Khyal Zahra | Water Management | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khyal Zahra | Water Management | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khyal Zahra, National Water Research Center, Egypt

Dr. Khyal A. Zahra is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and Head of the Coastal Engineering Department at the Coastal Research Institute, National Water Research Center, Egypt. With over 30 years of experience, he is renowned for developing the innovative KHYAL Model for optimal water resource management. He holds B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Civil Engineering from Alexandria University, and earned his Associate Professor title from the National Water Research Center in 2019. Dr. Zahra has published numerous research papers and served on various technical committees, contributing significantly to Egypt’s coastal and water engineering sectors.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Khyal A. Zahra earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering in 1990, followed by an M.Sc. in 1997, and a Ph.D. in 2011, all from the Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Egypt. His academic journey reflects deep specialization in civil and coastal engineering disciplines. In 2019, he was formally awarded the degree of Associate Professor by the National Water Research Center, further recognizing his academic and research achievements. His educational background underpins his expertise in hydrodynamics, coastal processes, and integrated water resource management, enabling him to contribute extensively to academic, institutional, and national projects.

💼 Experience

Dr. Zahra began his professional career as a Civil Engineer at the Arabian International Company (1992–1993) and at the General Educational Building Authority in Alexandria (1993–1998). He joined the National Water Research Center in 1998 as an assistant researcher, rising through roles as researcher, director of Ras El-Bar Coastal Station (2011–2017), and later became Head of the Coastal Engineering Department in 2022. He also served as Assistant Professor (2017–2019) and Associate Professor (2019–2022) at Nahda University’s Faculty of Engineering. His diverse roles reflect rich experience across fieldwork, academic research, teaching, and departmental leadership.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Khyal A. Zahra’s research focuses on civil and coastal engineering with emphasis on water resources, hydrodynamics, and shoreline management. His signature contribution is the KHYAL Model—designed for optimal conveyance and allocation of water resources. His work integrates engineering solutions with sustainable practices to address coastal erosion, infrastructure resilience, and flood protection. Through 16 publications, he explores data-driven water policy, modeling, and systems optimization. Dr. Zahra also contributes to applied research aimed at enhancing Egypt’s coastal defense systems and water sustainability strategies, bridging theory and practice in civil engineering.

Publication Top Notes

  • 📘 Assessment of implementation stages of submerged breakwater on the bay and shoreline at Al-Ahlam Sea Resort, Northwest Coast, Egypt – Cited by 19 – 2018

  • 🌊 Collective Review on Soil Erosion, Wave Attack Angles, and Coastal Transport Variations – Cited by 6 – 2014

  • 🌍 Solutions and adaptation to climate change on El-Max Drain mouth, Northwest Coast, Egypt – Cited by 3 – 2016

  • 🚜 Irrigation and drainage problems in New Reclaimed Lands West of Noubaria canal – Cited by 3 – 1997

  • 💧 Assessment and Enhancement of the El-Nasr Canal Capacity – Cited by 0 – 2025

  • 🛠️ Evaluation of Implemented Measures Solving El-Max Pump Stations and Drain Mouth Problems – Cited by 0 – 2024

  • 🧱 Evaluation of the Rosetta Promontory Stability and Proposed Shoreline Solutions – Cited by 0 – 2024

  • 🌡️ Adaptation to Climate Change Problems on Magrour Idku and Idku Lake, Northwest Coast – Cited by 0 – 2018

  • 🚢 Proposed Solutions of Navigation Problems on Gamasa Drain Mouth, Northwest Coast – Cited by 0 – 2018

  • 💡 Khyal Model: Optimum Integrated Water Resource Management in Scarcity Conditions – Cited by 0 – 2018

Abdelrazek Elnashar | Water Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abdelrazek Elnashar | Water Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Kassel, Germany

Abdelrazek Elnashar is a soil and water scientist specializing in remote sensing, GIS, and machine learning applications for environmental sustainability. He earned his B.Sc. from Kafr El-Sheikh University, M.Sc. from Cairo University, and Ph.D. from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences. Currently, he is a lecturer at Cairo University and a researcher at the University of Kassel, Germany. His expertise includes cloud computing, Earth observation, and geospatial analysis for soil-crop modeling. Passionate about achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he integrates advanced data analytics with environmental research to address global challenges in soil and water management.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background 🎓

Elnashar holds a B.Sc. in Soil and Water Sciences from Kafr El-Sheikh University (2008), followed by an M.Sc. in Natural Resources (Soil Resources) from Cairo University (2016). He later earned a Ph.D. in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2022), specializing in remote sensing of land and water resources. His education focused on Earth observation, geospatial modeling, and machine learning applications in soil and water sciences. His academic journey reflects a strong interdisciplinary approach, integrating environmental sciences, remote sensing, and computational techniques for sustainable land and water management.

Professional Experience 💼

Elnashar has held various research and academic positions, starting as an assistant researcher at Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources (2009-2011). He then served as a demonstrator (2011-2016) and assistant lecturer (2016-2018) at Cairo University, followed by a research assistantship at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2018-2022). Since 2022, he has been a lecturer at Cairo University and a researcher at the University of Kassel, Germany. His expertise spans remote sensing, machine learning, and soil-water modeling, integrating cloud computing and GIS technologies for environmental research and sustainable resource management.

Awards and Honors🏆

Elnashar received several academic distinctions, including the “Excellent International Graduate Student” award from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2022) and the “Outstanding Graduate Scholarship” from the Aerospace Information Research Institute (2021). He was also recognized as an “Excellent International Student” by UCAS in 2021. His achievements highlight his contributions to remote sensing and environmental modeling, earning recognition for innovative research and academic excellence. His work in Earth observation, machine learning, and soil-water sciences continues to receive global acknowledgment for advancing sustainable land management solutions.

Research Focus 🔬

Elnashar’s research integrates Earth observation, remote sensing, and machine learning to address environmental challenges in soil and water sciences. His work includes cloud computing applications like Google Earth Engine, statistical downscaling, and geospatial modeling for soil erosion, evapotranspiration, and crop yield prediction. He has developed machine learning-driven tools for land and water resource assessment, contributing to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience. His expertise in GIS, remote sensing, and computational modeling supports global efforts in environmental monitoring and achieving SDGs through advanced data analytics and geospatial technologies.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

Abdelrazek Elnashar is a distinguished researcher specializing in Soil and Water Sciences, Remote Sensing, GIS, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing, with a strong international presence across Egypt, Germany, and China. His impactful research in evapotranspiration mapping, climate modeling, soil erosion assessment, and crop yield prediction has been published in top-tier journals like Journal of Hydrology and Scientific Reports. He has received prestigious awards, including the Excellent International Graduate Student Award (UCAS, 2022) and the Outstanding Graduate Scholarship (AIRCAS, 2021). With expertise in Google Earth Engine, Python, and AI-driven geospatial applications, his work significantly contributes to climate adaptation, water resource management, and agricultural sustainability, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

 

 

Muhammad Nouman Haider | Water Treatment | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Muhammad Nouman Haider | Water Treatment | Young Scientist Award

Doctoral Student, Xi’an Jiaotong Univeristy China, Pakistan

Muhammad Nouman Haider is a chemistry researcher and educator specializing in wastewater treatment, adsorption, catalysis, radio-chemistry, and material chemistry. He holds an M.Phil. in Physical Chemistry from Government College University Faisalabad, where he synthesized and characterized ZnO/Bi₂O₃ photocatalysts for dye degradation in wastewater. Currently, he serves as a Chemistry Teacher at Command Group of Colleges. His research contributions include publications in Desalination and Water Treatment, Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology, and International Journal of Polymeric Materials. He has presented at international conferences, receiving the ‘Employee of the Month’ award three times.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education & Research in Chemistry

Muhammad Nouman Haider holds an M.Phil in Physical Chemistry (2019–2021) from Government College University, Faisalabad, with a CGPA of 3.60 (75.14%). His research focused on wastewater treatment using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). He synthesized a ZnO/Bi₂O₃ photocatalyst via the Co-Precipitation method, characterized it through SEM, XRD, and FTIR, and achieved 98.9% dye removal efficiency. His BS in Chemistry (2014–2018, CGPA 3.67, 77.29%) included a review on wastewater treatment technologies. Passionate about environmental chemistry, he continues to explore innovative solutions for pollution control. 🌱🔬💡

🔬 Research Focus

Muhammad Nouman Haider specializes in environmental chemistry, particularly in wastewater treatment and adsorption techniques for dye and heavy metal removal. His research explores low-cost, eco-friendly adsorbents like coconut husk, fish scales, and raw cotton for eliminating pollutants. He also investigates nanocomposites, biodegradable polymers, and spectroscopic techniques for material characterization. His work extends to bone regeneration using biodegradable magnesium and polymer-ceramic composites. His studies contribute to sustainable chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedical materials for environmental and medical applications. 🌱💧🧪

📚 Publications

1️⃣ Sequestration of crystal violet dye from wastewater using low-cost coconut husk as a potential adsorbentCited by 43 (2022) 🌱💧
2️⃣ Adsorptive exclusion of crystal violet dye from wastewater by using fish scales as an adsorbentCited by 40 (2023) 🐟💦
3️⃣ Applications of spectroscopic techniques for characterization of polymer nanocomposite: A reviewCited by 32 (2022) 🔬📊
4️⃣ Adsorption of crystal violet dye from wastewater on Phyllanthus emblica fruit (PEF) powder: kinetic and thermodynamicCited by 22 (2024) 🍊⚗️
5️⃣ Potential of easily available low-cost raw cotton for the elimination of methylene blue dye from polluted waterCited by 20 (2024) 🏭🌊
6️⃣ Applications of biodegradable polymers and ceramics for bone regeneration: a mini-reviewCited by 8 (2025) 🦴🩺
7️⃣ Investigating the adsorption potential of coconut coir as an economical adsorbent for decontamination of lanthanum ion from aqueous solutionCited by 4 (2024) 🥥🔄
8️⃣ Biodegradable Magnesium Metal for Bone Regeneration: Mini ReviewCited by 3 (2022) 🦿🔬
9️⃣ Applications of Nano Composites for Heavy Metal Removal from Water by Adsorption: Mini ReviewCited by 1 (2024) 🧪🛠️
🔟 Investigating the Interactions between Dyes and Porous/Composite Materials: A Comprehensive Study(2025) 🎨🧱

Komlavi Akpoti | Spatial Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Komlavi Akpoti | Spatial Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Komlavi Akpoti, International Water management Institute, Ghana

Dr. Komlavi Akpoti is a highly experienced expert in water resources management, hydrological modeling, and climate change adaptation, with a strong focus on sustainable development and food security. With over seven years of experience, he has contributed to numerous interdisciplinary projects across Africa, employing advanced geospatial technologies and data science to enhance water accessibility and management. Dr. Akpoti’s expertise spans GIS, remote sensing, cloud-based data analysis, and machine learning, alongside policy advisory and strategic planning. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at the International Water Management Institute, he leads hydrological modeling and stakeholder engagements for major water projects across Africa. 🌍💧

Publication profile

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Employment & Expertise

Since March 2022, Dr. Akpoti has led hydrological modeling efforts in the Digital Innovation for Water Secure Africa (DIWASA) project, contributing to the development of various water accounting tools and dashboards for Africa. His work spans multiple regions, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Zambia, where he supports key projects on water accessibility and aquaculture development.

Dr. Akpoti also plays a pivotal role in the e-ReWater project, utilizing AI and Earth observation data to enhance wastewater reuse in the MENA Region. His expertise extends to the Volta Basin project, where he leads stakeholder engagements, data preparation, and training for multi-scale water accounting.

Research Experience

From 2019 to 2022, Dr. Akpoti served as a Research Fellow in Environmental Engineering at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana. He contributed to the World Bank’s Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence project, focusing on the water-energy-food nexus. He also led proposal development and funding applications, playing a crucial role in resource management strategies.

Education

Dr. Akpoti holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and Management from the University of Energy and Natural Resources, where his research focused on geo-spatial predictive modeling of land suitability for rice production in Togo and Benin. He also holds an MSc in Climate Change and Energy from the Abdou Moumouni University, where he researched the effects of rainfall variability on hydropower generation in the Black Volta Basin. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Lomé.

Certifications

Dr. Akpoti is proficient in GIS, Remote Sensing, hydrological modeling, and machine learning applications. He has completed various advanced training programs, including NASA’s Applied Remote Sensing Training Program (ARSET) and ArcSWAT modeling, enhancing his technical capabilities in climate data analysis and water resource management.

Conclusion

Dr. Komlavi Akpoti’s leadership in hydrological research, his contributions to sustainable water management in Africa, and his interdisciplinary expertise make him a strong contender for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His technical skills, extensive field experience, and dedication to improving water resources management are well-aligned with the award’s objectives, recognizing outstanding contributions to research and innovation in water security.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • 🌱 Agricultural land suitability analysis: State-of-the-art and outlooks for integration of climate change analysis
    K Akpoti, AT Kabo-bah, SJ Zwart | Cited by 284 | 2019
  • 🌧 Impacts of rainfall variability, land use and land cover change on stream flow of the Black Volta Basin, West Africa
    K Akpoti, EO Antwi, AT Kabo-bah | Cited by 116 | 2016
  • Multiyear rainfall and temperature trends in the Volta river basin and their potential impact on hydropower generation in Ghana
    AT Kabo-Bah, CJ Diji, K Nokoe, Y Mulugetta, D Obeng-Ofori, K Akpoti | Cited by 108 | 2016
  • 🌾 Mapping suitability for rice production in inland valley landscapes in Benin and Togo using environmental niche modeling
    K Akpoti, AT Kabo-Bah, ER Dossou-Yovo, TA Groen, SJ Zwart | Cited by 66 | 2020
  • 🌍 Land use and land cover changes under climate uncertainty: Modelling the impacts on hydropower production in Western Africa
    S Obahoundje, EA Ofosu, K Akpoti, AT Kabo-bah | Cited by 58 | 2017
  • 💧 Integrated modeling of hydrological processes and groundwater recharge based on land use land cover, and climate changes: A systematic review
    JK Mensah, EA Ofosu, SM Yidana, K Akpoti, AT Kabo-bah | Cited by 47 | 2022
  • 🚰 The potential for expansion of irrigated rice under alternate wetting and drying in Burkina Faso
    K Akpoti, ER Dossou-Yovo, SJ Zwart, P Kiepe | Cited by 42 | 2021
  • 📉 Statistical downscaling of global circulation models to assess future climate changes in the Black Volta basin of Ghana
    EK Siabi, AT Kabobah, K Akpoti, GK Anornu, M Amo-Boateng | Cited by 41 | 2021
  • 🌡 Assessing climate change projections in the Volta Basin using the CORDEX-Africa climate simulations and statistical bias-correction
    KA Yeboah, K Akpoti, AT Kabo-bah, EA Ofosu, EK Siabi, EM Mortey | Cited by 40 | 2022
  • 🌾 Thirty years of water management research for rice in sub-Saharan Africa: Achievement and perspectives
    ER Dossou-Yovo, KP Devkota, K Akpoti, A Danvi, C Duku, SJ Zwart | Cited by 39 | 2022

 

 

 

 

André Rodrigues | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. André Rodrigues | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. André Rodrigues, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil

André Ferreira Rodrigues is an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, specializing in hydraulic engineering and water resources. He holds a Ph.D. (2022), M.S. (2019), and B.S. (2017) in Water Resources from the Federal University of Lavras, guided by Prof. Dr. Carlos Rogério de Mello. Dr. Rodrigues has an impressive citation count of 201 and an H-index of 9 on ResearchGate. His research focuses on forest hydrology, soil moisture, and carbon dynamics in forest ecosystems, with numerous publications in prestigious journals.

Publication profile

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📚 Education

André Ferreira Rodrigues, Ph.D., serves as an Assistant Professor in the Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Department at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. He completed his Ph.D. (2019-2022) and M.S. (2017-2019) in Water Resources from the Federal University of Lavras, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Carlos Rogério de Mello. His academic journey began with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the same institution (2012-2017). 🌿🌊

🏫 Professional Experience

Since 2022, Dr. Rodrigues has been an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Prior to this, he served as a Research Associate at the Federal University of Lavras. 🧑‍🏫🔬

🏆 Awards and Honors

he received the Best Student Award from the Federal University of Lavras, recognizing his exceptional academic performance. 🎓🌟

🌿 Research Focus

André Ferreira Rodrigues’ research primarily focuses on environmental engineering, with a strong emphasis on water resources and forest ecosystems. His work investigates soil moisture dynamics, drought impacts, and rainfall interception in tropical forests, often utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms for spatiotemporal modeling. He also explores carbon and nitrogen cycles, biotic and abiotic factors affecting forest hydrology, and long-term ecological trends in secondary forests. His research aims to enhance the understanding of forest-water interactions and their implications for environmental sustainability. 🌳💧📊

 

Publication Top Notes

  • 🌳 “Stemflow in a neotropical forest remnant: vegetative determinants, spatial distribution and correlation with soil moisture”
    Cited by: 29 | Year: 2018
  • 🌿 “Spatiotemporal modelling of soil moisture in an Atlantic forest through machine learning algorithms”
    Cited by: 28 | Year: 2021
  • 🌲 “Long-term ecological trends of small secondary forests of the Atlantic forest hotspot: A 30-year study case”
    Cited by: 24 | Year: 2021
  • 🌞 “A review of recent developments on drought characterization, propagation, and influential factors”
    Cited by: 19 | Year: 2023
  • “Modeling canopy interception under drought conditions: The relevance of evaporation and extra sources of energy”
    Cited by: 16 | Year: 2021
  • 💻 “Recursos educativos digitais: um serviço público”
    Cited by: 15 | Year: 2010
  • 🌧️ “Throughfall spatial variability in a neotropical forest: Have we correctly accounted for time stability?”
    Cited by: 12 | Year: 2022
  • 💧 “Water balance of an Atlantic forest remnant under a prolonged drought period”
    Cited by: 10 | Year: 2021
  • 🌱 “The inverted forest: Aboveground and notably large belowground carbon stocks and their drivers in Brazilian savannas”
    Cited by: 8 | Year: 2023
  • 🌿 “Evapotranspiration under Drought Conditions: The Case Study of a Seasonally Dry Atlantic Forest”
    Cited by: 8 | Year: 2022
  • 🌧️ “Rainfall water quality under different forest stands”
    Cited by: 8 | Year: 2019
  • 🌲 “Spatial and temporal patterns in carbon and nitrogen inputs by net precipitation in Atlantic forest, Brazil”
    Cited by: 7 | Year: 2022