Sani Inuwa Sani | Climatology and Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sani Inuwa Sani | Climatology and Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Sani Inuwa Sani | Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto | Nigeria

Mr. Sani Inuwa Sani is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Geography at Sa’adatu Rimi University of Education, Kano State, Nigeria, with expertise in Geospatial Science, Remote Sensing, and Environmental Management. He holds advanced academic qualifications in Geoscience, Education, and Geography, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary foundation that bridges environmental analysis, spatial modeling, and sustainable development. His professional experience includes teaching and mentoring students in physical geography courses such as Geomorphology, Climatology, Hydrology, and Geographic Information Systems, while also serving in key departmental leadership roles including Secretary of the Research, Seminar, and Publication Committee, Patron of the Geography Students Association, and GIS Laboratory Technician. His research focuses on climate change assessment, geospatial analysis, and environmental monitoring, with published works in reputable international journals on topics such as coastal hydrological change detection, spatio-temporal land use dynamics, and water resource management using machine learning and remote sensing techniques. Mr. Sani’s scholarly contributions demonstrate innovation and dedication to advancing sustainable environmental practices. He has participated in international conferences, training workshops on Earth observation, and is an active member of professional bodies such as the Association of Nigerian Geographers and the Tourism Peace Association of Nigeria. Through his academic excellence, leadership, and collaborative research efforts, he continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of environmental science and geospatial technology, making him a deserving candidate for recognition and academic distinction.

Profiles: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Sani, I. S., Manurung, P., & Fagge, A. U. (2025). NDWI–NDBI overlay–based analysis of coastal fence expansion and hydrological changes in Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria (2010–2015), with machine learning validation. Remote Sensing for Sustainable Oceans, 00(00), 1–12.

2. Garniwa, P. M. P., Azzahra, R. O., Lee, H., Aditya, I. A., Dimyati, R. D., Sani, I. S., Ramlah, R., Garniwa, I., Sri Sumantyo, J. T., & Dimyati, M. (2025). Comparison of semi-empirical models in estimating global horizontal irradiance for South Korea and Indonesia. Resources, 14(11), 170.

3. Garniwa, P. M. P., Azzahra, R. O., Lee, H., Aditya, I. A., Dimyati, R. D., Sani, I. S., Ramlah, R., Garniwa, I., Sri Sumantyo, J. T., & Dimyati, M. (2025). Comparison of semi-empirical models in estimating global horizontal irradiance for South Korea and Indonesia [Preprint]. Preprints.

Mr. Sani Inuwa Sani’s work advances the use of geospatial technology and remote sensing in addressing environmental and climate challenges. His research contributes to sustainable land and water resource management, supports evidence-based policy development, and fosters innovation in environmental monitoring for societal and global benefit.

Zemede M. Nigatu | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zemede M. Nigatu | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Hawassa University | Ethiopia

Dr. Zemede M. Nigatu is a distinguished researcher in Surveying, GIS, and Remote Sensing with extensive experience in Earth Observation and Geo-Information sciences. He holds a PhD in Surveying and Mapping Engineering and has contributed significantly to both academic teaching and applied research. Dr. Nigatu has successfully led multidisciplinary projects, mentored graduate students, and trained professionals in geospatial technologies, emphasizing practical applications in forestry, climate adaptation, and sustainable land management. His work spans advanced geospatial modeling, remote sensing data analysis, and GIS-based decision support systems, showcasing a strong capacity for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. In addition to high-impact publications, he has delivered consultancy services for national and international organizations, bridging research with real-world applications. His research achievements are measurable and impactful, as reflected in Scopus metrics: 116 citations, 7 documents, and an h-index of 6, demonstrating his influence and growing recognition in the geospatial research community.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

1. Z. M. Nigatu, T. H. M. Rientjes, and A. T. Haile, “Hydrological impact assessment of climate change on Lake Tana’s water balance, Ethiopia,” American Journal of Climate Change, vol. 5, pp. 27-37, 2016.

2. Z. M. Nigatu, D. Fan, W. You, and A. M. Melesse, “Hydroclimatic extremes evaluation using GRACE/GRACE-FO and multidecadal climatic variables over the Nile river basin,” Remote Sensing, vol. 13, no. 4, p. 651, 2021.

3. Z. M. Nigatu, D. Fan, W. You, A. M. Melesse, L. Pu, X. Yang, X. Wan, and Z. Jiang, “Crop production response to soil moisture and groundwater depletion in the Nile Basin based on multi-source data,” Science of The Total Environment, vol. 825, p. 154007, 2022.

4. Z. M. Nigatu, D. Fan, and W. You, “GRACE Products and Land Surface Models for Estimating the Changes in Key Water Storage Components in the Nile River Basin,” Advances in Space Research, vol. 67, no. 6, pp. 1896-1913, 2021.

5. L. Pu, D. Fan, W. You, X. Yang, Z. M. Nigatu, and Z. Jiang, “Extracting terrestrial water storage signals from GRACE solutions in the Amazon Basin using an iterative filtering approach,” Remote Sensing Letters, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 14-23, 2022.

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.

Pavan Kumar | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pavan Kumar | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, India

Dr. Pavan Kumar is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in Environmental Science, Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Technology. With a Ph.D. focused on carbon sequestration using geo-spatial approaches, he has demonstrated strong interdisciplinary expertise. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, he has held various academic and research positions across reputed institutions. Dr. Kumar has received numerous prestigious international fellowships and awards from organizations such as UNESCO, WCRP, SCOR, and PICES, reflecting global recognition of his work. He has represented India in conferences across multiple countries and contributes actively as an editor for reputed scientific journals. Beyond research, he has played key roles in university administration and national educational programs. His work spans climate science, environmental management, and forestry applications, showcasing a deep commitment to both scientific advancement and institutional development. Dr. Kumar stands out as a dynamic and impactful contributor to his field.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Pavan Kumar holds a distinguished academic background in environmental and geospatial sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Natural Science from Jamia Millia Islamia in 2019, with a dissertation on carbon sequestration using geo-spatial approaches in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan. Prior to this, he completed an M.Tech. in Remote Sensing from BIT Mesra with an impressive 88.82% and an M.Sc. in Environmental Science from Banaras Hindu University, securing 88.90%. His foundational education in botany, chemistry, and geology at the undergraduate level further supports his interdisciplinary approach. In addition to his formal degrees, Dr. Kumar has pursued several certifications in computer applications, ArcGIS, and EDUSAT, enhancing his technical skills. This strong academic foundation, complemented by specialized training in GIS, remote sensing, and environmental analysis, has equipped him with the expertise required for advanced research in environmental sciences and sustainable natural resource management.

Professional Experience

Dr. Pavan Kumar has over a decade of diverse academic and research experience. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, since February 2020, he leads multiple research projects and teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Previously, he worked as a Research Associate at Banaras Hindu University and as a Lecturer at Kumaun University, where he taught M.Sc. students in remote sensing and forestry applications. He also held roles as Assistant Professor at Banasthali University and as a Research Scientist at the Birla Institute of Scientific Research, contributing to key environmental and geospatial studies. His responsibilities have ranged from curriculum development to field-based project execution and capacity building. Dr. Kumar has also played pivotal roles in institutional administration, serving as a nodal officer and coordinator for various academic programs and outreach initiatives, reflecting his leadership capabilities and dedication to institutional growth alongside research.

Research Interest

Dr. Pavan Kumar’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental science, climate change, and geospatial technologies. His work primarily focuses on carbon sequestration, climate modeling, remote sensing applications, and environmental impact assessment. With a strong foundation in GIS, GPS, and photogrammetry, he explores the spatial and temporal dynamics of natural resources, biodiversity, and land-use changes. He is particularly interested in applying satellite data and spatial analysis to monitor forest ecosystems, analyze environmental hazards, and develop strategies for sustainable resource management. Dr. Kumar’s research also extends to precision farming, watershed management, and the use of nanotechnology in agriculture and environmental conservation. His participation in global workshops and fellowships highlights his engagement with current challenges such as coastal impacts of sea-level rise and atmospheric-ocean interactions. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to applied research make him a significant contributor to the field of environmental sustainability and geoinformatics.

Award and Honor

Dr. Pavan Kumar has received numerous national and international accolades recognizing his research excellence and academic contributions. He is a recipient of prestigious fellowships from global organizations such as IOC/UNESCO, WCRP, CLIVAR, SCOR, and PICES, attending conferences and workshops in countries including the USA, China, Brazil, and Italy. Notable awards include the Innovation Award from the China National Committee for Remote Sensing and the Canadian Challenging Puzzle Award at IIT Kharagpur. He has also been honored with the Best Poster Presentation by the Indian National Cartographic Association. Earlier in his academic journey, he received the UGC NET-LS and a meritorious scholarship, underlining his consistent scholarly performance. Dr. Kumar’s international exposure, combined with recognitions from scientific bodies across oceanography, climate research, and remote sensing, positions him as a highly respected figure in environmental research. His awards reflect both the global impact and interdisciplinary relevance of his work.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Pavan Kumar is a distinguished academician and researcher whose contributions to environmental science and geospatial technology are both substantial and impactful. With a robust educational background, extensive professional experience, and international recognition, he exemplifies excellence in interdisciplinary research and academic leadership. His work bridges scientific theory with practical environmental solutions, addressing key global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management. He has demonstrated consistent commitment to academic growth, student mentoring, and institutional development. His active participation in global research forums and editorial boards further underscores his leadership in the scientific community. Dr. Kumar’s comprehensive profile makes him not only a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award but also a valuable asset to any academic or research institution seeking innovation and excellence in environmental studies.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Prediction of the COVID-19 pandemic for the top 15 affected countries: Advanced autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model
    Authors: RK Singh, M Rani, AS Bhagavathula, R Sah, AJ Rodriguez-Morales, P Kumar, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 268

  • Title: Multi-level impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on agricultural systems in India: The case of Uttar Pradesh
    Authors: P Kumar, SS Singh, AK Pandey, RK Singh, PK Srivastava, M Kumar, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 183

  • Title: The natural history of untreated dorsal wrist ganglia and patient reported outcome 6 years after intervention
    Authors: JJ Dias, V Dhukaram, P Kumar
    Year: 2007
    Citations: 167

  • Title: Forecasting the dynamics of COVID-19 pandemic in top 15 countries in April 2020: ARIMA model with machine learning approach
    Authors: P Kumar, H Kalita, S Patairiya, YD Sharma, C Nanda, M Rani, J Rahmani, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 127

  • Title: Multi-temporal NDVI and surface temperature analysis for Urban Heat Island inbuilt surrounding of sub-humid region: A case study of two geographical regions
    Authors: M Rani, P Kumar, PC Pandey, PK Srivastava, BS Chaudhary, V Tomar, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 107

  • Title: Idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger: is there an association?
    Authors: P Kumar, I Chakrabarti
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 93

  • Title: Estimation of accumulated soil organic carbon stock in tropical forest using geospatial strategy
    Authors: P Kumar, PC Pandey, BK Singh, S Katiyar, VP Mandal, M Rani, V Tomar, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 90

  • Title: Indicator-based vulnerability assessment of forest ecosystem in the Indian Western Himalayas: An analytical hierarchy process integrated approach
    Authors: M Kumar, N Kalra, H Singh, S Sharma, PS Rawat, RK Singh, AK Gupta, P Kumar, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 87

  • Title: Oleic acid nanovesicles of minoxidil for enhanced follicular delivery
    Authors: P Kumar, SK Singh, V Handa, H Kathuria
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 74

  • Title: Rice equivalent crop yield assessment using MODIS sensors’ based MOD13A1-NDVI data
    Authors: V Tomar, VP Mandal, P Srivastava, S Patairiya, K Singh, N Ravisankar, P Kumar, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 68

  • Title: Geospatial strategy for tropical forest-wildlife reserve biomass estimation
    Authors: P Kumar, LK Sharma, PC Pandey, S Sinha, MS Nathawat
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 66

  • Title: Land suitability assessment for optimal cropping sequences in Katihar district of Bihar, India using GIS and AHP
    Authors: VP Mandal, S Rehman, R Ahmed, MD Masroor, P Kumar, H Sajjad
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 63

  • Title: A machine learning-based classification of LANDSAT images to map land use and land cover of India
    Authors: RK Singh, P Singh, M Drews, P Kumar, H Singh, AK Gupta, H Govil, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 62

  • Title: Monitoring of deforestation and forest degradation using remote sensing and GIS: A case study of Ranchi in Jharkhand (India)
    Authors: P Kumar, M Rani, PC Pandey, A Majumdar, MS Nathawat
    Year: 2010
    Citations: 62

  • Title: Geoinformatics, artificial intelligence, sensor technology, big data: emerging modern tools for sustainable agriculture
    Authors: A Singh, R Mehrotra, VD Rajput, P Dmitriev, AK Singh, P Kumar, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 58