Fahad Shahzad | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fahad Shahzad | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Beijing Forestry University | Pakistan

Dr. Fahad Shahzad is a leading researcher in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Analysis, specializing in environmental monitoring, vegetation dynamics, forest fire prediction, and sustainable forest management. With an h-index of 11, 19 published documents, and 353 total citations, his work demonstrates significant impact in applying advanced machine learning and geospatial techniques to ecological and environmental challenges. He has developed ensemble machine learning models for forest fire prediction in Pakistan and China, spatio-temporal analyses of vegetation stress under climatic variability, and biomass and carbon stock modeling in Northern China forests. His research also explores urban heat island effects and vegetation dynamics in major Pakistani cities, along with long-term land-use and forest fragmentation analyses in Portugal. Dr. Shahzad has contributed extensively to high-impact journals including Fire Ecology, Earth Science Informatics, Scientific Reports, and Ecological Informatics, and actively serves as a reviewer for leading international SCI journals. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across China, Pakistan, and Europe, he integrates tools such as R, Google Earth Engine, and GIS to generate data-driven insights for climate resilience and environmental management. His work bridges fundamental research and applied solutions, advancing predictive modeling and geospatial approaches for global sustainability, while mentoring early-career researchers and contributing to collaborative, cross-border scientific initiatives.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shahzad, F., Mehmood, K., Anees, S. A., Adnan, M., Muhammad, S., Haidar, I., Ali, J., Hussain, K., Feng, Z., & Khan, W. R. (2025). Advancing forest fire prediction: A multi-layer stacking ensemble model approach. Earth Science Informatics.

Hussain, K., Badshah, T., Mehmood, K., Rahman, A. U., Shahzad, F., Anees, S. A., Khan, W. R., & Yujun, S. (2025). Comparative analysis of sensors and classification algorithms for land cover classification in Islamabad, Pakistan. Earth Science Informatics.

Mehmood, K., Anees, S. A., Muhammad, S., Shahzad, F., Liu, Q., Khan, W. R., Shrahili, M., Ansari, M. J., & Dube, T. (2025). Machine learning and spatio temporal analysis for assessing ecological impacts of the Billion Tree Afforestation Project. Ecology and Evolution.

Ali, J., Haoran, W., Mehmood, K., Hussain, W., Iftikhar, F., Shahzad, F., Hussain, K., Qun, Y., & Zhongkui, J. (2025). Remote sensing and integration of machine learning algorithms for above-ground biomass estimation in Larix principis-rupprechtii Mayr plantations: A case study using Sentinel-2 and Landsat-9 data in northern China. Frontiers in Environmental Science.

Hussain, K., Mehmood, K., Anees, S. A., Ding, Z., Muhammad, S., Badshah, T., Shahzad, F., Haidar, I., Wahab, A., Ali, J., et al. (2025). Retraction notice to “Assessing forest fragmentation due to land use changes from 1992 to 2023: A spatio-temporal analysis using remote sensing data” [Heliyon 10 (2024) e34710]. Heliyon.

Anees, S. A., Mehmood, K., Raza, S. I. H., Pfautsch, S., Shah, M., Jamjareegulgarn, P., Shahzad, F., Alarfaj, A. A., Alharbi, S. A., Khan, W. R., et al. (2025). Spatiotemporal analysis of surface Urban Heat Island intensity and the role of vegetation in six major Pakistani cities. Ecological Informatics.

Anees, S. A., Mehmood, K., Khan, W. R., Shahzad, F., Zhran, M., Ayub, R., Alarfaj, A. A., Alharbi, S. A., & Liu, Q. (2025). Spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation cover: Integrative machine learning analysis of multispectral imagery and environmental predictors. Earth Science Informatics.

Al-Tameemi, N., Zhang, X., Shahzad, F., Mehmood, K., Xiao, L., & Zhou, J. (2025). From trends to drivers: Vegetation degradation and land-use change in Babil and Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq (2000–2023). Remote Sensing.

Hussain, K., Mehmood, K., Yujun, S., Badshah, T., Anees, S. A., Shahzad, F., Nooruddin, Ali, J., & Bilal, M. (2024). Analysing LULC transformations using remote sensing data: Insights from a multilayer perceptron neural network approach. Annals of GIS.

Mehmood, K., Anees, S. A., Muhammad, S., Hussain, K., Shahzad, F., Liu, Q., Ansari, M. J., Alharbi, S. A., & Khan, W. R. (2024). Analyzing vegetation health dynamics across seasons and regions through NDVI and climatic variables. Scientific Reports.

Hussain, K., Mehmood, K., Anees, S. A., Ding, Z., Muhammad, S., Badshah, T., Shahzad, F., Haidar, I., Wahab, A., Ali, J., et al. (2024). Assessing forest fragmentation due to land use changes from 1992 to 2023: A spatio-temporal analysis using remote sensing data. Heliyon.

Dhaarna | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Dhaarna | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

CEPT University | India

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

🎓 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


Zenebe Reta Roba | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

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


Taeyeol Jung | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Taeyeol Jung | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Kyungpook National University | South Korea

Author profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Taeyeol Jung embarked on his academic journey at Kyungpook National University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1987. His academic prowess and passion for landscape architecture led him to Tokyo Institute of Technology, where he obtained both his Master of Arts in 1998 and his Ph.D. in 2001. These formative years laid the foundation for his distinguished career in landscape architecture, particularly in the fields of Korean traditional landscape design and urban regeneration.

🌍 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Jung’s professional career spans several decades, marked by significant contributions to both academia and industry. After completing his Ph.D., he gained valuable experience working with Tokyo Landscape Architects, INC. in Japan from 1990 to 2002. He then moved to Seoul, Korea, where he continued his professional journey with Soul Landscape Co., Ltd., from 2003 to 2012. His extensive industry experience enriched his academic role when he joined Kyungpook National University as a professor in 2012, where he has been a key figure in landscape architecture education and research.

🏞️ Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Jung's research is deeply rooted in landscape planning and design, with a strong emphasis on Korean traditional landscape design and restoration. His work also extends to urban regeneration and ground landscape planning and design, where he utilizes cutting-edge technologies such as deep learning and machine learning to analyze and interpret landscape perceptions and urban environments. His research outputs include studies on tourists’ emotional experiences, restorative perceptions of urban streets, and the aesthetic characteristics of historical landscapes like Mount Tai.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Jung's expertise and contributions to the field have earned him recognition in both academic and professional circles. His work on urban streets and landscape aesthetics, often employing innovative methodologies such as Google Street View and deep learning, has been widely published and respected. His role as a professor at Kyungpook National University further solidifies his standing as a leading expert in landscape architecture, particularly in the areas of urban regeneration and traditional landscape restoration.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Jung's impact on the field of landscape architecture is profound. His integration of traditional Korean landscape principles with modern urban design has influenced both academic research and practical applications. His work not only enhances the aesthetic and functional aspects of landscapes but also addresses the psychological well-being of urban residents. By bridging traditional and contemporary approaches, Dr. Jung has significantly contributed to the evolving discourse on sustainable and restorative urban environments.

🌿 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Jung’s legacy is one of innovation, tradition, and dedication to enhancing the human experience through landscape architecture. His ongoing research and teaching continue to inspire a new generation of landscape architects who will carry forward his commitment to sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and psychologically restorative environments. As urban landscapes face new challenges, Dr. Jung's contributions will remain a guiding force in shaping the future of cities and their green spaces.

Publications 📖


  • 📖 Changes in Wuhan’s Carbon Stocks and Their Spatial Distributions in 2050 under Multiple Projection Scenarios
    Authors: Yujie Zhang, Xiaoyu Wang, Lei Zhang, Hongbin Xu, Taeyeol Jung, Lei Xiao
    Journal: Sustainability
    Year: 2024

  • 📖 Analysing the causes of tourists’ emotional experience related to tourist attractions from a binary emotions perspective utilising machine learning models
    Authors: Yin, X., Jung, T.
    Journal: Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research
    Year: 2024

  • 📖 ‘Thousand Years of Charm’: Exploring the Aesthetic Characteristics of the Mount Tai Landscape from the Cross-Textual Perspective
    Authors: Yu, Y., Liu, B., Ma, L., Han, X., Jung, T.
    Journal: Land
    Year: 2023

  • 📖 Analysis of spatial perception and the influencing factors of attractions in Southwest China’s ethnic minority areas: The case of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
    Authors: Yin, X., Han, X., Jung, T.
    Journal: PLoS ONE
    Year: 2023

  • 📖 Restorative perception of urban streets: Interpretation using deep learning and MGWR models
    Authors: Han, X., Wang, L., He, J., Jung, T.
    Journal: Frontiers in Public Health
    Year: 2023

 

 

 

Md Naimur Rahman | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Md Naimur Rahman | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology | Bangladesh

Author profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Md Naimur Rahman's academic journey began with a strong foundation in science at The Millennium Stars School and College, Rangpur, followed by Notre Dame College, Dhaka, where he excelled in his Higher Secondary and Secondary School Certificate examinations. His passion for urban planning emerged during his Bachelor's and ongoing Master's studies at Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET), where he achieved top honors with a remarkable CGPA of 3.91.

Professional Endeavors

Mr. Rahman's professional career has seen significant growth. Starting as an intern at Sheltech Consultants (Pvt.) Ltd., he swiftly transitioned to an Assistant Urban Planner, contributing actively from March 2023 to January 2024. Currently, he serves as a Lecturer at RUET's Department of Urban & Regional Planning, a role that underscores his dedication to both academia and practical urban development.

Contributions and Research Focus

His research contributions focus on critical urban issues, including housing satisfaction assessments, land use dynamics impacting temperature variations, and the environmental impacts of urban expansion on carbon emissions. His studies, such as those examining urban residential satisfaction and sustainability indicators, are pivotal in shaping sustainable urban development strategies in Bangladesh.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Mr. Rahman has garnered multiple scholarships and awards, including prestigious recognitions from the H.S.C, S.S.C, and J.S.C Board scholarships, underscoring his consistent academic excellence and commitment to urban planning research.

Impact and Influence

Through his professional engagements and academic pursuits, Mr. Rahman has made a tangible impact on urban planning practices in Bangladesh. His research outputs contribute to informed decision-making and policy formulation aimed at sustainable urban development.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Mr. Rahman aims to further expand his research portfolio in urban and regional planning, addressing emerging challenges such as climate resilience, urban mobility, and equitable urban development. His future contributions are poised to influence urban policy and practice, shaping sustainable cities for future generations.

 

Notable Publications

Assessing the impact of urban expansion on carbon emission 2024

Analyzing the Pattern of Land Use Land Cover Change and its Impact on Land Surface Temperature: A Remote Sensing Approach in Mymensingh, Bangladesh 2020 (27)

An Assessment on the Housing Satisfaction of Padma Residential Area, Rajshahi 2020 (4)

Assessing Satisfaction Level of Urban Residential Area: A Comparative Study Based on Resident’s Perception in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh 2019 (11)