Mahmoud Darwish |  Geology and Hydrogeology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Darwish |  Geology and Hydrogeology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor | New Valley University | Egypt

Dr. Mahmoud H. Darwish is an Assistant Professor of Applied Geology at the Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharga, Egypt, specializing in Hydrogeology, Applied Geological and Environmental Sciences, GIS modeling, and Remote Sensing applications. He holds a B.Sc. in Geology, an M.Sc. in Geology, and a Ph.D. in Stratigraphy and Palaeontology, reflecting a strong academic foundation in earth sciences. Throughout his career, he has served in various academic and research capacities, including senior geological research and departmental coordination, demonstrating effective leadership, mentorship, and administrative excellence. Dr. Darwish has actively contributed to numerous scientific projects and participated in organizing national and international conferences and workshops, enhancing collaboration and scientific exchange. His research addresses critical environmental challenges such as groundwater management, water quality assessment, surface water sustainability, and flash flood impact mitigation, producing impactful publications with a notable citation record and an h-index of seven. His scholarly influence is evidenced by his high research interest score and consistent academic engagement. Dr. Darwish is a recognized member of professional societies, including the Egyptian Geological Society, the Scientific Professions Syndicate, and the Club of Earth and Space Sciences. His dedication, scientific rigor, and commitment to advancing geological and environmental knowledge have earned him distinction and acknowledgment within the academic community, positioning him as a deserving candidate for recognition through this award.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Seddik, A. M. A., Darwish, M. H., Azer, M. K., & Asimow, P. D. (2020). Assessment of magmatic versus post-magmatic processes in the Mueilha rare-metal granite, Eastern Desert of Egypt, Arabian-Nubian Shield. Lithos, 366, 105542.

2. Abuamarah, B. A., Azer, M. K., Seddik, A. M. A., Asimow, P. D., Guzman, P., Fultz, B. T., … Darwish, M. H. (2022). Magmatic and post-magmatic evolution of post-collisional rare-metal bearing granite: The Neoproterozoic Homrit Akarem Granitic Intrusion, South Eastern Desert of Egypt, Arabian-Nubian Shield. Geochemistry, 82(1), 125840.

3. Farrag, A. A., Megahed, H. A., & Darwish, M. H. (2019). Remote sensing, GIS and chemical analysis for assessment of environmental impacts on rising of groundwater around Kima Company, Aswan, Egypt. Bulletin of the National Research Centre, 43, 16.

4. Megahed, H. A., GabAllah, H. M., Ramadan, R. H., Abdelrahman, M. A. E., & Darwish, M. H. (2023). Groundwater quality assessment using multi-criteria GIS modeling in drylands: A case study at El-Farafra Oasis, Egyptian Western Desert. Water, 15(7), 1376.

5. Darwish, M. H., & Galal, W. F. (2019). Spatiotemporal effects of wastewater ponds from a geoenvironmental perspective in the Kharga region, Egypt. Progress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment, 43, 12.

Dr. Mahmoud H. Darwish’s research advances sustainable management of groundwater and environmental resources in arid regions through innovative applications of geology, hydrogeochemistry, GIS, and remote sensing. His work provides critical insights for mitigating water scarcity, guiding environmental policy, and supporting sustainable development across desert ecosystems and resource-limited communities worldwide.

Kyoung-Joo Hwang | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kyoung-Joo Hwang | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Staff Scientist at Southwest Research Institute, United States

Dr. Kyoung-Joo Hwang is a leading space physicist specializing in magnetospheric dynamics, magnetic reconnection, and wave-particle interactions. With a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College and advanced degrees from KAIST and Korea University, he has held key research positions at NASA Goddard and currently serves as a Principal Scientist at Southwest Research Institute. Dr. Hwang has led and contributed to major NASA proposals (H-FORT, MIDEX, SMEX) and secured numerous competitive grants as PI or Co-I. His research has produced around 90 peer-reviewed publications, several of which have been highlighted by NASA, ESA, and AGU. He is active in spacecraft data validation, open software development, and serves as a topic editor and reviewer for top journals. As a recognized international collaborator and ISSI team leader, he also organizes sessions at major space science conferences. Dr. Hwang’s exceptional record of scientific innovation, leadership, and service positions him as a standout candidate for top research honors.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Kyoung-Joo Hwang’s academic foundation in space physics is rooted in a rigorous and prestigious educational journey. He graduated as the top student with a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Korea University in 1997. He then earned his Master’s degree in Space Physics from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in 1999, where he conducted 3D MHD simulations related to magnetic reconnection and coronal mass ejections. His academic path culminated in a Ph.D. in Space Physics from Dartmouth College in 2006. There, he contributed to auroral physics research and participated in NASA’s Sounding Rocket experiments. Throughout his education, Dr. Hwang focused on both theoretical and observational plasma physics, preparing him for a career in magnetospheric science. This well-rounded academic background laid a strong foundation for his later success in researchEarth and Planetary Sciences, spacecraft mission development, and scientific leadership in the field of heliophysics and magnetospheric plasma dynamics.

Experience

Dr. Kyoung-Joo Hwang has built an exceptional professional career through roles that span elite research institutions and mission-critical NASA programs. He is currently a Principal Scientist at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), where he leads major NASA CubeSat and MIDEX mission proposals. Prior to SwRI, he held prominent research positions at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland, contributing to flagship missions such as MMS, THEMIS, Cluster, and Van Allen Probes. His earlier appointments at LASP (University of Colorado) and Dartmouth College involved both data analysis and simulation work, including early-stage mission hardware efforts. Across these roles, he has led research in magnetospheric reconnection, plasma instabilities, and wave-particle dynamics. His leadership is further reflected in his role as a proposal PI on multi-million-dollar funded projects and as team leader for multiple International Space Science Institute (ISSI) programs. Dr. Hwang’s career reflects scientific depth, mission integration, and global collaboration.

Research Focus on Earth and Planetary Sciences

Dr. Kyoung-Joo Hwang’s research interests focus on fundamental processes governing space plasma dynamics, particularly magnetic reconnection, Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities, dipolarization fronts, and magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. His work combines spacecraft data analysis with advanced simulations to explore multi-scale plasma phenomena in Earth’s magnetosphere. He has extensively used data from missions such as MMS, THEMIS, Cluster, and FAST to investigate magnetic field dynamics, wave structures, and particle acceleration. His interest also extends to spacecraft instrumentation and data validation, ensuring the accuracy of datasets for community-wide scientific use. Dr. Hwang’s interdisciplinary approach—blending theory, modeling, and observation—has helped identify and characterize complex space weather drivers and plasma turbulence mechanisms. Through leadership in NASA mission concept proposals and international teams (ISSI), he aims to advance understanding of cross-scale processes that impact space weather forecasting and magnetospheric science. His research continues to push the boundaries of knowledge in heliophysics and geospace environments.

Award and Honor

While specific awards are not explicitly listed in his CV, Dr. Kyoung-Joo Hwang has received significant honors and recognition through leadership roles, high-impact publications, and competitive grant awards. His work has been repeatedly highlighted by major agencies such as NASA and ESA, including featured publications in AGU Research Spotlight, NASA’s Heliopress Highlights, and ESA science news. As a reviewer for over 100 scientific papers and ~40 major proposals, he is recognized as a trusted expert in the field. He has been selected as a Topic Editor for Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, a sign of his leadership in the global scientific community. Leading multiple ISSI international teams also reflects peer recognition of his expertise. His successful PI roles on numerous NASA and NSF-funded projects further demonstrate professional acknowledgment of his scientific innovation. These collective achievements and recognitions mark Dr. Hwang as a highly respected and accomplished researcher in space science.

Publications Top Notes

    • Title: Outstanding Questions and Future Research on Magnetic Reconnection

      • Authors: [First author] et al.

      • Year: 2025

      • Citations: 2

    • Title: Long-term Earth Magnetosphere Science Orbit with Earth-Moon Resonance Orbit

      • Authors: [First author] et al.

      • Year: 2025

    • Title: Complex Interaction of Reconnected Field Lines at Earth’s Magnetopause Under Sub-Alfvénic Solar Wind With Northward Magnetic Field

      • Authors: [First author] et al.

      • Year: 2024

    • Title: Advanced Methods for Analyzing In-Situ Observations of Magnetic Reconnection

      • Authors: [First author] et al.

      • Year: 2024

      • Citations: 8

    • Title: Particle Acceleration by Magnetic Reconnection in Geospace

      • Authors: [First author] et al.

      • Year: [Year not specified]

      • Citations: 22

    • Title: Cross-Scale Processes of Magnetic Reconnection

      • Authors: [First author] et al.

      • Year: [Likely 2023 or 2024]

      • Citations: 9

    • Title: Ion-Scale Magnetic Flux Rope Generated From Electron-Scale Magnetopause Current Sheet: Magnetospheric Multiscale Observations

      • Authors: [First author] et al.

      • Year: 2023

      • Citations: 8

Conclusion

Dr. Kyoung-Joo Hwang is a distinguished space physicist with a global reputation for advancing our understanding of Earth’s magnetosphere and space plasma processes. With a strong academic foundation, diverse professional experience across leading institutions, and a research portfolio that integrates spacecraft data with theoretical modeling, Dr. Hwang exemplifies scientific leadership. He has consistently secured major research funding, contributed to high-profile space missions, and published influential papers that are recognized by NASA, ESA, and top journals. His editorial, review, and community service roles further underscore his commitment to the broader advancement of space science. While there is room for future growth in mentorship and science communication, his contributions to heliophysics are both deep and far-reaching. Dr. Hwang’s combination of technical expertise, mission leadership, and scholarly impact makes him an outstanding candidate for prestigious research awards and a role model for emerging scientists in the field.

Jiang Youjing | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jiang Youjing | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Master at Henan University, China

Ms. Youjing Jiang is a Master’s student at the College of Geographical Sciences, Henan University, China, specializing in climate change, agriculture, remote sensing, and environmental data analysis. With a strong academic foundation in Geographic Information Science from Harbin Normal University and ongoing postgraduate studies in Geography, she demonstrates a keen interest in applying geospatial technologies to address pressing environmental challenges. Her interdisciplinary background equips her with valuable analytical and technical skills, particularly in handling environmental data and satellite imagery. While still in the early stages of her research career, Ms. Jiang shows promise in contributing to the fields of climate science and sustainable agriculture. Her academic trajectory reflects a commitment to scientific inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge in areas vital to global development. As she continues her research and begins to publish and participate in academic forums, she is poised to make meaningful contributions to environmental and geographical sciences.

ORCID Profile

Education

Ms. Youjing Jiang has pursued a solid academic path in the field of geographical sciences. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Geographic Information Science from Harbin Normal University, where she developed a foundational understanding of spatial data analysis, GIS applications, and environmental systems. Currently, she is enrolled in a Master of Science program in Geography at Henan University, one of China’s respected institutions for environmental and earth sciences. Her graduate studies allow her to deepen her expertise in climate science, agricultural systems, and geospatial technologies. Through her education, Ms. Jiang has built a strong interdisciplinary knowledge base that combines theory, technical training, and applied environmental studies. This academic progression demonstrates her commitment to advancing her knowledge and skill set in critical areas of global importance such as climate change and sustainable land management. Her academic choices reflect a clear vision toward a research-driven and environmentally focused career.

Professional Experience

As a current Master’s student, Ms. Youjing Jiang’s professional experience is primarily grounded in her academic training and involvement in research-related activities. While no formal work experience is listed in her CV, her engagement in academic environments suggests exposure to research labs, data analysis tasks, and coursework involving practical applications of GIS and remote sensing technologies. Her role within the Faculty of Geographical Science and Engineering at Henan University likely involves collaborative research, environmental modeling, and the use of geospatial tools to analyze climate and agricultural trends. Although still at an early stage in her professional journey, her hands-on experience in handling environmental datasets and interpreting remote sensing imagery positions her well for research roles in academia or environmental consulting. As she progresses, opportunities such as internships, research assistantships, or field projects would greatly enhance her applied experience and provide a stronger professional foundation to complement her academic achievements.

Research Interest

Ms. Youjing Jiang’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental science and geospatial analysis. She is particularly focused on climate change and its impacts on agriculture, as well as the application of remote sensing and environmental data analysis to monitor and address ecological changes. Her academic background in Geographic Information Science, combined with her current graduate studies in Geography, enables her to explore how spatial technologies can support sustainable development and environmental resilience. She is interested in using satellite imagery, geospatial modeling, and big environmental data to understand long-term patterns in land use, weather, and crop health. These interests place her at the forefront of contemporary environmental research, especially as global challenges related to food security and climate variability become increasingly urgent. Her work has the potential to inform both scientific understanding and policy recommendations for climate adaptation and agricultural sustainability in China and beyond.

Award and Honor

As of the current CV, there is no mention of specific awards or honors received by Ms. Youjing Jiang. This may be due to her early career stage as a graduate student, during which recognition typically comes in the form of scholarships, research grants, or academic performance awards. If she has received any academic distinctions, such as honors during her undergraduate studies or recognition for outstanding research at her current university, these would strengthen her profile considerably. As she continues to develop her research and begins to participate in academic conferences or publish in scientific journals, she may become eligible for honors related to innovation, academic excellence, or environmental research contributions. Tracking such achievements in the future will be important for establishing her credentials and visibility within the research community. Recognitions, even at the university or departmental level, will play a crucial role in demonstrating her commitment and impact within her chosen field.

Conclusion

Ms. Youjing Jiang is an emerging researcher with a strong academic background in geographical sciences and a growing interest in climate change, agriculture, and geospatial analysis. With formal education in Geographic Information Science and current graduate studies in Geography at Henan University, she possesses a solid technical and theoretical foundation for environmental research. Although still early in her career, her focus on high-impact issues such as climate variability and sustainable agriculture positions her well for future contributions to the field. While she has not yet accumulated significant professional experience or formal recognitions, her research direction is both timely and aligned with global scientific priorities. Continued engagement in research activities, academic publishing, and participation in scholarly forums will be key to her development as a leading environmental scientist. With dedication and mentorship, Ms. Jiang is well-placed to evolve into a respected figure in geospatial and climate-related research communities.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Measurement of Suspended Sediment Concentration at the Outlet of the Yellow River Canyon: Using Sentinel-2 Images and Machine Learning

  • Authors: Genxin Song, Youjing Jiang, Xinyu Lei, Shiyan Zhai

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Remote Sensing

  • DOI: 10.3390/rs17142424

  • Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI

Sajid Ahmad | Earth science | Most Liked Article Award

Prof. Dr. Sajid Ahmad | Earth science | Most Liked Article Award

Professor/Dean, Dean faculty of Geosciences Punjab University Lahore, Pakistan

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad is a distinguished academic and researcher, serving as a Professor at the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore. With over 31 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Ahmad has contributed significantly to the fields of environmental sciences, geosciences, and plant growth. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Windsor, Canada, and has a diverse academic background, including an M.B.A. from the University of the Punjab. He has supervised 41 Ph.D. scholars and 250 M.S./M.Phil students, reflecting his commitment to academic mentorship. Dr. Ahmad has been an active participant in national and international research, publishing over 260 research papers and receiving more than 2,000 citations. Additionally, his leadership roles, including serving as Acting Vice Chancellor at multiple universities, highlight his impact on higher education in Pakistan. His research focuses on sustainable environmental practices and pollution remediation.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad holds an impressive academic background. He earned his PhD in Environmental Sciences from the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, where he further advanced his research skills, specializing in environmental management and geosciences. He also completed his M.S. at the same university, gaining in-depth knowledge in related fields. Dr. Ahmad completed his M.B.A. from the Institute of Business Administration, University of the Punjab, Lahore, showcasing his versatility in both science and management. Earlier, he obtained his M.Sc. and B.Sc. from the Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, further solidifying his foundation in geology and environmental studies. His diverse education empowers him with a well-rounded approach to teaching, research, and leadership in academia. His dedication to learning and continual development is reflected in his contributions to both academic and administrative roles in higher education.

Experience 

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad brings over 31 years of academic experience, having held various teaching and administrative positions at the University of the Punjab, Lahore. He currently serves as a Professor at the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, where he imparts knowledge in geosciences and environmental studies. Over the years, Dr. Ahmad has served as an Assistant Professor and Lecturer at the Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab. His leadership roles include serving as Acting Vice Chancellor at the University of Kamalia and University of Okara, as well as Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences. He has also held various key positions, including Principal of the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Director of the Centre for Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Controller of Examinations. Dr. Ahmad has successfully led numerous national and international conferences and workshops, contributing to the advancement of environmental science education.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad has earned numerous accolades throughout his distinguished career. His remarkable contributions to research and teaching have garnered widespread recognition both nationally and internationally. He has received prestigious research grants worth more than 49 million rupees from national and international organizations, a testament to his research leadership. Dr. Ahmad’s scholarly work has resulted in significant citations and impact in the field of environmental science, with his publications being frequently cited by peers. He has been a part of over 100 national and international committees, showcasing his leadership in academic governance and research. His role as a mentor has also been acknowledged, with more than 41 Ph.D. students successfully guided under his supervision. In recognition of his vast academic contributions, he has been invited to serve as a keynote speaker and panelist at numerous prestigious conferences, further solidifying his status in the global scientific community.

Research Focus 

Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad’s research primarily revolves around environmental science, with a focus on pollution management, climate change, and sustainable practices. His work on pollution remediation, particularly involving the use of bioremediation and phytoextraction, has garnered attention for offering effective solutions to mitigate environmental contamination. He is deeply invested in studying the impact of climate change on ecosystems, focusing on adaptation and mitigation strategies. Dr. Ahmad’s research also extends to urban heat island effects, waste management, and microplastic pollution, particularly in Pakistan’s rapidly urbanizing cities. His interdisciplinary approach integrates geospatial technologies (GIS), remote sensing, and ecological modeling to assess environmental issues and propose sustainable solutions. Furthermore, he has explored plant growth promotion through rhizobacteria, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Ahmad’s research not only enhances our understanding of environmental challenges but also presents actionable solutions for policy makers and industries.

Publications

  1. Halotolerant plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria modulate gene expression and osmolyte production to improve salinity tolerance and growth in Capsicum annum L. 🌱🌍
  2. The activity and use of zinc in poultry diets 🐔🧑‍🔬
  3. Organochlorine pesticides across the tributaries of River Ravi, Pakistan: Human health risk assessment through dermal exposure, ecological risks, source fingerprints and spatio-temporal variations 🌊💉
  4. Ecological niche model comparison under different climate scenarios: a case study of Olea spp. in Asia 🌍🌳
  5. An unintended challenge of microplastic pollution in the urban surface water system of Lahore, Pakistan 🏙️🧴
  6. Modelling the higher heating value of municipal solid waste for assessment of waste-to-energy potential: a sustainable case study 🔋🌍
  7. Application of Bacillus megaterium MCR-8 improved phytoextraction and stress alleviation of nickel in Vinca rosea 🌿💡
  8. Quantifying the contribution of diminishing green spaces and urban sprawl to urban heat island effect in a rapidly urbanizing metropolitan city of Pakistan 🌆🔥
  9. Worm meal: a potential source of alternative protein in poultry feed 🐛🍽️
  10. Vulnerability and impact assessment of extreme climatic event: A case study of southern Punjab, Pakistan 🌪️📊
  11. Life cycle assessment of a cleaner supercritical coal-fired power plant ⚡🌱
  12. Phragmites australis in combination with hydrocarbons degrading bacteria is a suitable option for remediation of diesel-contaminated water in floating wetlands 🌿💧
  13. GIS-based analysis and modeling of coastline advance and retreat along the coast of Guyana 🌍🗺️
  14. Combined use of different nanoparticles effectively decreased cadmium (Cd) concentration in grains of wheat grown in a field contaminated with Cd 🌾🔬
  15. Amelioration of cadmium stress in gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflora L.) by application of potassium and silicon 🌸🧪