Tolera Negesa | Wildlife | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Tolera Negesa | Wildlife | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Samara University, Ethiopia

Summary:

Dr. Tolera Negesa is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Samara University, Ethiopia, specializing in ecological and systematic zoology. With a PhD from Addis Ababa University, his dissertation focused on the population and conservation challenges of Grevy’s zebra in Ethiopia. Dr. Negesa’s research interests span population biology, behavioral studies, ecological modeling, and the impact of climate change on wildlife. He has extensive experience in consultancy, leading numerous projects in wildlife policy, environmental assessments, and socio-economic studies. His work aims to bridge academic research with practical conservation efforts and policy development.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

PhD in Zoological Science (Zoology and Ecological Systematic Study), 2019-2024

  • Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
  • Dissertation: “Population Estimate, Diurnal Time Budget, and Conservation Challenges of Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi, Oustalet 1882) in Hallaydeghe Asebot Proposed National Park, Ethiopia”

MA in Tourism and Development Study, 2014-2016

  • Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
  • Thesis: “Nexus Between Urban Tourism Resources and Tourist Preferences; The Case of Addis Ababa City”

Bachelor of Science in Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, 2008-2011

  • Hawasa University, Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, WGCF, Ethiopia

🏢 Professional Experience:

Samara University, College of Dry Land Agriculture, Department of NRM

Lecturer and Researcher (February 2012 – Present) Dr. Tolera Negesa has been a dedicated lecturer and researcher at Samara University since 2012, where he imparts knowledge and conducts research in the fields of wildlife ecology, management, and conservation. His expertise includes the study of population biology, behavioral ecology, and the impact of climate change on wildlife.

Coordinator of University-Industry Linkage (April 2017 – September 2018) During his tenure as Coordinator of University-Industry Linkage, Dr. Negesa facilitated collaborations between the university and various industries, promoting practical applications of academic research and enhancing the employability of graduates.

Consultancy Services (Facilitated by TAN Consultancy)

2023:

  • Led the comprehensive assessment and review of the draft nomination document for Anywaa Forested Landscape as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  • Conducted a conflict sensitivity analysis in South Omo, Dasanech Woreda for the Catholic Church Social and Economic Development Omorate Branch.
  • Evaluated the impact of Community Integrated SOS Families in Ethiopia and Somaliland.
  • Performed a baseline assessment for the Women Land Right Beyond Certification Project in Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha Woreda for WE Action Ethiopia.

2022:

  • Conducted an evaluative study on projects implemented by the PHE Ethiopia Consortium in Southwest Ethiopia.
  • Assessed carbon stock and land use land cover changes in Majang Forest Biosphere, Gambella Ethiopia for MELCA Ethiopia.
  • Carried out a baseline assessment on the socio-economic importance of Adea-Berga Wetland, Oromia, Ethiopia for EWCA.

2021:

  • Undertook a joint analysis of gender inclusion in the workplace in Addis Ababa for ECD.

2020:

  • Assessed the economic impact of livelihood transfer for ultra-poor households for CRS.

2019:

  • Developed a strategic plan for Walif Agro-Industry Share Company SC, after conducting a thorough assessment of internal and external competitors.

Authormetrics:

  • Notable for his significant contributions in various fields of ecology, wildlife management, and conservation through both academic and consultancy roles.
  • Experience in leading and contributing to numerous consultancy projects with various organizations, providing in-depth assessments and evaluations.

Research Interests:

  • Ecology: Population biology, behavioral studies
  • Wildlife: Mammals, primates, canines, avians diversity, and biogeography
  • Reptiles: Ecology, particularly crocodiles
  • Ecological Modelling: Statistical modeling of time-space data, time-series modeling, effects of climate variation on ecological and biogeographic processes, Anthropocene effects on wildlife populations
  • Wildlife Policy and Management

Top Noted Publication:

Population status, distribution and seasonal range of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) in a protected savannah area

  • Authors: T. Abirham, A. Bekele, M. Yihune
  • Journal: African Zoology
  • Volume: 58 (3-4)
  • Pages: 59-66
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 1

Diurnal activity time budget of Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi, Oustalet 1882) in a protected savannah area

  • Authors: T. Abirham, A. Bekele, M. Yihune
  • Journal: Heliyon
  • Volume: 10 (4)
  • Year: 2024

Trends of Land Cover Change and Conservation Challenges of Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi, Oustalet 1882) in Hallaydeghe Asebot Proposed National Park

  • Authors: T.A. Negesa, A.B. Simegn, M.Y. Tamene
  • Journal: International Journal of Zoology
  • Volume: 2024 (1)
  • Article ID: 2010558
  • Year: 2024

Factors Affecting Conservation of Grevy’s zebra/Equus grevyi/in Alledeghi-Assebot Proposed National Park, south eastern Ethiopia

  • Authors: T. Abirham, A. Bekele, M. Yihune
  • Year: 2022

 

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