorology, atmospheric pollution monitoring, and data fusion techniques have set a benchmark in the field of geosciences. His pioneering research, extensive publication record, and dedication to scientific advancement make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continuous innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, his work will further enhance the understanding of atmospheric processes and environmental sustainability.

 

Afshin Amiri | Remote Sensing | Academic Brilliance Star Award

Mr . Afshin Amiri | Remote Sensing | Academic Brilliance Star Award 

Ph.D. student , Laval University , Canada

Afshin Amiri is an accomplished researcher specializing in remote sensing, GIS, and natural hazards. Born on August 30, 1991, he has developed a solid academic foundation and expertise in various areas, including agriculture, land use/land cover change detection, and water resources. Afshin’s research leverages advanced techniques such as radar interferometry and cloud computing to address pressing environmental challenges. His work has been recognized through publications in prestigious journals and ongoing contributions to the scientific community.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse Expertise: Afshin Amiri’s research encompasses a wide range of critical topics within remote sensing and GIS, including flood susceptibility mapping, drought forecasting, and land cover change detection. This diversity showcases a deep understanding of the field and the ability to apply knowledge to various environmental challenges.
  2. Published Works: Afshin has authored several high-impact journal papers, demonstrating his ability to conduct rigorous research and contribute valuable insights to the scientific community. His publications in reputable journals like Journal of Hydrology and Science of The Total Environment indicate a strong research portfolio.
  3. Innovative Approaches: The use of advanced machine learning techniques and integration with remote sensing in his work shows a commitment to innovative and cutting-edge research. This is evident in his novel approaches to flood susceptibility mapping and drought zone forecasting.
  4. Ongoing Research: Afshin is actively involved in multiple research projects under review in prominent journals, indicating a continuous contribution to the field. His work on forest fires, soil erosion, and climate-driven water level estimation further underscores his commitment to addressing pressing environmental issues.
  5. Technical Proficiency: Afshin’s extensive skills in scientific software, satellite imagery processing, and cloud computing platforms like Google Earth Engine highlight his technical prowess, essential for modern environmental research.

Areas of Improvement 

  • Educational Background: While Afshin has solid academic credentials, improving his academic scores could have strengthened his profile. Enhancing this aspect, possibly through further education or certifications, could make his candidacy even more robust.
  • Independent Research: Many of Afshin’s published works are collaborative. While collaboration is essential, more independent research or leading-author publications could further demonstrate his leadership and expertise in the field.

Broader Impact: While Afshin’s research is impactful within the scientific community, emphasizing the broader societal or policy implications of his work could enhance his profile. This might include engagement in public outreach or contributions to policy-making in environmental management.

Education 

Afshin Amiri holds a BSc in Rangeland and Watershed Management from Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran, completed in 2013 with a GPA of 15.13/20. He furthered his education with an MSc in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System from the University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, in 2019, where he achieved a GPA of 16.5/20. His master’s thesis focused on identifying and characterizing active tectonics of the Dehshir fault using remote sensing data, earning a score of 18.5/20.

Experience 

Afshin Amiri has extensive experience in remote sensing and GIS, focusing on environmental monitoring and natural hazard assessment. His expertise includes radar interferometry, flood susceptibility mapping, and agricultural land management. Afshin’s research applies innovative tools such as machine learning and cloud computing (Google Earth Engine) to integrate various data sources and provide actionable insights for sustainable development and disaster risk reduction.

Research Interests 

Afshin Amiri’s research interests encompass a wide range of topics within remote sensing and GIS. He is particularly focused on:

  • Remote Sensing 📡
  • Agriculture 🌾
  • Geographic Information System 🗺️
  • Land Use/Land Cover Change Detection 🌍
  • Water Resources 💧
  • Cloud Computing (Google Earth Engine) ☁️
  • Natural Hazards 🌪️
  • Radar Interferometry (band C and L) 📶
  • Forest Monitoring 🌳
  • Flood Susceptibility Mapping 🌊

Awards 

Afshin Amiri’s contributions to the field have been recognized through various nominations and accolades, reflecting his commitment to advancing remote sensing and GIS applications. He continues to push the boundaries of research, with ongoing efforts being recognized by the academic community.

Publications 

Afshin Amiri has published several significant papers in renowned journals, showcasing his contributions to the field:

  • A Novel Machine Learning Tool for Current and Future Flood Susceptibility Mapping by Integrating Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (2024). Journal of Hydrology. Link. Cited by: 0 articles.
  • Advanced Forecasting of Drought Zones in Canada Using Deep Learning and CMIP6 Projections (2024). Climate. Link. Cited by: 0 articles.
  • Forecasting Monthly Fluctuations of Lake Surface Areas Using Remote Sensing Techniques and Novel Machine Learning Methods (2021). Theoretical and Applied Climatology. Link. Cited by: 20 articles.
  • Mapping the Spatial and Temporal Variability of Flood Susceptibility Using Remotely Sensed Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and the Forecasted Changes in the Future (2021). Science of The Total Environment. Link. Cited by: 15 articles.
  • Prognostication of Shortwave Radiation Using an Improved No-Tuned Fast Machine Learning (2021). Sustainability. Link. Cited by: 10 articles.

         Lake Surface Area Forecasting Using Integrated Satellite-SARIMA-Long-Short-Term Memory Model (2021). Link. Cited by: 5 articles.

Conclusion

Afshin Amiri is a strong candidate for the Research for Academic Brilliance Star Award due to his diverse research portfolio, innovative methodologies, and technical expertise. His contributions to remote sensing and GIS, especially in flood mapping and environmental monitoring, are notable and impactful. While there are areas for potential growth, particularly in independent research and broader impact, his ongoing work and commitment to advancing the field make him a deserving contender for the award.

Na Chen – Remote Sensing – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Na Chen - Remote Sensing - Best Researcher Award

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - United States

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits:

Na Chen's academic journey is marked by a strong focus on Geoinformation Science and Remote Sensing. She pursued a Ph.D. at Wageningen University, the Netherlands, from September 2019 to November 2023. Her research topic, "Assessing tropical forest disturbance and regrowth using earth observation sources," showcases her commitment to understanding and addressing environmental challenges. Prof. Martin Herold served as her supervisor in the Department of Environmental Sciences.

Prior to her Ph.D., Na Chen earned her Master's degree in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation with a specialization in natural resources management from the University of Twente, the Netherlands, graduating with a GPA of 8.3/10.0 in March 2019. Her thesis focused on the spatial-temporal relationship between elephant movement and surface water availability in the Amboseli ecosystem.

Professional Endeavors:

Na Chen's professional journey includes diverse roles that reflect her expertise in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation. She is currently a Postdoc at MIT in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, starting in February 2024. Prior to her Ph.D., she gained practical experience as a Geospatial Analyst Intern with the SDG Integration Team at the United Nations Development Programme from August 2021 to January 2022.

Before venturing into the research domain, Na Chen contributed to education as a Geography Teacher, Class Supervisor, and Psychological Counseling Teacher at Ruijin No.2 Middle School in Jiangxi Province, China, from August 2014 to August 2017. She also served as a Geography Teacher and Class Supervisor at Xuwen No.1 Middle School in Guangdong Province, China, from August 2013 to August 2014.

Contributions and Research Focus On Remote Sensing:

Na Chen's research focus revolves around Geoinformation Science, Remote Sensing, and the assessment of tropical forest disturbance and regrowth. Her Ph.D. research, conducted under the supervision of Prof. Martin Herold, addresses critical issues related to environmental conservation and sustainable land use. In her role as a Geospatial Analyst Intern at the UNDP, Na Chen likely contributed to the integration of geospatial data for sustainable development goals. Her work showcases a dedication to leveraging geoinformation for addressing global challenges.

Accolades and Recognition:

While specific accolades and recognition details are not provided, Na Chen's academic achievements, including her high GPAs and rankings, suggest a history of recognition for her dedication and excellence in the field of Geoinformation Science. Her academic journey also included an exchange program at Murray State University in the U.S. in 2012-2013, where she excelled with a GPA of 3.6/4.0. Na Chen completed her Bachelor's degree in Geography at Gannan Normal University, China, from September 2009 to July 2013, ranking 1st among 68 students with a GPA of 3.4/4.0.

Impact and Influence:

Na Chen's impact is evident in her transition from academia to practical applications, as seen in her roles as a Geospatial Analyst Intern and, more recently, as a Postdoc at MIT. Her research focus on tropical forest disturbance and regrowth aligns with addressing pressing environmental concerns, showcasing her potential influence on sustainable land management practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

Na Chen's legacy is being shaped through her research, education, and contributions to geospatial analysis. As a Postdoc at MIT, her future contributions are anticipated to further advance the understanding of environmental changes and their implications, leaving a lasting impact on the field of Geoinformation Science. Na Chen's academic pursuits, professional endeavors, research focus, and potential impact collectively portray a dedicated individual making significant strides in the field of Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation. Her journey from teaching to impactful research at MIT showcases a commitment to addressing environmental challenges through cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.