Maham Riaz | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Maham Riaz | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maham Riaz | Environmental | Researcher at University of Agriculture Faisalabad | Pakistan

Ms. Maham Riaz is an emerging researcher and Laboratory Technician at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station, Faisalabad, Pakistan, recognized for her dedication to advancing aquatic toxicology and environmental zoology. She holds a Master of Philosophy in Zoology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, with an exceptional CGPA of 3.89/4.00, where her thesis, “Evaluation of Toxic Effects of Benzophenone on Histopathology of Major Carps,” supervised by Associate Professor Dr. Sajid Abdullah, contributed valuable insights into fish physiology and pollutant impact assessment. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Government College Women University, Faisalabad, graduating with a CGPA of 3.81/4.00. Professionally, Ms. Riaz has developed strong laboratory expertise, including sample preparation, microscopy, histological analysis, and spectrophotometry, and she demonstrates proficiency in experimental design and statistical data analysis using Minitab and Statistix 8.1. Her research interests encompass aquatic toxicology, environmental pollutants, fish histopathology, and biosafety, with a growing focus on ecological risk assessment of emerging contaminants. Ms. Riaz has contributed to several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in reputed scientific outlets such as Toxicology Reports and Turkish Journal of Zoology, addressing contemporary environmental challenges like benzophenone toxicity and ocean acidification. She has also presented her research at national zoological conferences and contributed to multidisciplinary book projects published by Unique Scientific Publishers. Her honors include the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship and the PEEF Master Level Scholarship awarded for outstanding academic performance. Beyond academics, she has volunteered in community service initiatives such as fundraising for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital and creative graphic design for the Volunteer Leading Governance society. Through her strong academic foundation, technical skills, and dedication to research excellence, Ms. Maham Riaz continues to contribute meaningfully to the fields of zoology and environmental toxicology.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Riaz, M., Abdullah, S., Jamil, M., Rasheed, A., Sheikh, U., Fatima, M., Umer, N., & Aslam, K. (2025). Evaluation of toxic effects of benzophenone on histopathology of Labeo rohita. Toxicology Reports, 14, 101914. (Citations: 12)

  2. Jamil, M., Abdullah, S., Riaz, M., & Aziz, S. (2025). Ecological assessment of a sunscreen-derived pollutant, Benzophenone-2, on freshwater fish (Labeo rohita). Turkish Journal of Zoology. (Citations: 8)

  3. Riaz, M., Abdullah, S., Khalil, Z., Jamil, M., Fatima, W., Rasheed, A., Fatima, M., & Gulshan, S. (2025). Impact of ocean acidification on fish health and marine ecosystem dynamics. In Holistic Health: Diseases Across Life: From Humans to Land and Sea (pp. 156–162). Unique Scientific Publishers. (Citations: 6)

  4. Hafeez, M., Abdullah, S., Jamil, M., & Riaz, M. (2025). Biosafety measures for public health: Challenges and strategies. In Holistic Health: One Health Horizons (pp. 164–169). Unique Scientific Publishers. (Citations: 4)

  5. Jamil, M., Abdullah, S., Riaz, M., Mustafa, M., & Shakeel, M. (2025). Personal care products: Ecological and human risk assessment. In Holistic Health: One Health in a Changing World (pp. 271–275). Unique Scientific Publishers. (Citations: 5)

  6. Riaz, M., Abdullah, S., & Fatima, M. (2024). Histopathological biomarkers in fish as indicators of aquatic pollution. Environmental Biology Journal, 38(2), 45–52. (Citations: 10)

  7. Riaz, M., & Abdullah, S. (2024). Fish toxicology and environmental risk analysis of benzophenone derivatives. Asian Journal of Aquatic Sciences, 12(1), 23–30. (Citations: 9)

 

Menglin Dai | Resources | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Menglin Dai | Resources | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Menglin Dai, Resources at Peking University, China

Menglin Dai is a researcher specializing in applied computer vision for stock modeling, currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at Peking University. Menglin earned a PhD from the University of Sheffield, focusing on characterizing English residential housing using street view imagery and deep learning techniques. Their doctoral research involved developing deep learning models to automatically recognize building components and generate detailed building models, contributing to large-scale urban environment datasets. Menglin also holds a Master of Engineering (Hons.) degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Sheffield, where they graduated with distinction. Their academic and professional experience spans urban built environment modeling, structural engineering research, and hydraulic modeling. Menglin has contributed to several peer-reviewed journal articles and conferences, and serves as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals. They possess strong technical skills in programming and data analysis, including Python, Matlab, and various machine learning libraries.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Google Scholar

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Menglin Dai has demonstrated exceptional academic and research capabilities in the field of applied computer vision and sustainable urban infrastructure modeling. His doctoral work at the University of Sheffield focused on leveraging deep learning techniques to characterize English residential housing stock using street-view imagery, a novel and impactful contribution to the fields of civil engineering, data science, and urban planning. His postdoctoral research at Peking University further extends this work, incorporating advanced machine learning techniques to develop high-resolution models of built environment material stock, with international applications such as the Danish Built Environment Stock Model and contributions to the Global Secondary Resource Stocks Report.

🎓 Education

  • PhD in Applied Computer Vision for Stock Modelling
    University of Sheffield, UK (Sept 2018 – Mar 2023)
    Thesis: Characterising English Residential Housing Using Street View Capture and Deep Learning Techniques
    (Supervisors: Dr. Danielle Densley Tingley & Prof. Martin Mayfield-Tulip)

  • Master of Engineering (Hons.) in Civil Engineering (Distinction)
    University of Sheffield, UK (Sept 2013 – July 2017)
    Dissertation: The Effect of Connectors Behaviour on Cold-formed Steel Structural Elements
    (Supervised by Dr. Jurgen Becque)
    Awarded: Faculty Undergraduate Scholarship, Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) bursary, Sheffield Graduate Award

  • Foundation Year in Science and Engineering (Distinction)
    Sheffield International College, UK (Dec 2012 – Aug 2013)

💼 Work Experience & Research

  • Postdoctoral Researcher – High-Resolution Built Environment Stock Modelling
    Peking University, China (Mar 2023 – Present)
    • Developed ML methods for high-resolution building material stock characterization
    • Contributed to ‘Global Secondary Resource Stocks Report’ and Danish Built Environment Stock Model
    • Session chair, ISIE SEM/AP 2024 conference

  • PhD Researcher – Residential Building Feature Characterisation
    University of Sheffield, UK (Sept 2018 – Mar 2023)
    • Developed deep learning models for building component recognition from urban images
    • Automated LoD3-level building model generation from point cloud data

  • Researcher – Connector Behaviour on Structural Elements
    University of Sheffield, UK (June 2016 – May 2017)
    • Experimental and finite element modeling of cold-formed steel structural connectors
    • Developed post-processing algorithms for digital image correlation (DIC)

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant
    University of Sheffield, UK (Oct 2018 – June 2022)
    • Assisted tutorials and exam marking for engineering sustainability courses

  • Hydraulic Modeller Internship/Graduate Program
    RPS Group, UK (2016 & 2017)
    • Built hydraulic city models, site surveys, and data communication

🏆 Achievements & Awards

  • 🏅 Sheffield Graduate Award

  • 🎓 Faculty Undergraduate Scholarship for Academic Achievement

  • 🔬 Sheffield Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) bursary

  • 🥇 Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

  • 🎸 Level 10 Amateur Guitar Certificate

  • 🏔 Mount Kilimanjaro Certificate of Completion

  • 🚗 Driving License (China)

Publication Top Notes:

Residential building facade segmentation in the urban environment Cited: 66
A scalable data collection, characterization, and accounting framework for urban material stocks Cited: 51
Estimating energy consumption of residential buildings at scale with drive-by image capture Cited: 24
Component-level residential building material stock characterization using computer vision techniques Cited: 9
Scalable residential building geometry characterisation using vehicle-mounted camera system Cited: 7

Conclusion

Dr. Menglin Dai is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting academic distinction, technical innovation, and global relevance. His pioneering work in AI-driven urban stock modeling, his high-impact publications, and his commitment to advancing research on sustainable built environments make him highly deserving of this recognition. Awarding Dr. Dai would honor not only his individual excellence but also highlight the future of data-driven sustainable development.

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.

Profile

Orcid

Scopus

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.

Vivian Chu | Sustainability policy and collaborative governance | Best Researcher Award

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Dr.Vivian Chu | Sustainability policy and collaborative governance | Best Researcher Award 

Lecturer The University of Hong Kong  Hong Kong  

Dr. Vivian Ho Yee Chu is a dedicated Lecturer and Deputy Director at The University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Civil Society and Governance. Her work focuses on sustainability leadership, governance, and environmental management. She actively supports the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership and Governance and contributes to academic publications on commoning, collaborative governance, rural revitalization, and sustainability assessment.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Dr. Chu holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from The University of Hong Kong, where she researched policy entrepreneurship and transboundary externalities in the Greater Pearl River Delta region. She also earned an MSc in Environment, Science and Society from University College London and a BSc in Geography from the same institution.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Since October 2022, Dr. Chu has been a Lecturer at The University of Hong Kong. She is also the Deputy Director of the MSocSc in Sustainability Leadership and Governance program. Previously, she served as an Assistant Lecturer, Post-doctoral Fellow, and Senior Research Assistant at the same institution. Dr. Chu has been involved in various teaching, research, and coordination roles, significantly contributing to the development of sustainability impact assessments and academic publications.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Chu’s research interests encompass sustainability impact assessment, collaborative governance, rural revitalization, and commoning. She is particularly focused on the creation of robust social-ecological systems and the role of policy brokers and learning in rural sustainability.

Awards 🏆

  • ESG Professional Certificate for International Sustainable Business (ISB) Specialist Level II (2023)
  • Fellow of Advance HE, the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support in higher education (2021)
  • Certificate of Distinction for outstanding oral presentation at the 15th Annual Research Postgraduate Conference (2015)
  • Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2020)
  • Certificate of Completion on Mental Health First Aid Standard Course (2013)
  • Certificate of Teaching and Learning Stage 1 (2012)

Publications 📚

  1. Williams, J.M., Chu, V. H. Y.*, Lam, W. F., Law, W. W. Y. (2024). “Nested Institutions for Nested Problems: Commoning for Rural Revitalisation in the Peri-Urban Setting.” International Journal of the Commons (In copyediting).
  2. Chu, V. H. Y., Lam, W. F., Law, W. W. Y., Yiu, S. (2023). “Sustainability Impact Assessment: Framework and Report on HSBC Rural Sustainability,” Centre for Civil Society and Governance, The University of Hong Kong.
  3. Chu, V.H.Y., Lam, W.F., Williams, J.M. (2023). “Building robustness for rural revitalisation: A social-ecological systems perspective,” Journal of Rural Studies, 101, 103042. [Cited by: 4 articles]
  4. Chu V.H.Y., Law W.W.Y., Williams J.M. (2022). “Advocacy coalitions in rural revitalisation: the roles of policy brokers and policy learning,” Environmental Science and Policy, 136: 9-18. [Cited by: 7 articles]
  5. Williams J.M., Chu V.H.Y*., Lam W.F., Law W.W.Y. (2021). “Revitalising Rural Communities,” SpringerBriefs on Case Studies of Sustainable Development, Singapore: Springer. (*corresponding author). [Cited by: 10 articles]
  6. Chu V.H.Y., Lee A.K.Y. (2019). “Institutional obstacles and opportunities for policy entrepreneurship in cross-border environmental management: a case study in China’s Greater Pearl River Delta region,” Asian Geographer, 36:2, 165-183. [Cited by: 5 articles]
  7. Lee, F., Chu, V.H.Y. (2017). “Policy entrepreneurship, policy diffusion and transboundary environmental regulation: Evidence from Southern China,” Mondes en Développement, 177:1,13-27. [Cited by: 3 articles]

Petra Chui | Microplastics in Aquatic environment | Best Researchers Awards

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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.

Profile

ORCID

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)