Bokon Akakpo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Bokon Akakpo | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior researcher at the Laboratory of Applied Ecology UAC (University of Abomey-Calavi) Benin

Dr. Bokon Alexis Akakpo is a dedicated environmental scientist from Benin, specializing in environmental conservation, natural resources management, and climate-smart land use planning. With a strong commitment to sustainable development, his work focuses on addressing environmental challenges in West Africa.

Profile

Research Gate

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Climate Change and Human Habitat (January 2020 – April 2024): Completed at the WASCAL Doctoral Research Programme of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
  • MSc in Forest and Natural Resource Management (October 2011 – March 2014): Earned from the Faculty of Agronomy Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.
  • BSc in Natural Resource Management (January 2008 – April 2011): Obtained from the Faculty of Agronomy Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin.

Experience 🛠️

Dr. Akakpo has contributed significantly to various environmental projects:

  • Assistant Project Coordinator (July 2024 – July 2027): “Solar energy for the productivity of women’s businesses and the empowerment of women in rural areas of Benin,” funded by the International Research and Development Center (CRDI grant No. 110443-001).
  • Assistant Project Coordinator (July 2023 – July 2026): “Reverting desertification trial – exploring the potential of termite, native plants, soil & water conservation-based ecosystem restoration for climate resilience,” funded by Mossy Earth.
  • Assistant Project Coordinator (July 2021 – July 2023): “Termites for climate resilience – exploring the potential of termite-based ecosystem restoration,” funded by Mossy Earth.
  • Assistant Project Coordinator (January 2021 – December 2023): “Solar energy and biotechnologies for women entrepreneurs in the mangroves of the Ramsar 1017 site in Benin (SEWomen),” funded by the International Research and Development Center (CRDI grant No. 109625-001).
  • Project Coordinator (2020 – 2024): “Investigation of Sustainable Urban Greenery Planning in the Changing Climate of Benin,” funded by the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Akakpo’s research focuses on:

  • Addressing urbanization and environmental degradation affecting vegetation and biodiversity conservation.
  • Employing environmental metadata alongside GIS and remote sensing to identify drivers, indicators, and impacts of environmental degradation.
  • Exploring restoration, planning, and conservation strategies in West Africa.
  • Utilizing high-resolution UAV imagery to quantify the cooling effects and microclimate improvements of urban tree species in West Africa.

Awards and Grants 🏆

Dr. Akakpo has been recognized with several research grants:

  • 2014: West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (WECARD) – Support for master’s field data collection.
  • 2020 – 2023: West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) – PhD research funding.
  • 2021: IUCN/PAPBio programme fund for mangrove restoration in Benin.

Publications Top Notes: 📚

Dr. Akakpo has authored and co-authored several notable publications:

“Traditional Farmlands for Tree Species Conservation in Benin” (October 2023): Published in Small-scale Forestry, this study assesses traditional farmlands regarding their typology and impacts on tree species conservation.

“People’s perception and involvement in improving urban greenery in Benin (West Africa)” (February 2023): Published in Discover Sustainability, this paper documents residents’ perceptions of existing greenery spaces and their involvement in environmental conservation efforts.

“Role of termites in the restoration of soils and plant richness on bowĂ© in West Africa” (August 2020): This research examines termite mounds on bowĂ© and their effects on soil depth and plant richness.

Priorisation des pratiques anti-érosives de conservation des sols dans la zone soudanienne au Bénin (Afrique de l’Ouest)

Evaluation de l’état actuel et les principales menaces de la Forêt sacrée Badja au sud-ouest du Bénin : Proposition des stratégies de conservation

Diversity and Structure of Khaya Senegalensis (desr.) A. Juss Habitats Along Phytogeographical Zones in Chad (Central Africa): Implications for Conservation and Sustainable Use

Spatial Diagnosis and Conceptualisation of Greening Plan of Seme-Podji, Benin (West Africa)

Variabilité des utilisations de Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. suivant les facteurs sociodémographiques au Nord-Bénin

Impact of crop production on selected soil physicochemical properties in semiarid climate zone of Benin, West Africa

Oliver. O Apeh | Energy and Sustainability | Excellence in Innovation

Dr. Oliver. O Apeh | Energy and Sustainability | Excellence in Innovation

Researcher University of Johannesburg South Africa

Dr. Oliver Okechukwu Apeh is a highly accomplished physicist and educator specializing in solar energy systems, data science, and sustainable energy solutions. With over two decades of experience spanning teaching, research, and technical consultation, Dr. Apeh is a recognized authority in renewable energy technologies, food-energy-water nexus, and machine learning applications. His academic and professional journey has been marked by innovative contributions to the fields of physics and engineering, with an emphasis on leveraging technology for sustainable development.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Apeh earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa (2021), where his research focused on optimizing solar photovoltaic systems under varying meteorological conditions. He holds an M.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy (Solar Energy/Materials Science, 2015) and a B.Sc. in Physics and Astronomy (2011) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Additionally, he completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Physics Education (2014) from the National Open University of Nigeria.

Professional Experience 🏫

Dr. Apeh currently serves as a lecturer at Eduvos Higher Institution, South Africa, and as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg. His roles include undergraduate teaching, supervising honors and master’s students, and conducting cutting-edge research in renewable energy, machine learning, and blockchain technology. Previously, he has held positions ranging from laboratory demonstrator to Head of Department in institutions across Nigeria and South Africa, contributing significantly to education and research.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Apeh’s research interests encompass a broad range of interdisciplinary topics, including:

  • Machine learning for solar energy optimization
  • Blockchain applications in energy systems
  • Food-Energy-Water Nexus
  • Artificial Intelligence for smart energy systems
  • Renewable energy policy and implementation

Awards and Scholarships 🏆

  • National Research Foundation Grant Award (2017–2021), University of Fort Hare, South Africa.
  • Doctoral Research Award, University of Fort Hare, South Africa.
  • Recognition as the Most Punctual Teacher at St. Cyprian’s Science School, Nsukka (2014).
  • Best Science Teacher Award, Community Secondary School, Aguibeje (2003).

Publications Top Notes: 📚

Dr. Apeh has authored/co-authored numerous publications, reflecting his expertise in renewable energy and sustainable development. Some notable works include:

Electrical and meteorological data acquisition system of a commercial and domestic microgrid for monitoring pv parameters

Properties of nanostructured ZnO thin films synthesized using a modified aqueous chemical growth method

Monthly, seasonal and yearly assessments of global solar radiation, clearness index and diffuse fractions in alice, South Africa

Contributions of solar photovoltaic systems to environmental and socioeconomic aspects of national development—A review

The water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus scenario in Africa: Perspective and policy implementations

Performance evaluation of Bi2O3@GO and Bi2O3@rGO composites electrode for supercapacitor application

Yueping Bao | Editorial Board Member | Water treatment, Environmental catalysis

Dr. Yueping Bao | Editorial Board Member | Water treatment, Environmental catalysis

Nankai University, China

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits:

Bao Yueping began his academic journey in 2008 at Beijing Normal University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the School of Environment. She continued his academic pursuits with a Master of Engineering, specializing in Environmental Science, at the same institution from 2012 to 2015. His educational journey culminated with a Doctor of Engineering degree from Nanyang Technological University, where she conducted research at the intersection of Materials Science and Engineering, as well as Civil and Environmental Engineering, completing his doctoral program in February 2020.

Professional Endeavors:

After completing his doctorate, Bao Yueping engaged in research and academic roles. From March 2020 to December 2021, she worked as a Researcher at the Singapore Institute of Water Environment at Nanyang Technological University. Subsequently, She joined Nankai University in May 2022, where she holds the position of Associate Professor in the School of Environmental Science and Engineering. In addition to his research positions, Bao Yueping served as a Course Teaching Assistant for postgraduate experimental courses at Nanyang Technological University from 2019 to 2021. His teaching responsibilities extended to the College of Materials Science and Engineering, where she worked as a Course Teaching Assistant for the Organic Polymer Materials course in 2021.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Her research endeavors have primarily focused on advanced oxidation technology and membrane treatment combined technology. His work involves the preparation of catalytic ceramic membranes, optimization of water treatment devices, establishment of pollutant analysis methods, and the development of new catalysts. Notably, She contributed to the National High-tech Research and Development Program (National 863 Program), specifically in the area of "Laccase-photocatalytic degradation of chlorophenol pollutants in water." In this context, she led the synthesis and characterization of catalysts, designed and constructed experimental equipment, and conducted pollutant analysis using high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Additionally, She has played a significant role in the electrochemical advanced treatment technology of phenolic substances and heavy metals in flue gas cleaning wastewater. His expertise involves using specific electrical equipment to chemically oxidize or reduce pollutants in wastewater, followed by the removal of pollutants through flocculation and precipitation.

Accolades and Recognition:

Bao Yueping has actively participated in the academic community, presenting a poster at the 2021 International Conference on "Materials for Humanity (MH 21)" held online in Singapore.

Impact and Influence:

Through his research and teaching roles, Bao Yueping has contributed to advancements in water treatment technologies, particularly in the areas of catalytic ceramic membranes and electrochemical treatment of pollutants. His work has implications for environmental sustainability and has the potential to address challenges related to water pollution.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As an Associate Professor at Nankai University, Bao Yueping is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of environmental science and engineering. His legacy includes research contributions, teaching experiences, and potential future impacts in addressing environmental challenges through innovative solutions in water treatment technologies.

Citations

A total of  1733 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations            1733
  • h-index              23
  • i10-index           33

Notable Publications 

Elucidation of stoichiometric efficiency, radical generation and transformation pathway during catalytic oxidation of sulfamethoxazole via peroxymonosulfate activation
Y Bao, WD Oh, TT Lim, R Wang, RD Webster, X Hu
(143 ) 2019

Removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) from water by coagulation: mechanisms and influencing factors
Y Bao, J Niu, Z Xu, D Gao, J Shi, X Sun, Q Huang
(115) 2014

Urea-assisted one-step synthesis of cobalt ferrite impregnated ceramic membrane for sulfamethoxazole degradation via peroxymonosulfate activation
Y Bao, TT Lim, R Wang, RD Webster, X Hu
(112) 2018

Photocatalytic degradation kinetics and mechanism of pentachlorophenol based on superoxide radicals
Y Li, J Niu, L Yin, W Wang, Y Bao, J Chen, Y Duan
(103) 2011

Pore-functionalized ceramic membrane with isotropically impregnated cobalt oxide for sulfamethoxazole degradation and membrane fouling elimination: Synergistic effect between …
Y Bao, WJ Lee, TT Lim, R Wang, X Hu
(93) 2019

Electrochemical mineralization of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by Ti/SnO2–Sb electrodes
J Niu, Y Bao, Y Li, Z Chai
(93) 2013

Photochemical transformation of tetrabromobisphenol A under simulated sunlight irradiation: Kinetics, mechanism and influencing factors
Y Bao, J Niu
(83) 2015

Surface-nucleated heterogeneous growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework–A unique precursor towards catalytic ceramic membranes: Synthesis, characterization and organics …
Y Bao, WD Oh, TT Lim, R Wang, RD Webster, X Hu
(80) 2018

Evidence of superoxide radical contribution to demineralization of sulfamethoxazole by visible-light-driven Bi2O3/Bi2O2CO3/Sr6Bi2O9 photocatalyst
S Ding, J Niu, Y Bao, L Hu
(68) 2013

Hybrid catalytic ozonation-membrane filtration process with CeOx and MnOx impregnated catalytic ceramic membranes for micropollutants degradation
WJ Lee, Y Bao, X Hu, TT Lim
(65) 2019