Fenghong Wang | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fenghong Wang |  Environmental |  Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Inner Mongolia Medical University, China

Dr. Fenghong Wang is an Associate Professor and Master’s Supervisor at the Department of Hygiene and Toxicology, Inner Mongolia Medical University. Her research focuses on the identification and mechanisms of environmental toxicants and their health risks in populations, with specific emphasis on cardiovascular toxicity caused by nano-silica, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and rare earth dust.

Profile:

🎓 Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Toxicology – Capital Medical University (2019–2022)
    Supervisor: Prof. Sun Zhiwei

  • M.Sc. in Occupational & Environmental Health – Jilin University (2012–2015)
    Supervisor: Prof. Li Jing

  • B.Sc. in Preventive Medicine – Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology (2007–2012)

🧪 Research Focus:

Wang Fenghong specializes in the mechanistic toxicology of environmental pollutants with public health implications, focusing on:

  • 🧼 Cardiovascular toxicity of nano-silica

  • 🧪 Toxic effects of PFOA on the cardiovascular system

  • 🌍 Health risks from environmental exposure to rare earth dust

🧑‍🏫 Professional Experience:

  • 2023–Present: Associate Professor, School of Public Health, Inner Mongolia Medical University

  • 2015–2019: Public Health Physician, Industrial Hygiene Dept., Baotou Guoyao Beifang Hospital

📊 Research Projects:

  • 🔬 PI, Inner Mongolia Natural Science Foundation
    (100,000 RMB – Nanosilica & Cardiac Fibrosis)

  • 🎯 PI, High-Level Talent Research Start-up Fund
    (Particulate Matter & Cardiovascular Toxicity)

  • 💉 PI, Inner Mongolia Dept. of Finance
    (PFOA-induced Cardiomyocyte Injury in Mice)

📚 Selected Publications (First Author):

  1. 2025 – Silica nanoparticles & cardiac hypertrophy (Toxicological Science)

  2. 2022 – ROS/NLRP3/Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis (Free Radic Biol Med)

  3. 2021 – PM2.5 & atrial fibrillation meta-analysis (Sci Total Environ)

  4. 2020 – PM2.5 & heart rate variability (Chemosphere)

👩‍🎓 Graduate Supervision:

  • Supervised 3 master’s students

  • Admission field: Public Health and Preventive Medicine

🏆 Honors & Awards:

  • 🥈 Second Prize – Innovation Forum, Inner Mongolia Medical University

  • 🥉 Third Prize – Provincial-level Experimental Design Competition

🧬 Research Contribution Summary:

  • 🧾 4 SCI first-author papers published

  • 📑 3 SCI papers under review

  • 🏥 Expertise in cardiovascular toxicology, occupational health, and environmental exposure impact

📈 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 299

  • Cited By: 275 documents

  • Total Publications: 12

  • h-index: 11

Publication:

Ferritinophagy was involved in long-term SiNPs exposure-induced ferroptosis and liver fibrosis
Authors: Qingqing Liang, Yuexiao Ma, Fenghong Wang, Junchao Duan, Zhiwei Sun
Journal: Nanotoxicology, 2023
Citations: 11

Tamirat Wato | Environmental | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Tamirat Wato | Environmental | Young Researcher Award

Bonga University, Ethiopia

Mr. Tamirat Wato Wana is a senior lecturer and researcher at Bonga University, Ethiopia, specializing in Plant Science. He holds a BSc in Plant Science from Wachemo University and an MSc in Crop and Irrigation Agronomy from Debre Markos University. With over seven years of experience, he has served in various leadership roles, including Head of the Department of Plant Science and Director of Indigenous Knowledge. He is currently the Coordinator of Research and Director of Indigenous Knowledge at Bonga University.

Profile:

🔬 Research & Innovations:

Tamirat’s research focuses on solving socio-economic challenges related to agriculture. His work has led to significant contributions in areas such as traditional medicinal plants, crop production, and sustainable agriculture practices. Notable projects include his involvement in apple, pineapple, and coffee research. He is committed to furthering agricultural development through innovative research and collaboration with other scholars.

📚 Publications & Citations:

Tamirat has published over 28 articles in international peer-reviewed journals. His research can be found in journals such as Heliyon, Asian Journal of Science, and Agricultural Science.
Citation Index: h-index: 7

🧑‍💼 Professional Roles & Consultancy:

  • Editorial Board Member: Makira Journal of Natural Resource Management

  • Farm Consultant: Afri-herbal, Solomon Agricultural Products

  • Active Reviewer for various international journals

🌱 Areas of Research:

Tamirat’s expertise spans Agronomy, Crop Production, Sustainable Agriculture, Irrigation, Soil and Water Conservation, Horticultural Crop Production, and Herbal Plants.

🌍 Collaborations & Recognition:

He has collaborated extensively with universities such as Addis Ababa, Bonga, Debre Birhan, and Arba Minch on various projects. Additionally, Tamirat has completed over 49 certified online courses to enhance his professional development.

🏆 Contributions:

Through his extensive work in agriculture and education, Tamirat has earned recognition and awards for his significant contributions to both the academic community and his local community.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Identification of enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) Landraces and Farmers’ Preference in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
    Environmental Research Communications | 2024-10-01 | DOI: 10.1088/2515-7620/ad78bb
    Contributors: Abera Asfaw, Tamirat Wato, Alemu Andualem

  • Significance of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers in Maintaining Soil Fertility and Increasing Crop Productivity in Ethiopia: A Review
    Environmental Research Communications | 2024-10-01 | DOI: 10.1088/2515-7620/ad79be
    Contributors: Tamirat Wato, Tilahun Negash, Alemu Andualem, Amare Bitew

  • Review of: “Growth, Instability and Trend Analysis of Rice Production Indicators in Nigeria”
    2023-12-11 | Book chapter | DOI: 10.32388/DA7YOZ
    Contributors: Tamirat Wato

  • Response of Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Grain Yield to Biofertilizer Rates and Inter Row Spacings at Kaffa Zone, South Western Ethiopia
    Journal of Agricultural Sciences – Sri Lanka | 2023-05-02 | DOI: 10.4038/jas.v18i2.10253
    Contributors: Worku Alemu, Tamirat Wato

  • Study on Character Association and Path Analysis in Korarima (Aframomum corrorima (Braun) Jansen) Germplasms at Jimma Southwestern, Ethiopia
    Heliyon | 2022-01 | DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08812
    Contributors: Simegn Kinfu, Tamirat Wato, Tilahun Negash

  • Application of Logistic Regression Model for Predicting the Association of Climate Change Resilient Cultural Practices with Early Blight of Tomato (Alternaria solani) Epidemics in the East Shewa, Central Ethiopia
    Journal of Plant Interactions | 2022-01-01 | DOI: 10.1080/17429145.2021.2009581
    Contributors: Tamirat Wato, Meseret Tadelo, Tilahun Negash

  • Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc)] Grain Yield Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates in East Badewacho District, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia
    Cogent Food & Agriculture | 2021-01-01 | DOI: 10.1080/23311932.2021.1909203
    Contributors: Tamirat Wato, Manuel Tejada Moral

 

Silas Ochieng | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Silas Ochieng | Climate Change |  Best Researcher Award

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Learning Director at  DT Global,  Kenya

Silas Ochieng, a Kenyan national, is a seasoned Market Systems Development and Evaluations Practitioner with over 16 years of experience. He specializes in designing and implementing programs in financial inclusion, resilience programming, value chain development, and climate change adaptation.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Socio-Economics (February 2020 – Present)
    Maseno University
    Research Topic: Influence of Covariate Shocks on Determinants of Resilience Capacities Among Rural Fishing and Aquaculture Households in Kenya.
  • M.Sc. Research Methods and Applied Statistics (August 2009 – December 2011)
    Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
    Thesis: Climate Change Adaptation and Food Security Status in East Africa: A Comparative Study of Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
  • B.Sc. Agriculture (2004 – 2009)
    Moi University

Professional Experience:

Director – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (Deputy Chief of Party)

DT Global, Somalia (September 2022 – Present)

  • Managed the $65M MSD-Inclusive Resilience in Somalia (IRiS) program, focusing on fisheries, livestock, and agriculture.
  • Developed and implemented the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP).
  • Ensured quality assurance for program deliverables and led learning events and strategic reviews.

Regional Monitoring & Results Measurement Manager

NIRAS Africa (FCDO Funded) – Uganda, Malawi, Nepal (June 2019 – August 2022)

  • Designed MEL systems for the $32M Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusiness program.
  • Developed business plans for six value chains across three countries.
  • Led data management, quality assurance, and adaptation learning sessions.

Monitoring & Results Measurement Manager

Development Alternatives Inc. (DAI), Somalia (January 2015 – April 2019)

  • Delivered the $16M Promoting Inclusive Markets in Somalia (PIMS) program.
  • Achieved consecutive high ratings (A) in annual reviews.

Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager

FSD Kenya (USAID Funded) (February 2012 – December 2015)

  • Designed and implemented value chain finance strategies.
  • Led FinaAccess surveys and data monitoring systems.

Certifications & Training:

  • Market Systems Development Programming – Springfields, Bangkok (July 2018)
  • Inclusive Markets Training – Swiss Contact (April 2019)
  • DCED Standards for Results Measurement – MDF, Netherlands (August – September 2017)
  • Outcome Mapping/Outcome Harvesting – Outcome Mapping Community, Nairobi (April 2023)
  • Applied Statistics – University of Reading (July 2010)
  • Trainer of Trainers in Agricultural Value Chain Financing – FAO UN (April 2013)

Key Skills:

  • Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Systems
  • Market Systems Development Programming
  • Mixed Methods Program Evaluation (Outcome Mapping, Outcome Harvesting)
  • Database Development and Mobile/Web-Based Monitoring Tools (SurveyCTO, ODK, CommCare, Kobo Toolbox)
  • Value for Money Measurement
  • Theory of Change, Log Frame, and Results Chain Development

Professional Affiliations:

  • Member, Global BEAM Exchange
  • Contributor, DCED Forums for Results Measurement
  • Member, Market Systems Resilience Community of Practice

Citations Overview:

  • Total Citations: 1,984
  • Citations Since 2020: 1,182
  • h-index: 20 (16 since 2020)
  • i10-index: 27 (18 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • The uptake of the ecosystem services concept in planning discourses of European and American cities
    R. Hansen, N. Frantzeskaki, T. McPhearson, E. Rall, N. Kabisch, …
    Ecosystem Services, 12, 228–246 (2015) – 357 citations
  • Key insights for the future of urban ecosystem services research
    P. Kremer, Z. Hamstead, D. Haase, T. McPhearson, N. Frantzeskaki, …
    Ecology and Society, 21 (2) (2016) – 260 citations
  • Waste picker organizations and their contribution to the circular economy: Two case studies from a global south perspective
    J. Gutberlet, S. Carenzo, J.H. Kain, A. Mantovani Martiniano de Azevedo
    Resources, 6 (4), 52 (2017) – 147 citations
  • Ecosystem services in urban land use planning: Integration challenges in complex urban settings—Case of Stockholm
    A. Kaczorowska, J.H. Kain, J. Kronenberg, D. Haase
    Ecosystem Services, 22, 204–212 (2016) – 144 citations
  • Beyond residential segregation: A spatiotemporal approach to examining multi-contextual segregation
    Y.M. Park, M.P. Kwan
    Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 71, 98–108 (2018) – 106 citations
  • Management of complex knowledge in planning for sustainable development: The use of multi-criteria decision aids
    J.H. Kain, H. Söderberg
    Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 28 (1), 7–21 (2008) – 97 citations
  • Bridging weak links of solid waste management in informal settlements
    J. Gutberlet, J.H. Kain, B. Nyakinya, M. Oloko, P. Zapata, M.J. Zapata Campos
    The Journal of Environment & Development, 26 (1), 106–131 (2017) – 88 citations
  • Exploring local consequences of two land-use alternatives for the supply of urban ecosystem services in Stockholm year 2050
    J.H. Kain, N. Larondelle, D. Haase, A. Kaczorowska
    Ecological Indicators, 70, 615–629 (2016) – 77 citations
  • Socio-environmental entrepreneurship and the provision of critical services in informal settlements
    J. Gutberlet, J.H. Kain, B. Nyakinya, D.H. Ochieng, N. Odhiambo, M. Oloko, …
    Environment and Urbanization, 28 (1), 205–222 (2016) – 66 citations
  • Using role-playing games to broaden engineering education
    J.R. McConville, S. Rauch, I. Helgegren, J.H. Kain
    International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 18 (4), 594–607 (2017) – 61 citations

 

Ali Mekki | Environmental science | Excellence in Research

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Prof Ali Mekki  |  Environmental science |  Excellence in Research

Sfax University,  Tunisia

Professor Ali Mekki has over 20 years of teaching and research experience in Biological Engineering, focusing on Environmental Bioprocesses, Soil Science, and Biochemistry. He has made significant contributions in the field of Environmental Bioremediation, helping to advance sustainable practices in managing soil and environmental health.

 

Publication Profile

Education:

  • HDR in Biology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2015)
  • Doctorate in Biology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2006)
  • Master of Ecology – Sfax University, Tunisia (2002)
  • License in Natural Sciences – Sfax University, Tunisia (1998)
  • Bachelor of Experimental Science – Bourguiba School, Mahres, Sfax, Tunisia (1994)

Work Experience:

  • Since July 2018 – Present: Full Professor and Senior Researcher in Biological Engineering, Environmental Bioprocesses, Soil Biochemistry and Microbiology, Gafsa University and Sfax University, Tunisia
  • 2016 – 2018: Associate Professor, Head of the Experimental Station at Olive Tree Institute, Sfax, Tunisia
  • 2008 – 2016: Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2006 – 2008: Assistant in Metabolism Biochemistry and Enzymology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2002 – 2006: Contractual Assistant of Biochemistry and General Biology, Gafsa University, Tunisia
  • 2000 – 2002: Contractual Student Researcher, Sfax University, Tunisia

Teaching Activities:

  • Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Biotechnology, Metabolism, Enzymology, Bioremediation, General Biology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Microbial Processes, Methanization.

International & National Research Projects:

  • Bilateral International Project IRD-CESBIO (France)-IO-IRESA-Tunisia: 2017-2020
  • International CLARA Project (EU 7th Framework Program): 2011-2014
  • International INCO-MED Project (Mediterranean Usage of Biotechnological Treated Effluent Water): ICA3-CT-1999-00010
  • Tuniso–Moroccan Project: 2006-2008

Academic Citations:

  • Total Citations: 1,398
  • Citations Since 2019: 796
  • H-Index: 16 (Overall), 15 (Since 2019)
  • I10-Index: 19 (Overall), 18 (Since 2019)

Publication Top Note:

  • Changes in microbial and soil properties following amendment with treated and untreated olive mill wastewater
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Microbiological Research, 161(2), 93-101
    Citations: 281 (2006)
  • Polyphenols dynamics and phytotoxicity in a soil amended by olive mill wastewaters
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Journal of Environmental Management, 84(2), 134-140
    Citations: 218 (2007)
  • Effects of olive mill wastewater application on soil properties and plant growth
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture, 2, 1-7
    Citations: 169 (2013)
  • Olive wastewater as an ecological fertilizer
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, F Aloui, S Sayadi
    Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 26(1), 61-67
    Citations: 141 (2006)
  • Assessment of toxicity of the untreated and treated olive mill wastewaters and soil irrigated by using microbiotests
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, F Feki, S Sayadi
    Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 69(3), 488-495
    Citations: 87 (2008)
  • Evolution of several soil properties following amendment with olive mill wastewater
    A Mekki, A Dhouib, S Sayadi
    Progress in Natural Science, 19(11), 1515-1521
    Citations: 83 (2009)
  • Long-term effects of olive mill wastewaters application on soil properties and phenolic compounds migration under arid climate
    O Meftah, Z Guergueb, M Braham, S Sayadi, A Mekki
    Agricultural Water Management, 212, 119-125
    Citations: 66 (2019)
  • Agro-physiological and biochemical responses of Sorghum bicolor in soil amended by olive mill wastewater
    L Bargougui, Z Guergueb, M Chaieb, M Braham, A Mekki
    Agricultural Water Management, 212, 60-67
    Citations: 46 (2019)
  • Study of heavy metal accumulation and residual toxicity in soil saturated with phosphate processing wastewater
    A Mekki, S Sayadi
    Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 228, 1-10
    Citations: 46 (2017)
  • Influence of biowaste compost amendment on soil organic carbon storage under arid climate
    A Mekki, F Aloui, S Sayadi
    Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 69(7), 867-877
    Citations: 32 (2019)