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

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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

Asha Lata Singh | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

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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.