Fekadu Fufa | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Fekadu Fufa | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Fekadu Fufa – Environment : Professor at Jimma University, Ethiopia

Prof. Dr. Fekadu Fufa is a highly regarded scholar and educator in environmental and water resource engineering, presently a Full Professor at the Department of Water Supply and Environmental Engineering at Jimma University (JU), Ethiopia. His career, spanning nearly two decades, is marked by academic leadership, impactful research, and a profound commitment to sustainable development. Dr. Fufa has pioneered numerous initiatives in environmental engineering, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to research and education, while mentoring the next generation of professionals. His contributions to Ethiopian environmental policy, particularly in urban water management and resource conservation, underscore his influence as a leader in his field.

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Education

Dr. Fufa’s academic journey reflects his longstanding commitment to environmental science and engineering. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Geology from Addis Ababa University, followed by a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Technology at Jimma University. Pursuing advanced research, he earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Rostock in Germany. His dissertation, focusing on the applicability of geomaterials for groundwater purification, was distinguished with high honors (Magna Cum Laude), and it laid the foundation for his subsequent work in environmental remediation. These academic credentials have positioned Dr. Fufa as a leading expert in sustainable water management, pollution control, and advanced environmental engineering technologies.

Experience

Dr. Fufa’s professional trajectory at Jimma University showcases his rapid progression through academic ranks and leadership roles. Starting as a part-time lecturer, he quickly moved to full-time teaching and research, rising from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, and finally to Full Professor in Environmental and Water Resource Engineering. Beyond his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Fufa has held prominent administrative roles, including Managing Director and Head of the Department, demonstrating his capability to guide academic programs and institutional growth. His experience extends to Ethiopia’s public sector, where he served as Head of the Oromia Urban and Housing Development Bureau, further emphasizing his expertise in practical applications of environmental engineering and policy implementation.

Research Interests

Prof. Fufa’s research interests span several core areas in environmental and water resource engineering, including pollution control, advanced water treatment, environmental modeling, and hydrological processes. His work frequently integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) to address complex environmental challenges, such as water quality, soil erosion, and watershed management. His research is particularly focused on sustainable solutions that promote resource efficiency and minimize ecological impact, thereby supporting Ethiopia’s efforts in climate adaptation and environmental protection. With a strong foundation in geotechnical and environmental engineering, Dr. Fufa is dedicated to developing innovative solutions to enhance water availability and quality for both urban and rural communities.

Awards

Dr. Fufa has been recognized for his contributions to environmental engineering with several awards, including an Alumni-Workshop Certificate on Climate Change and Environmental Protection in East Africa. His efforts in academic excellence and community service have earned him numerous certificates of recognition, both at Jimma University and beyond. His service as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for prestigious journals further highlights his standing in the academic community. Dr. Fufa’s involvement in numerous community projects and collaborations with other universities has also brought him accolades for his contributions to sustainable development and resource management.

Publications

Assessing the impacts of land use/land cover changes on hydrological processes in Southern Ethiopia: The SWAT model approach. Cogent Engineering, 2023. Cited by 15 articles.

Land cover change and its implications to hydrological variables and soil erodibility in Lower Baro watershed, Ethiopia: A systematic review. Sustainable Water Resources Management, 2023. Cited by 10 articles.

Estimation of average annual soil loss rates and its prioritization at sub-watershed level using RUSLE: A case of Finca’aa, Oromiya, Western Ethiopia. Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal, 2023. Cited by 12 articles.

Geophysical and numerical stability analysis of landslide incidents. Heliyon, 2023. Cited by 8 articles.

Rainfall-Runoff Modeling and Its Prioritization at Sub-Watershed Level Using SWAT Model: A Case of Finca’aa, Oromia, Western Ethiopia. Water Conservation & Management, 2022. Cited by 7 articles.

Potential Use of Volcanic Ash as Filler Material in Hot Mix Asphalt. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2022. Cited by 6 articles.

Modeling and optimization of pressure and water age for evaluation of urban water distribution systems performance. Heliyon, 2022. Cited by 5 articles.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Fekadu Fufa’s distinguished career in environmental engineering, his impact on academic and governmental institutions, and his dedication to sustainable water management make him an outstanding candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His extensive research portfolio addresses some of the most pressing environmental challenges, from water resource management to pollution control. Dr. Fufa’s commitment to education, mentorship, and community service amplifies his contributions to environmental science in Ethiopia and beyond. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also aligns closely with global sustainability goals, ensuring that his influence will benefit future generations.

 

BANJI RILDWAN OLALEYE | Strategy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr . BANJI RILDWAN OLALEYE | Strategy and Sustainability | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoctoral research fellow , North West University , South Africa

Dr. Banji Rildwan Olaleye is a Lecturer 1 in the Department of Business Administration at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria, and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the North-West University Business School in South Africa. With over 11 years of experience in academia, administration, and mentorship, Dr. Olaleye specializes in strategic and innovation management, entrepreneurship, and operations management. His career includes roles ranging from administrative staff to pioneering lecturer in his department.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Output: Dr. Olaleye has published over 40 works in reputed international journals and conferences, demonstrating a robust and consistent research output. His work is indexed in prominent databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, indicating significant visibility and impact in his field.
  2. Diverse Research Areas: His research spans various crucial topics including strategic management, innovation performance, supply chain management, and sustainable development. This breadth highlights his ability to address multiple facets of business administration and management.
  3. High Impact Publications: Dr. Olaleye’s publications are featured in well-regarded journals such as the Journal of Public Affairs, TQM Journal, and Kybernetes, reflecting high-quality research with substantial contributions to the field.
  4. Editorial and Review Roles: He actively contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals, which underscores his expertise and reputation in the academic community.
  5. Academic and Administrative Experience: With over 11 years in academia and administration, including roles at Federal University Oye-Ekiti and North-West University, Dr. Olaleye combines substantial teaching experience with a strong administrative background, adding to his qualifications as a researcher.

Areas for Improvement 

  1. Interdisciplinary Research: While Dr. Olaleye’s research covers multiple areas within business administration, exploring interdisciplinary approaches that integrate fields like technology, data analytics, or behavioral science could further enhance the impact and applicability of his work.
  2. Research Collaborations: Expanding collaborative research efforts with international researchers or institutions could provide new perspectives and increase the scope of his research projects.
  3. Grants and Funding: Securing more research grants and funding could support larger-scale studies and innovative projects, potentially increasing his research’s reach and influence.
  4. Public Engagement: Greater emphasis on translating research findings into practical applications or policy recommendations could enhance the societal impact of his work.

    Education 

    Dr. Olaleye earned his PhD in Business Management from Girne American University, Turkey, in 2022, with a thesis on “Strategic Thinking and Innovation Performance: Mediating Role of Absorptive Capability.” He holds an MSc in Business Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria (2017), and a BSc in Cooperative and Business Management from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria (2010). His academic journey also includes a Diploma in Business Administration from the same institution (2007).

    Experience

    Dr. Olaleye’s career began as an Administrative Officer II at Federal University Oye-Ekiti in 2013, transitioning to a Lecturer in 2018. His teaching covers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses including Business Statistics, Strategic Management, and Advanced Research Methods. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at North-West University Business School, South Africa, where he continues his research and academic contributions.

    Research Interests

    Dr. Olaleye’s research focuses on strategic and innovation management, entrepreneurship, supply chain management, and sustainable development. His work employs strategic theories to enhance corporate competitiveness, quality education, and poverty eradication. He is particularly interested in action-based competitive interaction within the competitive dynamics sub-stream.

    Awards

    Dr. Olaleye has been recognized for his extensive contributions to academia and research. His notable achievements include his role in curriculum development for business administration programs and his participation in accreditation exercises that led to the department’s full accreditation. He continues to be a prominent figure in both local and international academic circles.

    Publications

    Dr. Olaleye has authored over 40 publications in renowned journals and conferences. Notable works include:

    1. Exploring the Link Between Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality, and Perceived Organizational Support: The Mediating Role of Relational Psychological Contract, Studia Universitatis Vasile Goldiș Arad, Seria Științe Economice, 34(3), 2024.
    2. Relationship between workplace ostracism and job productivity: the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and lack of motivation, Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, ahead-of-print, 2024.
    3. Attaining Organizational Sustainability Through Competitive Intelligence: The Roles of Organizational Learning and Resilience, Journal of Intelligence Studies in Business, 13(3), 2023.
    4. Influence of eco-product innovation and firm reputation on corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage: A mediation-moderation analysis, Journal of Public Affairs, 23(4), 2023.

      Conclusion

      Dr. Olaleye Banji Rildwan demonstrates exceptional research prowess through his prolific publication record, diverse research interests, and significant contributions to business management literature. His extensive experience in both academia and administration further complements his research achievements. Addressing the areas of improvement could enhance his already impressive profile, making him a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Nagham Sayour | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Nagham Sayour | Environmental Economics | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor Zayed University United Arab Emirates

Nagham Sayour is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Department of Finance and Economics at Zayed University, United Arab Emirates. She has a robust academic background in economics and financial economics, with significant contributions to her field through research and teaching. Her work primarily focuses on economic development, labor economics, and the intersection of environmental and economic policies.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Nagham holds a Ph.D. in Economics from McGill University, completed in 2016. She earned her M.A. in Financial Economics from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 2009, and a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science (High Distinction) from AUB in 2006.

Experience 👩‍🏫

Currently an Associate Professor at Zayed University since 2023, Nagham was previously an Assistant Professor at the same institution from 2020 to 2023. Before this, she served as an Assistant Professor at the Lebanese American University from 2016 to 2019. Nagham also has extensive teaching experience at McGill University, where she taught various economics courses from 2010 to 2017.

Research Interests 🔬

Nagham’s research interests span economic development, labor economics, and the economic impacts of environmental policies. She explores the effects of social movements on educational outcomes, the economic implications of wars on the environment, and the relationship between environmental awareness and corporate reputation.

Awards 🏆

Nagham has received numerous accolades, including a significant grant from the Templeton World Charity Foundation worth USD $248,325 for 2023-2024, and the Research Incentive Fund (RIF) Grant worth AED 115,800 for 2022-2023. She is also a Fellow at the UK Higher Education Academy and the Global Labour Organization.

Publications 📄

  1. “Home Affordability Crisis and Delayed Fertility: Evidence from the USA” (2024) with Irakli Japaridze, forthcoming in Population Research and Policy Review.
  2. “Environmental Awareness and Firm Creation” (2024) with K. Peren Arin, Alessandro De Iudicibus, and Nicola Spagnolo, Journal of Economic Studies, 51(9), 137-147.
  3. “Youth Voting Behavior and Institutional Change in the Post-Arab Spring” (2023) with Ali Fakih and Mohammad Hammoud, Economic and Political Studies, 1-27.
  4. “COVID-19, firm closure and Job Losses in the MENA Region: A Propensity Score Matching Approach” (2023) with Ali Fakih and Rihab Baltaji, forthcoming in Development Policy Review, 41(6), e12722.
  5. “Adaptation to climate change and emissions: halo effect or complacency?” (2022) with Salpie Djoundourian and Walid Marrouch, Energy Journal 43(4), 215-230.
  6. “Dying from Envy: The Role of Inequality” (2021) with Irakli Japaridze, Health Economics 30(6), 1374-1392.
  7. “After-School Care, Childcare Arrangements and Child Development” (2020) with Ailin He, Journal of Human Capital 14(4), 617-652.
  8. “Hedonic Housing Prices and Environmental Quality in Lebanon” (2020) with Walid Marrouch, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis 14(5), 953-968.
  9. Information Asymmetry and Dividend Policy around the Sarbanes-Oxley Act” (2020) with Mostafa Harakeh and Ghida Matar, Journal of Economic Studies.
  10. “The Impact of Maternal Care on Child Development: Evidence from Sibling Spillover Effects of a Parental Leave Reform” (2019), Labour Economics, 58, 167-186.
  11. “Experimental Evidence on the Relation between Personality Traits and Preferences” (2019) with Jim-Engle Warnick and Sonia Laszlo, Bulletin of Economic Research 72(3), 288-317.
  12. “The Effects of a Change in the Point System on Immigration. Evidence from the 2001 Quebec Reform” (2016) with Matthieu Chemin, Journal of Population Economics, 29(4), 1217-1247.