Syeda Safina Ali | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Syeda Safina Ali | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Research Analyst at National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan

Ms. Syeda Safina Ali is a dedicated Environmental Scientist from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, with a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, and a strong academic background in climate adaptation, wastewater treatment, GIS, and sustainable energy. With professional experience as a Research Analyst at the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), she has contributed to national projects such as the PHCSP, BISP, and Pakistan’s Green Taxonomy.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Excellence:

  • MSc in Environmental Sciences (93%, CGPA 3.75/4) – NUST, Islamabad

  • BSc in Environmental Sciences (82%, CGPA 3.82/4) – IIUI, Islamabad

  • Specialized in climate adaptation, wastewater treatment, water management, and GIS.

📚 Research Contributions:

  • 5 Publications (Published/Accepted/In Progress) in Springer, MDPI, and national journals.

  • Topics include:

    • Photosynthetic microbial desalination cells

    • Strategic Environmental Assessment in infrastructure

    • Snowmelt runoff modelling for water resource management

  • Thesis work directly aligned with SDGs 6, 7, 9, 13 & 15.

🧪 Technical Expertise:

  • GIS/RS: ArcGIS, QGIS

  • Numerical Modelling: HEC-RAS, SRM

  • Data Analysis: R, OriginLab, MS Excel

  • Report Writing, Stakeholder Engagement, Policy Drafting

💼 Professional Roles:

  • Research Analyst (Climate Change) – NDRMF, Islamabad
    Supporting national & international climate projects (PHCSP, BISP, Green Taxonomy)

  • HSE Trainer (Part-Time) – Burj Al-Emarat Training Services

  • Internships with PepsiCo, NHA, PMD, NARC – Hands-on field and policy experience

🌱 Volunteer & Reviewer:

  • Peer Reviewer for Elsevier & Springer Nature journals

  • Volunteer with Ministry of Climate Change, Youth Campaigns & Plantation Drives

  • Freelance GIS/RS Specialist, Transcriber & Content Writer

🏆 Certifications & Training:

  • ✅ ISO 14001, 9001, 45001

  • ✅ OSHA 30-Hour General Industry

  • ✅ Risk Assessment, Environmental Sustainability

  • ✅ Courses by UN, World Bank, UNITAR, Oxford Climate Society

🌍 Conferences & Global Engagement:

  • Speaker/Participant at:

    • 8th Intl. Conf. on Water Sciences – MDPI

    • ADB Workshop on Women & Heat Stress

    • Virtual Summer School – Green Chemistry, Indonesia

    • Climate Action Fellowship, Oxford Climate Society School

Publication:

  1. Integration of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in Motorway/Highway Planning and Construction: A Case Study for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Pakistan
    SS Ali, A Batool
    NUST Journal of Natural Sciences, 9(4), 1 (2024)

  2. Sugar Industry Wastewater Treatment Through Photosynthetic Microbial Desalination Cells: A Sustainable Approach
    SS Ali, Z Sheikh
    Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings, 32(1), 9 (2025)

 

Jahan Chowdhury Sarwar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jahan Chowdhury Sarwar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor Geology and Mining, University of Rajshahi Bangladesh

Dr. Chowdhury Sarwar Jahan is a highly esteemed Professor in the Department of Geology and Mining at the University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. With over 40 years of experience in academia, research, and administration, he has significantly contributed to the field of Hydrogeology and environmental geosciences. His leadership roles include serving as Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dean, and Department Chairman, shaping the academic and research landscape of his institution. Alongside his academic responsibilities, he remains active in numerous social and cultural organizations, championing community development, transparency, and public health.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Jahan embarked on his academic journey in geology at the University of Rajshahi, completing his B.Sc. (Hons.) in 1980 and M.Sc. in 1981. He later pursued his Ph.D. in Hydrogeology from the Moscow State Geological Prospecting Academy, Russia, in 1997. His foundational education includes an HSC (1977) and SSC (1975) from the Rajshahi Board, reflecting a lifelong commitment to learning and scientific excellence.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

Beginning his teaching career as a Lecturer in 1984, Dr. Jahan progressed to Professor by 2004. He has held pivotal roles including Pro-Vice Chancellor (2013–2017) and Dean of the Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences (2012–2013). As Chairman of the Department of Geology and Mining, he oversaw vital departmental development. Beyond academia, he has contributed to national policy through committees like the NAP for Combating Desertification and actively engages with civic organizations such as the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and Rotary International.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Jahan’s research covers a diverse spectrum of earth sciences, including Hydrogeology, Groundwater Modelling, Rainwater Harvesting, and Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR). He is deeply invested in Water Governance, Climate Change Adaptation, and Hydro-Geochemistry, using tools like GIS and Remote Sensing. His studies on drought, water footprint, and strategic policy planning contribute to sustainable water resource management in Bangladesh and beyond.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Jahan has been widely recognized for his academic leadership and social engagement. While this application is a nomination for further distinction, his earlier appointments as Syndicate Member at BAUET, and leadership in the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, underscore his dedication to societal development. He has been a sought-after keynote speaker at international conferences, reflecting his esteemed standing in the scientific community.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

Dr. Jahan has co-authored numerous impactful publications that explore sedimentology, groundwater modeling, and hydrochemistry. Some of his notable works include:

Jahan, C.S. et al. (1990)Sedimentary environment discrimination using grain size analysis, Journal of Geological Society of India, 35: 529-534 – Cited by 45 articles.

Jahan, C.S. & Ahmed, M. (1997)Flow of groundwater in the Barind Area, Bangladesh: Implication of Structural Framework, Journal of Geological Society of India, 50: 743-752 – Cited by 62 articles.

Jahan, C.S. et al. (1994)Specific yield evaluation: Barind area, Bangladesh, Journal of Geological Society of India, 44: 283-290 – Cited by 35 articles.

Jahan, C.S. et al. (1995)Seasonal Effect on Regional Groundwater Flow: Barind area, Bangladesh, ASCE Conference Proceedings, Texas Water ’95 – Cited by 21 articles.

Jahan, C.S. et al. (1993)Hydrogeology of Tanore and Nachole thanas of Barind project area, Journal of Applied Hydrology, VI(1-4): 39-48 – Cited by 18 articles.

Evaluation of spatio-temporal dynamics of water table in NW Bangladesh: an integrated approach of GIS and Statistics

Modeling of agricultural drought risk pattern using Markov chain and GIS in the western part of Bangladesh

Evaluation of depositional environment and aquifer condition in Barind area, Bangladesh using Gamma Ray Well Log Data

Hydrogeological condition and assessment of groundwater resource using visual modflow modeling, Rajshahi city aquifer, Bangladesh

Climatic data analysis for groundwater level simulation in drought prone Barind Tract, Bangladesh: Modelling approach using artificial neural network

Dali Francis | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Dali Francis | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Women Researcher Award

postdoctor uae uniuversity United Arab Emirates

Dr. Dali Vilma Francis is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in biotechnology with expertise in microbiology, nano fertilizers, and controlled environment agriculture. Based in Dubai, UAE, Dr. Francis leverages her diverse skill set in nanotechnology, microbiology, and horticulture to drive sustainable agricultural innovation. Her focus includes optimizing plant growth with nanoparticles, enhancing post-harvest technology, and advancing eco-friendly microbial research.

Profile

Google scholar

📚 Education

  • Ph.D. in Biotechnology (2023) – BITS Pilani Dubai Campus
  • Master of Biotechnology (2006) – M.G. University, Kerala
  • Bachelor of Biotechnology (2004) – M.G. University, Kerala
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Research – CROME, India

💼 Experience

  • Postdoctoral Fellow (Aug 2023–present), UAE University, Al Ain: Working on biosynthesis of nanoparticles from plants, algae, and bacteria, including nano-fertilizer development for hydroponic systems.
  • Doctoral Scholar (Jan 2018–Apr 2023), BITS Pilani, Dubai: Conducted independent research projects, assisted in teaching microbiology and downstream processing, and mentored B.E. Biotechnology students.
  • Teacher & Coordinator (2015–2018), GEMS Winchester School, Dubai: Delivered chemistry instruction, managed curriculum updates, and coordinated teaching methods.
  • Lecturer, MSc Biotechnology (2009–2013), Aquinas College, Kerala: Taught biotechnology courses and developed materials to enhance student learning experiences.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Francis’s research includes nanotechnology applications in agriculture, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture techniques. She focuses on nano fertilizer synthesis, microgreen cultivation, microbial genetics, and bioremediation to address global food security and environmental challenges.

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Promoted to Postdoctoral Fellow at UAE University (Dec 2023)
  • Best Oral Presenter at ICES, Dubai (Nov 2023)
  • Best Researcher Award on BITS Research Day (May 2021)
  • Best Teacher Award for exceptional work with SEND students, GEMS Winchester (2017)
  • Department Head Promotion in Biotechnology, Aquinas College (2012)

📄 Publications Top Notes:

Francis, D.V., et al., “Optimizing germination conditions of Ghaf seed using ZnO nanoparticle priming,” Scientific Reports, 2024. Cited by 25 articles

Francis, D.V., et al., “Nanoparticle-Enhanced Plant Defense Mechanisms for Sustainable Crop Protection,” in Nanoparticles in Plant Biotic Stress Management, 2024.

Francis, D.V., et al., “Sustainable packaging materials for probiotic foods,” AIMS Microbiology, 2024.

Francis, D.V., et al., “Metallic Nanoparticle Integrated Ternary Polymer Blend for Food Packaging,” Polymers, 2022.