Mbalenhle Mpanza | Earth Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Mbalenhle Mpanza | Earth Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Mbalenhle Mpanza, University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Dr. Mpanza earned her PhD in Science from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2022, complementing her MBA (2020) and MSc in Geostatistics (2015). She has extensive experience in geological mapping, resource estimation, and academic instruction. Currently, she is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, where she teaches courses in mining engineering and geological modeling. Dr. Mpanza has published multiple research papers on mining impacts and air quality, actively contributing to international conferences. In 2023, she received a grant under the Black Academics Advancement Programme (BAAP) from the National Research Fund. ๐ŸŒŸ

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Background

PhD in Science (2022) from the University of the Witwatersrand, indicating a high level of expertise and commitment to research.

MBA and MSc in Engineering (Geostatistics), showcasing a blend of technical and management skills.

Professional Experience

Senior Lecturer at the University of Johannesburg, where she teaches and supervises students in mining and geology. This role demonstrates her commitment to education and mentorship, particularly towards young women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Previous positions as Associate Lecturer and Resource Geologist, where she has actively contributed to both academia and industry.

Research Contributions

Authored and co-authored several published papers addressing significant issues in the mining industry, including health impacts and environmental concerns associated with mining operations.

Engaged in impactful research projects, such as dust exposure and management at mining sites, contributing to public health and safety

Conclusion

Dr. Mpanzaโ€™s extensive academic and professional achievements, coupled with her advocacy for women in the mining industry, position her as an exemplary candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her dedication to research, education, and community engagement aligns well with the values and objectives of the award, making her a deserving nominee.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Dust deposition impacts at a liquidated gold mine village: Gauteng province in South Africa ๐ŸŒ – Cited by 26 – 2020
  • A critical review of the impact of South Africaโ€™s mine closure policy and the winding-up process of mining companies ๐Ÿ“‰ – Cited by 18 – 2021
  • Perceptions of external costs of dust fallout from gold mine tailings: West Wits Basin ๐Ÿ’จ – Cited by 13 – 2020
  • South Africa’s electricity disaster is an air quality disaster, too โšก – Cited by 4 – 2023
  • The Potential Health Costs of PM10 Impacts on a Gold Mine Village, during Company Liquidation: An Analysis of 2013โ€“2017 ๐Ÿ’ฐ – Cited by 4 – 2022
  • The influence of work pressure on worker attitudes towards health and safety in a platinum mining stope โš’๏ธ – Cited by 4 – 2018
  • The throughput of mining engineering students in the University of Johannesburg (2009 to 2013 cohorts) ๐ŸŽ“ – Cited by 3 – 2014
  • The assessment of the external costs of dust fallout in Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mining Village ๐Ÿž๏ธ – Cited by 2 – 2019
  • A comparison of ordinary and simple kriging on a PGE resource in the Eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex ๐Ÿ“Š – Cited by 2 – 2015
  • Graduate unemployment in the South African mining sector: a case study of mining graduates of the University of Johannesburg ๐Ÿ“š – Cited by 1 – 2017

ย 

 

Robert Milewski | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Robert Milewski | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Dr Robert Milewski, Helmholtz Centre Potsdam GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, Germany

Dr. Robert Milewski โ€“ Candidate for Best Researcher Award

Publication profile

Orcid

PhD in Remote Sensing (2020)

University of Potsdam, with a focus on methodological development in soil and sediment analysis via remote sensing, Dr. Milewski has since made significant contributions to the fields of soil degradation and land erosion.

Postdoctoral Scientist, GFZ Potsdam

From 2020, Dr. Milewski has been working on advanced optical and thermal remote sensing techniques. His work addresses critical environmental challenges like soil degradation and vegetation variability.

International Recognition

Dr. Milewski’s contributions to soil science and remote sensing have earned him recognition in the scientific community, particularly for his interdisciplinary approach to solving complex environmental issues. His work is highly regarded across Europe and beyond, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Research Projects and Publications

Dr. Milewski has led and contributed to prominent EU projects such as the EU MRV4SOC (2023-2026) and NextSoils+ (2024-2026). His research includes the analysis of airborne hyperspectral data, with numerous high-impact publications in Remote Sensing, Applied and Environmental Soil Science, and CATENA.

Significant Research Projects

Dr. Milewski has played a pivotal role in major international projects, such as ESA Worldsoils and EU MRV4SOC, focusing on soil monitoring and carbon verification. His leadership in the NextSoils+ project demonstrates his capacity to contribute to long-term global initiatives in remote sensing and soil research.

Publications and Impact

Dr. Milewski has a robust publication record in high-impact journals like Remote Sensing and CATENA, with articles addressing soil degradation, crop productivity, and hyperspectral data application. His research outputs have broad implications for agricultural sustainability and climate change mitigation.

Selected Research

  • “Estimation of Water-infiltration Rate in Mediterranean Sandy Soils using Airborne Hyperspectral Sensors” (2023)
  • “Evaluation of Airborne HySpex and Spaceborne PRISMA Hyperspectral Data for Soil Organic Matter” (2023)

Conclusion

Dr. Milewskiโ€™s extensive work in hyperspectral remote sensing and environmental monitoring, combined with his leadership in EU-funded projects, makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions have had a profound impact on soil science and ecosystem analysis.

Publication top notes

Estimation of water-infiltration rate in Mediterranean sandy soils using airborne hyperspectral sensors

Modelling mixed scenarios of canopy and soil spectral reflectance to improve SOC prediction

Evaluation of Airborne HySpex and Spaceborne PRISMA Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Data for Soil Organic Matter and Carbonates Estimation

A Spectral Transfer Function to Harmonize Existing Soil Spectral Libraries Generated by Different Protocols

Analyses of the Impact of Soil Conditions and Soil Degradation on Vegetation Vitality and Crop Productivity Based on Airborne Hyperspectral VNIRโ€“SWIRโ€“TIR Data in a Semi-Arid Rainfed Agricultural Area (Camarena, Central Spain)

 

Glen Cousquer | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Glen Cousquer | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Glen Cousquer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Dr. Glen Cousquer is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an expert in Human Geography, focusing on animal welfare in mountain tourism. He earned his PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has extensive teaching experience across the One Health and Conservation Medicine programs. A recipient of multiple teaching awards, he has published widely on topics including working equine welfare and nature connection. His research interests span action research, animal ethics, and wildlife medicine, with 399 citations to his work. Dr. Cousquer actively supervises MSc and doctoral students, fostering interdisciplinary research.

Publication profile

Google Scholar


Education

Dr. Cousquer has a robust academic background, holding a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Edinburgh, with a focus on Animal Welfare in Mountain Tourism. His educational accolades include multiple MSc degrees in Educational Research and Outdoor Education, showcasing a commitment to interdisciplinary study.

Teaching and Educationย 

Dr. Cousquer is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has received 34 EUSA Teaching Award nominations, demonstrating his dedication to quality education. He serves as the Course Organizer for several online MSc programs, integrating diverse disciplines and promoting higher-level skills development.

Research Interests

Dr. Cousquerโ€™s research interests are broad and impactful, encompassing nature connection, working equine welfare, mountain tourism, and animal ethics. His work has significantly contributed to the development of a new field in tourism research and has informed various curricula.

Research Grants

Dr. Cousquer has successfully secured funding for various research initiatives, including a recent bid exploring qualitative research paradigms and One Health. His ability to coordinate transdisciplinary teams highlights his leadership and collaborative skills.

Research Supervision Experience

He has supervised 25 MSc dissertation students, ensuring academic rigor and mentorship, and has been involved in various undergraduate research projects, further demonstrating his commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers.

Conclusion

Dr. Glen Cousquerโ€™s comprehensive academic background, dedication to teaching, significant research contributions, and collaborative efforts in securing grants position him as a leading candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances knowledge in his field but also influences educational practices and policies, making a profound impact on both academia and society.

Publication Top Notes

  • Ophthalmological findings in freeโ€living tawny owls (Strix aluco) examined at a wildlife veterinary hospitalย  ย – Cited by 53 – 2005
  • A survey of blood lead levels in mute swans Cygnus olorย  ย – Cited by 45 – 2003
  • Ethical responsibilities towards expedition pack animalsย  ย – Cited by 32 – 2012
  • Veterinary care of rabbits with myiasisย  ย – Cited by 31 – 2006
  • Advancing One Health: updated core competenciesย  ย – Cited by 25 – 2023
  • Ingluvitis and oesophagitis in wild finchesย  ย – Cited by 25 – 2005
  • Professionalism in mountain tourism and the claims to professional status of the International Mountain Leaderย  ย – Cited by 23 – 2013
  • First aid and emergency care for the avian casualtyย  ย – Cited by 19 – 2005
  • Veterinary care of the racing pigeonย  ย – Cited by 16 – 2007
  • Metabolic bone disease in wild collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto)ย  ย – Cited by 15 – 2007

 

 

 

Parveen Kumar | Solid Earth | Best Innovation Award

Dr. ParveenKumar|ย  Solid Earth | Best Innovation Award

Dr. ParveenKumar ,Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, India

Dr. Parveen Kumar ๐ŸŒ is a distinguished Earth scientist with a Ph.D. from IIT Roorkee (2014). He has extensive research experience, currently serving as Scientist-โ€˜Dโ€™ at WIHG, Dehradun. Previously, he held positions as Scientist-โ€˜Cโ€™ and Scientist-โ€˜Bโ€™ at WIHG. Dr. Kumar is also an honorary Assistant Professor at AcSIR, India. His expertise in geophysics is recognized globally, having conducted significant research funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board, India. He has been awarded the SERB International Research Experience Award and an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grant. Dr. Kumar has visited the USA and Germany for scholarly exchanges. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“š

Publication Profile

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Dr. Parveen Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (2014), an M.Tech. in Applied Geophysics from Kurukshetra University (2009), and a Bachelor’s degree from Govt. P.G. College, Karnal (2006), affiliated to KUK.

Professional Experience ๐Ÿ’ผ

Dr. Kumar is currently a Scientist-โ€˜Dโ€™ at WIHG, Dehradun (2023-present). He has previously served as Scientist-โ€˜Cโ€™ (2018-2022) and Scientist-โ€˜Bโ€™ (2015-2018) at WIHG.

Teaching Experience ๐Ÿ“š

Since 2020, Dr. Kumar has been an honorary Assistant Professor at the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), India, teaching Ph.D. scholars and supervising dissertations and trainees.

Research Focus ๐Ÿ”

Dr. Parveen Kumar’s research primarily focuses on seismology and geophysics ๐ŸŒ. He has conducted detailed studies on attenuation characteristics, seismic hazard assessment, and strong ground motion simulation. His work involves the inversion of strong-motion data to understand shear wave attenuation in the Himalayas and modeling seismic events using semi-empirical techniques. Dr. Kumar’s research also includes assessing coseismic landslide hazards and investigating the spatial variability of attenuation in the Himalayan region. His contributions significantly enhance the understanding of seismic risks and earthquake preparedness, particularly in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of India. ๐Ÿ“Š๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ

 

Publication Top Notes

ย