Zahra Ghasemi | Environmental pollution | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zahra Ghasemi | Environmental pollution | Best Researcher Award

Zahra Ghasemi at University of Hormozgan, Iran

Dr. Zahra Ghasemi is a respected academic and researcher in Environmental Science, specializing in environmental pollution and nanotechnology. She has a PhD from Tarbiat Modares University and a track record of significant contributions to sustainable water treatment technologies and environmental management. Dr. Ghasemi is involved in several groundbreaking projects, particularly focusing on the use of nanomaterials for wastewater treatment and pollution control.

Publication Profile

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Educational Details

Dr. Zahra Ghasemi is an Associate Professor of Environmental Science, specializing in Environmental Pollution, at the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technologies, Hormozgan University. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Engineering – Environmental Science from the Industrial University of Isfahan (2000-2004). Dr. Ghasemi earned her Master’s degree in Environmental Science from Tarbiat Modares University, Faculty of Natural Resources and Marine Sciences, Noor (2006-2008). She completed her PhD in Environmental Science with a focus on Environmental Pollution at Tarbiat Modares University, where she conducted a dissertation titled “Removal of Organic Pollutants from Petroleum Refinery Wastewater Using TiO2-Fe-ZSM-5 Nanoporous Photocatalyst” (2011-2015). She also participated in a research opportunity at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, in 2014, working on the project “Adsorption of Cr(VI) onto Eco-friendly Multifunctional Na-P1 Zeolite Synthesized from Coal Fly Ash.”

Professional Experience

Dr. Ghasemi has significant teaching and research experience, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Hormozgan University. She is an expert in environmental pollution management and nanotechnology applications in environmental remediation. Her career has been marked by multiple research projects focused on water pollution, wastewater treatment, and environmental sustainability. Notable collaborations include the development of environmental management plans for major refinery projects and the investigation of the environmental impact of agricultural desalination plants. Additionally, Dr. Ghasemi has contributed as a core member of the Research Nucleus of Nanoscience and Advanced Materials at Hormozgan University.

Research Interest

  • Removal of organic pollutants from industrial wastewater using photocatalytic and nanomaterial-based solutions.
  • Application of nanomaterials in environmental remediation, particularly TiO2-based photocatalysts.
  • Environmental impact assessments of industrial projects, focusing on sustainable development and water resource management.
  • Industrial production of microalgae for sustainable applications in environmental science and biotechnology.

Top Noted Publication

1. Optimization of a two-stage reverse osmosis pilot system for Caspian seawater desalination using response surface methodology: SEC reduction through recovery increase, Fe fouling, and scaling control

  • Authors: Ghasemi, Z., MirBagheri, S.A., Vafaei, F.
  • Journal: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 2024, 21(1), pp. 493–514
  • Abstract: This study focuses on optimizing a two-stage reverse osmosis desalination system for Caspian seawater. The research highlights the reduction of scaling, iron fouling, and the increase in recovery rates through response surface methodology.
  • Citations: 1

2. Toxicological Impacts of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Growth, Photosynthesis Pigments, and Protein and Lipid Content of the Marine Microalga Tetraselmis Suecica

  • Authors: Bameri, L., Sourinejad, I., Ghasemi, Z., Fazelian, N.
  • Journal: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2023, 111(3), pp. 29
  • Citations: 8

3. The Significance of Environmental Factors in Human-Centred Lighting Policy

  • Authors: Pourfathollah, M., Ghasemi, Z., Shams Dolatabadi, H.S., Alilou, M.
  • Journal: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, 2022, 24(4), 2250037
  • Citations: 1

4. A Review of Recent Advances in Natural Polymer-Based Scaffolds for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering

  • Authors: Fan, J., Abedi-Dorcheh, K., Vaziri, A.S., Klavins, K., Jahed, V.
  • Journal: Polymers, 2022, 14(10), 2097
  • Citations: 39

5. Toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles to the marine microalga Chaetoceros muelleri Lemmermann, 1898 under long-term exposure

  • Authors: Bameri, L., Sourinejad, I., Ghasemi, Z., Fazelian, N.
  • Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2022, 29(20), pp. 30427–30440
  • Citations: 13

Conclusion

Dr. Zahra Ghasemi is an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her profound contributions to environmental pollution research, especially through the application of nanotechnology. Her work on wastewater treatment and pollution control has not only advanced scientific understanding but also contributed to practical, sustainable solutions. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in citation impact and broadening research collaborations, her expertise, innovative approach, and leadership in the field make her a strong contender for this prestigious award.

 

 

Alireza Rashki | Aeolian Research | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alireza Rashki | Aeolian Research | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alireza Rashki is an Associate Professor at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Iran, specializing in atmospheric aerosols, wind erosion, dust storms, desertification control, and environmental remote sensing. He earned his Ph.D. in Geoinformatics from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2012, focusing on the mineral, chemical, and optical properties of dust storms in the Sistan region. With over 15 years of research experience, Dr. Rashki has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, including over 50 indexed in Scopus, with an H-index of 27. He has contributed to international projects, developed GIS and remote sensing curricula, and served in key academic and research leadership roles. Dr. Rashki is proficient in GIS, remote sensing, machine learning, and UAV image processing. His work has significantly influenced environmental monitoring and dust storm mitigation strategies.

Publication Profile

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Google Scholar 

Educational Details

Dr. Alireza Rashki earned his Ph.D. in Geoinformatics from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2012, focusing on the seasonality, mineral, chemical, and optical properties of dust storms in the Sistan region of Iran and their influence on human health. He holds an M.Sc. in Natural Resources Engineering – Watershed Management from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (2005) and a B.Sc. in Natural Resources Engineering – Rangeland and Watershed Management from Sistan and Baluchistan University (2000).

Professional Experience

Dr. Rashki is an Associate Professor in the Department of Desert and Arid Zone Management at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Iran, where he has been serving since 2013. He has extensive experience in environmental management, previously working as a research scholar at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center (2004–2009) and as a postdoctoral associate at the University of Pretoria (2012–2013). His international engagements include developing and lecturing in the EU-funded International MSc Educational Program on Environmental Management and Modelling (GeoNetC), where he designed and taught courses in GIS and remote sensing (2017–2019). Additionally, he has held leadership roles such as Head of International Cooperation and Development and Head of Communication with Society and Industry at FUM.

Research Interest

Dr. Rashki specializes in atmospheric aerosols, wind erosion, dust storms, environmental remote sensing, and desertification control. His research integrates fieldwork, GIS, and advanced modeling techniques to assess the impact of aeolian processes on human health, air quality, and land degradation. He has expertise in species distribution modeling, machine learning applications in environmental science, and dust trajectory analysis.

Author Metrics

Dr. Rashki has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, including more than 50 indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. His research has been widely cited, with an H-index of 27 on Scopus and over 2,800 citations on Google Scholar. He has been recognized as a Top Researcher at Ferdowsi University multiple times (2019–2022).

Top Noted Publication

Dust storms and their horizontal dust loading in the Sistan region, Iran

  • Authors: A. Rashki, D.G. Kaskaoutis, C.J.W. Rautenbach, P.G. Eriksson, M. Qiang, et al.
  • Journal: Aeolian Research, Volume 5, Pages 51–62 (2012)
  • Citations: 252
  • Summary: This study analyzes the horizontal dust loading of dust storms in Sistan, Iran, evaluating their intensity, frequency, and sources. The research highlights the significant contribution of the Hamoun dry lake beds as major dust sources.

Dryness of ephemeral lakes and consequences for dust activity: the case of the Hamoun drainage basin, southeastern Iran

  • Authors: A. Rashki, D.G. Kaskaoutis, A.S. Goudie, R.A. Kahn
  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment, Volume 463, Pages 552–564 (2013)
  • Citations: 236
  • Summary: This paper explores how the drying of the Hamoun lakes exacerbates dust storm activity in Sistan. It assesses land surface conditions, meteorological drivers, and environmental impacts of increased dust emission.
  • Assessment of chemical and mineralogical characteristics of airborne dust in the Sistan region, Iran
  • Authors: A. Rashki, P.G. Eriksson, C.J.W. Rautenbach, D.G. Kaskaoutis, W. Grote, et al.
  • Journal: Chemosphere, Volume 90 (2), Pages 227–236 (2013)
  • Citations: 168
  • Summary: This research investigates the chemical and mineral composition of airborne dust in Sistan. It identifies heavy metals, salts, and other minerals that have implications for air quality, human health, and climate.

Dust storms in Iran – Distribution, causes, frequencies and impacts

  • Authors: A. Rashki, N.J. Middleton, A.S. Goudie
  • Journal: Aeolian Research, Volume 48, Article 100655 (2021)
  • Citations: 166
  • Summary: A comprehensive review of dust storm patterns across Iran, detailing their meteorological drivers, seasonal trends, and ecological consequences. The study also discusses potential mitigation strategies.

Dust-storm dynamics over Sistan region, Iran: Seasonality, transport characteristics, and affected areas

  • Authors: A. Rashki, D.G. Kaskaoutis, P. Francois, P.G. Kosmopoulos, M. Legrand
  • Journal: Aeolian Research, Volume 16, Pages 35–48 (2015)
  • Citations: 163
  • Summary: This study examines the seasonality and transport pathways of dust storms in Sistan. It uses satellite data, meteorological observations, and modeling to track dust movement and its impact on air quality and climate.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alireza Rashki is a highly accomplished researcher with significant contributions to aeolian research, atmospheric science, and environmental management. His strong publication record, international collaborations, and leadership roles make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing areas like larger research grants, policy collaborations, and public outreach would further solidify his standing as a global leader in his field.

 

 

Paolo Foraboschi | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Paolo Foraboschi | Structural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Università Iuav di Venezia, Italy

Prof. Paolo Foraboschi is a renowned structural engineer and academic, specializing in seismic-resistant structures, composite materials, and structural glass. He is a professor at IUAV University of Venice and teaches Structural and Seismic Engineering at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in San Marino. An esteemed researcher, he has been consistently ranked among the top 2% most cited researchers worldwide by Elsevier & Stanford University. With over 213 publications, including 99 journal articles and 20 book contributions, his research has significantly influenced structural engineering practices. Beyond academia, he runs a private structural engineering firm in Bologna, focusing on design, project management, and structural testing.

Publication Profile

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Educational Details

Paolo Foraboschi earned his degree in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Bologna in the 1983-84 academic year, graduating with a perfect score of 100/100 with honors. He later obtained his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering in 1990, further advancing his expertise in seismic-resistant structures and advanced materials in construction.

Professional Experience

Prof. Foraboschi is a distinguished academic and practicing structural engineer with extensive experience in teaching, research, and professional consulting. He is a professor in the Scientific-Disciplinary Sector of Structural Engineering at IUAV University of Venice. Additionally, he teaches Structural Engineering at the undergraduate level and Seismic Engineering at the master’s level at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, based in San Marino.

Beyond academia, he runs a private structural engineering practice in Bologna, specializing in design, project management, and testing of both new and existing buildings. His professional contributions include active participation in the National Research Council (CNR) Working Groups, where he contributed to the development of guidelines for structural strengthening with fiber-reinforced composites (CNR-DT 200/2004, revised in 2013) and structural glass design (CNR-DT 210/2013).

Research Interest

  • Seismic-resistant structures
  • Structural identification and failure analysis
  • Masonry and composite structures (hybrid, mixed, laminated, sandwich)
  • Strengthening techniques using FRP and FRCM composites
  • Structural glass and thin-walled structures
  • High-rise buildings and exoskeletons
  • Anchoring systems in concrete and masonry

Author Metrics

  • Scopus: 51 articles (49 in journals, 39 single-authored), 2,210 citations, h-index: 34
  • MIUR Academic Profile: 213 publications (99 journal articles, 20 book contributions)
  • Recognized in the Elsevier & Stanford University ranking among the top 2% most cited researchers worldwide
  • Rated excellent in ANVUR’s Research Quality Assessment

Top Noted Publication

Experimental investigation on bricks from historical Venetian buildings subjected to moisture and salt crystallization

  • Authors: P. Foraboschi, A. Vanin
  • Journal: Engineering Failure Analysis
  • Volume: 45
  • Pages: 185-203
  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 81
  • Summary:
    This study examines the effects of moisture and salt crystallization on bricks from historic Venetian buildings. It provides insights into material degradation mechanisms and proposes conservation strategies for preserving architectural heritage.

Broken tempered laminated glass: Non-linear discrete element modeling

  • Authors: D. Baraldi, A. Cecchi, P. Foraboschi
  • Journal: Composite Structures
  • Volume: 140
  • Pages: 278-295
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 76
  • Summary:
    The paper presents a non-linear discrete element model to simulate the behavior of broken tempered laminated glass. It evaluates the residual load-bearing capacity and fracture patterns, contributing to safer and more resilient glass structures.

Three-layered plate: Elasticity solution

  • Author: P. Foraboschi
  • Journal: Composites Part B: Engineering
  • Volume: 60
  • Pages: 764-776
  • Year: 2014
  • Citations: 72
  • Summary:
    This research derives an elasticity solution for three-layered plates, addressing bending, shear, and stress distribution. The findings are valuable for designing composite and sandwich structures with optimized mechanical performance.

Versatility of steel in correcting construction deficiencies and in seismic retrofitting of RC buildings

  • Author: P. Foraboschi
  • Journal: Journal of Building Engineering
  • Volume: 8
  • Pages: 107-122
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 67
  • Summary:
    This paper discusses the use of steel in reinforcing and retrofitting RC buildings, particularly for seismic improvements. It highlights the flexibility and effectiveness of steel in mitigating construction flaws and enhancing structural resilience.

Analytical model to predict the lifetime of concrete members externally reinforced with FRP

  • Author: P. Foraboschi
  • Journal: Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics
  • Volume: 75
  • Pages: 137-145
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 67
  • Summary:
    The study presents an analytical model to estimate the durability and failure time of concrete members reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). The model accounts for mechanical and environmental factors, providing a tool for predicting structural longevity.

Conclusion

Prof. Paolo Foraboschi is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive contributions in structural engineering, seismic safety, and material innovation have earned global recognition. His high citation index, leadership in academia and industry, and policy contributions solidify his standing as a leading researcher. While increasing public outreach, global collaborations, and research commercialization could further amplify his impact, his achievements already make him a strong contender for this prestigious award.