Dereje Diriba | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Published on 23/08/202523/08/2025 by Book of Award

Dr. Dereje Diriba | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Dilla University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dereje Diriba’s academic journey began in his homeland, where he pursued his elementary and secondary education with dedication and perseverance. His early passion for science and learning motivated him to progress steadily through his formative years, eventually laying the foundation for his higher education. He developed a strong interest in chemistry and environmental sciences, which later became the cornerstone of his research and professional career. His pursuit of knowledge led him to earn multiple advanced degrees, demonstrating both academic resilience and a commitment to solving pressing environmental challenges.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Diriba’s professional career spans teaching and research across schools and universities in Ethiopia. He began as a high school chemistry teacher, where he inspired young learners with a passion for scientific inquiry. Transitioning into academia, he served as a lecturer in chemistry and environmental sciences at Wolaita Sodo University and later at Dilla University. Over time, his expertise and contributions elevated him to the position of Assistant Professor in Environmental Science with a specialization in environmental analytical chemistry. Through his teaching, he has mentored many students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address real-world environmental concerns.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Diriba’s research is deeply rooted in environmental analytical chemistry, with a particular emphasis on sustainable water treatment and waste management. His doctoral research examined the efficacy of plant-derived coagulants and disinfectants from indigenous species for water purification in the Borana Zone, highlighting the importance of natural resources in solving local challenges. His publications reflect a wide range of investigations, from groundwater quality assessments to the comparative effectiveness of natural and chemical coagulants, as well as solid waste management strategies and soil fertility improvement through compost application. His contributions not only advance scientific understanding but also provide practical solutions to environmental issues affecting communities.

Accolades and Recognition

Over the course of his career, Dr. Diriba has earned recognition for his commitment to excellence in research and teaching. His advanced certifications in environmental toxicology, occupational hygiene, and environmental health training from collaborations with leading universities underscore his pursuit of specialized knowledge. His research publications in reputable international journals further testify to his academic impact and recognition within the global scientific community. Such achievements reflect both his scholarly rigor and his dedication to addressing critical environmental problems through research and innovation.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Diriba’s influence extends beyond the classroom and laboratory, as his work has direct implications for improving environmental sustainability and public health. By focusing on water quality, waste management, and soil improvement, his studies provide valuable insights for policymakers, environmental practitioners, and communities seeking affordable and sustainable solutions. His teaching and mentorship have shaped a new generation of scientists who carry forward his vision of applying chemistry and environmental science to societal challenges. His long-standing role in academia also demonstrates his enduring influence in the advancement of environmental education in Ethiopia.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Diriba’s legacy lies in his multifaceted contributions as an educator, researcher, and innovator in environmental sciences. His research on plant-based coagulants for water purification reflects a sustainable approach that can inspire future studies in green chemistry and resource management. Looking ahead, his future contributions are likely to continue bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments. As he advances in his academic career, his work is expected to further strengthen the scientific community’s ability to address pressing environmental challenges, particularly in the context of water security and waste management in developing regions.

Publications

Article: Comparative analysis of Moringa stenopetala seed powder and aluminum sulfate for turbidity and E. coli removal from surface water: The case of Bake Pond, Borana Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Dereje Diriba Chemeda; Daniel Fitamo
Journal: Chinese Journal of Analytical Chemistry
Year: 2025

Article: The Effect of Organic Solid Waste Compost on Soil Properties, Growth, and Yield of Swiss Chard Crop (Beta vulgaris L.)
Author: Dereje Chemeda
Journal: The Scientific World Journal
Year: 2023

Article: Status, characterization, and quantification of municipal solid waste as a measure towards effective solid waste management: The case of Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia
Author: Dereje Chemeda
Journal: Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association
Year: 2021

Article: Removal of Nitrite from Aqueous Solution Using Sugarcane Bagasse and Wheat Straw
Author: Dereje Chemeda
Journal: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Year: 2014

Conclusion

The academic and professional journey of Dr. Dereje Diriba reflects a life dedicated to learning, teaching, and solving environmental challenges. His progression from teacher to assistant professor, coupled with his impactful research, highlights his unwavering pursuit of knowledge and service to society. Through his scientific investigations, he has provided sustainable solutions that resonate both locally and globally. His legacy continues to grow through his students, publications, and future research endeavors, establishing him as a respected figure in environmental analytical chemistry and a committed advocate for sustainable development.

Zenebe Reta Roba | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

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

Mr. Zenebe Reta Roba | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Mattu Univesrity | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Zenebe Reta Roba began his academic journey in the natural sciences, earning a Bachelor of Science in General Forestry from Arbaminch University. His commitment to environmental science and spatial analysis led him to pursue a Master's degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing at Jimma University. These foundational studies shaped his interdisciplinary research interests in ecology, technology, and sustainable resource management.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Since October 2010, Mr. Roba has served as a Lecturer at Mattu University, where he has contributed extensively to teaching, mentoring, and curriculum development. Currently, he holds the position of Dean of the College of Natural Resource and Agricultural Economics, overseeing academic programs, research initiatives, and administrative functions. His leadership is deeply rooted in evidence-based planning and geospatial innovation. Mr. Roba is also actively engaged in the global academic community as an international reviewer for Scopus-indexed journals, having reviewed more than 30 scholarly papers. His expertise is sought by prominent journals such as Environment, Development and Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Environmental Earth Sciences, and PLOS ONE.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Roba’s research lies at the intersection of GIS, remote sensing, climate science, and environmental sustainability. He is recognized for his scholarly contributions in areas including:

🌍 Land use and land cover dynamics
🌡️ Urban heat islands and temperature modeling
🌳 Biodiversity conservation and forest management
💧 Watershed analysis and hydrological studies
🏙️ Urban resilience and green infrastructure

With over 20 peer-reviewed international publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, Mr. Roba's work has significantly advanced understanding in spatial environmental research. He frequently collaborates with national and international experts, engaging in multidisciplinary projects that influence both policy and practice.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Roba’s distinguished academic reputation is reflected in his roles as:

📘 Editorial Board Member at PLOS ONE and Global Open Share Publishing
🌍 Research Board Member of the Global Land Program
🧠 Participant in prestigious workshops and trainings on global health, climate change, and geospatial technologies

His commitment to continuous learning is further highlighted by specialized training in OpenCV, R programming, Python for geospatial data, and scientific writing.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Through his publications and peer review roles, Mr. Roba influences global conversations on sustainability, climate change, and urban-environment interactions. His research has informed strategies on forest cover restoration, soil erosion, urban planning, and carbon stock assessments, particularly in Ethiopia's diverse ecosystems. He also contributes to capacity building through community-focused trainings and academic leadership.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Mr. Roba’s legacy is anchored in interdisciplinary scholarship, policy-relevant research, and academic mentorship. As Dean, he is nurturing the next generation of environmental scientists and GIS experts. Looking ahead, he aspires to deepen international collaborations, expand his work on climate adaptation strategies, and promote the integration of advanced geospatial tools into sustainable development planning. With a unique blend of scientific rigor, practical application, and visionary leadership, Mr. Zenebe Reta Roba stands as a beacon in the fields of environmental science, remote sensing, and resource economics.

Publications

📄 Assessment of soil erosion and sediment yield in response to land use and land cover changes using geospatial techniques in Dumuga Watershed, Ethiopia

Authors: Zenebe Reta Roba, Mitiku Badasa Moisa, Sanju Purohit, Kiros Tsegay Deribew, Dessalegn Obsi Gemeda
Journal: All Earth
Year: 2025

📄 Quantifying urbanization-induced dynamics of urban sprawl using spatial metrics method in Adama City, Ethiopia

Authors: Shimelis Sishah Dagne, Hurgesa Hundera Hirpha, Addisu Teshome Tekoye, Zenebe Reta Roba, Mitiku Badasa Moisa
Journal: Cogent Social Sciences
Year: 2025

📄 Spatial analysis of urban expansion and its effects on land surface temperature using geospatial techniques in Addis Ababa and Shaggar Cities, Ethiopia

Authors: Mitiku Badasa Moisa, Dugassa Negash, Zenebe Reta Roba, Gemechu Debesa Wedajo, Kiros Tsegay Deribew, Fedhasa Benti, Dessalegn Obsi Gemeda
Journal: All Earth
Year: 2025

📄 Spatial analysis of land use and cover changes: Implications of green legacy initiative on climate action in Upper Awash Basin, Ethiopia

Authors: Zenebe Reta Roba, Mitiku Badasa Moisa, Tigist Girum Aymeku, Damena Edae Daba, Dessalegn Obsi Gemeda
Journal: Trees, Forests and People
Year: 2025

📄 Assessing the impacts of forest cover change on carbon stock and soil moisture dynamics using geospatial techniques: A case study of Nensebo forest, Southern Ethiopia

Authors: Zenebe Reta Roba, Mitiku Badasa Moisa, Sanju Purohit, Kiros Tsegay Deribew, Dessalegn Obsi Gemeda
Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
Year: 2025

Ling Han | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 19/02/202519/02/2025 by Book of Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ling Han | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Peking University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ling Han began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from East China Normal University. She then pursued both her Master’s and Ph.D. in Environmental Planning and Management at Peking University. Her early research laid the foundation for her lifelong focus on environmental sustainability, circular economy, and industrial ecology.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Han is an Associate Professor at the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University. She has dedicated her career to advancing urban and industrial sustainable transitions, emphasizing circularity and inclusion. As one of the pioneering scholars in China to study material flow analysis (MFA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), she has influenced national waste management policies and industrial sustainability strategies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Han has been at the forefront of research on post-consumer waste management. In 2000, she and her advisor proposed treating the waste recycling industry as the "fourth industry," advocating for a new industrial system aligned with circular economy principles. Over the past five years, she has used coupled MFA-LCA, agent-based modeling (ABM), and optimization methods to analyze material flow evolution in solid waste generation, mobility, and utilization.

Her major research projects include:
📌 National Key R&D Program on solid waste, studying the interaction between environmental resources and solid waste.
📌 Sino-Dutch NSF collaboration on inclusive circular economy, proposing a community-driven post-consumption waste management system.
📌 Research on urban kitchen waste composting, integrating garden waste for carbon sequestration and soil improvement.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Han’s innovative contributions have earned her numerous research grants and prestigious roles in international collaborations. She has played a key role in national sustainability policies, advising on carbon peak strategies and low-carbon certification technologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Dr. Han has significantly influenced sustainable education. In 2018, she launched the "Sustainable Campus Practice" course at Peking University, guiding students to identify and solve real-world sustainability challenges. Her efforts have fostered a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Han continues to shape the future of industrial sustainability and circular economy models. She remains committed to advancing research on biomass resource utilization and decision-making support for waste management. Her work will play a crucial role in achieving global sustainability goals and fostering a greener, more inclusive world.

Publications

📄 "Does the Household Clean Energy Transition Benefit the Mental Health of the Elderly in Rural China? Evidence from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study"

Authors: Hengxing Yin, Ling Han, Li Yan, Chenhao Liu
Journal: Environment International
Year: 2025

📄 "Assessing the Sustainability Performances of the Supply Chain of Decentralized Urban Food Waste Composting for Urban Green Spaces"

Authors: Wenrui Shen, Haoran Qiao, Xin Tong, Yilong Xiao, Ling Han
Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling Advances
Year: 2025

Saeid Mehdizadeh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 22/08/202422/08/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Saeid Mehdizadeh | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Urmia University | Iran

Author Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Saeid Mehdizadeh began his academic journey at Urmia University in Iran, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Water Engineering Sciences in 2008, followed by a Master's degree in the same field in 2010. His academic performance was consistently outstanding, with GPAs reflecting his dedication and deep understanding of water engineering sciences. He continued his education at Urmia University, where he obtained his PhD in Water Engineering Sciences in 2017, with a remarkable GPA of 19.18/20. His early academic endeavors laid a strong foundation for his future research and professional success.

🛠️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Mehdizadeh's professional journey is marked by his contributions to the field of water engineering, with a focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence, and optimization algorithms. His work is centered on hydrology, hydrological modeling, drought and flood prediction, river streamflow, rainfall, evaporation, and evapotranspiration. His expertise in these areas has led him to publish numerous influential papers in high-impact journals. Additionally, he has played a significant role in peer review, serving as an outstanding reviewer for prestigious journals like the Journal of Cleaner Production, and as a guest editor for a special issue of the Water Journal.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mehdizadeh's research contributions are extensive and impactful, particularly in the application of advanced machine learning models and hybrid techniques to solve complex hydrological problems. His work on the development of wavelet-based hybrid models and the integration of artificial intelligence with time series analysis has provided significant advancements in the modeling of environmental phenomena such as soil temperature, streamflow, and drought. His research is not only theoretical but also practical, offering solutions to real-world problems related to water resources management.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Mehdizadeh has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the field. In June 2018, he was recognized as an outstanding reviewer by the Journal of Cleaner Production, a testament to his expertise and dedication to maintaining high standards in scientific research. His role as a guest editor for the Water Journal further highlights his leadership in the academic community, where he has curated and overseen research on drought monitoring and modeling using advanced machine learning models.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Mehdizadeh's work has had a profound impact on the field of water engineering and beyond. His research has influenced the way hydrological models are developed and applied, particularly in the context of environmental management and climate change adaptation. His contributions to the understanding and prediction of hydrological phenomena have been widely recognized and cited by peers, underscoring his influence in both academic and practical domains.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Mehdizadeh continues to advance his research, his legacy in the field of water engineering is firmly established. His work on machine learning and artificial intelligence in hydrology sets the stage for future innovations and applications that will further enhance our ability to manage and protect water resources. His ongoing contributions are expected to continue shaping the future of water engineering, with a lasting impact on both the scientific community and society at large.

Publications 📚

📄Deep Learning Hybrid Models with Multivariate Variational Mode Decomposition for Estimating Daily Solar Radiation
Authors: Shahab S. Band, Sultan Noman Qasem, Rasoul Ameri, Hao-Ting Pai, Brij B. Gupta, Saeid Mehdizadeh, Amir Mosavi
Journal: Alexandria Engineering Journal
Year: 2024

📄Development of Wavelet-Based Hybrid Models to Enhance Daily Soil Temperature Modeling: Application of Entropy and τ-Kendall Pre-Processing Techniques
Authors: Saeid Mehdizadeh, Farshad Ahmadi, Ali Kouzehkalani Sales
Journal: Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment
Year: 2023

📄Improving the Performance of Random Forest for Estimating Monthly Reservoir Inflow via Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition and Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Farshad Ahmadi, Saeid Mehdizadeh, Vahid Nourani
Journal: Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment
Year: 2022

📄Establishing Coupled Models for Estimating Daily Dew Point Temperature Using Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithms
Authors: Saeid Mehdizadeh, Babak Mohammadi, Farshad Ahmadi
Journal: Hydrology
Year: 2022

📄A Novel Hybrid Dragonfly Optimization Algorithm for Agricultural Drought Prediction
Authors: Pouya Aghelpour, Babak Mohammadi, Saeid Mehdizadeh, Hadigheh Bahrami-Pichaghchi, Zheng Duan
Journal: Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment
Year: 2021

Elysée Noromalala Rasoamanana | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 22/02/202423/02/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Elysée Noromalala Rasoamanana | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

University of Antananarivo | Madagascar

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Elysée Noromalala Rasoamanana pursued a Master's and a PhD in Plant Sciences at the University of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Dr. Rasoamanana's academic journey laid the foundation for expertise in plant biology and ecology.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Rasoamanana has held various roles, including researcher, lecturer, and environmental consultant. Dr. Rasoamanana's experiences span from academia to practical fieldwork, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Rasoamanana's research focuses on understanding the ecology and conservation of Madagascar's unique flora, particularly baobab trees. Dr. Rasoamanana's work delves into the reproductive mechanisms, population dynamics, and ecological interactions of these iconic species.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Rasoamanana has received several prestigious fellowships and grants, recognizing his contributions to ecological research and conservation efforts in Madagascar. These include awards from organizations like the British Ecological Society and the International Primatological Society.

Impact and Influence

Through research and outreach activities, Dr. Rasoamanana has raised awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental practices in Madagascar. Dr. Rasoamanana's work has influenced policies and practices for the protection of endangered plant species.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Rasoamanana's legacy lies in his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering environmental stewardship in Madagascar. Dr. Rasoamanana's future contributions are poised to further enrich our understanding of plant ecology and contribute to conservation efforts worldwide.

Notable Publications

Morphologie pollinique de la ﬂore de la Réserve Spéciale d’Ankarana, Madagascar 2019

Pollen wall ultrastructure of the genus Adansonia L. species 2014 (8)

Sphingidae as likely pollinators of Madagascar's baobabs | Les Sphingidae, probables pollinisateurs des baobabs malgaches 2011 (12)

Cicelin Rakotomahazo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on 19/01/202419/01/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Cicelin Rakotomahazo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines | Madagascar

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Cicelin Rakotomahazo, born on February 25, 1987, in Antsenavolo/Mananjary, Madagascar, is a dedicated marine conservation enthusiast. He holds a BSc in Fisheries and Aquaculture (2010), an MSc in Applied Oceanology (2013), and recently earned his PhD in Marine Science and Fisheries (2022) from the Institut Halieutiques et des Sciences Marines, University of Toliara, Madagascar.

Professional Endeavors

Rakotomahazo's professional journey has been deeply intertwined with marine conservation. Since 2012, he has been associated with Blue Ventures Conservation Madagascar. His roles evolved from a Seaweed Farming Technician to a pivotal position as the Mangrove and Blue Carbon Coordinator, demonstrating adaptability and commitment.

Contributions and Research Focus

Cicelin's contributions extend beyond his employment. He has authored impactful publications, exploring topics like payment for ecosystem services (PES) schemes for mangroves and community perceptions of PES projects. His work reflects a focus on participatory planning, socio-economic science, and the communication of mangrove carbon projects.

Accolades and Recognition

Rakotomahazo's dedication has earned him notable recognition. In 2017, he received the Australian Award Fellow on the Blue Economy, and in 2018-2019, he was granted by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association Symposium (WIOMSA) through the Marine Research Grant I (MARG I).

Impact and Influence

Cicelin's impact is evident in his role as Mangrove and Blue Carbon Coordinator, overseeing community-led mangrove carbon projects. His engagement in training workshops, conferences, and the Blue Economy Fellowship showcases his influence in the marine science and conservation domain.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Rakotomahazo's legacy lies in the sustainable management of marine ecosystems, especially mangroves. His multidimensional expertise in marine biology, fisheries, blue economy, and community-based conservation positions him as a driving force in the field. With an impressive track record, he is poised to contribute significantly to future marine policies, governance, and conservation efforts.

Notable Publications

Community Perceptions of a Payment for Ecosystem Services Project in Southwest Madagascar: A Preliminary Study 2021 (5)

Mangrove Carbon Stocks and Ecosystem Cover Dynamics in Southwest Madagascar and the Implications for Local Management 2017 (52)

Influence of environmental factors and farming technique on growth and health of farmed Kappaphycus alvarezii (cottonii) in south-west Madagascar 2014 (47)