Alarcon Matos de Oliveira | Remoting Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Prof. Dr. Alarcon Matos de Oliveira | Remoting Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Substitute Professor at State University of Bahia/Department of Exact and Earth Sciences II

Alarcon Matos De Oliveira, a distinguished Professor at Bahia State University, is a leading researcher in the field of Physical Geography. Specializing in various aspects of climatology, environmental analysis, remote sensing, geomorphology, and spatial analysis, Oliveira’s work has had a significant impact on understanding environmental phenomena, particularly in the context of Brazil. As an academic, his expertise spans environmental impact assessments, cartography, and mapping, which he integrates into teaching and research. Oliveira is also recognized for his practical contributions to the application of these fields in real-world scenarios, notably in environmental and risk analysis related to water systems.

Profile

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Education:

Dr. Oliveira holds a doctorate in Physical Geography (Geografia Física), an advanced qualification that has equipped him with both theoretical and practical knowledge in the study of the earth’s physical processes and the impacts of human activities on the environment. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding the intricate relationships between natural systems and human interventions, which is evident in his scholarly output and contributions to the academic community. His education has provided a foundation for his extensive research, especially in climatology, remote sensing, and geomorphology.

Experience:

Over the years, Dr. Oliveira has accumulated a wealth of experience both as an educator and researcher. As a professor at Bahia State University, he has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of geographers, imparting his knowledge of physical geography, environmental studies, and spatial analysis. In addition to his role in academia, Oliveira has participated in numerous research projects, focusing particularly on environmental risk assessments and the study of water systems in Brazil. His work on dam break simulations, water flow, and environmental impact assessments has contributed to the advancement of both scientific knowledge and practical solutions for managing natural hazards.

Research Interests:

Dr. Oliveira’s research interests are diverse and interdisciplinary, revolving around physical geography, environmental analysis, and climatology. A key area of his research is the use of remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for environmental monitoring and risk assessment. His work also delves into the impact of environmental factors on human settlements, with particular focus on geomorphology and spatial analysis. Dr. Oliveira is particularly interested in the dynamics of water systems, including the modeling of dam breaks, and the estimation of potential risks and losses in the event of such natural disasters. He is also involved in research concerning the environmental impacts of deforestation and climate change, particularly in the context of the Atlantic Forest region in Brazil.

Awards:

Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Oliveira has received several awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field of physical geography and environmental studies. His research excellence and impact in environmental risk analysis have earned him acknowledgment from various scientific communities, and his interdisciplinary approach continues to influence scholars and practitioners in the field. Notably, his work has been instrumental in advancing the use of simulation techniques for environmental disaster management, which has practical implications for policymaking and disaster preparedness. However, further details regarding his specific awards or nominations remain unavailable.

Publications:

Dr. Oliveira has contributed to 31 publications, reflecting his commitment to advancing knowledge in physical geography, environmental analysis, and climatology. Below are a selection of his most significant publications:

  1. Loss of Life Estimation and Risk Level Classification Due to a Dam Break (2022) – Published in Applied Sciences (DOI: applsci-15-03977), this study assessed the risk and potential loss of life in São José do Jacuípe, Bahia, through simulations of a dam break scenario. This publication highlights the application of HEC-RAS and HEC-GeoRAS software in real-world disaster risk scenarios.

  2. The Importance of Dunnian Runoff in Atlantic Forest (2025) – Published in Applied Sciences, this article examines the role of Dunnian runoff in the hydrological processes of the Atlantic Forest. It underscores the importance of understanding runoff in ecological conservation and environmental management. These publications have garnered significant attention within the academic community, with numerous citations acknowledging their contribution to advancing research in environmental and geographical studies.

Conclusion:

Dr. Alarcon Matos De Oliveira’s work exemplifies the integration of academic excellence with practical applications in the field of environmental science and physical geography. His contributions to climatology, geomorphology, and environmental risk assessment, particularly in the context of water systems and natural hazards, have made a significant impact on both the academic world and real-world environmental management. His interdisciplinary approach, combining remote sensing, spatial analysis, and environmental impact assessment, continues to influence and inspire ongoing research in these critical areas. Through his teaching, publications, and active participation in the scientific community, Dr. Oliveira remains a leading figure in the advancement of geographical and environmental sciences.

Fayera Gizawu | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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.

Afshin Amiri | Remote Sensing | Academic Brilliance Star Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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

Posted on by Academic achievements

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.

Notable Publications:

Assessing tropical forest disturbance and regrowth using earth observation sources 2023

Characterizing aboveground biomass and tree cover of regrowing forests in Brazil using multi‐source remote sensing data 2023

Indigenous forest classification in New Zealand – A comparison of classifiers and sensors 2021