Ashu Fekadu | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ashu Fekadu | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Adama Science and Technology University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Ashu Fekadu’s academic journey began in Shambu Town, Ethiopia, where he attended Mati Boru Elementary and Secondary Schools, excelling in his studies. His passion for earth sciences led him to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Geology at Adama Science and Technology University, where he achieved an outstanding academic record. Building upon this foundation, he continued his postgraduate studies at the same university, earning a Master’s Degree in Applied Geology (Engineering Geology) with a remarkable CGPA of 3.89 and an excellent thesis result.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Mr. Fekadu has dedicated two years to academia as an Academic and Research Assistant in the Applied Geology Department at Adama Science and Technology University. His professional experience extends beyond academia, including internships at the Ethiopian Construction Design & Supervision Works Corporation, the Geological Survey of Ethiopia, and the Ministry of Mining and Petroleum. These experiences have enriched his expertise in geological assessments and applied research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

His research primarily focuses on hydrogeology, engineering geological evaluations, and geospatial analytics. His Master’s thesis, “Engineering Geological Evaluation of Bowa Dayole Dam Site and its Reservoir Area, North Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia,” was awarded an excellent grade. Additionally, his undergraduate senior project explored groundwater quality and human health risks associated with fluoride-enriched groundwater using GIS-based pollution index modeling. His research is instrumental in addressing water resource challenges and environmental sustainability.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Fekadu has actively contributed to scientific discourse through national and international conferences. He presented his research on groundwater quality at the International Conference on Recent Advances in Water Sciences and Technology (ICRAWST-2021) and participated in the National Workshop on Recent Trends in Geosciences (RTGS-2023). His dedication to continuous learning is evident in his certifications in Data Science, AI, and Project Management from Udemy, IBM, and HP Life Online Courses.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His research publications in esteemed journals, such as RSC Advances and Heliyon, reflect his significant contributions to the scientific community. His paper on groundwater quality and probabilistic human health risks, published in RSC Advances, provides valuable insights into water safety in Ethiopia. Similarly, his work on engineering geological evaluations published in Heliyon contributes to the field of infrastructure development and geotechnical analysis.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a strong academic foundation and research experience, Mr. Ashu Fekadu is poised to make lasting contributions to applied geology and environmental sustainability. His expertise in hydrogeology and geospatial analytics will play a vital role in advancing sustainable water resource management and geological engineering. As he continues his academic and professional journey, his research and innovations will undoubtedly shape the future of geosciences.

Publications

📝 Engineering Geological Evaluation of Bowa Dayole Dam Site, North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Author(s): Fekadu, A., Chemeda, Y.C., Karuppannan, S., Chala, E.T.
Journal: Heliyon
Year: 2025

📝 Appraising Groundwater Quality and Probabilistic Human Health Risks from Fluoride-Enriched Groundwater Using the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG) and GIS: A Case Study of Adama Town and Its Vicinities in the Central Main Ethiopian Rift Valley

Author(s): Shube, H., Karuppannan, S., Haji, M., Mechal, A., Fekadu, A.
Journal: RSC Advances
Year: 2024

 

Moises Ascencio | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Moises Ascencio | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

National Institute of Agrarian Innovation | Peru

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Mr. Ascencio’s educational background reflects his commitment to understanding and addressing environmental challenges. He has pursued specialized training in geographic information systems (GIS), photogrammetry, and workplace safety, equipping him with the technical skills essential for his research and professional endeavors. Complementary certifications in advanced digital image processing and atmospheric corrections further demonstrate his dedication to mastering tools that support environmental analysis.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Throughout his career, Mr. Ascencio has undertaken diverse roles that highlight his versatility and expertise:

  • Research Assistant at INIA (2023-2024): He conducted vegetation cover analysis in the Neshuya district, focusing on rainfall, soil, and topography. His work contributed to sustainable land use and water investment projects.
  • GIS Analyst at IZARE (2022-2023): Mr. Ascencio utilized QGIS and ArcGIS to manage urban and landscape data, perform area classification, and facilitate territorial analysis.
  • Project Facilitator at Yanapaqui Corporation (2022): He spearheaded socio-environmental and urban reforestation projects, demonstrating his ability to integrate technical knowledge with community engagement.
  • Service Provider at Reforesta Peru S.A.C. (2022): His responsibilities included forest conservation, drone operations, and the restoration of degraded lands, reflecting his commitment to preserving biodiversity.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌿

Mr. Ascencio’s work emphasizes sustainable land management and conservation. His notable contributions include:

  • Publishing a groundbreaking article in Geosciences on soil erosion using RUSLE analysis in the Peruvian Amazon.
  • Leading baseline studies for restoration projects, combining GIS technology and practical forestry techniques.
  • Developing vegetation cover models and soil analysis methods that inform sustainable urban planning.

These projects showcase his ability to apply scientific methods to address pressing environmental issues, ensuring long-term ecological balance.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Mr. Ascencio’s dedication to his field has earned him several accolades, including:

  • First Place in Innovation Recognition for Conservation and Sustainability (2024): This award underscores his expertise in using data and technology to drive impactful conservation strategies.
  • Membership in respected organizations like the Forest Plantation Research Circle (CIPLAN) and editorial roles in forestry-focused journals demonstrate his influence and thought leadership within the environmental sector.

Impact and Influence 🌟

Mr. Ascencio’s work has had a transformative impact on both urban and rural landscapes. His research has provided actionable insights into soil and vegetation management, while his contributions to urban greening projects have improved ecological and community well-being. By leveraging advanced GIS tools and sustainable forestry practices, he has set a benchmark for innovative environmental solutions in Peru.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

With a strong foundation in research and hands-on experience, Mr. Ascencio is poised to make lasting contributions to environmental science. His expertise in GIS and conservation, coupled with a passion for sustainable development, positions him as a driving force in addressing global environmental challenges. As he continues his journey, his work will undoubtedly inspire future advancements in forestry, land restoration, and urban sustainability.

 

Publications

📝 Impacts of Land Use on Soil Erosion: RUSLE Analysis in a Sub-Basin of the Peruvian Amazon (2016–2022)
 Author(s): Moises Leonardo Ascencio Sanchez, Cesar Franco Padilla Castro, Christian Alonso Riveros Lizana, Rosa María Hermoza-Espezúa, Dayan Atalluz-Ganoza, Richard Andi Solórzano Acosta
 Journal: Geosciences
 Year: 2025

 

Trufat Hailemariam Gugsa | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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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

GIS-based statistical analysis for landslide susceptibility evaluation and zonation mapping: A case from Blue Nile Gorge, Gohatsion-Dejen road corridor, Central Ethiopia 2024

Assessment of rock slope stability using slope stability probability classification (SSPC) system, around AlemKetema, North Shoa, Ethiopia 2021 (10)

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