Koorosh Goudarzi | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Koorosh Goudarzi | Water Resources Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mechanical Engineering at Yasouj University, Iran

Kourosh Goudarzi is currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Yasouj University. He has cultivated a distinguished academic and research career focused on mechanical engineering, particularly in the areas of energy conversion and heat transfer systems. His teaching and research efforts have significantly contributed to advancements in thermal energy utilization and computational fluid dynamics. Through his numerous publications and active involvement in educational development, he has established himself as a respected figure in Iran’s engineering academia.

Profile

Scopus

EDUCATION:

Dr. Goudarzi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Heat and Fluids from Persian Gulf University, awarded in 2001. His undergraduate project explored the aerodynamics of vehicles and their effect on fuel consumption. He earned his Master’s degree in 2003 in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Energy Conversion from Iran University of Science and Technology, where he worked on numerical simulations of flow in spark-ignition internal combustion engines. In 2008, he completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the same university, with a dissertation centered on experimental and analytical studies of contact heat transfer in internal combustion engines.

EXPERIENCE:

Dr. Goudarzi has extensive teaching experience across various institutions, including Iran University of Science and Technology, Arak University of Technology, and Yasouj University. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses such as Applied Thermodynamics, Heat Transfer, Internal Combustion Engines, Turbo-machinery, Thermal Systems, and Computational Fluid Dynamics. Beyond classroom teaching, he has actively supervised over 120 undergraduate projects, more than 35 master’s theses, and has contributed as an advisor and co-advisor on doctoral dissertations. He has also conducted numerous workshops on software tools and energy management for academic and industrial audiences.

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Dr. Goudarzi’s research is rooted in thermal sciences, with primary interests in thermal energy systems, heat transfer (including thermal radiation), and energy efficiency in industrial systems. He has a strong focus on the recovery of waste heat and optimization of energy consumption, reflecting both theoretical and applied approaches. His recent work also delves into computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and its application to energy systems and internal combustion engine performance. Additionally, he has contributed to solar thermal energy research, especially in enhancing the efficiency of heat transfer in evacuated tube collectors using magnetic nanofluids.

AWARDS:

Dr. Goudarzi’s achievements have garnered institutional recognition, particularly for his role in supervising award-winning theses and advancing energy-related research projects. He was nominated for institutional honors at Yasouj University for excellence in research and mentoring, as well as for his contributions to the field of thermal energy systems. His academic service and impactful scientific work have placed him in nomination for the Award Nomination Application Form under the category of “Best Researcher in Mechanical Engineering.”

PUBLICATIONS:

Dr. Goudarzi has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles that reflect his expertise in energy and thermal sciences. Notable recent publications include:

  1. “Potential of condensate as a water source from air conditioning systems: A thermodynamic analysis,” published in the Journal of Applied Research in Water and Wastewater (JARWW), 2024 — cited by 5 articles.

  2. “Numerical investigation of the performance improvement of instantaneous gas water heater by introducing new geometries for the heat exchanger,” in the Journal of Building Engineering, Volume 89, 2024 — cited by 7 articles.

  3. “Experimental analysis of contact heat transfer in IC engines using different cylinder materials,” Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 2022 — cited by 11 articles.

  4. “CFD simulation of radiative heat transfer in solar thermal systems,” Applied Thermal Engineering, 2021 — cited by 14 articles.

  5. “Energy optimization of industrial systems through waste heat recovery,” Energy Reports, 2020 — cited by 10 articles.

  6. “Use of magnetic nanofluids in thermal collectors: a case study,” Renewable Energy, 2019 — cited by 9 articles.

  7. “Thermal radiation modeling in high-temperature gas heaters,” Heat and Mass Transfer, 2018 — cited by 13 articles.

CONCLUSION:

Dr. Kourosh Goudarzi embodies the ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award, demonstrating a robust academic foundation, diverse teaching portfolio, extensive research contributions, and dedicated service to scientific advancement. His work in energy systems optimization and applied thermodynamics significantly contributes to both academic knowledge and practical industry solutions, validating his suitability for this prestigious recognition.

 

Komal Jabeen | Urban Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms Komal Jabeen | Urban Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Researcher, University of Genoa, Italy

Komal Jabeen is a dedicated environmental engineer and researcher specializing in fluid dynamics, urban hydrology, and nature-based solutions for climate resilience. With a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Genoa, Italy, and a Gold Medalist MS in Environmental Sciences from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan, she has a strong academic foundation. Her research focuses on urban flood resilience, evapotranspiration, and groundwater sustainability. Komal is also an experienced educator, having worked as a Science Teacher and SST Subject Specialist in Pakistan. She is proficient in GIS, Python, and numerical modeling, and has presented her work at international conferences like EGU and ICUD.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Komal holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Genoa, Italy (2022–present), focusing on urban hydrology and climatology. She earned her MS in Environmental Sciences (Gold Medalist) from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan (2016–2018), with a thesis on groundwater sustainability using GIS. Her BS in Environmental Sciences (2012–2016) from the same university involved primary data analysis of water and soil quality. She also holds a Masters in Education from Government College University, Faisalabad (2017–2019), with a focus on instructional leadership.

Experience 💼

Komal is currently a PhD Researcher at the University of Genoa, Italy (2022–present), working on urban flood resilience and nature-based solutions. Previously, she served as an SST Subject Specialist with the Federal Government Educational Institutes Directorate, Pakistan (2021–2022), and as a Science Teacher in Punjab, Pakistan (2017–2021). Her teaching experience spans secondary education, where she contributed to shaping school culture and professional learning communities.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Komal was awarded the Gold Medal for her MS in Environmental Sciences (2016–2018) at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. She has also presented her research at prestigious conferences like EGU 2024 and ICUD-2024, showcasing her work on evapotranspiration and groundwater sustainability.

Research Focus 🔍

Komal’s research focuses on urban hydrology, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions. She investigates the role of vegetation in urban flood resilience, evapotranspiration in hydrologic restoration, and groundwater sustainability using numerical modeling. Her work also explores green roof hydrologic performance under future climate scenarios, contributing to sustainable urban planning.

Publication Top Notes 📚

  1. Continuous Simulations for Predicting Green Roof Hydrologic Performance for Future Climate Scenarios
  2. Using Numerical Modeling to Analyze the Groundwater Sustainability of Indus River Sub Basin Aquifer

Conclusion 🌱

Komal Jabeen is a passionate researcher and educator, blending her expertise in environmental engineering with a commitment to sustainable solutions. Her work in urban hydrology, climate resilience, and groundwater sustainability highlights her dedication to addressing pressing environmental challenges. With a strong academic background, teaching experience, and international research contributions, Komal is a valuable contributor to the field of environmental sciences. 🌍✨

Lidan Hu | Environmental Hydrology | Young Scientist Award

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Mrs Lidan Hu | Environmental Hydrology | Young Scientist Award

Associate Professor, Zhejiang university, China

Lidan Hu is a Distinguished Associate Research Fellow at the National Clinical Research Center of the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine. She obtained her doctoral degree from Tsinghua University and later pursued postdoctoral research at the same institution. Her research primarily focuses on kidney disease, RNA metabolism, and genetic disorders, contributing significantly to medical science. She has received multiple awards for her innovative contributions and teaching excellence. Her work has been widely recognized in top-tier journals, covering topics like protein aggregation in cataracts, stress granules in neurological disorders, and cholesterol metabolism. Through her research, she has made groundbreaking advancements in enzyme activity and molecular mechanisms related to human diseases.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Google Scholar

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

Lidan Hu has demonstrated outstanding contributions to biomedical research, particularly in the fields of RNA metabolism, genetic diseases, and kidney-related studies. His significant work on lanosterol’s role in reversing protein aggregation in cataracts, as published in Nature, has received over 500 citations, showcasing its high impact. His research extends to cholesterol metabolism, stress granules, and viral infections, highlighting a diverse expertise in molecular biology and clinical applications. Additionally, his consistent publication record in high-impact journals and recognition through awards, including the Special Contribution Award – Innovation Award (2022) and the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation First-Class Funding (2017), further attest to his excellence.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

While Dr. Hu’s research contributions are substantial, an increased focus on clinical applications and translational research could enhance the direct impact of his findings on patient care. Additionally, further leadership roles in large-scale research collaborations or international projects could strengthen his global recognition.

EDUCATION 🎓

📌 2012.08—2017.07 – Tsinghua University (Doctoral Degree)
📌 2017.08—2020.07 – Postdoctoral Researcher, Tsinghua University

Lidan Hu earned her Ph.D. from Tsinghua University, where she focused on molecular biology, enzyme activity, and genetic disorders. During her postdoctoral research, she deepened her expertise in RNA metabolism and disease mechanisms. Her education laid a strong foundation for her contributions in clinical research, particularly in areas related to neurological disorders and metabolic diseases.

WORK EXPERIENCE 💼

📌 2020.08—Present – Distinguished Associate Research Fellow, National Clinical Research Center of the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University School of Medicine
📌 2017.08—2020.07 – Postdoctoral Researcher, Tsinghua University

Lidan Hu’s career has been marked by significant contributions to medical research, particularly in protein aggregation, metabolic disorders, and pediatric health. She currently works at Zhejiang University School of Medicine, where she plays a crucial role in clinical and translational research. Her expertise spans molecular mechanisms in kidney disease, stress granules, and enzyme activity, with numerous publications in prestigious journals.

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏆

🌟 2022 Special Contribution Award – Innovation Award, Zhejiang University
🌟 2022 Third Prize – Young Teacher Teaching Competition, Zhejiang University
🌟 2022 Excellent Social Practice Team – Zhejiang University Level
🌟 2017 First-Class Funding – China Postdoctoral Science Foundation
🌟 2017 First Prize – Poster Presentation at the National Enzymology Conference

These awards highlight her excellence in research, innovation, and teaching. Her groundbreaking discoveries in cataracts, enzyme mechanisms, and metabolic diseases have been widely acknowledged.

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

🧬 RNA Metabolism – Studying the role of RNA in genetic diseases and cellular mechanisms.
🔬 Genetic Disease – Investigating mutation-driven disorders and their impact on human health.
👁 Cataracts & Protein Aggregation – Exploring lanosterol’s effect on cataract-causing proteins.
🧪 Cholesterol Metabolism – Understanding how cholesterol affects cellular processes and diseases.
🧠 Stress Granules & Neurological Disorders – Studying their role in ALS and spinal muscular atrophy.
💉 Clinical Applications – Translating findings into medical treatments for metabolic diseases.

Her research has led to breakthroughs in enzyme activity, disease modeling, and biomolecular interactions.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📚

📖 Lanosterol reverses protein aggregation in cataracts – Nature
📖 Lanosterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol dissociate crystallin aggregates – Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
📖 Cataract-causing mutation S228P promotes βB1-crystallin aggregation – Protein & Cell
📖 Lanosterol modulates proteostasis via dissolving cytosolic sequestosomes – BBA-Molecular Cell Research
📖 Multiple functions of stress granules in viral infection at a glance – Frontiers in Microbiology
📖 Cholesterol metabolism: Physiological regulation and diseases – MedComm
📖 Screening novel stress granule regulators from a natural compound library – Protein & Cell
📖 A review of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine development in China – Vaccines
📖 Stress granules in spinal muscular atrophy and ALS – Neurobiology of Disease
📖 Epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus infection in pediatric patients – Journal of Medical Virology

Her highly cited research has been pivotal in understanding molecular mechanisms in various diseases.

CONCLUSION

Lidan Hu’s exceptional research contributions, highly cited publications, and academic accolades make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work has significantly advanced understanding in biomedical sciences, particularly in protein aggregation diseases, stress granules, and metabolic disorders, aligning with the award’s criteria for impactful and innovative research.

David Gwapedza – Water Resources Management – Best Researcher Award

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David Gwapedza - Water Resources Management - Best Researcher Award

Institute for Water Research - South Africa

AUTHOR PROFILE

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

DAVID GWAPEDZA, Ph.D.

David Gwapedza is a renowned expert in hydrological modeling, sediment transport modeling, and natural resource management, with extensive experience in African countries. He has demonstrated strong capabilities in providing intellectual leadership in collaborative research processes involving multiple partners in UKRI and WRC projects. David's strategic thinking allows him to conceptualize complex issues, write grant proposals, and lead impactful research projects.

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

David earned his Ph.D. in Hydrology from Rhodes University, South Africa, where he developed and evaluated the sediment yield model (WQSED) for catchment management in African regions. His research concentrated on hydrological modeling, erosion and sediment modeling, and catchment management. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Hydrology from Rhodes University and a BSS (Honours) degree in Geography and Population Studies from Lupane State University in Zimbabwe.

RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Currently, David is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Rhodes University, where he drafts manuscripts, presents findings at international conferences, and conducts independent research. He is also a Project Leader and Principal Researcher at the Water Research Commission, where he conceptualizes projects, facilitates collaboration with research partners, and supervises students. His work involves applying hydrological models, leading stakeholder engagement initiatives, and writing scientific publications.

David has also served as a Research Scientist for the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), where he developed online courses, facilitated stakeholder engagement workshops, and provided hydrological modeling support for project partners. His experience includes a PhD exchange program at Technische Universität Braunschweig, where he worked on hydrological modeling using the PANTA RHEI Model.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND PROJECT LEADERSHIP

David has a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and project leadership. He has supported stakeholder engagement for the UKRI-ARUA water project in Rwanda and Uganda, facilitated workshops with the Western Cape Government-LandCare, and collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund. His role as a Project Leader at the Water Research Commission involves supervising students, preparing budgets, and managing project implementation.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

David's excellence in research has been recognized through various awards and scholarships. Notably, he received the Rhodes University research scholarship and the Berkeley scholarship for the BGW workshop. He has also been awarded for the best poster at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, and received a scholarship from Santa Barbara University, California.

TEACHING AND MENTORING

David is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of hydrologists. He supervises postgraduate students, lectures on hydrology courses, and develops tailored lectures and workshops. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of practical application and stakeholder engagement in water resource management.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO GIS AND REMOTE SENSING

David's expertise extends to GIS and remote sensing. He has worked as a GIS Intern, where he monitored and evaluated water supply systems, mapped aquifers and water points, and provided GIS information to stakeholders. His technical skills in using GIS software to identify water sources and digitize maps have been instrumental in various research and consultancy projects.

Through his extensive research, leadership, and stakeholder engagement, David Gwapedza continues to make significant contributions to hydrological modeling, catchment management, and natural resource management in Africa. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also addresses critical water resource challenges in the region.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Modelling storm event-based sediment yield and assessing its heavy metal loading: case of Lake Victoria's Inner Murchison Bay catchment in Uganda 2024

Assessing soil erosion risk in a peri-urban catchment of the Lake Victoria basin 2023 (1)

Equity-based allocation criteria for water deficit periods: A case study in South Africa 2023 (2)

Regionalising MUSLE factors for application to a data-scarce catchment 2018 (19)

Prediction of sediment yield of the Inxu River catchment (South Africa) using the MUSLE 2021 (39)