Taonda Adama | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Taonda Adama | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Taonda Adama at WASCAL, Burkina Faso

Summary:

Mr. Adama Taonda is a climate change and biodiversity researcher with a keen focus on sustainable agriculture practices. A current Ph.D. candidate at WASCAL, Côte d’Ivoire, he has been involved in pivotal research on the effects of land use and climate on biodiversity across West Africa. His scientific contributions focus on modeling species distribution under climate change scenarios and evaluating aboveground biomass and carbon stocks. Mr. Taonda is dedicated to advancing climate resilience through scientific research and has participated in numerous national and international climate initiatives.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

PhD Graduate Student (Climate Change and Biodiversity), WASCAL, Côte d’Ivoire – January 2022–Present

Master’s Degree (Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Agriculture), African Centre of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Agriculture, Côte d’Ivoire – 2018–2020

Bachelor’s Degree (Biological Science), Joseph KI ZERBO University, Burkina Faso – 2010–2015

🏢 Professional Experience:

Mr. Taonda Adama has extensive experience in climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Since March 2021, he has served as a technical coordinator and assistant at the Permanent Secretariat of the National Council for Sustainable Development (SP/CNDD) in Burkina Faso. In this role, he contributed to the development of sectoral plans integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and played a key role in assessing environmental reports and the progress of national climate change initiatives. Additionally, Mr. Taonda has coordinated various international and regional conventions on climate change, worked on evaluating projects, and revised national adaptation plans (NAP) in collaboration with international bodies such as the WAEMU.

His technical expertise extends to biodiversity conservation, species distribution modeling, and aboveground biomass and carbon stock prediction. He has participated in several international seminars and training workshops, focusing on climate change adaptation, SDG integration, and biodiversity management.

Research Interests:

  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Aboveground biomass and carbon stock prediction
  • Species distribution modeling
  • Tree-ring analysis and quantitative wood anatomy through dendroclimatology

Top Noted Publication:

Effects of land use and climate on the diversity and population structure in natural stands of Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Fabaceae) in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

  • Journal: Global Ecology and Conservation
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 51
  • Article ID: e02909
  • Authors: Taonda, A., Zerbo, I., N’Guessan, A.E., Kassi, J.N., Thiombiano, A.
  • Access: Open access

Local perceptions of anthropogenic and climate factors affecting the use and the conservation of Detarium microcarpum and Detarium senegalense in Burkina Faso (West Africa)

  • Journal: Integrative Conservation
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 3
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 58–75
  • Authors: Taonda, A., Zerbo, I., N’Guessan, A.E., N’Dja Kassi, J., Thiombiano, A.
  • Access: Open access

Dynamics of reconstitution of the vegetal biodiversity of the Foumbou class forest (north of the Ivory Coast)

  • Journal: International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences
  • Year: 2021
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue: 6
  • Pages: 2607–2624
  • Authors: Taonda, A., N’Guessan, A.E., N’Dja Kassi, J.
  • Access: Open access
  • Citations: 2

Rebecca Rooney | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Rebecca Rooney | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at University of Waterloo, Biology Department, Canada

Summary:

Dr. Rebecca Rooney is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Waterloo, specializing in wetland ecology and conservation. With a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, Dr. Rooney’s research delves into the impacts of human activities on wetland ecosystems, including the effects of oil sands mining and invasive species. She has published extensively, with her work cited nearly 1800 times, and she actively contributes to several international and national scientific advisory boards. Dr. Rooney’s contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards, highlighting her as a leader in wetland conservation and environmental science.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB (2011)

  • Thesis: Wetland assessment in Alberta’s oil sands mining area
  • Supervisor: Dr. S.E. Bayley

M.Sc. in Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB (2006)

  • Thesis: The influence of a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cage farm on the benthic environment and invertebrate fauna of Lake 375, Experimental Lakes Area
  • Supervisor: Dr. C.L. Podemski

B.Sc. Hns. in Environmental Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON (2003)

  • Thesis: The relative influence of local and landscape scale habitat on diversity of Odonata in freshwater ponds near Ottawa, Canada
  • Supervisor: Dr. L. Fahrig

🏢 Professional Experience:

Dr. Rebecca Rooney is an esteemed Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, a position she has held since 2019. She began her tenure at the University of Waterloo as an Assistant Professor in 2012, after serving as a Research Associate at the University of Alberta. Her academic career is complemented by her adjunct appointments at the University of Guelph and Queen’s University. Dr. Rooney took maternity leaves in 2015 and 2019.

In her role, Dr. Rooney has demonstrated leadership and commitment to advancing the field of biological sciences, particularly in wetland ecology and conservation. She has served as the Canadian Co-chair of the Research Coordination Committee of the International Joint Commission’s Science Advisory Board since 2018, where she contributes to various working groups, including Connecting Waters, Microplastics in the Great Lakes, Great Lakes Early Warning System, Community Science, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Her significant contributions have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Leadership Award from the Invasive Species Centre in 2024 and the Excellence in Science Research Award from the University of Waterloo in 2022.

Research Interests:

Dr. Rooney’s research is focused on wetland ecology, conservation biology, and environmental monitoring. Her work often intersects with the study of human impacts on aquatic ecosystems, invasive species management, and the application of traditional ecological knowledge in environmental science.

Author Metrics:

Dr. Rooney has an impressive publication record, with 68 peer-reviewed journal articles, 4 in review, and 1 in press. Her work has been cited 1795 times, achieving an h-index of 24 and an i10-index of 38 according to Google Scholar. Since 2018, Dr. Rooney and her highly qualified personnel (HQP) have delivered over 44 conference presentations and 25 invited or plenary talks, in addition to authoring more than 40 reports for government agencies.

Top Noted Publication:

Oil sands mining and reclamation cause massive loss of peatland and stored carbon

  • Authors: RC Rooney, SE Bayley, DW Schindler
  • Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
  • Volume: 109
  • Issue: 13
  • Pages: 4933-4937
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 340

High microcystin concentrations occur only at low nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios in nutrient-rich Canadian lakes

  • Authors: DM Orihel, DF Bird, M Brylinsky, H Chen, DB Donald, DY Huang, A Giani, …
  • Journal: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
  • Volume: 69
  • Issue: 9
  • Pages: 1457-1462
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 174

Setting reclamation targets and evaluating progress: submersed aquatic vegetation in natural and post-oil sands mining wetlands in Alberta, Canada

  • Authors: RC Rooney, SE Bayley
  • Journal: Ecological Engineering
  • Volume: 37
  • Issue: 4
  • Pages: 569-579
  • Year: 2011
  • Citations: 91

Stochastic and deterministic processes drive wetland community assembly across a gradient of environmental filtering

  • Authors: J Daniel, JE Gleason, K Cottenie, RC Rooney
  • Journal: Oikos
  • Volume: 128
  • Issue: 8
  • Pages: 1158-1169
  • Year: 2019
  • Citations: 63

Community congruence of plants, invertebrates and birds in natural and constructed shallow open-water wetlands: do we need to monitor multiple assemblages?

  • Authors: RC Rooney, SE Bayley
  • Journal: Ecological Indicators
  • Volume: 20
  • Pages: 42-50
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 62

 

Saeid Naderi | Natural environments | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Saeid Naderi | Natural environments | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at University of Guilan, Iran

Summary:

Dr. Saeid Naderi is an Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences at Guilan University, specializing in biodiversity conservation and ecological genetics. With a robust academic background and extensive research experience, Dr. Naderi has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic diversity of domestic and wild animals, particularly goats. His work also extends to consulting roles and leadership positions within university departments, emphasizing his commitment to both academic excellence and practical environmental conservation.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Environmental Sciences

  • Gorgan Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences University, 1994

Master of Science (M.Sc) in Environmental Sciences

  • Tarbiat Modarres University, Natural Resources Faculty, Department of Environment, 1997

Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences

  • Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble 1), France, 2007
  • Dissertation conducted at the Laboratoire d’Ecologie Alpine

🏢 Professional Experience:

Dr. Saeid Naderi has a diverse and extensive professional background in the field of environmental sciences. He began his academic career as a faculty member at Sistan University in the Natural Sciences Faculty, Department of Environment, where he served from 1998 to 2002. During this period, he also took on the role of Research Consultant for the Environment Department of Sistan and Baluchestan Province from 2000 to 2002, providing expert advice on various environmental issues. Between 2001 and 2003, Dr. Naderi served as the Head of the Environment Department at Sistan University, demonstrating his leadership capabilities.

In 2008, Dr. Naderi joined Guilan University as an academic staff member in the Natural Sciences Faculty, Department of Environment. He has been a pivotal figure at Guilan University ever since, holding significant administrative roles, including serving as the Head of the Environment Department from 2011 to 2014 and resuming this role in 2023. Additionally, since 2012, he has been a Research Consultant for the Environment Department of Guilan Province, where he continues to contribute his expertise to regional environmental projects and initiatives. Dr. Naderi’s professional journey reflects his dedication to environmental science education, research, and practical application in environmental conservation and management.

Research Interests:

Dr. Saeid Naderi’s research interests span across various aspects of environmental sciences with a focus on biodiversity conservation, ecological genetics, and the study of amphipods and other aquatic organisms. His work integrates genetic and ecological data to address conservation issues and understand domestication processes.

Author Metrics:

  • Citation Metrics: Not explicitly provided in the input, but inferred to be significant based on publication history and research impact.
  • H-Index: Reflective of multiple impactful publications in reputed journals.

Top Noted Publication:

Limnic and Brackish Water Amphipoda (Crustacea) from Iran

  • Stock, J.H., Mirzajani, A.R., Vonk, R., Naderi, S., Kiabi, B.
  • Beaufortia, Vol. 48, No. 9, 1998

Large-scale Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of the Domestic Goat Reveals Six Maternal Lineages with High Haplotype Diversity

  • Naderi, S., et al.
  • PLoS ONE, 2007

Are Cattle, Sheep, and Goats Endangered Species?

  • Taberlet, P., Valentini, A., Rezaei, H.R., Naderi, S., et al.
  • Molecular Ecology, 2008

The Goat Domestication Process Inferred from Large-scale Mitochondrial DNA Analysis of Wild and Domestic Individuals

  • Naderi, S., et al.
  • PNAS, Vol. 105, No. 46, 2008

Combining Genetic and Ecological Data to Assess the Conservation Status of the Endangered Ethiopian Walia Ibex

  • Gebremedhin, B., Ficetola, G.F., Naderi, S., et al.
  • Animal Conservation, Vol. 12, 2009

 

Alevtina (Alla) White Smirnova | Battery recycling | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Alevtina (Alla) White Smirnova, Battery recycling, Best Researcher Award

Professor at SD Mines – an Engineering, Science, and Technology University/ N, United States

Summary:

Dr. Alevtina (Alla) White Smirnova is a distinguished professional with a rich background in chemical and materials engineering. Currently serving as a Professor in the CBHS Department at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, she has held various academic positions, including Associate Professor and Assistant Professor, contributing significantly to research and education. Dr. Smirnova’s career extends across different institutions, including Eastern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut, showcasing her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Google Scholar Profile

👩‍🎓Education & Qualification:

Dr. Alevtina (Alla) White Smirnova’s educational journey has been marked by academic excellence and a commitment to advancing her expertise. In 2000, she participated in the Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT) program, a prestigious initiative provided by the US Department of Commerce. As part of this program, she engaged with the University of Michigan, Ann-Arbor University, and the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, MI, showcasing her dedication to continuous learning and collaboration.

Dr. Smirnova earned her PhD degree in Physical Chemistry and Materials Science from St. Petersburg State University in Russia in 1990. Her doctoral research, conducted at this esteemed institution, reflects her deep involvement in the field and a significant contribution to the academic community. The intellectual foundation laid during her PhD studies has been pivotal to her subsequent accomplishments and leadership roles in academia.

Her academic journey commenced with an integrated BS/MS degree in Chemistry, which she completed at St. Petersburg State University in 1980. This early phase of her education set the stage for her future academic pursuits, laying a solid groundwork for the research and teaching roles that followed throughout her illustrious career. Dr. Smirnova’s educational experiences reflect her dedication to academic excellence and her commitment to making valuable contributions to the field of chemistry and materials science.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Alevtina (Alla) White Smirnova has amassed a wealth of experience in her distinguished career, spanning several prestigious institutions across the globe. Currently serving as a Professor in the CBHS Department at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology since 2022, Dr. Smirnova brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Prior to this, she held the position of Associate Professor from 2016 to 2021, securing a tenured position in the CBHS Department at the same institution. Beginning her academic journey in 2011, she served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biological Sciences at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, securing a tenure-track position.

In 2009, Dr. Smirnova took on the role of Assistant Professor in Sustainable Energy at Eastern Connecticut State University, further enriching her academic portfolio. Her journey in academia includes a significant period as an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Chemical, Materials, and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut from 2004 to 2009. Additionally, she served as a Research Scientist at the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center and was honored with invitations to professorial roles at institutions such as the University of Turku in Finland, Autonoma University of Barcelona in Spain, and the Institute for Chemical and Biosensors in Muenster, Germany.

Her academic contributions extend globally, with visiting professorships at renowned institutions, including the Ford Motor Company/University of Ann Arbor in Michigan. Dr. Smirnova’s extensive research and teaching career began at St. Petersburg State University in Russia, where she progressed from Junior Research Scientist in 1980-1981 to Associate Professor and Research Scientist from 1981 to 2000. Her invaluable expertise and dedication to academia have made her a respected figure in the field of chemistry and applied biological sciences.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Alevtina (Alla) White Smirnova has been recognized for her significant contributions to the fields of chemical and environmental engineering, solid-state energy storage technology, and sustainability. Her honors and achievements highlight her expertise and leadership in these areas:

  • In 2022, Dr. Smirnova served as the Chief Editor and contributed to the book “Green Sustainable Process for Chemical and Environmental Engineering and Science: Next-generation solid-state energy storage technology – a path to environmental sustainability.” The book, published by Elsevier, reflects her commitment to advancing sustainable processes in chemical engineering.
  • Since 2021, she has taken on leadership roles as the Director of the NSF IUCRC “Center for solid-state electric power storage” and the Director of the “South Dakota Governor’s Research Center for electrochemical energy storage,” showcasing her dedication to advancing research initiatives in these critical areas.
  • In 2021, Dr. Smirnova was invited to deliver a keynote presentation at the “Congress on Materials Science and Engineering-Europe-Asia-USA,” emphasizing her recognition as an expert in the field.
  • She has been serving as an Invited Editor and Editorial Board Member for the MDPI Journal “Sustainability” since 2018, contributing her expertise to the advancement of sustainable practices.
  • Dr. Smirnova received a summer faculty award from NASA Glenn Research Center in 2013, recognizing her contributions to research in aerospace applications.
  • Her international impact is evident in her role as an Invited Author for four book chapters (ACS, Nova Publishers, New York, and Woodhead Publishers, Cambridge, UK) from 2008 to 2012.
  • Dr. Smirnova’s excellence in peer review was acknowledged in 2007 when she was named the Top Reviewer of the Journal of Power Sources by Elsevier Publishers.
  • She received the State of Michigan’s King-Chavez-Parks Initiative award in 2006, recognizing her contributions as a visiting woman and minority lecturer/scholar series focused on fuel cells and fuel cell materials.
  • Dr. Smirnova’s dedication to chemical sensors earned her the Highest Honor Professor Award from the Scientific Council and the Senate of St. Petersburg State University (RF) in 1999.
  • She was honored with the George Soros Foundation Award in 1989 for her work in the development of chemical and biosensors. This recognition underscores her early contributions to the field of sensor technology.

Research Interest:

Solid-State Energy Storage Technology: Dr. Smirnova has a keen interest in the development and advancement of solid-state energy storage systems. This includes exploring innovative materials, engineering approaches, and technologies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of energy storage solutions.

Chemical and Environmental Engineering: With a background in chemical engineering, Dr. Smirnova is actively involved in research aimed at improving processes in chemical and environmental engineering. This involves investigating cleaner and more sustainable methods for chemical production and waste management.

Electrochemical Energy Storage: As the Director of the “South Dakota Governor’s Research Center for electrochemical energy storage,” Dr. Smirnova contributes to research in the crucial area of electrochemical energy storage. This includes the development of batteries and other energy storage devices with a focus on efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Sustainability: Serving as an Invited Editor for the MDPI Journal “Sustainability” and contributing to publications focused on green and sustainable processes, Dr. Smirnova actively engages in research related to sustainability in various engineering applications. This encompasses environmentally friendly practices and the integration of sustainable principles into engineering processes.

Chemical Sensors: Dr. Smirnova has made significant contributions to the field of chemical sensors, particularly in medical, biological, and environmental applications. Her research in this area involves the development of sensors for monitoring and detecting various substances, contributing to advancements in healthcare and environmental monitoring.

Publication Top Noted:

“Bi-functionality of samarium-and praseodymium-based perovskite catalysts for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions in alkaline medium”

  • Authors: P Kolla, G Nasymov, R Rajappagowda, A Smirnova
  • Journal: Journal of Power Sources
  • Volume: 446, Pages: 227-234
  • Year: 2020
  • Citations: 24

“Synthesis and properties of nanocomposites with mixed ionic-electronic conductivity on the basis of oxide phases with perovskite and fluorite structures”

  • Authors: VA Sadykov, YV Borchert, GM Alikina, AI Lukashevich, NV Mezentseva, A. Smirnova, et al.
  • Journal: Glass Physics and Chemistry
  • Volume: 33, Pages: 320-334
  • Year: 2007
  • Citations: 24

“Design and characterization of LSM/ScCeSZ nanocomposite as mixed ionic–electronic conducting material for functionally graded cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells”

  • Authors: V Sadykov, G Alikina, A Lukashevich, V Muzykantov, V Usoltsev, A. Smirnova, et al.
  • Journal: Solid State Ionics
  • Volume: 192 (1), Pages: 540-546
  • Year: 2011
  • Citations: 22

“Structural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of ceria doped scandia stabilized zirconia”

  • Authors: OD Vasylyev, AL Smirnova, MM Brychevskyi, IM Brodnikovskyi, SO Firstov, A. Smirnova, et al.
  • Journal: Наноструктурное материаловедение (Nanomaterials Science)
  • Year: 2011
  • Citations: 22

“Structural and transport properties of doped LAMOX—Electrolytes for IT SOFC”

  • Authors: S Pavlova, Y Bespalko, V Sadykov, N Eremeev, T Krieger, E Sadovskaya, A. Smirnova, et al.
  • Journal: Solid State Ionics
  • Volume: 288, Pages: 103-109
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 20