Faran Vahedian | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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 🏞️🧭

Xinghua Liu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr.  Xinghua Liu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ass Prof, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, China

🌿 Xinghua Liu is an accomplished Associate Professor at the Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences. With a strong foundation in environmental sciences and soil sciences, Dr. Liu has made significant contributions to understanding the interactions between organic matter and antibiotics in soil and sediment systems. She has published numerous research papers and holds multiple patents related to environmental sustainability and agricultural practices. Recognized for her innovative research, Dr. Liu has received several prestigious awards, highlighting her expertise in the field of environmental sciences.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Strong Academic Background and Continuous Research Involvement: Xinghua Liu has a robust academic background in Environmental Sciences, with a Ph.D. in the field and continuous involvement in scientific research since 2018 as an Assistant Professor at the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
  2. Extensive Research Publications: Liu has published numerous research articles as the first or corresponding author in high-impact journals such as Science of The Total Environment and Journal of Environmental Management. The topics cover important areas in environmental science, including soil and sediment contamination, antibiotic sorption mechanisms, and organic matter distribution, reflecting both depth and diversity in research focus.
  3. Patents and Practical Contributions: Liu holds multiple patents, including innovative methods for measuring soil particulate organic matter and integrated systems for managing livestock and poultry manure. These patents demonstrate a significant contribution to both theoretical and practical aspects of environmental management and technology.
  4. Recognition and Awards: Liu has received several prestigious awards, including the “Youth Science and Technology Award” from the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the “Innovative Talents Outstanding Contribution Award,” and multiple “Major Scientific Research Progress Awards.” These awards highlight Liu’s impact and recognition within the scientific community.
  5. Successful Project Leadership: Liu has led multiple high-impact research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and other institutions, reflecting strong project management skills and the ability to secure competitive funding.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Focus on Broader Research Impact: While Liu has contributed extensively to the field of Environmental Sciences, focusing on soil and organic matter studies, there could be more emphasis on the broader application of this research, such as addressing global environmental challenges (e.g., climate change mitigation, pollution control). Diversifying research topics and aligning them with pressing global issues could enhance Liu’s impact.
  2. International Collaboration and Visibility: Increasing international collaborations and publications in globally recognized journals could further elevate Liu’s profile. Attending international conferences, contributing to global policy discussions, or engaging in multinational research projects would strengthen global visibility and impact.
  3. Enhanced Use of Modern Research Tools: Leveraging advanced analytical techniques and computational modeling could add value to Liu’s research, especially in quantifying environmental phenomena or predicting future environmental changes.

 

Education

🎓 Xinghua Liu completed her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from China Agricultural University (2006-2010). She pursued a Master’s degree in Soil Sciences at Shandong Agricultural University (2010-2013) and earned her Doctorate in Environmental Sciences from the Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2014-2018).

Experience

🔬 Xinghua Liu has been serving as an Associate Professor at the Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences since 2018. Her work focuses on the environmental impact of agricultural practices, particularly the behavior of antibiotics in soil and sediment environments. She has also authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and developed innovative methods for environmental assessment and sustainable agricultural management.

Research Focus

🌱 Xinghua Liu specializes in studying the sorption and desorption mechanisms of antibiotics in soil and sediments, the spatial heterogeneity of particulate organic matter, and the ecological impacts of agricultural waste management. Her research aims to enhance sustainable agricultural practices through innovative environmental assessment techniques and the development of environmentally friendly agricultural technologies.

Awards and Honours

🏆 Dr. Liu has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Youth Science and Technology Award from the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2022), the Qilu Agricultural Science and Technology Award, the Innovative Talents Outstanding Contribution Award (Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences), and the Major Scientific Research Progress Award (2022, 2024). She is also acknowledged as a High-E-level talent in Jinan and a Jinan Licheng District high-end talent.

Publication Top Notes

📚 Xinghua Liu has authored several impactful publications, including:

Liu, X., Luo, Y., Zhang, H., et al. “Spatial heterogeneity of particulate organic matter for the sorption of ciprofloxacin at the microstructure scale.” Science of The Total Environment, 2022.

Liu, X., Zhang, H., Luo, Y., et al. “Sorption of oxytetracycline on particulate organic matter in soils and sediments: Roles of pH, ionic strength and temperature.” Science of the Total Environment, 2020.

XH. Liu, YY. Xie. “Sorption and desorption behavior and mechanism of oxytetracycline on soil aggregates organic matter separated from soils and sediments in the Yellow River Delta.” Journal of Environmental Management, 2024.

Conclusion:

Xinghua Liu is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Research Award due to a strong academic foundation, extensive research output, practical contributions through patents, and recognition through numerous awards. Liu’s dedication to environmental research, evidenced by leading multiple funded projects, further supports this suitability. However, to maximize potential, a stronger emphasis on global collaboration, diversified research focus, and enhanced use of modern tools could improve the candidacy for the award. Overall, Liu’s profile demonstrates significant strengths and promising potential for further impact in the field of environmental sciences.

Hari B Sharma | Environmental Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Hari B Sharma | Environmental Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Assistant Professor, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, India

Dr. Hari Bhakta Sharma is an esteemed environmental engineer and researcher currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, India. With a profound interest in sustainable waste management and renewable energy, Dr. Sharma’s work focuses on innovative methods to recover resources from waste. His dedication to environmental sustainability and contribution to academia makes him a promising candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.”

Profile

Google Scholar

Nomination for “Young Scientist Award”

Strengths for the Award 🌟

The nominee exhibits remarkable strengths that make them a suitable candidate for the “Young Scientist Award.” With a robust academic foundation in civil engineering, complemented by a focus on environmental sustainability, the candidate has excelled in both research and practical application. Their work in wastewater treatment, especially through innovative technologies like vertical flow constructed wetlands and biochar production, demonstrates a commitment to addressing environmental challenges. Additionally, their contributions to multiple high-enrollment courses at IIT Kharagpur showcase their dedication to education and knowledge dissemination. The numerous scholarships, travel grants, and awards they have received, such as the “Most Cited Research Paper Award” and the “Most Downloaded Research Paper Award” in 2023, further highlight their research impact and recognition in the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement 📈

While the candidate’s achievements are impressive, there are some areas where further development could enhance their profile. For instance, increasing their involvement in international collaborations could broaden their research network and foster diverse perspectives in their work. Additionally, while their editorial roles in journals like “Frontiers in Sustainability” and “Frontiers in Energy Research” are commendable, expanding these roles to include leadership positions in more prominent journals or conferences could further solidify their standing in the field. Lastly, while their work on the “Namami Ganga Program” indicates strong practical experience, pursuing more publications in high-impact international journals could enhance the global reach and impact of their research.

Education 🎓

Dr. Sharma holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, where he specialized in resource recovery from organic waste using hydrothermal carbonization. He earned his Master of Technology in Environmental Engineering from Lovely Professional University, focusing on wastewater treatment. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Honours) from the same institution, where he developed a strong foundation in environmental and civil engineering principles.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Sharma is currently an Assistant Professor at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, where he teaches and conducts research in Environmental Engineering. His professional journey is marked by his commitment to sustainability and innovation in waste management. He has been actively involved in academic research, publishing extensively on topics such as hydrothermal carbonization, waste-to-energy conversion, and sustainable waste management practices.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Sharma’s research interests lie in environmental engineering, with a particular focus on sustainable waste management, resource recovery, and renewable energy production. His work often explores hydrothermal carbonization, a process that transforms organic waste into valuable biofuels, and circular economy strategies to enhance waste management systems. Dr. Sharma aims to contribute to global sustainability goals by developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Sharma has been recognized for his contributions to environmental engineering and waste management. While specific awards are not listed, his high citation count and significant research impact highlight his reputation in the academic community. His work has been acknowledged for its relevance to pressing global issues such as waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic and sustainable recovery strategies.

Publications Top Notes📚

Dr. Sharma has published numerous papers in reputed journals, showcasing his expertise in environmental engineering. Some of his notable publications include:

“Challenges, opportunities, and innovations for effective solid waste management during and post COVID-19 pandemic” (2020) – Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Link to Article (Cited by: 809)

“Challenges and strategies for effective plastic waste management during and post COVID-19 pandemic” (2021) – Science of The Total Environment
Link to Article (Cited by: 714)

“Hydrothermal carbonization of renewable waste biomass for solid biofuel production: A discussion on process mechanism, the influence of process parameters, environmental…” (2020) – Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Link to Article (Cited by: 386)

“Circular economy approach in solid waste management system to achieve UN-SDGs: Solutions for post-COVID recovery” (2021) – Science of the Total Environment
Link to Article (Cited by: 343)

“Valorisation of food waste via hydrothermal carbonisation and techno-economic feasibility assessment” (2019) – Science of the Total Environment
Link to Article (Cited by: 164)

“Anaerobic co-digestion of food waste with pretreated yard waste: A comparative study of methane production, kinetic modeling and energy balance” (2020) – Journal of Cleaner Production
Link to Article (Cited by: 157)

Conclusion 🏅

The nominee’s extensive experience in environmental engineering, particularly in sustainable wastewater treatment, coupled with their strong academic background and commitment to education, make them a strong candidate for the “Young Scientist Award.” Their ability to secure competitive grants and scholarships, as well as their active participation in significant research projects and editorial roles, underscores their potential as a future leader in environmental science. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, the nominee could further enhance their research impact and continue to make significant contributions to the field of environmental engineering.

Joseph Arhavbarien | Green Operations | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Joseph Arhavbarien | Green Operations | Best Researcher Award

Director / Researcher, Rockedge Ventures (UK) Ltd, United Kingdom

Dr. Joseph Arhavbarien is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in industry operations and academia. He earned his Ph.D. in Business with a focus on green processes, sustainable operations, and supply chain management from the University of Bedfordshire. Joseph is passionate about transitioning to academia to leverage his three decades of industrial experience and contribute to research and teaching. His research involves quantitative techniques, primarily using tools like Qualtrics and SPSS/AMOS for data analysis.

Education: 🎓

Dr. Joseph Arhavbarien’s educational journey is marked by notable achievements. He recently completed his Ph.D. in Business and Management at the University of Bedfordshire Business School (2020-2023). He also holds an MBA in International Business from the University of East London (2012-2015) and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Microbiology from the University of Lagos, Nigeria (1985-1989). In 2023, he earned a Certificate in Agile Project Management from the University of Oxford.

Experience: 💼

Joseph has held significant positions in various organizations, blending academic insight with practical expertise. He currently serves as a Duty Manager at Tesco Supermarket Limited (2024-present) and previously worked as a Department Manager at Morrisons Supermarket Limited (2023-2024) and Operations Manager at Gosh! Food Ltd (2022). His extensive experience includes roles at Flamingo Horticulture, FedEx UK, Rockedge Ventures UK Limited, Bread Roll Company, and Aryzta Bakeries, among others. His career is distinguished by achievements in process optimization, cost reduction, and team leadership.

Research Interests: 🔬

Joseph’s research interests are centered on green value internalization (GVI), sustainable operations, and responsible management. He aims to develop green criteria for stakeholder engagement, explore circular economy and reverse logistics, and support ESG practices. His work focuses on eco-design concepts, cost management, waste reduction, and lean techniques to enhance industrial efficiency and sustainability.

Awards and Honors: 🏆

Joseph’s contributions have been recognized through various awards and honors. He was provisionally selected for the “Best Researcher Award for the World Top Scientists Awards.” Additionally, he guided an M.Sc. student to win the 2023 Logistics Research Network CILT (UK)’s MSc Dissertation of the Year award. These accolades underscore his ability to inspire and support students and his impact on both academic and industry practices.

Publications Top Notes

  1. An investigation of antecedents and consequences of green value internalisation among sampled UK enterprises Journal of Environmental Management, 2024
    • Explores the factors influencing green value internalisation in UK firms and its impact on supply chain collaboration.
  2. An examination of antecedents of green value internalisation for firm-level supply chain collaboration BAM 2022 Conference
    • Discusses the firm-level drivers of green value integration within supply chains.
  3. Green supply chain management: an investigation of firm-level antecedents of green value internalisation EurOMA 2022 Conference
    • Investigates the role of green value internalisation in enhancing supply chain sustainability.
  4. An investigation of firm-level antecedents of green value internalisation for Upstream-Downstream supply chain interactions POMS 2022 Conference
    • Examines how green value internalisation affects interactions within the supply chain.