Nader Mokhtarani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nader Mokhtarani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Dr. Nader Mokhtarani is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Faculty of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran, Iran. With an extensive career that combines academic leadership, industrial expertise, and applied research, he has become a respected figure in environmental engineering. His professional journey spans university teaching, high-level consultancy, and major national and industrial projects, particularly in the areas of solid waste and hazardous waste management, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable resource recovery. Known for his ability to integrate scientific innovation with practical environmental solutions, Dr. Mokhtarani has contributed to advancing eco-friendly technologies and policies that address pressing environmental challenges.

Professional Profile

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ORCID

Scopus

Education

Dr. Mokhtarani holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Tarbiat Modares University, where his doctoral research explored factors influencing the production of biodegradable poly-hydroxyalkanoates by activated sludge. He earned his master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the same institution, focusing on the use of chemical coagulants and natural polymers to reduce organic and suspended solids in whey. His academic foundation was built on a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Petroleum University, Ahwaz, where he specialized in gas dehydration processes. This diverse academic training has equipped him with a deep understanding of both chemical and environmental engineering principles, enabling him to tackle complex environmental issues with multidisciplinary approaches.

Experience

Dr. Mokhtarani has built a distinguished academic and professional career marked by progressive leadership roles. At Tarbiat Modares University, he has served as an Associate Professor, fostering innovation and guiding graduate and undergraduate students in environmental and civil engineering. In addition to his academic work, he has been an Official Judiciary Expert, providing specialized technical assessments in environmental and engineering disputes. His earlier career includes serving as an Assistant Professor, an invited lecturer at leading Iranian universities, and holding key executive roles such as Chief of Board and Managing Director at an engineering company affiliated with a major academic center. He has also worked as a senior process engineer and design engineer in the petrochemical and gas sectors, where he contributed to large-scale infrastructure and environmental management projects.

Research Interests

Dr. Mokhtarani’s research encompasses a wide spectrum of environmental engineering topics, with a particular emphasis on solid and hazardous waste management, leachate treatment, and composting technologies. He is deeply engaged in the development of waste minimization strategies, resource recovery techniques, and geoenvironmental engineering solutions that align with the principles of clean production and green productivity. His work also extends to biodegradable polymers and innovative approaches to environmental engineering education. By integrating laboratory research, field studies, and industrial applications, he aims to advance sustainable development practices that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.

Awards

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Dr. Mokhtarani has earned multiple recognitions for excellence in scholarship and research. His consistent ranking among the top performers in national academic examinations reflects his strong intellectual capabilities and commitment to learning. He has been awarded competitive scholarships by prestigious national institutions, acknowledging his exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. These honors underscore his dedication to advancing environmental engineering as both a science and a service to society.

Publications

Dr. Mokhtarani has authored an extensive portfolio of peer-reviewed journal articles that have significantly contributed to environmental science and engineering. Notable publications include:

Title: Municipal solid waste management in Rasht City, Iran
Journal: Waste Management
Published on: 2009
Citation: 419

Title: The post treatment of composting leachate with a combination of ozone and persulfate oxidation processes
Journal: RSC Advances
Published on: 2016
Citation: 48

Title: Post treatment of composting leachate using ZnO nanoparticles immobilized on moving media
Journal: Applied Catalysis B: Environmental
Published on: 2018
Citation: 47

Title: Full scale performance of compost’s leachate treatment by biological anaerobic reactors
Journal: Waste Management & Research
Published on: 2012
Citation: 46

Title: Remediation of nitrate-contaminated groundwater by PRB-Electrokinetic integrated process
Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
Published on: 2018
Citation: 43

Title: Solid-state anaerobic co-digestion of organic fraction of municipal waste and sawdust: impact of co-digestion ratio, inoculum-to-substrate ratio, and total solids
Journal: Biodegradation
Published on: 2021
Citation: 25

Title: Effect of process variables on the production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates by activated sludge
Journal: Iranian Journal of Environmental Health Science & Engineering
Published on: 2012
Citation: 23

Conclusion

Dr. Nader Mokhtarani’s exceptional academic achievements, groundbreaking research contributions, and visionary leadership in environmental engineering education demonstrate his unwavering dedication to advancing science and technology for the benefit of society. His proven impact on developing sustainable waste management solutions reflects not only his innovative approach but also his commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges. These qualities collectively make him an outstanding and highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, serving as an inspiration for current and future generations of researchers.

Guangwen Zheng | Environmental science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Guangwen Zheng | Environmental science | Best Researcher Award

Shaanxi University of Science and Technology | China

Prof. Guangwen Zheng, born in September 1980, is a highly regarded academic and a committed member of the Communist Party of China. Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Master Supervisor at the School of Economics and Management, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, he is well-known for his interdisciplinary research at the intersection of economics, green finance, and logistics. With extensive national and international collaborations, he exemplifies leadership, mentorship, and innovation in his field.

Professional profile👤

ORCID

Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Zheng Guangwen is a distinguished researcher and academician with a solid record of impactful contributions in the fields of economics, management, logistics, green finance, and sustainability. His work exhibits a strong interdisciplinary approach, integrating environmental sustainability with financial and economic development, which aligns well with current global priorities such as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Robust Academic Output: Dr. Zheng has authored numerous high-quality academic papers published in reputable SSCI and SCI journals with respectable impact factors, including some highly cited and ESI High Cited works. His research addresses cutting-edge topics like AI’s influence on logistics, fintech’s role in green finance, and sustainable economic growth.

  • Active Research Leadership: He currently supervises master’s students and leads multiple significant research projects funded by government ministries and enterprises, indicating trust in his leadership and expertise.

  • International Exposure and Collaboration: His visiting scholarship at Georgia Institute of Technology and international journal reviews reflect his global academic engagement and recognition.

🎓 Education

Prof. Zheng earned his Ph.D. in Economics and Finance from Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2015. He further enriched his academic experience as a visiting scholar at Georgia Institute of Technology Business School (2012–2013). His academic foundation is both deep and global, providing a strong base for his multifaceted research contributions.

🧪 Experience

Zheng Guangwen began his academic career in 2016 as a Lecturer and later advanced to Associate Professor in 2022 at the School of Economics and Management, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology. He also supervises master’s students and has served as a project lead on multiple government and enterprise-funded research initiatives. His role extends into academic journals and national competitions, making him a well-rounded scholar and educator.

🔬 Research Interests On Environmental science

Prof. Zheng’s primary research areas include green finance, sustainable development, fintech, e-commerce, and logistics. His work explores how technology and finance intersect to promote environmental performance and economic resilience. His research often integrates empirical modeling with policy analysis to address real-world challenges, especially in developing economies.

🏆 Awards

Prof. Zheng has received several accolades for his outstanding contributions:

  •  Third Prize, Humanities and Social Sciences Research, Shaanxi Province (2017, 2021, 2025)

  •  Shaanxi Logistics Outstanding Contribution Award (2018)

  •  First Prize, National E-commerce “Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship” Challenge Cup (2024)

  •  First Prize & Excellent Instructor, “Charoen Pokphand Cup” Market Survey Competition (2025)

These achievements underscore his impactful work in academia and societal development.

📚 Publications

1. “Achieving the objectives of the 2030 sustainable development goals agenda: Causalities between economic growth, environmental sustainability, financial development, and renewable energy consumption”

  • Authors: Guang-Wen Zheng, Muntasir Murshed, Abu Bakkar Siddik, Md Shabbir Alam, Daniel Balsalobre-Lorente, Haider Mahmood

  • Year: 2023

  • DOI: 10.1002/sd.2411

2. “Unveiling the Role of Green Logistics Management in Improving SMEs’ Sustainability Performance: Do Circular Economy Practices and Supply Chain Traceability Matter?”

  • Authors: Bo Zhou, Abu Bakkar Siddik, Guang-Wen Zheng, Mohammad Masukujjaman

  • Year: 2023

  • DOI: 10.3390/systems11040198

3. “Bi-dimensional values and attitudes toward online fast food-buying intention during the COVID-19 pandemic: An application of VAB model”

  • Authors: Chen Yan, Abu Bakkar Siddik, Mohammad Masukujjaman, Qianli Dong, Muhammad Hamayun, Guang-Wen Zheng, Abdullah Mohammed Ibrahim

  • Year: 2022

  • DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.894765

4. “The effect of Fintech adoption on green finance and environmental performance of banking institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of green innovation”

5. “A Two-Staged SEM-Artificial Neural Network Approach to Analyze the Impact of FinTech Adoption on the Sustainability Performance of Banking Firms: The Mediating Effect of Green Finance and Innovation”

  • Authors: Chen Yan, Abu Bakkar Siddik, Li Yong, Qianli Dong, Guang-Wen Zheng, Md Nafizur Rahman

  • Year: 2022

  • DOI: 10.3390/systems10050148

6. “Do Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Green Finance Dimensions Determine Environmental Performance? An Empirical Study on Bangladeshi Banking Institutions”

7. “The Antecedents of Willingness to Adopt and Pay for the IoT in the Agricultural Industry: An Application of the UTAUT 2 Theory”

  • Authors: Yan Shi, Abu Bakkar Siddik, Mohammad Masukujjaman, Guangwen Zheng, Muhammad Hamayun, Abdullah Mohammed Ibrahim

  • Year: 2022

  • DOI: 10.3390/su14116640

8. “Organic Foods Purchase Behavior among Generation Y of Bangladesh: The Moderation Effect of Trust and Price Consciousness”

  • Authors: Guang-Wen Zheng, Nazma Akter, Abu Bakkar Siddik, Mohammad Masukujjaman

  • Year: 2021

  • DOI: 10.3390/foods10102278

9. “Green Finance Development in Bangladesh: The Role of Private Commercial Banks (PCBs)”

  • Authors: Guang-Wen Zheng, Abu Bakkar Siddik, Mohammad Masukujjaman, Nazneen Fatema, Syed Shah Alam

  • Year: 2021

  • DOI: 10.3390/su13020795

🔚 Conclusion

Prof. Zheng Guangwen stands as a beacon of academic excellence, seamlessly blending rigorous research, impactful teaching, and policy-relevant insights. His deep commitment to sustainability, digital transformation, and societal impact has positioned him as a thought leader in economics and logistics. With numerous awards, prestigious publications, and national-level contributions, he is a deserving candidate for any prestigious academic honor.

 

Asha Lata Singh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Asha Lata Singh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Banaras Hindu University | India

Dr. Asha Lata Singh is an Associate Professor at the Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, specializing in Environmental Microbiology. With over 31 years of teaching/research experience, she focuses on bioremediation, coal beneficiation, and wastewater treatment using microbial solutions. A recipient of the Women Research Award 2024, she has guided 5 Ph.D. students and published extensively in reputed journals.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Extensive Research Experience (31+ Years)
    • Specialization in Environmental Microbiology, particularly in bioremediation, coal beneficiation, and wastewater treatment—areas of global environmental significance.
    • Demonstrated expertise in microbial detoxification of pollutants, aligning with sustainability goals.
  2. Strong Publication Record (40+ Papers)
    • Publications in reputed journals (Chemosphere, Geomicrobiology Journal, Energy & Fuels, etc.) with recent works (2024–2025), indicating active contributions.
    • Collaborative international research (South Korea, Croatia) enhancing global impact.
  3. Successful Supervision & Mentorship
    • Guided 5 Ph.D. students (now in academia/industry, including postdocs at UC Davis) and 4 ongoing Ph.D. candidates, showcasing leadership.
    • Supervised 106 dissertations, reflecting dedication to nurturing future scientists.
  4. Active Grants & Projects
    • PI for multiple funded projects (e.g., SERB-DST, CMPDI-Ministry of Coal) totaling ~₹1.15 crores (2023), demonstrating competitive research capability.
    • Focus on clean energy (coal biomethanization, desulfurization) and industrial waste remediation, addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Education 🎓

  • M.Sc. in Botany (Specialization: Environmental Microbiology)
  • Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology
  • Affiliation: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India

Experience 💼

  • 31+ years in teaching/research at BHU.
  • Administrative Roles: 15 years as Warden/Administrative Warden.
  • International Collaborations: Worked with researchers from South Korea (Hanyang University) and Croatia (University of Zagreb).

Research Interests On Environmental Science 🔍

  • Biomethanization of coal 🏭
  • Microbial removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents 💧
  • Textile effluent treatment using bacteria 🧪
  • Coal desulfurization & demineralization for clean fuel ⚡

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • Women Research Award 2024 (Science Father).
  • Chitralekha Bhattacharya Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award 2024.
  • Life Member: International Society of Environmental Botanists (2023), Indian Botanical Society (2023).

Publications 📚 (Selected)

  1. Srivastava A., Singh A.L., Kumar A., Kumar A. (2025)
    Bioremediation of chromium (VI) from mining-contaminated soil using Klebsiella Sp. (BH-A1): environmental implications.
    DOI: 10.1007/s10653-025-02448-2
  2. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar A., Singh Prakash K. (2025)
    Biodesulphurization of High Sulfur Tertiary Coal of Assam: An Eco-Friendly Approach Towards Clean Coal Production.
    Conference: Innovations in Coal & Mineral Characterization for Sustainable Resource Utilization, Kolkata, India.
  3. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Rajak P.K., Kumar A., Singh Prakash K. (2024)
    Beneficiation of high sulfur tertiary coal of Assam with Burkholderia sp. GR 8-02: An eco-friendly Approach Towards Clean Coal Production.
    Geomicrobiology Journal, 41(1).
  4. Yadav M., Singh Asha Lata (2024)
    Decolourization and detoxification of Reactive Red 195 Azo dye by Staphylococcus caprae isolated from textile effluent.
    Folia Microbiologica. DOI: 10.1007/s12223-024-01175-y
  5. Rai S., Singh Asha Lata, Singh P.K. (2024)
    Demineralization of coal from Johilla coalfield using neutrophilic native bacteria: A novel technique to obtain REE from coal.
    Journal of the Geological Society of India, 100(4):486-494.
  6. Rai S., Singh Asha Lata, Singh P.K., Kumar S., Donald H. (2023)
    Optimization of extrinsic parameters for demineralization of coal with Cronobacter sp. using the Taguchi method.
    International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization. DOI: 10.1080/19392699.2023.2297195
  7. Singh Asha Lata, Chaudhary S., Kumar S., Singh A., Yadav A. (2022)
    Biodegradation of Reactive Yellow-145 azo dye using bacterial consortium: A deterministic analysis based on degradable metabolite, phytotoxicity and genotoxicity study.
    Chemosphere. DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134504
  8. Singh Asha Lata (2022)
    Emission and mitigation of greenhouse gases from paddy field: Environmental implications.
    In: Traditional Farming and Climate (R.A. Singh) (Accepted).
  9. Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar R., Rajak P.K., Singh Prakash K. (2022)
    Desulfurization of dibenzothiophene by different bacterial strains: An eco-friendly approach to obtain clean fuel from coal.
    Geomicrobiology Journal. DOI: 10.1080/01490451.2022.2035020
  10. Singh V., Kumar A., Rajak P.K., Kumar A., Singh Asha Lata, Singh K.N., Naik A.S., Singh P.K. (2021)
    Selected Major, Minor and Trace Elements in Lignite Deposits of Saurashtra Basin, Gujarat: Their Association, Distribution and Environmental Implications.
    Journal of Scientific Research, 65(1):65-72.
  11. Rajak P.K., Singh V.K., Singh Asha Lata, Kumar N., Kumar O.P., Singh V., Kumar A., Rai A., Rai S., Naik A.S., Singh P.K. (2020)
    Study of minerals and selected environmentally sensitive elements in Kapurdi lignites of Barmer Basin, Rajasthan, Western India: Implications to environment.
    Geosciences Journal, 24(4):441−458.
  12. Yadav A., Singh R.P., Singh Asha Lata, Singh M. (2020)
    Identification of genes involved in phosphate solubilization and drought stress tolerance in chickpea symbiont Mesorhizobium ciceri Ca181.
    Archives of Microbiology.

Conclusion 🌿

Dr. Asha Lata Singh is a pioneer in environmental microbiology, bridging gaps between laboratory research and industrial applications. Her work on clean coal technology and bioremediation addresses critical environmental challenges, earning her global recognition. With ongoing projects and collaborations, she continues to inspire sustainable scientific solutions.