Elias Charles Nyanza | Environmental | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Elias Charles Nyanza |  Environmental | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at  Catholic University Of Health And Allied Sciences, Tanzania

Dr. Elias Charles Nyanza is a Tanzanian public health expert and environmental and occupational health specialist. He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at the School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) in Tanzania. Dr. Nyanza holds a Ph.D. in Population and Public Health from the University of Calgary, Canada, along with an MPH and BSc in Environmental Sciences and Management. His expertise spans quality assurance, environmental exposure assessment, and community health research. Over the years, he has played a key role in academic mentorship, research coordination, and program leadership, including serving as a program coordinator for the Master of Public Health at CUHAS. Recognized for his academic excellence and contributions to global health, he has received several prestigious awards, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship and the Global Health Champion Award. His research focuses on HIV immunity, co-morbidities, and metal(loids) exposure, contributing significantly to public health advancements.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2023) – Mwanza Intervention Trial Unit, Tanzania

  • Ph.D. in Population and Public Health (2020) – University of Calgary, Canada

  • Master of Public Health (2011) – Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania

  • B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences and Management (2008) – Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

🏆 Awards & Recognition:

  • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (2015) – Prestigious award for leadership and academic excellence

  • Global Health Champion Award (2013) – University of Calgary, Canada

  • Community Health Sciences Achievement Award (2017, 2019)

  • Tom Feasby Graduate Award in Global Health (2014–2017)

  • Vice Chancellor’s Prize (2007, 2008) – Sokoine University of Agriculture

💼 Professional Expertise:

  • Senior Lecturer (2021–Present) – CUHAS, specializing in Public Health, Community Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health

  • Crowdfunding & Social Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator (2014–Present) – University of Calgary & CUHAS partnership

  • Co-Team Leader (2012–Present) – Canadian One Health research-intensive field school in Tanzania

  • Environmental Senior Chemist & Quality Management Representative (2008–2011) – SGS African Assay, Mwanza

Citations:

Citations: 1,733 (All), 1,324 (Since 2020)
h-index: 21 (All), 20 (Since 2020)
i10-index: 34 (All), 31 (Since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Phthalate exposure and children’s neurodevelopment: a systematic review
    M. Ejaredar, E.C. Nyanza, K. Ten Eycke, D. Dewey
    Environmental Research, 142, 51-60 (2015)Citations: 327

  • Antenatal depression is associated with pregnancy-related anxiety, partner relations, and wealth in women in Northern Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
    M. Rwakarema, S.S. Premji, E.C. Nyanza, P. Riziki, L. Palacios-Derflingher
    BMC Women’s Health, 15, 1-10 (2015)Citations: 189

  • Geophagy practices and the content of chemical elements in the soil eaten by pregnant women in artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities in Tanzania
    E.C. Nyanza, M. Joseph, S.S. Premji, D.S.K. Thomas, C. Mannion
    BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 14, 1-10 (2014)Citations: 108

  • Antenatal care and opportunities for quality improvement of service provision in resource-limited settings: A mixed-methods study
    A. Solnes Miltenburg, L. Van Der Eem, E.C. Nyanza, S. Van Pelt, P. Ndaki, …
    PLOS ONE, 12(12), e0188279 (2017)Citations: 90

  • A cross-sectional survey on knowledge and perceptions of health risks associated with arsenic and mercury contamination from artisanal gold mining in Tanzania
    E. Charles, D.S.K. Thomas, D. Dewey, M. Davey, S.E. Ngallaba, E. Konje
    BMC Public Health, 13, 1-8 (2013)Citations: 90

  • Toxic mercury versus appropriate technology: Artisanal gold miners’ retort aversion
    J.B. Jønsson, E. Charles, P. Kalvig
    Resources Policy, 38(1), 60-67 (2013)Citations: 89

  • Period teasing, stigma, and knowledge: A survey of adolescent boys and girls in Northern Tanzania
    A. Benshaul-Tolonen, S. Aguilar-Gomez, N. Heller Batzer, R. Cai, …
    PLOS ONE, 15(10), e0239914 (2020)Citations: 70

  • Maternal exposure to arsenic and mercury and associated risk of adverse birth outcomes in small-scale gold mining communities in Northern Tanzania
    F.P.B. Elias C. Nyanza, D. Dewey, M. Manyama, J.W. Martin, …
    Environment International, 137, 105450 (2020)Citations: 69

  • Spatial distribution of mercury and arsenic levels in water, soil, and cassava plants in a community with a long history of gold mining in Tanzania
    E.C. Nyanza, D. Dewey, D.S.K. Thomas, M. Davey, S.E. Ngallaba
    Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 93, 716-721 (2014)Citations: 54

  • Effects of prenatal exposure and co-exposure to metallic or metalloid elements on early infant neurodevelopmental outcomes in areas with small-scale gold mining activities in Tanzania
    E.C. Nyanza, F.P. Bernier, J.W. Martin, M. Manyama, J. Hatfield, D. Dewey
    Environment International, 149, 106104 (2021)Citations: 53

 

Irfan Ullah | Land | Young Scientist Award

Mr  Irfan Ullah | Land | Young Scientist Award

Gottingen University Germany,  Germany

Irfan Ullah is a dedicated plant scientist from Kaddi Sikandari, Razzar, District Swabi, KPK, Pakistan. Born on March 15, 1998, he holds an MPhil in Plant Sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and a BS in Botany from Government Postgraduate College, Swabi. His research focuses on plant taxonomy, microbiology, molecular biology, and environmental sustainability.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • MPhil in Plant Sciences – Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad (2023) 🏅

  • BS in Botany – Government Postgraduate College, Swabi (2021)

  • Associate Degree in Education (ADE) – AIOU (2020)

  • B.Ed – Sarhad University, Peshawar (2023)

  • Matriculation – Government High School Sikandari (2016)

🔬 Research & Projects:

  • Saprobic Macrofungi of the Himalayan Moist Temperate Forest (Morphological & Molecular Study)

  • Green Synthesis of Manganese Nanoparticles from Chlorophyllum molybdites & Its Effects on Plants

  • Local Farmers’ Perception of Climate Change & Its Impact on Plants (District Buner)

🛠 Skills & Expertise:

  • Plant Taxonomy, Molecular Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry

  • Mushroom Cultivation & Microscopy Techniques

  • Software Proficiency: MS Office, SPSS, MEGA X, BioEdit

  • Research Methodology & Data Analysis

  • Excellent Communication & Leadership Skills

🏆 Achievements & Awards:

  • Gold Medalist 🎖️

  • BHEEF Scholarship Holder (1st in each semester of BS)

  • Best Teacher Award 🏅

  • Fellowship in MPhil (Secured above 80%)

👨‍🏫 Work Experience:

  • Biology Subject Specialist – Government High School Sikandari (2020-2021)

  • Teacher – PMI (Philip Morris International) (2018)

Publication: 

  • Biocultural Diversity at Risk Amidst and Beyond Overtourism: The Decline in Wild Green Foraging in Corfu over the Past 50 Years

 

Paul Sutton | Climate Change | Best Researcher Award

Prof Paul Sutton | Climate Change |  Best Researcher Award

Professor at  University of Denver, United States

Professor Paul C. Sutton is a leading expert in sustainability science, population geography, and ecological economics. He is a Professor of Geography at the University of Denver, where he has served since 1999. His research focuses on topics such as urban metabolism, green infrastructure, land degradation, and the development of indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sutton is also involved in international environmental initiatives, having contributed to UNEP’s Global Environmental Outlook and served as a Visiting Fellow at The Australian National University.

Profile

Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara (1999)
  • M.A. in Applied Statistics, University of California, Santa Barbara (1997)
  • M.A. in Geography, University of California, Santa Barbara (1995)
  • B.S. in Chemistry, Union College, Schenectady, New York (1983)

Career Highlights:

  • Professor of Geography at the University of Denver (2012-Present)
  • Visiting Fellow at The Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University (2020-2021)
  • Research Associate at NOAA’s National Geophysical Data Center (1995-2010)
  • Lecturer at UC Santa Barbara’s Department of Geography (1992-1999)
  • High School Teacher (1983-1993) and Process Engineer (1984-1992)

Research Focus:

  • Population Geography
  • Sustainability Science
  • Ecological Economics
  • Developing Indicators for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
  • Ecosystem Services and Integrated Assessment
  • Urban Metabolism and Smart Cities
  • Green Infrastructure
  • Land Degradation
  • Applications of Nighttime Satellite Imagery

Engagement & Service:

  • Founding Member, Center for a Regenerative Future (2024)
  • Member, Board of Trustees, Morrison, CO (2018-2026)
  • Contributor to UNEP’s Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-6 and GEO-7)
  • Chair, Academic Program Review Team at Texas State University (2013)
  • Proposal & Manuscript Reviewer for NSF, NASA, ESA, ARC, and other scientific foundations
  • Keynote Speaker at various international forums

Honors and Awards:

  • Best Graduate Advisor, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (2024)
  • Australian Water Award for Goyder Institute Collaboration (2022)
  • Prose Award Winner for Environmental Sciences (UNEP GEO6) (2021)
  • Best Researcher Award – IRULA (2019)
  • NASA Earth System Science Fellowship (1997-1999)

Citations:

  • Citations: 62,096 (All-time), 28,454 (Since 2019)
  • h-index: 55 (All-time), 45 (Since 2019)
  • i10-index: 102 (All-time), 92 (Since 2019)

Publication Top Notes

  1. The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital
    Costanza, R., d’Arge, R., De Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., et al. (1997). Nature, 387(6630), 253.
  2. Changes in the global value of ecosystem services
    Costanza, R., De Groot, R., Sutton, P., Van der Ploeg, S., Anderson, S. J., et al. (2014). Global Environmental Change, 26, 152-158.
  3. Twenty years of ecosystem services: how far have we come and how far do we still need to go?
    Costanza, R., de Groot, R., Braat, L., Kubiszewski, I., Fioramonti, L., Sutton, P., et al. (2017). Ecosystem Services, 28, 1-16.
  4. The coasts of our world: Ecological, economic and social importance
    Martínez, M. L., Intralawan, A., Vázquez, G., Pérez-Maqueo, O., Sutton, P., et al. (2007). Ecological Economics, 63(2-3), 254-272.
  5. The value of coastal wetlands for hurricane protection
    Costanza, R., Pérez-Maqueo, O., Martínez, M. L., Sutton, P., Anderson, S. J., et al. (2008). Ambio, 241-248.
  6. Global estimates of market and non-market values derived from nighttime satellite imagery, land cover, and ecosystem service valuation
    Sutton, P. C., Costanza, R. (2002). Ecological Economics, 41(3), 509-527.
  7. Is decoupling GDP growth from environmental impact possible?
    Ward, J. D., Sutton, P. C., Werner, A. D., Costanza, R., Mohr, S. H., Simmons, C. T. (2016). PLOS ONE, 11(10), e0164733.
  8. Radiance calibration of DMSP-OLS low-light imaging data of human settlements
    Elvidge, C. D., Baugh, K. E., Dietz, J. B., Bland, T., Sutton, P. C., Kroehl, H. W. (1999). Remote Sensing of Environment, 68(1), 77-88.
  9. Census from Heaven: An estimate of the global human population using night-time satellite imagery
    Sutton, P., Roberts, D., Elvidge, C., Baugh, K. (2001). International Journal of Remote Sensing, 22(16), 3061-3076.
  10. A global poverty map derived from satellite data
    Elvidge, C. D., Sutton, P. C., Ghosh, T., Tuttle, B. T., Baugh, K. E., Bhaduri, B., Bright, E. (2009). Computers & Geosciences, 35(8), 1652-1660.
  11. Global distribution and density of constructed impervious surfaces
    Elvidge, C. D., Tuttle, B. T., Sutton, P. S., Baugh, K. E., Howard, A. T., Milesi, C., et al. (2007). Sensors, 7(9), 1962-1979.
  12. The value of ecosystem services: putting the issues in perspective
    Costanza, R., d’Arge, R., De Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., et al. (1998). Ecological Economics, 25(1), 67-72.
  13. Shedding light on the global distribution of economic activity
    Ghosh, T., Powell, R. L., Elvidge, C. D., Baugh, K. E., Sutton, P. C., Anderson, S. (2010). The Open Geography Journal, 3(1), 147-160.
  14. Estimation of gross domestic product at sub-national scales using nighttime satellite imagery
    Sutton, P. C., Elvidge, C. D., Ghosh, T. (2007). International Journal of Ecological Economics & Statistics, 8(S07), 5-21.
  15. A comparison of nighttime satellite imagery
    Sutton, P., Roberts, D., Elvidge, C., Meij, H. (1997). Photogrammetric Engineering & Remote Sensing, 63(11), 1303-1313.
  16. A review of methods, data, and models to assess changes in the value of ecosystem services from land degradation and restoration
    Turner, K. G., Anderson, S., Gonzales-Chang, M., Costanza, R., Courville, S., et al. (2016). Ecological Modelling, 319, 190-207.
  17. A scale-adjusted measure of “urban sprawl” using nighttime satellite imagery
    Sutton, P. C. (2003). Remote Sensing of Environment, 86(3), 353-369.
  18. The Nightsat mission concept
    Elvidge, C. D., Cinzano, P., Pettit, D. R., Arvesen, J., Sutton, P., Small, C., et al. (2007). International Journal of Remote Sensing, 28(12), 2645-2670.
  19. Modeling population density with night-time satellite imagery and GIS
    Sutton, P. (1997). Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 21(3-4), 227-244.
  20. The future value of ecosystem services: global scenarios and national implications
    Kubiszewski, I., Costanza, R., Anderson, S., Sutton, P. (2017). Ecosystem Services, 26, 289-301.