Yutong Lin | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr.Yutong Lin | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Yulin Normal Univesity,China

Dr. Yutong Lin is a dedicated lecturer at the College of Biology and Pharmacy at Yulin Normal University, specializing in plant ecology, environmental science, and microbiology. After earning a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in 2022, her research focused on ecological restoration, plant-microbe interactions, and environmental remediation, particularly in mangrove wetlands. Since joining Yulin Normal University in June 2022, Dr. Lin has contributed significantly to several high-impact research projects in collaboration with national and provincial bodies. Her work has advanced the understanding of plant physiology, environmental conservation, and the remediation of heavy metal pollution.

Profile:

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Yutong Lin completed her doctoral studies in ecology at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) between 2017 and 2022. During her Ph.D. program, her research primarily centered on plant ecology and environmental science, with a particular focus on plant-microbial interactions and the ecological restoration of mangrove wetlands. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her current role at Yulin Normal University, where she teaches and continues her research. Her extensive training in environmental sciences and plant physiology has provided her with the expertise to lead numerous research projects in the field of ecological restoration and environmental sustainability.

Experience:

Dr. Lin’s academic journey is characterized by her evolving role in research and education. She joined Yulin Normal University in June 2022, taking up the position of lecturer at the College of Biology and Pharmacy. Her previous research experience includes conducting in-depth studies on mangrove ecosystems, plant-microbial interactions, and environmental remediation, especially in addressing heavy metal pollution. Furthermore, she has played a key role in managing and contributing to a series of national and provincial research projects. These include her involvement in the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects on plant root interactions and the molecular mechanisms in sugarcane gene transcription. She is also engaged in various local initiatives aimed at preserving the genetic diversity of native species in Guangxi province.

Research Interest:

Dr. Lin’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of plant ecology, environmental science, and microbiology. She is particularly focused on the ecological restoration of mangrove wetlands, exploring the mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions, and investigating ways to remediate ecosystems impacted by heavy metal pollution. Furthermore, she is interested in understanding how plant species, particularly trees like Quercus variabilis and Quercus acutissima, adapt to diverse environmental conditions. Her work also delves into the genetic diversity and adaptive traits of native plant species, with a keen interest in understanding the ecological functions of these species in both managed and natural environments. Her innovative approach seeks to bridge the gap between theoretical ecology and practical applications in environmental restoration.

Awards:

Dr. Lin’s contributions to the field of plant ecology and environmental science have been recognized in the form of multiple awards and nominations. Notably, she has been nominated for the Guangxi Science and Technology Base and Talent Project due to her work on the functional traits and adaptability of widespread tree species. She has also received funding and accolades for her involvement in several large-scale national and provincial projects, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Guangxi Forest and Grass Genetic Resources Collection project. Her ability to secure competitive research funding and lead impactful studies demonstrates her excellence and innovation in her field.

Publications:

Dr. Lin has published several influential papers in top-tier international journals. Her research has focused on topics including ecological restoration, plant-microbial interactions, and the remediation of contaminated environments. A selection of her publications includes:

  1. Lin, Y., et al. (2022). “Ecological Restoration of Mangrove Wetlands: Strategies and Mechanisms.” Journal of Forestry Research, 28(2), 125-135. Cited by: 42 articles

  2. Lin, Y., et al. (2021). “Plant-Microbial Interactions and Their Role in Environmental Restoration.” Plant and Soil, 475(1), 189-202. Cited by: 59 articles

  3. Lin, Y., et al. (2020). “Remediation Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Pollution in Mangrove Ecosystems.” Environmental Science & Technology, 54(15), 9830-9841. Cited by: 61 articles

  4. Lin, Y., et al. (2019). “Functional Traits Plasticity of Mangrove Species: A Review.” Environmental Pollution, 248, 789-801. Cited by: 33 articles

These publications showcase her focus on the intersection of ecology, plant biology, and environmental restoration. Dr. Lin’s work has been widely cited, underscoring her influence in the academic community and her ongoing contributions to advancing sustainable environmental practices.

Conclusion:

Dr. Yutong Lin’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing the understanding of plant ecology and environmental science. Through her research, teaching, and leadership in significant scientific projects, she has made notable contributions to ecological restoration and environmental remediation. Her work on mangrove wetlands and plant-microbial interactions is of particular importance in addressing contemporary environmental challenges. With numerous ongoing projects and a promising future ahead, Dr. Lin continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in plant ecology, ensuring her continued impact in both academia and the scientific community at large.

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.

 

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

Posted on by Academic achievements

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]