Fatemeh Fathi | Risk management | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Fatemeh Fathi | Risk management | Best Researcher Award

associate professor of Agricultural economics | Shiraz University | Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatemeh Fathi, an Associate Professor in Agricultural Economics at Shiraz University, focuses her research on sustainable agricultural systems, environmental economics, and the optimization of resource management under uncertainty. Her work integrates economic and environmental dimensions to address challenges in energy policy, climate change adaptation, and food security. She has contributed to studies examining the relationship between energy consumption, carbon emissions, and income in Iran, highlighting how economic structures impact environmental sustainability. Her research explores the effects of economic risk management on agricultural productivity, such as sugar beet production under varying irrigation regimes, and evaluates strategies for water resource management in watershed systems affected by climate change. Fatemeh Fathi’s investigations into the Iranian meat market provide insights into the consequences of energy subsidy reforms and their implications for food security and environmental sustainability. Using advanced analytical tools such as game theory and portfolio theory, she develops models for managing environmental and financial risks in agricultural sectors, with applications in seed maize and wheat production. Her scholarly contributions extend to international collaborations and conferences addressing the integration of environmental and economic strategies in agricultural development. She co-authored a book chapter on policy frameworks for climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing adaptive strategies for sustainable farming practices. Through her comprehensive research, Fatemeh Fathi contributes to shaping policy and management approaches that balance economic growth with environmental preservation, fostering a resilient agricultural economy capable of withstanding future climate and market uncertainties.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID
Fearuted Publications:

Adewale Isaac Olutumise | Environmental Risk | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Assist. Prof. Dr. Adewale Isaac Olutumise | Environmental Risk | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer | Adekunle Ajasin University | Nigeria

Adewale Isaac Olutumise is a distinguished researcher in Agricultural Economics with a strong focus on environmental and production economics, particularly emphasizing the intersection of climate change, agricultural productivity, and rural welfare. His research explores the socioeconomic dynamics of climate adaptation, food security, and sustainable agricultural systems in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Adewale’s extensive scholarly contributions include studies on climate variability, noise pollution impacts on food markets, and adaptation strategies among crop and livestock farmers. His work integrates econometric modeling and policy-oriented analysis to address agricultural inefficiencies, income inequality, and environmental challenges affecting rural livelihoods. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in international journals such as Theoretical and Applied Climatology, Agricultural and Food Economics, Discover Sustainability, and Journal of Thermal Biology, contributing to global discussions on resilience and sustainability in food systems. His academic engagements extend to supervising postgraduate research, conducting field-based quantitative studies, and participating in multidisciplinary projects that link agriculture with environmental policy and welfare economics. As a Senior Lecturer at Adekunle Ajasin University and Research Fellow at Walter Sisulu University, Adewale has also presented his findings at several international conferences, including those organized by IIFET and NAAE. His research portfolio demonstrates a consistent commitment to understanding the economic implications of environmental stressors and developing adaptive mechanisms that enhance productivity, equity, and sustainable livelihoods in agrarian economies.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar
Featured Publications:

Ajayi, C. O., & Olutumise, A. I. (2018). Determinants of food security and technical efficiency of cassava farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, 21(7), 915–928.

Olutumise, A. I. (2023). Impact of credit on the climate adaptation utilization among food crop farmers in Southwest, Nigeria: Application of endogenous treatment Poisson regression model. Agricultural and Food Economics, 11(1), 7.

Oseni, J. O., Olutumise, A. I., & Olutumise, B. O. (2018). Performance evaluation of cocoa marketing in Osun State, Nigeria. Jurnal Perspektif Pembiayaan dan Pembangunan Daerah, 6(1), 97–112.

Olutumise, A. I., Ajibefun, I. A., & Omonijo, A. G. (2021). Effect of climate variability on healthcare expenditure of food crop farmers in Southwest, Nigeria. International Journal of Biometeorology, 65(6), 951–961.

Olutumise, A. I. (2022). Determinants of market participation and preference for production of pepper (Capsicum spp.) among farmers in Southwest, Nigeria. Heliyon, 8(9).

Erik C. Backus – Construction Management – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Civil Engineering Awards

Erik C. Backus - Construction Management - Best Researcher Award

Clarkson University - United States

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

SUMMARY

Dr. Erik C. Backus is a recognized leader in construction engineering and facility decision-making, currently serving as Professor and Director of the Construction Engineering Management (CEM) program at Clarkson University. His career spans academia, the military, and public infrastructure, blending leadership, research, and strategic planning. A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he has managed multimillion-dollar construction projects globally. His work emphasizes sustainability, resilience, and holistic planning. Through teaching, publications, and service, Dr. Backus advances infrastructure innovation while mentoring future engineers and influencing policy on energy-efficient, sustainable, and smart facilities.

EDUCATION

Dr. Backus holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science from Clarkson University, where he developed a decision-making framework for facilities management. He also earned Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering, concentrating on construction engineering and infrastructure technologies. His academic journey underpins his expertise in strategic facility planning, systems thinking, and construction innovation. His doctoral work forms the foundation of his contributions to sustainable planning systems and resilient infrastructure. By combining rigorous technical education with practical experience, Dr. Backus has built a reputation for bridging the gap between engineering theory and the challenges faced in real-world facility operations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Backus’s extensive experience includes academic, military, and institutional leadership roles. He has directed Clarkson University's CEM program since 2014, leading curriculum development, research, and industry partnerships. His previous roles include Engineering Planner and Project Manager at George Mason University and Chief of Engineering at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. A U.S. Army combat veteran, he managed infrastructure in conflict zones, overseeing over $300 million in projects. He has also served as Battalion Commander, Design Engineer, and Project Officer in the Army Reserve. These diverse roles reflect a career committed to excellence, resilience, and sustainable construction practices.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Dr. Backus focuses on decision-making frameworks for facilities and infrastructure projects, sustainable construction methods, and community resilience. His research integrates engineering design, data-driven planning, and sustainable systems, including LEED for Communities certification. He is the lead investigator in studies assessing holistic planning in multi-jurisdictional regions and contributes to the New York State Climate Impacts Assessment. He explores how facilities systems can adapt to environmental challenges through informed, strategic decisions. His research bridges environmental engineering, infrastructure development, and policy, offering transformative solutions for smart, resilient, and efficient built environments in education, defense, and municipal sectors.

AWARD AND HONOR

Dr. Backus has received numerous awards including the Bronze Star Medal, Best Paper Awards, and honors from APPA and USGBC. He was named “Professor to Know” in Civil Engineering and has been a recipient of community leadership awards such as the USGBC Community Leader of the Quarter. His Army commendations reflect excellence in combat engineering and public works, while academic awards highlight his teaching impact and research contributions. Recognized for sustainable infrastructure leadership, he played a central role in securing the first multi-jurisdictional LEED for Communities certification, illustrating his pioneering role in green urban planning.

RESEARCH SKILL

Dr. Backus brings expert-level knowledge in infrastructure decision-making, facilities management, sustainability assessment, and project planning. He is skilled in software like AutoCAD, ArcGIS, MS Project, and RS Means for estimating. His technical strengths include LEED certification processes, construction programming, resilience planning, and informatics for facility management. He has led facility-related consulting initiatives, authored national guidelines, and applied systems thinking to climate impacts. Dr. Backus’s research skills extend to integrating technical standards with strategic policy, enabling high-performance building systems. He combines military engineering precision with academic insight to drive sustainable and resilient infrastructure practices.

PUBLICATIONS

  • Title: Balancing practicality and aspiration: A comparative analysis of sustainable holistic planning system toolkit designs

  • Authors: Anne E. Mosher (A.E. Mosher), Stephen D. Bird (S.D. Bird), Santosh K. Mahapatra (S.K. Mahapatra), Joséph D. Skufca (J.D. Skufca), Erik Carl Backus (E.C. Backus)

  • Journal: Landscape and Urban Planning

CONCLUSION

Dr. Erik C. Backus stands at the intersection of engineering practice, academic leadership, and public service. His interdisciplinary expertise enables him to develop sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective infrastructure systems. As a veteran, educator, and planner, he blends rigorous research with practical implementation, influencing policy and teaching the next generation of engineers. With proven leadership in military and civilian sectors, and a strong publication and grant record, Dr. Backus continues to drive progress in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable facility management. His work exemplifies innovation and integrity in advancing the built environment for communities and institutions alike.