Desmond Vihywuseh | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 03/10/202503/10/2025 by Book of Award

Mr. Desmond Vihywuseh | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

The University of Bamenda | Cameroon

Mr. Desmond Vihywuseh is a committed educator and emerging researcher whose career bridges excellence in high school teaching and advanced geophysical research. With a strong foundation in physics, he earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees with distinction and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics with a specialization in Geophysics. His teaching experience spans several years, during which he has designed curricula, delivered innovative science lessons, managed student performance, and mentored learners through classroom and extracurricular activities, earning recognition as “Best Teacher of the Year 2024-25”. His research primarily focuses on the application of potential fields, particularly gravity and magnetism, to address geological, environmental, and geotechnical challenges, with an emphasis on forward modeling techniques for both near-surface and deep investigations. He has published in reputable outlets, including Scientific Reports, with additional works under review in international journals. Beyond teaching and research, he has participated in seminars and conferences on scientific writing, competency-based assessment, and industrialization, reflecting his commitment to academic growth and collaboration. Proficient in advanced geophysical software such as Geosoft Oasis Montaj, ArcGIS, and Rockworks, he combines technical expertise with strong communication and classroom management skills. His dual dedication to education and scientific inquiry highlights his role as a transformative figure in both teaching and applied physics research.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publication

Vihywuseh, D., Tabod, C. T., Ndikum, E. N., Khan, A. R., & Fuen, D. A.-M. (2025). Unveiling the subsurface geological structure of the Centre Region, Cameroon, with aeromagnetic data analysis. Scientific Reports, 15, 33296.

Bing Zhao | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 05/08/202506/08/2025 by Book of Award

Mr. Bing Zhao | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Guilin University of Technology | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Bing Zhao’s academic journey in geosciences began with a Bachelor's degree in Resource Exploration Engineering from Jiangcheng College of China University of Geosciences, where he acquired foundational knowledge in petrology, structural geology, and crystallography. He further deepened his expertise through a Master's degree in Geology at Guilin University of Technology , studying advanced geochemistry, mineralogy, and metallogenic theories. Currently, he is a Doctoral Candidate in Geological Resources and Geological Engineering at Guilin University of Technology, with a focus on granite geology, geochemical exploration, and frontiers in Earth sciences.

Professional Endeavors

Mr. Zhao has held prominent roles in both research and applied geological engineering. He has been serving as an Engineer at the Guangxi Mineral Resources Reserve Evaluation Center, currently seconded to the Geological Survey Department of the Guangxi Natural Resources Department. His responsibilities include managing digital transformation projects for mineral resource oversight, coordinating the full cycle of geological survey operations, and contributing to high-level policy and planning documents. Previously, as an Assistant Engineer at the Guangxi Geophysical Exploration Institute , he gained valuable field experience through geochemical surveys and tourism geology assessments.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Zhao has actively contributed to a variety of research projects centered around geological surveys, mineral resource assessments, and digital modeling of deposits. Noteworthy among his contributions is the integration of geological datasets into 3DMINE software for digital modeling and spatial analysis, particularly in the exploration of quartz sand deposits in Beihai, Guangxi. He was also instrumental in drafting the Guangxi Geological Survey Plan and the Exploration Work Plan for Continental Quartz Sand Deposits. His doctoral research compares Indosinian basic magmatism in South China with the Emeishan Large Igneous Province, demonstrating his commitment to advancing geochemical and isotopic methodologies.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Zhao’s academic and professional excellence has been consistently recognized. He has received the “Second Prize” at the Academic Annual Conference of Guilin University of Technology, in addition to being named an Excellent Intern and Excellent Graduate. He was also awarded a university-level second-class scholarship in recognition of his academic performance and research promise.

Impact and Influence

Through his involvement in regional and national-level planning documents, Mr. Zhao has made significant contributions to the strategic development of geological survey systems in Guangxi. His work in creating digital platforms for ore prospecting and geological data management demonstrates his ability to bridge traditional fieldwork with cutting-edge digital tools, thus modernizing mineral resource exploration and policy implementation.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Mr. Bing Zhao is poised to be a transformative figure in geological research and mineral resource management. His interdisciplinary expertise in petrology, isotopic geochemistry, and digital modeling positions him to lead innovative projects that enhance resource evaluation and sustainability. As he continues his doctoral research and contributes to policy and practice, Mr. Zhao is expected to leave a lasting impact on the fields of geology, exploration engineering, and geoinformatics.

Publications

Provenance and Geological Significance of Cenozoic Sandstones in the Nankang Basin, Southern Cathaysia Block, China
Authors: Bing Zhao, Guojun Huang, Xiangke Wu, Shangyu Guo, Xijun Liu, Huoying Li, Hailin Huang, Hao Wu
Journal: Minerals
Year: 2025

Sr-Nd-Hf isotopic and platinum-group elemental characteristics of the Maxionghui greenstone in western Guangxi: Implications for magmatic evolution and sulfide mineralization
Authors: Zhao B., Liu X.J., et al.
Journal: Acta Petrologica (Zone 2 SCI Journal)
Year: 2022

Geochronology, isotopic and Platinum-group elemental geochemistry of lavas and dykes from western Guangxi in the outer zone of Emeishan mantle plume, SW China
Authors: Zhao B., Liu X., Li Z., et al.
Conference Proceeding: EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts (SCI-indexed conference proceeding)
Year: 2021

Conclusion

Mr. Bing Zhao represents the next generation of geological scientists who combine traditional field expertise with advanced analytical tools and strategic planning. With a strong academic background, a portfolio of impactful projects, and recognized research contributions, he is well-positioned to drive future advancements in Earth and planetary sciences. His trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service, making him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Farzaneh Farzaneh | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 28/02/202501/03/2025 by Book of Award

Dr. Farzaneh Shakerardakani | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Farzaneh Farzaneh’s academic journey is marked by an impressive trajectory in geology. She began her undergraduate studies at the University of Tehran, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Geology. Her passion for the Earth's dynamic processes led her to pursue a Master’s degree at Kharazmi University, focusing on the petrology and structural fabric of metamorphic rocks in Iran's Zarin area. Eager to deepen her expertise, she embarked on doctoral studies at Kharazmi University, specializing in geochemistry. She later completed a second Ph.D. at the Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Austria, where she explored the polyphase tectonothermal evolution of the central Sanandaj–Sirjan zone in Iran. Her dual doctoral degrees reflect her dedication to unearthing geological complexities and advancing scientific understanding.

Professional Endeavors 🏗️

Dr. Farzaneh has contributed significantly to geological research through her roles in various prestigious institutions. Currently, she is a Research Assistant at the Xinjiang Research Center for Mineral Resources, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in Urumqi, China. Her research delves into the exhumation of metamorphic core complexes, magmatism, and ore mineralization, establishing crucial links between these geological processes. She has also held postdoctoral research positions at the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, CAS (Beijing), and the Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg. Throughout these roles, she has been instrumental in exploring the tectonic evolution and magmatic history of key regions, particularly the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone and the Takab metamorphic complex.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Farzaneh’s research spans metamorphic geology, geochemistry, petrogenesis, and tectonics. She has played a pivotal role in uncovering the geological history of Iran’s orogenic belts, with a particular emphasis on:

Intraplate magmatism at convergent plate boundaries
The nature and evolution of Cenozoic magmatism
Crustal growth and tectono-magmatic evolution in Iran
Exhumation processes of metamorphic complexes

Her investigations have provided new insights into zircon U–Pb geochronology, petrogenetic pathways, and the metallogenic significance of the Tethyan orogenic belt.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Dr. Farzaneh’s outstanding research has earned her numerous awards and fellowships, including:

CAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative (PIFI) (2024, 2018)
Foreign Expert Project Award (MOST, China, 2023–Present)
Postdoctoral Fellowships at CISTC (Tehran) and CAS (Beijing)
National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Grant for International Young Scientists
Ph.D. Scholarship from the Scholarship Foundation of the Republic of Austria (OeAD)
Second Award at the 4th Symposium of Young Researchers and Elite Club, Iran (2005)

These accolades highlight her contributions to advancing geological sciences on a global scale.

Impact and Influence 🌎

Beyond research, Dr. Farzaneh has made significant contributions to education and industry. She has served as a lecturer in geology courses, teaching subjects like tectonics, geochemistry, mineralogy, and crystallography at universities in Iran. Additionally, she has worked as a mining expert, bridging the gap between academia and applied geological sciences. As a scientific society member, she has actively contributed to the European Geophysical Union (EGU), the Geological Society of Iran, and the Geological Survey & Mineral Exploration of Iran. Her role as a reviewer for esteemed journals further solidifies her influence in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔭

Dr. Farzaneh Farzaneh’s work continues to shape the understanding of Earth's geological history. Her research on metamorphic belts, crustal evolution, and ore mineralization is instrumental in decoding complex tectonic processes. With a growing body of publications in high-impact journals, she is paving the way for future geoscientists to explore new dimensions of Earth’s geological framework. Her legacy is one of passion, precision, and perseverance, inspiring the next generation of geologists to unravel the mysteries of our planet.

Publications

📄 Cadomian Magmatism in the Muteh–Golpaygan Area, Iran: Insights into Crustal Growth and Tectono-Magmatic Evolution
- - Authors: Farzaneh Shakerardakani, Wenjiao Xiao, Hadi Shafaii Moghadam, Xianhua Li
  - Journal: Minerals
  - Year: 2025

📄 Metamorphic Stages in Mountain Belts During a Wilson Cycle: A Case Study in the Central Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (Zagros Mountains, Iran)
- - Authors: Farzaneh Shakerardakani, Franz Neubauer, Manfred Bernroider, Fritz Finger, Christoph Hauzenberger, Johann Genser, Michael Waitzinger, Behzad Monfaredi
  - Journal: Geoscience Frontiers
  - Year: 2022

📄 New Detrital Zircon U–Pb Insights on the Palaeogeographic Origin of the Central Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, Iran
- - Authors: Farzaneh Shakerardakani, Franz Neubauer, Xiaoming Liu, Yunpeng Dong, Behzad Monfaredi, Xian-Hua Li
  - Journal: Geological Magazine
  - Year: 2021

📄 Deciphering the Jurassic–Cretaceous Evolution of the Hamadan Metamorphic Complex During Neotethys Subduction, Western Iran
- - Author: Farzaneh Shakerardakani
  - Journal: International Journal of Earth Sciences
  - Year: 2020

📄 Genesis of Early Cretaceous Leucogranites in the Central Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, Iran: Reworking of Neoproterozoic Metasedimentary Rocks in an Active Continental Margin
- Author: Farzaneh Shakerardakani
- Journal: Lithos
- Year: 2020

Trhas Kahsay | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Published on 21/10/202421/10/2024 by Book of Award

Ms. Trhas Kahsay | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Botswana International University Of Science and Technology | Botswana

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Ms. Trhas Kahsay began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Applied Geology from Mekelle University, Ethiopia, where she graduated with excellent honors, scoring 3.64/4. She continued her studies at Addis Ababa University, earning a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geology with a thesis focused on sedimentological and geochemical analysis, achieving a notable score of 3.65/4. Currently, she is pursuing her Ph.D. at the Botswana International University of Science and Technology, where she is investigating the biogeochemical and sedimentological characteristics of Makgadikgadi playa lake deposits for astrobiological implications.

Professional Endeavors 💼

From 2015 to 2022, Ms. Kahsay held positions at Mekelle University, first as an Assistant Lecturer and then as a Lecturer in the School of Earth Sciences. Her teaching encompassed subjects such as sedimentary petrology and paleontology, alongside supervising undergraduate students. Her role allowed her to actively engage with students and contribute to the academic community through fieldwork campaigns and practical lab activities.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Ms. Kahsay’s research primarily explores the astrobiological potential of environments similar to those found on Mars. Her current project investigates the Makgadikgadi Basin in Botswana, aiming to understand its biogeochemical and sedimentological properties. She has also contributed to significant studies on microbial diversity in extreme environments, providing insights into the potential for life beyond Earth.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout her academic career, Ms. Kahsay has participated in various national and international conferences, showcasing her research and receiving recognition for her contributions. Her work has been accepted for publication in reputable journals, further establishing her as a rising scholar in the fields of geology and astrobiology.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Through her research, Ms. Kahsay aims to enhance our understanding of extreme environments and their implications for planetary exploration. By examining the Makgadikgadi Basin, her work contributes valuable knowledge to astrobiology and the potential for life on other planets, influencing future research in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Ms. Kahsay is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of geology and astrobiology. Her dedication to exploring the connections between terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments positions her to influence future research and understanding of life beyond Earth. As she progresses in her studies, her innovative approach promises to expand the frontiers of knowledge in planetary science and exploration.

Publications

📝 The astrobiological potential of the Makgadikgadi Basin, Botswana: Field analogue for planetary exploration
Authors: Kahsay, T.H.; Asrat, A.; Franchi, F.
Journal: Planetary and Space Science
Year: 2024

📝 Middle Stone Age foragers resided in high elevations of the glaciated Bale Mountains, Ethiopia
Authors: Ossendorf, G.; Groos, A.R.; Bromm, T.; Tekelemariam, M.G.; Glaser, B.; Lesur, J.; Schmidt, J.; Akçar, N.; Bekele, T.; Beldados, A. et al.
Journal: Science
Year: 2019

Trufat Hailemariam Gugsa | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 28/06/202428/06/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Trufat Hailemariam Gugsa | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Addis Ababa University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Trufat Hailemariam Gugsa's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Geophysics from Addis Ababa University in 1995. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science degree in the same field from the same institution in 2001. His thesis focused on the "Geotechnical investigation of Sibilu dam site, reservoir, and catchment area." Dr. Gugsa earned his PhD in Civil Engineering and Natural Hazard from the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria, in 2009. His dissertation, titled "Slope Rock Mass Characterization in Tekeze Hydropower Reservoir: Implication to GIS and Satellite Imagery-Based Slope Stability and Reservoir Impounding Induced Hazard Analyses," laid the foundation for his future research endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Gugsa has held various academic and professional positions throughout his career. From 1995 to 2005, he served as a lecturer and researcher at Mekelle University, Ethiopia, where he taught courses in engineering geology, soil and rock mechanics, and geomorphology. In 2006, he joined Addis Ababa University as an Associate Professor in the School of Earth Sciences, a position he holds to date. Additionally, he worked as a senior geotechnical engineer at Saba Engineering PLC from 2010 to 2013, contributing to standards, manuals, and procedural developments for foundation investigations.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Gugsa's research has primarily focused on slope stability, geotechnical investigations, and geohazard analysis. He has been involved in numerous projects, including landslide hazard zonation and mapping, road slope cut stability assessment, and hydropower reservoir rim slope stability analysis. His expertise extends to GIS-based landslide risk zonation, construction material quality assessment, and dam foundation seepage evaluations. Dr. Gugsa has also contributed to the development of flexible geodatabases for catchment-based projects and geohazard assessments.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Gugsa has received several awards and recognition for his contributions to the field. Notably, he was awarded the AEG Best Publication Award in 2024 for his paper on internal erosion and ground fissures around Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. His research has been published in prestigious journals and presented at international conferences, highlighting his significant impact on geotechnical engineering and geohazard analysis.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Gugsa's work has had a profound impact on the field of geotechnical engineering, particularly in Ethiopia. His research has provided valuable insights into slope stability, landslide risk evaluation, and geohazard mitigation, influencing both academic and practical approaches to geotechnical challenges. He has advised over 40 postgraduate research theses, mentoring the next generation of geotechnical engineers and researchers.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Gugsa's legacy is marked by his extensive contributions to geotechnical research and education. His work has improved the understanding of geotechnical hazards and their mitigation, benefiting infrastructure development and disaster risk management in Ethiopia and beyond. As he continues his career, Dr. Gugsa is poised to make further significant contributions to the field, advancing knowledge and practice in geotechnical engineering and geohazard analysis.

Notable Publications

Possible Role of Internal Erosion in the Development of Ground Fissures around Lake Ziway, Ethiopia 2024

Ultra - low head hydro power resource assessment and management – A solution for rural electrification 2020