Faran Vahedian | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Faran Vahedian | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Engineer, EA Engineering, Science, Technology, United States

Dr. Faran Vahedian is an environmental engineer and hydrogeologist with over 10 years of experience in environmental engineering, specializing in groundwater and vadose zone systems. She completed her Ph.D. at the Colorado School of Mines, focusing on the fate and transport of PFAS in AFFF-impacted media. Her research has been funded by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), addressing pressing environmental concerns. Dr. Vahedian is skilled in laboratory analysis, data processing, and numerical modeling, using tools like MODFLOW, FEFLOW, and HYDRUS. She has developed innovative techniques for detecting PFAS tracers using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS-QTRAP). With experience in both academic and field-based research, Dr. Vahedian has contributed to multiple publications and presentations in environmental remediation, groundwater contamination, and sustainable water management strategies. Her work is known for its technical depth, collaboration, and practical applications in environmental engineering.

Profile

Education 

Dr. Faran Vahedian earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines in 2024, where she conducted advanced research on PFAS contamination in vadose zones, funded by the Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). She holds a Master’s in Water Engineering from the University of Guelph, Canada (2021), focusing on water quality and sustainable water management. Her undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran (2014), where she first gained foundational knowledge in environmental and civil engineering. Dr. Vahedian’s academic journey has equipped her with specialized skills in laboratory analysis, groundwater modeling, and environmental systems, allowing her to contribute significantly to research on PFAS contamination and remediation strategies.

Experience 

Dr. Vahedian has a diverse and extensive background in environmental engineering and hydrogeology. From 2021 to 2024, she worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Colorado School of Mines, leading a SERDP-funded project on the fate and transport of PFAS in vadose zones. She conducted lab experiments, numerical modeling, and collaborated with HYDRUS developers to refine models for groundwater systems. Prior to that, from 2016 to 2021, she worked as a Hydrogeologist, conducting field characterization, groundwater quality assessments, and developing Python-based tools for groundwater data analysis. Her experience extends to Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Engineer (2014-2016), where she optimized water treatment systems, conducted water sampling, and ensured compliance with environmental regulations. Dr. Vahedian’s practical skills in hydrological modeling, GIS analysis, and environmental risk assessments complement her research expertise, particularly in sustainable water management and environmental remediation projects.

Research Focus 

Dr. Vahedian’s research focuses on the environmental fate and transport of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), particularly in the context of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) contamination. Her work seeks to understand the mechanisms behind PFAS contamination in vadose zones and groundwater, exploring air-water interfacial partitioning and solid-phase sorption processes. She has applied numerical modeling and laboratory experiments to simulate PFAS movement and develop remediation strategies. Additionally, Dr. Vahedian has worked on groundwater flow modeling and sustainable water management, with particular emphasis on modeling hydraulic cross-connections in bedrock aquifer systems and evaluating the impact of fertilizers on groundwater quality. Her research aims to improve understanding of subsurface contamination, develop tools for environmental monitoring, and enhance strategies for the remediation of contaminated water systems. She collaborates closely with model developers and researchers to refine tools and models for groundwater contamination analysis.

Publications

  • Vahedian, F., Silva, J. A., Šimůnek, J., & McCray, J. E. Influence of kinetic air-water interfacial partitioning on unsaturated transport of PFAS in sandy soils. The Science of the Total Environment 🧪💧
  • Vahedian, F., Silva, J. A., Šimůnek, J., & McCray, J. E. (2024). Influence of Tension-Driven Flow on the Transport of AFFF in Unsaturated Media. ACS ES&T Water 🌊🔬
  • Vahedian F; Silva, J.A.K.; Ross, Ian; McCray, J.E. Assessing the Influence of AFFF-impacted media on Sorption Behavior of PFASs. Water Research 🔍💦
  • Vahedian F; Quinn, P., Merritt, Levison, J., Parker, B. Simulating Open Borehole Hydraulic Cross-Connection in A Multi-Layered Bedrock Aquifer System. JOH 🏞️🧭

Binghui He | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Binghui He | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Southwest University, China

🌍 Binghui He is a renowned professor specializing in soil erosion, soil and water conservation. With significant contributions to the field, he serves as the Director of the Special Committee of Soil and Water Conservation at the Chongqing Soil Society. His expertise is recognized nationally, making him a pivotal figure in agricultural non-point source pollution control.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Expertise in Soil and Water Conservation: As the Director of the Special Committee of Soil and Water Conservation and the China Society of Soil and Water Conservation, Professor He demonstrates leadership and a deep commitment to advancing this critical field.
  2. Extensive Publication Record: His publications in reputable journals such as Catena and Science of the Total Environment showcase a robust research portfolio with a focus on innovative and relevant topics, including soil erosion, hydrology, and nutrient loss.
  3. Impactful Research: The studies conducted under his guidance reveal significant contributions to understanding soil health and water conservation, with findings that have practical implications for agricultural practices and ecological management.
  4. Interdisciplinary Approach: His research integrates various disciplines, such as hydrology and ecology, addressing complex environmental issues, which enhances the relevance and applicability of his work.
  5. Leadership Roles: Serving as an academic and technical leader in soil and water conservation disciplines highlights his influence in shaping research agendas and fostering collaboration within the field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Outreach: While his research is substantial, enhancing public engagement and outreach activities could further disseminate his findings and increase their impact on policy and community practices.
  2. Collaboration with Industry: Establishing more partnerships with agricultural and environmental industries could facilitate the practical application of his research findings, bridging the gap between academia and real-world challenges.
  3. Diversity of Research Topics: Exploring additional areas within environmental science or engaging in interdisciplinary projects could broaden the scope of his research and attract diverse funding opportunities.

Education

🎓 Professor He earned his academic qualifications from esteemed institutions, focusing on soil and water conservation techniques and ecological engineering.

Experience

🏢 With extensive experience, Professor He holds leadership roles in several professional organizations, including the China Society of Soil and Water Conservation and the South Soil and Water Conservation Research Association. He also directs the Chongqing Soil and Water Conservation Ecological Engineering Technology Research Center.

Research Focus

🔍 His research encompasses soil erosion, soil and water conservation, forest cultivation, and agricultural non-point source pollution control, emphasizing sustainable practices to enhance ecological resilience.

Awards and Honors

🏅 Professor He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to soil and water conservation, showcasing his commitment to environmental sustainability and research excellence.

Publication Top Notes

Zeng C, Li TY, He BH*, Feng MD, Liang K, Xu QW, Zhao XM. (2024). Vegetation succession increases soil organic carbon density and decreases soil erodibility: Evidence from a karst trough valley experiencing farmland abandonment. Catena.

Feng MD, Li TY, He BH*, Bai LX, Wu XY. (2022). Soil water repellency and microaggregate fractions in response to crop growth periods in a sloping cropland subjecting to long-term fertilization management. Science of the Total Environment.

Du YN, Li TY, He BH*. (2021). Runoff-related nutrient loss affected by fertilization and cultivation in sloping croplands: An 11-year observation under natural rainfall. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment.

Gan FL, He BH*, Qin ZY, Li WB. (2021). Contribution of bedrock dip angle impact to nitrogen and phosphorus leakage loss under artificial rainfall simulations on slopes parallel to and perpendicular to the bedrock dip in a karst trough valley. Catena.

Li TY, He BH*, Zhang YQ, Fu S, Zhang Y, Long XJ. (2021). Spatiotemporal dynamics of coupled dissolved silica and bicarbonate in a dam-induced urban lake system in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. Journal of Hydrology.

Gan FL, He BH*, Qin ZY. (2020). Hydrological response and soil detachment rate from dip/anti-dip slopes as a function of rock strata dip in karst valley revealed by rainfall simulations. Journal of Hydrology.

Gan FL, He BH*, Qin ZY, Li WB. (2020). Role of rock dip angle in runoff and soil erosion processes on dip/anti-dip slopes in a karst trough valley. Journal of Hydrology.

Li TY, He BH*, Chen ZP, Zhang Y, Liang C. (2017). Effects of gravel on concentrated flow hydraulics and erosion in simulated landslide deposits. Catena.

Conclusion

Professor Binghui He is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive research in soil erosion and water conservation, combined with his leadership roles and commitment to ecological sustainability, position him as a prominent figure in his field. By enhancing public outreach and fostering industry collaborations, he can amplify the impact of his research even further. Overall, his contributions significantly advance knowledge and practice in soil and water conservation, making him an exemplary choice for this recognition.