Raihan Riaz | Geography and Environment | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Raihan Riaz | Geography and Environment | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate at Jagannath University, Bangladesh

Summary:

Mr. Raihan Riaz is an emerging researcher in the field of Geography & Environment with a focus on climate change-induced migration, natural hazards, and disaster risk management in Bangladesh. He completed his MSc from Jagannath University with distinction, achieving the first position in his thesis group. With extensive research experience, Mr. Riaz has contributed to several notable projects on riverbank erosion, forced migration, and environmental hazards across various regions of Bangladesh. His skill set includes GIS-based modeling, statistical analysis, and field data collection, and he has published in several reputable journals. He is also actively involved in academia and environmental awareness initiatives, holding leadership roles in student organizations.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

  • Master of Science (MSc) in Geography & Environment, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2022; Exam held 2024)
    GPA: 3.99/4.00 | 1st Position in Thesis Group
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Geography & Environment, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh (2021; Exam held 2023)
    CGPA: 3.84/4.00

🏢 Professional Experience:

  • Research Assistant (RA), Dr. Md. Mohiuddin (2024-25)
    Project: Determining the Factors of Migration during Flash Flood in Haor Area, Northeastern Bangladesh
  • Research Fellow, Ministry of Science & Technology, Dhaka (2023-24)
  • Research Assistant (RA), University Grants Commission of Bangladesh
    Projects: Consequences of River Bank Erosion Induced Forced Migration at Char Land in Bangladesh (2019-2020), Climate Change Induced Forced Migration in Southeast Bangladesh (2021-22)
  • Assistant Project Manager (APM), Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (2020-21)
    Project: Perceptions Towards Climate Change-Induced Hazards and Resettlement Preferences in Coastal Bangladesh
  • Data Enumerator, Worked on multiple surveys, including the baseline survey of Rohingya refugee impact, livelihood status of the Dublarchar fisherman community, and land use assessment in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts.

Research Interests:

Mr. Raihan Riaz’s research interests include climate change impacts, forced migration, natural hazards, and geospatial modeling. He has a particular focus on climate-induced migration, disaster risk reduction, and geographic information systems (GIS)-based modeling for environmental planning and hazard susceptibility mapping. His work often intersects with understanding the socio-economic effects of environmental changes and the resilience of affected populations.

Author Metrics:

Publications:

  • Neegar Sultana and Raihan Riaz., Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards Flash Flood in Sunamganj District, Bangladesh, Natural Hazards, Springer [1st review complete]
  • Raihan Riaz and Neegar Sultana., Location-specific Heterogeneity in Landslide Resilience Index: A Household-based Comparative Study in Rangamati Hill District, Bangladesh, Ecological Indicators, Elsevier [Under Review]
  • Raihan Riaz and Mohiuddin, Md., Application of GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Hydro-Geomorphological Factors for Flash Flood Susceptibility Mapping in Bangladesh, Water Cycle, Elsevier [Accepted]
  • Neegar Sultana, Md. Farhad Hossain, Raihan Riaz., Landslide Risk Assessment in Bandarban Hill District of Bangladesh Using GIS and RS Techniques, Physical Geography, Taylor and Francis [1st Review Complete]
  • Raihan Riaz and N.M. Refat Nasher., Urban Expansion and Land Use Changes of a Fringe Area in the Southern Part of Dhaka City (Bangladesh) using Geo-Spatial Techniques, Journal of Geophysics, 27(6), 462-475 (2023)

Awards and Achievements

  • National Science & Technology Award for MSc Thesis (2023)
  • Dean’s List Scholarship for maintaining a CGPA above 3.75/4.00
  • University Merit Scholarship (2018-2021)
  • Mr. Riaz continues to make significant contributions to the study of environmental challenges and migration in Bangladesh, with several promising research outputs under review and in press.

Top Noted Publication:

Application of GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis of Hydro-Geomorphological Factors for Flash Flood Susceptibility Mapping in Bangladesh

  • Authors: R. Riaz, M. Mohiuddin
  • Journal: Water Cycle
  • Year: 2024
  • Summary: This paper uses GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to evaluate hydro-geomorphological factors and their contributions to flash flood susceptibility in Bangladesh. It emphasizes the integration of spatial data and analytical models to improve hazard mapping and risk management strategies for flood-prone areas.
  • Status: Accepted

Building Responsiveness through Community-based Adaptation to Climate Change: Lesson Learned from Coastal Zone of Bangladesh

  • Author: R. Riaz
  • Conference: BCSIR Congress-2023
  • Volume: 50 (1), pp. 367-371
  • Year: 2024
  • Summary: This conference paper highlights community-based adaptation strategies to address the adverse impacts of climate change in Bangladesh’s coastal zones. It discusses the lessons learned from local initiatives that enhance resilience and responsiveness among vulnerable communities.
  • Status: Presented at BCSIR Congress

Assessment of Riverbank Erosion-Deposition Trend Using Geospatial Techniques in the Padma River, Bangladesh

  • Author: R. Riaz
  • Conference: 9th International Conference on Water and Flood Management (ICWFM)
  • Volume: 2
  • Year: 2023
  • Summary: This paper presents a geospatial analysis of riverbank erosion and deposition trends along the Padma River. By applying remote sensing and GIS tools, it offers an understanding of the river’s morphological changes over time, providing insights into erosion mitigation and river management.
  • Status: Presented at ICWFM 2023

Urban Expansion and Land Use Changes of a Fringe Area in the Southern Part of Dhaka City (Bangladesh) Using Geo-Spatial Techniques

  • Authors: R. Riaz, N.M.R. Nasher
  • Journal: The Journal of Indian Geophysical Union
  • Volume: 27 (6), pp. 462-475
  • Year: 2023
  • Summary: This research explores urban expansion and land use dynamics in the southern fringes of Dhaka city. Utilizing geospatial techniques, the paper analyzes land use changes over time, highlighting the environmental and planning challenges associated with rapid urbanization.
  • Status: Published

Conclusion:

Mr. Raihan Riaz is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially considering his early career stage and already substantial contributions to environmental and disaster risk research. His focus on climate change-induced migration and disaster risk reduction in Bangladesh addresses pressing local and global issues, making his work highly relevant and impactful. With his technical expertise, growing publication record, and recognition through national awards, Mr. Riaz is well-positioned for further success.

To maximize his candidacy for this award, Mr. Riaz could continue to expand his publication portfolio, seek international collaborations, and enhance the global applicability of his research. Given his strong foundation and ongoing projects, he holds significant potential to be recognized as an outstanding researcher in his field.

 

 

Gebiaw T. Ayele | Land use change impact study

Dr. Gebiaw T. Ayele: Leading Researcher in Land use change impact study

🎉 Congratulations Dr. Gebiaw T. Ayele on Winning the Best Paper Award! 🏆 Your dedication to research, mentorship, and collaboration with international teams is truly commendable. This award is a testament to your outstanding work and the impact it has on the broader community.

Professional Profile:

📚 Professional Summary:

  • PhD in Hydrology from Griffith University, Australia.
  • MSc in Hydraulic and Water Resources; BSc in Water Resources.
  • Certificate in Integrated Decision Support System; Best Practice Drinking Water Quality Management; Manage Conflict through Negotiation (Prevention/De-Escalation); Construction Contract Management.
  • Expertise in catchment erosion, sediment and pollutant modeling for policy decisions.
  • Proficient in hydraulic, hydrodynamic, water quality, and sediment transport models.
  • Skilled in farm to basin-scale simulation models (SWAT) integrating climate, soil, land use, and landscape data.
  • Extensive experience in GIS and remote sensing (ERDAS, ENVI) for water resources applications.
  • Coding capability for big data management on HPC clusters.
  • Recognized in the “talent pool” at the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.
  • Currently a ‘Water Quality Processes Officer’ monitoring 32 water treatment plants and regulated towns.
  • 15+ years of experience as a hydrologist in industry, teaching, research, and consultancy in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Recognized by Australian Freshwater Sciences Society; 2021 INTECOL International Wetlands Conference.
  • Received over 10 grants; 45+ peer-reviewed publications.

🎓 Education:

  • PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources, Griffith University, Australia (2023).
  • MSc in Hydraulics and Water Resources, Arba Minch University, Ethiopia (2012).
  • BSc in Water Resources Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Ethiopia (2007).

🏢 Professional Experience:

  • Water Quality Processes Officer, Victoria, Australia (May 2023-present).
  • Doctoral Researcher, Griffith University, Australia (Feb 2019–April 2023).
  • Teaching and Research, Australian Rivers Institute Griffith University, Australia (Dec 2016–April 2023).
  • Consultant, University Lecturer, and Researcher, Blue Nile Water Institute and Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia (Nov 2012–Dec 2015).
  • Research Assistant, International Water Management Institute (IWMI), East Africa, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Apr 2011–Oct 2012).
  • Research Assistant, Horn of Africa Regional Environment Centre and Network – Demand Driven Action Research Program (HoARECN-DDAR) (Apr 2010–Jun 2012).
  • Instructor and Department Head, Department of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation, Bahir Dar Polytechnic College, Ethiopia (Oct 2007–Oct 2008).

🌐 Professional Memberships:

  • International Society of Limnology (SIL).
  • New Zealand Freshwater Sciences Society (NZFSS).
  • Australian Freshwater Sciences Society (AFSS).
  • National Wetland Trust of New Zealand (NWT).
  • American Geophysical Union (AGU).
  • New Zealand Lakes Water Quality Society (LWQS).
  • International Association of Sedimentologists (IAS).

🏆 Awards and Grants:

  • Australian Rivers Institute International Conference Travel Grant 2022.
  • AFSS Bill Williams Scholarship 2022.
  • Griffith University IEIS Grant 2022.
  • NZFSS V.H. Jolly Award 2022.
  • Multiple research and publication grants 2022, 2023.
  • Griffith University GUIPRS 2019.
  • University of Strathclyde Excellence Scholarship Award 2018.
  • Blue Nile Water Institute 2014.
  • IWMI-CGIAR-CCAFS 2012.
  • HoARECN 2011.
  • Arba Minch University Graduate Scholarship 2010.

📝 Selected Conference Presentations and Invited Talks:

  • Reconstructing 1000 years of climate data for lake modeling (Nov 2022).
  • Modeling the impact of forestry on water quality for Lake Okareka (Nov 2022).
  • Non-stationarity of streamflow and nutrient loads in a temperate catchment (Oct 2021).

📖 Publications Top Noted:

  • Non-stationarity of streamflow and nutrient loads in a temperate catchment (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2023).
  • Land use and climate change effects on streamflow and nutrient loads (Land, 2023).
  • Relationship of attributes of soil and topography with land cover change in Ethiopia (Remote Sensing, 2022).
  • Sediment yield and reservoir sedimentation in dynamic watersheds (Water, 2021).
  • Terrain effects on spatial variability of soil properties (Soil Systems, 2019).
  • Time series land cover mapping in northern Ethiopia (Air, Soil and Water Research, 2018).
  • Streamflow and sediment yield prediction in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin (Water, 2017).
  • Spatio-temporal analysis of water storage variation in East Africa lake basins (Journal of Hydrology, 2022).

The paper “Streamflow and Sediment Yield Prediction for Watershed Prioritization in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin, Ethiopia” by Dr. Gebiaw T. Ayele and collaborators focuses on predicting streamflow and sediment yield to aid in prioritizing watersheds in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin, Ethiopia. Here’s a breakdown of the important content:

🌍 Context:

  • Location: Upper Blue Nile River Basin, Ethiopia.
  • Objective: Prioritize watersheds based on streamflow and sediment yield predictions.

📊 Methodology:

  • Models Used: The study likely employed hydrological models for prediction.
  • Data Sources: Climate, land use, soil, and landscape data were probably integrated into the models.
  • Spatial Scale: Assessment at the watershed level.

🚰 Key Findings:

  • Streamflow Prediction: Insights into the expected water flow in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin.
  • Sediment Yield Prediction: Understanding the likely sediment transport patterns.

🗺️ Application:

  • Watershed Prioritization: The predictions contribute to identifying priority areas for conservation or management interventions.

🤔 Significance:

  • Resource Management: Helps in planning and managing water resources efficiently.
  • Environmental Conservation: Supports initiatives for soil and water conservation.

🌐 Contextualization:

  • Regional Implications: Findings might be relevant for broader regional water resource management strategies.
  • Climate Resilience: Insight into streamflow is crucial for addressing climate resilience in the region.

📈 Scientific Contribution:

  • Model Validation: If applicable, the study likely validated the predictive models used.
  • Advance in Knowledge: Contributes to the scientific understanding of hydrological processes in the Upper Blue Nile River Basin.

🔍 Further Reading:

  • Researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in hydrology and water resource management would find value in the detailed methodology and findings.