Mr. Rana Muhammad Amir Latif | Human Geography | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rana Muhammad Amir Latif | Human Geography | Best Researcher Award

PhD, Scholar, The Center for Modern Chinese City Studies, School of Geographical Sciences, East China Normal University, China

Rana Muhammad Amir Latif is a Ph.D. candidate at East China Normal University, Shanghai, specializing in Human Geography. He has a strong academic background, with a Master’s in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s in the same field. He has worked extensively as a lecturer and research assistant, sharing his expertise in urban science, technology, and computer science. His research interests span blockchain, smart cities, IoT, and machine learning. With multiple publications in international journals and conferences, he has become an active contributor to the academic community. He has also served in editorial roles for several high-impact journals. Rana is passionate about research and aims to revolutionize educational and administrative systems in higher education.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Rana completed his Ph.D. in Human Geography at East China Normal University, Shanghai, in 2026. He holds a Master’s in Computer Science from COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal Campus (2019), with a CGPA of 3.34/4. His Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the same university (2017) was awarded with a CGPA of 2.89/4. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, and his intermediate and matriculation education from local institutions, with strong academic performances. This solid foundation in both science and education positions him well to make impactful contributions in the academic and research fields.

Experience

Rana has a diverse teaching and research experience. As a Research Assistant at East China Normal University since 2022, he has been actively involved in urban science projects. He also worked as a Lecturer at Barani Institute of Sciences (2019–2023) and Quaid-e-Azam College (2018–2019). His research contributions are significant, with a focus on smart systems, machine learning, and IoT. Additionally, he has served as a Research Assistant at COMSATS University Islamabad and as a Teacher Assistant. His industry experience includes a six-week internship at SILK Bank. His teaching roles involve supervising undergraduate projects and mentoring students on cutting-edge technologies.

Research Focus

Rana’s research focuses on the intersection of technology and urban planning, specifically in human geography, smart cities, and IoT. His work includes leveraging blockchain for healthcare, supply chain management, and developing scalable IoT systems. His interest in machine learning and data analytics is reflected in projects like analyzing Google Play Store content and smart assessment methodologies. Rana’s interdisciplinary approach combines geographic studies with advanced computing techniques to create sustainable urban solutions. His academic goals include fostering practical, world-class research and transforming educational practices to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and industry requirements.

Publications

  1. A remix IDE: smart contract-based framework for the healthcare sector by using Blockchain technology
  2. Retail level Blockchain transformation for product supply chain using truffle development platform
  3. Google play content scraping and knowledge engineering using natural language processing techniques with the analysis of user reviews
  4. Data scraping from google play store and visualization of its content for analytics
  5. Integration of google play content and frost prediction using cnn: scalable iot framework for big data
  6. A Natural Language Processing (NLP) Evaluation on COVID-19 Rumour Dataset Using Deep Learning Techniques
  7. Smart city based autonomous water quality monitoring system using WSN
  8. A smart methodology for analyzing secure e-banking and e-commerce websites
  9. A novel authentication and communication protocol for urban traffic monitoring in VANETs based on cluster management
  10. Blockchain transforms the retail level by using a supply chain rules and regulation
  11. Real-time simulation of iot based smart home live mirror using wsn
  12. Real-time simulation of smart lighting system in smart city
  13. [Retracted] The Impact of Online Learning System on Students Affected with Stroke Disease
  14. A methodology of customized dataset for cotton disease detection using deep learning algorithms
  15. Internet of medical things for smart D3S to enable road safety
  16. A smart heart beat analytics system using wearable device
  17. Design of an IoT based warfare car robot using sensor network connectivity
  18. An energy-efficient routing protocol via angle-based flooding zone in underwater wireless sensor networks
  19. Mapping Cropland Extent in Pakistan Using Machine Learning Algorithms on Google Earth Engine Cloud Computing Framework
  20. Visualization and analytics of biological data by using different tools and techniques

Jianwen Wang | Computer science and remote sensing | Best Researcher Award

Mr Jianwen Wang | Computer science and remote sensing | Best Researcher Award

Doctor, East China Normal University, China

Jianwen G. (Bruce Wang), 32, is a versatile professional with expertise in software engineering, music, literature, and entrepreneurship. Based in Shanghai, he holds a PhD from East China Normal University. As a certified musician, he has released nearly 20 self-composed songs across various genres, including pop, R&B, and folk. Additionally, Jianwen is a regularly contracted writer for Tencent’s China Literature Group, where he has published novels, essays, and critiques. In 2023, he founded Shanghai XiZhe Network Technology Co., Ltd., focusing on AI products, software development, and digital transformation. A passionate researcher in landscape ecology, he has made significant contributions to understanding farmland abandonment and recultivation dynamics in the Yangtze River Delta using Google Earth Engine. Jianwen is fluent in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and German.

Profile

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse Expertise and Multidisciplinary Skills:
    • Academic Background: Jianwen’s Ph.D. from East China Normal University indicates a strong academic foundation. His research on “farmland abandonment and recultivation dynamics in the Yangtze River Delta” in a landscape ecology context shows a sophisticated understanding of environmental issues, particularly those in the rapidly changing Yangtze River Delta.
    • Strong Research Capabilities: The use of Google Earth Engine for multiscale analysis is a noteworthy strength. This demonstrates advanced proficiency in geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies, which are increasingly important in environmental research. His ability to apply such technologies to study complex dynamics like farmland abandonment demonstrates significant technical and scientific competence.
    • Scientific Writing: He has been actively engaged in writing research papers and has the capability to communicate complex scientific ideas in both English and Chinese, highlighting his versatility and proficiency in academic communication.
    • Innovative Research Areas: His research topic has significant social relevance, addressing issues of sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and land use changes in a rapidly urbanizing region. This aligns well with current global challenges such as climate change and urbanization.
  2. Leadership and Entrepreneurial Drive:
    • CEO of XiZhe Network Technology Co., Ltd.: His entrepreneurial endeavor in founding a tech company with a focus on AI products and internet technology showcases his leadership and ability to innovate in the business space. This entrepreneurial experience also complements his academic skills, offering him a practical understanding of how research can lead to real-world applications and business solutions.
  3. Literary and Artistic Creativity:
    • His background as a musician and literary writer demonstrates a well-rounded individual who excels in both creative and analytical fields. The breadth of his talents could contribute to his research by fostering innovative, interdisciplinary thinking and integrating creative problem-solving into his academic work.
  4. Awards and Recognition:
    • Best Paper Award at the 13th China-Japan-Korea Geography Conference is a notable accolade that speaks to the quality and impact of his research in the academic community.
    • Other recognitions, such as National Inspirational Scholarship and being an Outstanding Student Union Officer, suggest that he has been a leader in both academic and extracurricular spheres throughout his academic career.
  5. Multilingual Proficiency:
    • His fluency in English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and German is a significant asset in academic research, allowing him to access a wider range of literature, collaborate with international peers, and participate in cross-cultural research projects.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Focused Research Outputs:
    • While his work is promising, it would be helpful for Jianwen to focus more on publishing high-impact journal articles and peer-reviewed papers in his primary field of research. As his current research appears to involve both professional writing (novels, essays, etc.) and entrepreneurial pursuits, there could be more clarity and emphasis on his scientific output and contributions to landscape ecology and geography.
    • The range of activities he engages in (writing novels, running a business, etc.) is impressive but might distract from deepening his research career in a more specialized and focused manner. For a Best Researcher Award, it is essential to have a strong, sustained output in research publications that push the boundaries of knowledge in the chosen field.
  2. Research Collaboration:
    • While he appears to be a successful individual contributor, increased collaboration with other researchers or research institutions could help enhance the scope and impact of his work. Collaborative projects, particularly with international scholars or interdisciplinary teams, might provide valuable insights and further elevate his research profile.
  3. Academic Mentorship:
    • Jianwen’s leadership skills in his company could be transferred to academia through mentoring younger researchers or students. Actively mentoring PhD students, participating in academic advisory roles, or engaging in more teaching opportunities would help him establish a stronger academic legacy.

Education 

Jianwen G. earned his Ph.D. in Geography from East China Normal University (2019–2023). His doctoral research focused on landscape ecology, particularly studying the dynamics of farmland abandonment and recultivation in the Yangtze River Delta using cutting-edge tools like Google Earth Engine. In addition to his academic studies, Jianwen pursued various personal and professional interests, including music composition and software development. His interdisciplinary approach merges environmental science with technology, demonstrating a strong capacity for integrating advanced tools into environmental research. His academic achievements are complemented by his proficiency in English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and German, making him well-versed in global academic discourse. Throughout his academic journey, Jianwen excelled in both research and extracurricular activities, earning recognition for his leadership and scholarly accomplishments.

Experience 

Jianwen G. has had a dynamic career spanning multiple fields. Since 2019, he has been a regularly contracted writer with Tencent’s China Literature Group, where he writes novels, essays, and critiques, with over 500,000 words of his autobiographical novel, “Just When We Were Young”, awaiting publication. He has also released more than 200,000 words across six online novels in genres such as fantasy, urban realism, and science fiction. In May 2023, Jianwen founded Shanghai XiZhe Network Technology Co., Ltd., where he serves as CEO. The company specializes in AI, software development, and internet business outsourcing. His leadership has helped the company form strategic collaborations with multiple enterprises. Furthermore, Jianwen has been recognized for his contributions to landscape ecology and technology. His unique combination of scientific research, creative writing, and entrepreneurial skills showcases his diverse expertise and vision for the future.

Awards and Honors 

Jianwen G. has received multiple prestigious accolades throughout his academic and professional career. He was honored with the Best Paper Award at the 13th China-Japan-Korea Geography Conference for his research in landscape ecology and Google Earth Engine. As a doctoral student, Jianwen was awarded the National Inspirational Scholarship for academic excellence and his outstanding contributions to research. He was also recognized as the Excellent League Member of the Year and awarded the title of Outstanding Student Union Officer at the School of Science. His achievements reflect his leadership, dedication, and passion for knowledge. Jianwen’s ability to balance academic rigor with creative pursuits—such as his music career—has further distinguished him, and he continues to make significant contributions in both the academic and entrepreneurial spaces.

Research Focus 

Jianwen G.’s research focuses on the intersection of landscape ecology and digital technology, particularly in the context of farmland abandonment and recultivation dynamics in the Yangtze River Delta, China. His doctoral thesis employs a multiscale analysis using Google Earth Engine, a cutting-edge platform for geospatial analysis, to study the changes in land use and their environmental impacts. His research aims to understand the complex processes of land abandonment and the potential for sustainable land restoration in one of China’s most economically dynamic and ecologically sensitive regions. Jianwen’s work combines traditional ecological concepts with modern technology, providing new insights into how remote sensing and GIS technologies can inform land management strategies. His focus on sustainability, digital tools, and environmental science positions him as a leader in the emerging field of landscape ecology applied to real-world challenges in the face of rapid urbanization.

Publications 

  • “An In-Depth Multiscale Analysis of Farmland Abandonment and Recultivation Dynamics in the Yangtze River Delta, China” 🌱📡
  • “Utilizing Google Earth Engine to Assess Land Use Changes in the Yangtze River Delta” 🌍🌾
  • “Exploring the Role of Remote Sensing in Landscape Ecology: A Case Study from the Yangtze River Delta” 🌐🔬
  • “Sustainable Land Management in China’s Urbanizing Regions: Challenges and Solutions” 🏙️🌍
  • “The Impact of Farmland Abandonment on Local Ecosystems and Economy” 🌿💡
  • “A Comparative Study of Eastern and Western Ecological Restoration Methods” 🌳🌍

Conclusion

Jianwen G. (Bruce Wang) demonstrates a unique and impressive combination of skills that position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research on farmland abandonment in the Yangtze River Delta, leveraging advanced tools like Google Earth Engine, is scientifically significant and relevant to critical global issues. His entrepreneurial experience and leadership in technology and AI further add to his qualifications, showing his ability to translate research into real-world applications.To further strengthen his candidacy, he could focus more on publishing high-impact, peer-reviewed research, engage in collaborative research projects, and contribute more to academic mentorship. Nonetheless, his innovative interdisciplinary approach, technical expertise, and passion for research make him a very strong contender for the award.With the right focus on academic output and sustained collaboration, Jianwen could emerge as a leader in the field of landscape ecology and sustainability while continuing to leverage his diverse talents and experiences in technology, business, and the arts.

 

José Pilartes-Congo | Geospatial Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. José Pilartes-Congo | Geospatial Science | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, United States

José A. Pilartes-Congo Jr. is a Ph.D. student in Geospatial Computing Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, specializing in geo-engineering and data-driven solutions for coastal sustainability 🌍. With expertise in geospatial systems, remote sensing, and UAS technology, José is committed to enhancing workflows for coastal mapping and transportation monitoring 🚗🌊. He has made significant contributions to NSF and TxDOT projects and has won multiple accolades for his work in GIS, photogrammetry, and environmental sustainability 🏆.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education:

José holds a BSc in Geographic Information Science with a minor in Business Administration from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors 🎓. He completed an MSc in Geospatial Systems Engineering, specializing in Geosensing Systems and UAS for Geomatics, maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.0 🌟. Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Geospatial Computing Science, achieving an impressive GPA of 3.88 📚.

Experience:

José’s professional journey includes serving as a Ph.D. Graduate Researcher at MANTIS Laboratory (Conrad Blucher Institute) since 2019, where he works on cutting-edge coastal mapping and inundation prediction techniques 📡. His past roles also include contributing to NOAA projects in shoreline mapping and data collection optimization using UAS 🚁. Additionally, he has interned at S&V Surveying, Inc., focusing on TLS/LiDAR data acquisition and topographic surveys 🏞️. His experience spans both research and practical applications in geospatial technology and GIS analysis 🔍.

Research Interests:

José’s research interests lie at the intersection of geospatial engineering, remote sensing, and environmental sustainability 🌱. He is particularly focused on implementing close-range photogrammetry, remote sensing data fusion, and digital twin generation to optimize data collection workflows 🌐. His work contributes to understanding and mitigating the impacts of sea-level rise and coastal erosion 🌊, advancing geospatial solutions for transportation and coastal sustainability.

Awards:

José’s academic and professional excellence has earned him several prestigious awards 🏅, including the Pipelines 2024 Conference Student Scholarship, TSPS Student Volunteer of the Year (2023), and 1st Place in the NSPS Student Competition (U.S.) 🏆. He has also been recognized with the Heydenrych Trophy (S.A.) and The Diana Award (U.K.), reflecting his commitment to making a positive environmental impact 🌍.

Publications:

Pilartes-Congo, J.A., et al. “Close-Range Photogrammetry for Coastal Mapping: A New Approach.” Journal of Geospatial Engineering, 2023. Link

Pilartes-Congo, J.A., et al. “UAS Data Collection for Shoreline Mapping: Optimizing Data Workflows.” Remote Sensing Technology, 2022. Link

Pilartes-Congo, J.A., et al. “Data Fusion for Inundation Prediction and Coastal Sustainability.” Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2021. Link
Cited by: 23 articles

Pilartes-Congo, J.A., et al. “GIS Applications in Monitoring Sea-Level Rise Along the Gulf Coast.” Geospatial Science & Technology, 2020. Link
Cited by: 15 articles