Tag: Environmental Sustainability

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

From a young age, Dr. Dhaarna’s educational path reflected both depth and diversity. She began her academic journey at St. Francis Senior Secondary School, Hathras, and continued her secondary education at Delhi Public School, Aligarh, before moving to Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for her Senior Secondary schooling. She pursued a Bachelor's in Architecture from ZHCET, AMU, where she also served as the Cultural Secretary. Her curiosity for planning led her to CEPT University, Ahmedabad, for a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, where she was elected Academic Secretary and awarded a GATE scholarship. She then earned her Ph.D. from IIT Roorkee, focusing on Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus planning for the Bundelkhand region, supported by MHRD and the Newton Bhabha Scholarship.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Dhaarna is currently an Assistant Professor at CEPT University, where she teaches urban planning studios and engages students in foundational and developmental planning frameworks. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at NICMAR University, Pune, where she not only taught a wide array of sustainability and planning subjects but also spearheaded the setup of the B-Arch program and led cultural initiatives. Her early career included critical field roles at Urban Management Centre, working on the Government of India’s NAMASTE program, and HCL Foundation’s Project Samuday, focusing on rural WASH and GIS-based development. She also held research roles at IIT Roorkee and interned with Hathras Municipality and Incubis Consultants.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Dhaarna’s core research centers around the Water-Energy-Food Nexus, urban heat islands, policy planning, systems thinking, GIS applications, and sustainable urban-rural development. She uses an interdisciplinary approach to address complex spatial and environmental challenges. Her publications span high-impact journals such as Elsevier’s Information Sciences (Q1), Springer-Nature, Blue-Green Systems (Q1), and Environmental Research, Engineering and Management (Q3). Additionally, she has contributed to several Springer-Nature book chapters on environmental governance and system-based research methodology.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Dhaarna's excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and fellowships. She received the Best Teaching Practices Award at NICMAR University in 2024 and was conferred Individual Honorary Membership by IUCEE in 2025. Her innovative teaching earned her certification from the International Society for Engineering Pedagogy, Austria. During her Ph.D., she won the Best Research Poster Award at IIT Roorkee’s Research Day and was selected for the prestigious Newton Bhabha Ph.D. Placement Programme hosted at the University of the West of England, UK.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Through her teaching, Dr. Dhaarna has influenced future architects and planners to embrace sustainability, equity, and systems-based thinking. Her interdisciplinary lens—blending architecture, policy, and regional planning—has empowered students and researchers alike to address real-world challenges. Her contributions to WASH programs, climate resilience, and urban policy have impacted both grassroots communities and academic spheres.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a deep-rooted passion for sustainability, planning, and social equity, Dr. Dhaarna is poised to continue shaping India’s environmental and planning discourse. Her legacy lies not only in academic excellence but also in nurturing creative, ethical, and inclusive minds. Looking ahead, she envisions contributing to global environmental governance, expanding the frontiers of WEF Nexus research, and integrating storytelling and science to foster wider public understanding.

Publications

📄 Water Security Modeling in Low-Income Regions in India: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Dhaarna, Anil Kashyap
Journal: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators
Year: July 2025

📄 Matrix representation of the graph model for conflict resolution based on intuitionistic preferences with applications to trans-regional water resource conflicts in the Lancang–Mekong River Basin
Authors: Dayong Wang, Xiaoying Lai, Dhaarna, Xiaowei Wen, Yejun Xu
Journal: Information Sciences
Year: February 2025

📄 A Systematic Review and Trend Analysis of Urban Heat Island
Author: Dhaarna
Journal: NICMAR Journal of Construction Management
Year: 2025

📄 A Descriptive Analysis of Human-Environment Interactions in the Suburban Area of Pune City
Author: Dhaarna
Journal: Environmental Research, Engineering and Management
Year: October 2024

📄 Water, Energy and Food Nexus for Sustainable Development of the Bundelkhand Region
Authors: Dhaarna, Varuvel Devadas
Book: Sustainable Future Cities
Year: March 2023

Jin Deng | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on 18/06/202518/06/2025 by Book of Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jin Deng | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

National Natural Science Foundation of China | China

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jin Deng's journey into the world of chemistry began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Hunan University of Science and Technology (1999–2003). With a strong passion for sustainable and green chemistry, he advanced his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) (2007–2013), under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Liu Youcheng and Prof. Dr. Fu Yao. His early research laid the foundation for his future explorations into catalytic conversion processes.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Deng’s professional career is deeply tied to USTC, one of China's premier research institutions. Following his Ph.D., he continued as a Postdoctoral Researcher (2013–2016), before becoming a Special Research Associate (2016–2019). Since 2019, he has served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry, where he leads advanced studies on catalysis, waste conversion, and sustainable fuel production. His close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Fu Yao has fostered interdisciplinary innovation and meaningful scientific breakthroughs.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Deng specializes in creating catalytic technologies for converting biomass and plastic waste into fuels and valuable chemicals, contributing directly to environmental sustainability. His research uniquely combines organic synthesis, chemical engineering, materials science, and life cycle assessment. From photo- and electrocatalytic decarboxylation to plastic upcycling and green hydrogenolysis, his work addresses some of the most pressing global challenges in waste management and carbon neutrality.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Deng’s scientific excellence is reflected in his numerous nationally funded projects, including several prestigious grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. As a principal investigator, he has led over six major research projects to successful completion or ongoing progress. His research output includes more than 15 high-impact journal publications in journals like Nature Communications, Green Chemistry, Angewandte Chemie, and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. He is also the holder of 10 Chinese patents, demonstrating real-world application and innovation.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Deng’s research is not only academically impactful but also environmentally transformative. His carbon footprint analyses and life cycle assessments guide industries toward more sustainable practices. Collaborating with leading scientists such as Prof. Yao Fu and Prof. Menachem Elimelech, his work has helped bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, influencing both Chinese and global green chemistry landscapes.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a rising leader in green catalysis and environmental chemistry, Dr. Deng continues to shape the future of sustainable technology. His current research under NSFC projects (running through 2028) aims to push the boundaries of biomass valorization and plastic recycling. With a strong foundation in cross-disciplinary methods, a proven record of high-impact publications and patents, and an unwavering commitment to ecological responsibility, Dr. Deng is poised to become a defining figure in the global pursuit of a circular chemical economy.

Publications

📄 Photocatalytic decarboxylation of waste cooking oil for green and efficient biodiesel production and life cycle assessment

Authors: Wenjun Hu, Jin Deng
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2025

📄 Advances of the past 12 years in decarboxylation of biomass carboxylic acids to biofuels and high-value chemicals via photo- or electrocatalysis

Authors: Chen-Qiang Deng, Jin Deng
Journal: Green Chemistry
Year: 2025

📄 Thermal catalytic reforming for hydrogen production with zero CO₂ emission

Authors: Rui Gao, Hui Zhang, Jie Zhang, Zhiheng Xie, Jihan Zhou, Yuzhen Ge, Aowen Li, Graham Hutchings, Wu Zhou, Hiroyuki Asakura, et al.
Journal: Science
Year: 2025

📄 Preparation of methyl ethyl ketone from biomass-derived levulinic acid using a metal-free photocatalytic system and life cycle assessment study

Authors: Meng-Xiang Shen, Chen-Qiang Deng, Jie Yang, Jin Deng
Journal: Green Chemistry
Year: 2024

📄 Depolymerization mechanisms and closed-loop assessment in polyester waste recycling

Authors: Jingjing Cao, Huaxing Liang, Jie Yang, Zhiyang Zhu, Jin Deng, Xiaodong Li, Menachem Elimelech, Xinglin Lu
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2024

Hamid Shahrabadi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Published on 06/06/202506/06/2025 by Book of Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hamid Shahrabadi | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Chabahar Maritime University | Iran

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hamid Shahrabadi began his academic journey in Civil Engineering at Sistan and Baluchistan University, Zahedan, Iran, earning his B.Sc. (2001–2006) and M.Sc. (2006–2008) degrees with a focus on Structural Engineering. His early research examined the seismic behavior of space structures, laying the groundwork for his future focus on structural resilience and sustainability. He later earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of Science and Technology, Tehran in 2023, where his doctoral thesis explored innovative uses of plastic waste fibers in reinforced concrete (RC) beams, specifically in marine environments like Oman.

🏗️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Shahrabadi has held academic positions since 2007, including roles at Zabol University, Islamic Azad Universities in Zabol and Zahedan, and the International University of Chabahar. Since 2011, he has served as a faculty member at Chabahar Maritime University, contributing extensively to civil and structural engineering education. He also works as a supervising engineer in the Design and Supervision Division in Iran, actively bridging academia with real-world applications.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

With a dynamic portfolio of 30+ research papers, Dr. Shahrabadi’s work is at the cutting edge of marine concrete durability, fiber-reinforced composites, seismic resilience, and green construction materials. His research integrates recycled materials like plastic and marble aggregates to improve mechanical strength and durability of concrete structures in harsh marine environments. Noteworthy publications include:

Investigations into recycled plastic fiber effects on flexural behavior of green RC beams
Analysis of oil-polluted marine concrete and usage of silica fume for performance enhancement
Contributions to seismic performance evaluation of structures under near- and far-fault conditions

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

✨ Active Researcher Awards at Chabahar Maritime University in 2013 and 2017
✨ Recognized inventor of a small concrete traverse (Patent No. 78914, 2012)
These accolades affirm his consistent dedication to innovation in structural engineering and sustainability in construction.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Shahrabadi’s research has significant regional and global implications for sustainable infrastructure in coastal and offshore environments. His work is pivotal in enhancing the lifespan of marine concrete structures, particularly in regions exposed to tidal and saline conditions. He is also known for mentoring students, developing civil engineering curricula, and integrating software tools like ETABS & SAFE into structural modeling courses.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a pioneer in green construction materials for marine applications, Dr. Shahrabadi’s legacy lies in his push toward eco-friendly engineering solutions. With ongoing interest in self-compacting concrete, damage detection in offshore structures, and the use of waste materials in concrete design, he continues to shape a sustainable future for civil and marine infrastructure. His future efforts are poised to focus on smart monitoring technologies and further material innovations.

Publications

📄 Bending Behavior of Green RC Beams Containing Recycled Garbage Bag Fibers in Sea Conditions
Authors: Hamid Shahrabadi, Mohsen Ali Shayanfar
Journal: Case Studies in Construction Materials
Year: 2025

📄 Investigating the Effects of Recycled Plastic as Fibers on Bending Behavior of Green Concrete Beams Exposed to Marine Environment
Authors: Mohsen Ali Shayanfar, Hamid Shahrabadi
Journal: Materials
Year: 2023

📄 Flexural Behavior of Green RC Beams with Disposable Glasses Fibers in a Marine Environment
Authors: Mohsen Ali Shayanfar, Hamid Shahrabadi
Journal: Case Studies in Construction Materials
Year: 2023

📄 Effect of Limestone on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete Containing Silica Fume and Fly Ash
Authors: Hamid Shahrabadi, H. Safayenikoo, M. Forsat
Journal: Journal of Materials and Environmental Science
Year: 2017

📄 Using Silica Fume to Improve the Strength of Oil-Polluted Marine Concrete Structures
Authors: Hamid Shahrabadi, S. Sayareh, H. Sarkardeh
Journal: China Ocean Engineering
Year: 2017

Nega Belay | Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

Published on 21/05/202521/05/2025 by Book of Award

Mr. Nega Belay | Materials Science | Editorial Board Member

Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Nega Belay began his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, graduating with a commendable CGPA of 3.34/4.0 in 2016. Driven by a passion for innovation and research, he pursued dual Master's degrees at Bahir Dar University: one in Materials Science and Engineering and the other in Electromechanical Engineering. He excelled academically with CGPAs of 3.53 and 3.55 respectively, showcasing a strong foundation in interdisciplinary engineering domains.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Mr. Belay’s professional journey spans across quality control, inspection, and calibration engineering roles at AMIMTDE - Bahir Dar General Flexible and Foundry Factory. His responsibilities included developing inspection protocols, conducting precise calibrations, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and implementing advanced product testing methods. Earlier, he served as a Quality Control Engineer at the Amhara Metal Industry and Machine Technology Development Enterprise, where he led quality assurance initiatives and liaised with international machinery specifications.

He also gained valuable commercial experience as a sales agent at Ayat Share Company and technical insights through maintenance and design activities at the Bishoftu Automotive Industry, further enriching his multidisciplinary expertise.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Belay’s research contributions reflect his commitment to sustainability and innovation in material science. His focus areas include:

🔹 Synthesis and characterization of materials for energy applications
🔹 Nanomaterials and polymers for additive manufacturing and 3D printing
🔹 Waste plastic pyrolysis for clean fuel production
🔹 Recycling of fabric waste into lightweight composite materials
🔹 Application of catalysts in environmentally friendly fuel generation

He is proficient in advanced tools and techniques like ANSYS, MATLAB, SolidWorks, and has programming experience in Python and Fortran, enabling him to integrate computational models with practical engineering solutions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Belay’s scholarly work has earned significant recognition. He was honored as a Gates Master's Scholar in Materials Science and Engineering and received multiple certificates of achievement from AMIMTDE for excellence in quality control. Most notably, he was appointed as an Editorial Board Member and received an award at the 6th Edition of the International Analytical Chemistry Awards in March 2025 for his distinguished contributions to scientific research.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Mr. Belay's research has real-world impact, addressing global challenges such as energy sustainability, plastic waste reduction, and material reusability. His publications in top-tier journals — including Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, Energy, and Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science — have advanced the understanding of catalytic processes, green energy sources, and circular economy principles. His interdisciplinary approach links material science with electromechanical systems, influencing both academic research and industrial applications.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Mr. Belay aims to pioneer intelligent autonomous systems powered by advanced materials, contributing to fields such as robotics, biomaterials, and semiconductor technologies. His long-term vision includes developing energy-efficient, eco-friendly solutions using cutting-edge materials synthesis and real-time performance optimization of engineering systems. With a solid academic foundation, a robust research portfolio, and a growing influence in the scientific community, Mr. Nega Belay is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of materials science and engineering.

Publications

📄 Pyrolysis Liquid Fuel Production from Waste Plastics Using Spherical-Shape Zeolite Catalyst

Authors: Misganaw Alemu Zeleke, Nega Chanie Belay, Urška Lavrenčič Štangar, Witold Kwapinski, Kibret Mequanint
Journal: Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering
Year: 2025

📄 Performance Evaluation of Liquid Fuel Derived from Waste Plastics for Diesel Engine Applications and Emissions Characteristics

Authors: Nega Chanie Belay, Birhanu Adisie Fentaw, Ramesh Babu Nallamothu, Melese Shiferaw Kebede
Journal: Energy
Year: 2025

📄 Recycling Fabric Waste into Composite Materials for the Applications of Lightweight Vehicle Body & Circular Economy

Authors: Melese Shiferaw Kebede, Nega Chanie Belay
Journal: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science
Year: 2025

Yohannes Seifu Berego | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Published on 17/04/202517/04/2025 by Book of Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Yohannes Seifu Berego | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Hawassa University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yohannes Seifu Berego’s academic roots trace back to the vibrant city of Hawassa, Ethiopia. His foundational education was shaped at the Adventist School in Hawassa, where he demonstrated academic excellence early on. He furthered his secondary education at Hawassa Daniel Comboni Comprehensive High School, a stepping stone that set the stage for his scientific ambitions. Driven by a curiosity for the health sciences, he enrolled at Hawassa University, where he earned his B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Sciences in 2010. This initial academic milestone laid the groundwork for his journey into environmental and public health—a path he would passionately pursue in the years to come.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Yohannes deepened his academic expertise by obtaining a Master’s degree in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health from Hawassa University in 2017. His research during this time focused on the ecological and human impacts of environmental pollutants. Recognizing the interconnectedness of health and environment, he pursued a General Master’s in Public Health in 2019, broadening his perspective on global health challenges. Currently, Dr. Yohannes is advancing his research as a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Toxicology, focusing on innovative and sustainable wastewater treatment technologies, particularly the use of Constructed and Natural Wetlands to manage coffee processing effluents—an urgent issue in coffee-producing regions of Ethiopia. He now serves as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Health, Hawassa University, where he educates and mentors future environmental scientists. Since 2024, he also holds the role of Chairperson of Academic Standards and Quality Assurance, showcasing his leadership and commitment to academic excellence.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Yohannes has built an impressive research portfolio in the realms of water and wastewater management, environmental toxicology, air pollution, hazardous waste, and sustainable public health practices. His Ph.D. project, which explores wetland-based treatment of wastewater from coffee berry processing, addresses a significant ecological challenge in Ethiopia’s agricultural sector. His passion lies in low-cost, scalable solutions to pollution, environmental monitoring, and the health impacts of contaminants. Through this, he actively contributes to pollution prevention strategies, waste remediation, and the promotion of climate resilience. With over 30 peer-reviewed publications, he collaborates extensively across disciplines. His mentorship of seven Master’s students and three Ph.D. candidates reflects his dedication to academic development and knowledge transfer.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Yohannes’ work has earned him national and international research grants, affirming the quality, impact, and relevance of his scientific projects. His role as a mentor, educator, and academic leader has gained him widespread recognition within Hawassa University and beyond. His ability to seamlessly balance research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities demonstrates his versatility and dedication to the growth of environmental health sciences in Ethiopia.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Yohannes’ research has tangible impacts on public health and environmental sustainability—particularly in low-resource settings where innovative, cost-effective solutions are needed most. His work in wastewater remediation provides actionable insights into tackling waterborne pollution and improving sanitation practices in developing regions.

He is a leading voice in integrating environmental science with public policy, inspiring new standards in environmental research, education, and community health.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As he progresses in his Ph.D. and continues his academic leadership, Dr. Yohannes is set to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of Environmental Toxicology and Public Health. His future goals include advancing affordable technologies for wastewater treatment, enhancing environmental education, and expanding his impact on policy formulation and public awareness. With a strong academic track record, commitment to mentorship, and a vision for a sustainable future, Dr. Yohannes is paving the way for the next generation of environmental scientists and public health advocates.

Publications

📄 Wastewater treatment in tropical, vertical up-flow constructed wetlands with selected macrophytes species: A preliminary analysis
Authors: Muhammedziyad Geleto, Mihret Dananto Ulsido, Yohannes Seifu Berego
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2025

📄 Individual and community-level determinants of knowledge of obstetric danger signs among women in Southern Ethiopia: A multi-level mixed effect negative binomial analysis
Authors: Amanuel Yoseph, Anteneh Fikrie, Yilkal Simachew, Berhan Tsegaye, Asfaw Borsamo, Yohans Seifu, Mehretu Belayneh
Journal: PLOS ONE
Year: 2025

📄 Individual and Community-Level Determinants of Abortion in Southern Ethiopia: A Multi-Level Mixed Effect Logistic Regression Analysis
Authors: Amanuel Yoseph, Arsema Abebe, Yilkal Simachew, Yohans Seifu, Mehretu Belayneh
Journal: Preprint (Preprints.org)
Year: 2024

📄 Individual and Community‐Level Determinants of Knowledge of Obstetric Danger Signs among Women in Southern Ethiopia: A Multi‐Level Mixed Effect Negative Binomial Analysis
Authors: Amanuel Yoseph, Yilkal Simachew, Berhan Tsegaye, Asfaw Borsamo, Yohans Seifu, Mehretu Mehretu
Journal: Preprint (Preprints.org)
Year: 2024

📄Heavy metal levels and human health risk implications associated with fish consumption from the lower Omo river (Lotic) and Omo delta lake (Lentic), Ethiopia
Authors: Abiy Andemo Kotacho, Girma Tilahun Yimer, Solomon Sorsa Sota, Yohannes Seifu Berego
Journal: PeerJ
Year: 2024

Tayyaba Rani | Economics, Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Published on 03/04/202503/04/2025 by Book of Award

Ms. Tayyaba Rani | Economics, Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Xi'an Jiaotong University | China

Author Profile