Habtamu Belay | Soil Science | Pioneer Researcher Award

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Mr. Habtamu Belay | Soil Science | Pioneer Researcher Award

Mr. Habtamu Belay Soil Science – PhD scholar at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia

Habtamu Tadele Belay is an Ethiopian soil scientist and lecturer with over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. He holds an MSc in Land Resource Management from Bahir Dar University (CGPA: 4.0/4.0) and a BSc in Natural Resource Management from Debre Markos University (CGPA: 3.43/4.0). He is currently completing his PhD in Soil Science, having finished coursework (CGPA: 3.56/4.0), conducted a two-year field experiment (2023–2024), and published research articles, with his dissertation defense scheduled by January 2026. He serves as a lecturer and researcher at Debre Markos University, specializing in land resource management and soil science. Habtamu has delivered numerous undergraduate courses and contributed to curriculum development, community services, and capacity-building training. He has presented research at national and international symposia and received certificates in academic leadership, peer review excellence, and software training (SPSS, STATA, SAS, R, GIS). His international exposure includes training in the Netherlands, India, and Thailand. He is an active reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals and maintains professional profiles on ResearchGate and ORCID. Habtamu is known for his commitment to environmental sustainability, academic integrity, and institutional service.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Pioneer Researcher Award – Habtamu Tadele Belay

Habtamu Tadele Belay is a committed scholar and researcher in the field of Soil Science and Land Resource Management, currently completing his PhD research with a focus on sustainable land management practices and soil degradation mitigation. His work addresses highly relevant environmental and agricultural challenges in Ethiopia, particularly soil erosion, land use planning, and conservation. His research has practical implications for food security, watershed management, and sustainable land use—critical areas for both national and regional development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

🎓 Education Background

📘 PhD in Soil Science (Ongoing, since 2022)

🧪 Coursework Completed (CGPA: 3.56/4.0)

🌱 2-Year Field Research Completed (2023–2024)

📝 One article published, one under review

🎯 Expected to defend dissertation by January 2026

🌍 MSc in Land Resource Management – Bahir Dar University (2016)

🥇 CGPA: 4.0/4.0

🌿 BSc in Natural Resource Management – Debre Markos University (2010)

📊 CGPA: 3.43/4.0

💼 Work Experience

👨‍🏫 Lecturer & Researcher – Debre Markos University, Burie Campus (2014–Present)

📘 Instructor/Trainer – Burie Agricultural Technical Vocational College (2010–2014)

🧪 Soil Sample Collector – Ethiopian Public Health Institute (June–August 2021 EC)

👨‍🔬 PhD Scholar – Specializing in Soil Science

📅 Total Professional Experience: Over 15 Years

🏆 Key Achievements & Honors

📚 Research Presentations at national & international conferences in Ethiopia (Aksum, Debre Berhan, Bahir Dar, DMU)

📖 Published Proceedings in reputable academic journals and symposiums

📢 Paper Published in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Vol. 9, Issue 1, 2020)

🖋️ Peer Reviewer for top journals:

🌍 Journal of Environment and Climate Change

🌾 Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

💧 Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies (Elsevier)

🌱 International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

💻 Software Proficiency: SPSS, STATA, R, SAS, GIS

👨‍🏫 Trainer in Mega Project Proposal, Fundraising, and Integrated Watershed Management

🌍 Civic Participation: “No Silence for Lake Tana” Campaign (2020)

🥇 Awards & Certificates

📜 Certificate of Excellence in Peer Reviewing – 10+ recognitions from international journals

🏅 Teaching & Research:

Effective Teaching Skills – DMU (2016)

Higher Diploma in Teacher Education – DMU (2018)

🌐 International Training:

🌾 Postharvest Processing & Food Security – Thailand (2024)

🌊 Wetland Management & Food Security – Netherlands (2019)

🧪 Fertilizer Technology – India (2018)

🧠 Digital Literacy & Online Teaching:

Udacity Nanodegree in Data Analysis (2024)

ASU Master Class on Online Teaching (2025)

Ministry of Education e-SHE Courses (2024)

📚 Webinar Trainings:

How to Publish Scholarly Books – Taylor & Francis (2025)

How to be an Effective Peer Reviewer – Taylor & Francis (2024)

🌿 National Competency Certificates:

Land Use & Soil Conservation – Level II

Natural Resource Development Extension Technique – Level IV

Publication Top Notes:

Land use/land cover factor values and accuracy assessment using a GIS and remote sensing in the case of the Quashay Watershed in Northwestern Ethiopia

Cited: 30

Erosion risk potential assessment using GIS and RS for soil and water resource conservation plan: the case of Yisir Watershed, Northwestern Ethiopia

Cited: 13

Effects of different dose of nitrogen and lime on soil properties and maize (Zea mays L.) on acidic nitisols of Northwestern Ethiopia

Cited: 4

Comparison of Measured and Derived Topographic Factor Values for Soil Loss Estimation

Cited: 1

Conclusion:

Habtamu Tadele Belay is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Pioneer Researcher Award. His integrated expertise in land resource and soil science, proven teaching and research record, leadership in academic development, and ongoing contributions to sustainable environmental management highlight his pioneering role in this domain. Recognizing him with this award would not only honor his dedication and emerging impact but also encourage further research in areas crucial to environmental resilience and sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond

Quan Shen | Soil | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quan Shen | Soil | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quan Shen | Soil -Associate Professor at School of Civil Engineering, Hunan University of Technology, China

Dr. Shen Quan is a distinguished academic in the field of civil engineering, with a remarkable career dedicated to research and education. His work spans multiple disciplines, including ecological restoration, new materials, and intelligent construction. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of engineering, he has established himself as a leading figure in the field. His extensive academic journey and contribution to the scientific community highlight his dedication to addressing real-world challenges through innovative research. In addition to his academic achievements, he holds leadership positions and has played a vital role in shaping the future of civil engineering through his teaching and mentoring of graduate students.

Profile

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Shen’s academic journey began with his undergraduate studies in civil engineering at Changsha University. Following his bachelor’s degree, he pursued a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering at Nanchang Hangkong University. Driven by a passion for advancing his knowledge and expertise, Dr. Shen completed his PhD in Engineering at Central South University, where he further honed his skills in the civil engineering domain. His research at the doctoral level focused on dynamic characteristics of materials and the stability of civil infrastructure, laying the groundwork for his future research endeavors. Additionally, his pursuit of knowledge led him to undertake a postdoctoral fellowship at Guangxi University, under the mentorship of Professor Mei Guoxiong, a renowned expert in the field. Dr. Shen’s academic qualifications provide a solid foundation for his ongoing contributions to the field.

Experience:

Throughout his career, Dr. Shen has been actively involved in various academic and professional roles. He is currently a lecturer and a master’s supervisor at Hunan University of Technology, where he teaches and guides students in the areas of civil engineering. His leadership skills extend beyond the classroom, as he has held several key positions at the university, including Deputy Director of the Transportation and Tunnels Department and Secretary of the Party Branch. These roles have allowed Dr. Shen to shape university policy and ensure the success of civil engineering programs. His experience as a visiting scholar at the University of British Columbia further enriched his career, exposing him to international research networks and providing opportunities for collaboration with experts from around the world.

Research Interests:

Dr. Shen’s research spans a range of critical topics in civil engineering, with a particular focus on ecological restoration, intelligent construction, and new materials. His work in ecological restoration is aimed at understanding how plant roots influence soil behavior, which has significant implications for infrastructure and environmental sustainability. He also investigates the dynamic properties of soil and its interaction with various construction materials, contributing valuable insights into material science and geotechnical engineering. In addition to his research on ecological restoration, Dr. Shen is also dedicated to advancing intelligent construction technologies, exploring how innovations in materials and construction techniques can improve infrastructure resilience and sustainability. His work is particularly relevant in the context of rapid urbanization and the growing demand for environmentally conscious construction solutions.

Awards:

Dr. Shen’s dedication to his field has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. In 2023, he was awarded the School-level Civilized Family Award, acknowledging his professional and personal contributions. His research has been recognized with the Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (2022), as well as a similar accolade in Hunan Province in the field of Water Conservancy and Hydroelectric Engineering (2021). His consistent excellence in service was also recognized by the Communist Party, as he was honored as an Outstanding Communist Party Member for three consecutive years. His leadership and contributions to academia were further recognized through awards such as the “High-speed Railway Technology” Excellent Paper Award and the Second Prize at the Hunan Province Graduate Innovation Forum Paper Competition. These accolades reflect his leadership and innovative contributions to both research and education.

Publications:

Dr. Shen’s contributions to the field are documented in various high-impact journal articles that highlight his research in civil engineering and environmental sustainability. Some of his notable publications include:

  1. Shen Q., Zhang C.L., Zhang Y.D., et al. (2025). Experimental Study of Influence of Plant Roots on Dynamic Characteristics of Clay, Applied Sciences 🌍📑. [DOI:10.3390/app15020495]
  2. Yuan Y., Yan Y., Shen Q.*, Wang Z. (2024). Numerical Analysis of Internal Force Distribution in Combining Supporting Structures for Expansive Soil High Slope along Railway, Buildings 🏗️📚. [DOI:10.3390/buildings14103081]
  3. Shen Q., Zhang C.L., Zhang Y.D., et al. (2023). Deformation and Stability Analysis of a Semi Excavated and Semi Filled Slope in the Southern Region, International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management 📊🔧.
  4. Shen Q., Zhang Y.D., Xie J., et al. (2024). Study on the Moisture and Thermal Characteristics of Vegetated Expansive Soil Slopes, KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering 🌱🔬. [DOI:10.1007/s12205-024-1400-1]
  5. Shen Q., Zhang Y.D., Xie J., et al. (2020). A new prediction method for the occurrence of landslides based on the time history of tilting of the slope surface, Landslides 🌍⚠️. [DOI:10.1007/s10346-019-01135-5]

Conclusion:

Dr. Shen Quan is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with a comprehensive background in civil engineering. His commitment to addressing real-world challenges through his research, combined with his dedication to educating future engineers, makes him a standout candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Dr. Shen’s achievements in ecological restoration, intelligent construction, and materials science have positioned him as a leader in his field. His numerous awards, extensive research contributions, and international collaborations highlight his significant impact on both academia and industry. As he continues to develop new insights and drive innovation, Dr. Shen remains a highly influential figure in civil engineering and environmental sustainability. His potential for future advancements in the field remains immense, making him an invaluable asset to both his institution and the broader scientific community.