Dr. Xiaodi Dong | Ecoplanning Award | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Xiaodi Dong | Ecoplanning Award | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Xiaodi Dong, Shenyang Jianzhu University, China

Xiaodi Dong is a senior engineer and doctoral candidate in Urban and Rural Planning at Shenyang Jianzhu University. She holds a Master’s degree in Architectural Design from Inner Mongolia University of Technology and has extensive experience in both academia and professional practice. Dong has served as a lecturer at the Shenyang Institute of Urban Construction, teaching a wide range of architectural and urban design courses, and previously led numerous planning and architectural projects at the Harbin Institute of Technology Architecture Design Research Shenyang Branch. Recognized for her contributions, she has received multiple teaching and design awards, including the First Prize in Architectural Design at the Liaoning Provincial Civil Engineering Science and Technology Awards and the Silver Award at the 16th Busan International Environmental Art Festival. Her recent work includes the development of a visual public participation system for urban planning and mentoring award-winning student teams in innovation competitions.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

SCOPUS

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award 

Xiaodi Dong, currently pursuing a Doctorate in Urban and Rural Planning at Shenyang Jianzhu University, is a senior engineer and academic with a strong foundation in architectural design, urban planning, and educational leadership. With a career spanning research, teaching, and practice, Dong presents a well-rounded profile for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

  • 2019.09 – 2025.06
    Doctor of Engineering (D.E.), Urban and Rural Planning
    Shenyang Jianzhu University

  • 2011.09 – 2014.02
    Master of Engineering (M.E.), Architectural Design
    Inner Mongolia University of Technology

💼 Work Experience

  • 2022.12 – Present
    Senior Engineer (Architecture)
    Liaoning Province Labor Resources and Social Security Department

  • 2016.09 – 2022.11
    Engineer (Architectural Design)
    Liaoning Province Labor Resources and Social Security Department

  • 2017.08 – 2019.08
    Lecturer
    Shenyang Institute of Urban Construction
    Courses taught:

    • Practical: Architectural Design 2, 4, 5, Urban Design, Graduation Design, Thematic Architectural Design

    • Theory: Environmental Psychology, China Classical Gardens, Architectural Expression Techniques

    • Lab Development: Model and digital tech workshops

  • 2014.04 – 2017.08
    Project Leader
    Harbin Institute of Technology Architecture Design Research – Shenyang Branch
    Projects led:

    • Urban planning: China-DPRK trade zones, Phoenix Hot Springs, Porter City, etc.

    • Architecture: Libraries, cultural centers, schools, villas, and urban parks

🏆 Achievements

  • 2024.04
    Developed Visual Public Participation Aided Decision-Making System V1.0 for urban construction

  • 2024.03
    Instructor of:

    • 🥈 Second Prize, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (Liaoning Province, 2023)

    • 🎖️ Excellence Award, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (2023)

    • 🥉 Third Prize, Aging Architectural Design Competition (NE China, 2023)

  • 2021.12
    🥇 First Prize, 4th Liaoning Provincial Civil Engineering Science and Technology Award (Architectural Design)

🌟 Awards & Honors

  • 2022.10
    🏅 First-Class Scholarship, Academic Year 2021–2022
    🏅 Second-Class Scholarship, Academic Year 2019–2020

  • 2018.12
    👩‍🏫 Excellent Teacher, Shenyang City Institute of Architecture

  • 2018.10
    🥈 Silver Award, BIEAF2018, 16th Busan International Environmental Art Festival (“Lions Joint Exhibition”)

  • 2016.12
    🏗️ Second Prize, 2016 Architectural Creation Scheme (Implementation Group)

Publication Top Notes:

Pathways and mechanisms of health interventions in the waterfront-built environment of cold regions

Dr. Kassa Tareke | urban planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kassa Tareke | urban planning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kassa Tareke, Ethiopian Civil Service University, Ethiopia

Kassa Moges Tareke is an Assistant Professor and Head of the Quality & Curriculum Coordination Office at the Ethiopian Civil Service University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 🇪🇹. With over two decades of professional experience, he specializes in urban planning, transport management, and sustainable development 🌍. Dr. Kassa holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Development 🏗️ and has contributed significantly to curriculum development, research coordination, and thematic projects. He is a member of multiple professional associations and has presented research at various national and international platforms 🎓✨.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

Summary of Suitability

Dr. Kassa Moges Tareke is highly suitable for a Best Researcher Award, considering his extensive academic background, professional experience, and significant contributions to urban planning and sustainable development

Education & Experience

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Urban Planning and Development (2019): Ethiopian Civil Service University
  • 🎓 Master’s in Environment and Climate Change Management (2013): Ethiopian Civil Service University
  • 🎓 First Degree in Geography (2005): Bahir Dar University
  • 👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor & Department Head (2019–Present): Ethiopian Civil Service University
  • 🛠️ Urban Land Development Expert (2013–2014): Tigray Regional Bureau of Urban Development
  • 📚 Lecturer (2014–2019): Ethiopian Civil Service University
  • 🏢 Public Sector Office Leader (2010–2013): Mekelle City Administration

Professional Development

Dr. Kassa Moges is a prolific researcher and educator with a strong focus on urbanization, transport systems, and climate-friendly development 🌱🚉. He has led multiple thematic projects, such as exploring urban transformation trajectories and sustainable transport practices 🏙️. He has reviewed articles for prominent journals and collaborated with local and international bodies to foster sustainable urban planning policies 📖🤝. His dedication to quality education and research is reflected in his significant contributions to curriculum amendments, research manuals, and graduate policies 🎯📘.

Research Focus

Dr. Kassa’s research emphasizes sustainable urbanization, climate change adaptation, and transport systems 🌍🚌. His work explores topics like environmental awareness in urban transport, the nexus of infrastructure development, and urban poverty alleviation 📊📉. He is particularly interested in analyzing policies, strategies, and practices for promoting eco-friendly and equitable urban development 🚦🌿. Through interdisciplinary approaches, Dr. Kassa aims to advance research on urban resilience, environmental sustainability, and community-centered urban planning 🏘️💡.

Awards & Honors

  • 🏅 Recognized member of the Ethiopian Urban Planners Association (2022)
  • 🏅 Member of the Ethiopian Gender Learning Forum (2022)
  • 🌍 Global Society of Tigray Scholars & Professionals Member (2024)
  • 🏆 Scientific Committee Member, Annual International Congress on Civil Engineering (2024)

Publication Top Notes:

📚 “Mediating Role of Environmental Awareness for the Nexus between Perceived Risks of COVID-19 Pandemic and Use of Sustainable Transportation: Evidence from Urban Passengers in Ethiopia, 2022”
1 citation. 🌍🚉

📚 “How the driving behaviors and customer handling of public transportation operators have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: the perspective of protection motivation theory?”
1 citation. 🚌🚦

📚 “Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the people’s choice of urban public transportation modes and mobility in Addis Ababa and Hawassa city, Ethiopia”
3 citations. 🌆🚇

📚 “Impacts of urban safety net on income, food expenditure and intake capacity of poor households in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia, 2021”
1 citation. 🏘️🍽️

 

 

Samuel Ojo | Civil and Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Samuel Ojo | Civil and Environmental Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Samuel Ojo – Civil and Environmental Engineering | Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant at Case Western Reserve University, United States

Samuel Tosin Ojo is a highly motivated and innovative civil engineer specializing in sustainable infrastructure and environmental engineering. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, Samuel is dedicated to developing advanced building materials and technologies that address key environmental challenges. His research spans various interdisciplinary fields, including machine learning applications in environmental engineering, bio-sensing wearables, and materials science for improved air quality. With a deep commitment to improving engineering practices and sustainable building solutions, Samuel brings a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience to his field.

Profile Verified

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Education

Samuel’s academic journey in civil engineering began at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) degree in Civil Engineering. Graduating with distinction, he achieved a GPA of 4.54 out of 5.0, placing him among the top two students in a cohort of 120. Currently, he is advancing his expertise as a Ph.D. candidate at Case Western Reserve University, focusing on cutting-edge research in civil engineering. This program has provided him with an exceptional platform for deepening his knowledge in sustainable building materials and the development of predictive machine learning models, broadening his understanding of how civil engineering can contribute to environmental health and sustainability.

Experience

Samuel has amassed extensive practical experience, beginning his professional career in Nigeria with FBS Construction Engineering Services, where he served as a site engineer on an ambitious multi-story hotel project. He was responsible for interpreting architectural and structural drawings, managing reinforcements, and supervising concrete batching. His roles required meticulous oversight of structural details, which helped him build a robust foundation in construction management. Later, he worked with Oat Construction and Matrix Resource Limited, where he managed the construction of commercial structures and gained hands-on experience in interpreting complex design specifications. Currently, he is applying his skills as a Research Assistant at Case Western Reserve University, where he delves into the application of innovative materials and machine learning techniques to enhance air quality and structural sustainability.

Research Interest

Samuel’s research centers on sustainable infrastructure, emphasizing the role of innovative materials in improving the built environment. His primary focus is the application of machine learning to enhance organic photocatalysts for indoor air quality management, a project aimed at mitigating pollutants in urban spaces. Additionally, Samuel is exploring bio-sensing wearables, a novel area in civil engineering that integrates biosensors with construction materials to improve environmental monitoring. His multidisciplinary research efforts reflect a forward-looking approach, seeking to integrate sustainable materials and data-driven methodologies to address pressing environmental challenges in urban infrastructure.

Awards

Samuel has received several prestigious awards that acknowledge his dedication to both academic excellence and professional growth. In 2021, he was honored with the Swanger Fellows Award at Case Western Reserve University, followed by a nomination for the Zydane Award later that year. His presentation skills earned him the People’s Award at the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in 2023, a testament to his ability to communicate complex concepts effectively. Samuel was also awarded the Roy Harley Award, recognizing his promise as a graduate student in civil and environmental engineering. Most recently, he received the NCF 2023 Scholarship Award for his outstanding academic performance, further underscoring his commitment to the field of civil engineering.

Publications

“Optimizing Photodegradation Rate Prediction of Organic Contaminants: Models with Fine-Tuned Hyperparameters and SHAP Feature Analysis for Informed Decision Making” (2023) in ACS ES&T Water.

“A Novel Interpretable Machine Learning Model Approach for the Prediction of TiO2 Photocatalytic Degradation of Air Contaminants” (2024) in Scientific Reports.

“Kinetic Studies on Using Plasmonic Photocatalytic Coatings for Autogenously Improving Indoor Air Quality by Removing Volatile Organic Compounds,” presented at the 28th North American Catalysis Society Meeting.

“Innovative Antifungal Photocatalytic Paint for Improving Indoor Environment” (2023) in Catalysts.

Poster presentation on “Photocatalytic Inhibition of Microorganisms” at the Three Minute Thesis Competition.

“Habitable Home,” presented at Innovation Week at Case Western Reserve University.

“Deciphering Fungal Communication,” presented at the Gordon Research Conference.

Conclusion

Samuel Tosin Ojo embodies the qualities of a pioneering researcher, combining deep theoretical knowledge with practical applications that address real-world challenges. His dedication to sustainable building practices, innovative materials research, and application of machine learning in civil engineering positions him as a forward-thinking leader in his field. With a track record of significant contributions and ongoing commitment to improving environmental standards in civil engineering, Samuel is well-deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His vision for sustainable infrastructure and environmental health continues to inspire and influence those around him, marking him as an impactful figure in the future of civil engineering.

Nishat Afshan | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Ms.Nishat Afshan | Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award 

Research Scholar, Department of Architecture and Planning, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, India

Nishat Afshan, born on February 10, 1995, is an accomplished architect and urban planner from India. With a robust academic background and significant contributions to the field, Nishat has established herself as a dedicated professional committed to enhancing urban living standards through innovative research and practical applications.

Profile

Scopus

Education

🎓 Nishat’s educational journey is marked by consistent excellence. She completed her Class X from CBSE in 2011 with 89.3% and Class XII in 2013 with 75.6%. She earned her B.Arch from BIT Mesra, Ranchi in 2018, securing 80.1%. Furthering her expertise, she completed her Master’s in Urban Planning (MUP) from the same institution in 2021 with 86.1%.

Experience

🛠️ Nishat has a wealth of experience in architecture and urban planning. Her work spans various projects and training courses, enhancing her practical knowledge and application of geospatial technologies and disaster risk reduction. Her participation in international conferences and specialized training programs highlights her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Research Interests

🔍 Nishat’s research interests include affordable housing, urban development, and the impact of environmental factors on urban areas. Her work often focuses on finding sustainable solutions to urban challenges, with a particular emphasis on housing for low-income households and the use of advanced geospatial technologies.

Awards

🏆 Nishat’s dedication to her field has been recognized through various awards and honors. She has presented papers at international conferences, reflecting her active engagement with the global academic community and her commitment to contributing to the body of knowledge in urban planning and architecture.

Publications

📚 Nishat has several notable publications to her name:

  • “Impact of Lockdown on Air Pollutants during COVID-19 at Patna, India” (Year, Journal Name, [Link])
  • “An Investigation of the Parameters Affecting Affordable Housing Location Choice” (Year, Journal Name, [Link])
  • “Identification of indicators of urban affordable housing location choice for low-income households: a Delphi analysis” (Year, Journal Name, [Link])

César Ducruet | Geography | Best Paper Award

Dr. César Ducruet | Geography | Best Paper Award

Senior researcher | CNRS & EconomiX | France

Short Bio 🌍

César Blaise Ducruet, born on December 14, 1976, in Lisieux, is a distinguished geographer and research director at CNRS / UMR 7235 EconomiX, Nanterre. His research spans human geography, regional science, network analysis, ports, maritime transport, environment, health, globalization, and Asia.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

He obtained his HDR in Geography from Université Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne in 2016, focusing on maritime networks. Previously, he completed his PhD in Geography at Université du Havre in 2004, with a thesis on cities as globalized hubs.

Experience 📊

Since 2021, César has been leading research at CNRS / EconomiX. Previously, he served as a research director at CNRS / Géographie-cités and held positions at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements.

Research Interests 🔍

César’s research explores urban-port development, complex spatial networks, maritime connectivity, environmental impacts of ports, and socio-economic dynamics in port cities.

Award 🏆

He has received several accolades, including the Prix Amiral Daveluy in 2017 and the Prime d’Excellence Scientifique from CNRS in 2012. He was also awarded a Marie Curie Reintegration Grant in 2009.

Publications 📚

  1. Title: All Aboard: The Effects of Port Development
    • Published in Journal of International Economics (2024)
    • Link
    • Cited by 15
  2. Title: Ports and their influence on local air pollution and public health: A global analysis
    • Published in Science of The Total Environment (2024)
    • Link
    • Cited by 10
  3. Title: Does just transition increase social and environmental risks? Evidence from global port cities development
    • Published in Environmental Impact Assessment Review (2024)
    • Link
    • Cited by 5
  4. Title: Analysis of the maritime networks: criticalities and resilience
    • Published in Transportation Research Procedia (2023)
    • Link
    • Cited by 8
  5. Title: Inland cities, maritime gateways, and international trade
    • Published in Journal of Transport Geography (2022)
    • Link
    • Cited by 12

 

Mounir Azzam | Urban planning and real estate development | Best Researcher Award

Mr.Mounir Azzam | Urban planning and real estate development | Best Researcher Award

Ph.D. student | The Ruhr University Bochum | Germany

Mounir Azzam is an accomplished architect and real estate developer with over 10 years of experience in sustainable real estate investment strategies. Currently, he is a Ph.D. student at the Institute of Geography, Ruhr University Bochum, where his research focuses on spatial empowerment through real estate development strategies, particularly in the urban renewal of devastated areas. 🌍🏢

Profile

Orcid

Education

Mounir holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in regional planning, specializing in land administration systems and housing policies. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. thesis within the Interdisciplinary Geoinformation Sciences working group at the Ruhr University Bochum. 🎓🏫

Experience

With a robust background in architecture and real estate, Mounir has spent over a decade developing sustainable investment strategies. His professional journey includes significant contributions to urban planning and disaster risk reduction, aiming to empower communities through strategic real estate development. 🏗️🌆

Research Interests

Mounir’s research interests lie in urban planning, real estate development, and disaster risk reduction. His current projects focus on spatio-temporal analyses in the Damascus metropolitan area, exploring property variables affected by war and developing systematic approaches to post-war property valuation. 📊🌐

Awards

Mounir’s publication “https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7040069” has been provisionally selected for the “Best Researcher Award” by the International Academic Achievements and Awards. This recognition highlights his innovative contributions to urban planning and real estate development. 🏆📜

Publications

  1. “Urban Sustainability and Smart Cities” (2023) – Published in Smart Cities [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/smartcities7040069] 📘
  2. “Land Administration and Housing Policies” (2022) – Published in Land [DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/land11050737] 📗

Mizbah Ahmed Sresto | Environmental Science, Geography and Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Mr.Mizbah Ahmed Sresto | Environmental Science, Geography and Urban Planning | Best Researcher Award

Student Khulna University of Engineering & Technology Bangladesh

Mizbah Ahmed Sresto specializes in environmental research using geospatial technology and machine learning techniques. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Bangladesh. Mizbah has professional experience as a GIS Analyst and Junior Urban Planner, focusing on GIS data analysis and urban planning projects. His research interests include land use transformation, hazard mapping, and natural resource management. Mizbah has received awards for his academic achievements and has published in peer-reviewed journals on topics related to remote sensing and environmental sustainability.

Profile

Google Scholar

👨‍🎓 Education

Mizbah Ahmed Sresto holds a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Bangladesh, with a CGPA of 3.12 out of 4.00.

🏢 Professional Experience

As a GIS Analyst at Desh Upodesh Limited (DUL), Mizbah specializes in GIS data preparation and management, utilizing geospatial tools for road inventory and condition surveys.

🔬 Research Interests

Mizbah focuses on environmental research using geospatial technology and machine learning. His expertise includes land use transformation, hazard mapping, and natural resource management.

🏆 Awards

Mizbah has received the Dean’s Award from KUET Civil Faculty and the Scopus Index Author Award for outstanding research contributions.

📚 Publications

  • Sresto, M. A., et al. (2022). A GIS and remote sensing approach for measuring summer-winter variation of land use and land cover indices and surface temperature in Dhaka district, Bangladesh. Heliyon. Article Link
  • Sresto, M. A., et al. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Vegetation Indices and Heat Island Effect: A Remote Sensing Study of Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Sustainability. Article Link
  • Roy, T. K., Siddika, S., & Sresto, M.A. (2022). Assessment of Urban Resiliency Concerning Disaster Risk: A Review on Multi-Dimensional Approaches. Journal of Engineering Science. Article Link
  • Sresto, M. A., et al. (2022). Groundwater vulnerability assessment in Khulna district of Bangladesh by integrating fuzzy algorithm and DRASTIC (DRASTIC-L) model. Modelling Earth Syst. and Environment. Article Link
  • Sresto, M. A., et al. (2021). Application of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and geospatial technology to identify groundwater potential zones in north-west region of Bangladesh. Environmental Challenges. Article Link
  • Haque, M., Siddika, S., Sresto, M.A. et al. (2021). Geo-spatial Analysis for Flash Flood Susceptibility Mapping in the North-East Haor (Wetland) Region in Bangladesh. Earth System and Environment. Article Link