Nana Oumarou Baba | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Nana Oumarou Baba | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Young Researcher Award

Higher school of Mines and Energy Resources Transformation, University Of Bertoua | Cameroon

Mr. Nana Oumarou Baba is an emerging researcher and Teaching Assistant at the Advanced School of Mines, Processing and Energy Resources, Cameroon, and a doctoral candidate in Hydrogeology at the University of Maroua. He holds a Master’s degree in Geological and Mining Engineering and an Engineering Diploma in Geomatics and Geological Mapping from the University of Ngaoundéré. His research focuses on the characterization and sustainable management of Pan-African basement aquifers in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon, integrating remote sensing, GIS, and Kriging-based modeling to map groundwater potential, identify recharge zones, and understand aquifer dynamics. Mr. Nana Oumarou Baba has published influential papers in Discover Water, Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics, and the European Scientific Journal, which have collectively advanced scientific understanding of groundwater flow systems in semi-arid regions. His work demonstrates the integration of geospatial analysis, field data, and hydrological modeling to support sustainable water governance and rural development. Beyond academia, he collaborates with development organizations such as AFR100 and CBLT on projects addressing land restoration, water resource management, and ecosystem conservation. As Secretary General of the Association of Mining Engineers of Cameroon (ASSIMIC), he promotes academic excellence and professional collaboration among young scientists. Mr. Baba’s innovative approach, academic rigor, and commitment to environmental sustainability reflect his potential to make lasting contributions to hydrogeological science and sustainable natural resource management in Africa.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

• Baba, N. O., Mboudou Guillaume, E., & Firmin, B. A. (2025). 2D and 2.5D modeling of the piezometric surface of the Pan-African basement aquifers in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Cameroon using the Kriging method. Discover Water. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43832-025-00269-z

• Baba, N. O., Mboudou Guillaume, E., Fang, K. E., Kepnamou Amadou, D., Mouctar, M., & Gabriel, M. (2024). Geomatics applied to update the geological map of the Benoue Upstream Watershed (BUW). Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.12691/jgg-12-4-2

• Baba, O. N., Mboudou Guillaume, E., Kepnamou Amadou, D., & Gabriel, M. (2024). Cartographie des fractures productives en eau souterraine dans le bassin versant de la Bénoué : apport de la géomatique. European Scientific Journal, 20(33), 265–278. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2024.v20n33p265

Andrea Orlando | Petrology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Andrea Orlando | Petrology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | C.N.R. – I.G.G. | Italy

Dr. Andrea Orlando is an esteemed geologist and researcher with extensive expertise in mineralogy and petrology. His academic journey and professional endeavors have significantly contributed to the understanding of volcanic rock formations and geochemical processes. With a distinguished career in scientific research and academia, he has held various prestigious positions and received multiple accolades for his work in geological sciences.

Professional Profile👤

ORCID

Google Scholar

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

Extensive Academic Background – Dr. Orlando holds a Ph.D. in Mineralogy and Petrology from the University of Florence, demonstrating strong expertise in his field.
Significant Research Contributions – His research spans petrology, geochemistry, and experimental petrology, with a focus on volcanic rocks and mantle processes, particularly in Antarctica.
International Research Experience – He has conducted research at institutions like the University of Western Ontario (Canada) and ETH Zurich, showcasing global collaboration.
Awards & Recognition – Winner of the 1998 award from the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology for the best Ph.D. thesis, reflecting his early research excellence.
Scientific Leadership & Memberships – He has held key roles in scientific organizations, such as serving as Secretary of the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology and Treasurer of the Geoitalia Foundation.

Education 🎓

Andrea Orlando earned his high school diploma in scientific studies before pursuing a degree in Geological Sciences at the University of Florence. He graduated with honors (110/110 cum laude) in 1991, with a thesis focusing on petrological studies of crustal xenoliths in Torre Alfina lavas. He further obtained a Ph.D. in Mineralogy and Petrology from the University of Florence in 1997, specializing in experimental petrological studies on mafic rocks from Antarctic volcanic provinces.

Experience 🌍

Following his graduation, Orlando embarked on a distinguished research career. He worked as a research fellow at the Institute for Electromagnetic Wave Research (IROE-CNR) in Florence (1992-1993), followed by postdoctoral research at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Ontario, Canada (1997-1998). He later joined the National Antarctic Research Program but transitioned into a research position at the Center for Minerogenesis and Applied Geochemistry (CNR – Florence). Since 2001, he has held a permanent research position in Petrology and Petrography at the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources in Florence.

Research Interests On Petrology 🔬

Andrea Orlando’s research focuses on petrology, geochemistry, and volcanic rock formation, with a particular emphasis on experimental petrology and mineral stability under high-pressure conditions. His work has provided valuable insights into the geological history of Antarctic volcanic provinces and advanced the understanding of mineral interactions in volcanic systems.

Awards 🏆

Orlando’s contributions to mineralogy and petrology have been widely recognized. In 1998, he received an award from the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology for the best Ph.D. thesis in his field. His research excellence has earned him numerous fellowships and grants throughout his career.

Publications 📚

Andrea Orlando has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. Some of his notable publications include:

  1. Hydrogen-Rich Gas Produced by the Chemical Neutralization of Reactive By-Products from the Screening Processes of the Secondary Aluminum Industry

    • Authors: Roberto Ercoli, Andrea Orlando, Daniele Borrini, Franco Tassi, Gabriele Bicocchi, Alberto Renzulli
    • Year: 2021
  2. High-Precision In Situ Sr-87/Sr-86 Analyses through Microsampling on Solid Samples: Applications to Earth and Life Sciences

    • Authors: Di Salvo, Sara; Braschi, Eleonora; Casalini, Martina; Marchionni, Sara; Adani, Teresa; Ulivi, Maurizio; Orlando, Andrea; Tommasini, Simone; Avanzinelli, Riccardo; Mazza, Paul P. A.
    • Year: 2018
  3. Relationships between the Sakarya Zone and the Ankara-Erzincan Suture (Central-Northern Turkey): Geological and Petrographic Data from the Ankara-Cankiri, Corum and Amasya Areas

    • Authors: Pandeli, Enrico; Elter, Franco Marco; Toksoy-Koksal, Fatma; Principi, Gianfranco; Orlando, Andrea; Valleri, Gigliola; Giusti, Riccardo; Orti, Letizia
    • Year: 2018
  4. Structural Setting and Metamorphic Evolution of a Contact Aureole: The Example of the Mt. Capanne Pluton (Elba Island, Tuscany, Italy)

    • Authors: Pandeli, Enrico; Giusti, Riccardo; Elter, Franco Marco; Orlando, Andrea; Orti, Letizia
    • Year: 2018
  5. Synthetic Plagioclases as Support for Future “In-Situ” Missions: Iron’s Influence on VNIR Reflectance VNIR Reflectance of Synthetic Plagioclase

    • Authors: Carli, Cristian; Orlando, Andrea; Borrini, Daniele; Serventi, Giovanna; Pratesi, Giovanni; Sgavetti, Maria
    • Year: 2018
  6. Synthetic Plagioclases as Support for Future ‘In-Situ’ Missions: Iron’s Influence on VNIR Reflectance VNIR Reflectance of Synthetic Plagioclase

    • Authors: Carli, C.; Orlando, A.; Serventi, G.; Sgavetti, M.; Borrini, D.; Pratesi, G.
    • Year: 2018
  7. Experimental Analysis of the Reaction Rate of Hydrated Class G Cement Powder at 11 bar PCO2 and Ambient Temperature

    • Authors: Hernandez-Rodriguez, Ana; Montegrossi, Giordano; Orlando, Andrea; Huet, Bruno; Virgili, Giorgio; Vaselli, Orlando; Agnelli, Marco; Venturi, Stefania; Marini, Luigi
    • Year: 2017
  8. Experimental Investigation of Biotite-Rich Schist Reacting with B-Bearing Fluids at Upper Crustal Conditions and Correlated Tourmaline Formation

    • Authors: Not provided
    • Year: 2017
  9. Experimental Smelting of Iron Ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy): Results and Implications for the Reconstruction of Ancient Metallurgical Processes and Iron Provenance

    • Authors: Benvenuti, M.; Orlando, A.; Borrini, D.; Chiarantini, L.; Costagliola, P.; Mazzotta, C.; Rimondi, V.
    • Year: 2016
  10. Provenance of Tertiary Volcanoclastic Sediment in NW Thrace (Bulgaria): Evidence from Detrital Amphibole and Pyroxene Geochemistry

  • Authors: Caracciolo, Luca; Orlando, Andrea; Marchev, Peter; Critelli, Salvatore; Manetti, Piero; Raycheva, Raya; Riley, David
  • Year: 2016

Conclusion 📝

Andrea Orlando is a highly regarded researcher in the field of petrology and mineralogy, with a strong academic background and significant contributions to geological sciences. His extensive research on volcanic rock formations, mineral stability, and geochemical interactions has enhanced scientific knowledge in the field. As an active member of professional societies and scientific committees, he continues to influence the future of petrology research and education.