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. 🌟

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. Mpanza’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 🌍 – Cited by 26 – 2020
  • A critical review of the impact of South Africa’s mine closure policy and the winding-up process of mining companies 📉 – Cited by 18 – 2021
  • Perceptions of external costs of dust fallout from gold mine tailings: West Wits Basin 💨 – Cited by 13 – 2020
  • South Africa’s electricity disaster is an air quality disaster, too ⚡ – Cited by 4 – 2023
  • The Potential Health Costs of PM10 Impacts on a Gold Mine Village, during Company Liquidation: An Analysis of 2013–2017 💰 – Cited by 4 – 2022
  • The influence of work pressure on worker attitudes towards health and safety in a platinum mining stope ⚒️ – Cited by 4 – 2018
  • The throughput of mining engineering students in the University of Johannesburg (2009 to 2013 cohorts) 🎓 – Cited by 3 – 2014
  • The assessment of the external costs of dust fallout in Blyvooruitzicht Gold Mining Village 🏞️ – Cited by 2 – 2019
  • A comparison of ordinary and simple kriging on a PGE resource in the Eastern limb of the Bushveld Complex 📊 – Cited by 2 – 2015
  • Graduate unemployment in the South African mining sector: a case study of mining graduates of the University of Johannesburg 📚 – Cited by 1 – 2017

 

 

Susanna Jenkins | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Susanna Jenkins | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University , Singapore

Susanna Jenkins, Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University and Principal Investigator at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, is a leading expert in volcanic hazard and risk assessment. Her extensive research focuses on quantitative hazard reconstruction, utilizing field studies, numerical modeling, and statistical analysis of large datasets. Jenkins has secured substantial funding from organizations like USAID and the World Bank, enabling her to develop innovative frameworks for assessing volcanic risks. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the IAVCEI Wager Medal and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, her contributions significantly enhance the understanding of volcanic hazards and mitigation strategies. Jenkins is also a dedicated educator, achieving an impressive 96% average in teaching evaluations, and has mentored numerous students in their academic pursuits. Her involvement in international scientific committees further exemplifies her commitment to advancing volcanology and disaster risk reduction globally.

Profile:

Education

Susanna Jenkins possesses an extensive academic background in physical geography and environmental geology, which forms the foundation of her research in volcanic risk and hazard assessment. She earned her PhD from Macquarie University, Australia (2005-2009), where her thesis focused on probabilistic tephra fall hazard and risk assessment. This work involved statistical analyses of global data to derive probability distributions for explosive eruption behavior, culminating in the first probabilistic regional tephra fall hazard assessment for the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to her PhD, Jenkins completed her MSc in Geophysical Hazards at University College London (2003-2004) and earned her BSc (Hons) in Environmental Geology from the University of Leeds, UK (1996-1999). Her rigorous academic training has equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead significant research initiatives and contribute to the advancement of volcanology, making her a highly respected figure in her field.

Professional Experiences

Susanna Jenkins is currently an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where she leads a research group at the Earth Observatory of Singapore and the Asian School of the Environment. Her expertise lies in quantitative hazard and risk reconstruction, assessment, and forecasting, utilizing methods such as field studies and numerical modeling. With over a decade of experience, Jenkins has held positions ranging from Principal Investigator at the Earth Observatory to AXA Research Fellow in the UK. She has contributed significantly to volcanic risk assessment, notably leading initiatives for the UN-ISDR Global Assessment Report. Jenkins has garnered extensive funding, amounting to millions in research grants, and has presented her findings at numerous international conferences. In addition to her research, she is dedicated to teaching and mentoring students across various levels, ensuring the dissemination of knowledge in earth science and environmental sustainability.

Research Skills

Susanna Jenkins demonstrates exceptional research skills through her extensive work in volcanic hazard and risk assessment. As an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, she leads a research group at the Earth Observatory of Singapore, employing quantitative methods that include field studies, numerical modeling, and statistical analyses of large datasets. Her expertise is evidenced by her successful acquisition of diverse funding sources, including from USAID and the World Bank, facilitating the development of innovative hazard assessment frameworks. Jenkins has made significant contributions to global volcanic risk evaluation, including the IAVCEI/GVM contribution for the UN-ISDR Global Assessment Report, highlighting her ability to influence policy and practice. Additionally, her leadership in mentoring numerous PhD and post-doctoral students showcases her commitment to fostering research excellence. Jenkins’ combination of practical fieldwork and theoretical insight positions her as a leader in her field, making her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

Award And Recognition

Dr. Susanna Jenkins, an Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, has garnered significant acclaim for her pioneering research in volcanic hazard and risk assessment. Notably, she received the prestigious IAVCEI Wager Medal in 2023 for her exceptional contributions to volcanology, a testament to her impact on the field. Under her leadership, her research group at the Earth Observatory of Singapore has secured diverse funding, including a substantial grant from the World Bank, showcasing her capability to attract support for vital research initiatives. Her innovative methodologies have informed global policy, notably her lead role in the UN-ISDR Global Assessment Report. Dr. Jenkins is also recognized for her commitment to open research, receiving the NTU Open Research Award in 2022. Her teaching excellence, reflected in high student feedback scores, further underscores her dedication to educating the next generation of scientists, solidifying her reputation as a leader in her field.

 

Conclusion

In recognition of her exemplary contributions to volcanology and disaster risk reduction, Susanna Jenkins is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her leadership at the Earth Observatory of Singapore and the Asian School of the Environment exemplifies her commitment to advancing knowledge in hazard assessment and risk reconstruction. Through her innovative research methodologies, including numerical modeling and data analysis, she has significantly improved volcanic risk assessments, particularly for regions with limited data. Jenkins’ prestigious accolades, such as the IAVCEI Wager Medal and the NTU Open Research Award, reflect her impactful work and dedication to open science. Furthermore, her involvement in mentoring future scientists and her extensive participation in academic service highlight her commitment to fostering a collaborative research environment. Susanna Jenkins’ comprehensive expertise and outstanding contributions to her field make her an exemplary choice for this award, inspiring others in the scientific community and beyond.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • Turbulent particle-gas feedback exacerbates the hazard impacts of pyroclastic density currents
    • Authors: Uhle, D.H., Lube, G., Breard, E.C.P., Corna, L.R.P., Jenkins, S.F.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Lava flow impacts on the built environment: insights from a new global dataset
    • Authors: Meredith, E.S., Jenkins, S.F., Hayes, J.L., Deligne, N.I., Teng, N.R.X.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Assessing volcanic hazard and exposure in a data poor context: Case study for Ethiopia, Kenya, and Cabo Verde
    • Authors: Jenkins, S.F., Mee, K., Engwell, S.L., Huyck, C., Crummy, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Correction to: How well do concentric radii approximate population exposure to volcanic hazards?
    • Authors: Biass, S., Jenkins, S.F., Hayes, J.L., Syarifuddin, M., Verolino, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • How well do concentric radii approximate population exposure to volcanic hazards?
    • Authors: Biass, S., Jenkins, S.F., Hayes, J.L., Syarifuddin, M., Verolino, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • FlowDIR: a MATLAB tool for rapidly and probabilistically forecasting the travel directions of volcanic flows
    • Authors: Tennant, E., Jenkins, S.F., Biass, S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • Fire From Volcanic Activity: Quantifying the threat from an understudied hazard
    • Authors: Quah, J.Y., Hayes, J.L., Fitzgerald, R.H., Lukovic, B., Fleischmann, C.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • Quantifying uncertainty in probabilistic volcanic ash hazard forecasts, with an application to weather pattern based wind field sampling
    • Authors: Phillips, J., Williams, S., Lee, A., Jenkins, S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • Inversion and forward estimation with process-based models: An investigation into cost functions, uncertainty-based weights and model-data fusion
    • Authors: Rabonza, M., Nguyen, M., Biass, S., Taisne, B., Lallemant, D.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • Two sources of uncertainty in estimating tephra volumes from isopachs: perspectives and quantification
    • Authors: Yang, Q., Jenkins, S.F.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0