Maryam Vahidipour | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Maryam Vahidipour | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Shiraz university | Iran

Dr. Maryam Vahidipour is an accomplished environmental geologist with a strong academic foundation and extensive research experience in hydrogeology, environmental contamination, and wetland restoration. She earned her B.Sc. (2010), M.Sc. (2014), and Ph.D. (2021) degrees in Earth and Environmental Geology from Shiraz University, Iran, where she consistently excelled, ranking first in her master’s entrance examination and seventh in her doctoral entrance exam. Her academic journey is marked by deep engagement with the hydro-environmental challenges of Iran’s fragile ecosystems, particularly those associated with groundwater pollution and wetland degradation. Dr. Vahidipour’s M.Sc. thesis focused on nitrate contamination in karstic aquifers and its monitoring methods in Shiraz city—an interdisciplinary investigation combining environmental and hydrogeological insights. Her Ph.D. dissertation, titled “Bakhtegan Lake Crisis: Environmental, Hydrogeological, and Restoration Approaches,” provided an in-depth evaluation of heavy metal contamination and the hydrological dynamics of the Bakhtegan-Tashk wetlands, with practical recommendations for sustainable restoration. Her international research collaboration at Wageningen University, Netherlands (2019) enhanced her expertise in saltwater intrusion modeling using SEAWAT, reinforcing her analytical and computational capabilities in groundwater flow modeling and hydrochemistry. Her professional experience includes advanced laboratory analyses in hydrochemistry and groundwater pollution at Shiraz University, as well as field-based environmental projects such as dye tracing at Seymare Dam and studying the socio-environmental impacts of wetland shrinkage on indigenous communities. Dr. Vahidipour’s research has been published in high-impact journals, including Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies and Environmental Technology & Innovation, focusing on topics such as saltwater intrusion, heavy metal contamination, and temporal dynamics of lake systems. Technically proficient, she is skilled in GIS, ENVI, SPSS, PHREEQC, MODFLOW, SEAWAT, and R, enabling her to integrate spatial analysis, statistical modeling, and hydrogeochemical simulation for data-driven environmental assessments. She has presented her findings at national and international conferences, contributing significantly to the understanding of Iran’s hydro-environmental systems. Fluent in Persian and proficient in English scientific writing, Dr. Vahidipour continues to advance research at the intersection of hydrogeology, environmental monitoring, and sustainable water management. Her work embodies a commitment to addressing real-world environmental crises through scientific innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and practical solutions aimed at preserving vital ecosystems such as the Bakhtegan-Tashk wetlands.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Vahidipour, M., Raeisi, E., & van der Zee, S. E. T. A. M. (2021). Active saltwater intrusion of shrinking Bakhtegan–Tashk Lakes in South Iran threatens the freshwater resources of coastal aquifers. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 34, 100790.

Vahidipour, M., Raeisi, E., & van der Zee, S. E. T. A. M. (2022). Heavy metals in sediments, surface water, and groundwater of the RAMSAR wetlands Bakhtegan–Tashk, South Iran: Distribution and source assessment. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 28, 102789.

Vahidipour, M., Raeisi, E., & van der Zee, S. E. (2024). Temporal dynamics of inundation area, hydrochemistry, and brine in Bakhtegan Lake, South-Central Iran. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies, 52, 101714.

Mohammadi, E., Vahidipour, M., & Raeisi, E. (2024). In situ wind tunnel experiment, lake bed geomorphology and PM10 and PM2.5 emissions from shrinking Bakhtegan–Tashk Wetlands, South Iran. Aeolian Research. Manuscript under review (Manuscript No. AEOLIA-D-24-00083).

Heidarizade, T., Vahidipour, M., & Zarei, M. (2024). Assessment of organic contaminants in water and sediment of Gotvand Reservoir, Southwest of Iran. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Shimelash Molla Kassaye | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Shimelash Molla Kassaye | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

Mattu University | Ethiopia

Dr. Shimelash Molla Kassaye is a highly dedicated scholar and researcher specializing in Hydrology and Water Resources Management, with an extensive academic background and a strong record of scientific contributions in the field of environmental and water sciences. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Mattu University, Ethiopia, where he continues to advance research and teaching in hydrology, climate change, and watershed management. His professional journey reflects consistent excellence and commitment to solving pressing environmental and water-related challenges affecting the African continent. Dr. Kassaye earned his Ph.D. in Water Management (Hydrology and Water Resources Management) from the African Centre of Excellence in Water Management (ACEWM) at Addis Ababa University in 2024. His doctoral research, titled “Evaluating the Hydrological Dynamics under Land Use/Cover and Climate Change in the Baro River Basin, Ethiopia,” focused on understanding the complex interactions between climate variability, land use change, and hydrological responses in one of Ethiopia’s key river basins. His research offers vital insights into sustainable water resource management and policy planning under changing climatic conditions. Prior to his Ph.D., he obtained an M.Sc. in Hydraulic Engineering from Jimma University in 2017 with an outstanding CGPA of 3.88/4.00 and a B.Sc. in Hydraulic and Water Resources Engineering from Arbaminch University in 2011. His professional experience spans over a decade of teaching, research, and academic service. Before assuming his current position, Dr. Kassaye worked as a Researcher and Lecturer at Mattu University (2014–2021) and as a Graduate Assistant at Arbaminch University (2012–2014). Through these roles, he has contributed significantly to the training of young engineers and scientists, supervising research projects, and integrating innovative technologies into water resource education and management practices. Dr. Kassaye’s research expertise covers a broad range of topics, including hydrologic modeling, climate change and variability, drought monitoring and prediction, integrated watershed management, natural resource management, and hydrometeorological risk assessment. His multidisciplinary approach, combining remote sensing, geospatial analysis, and hydrological modeling, enables comprehensive assessments of environmental systems under stress from both natural and anthropogenic factors. He has published multiple peer-reviewed scientific papers in high-impact international journals such as Water, Environmental Earth Sciences, Environmental Systems Research, and Earth. His publications have explored critical themes such as the sensitivity of meteorological dynamics to catchment variability, the integrated impact of land use and topography on hydrological extremes, and the quantification of climate change effects on streamflow dynamics. His academic excellence, combined with practical expertise and a strong publication record, positions him as a leading early-career researcher contributing to Ethiopia’s and Africa’s sustainable water resource management efforts. His dedication to advancing hydrological science underscores his commitment to building climate resilience and fostering sustainable development in vulnerable regions.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., Tegegne, G., & Hordofa, A. T. (2024). Quantifying the climate change impacts on the magnitude and timing of hydrological extremes in the Baro River Basin, Ethiopia. Environmental Systems Research, 13(1), 1–15.

Belay, H., Melesse, A. M., Tegegne, G., & Kassaye, S. M. (2025). Flood inundation mapping using the Google Earth Engine and HEC-RAS under land use/land cover and climate changes in the Gumara Watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia. Remote Sensing, 17(7), 1283.

Malede, D. A., Elumalai, V., Andualem, T. G., Mekonnen, Y. G., Yibeltal, M., Kassaye, S. M., & others. (2025). Understanding flood and drought extremes under a changing climate in the Blue Nile Basin: A review. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 100638.

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., & Tegegne, G. (2024). Quantifying the climate change impacts on the magnitude and timing of hydrological extremes in the Baro River Basin, Ethiopia. Environmental Systems Research, 13(2).

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., Tegegne, G., Hordofa, A. T., & Malede, D. A. (2024). Relative and combined impacts of climate and land use/cover change for the streamflow variability in the Baro River Basin (BRB). Earth, 5(2), 149–168.

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., Tegegne, G., & Tadesse, K. E. (2022). The sensitivity of meteorological dynamics to the variability in catchment characteristics. Water, 14(22), 3776.

Kassaye, S. M., Tadesse, T., Tegegne, G., & Hordofa, A. T. (2024). Integrated impact of land use/cover and topography on hydrological extremes in the Baro River Basin. Environmental Earth Sciences, 83(2), 49.

Kassaye, S. M., Ebissa, T. N., Gutema, B. G., & Gurmesa, G. T. (2020). Site selection and design of mini hydropower plant for rural electrification in Keber River. American Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 9(5), 82–96.

Ebissa, T. N., Kassaye, S. M., & Malede, D. A. (2024). Hydrological response to climate change in Baro Basin, Ethiopia, using representative concentration pathway scenarios. Environmental Systems Research, 13(1), 42.

Waheed, A., Kousar, S., Khan, M. I., & Fischer, T. B. (2025). Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators.

Minglu Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Minglu Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Beijing University of Technology and Business | China

Dr. Minglu Zhang is currently a professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Beijing Technology and Business University, having previously served as associate professor (2015–2019) and lecturer (2012–2015) in the same discipline. After completing a postdoctoral appointment in the School of Environment at Tsinghua University (2010–2012) and earlier research experience at the University of California, Irvine (2008–2010), he has built a distinguished career in environmental microbiology and water systems research. His primary research interests encompass microbial ecology and molecular microbiology in water and solid waste systems, with a special focus on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and resistance genes in drinking water systems. Dr. Zhang has led and contributed to several major national research projects. For example, he is the principal investigator on the “Typing and Traceability System for VBNC State Pathogens of Major Digestive Tract at Ports” (2022–2025, National Key R&D Program), as well as on the “Technology and Equipment Development for Monitoring, Early Warning and Purification of Malodorous Gas Emissions under Classified Collection of Domestic Waste” (2020–2024, National Key R&D Program). Earlier, he also led work on the distribution and migration of antibiotic resistance genes at multi-phase interfaces in drinking water distribution systems (2015–2017, National Natural Science Foundation of China). To date, Dr. Zhang has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications. According to his ResearchGate profile, his publication count is 79, with more than 1,300 citations. His academic impact is further reflected by his h-index, which is listed as 5 on the SciSpace author profile. Among his representative works are: “Metagenomics analysis of antibiotic resistance genes, bacterial community and virulence factor genes of fouled filters and effluents from household water purifiers in drinking water” (Science of the Total Environment, 2023); “Global transcriptional analysis for molecular responses of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores in drinking water after low- and medium-pressure UV irradiation” (Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2024); and “Highly efficient degradation of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate removal by bio-trickling filter reactors” (Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 2024). These works illustrate how he combines high-throughput molecular methods (e.g. metagenomics, transcriptional profiling) with applied engineering systems (e.g. drinking water treatment, gas emission purification) to address critical environmental microbiology challenges. Over the course of his career, Dr. Zhang has established himself as a leading scholar at the intersection of environmental engineering and microbial molecular ecology. His work not only advances fundamental understanding of microbial community dynamics and resistance gene behavior in engineered systems, but also yields practical solutions for water quality protection, public health, and waste management. His contributions are broadly recognized in China’s environmental research community and are increasingly cited in the international literature.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, M., et al. (2025). Adsorption and desorption characteristics of nano-metal-modified zeolite for removal of oxygenated volatile organic compounds. Coatings, 15(10), 1206. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101206

Jiang, J., Zhang, Y., Cui, R., Ren, L., Zhang, M., & Wang, Y. (2023). Effects of two different proportions of microbial formulations on microbial communities in kitchen waste composting. Microorganisms, 11(10), 2605. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11102605

Wang, Y., Cui, R., Jiang, H., Bai, M., Zhang, M., & Ren, L. (2022). Removal of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia using a biotrickling filter packed with modified composite filler. Processes, 10(10), 2016. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr10102016

Xu, S., Zhang, L., Lin, K., Bai, M., Wang, Y., Xu, M., Zhang, M., Zhang, C., Shi, Y., & Zhou, H. (2021). Effects of light and water disturbance on the growth of Microcystis aeruginosa and the release of algal toxins. Water Environment Research, 93, 2958–2970. https://doi.org/10.1002/wer.1644

Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Bonface Onyango | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Graduate research fellow at Pwani University/icipe, Kenya.

Bonface Onyango is a dedicated professional with a passion for bioinformatics and computational biology. With a strong educational background in both biochemistry and bioinformatics, Bonface has honed his skills in data analysis, programming, and research methodologies. His extensive experience includes roles as a Graduate Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), where he contributed to the development of biocollections databases and integrative digital platforms. Additionally, Bonface has served as a Medical Representative at Surgipharm Ltd- Abbott Nutrition Int and as a Research Assistant at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), where he conducted household surveys and field data collection on various research projects. His teaching experience as both a high school teacher and an online tutor reflects his commitment to knowledge dissemination and capacity building. Bonface has also demonstrated leadership and technical expertise in various bioinformatics projects and hackathons, showcasing his ability to innovate and collaborate in multidisciplinary settings. With a keen interest in leveraging data science and machine learning techniques for biological research, Bonface continues to make significant contributions to the field and is poised to excel in his future endeavors.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Bonface Onyango pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya, graduating in 2019. Subsequently, he embarked on his academic journey in Bioinformatics by enrolling in a Master’s program at Pwani University, Kilifi, Kenya, in 2021. He is currently pursuing his Master’s degree, aiming to deepen his knowledge and expertise in this interdisciplinary field.

Professional Experience

Bonface Onyango has accumulated diverse professional experiences across various sectors. As a Graduate Research Fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2021 to 2023, he spearheaded the development of a biocollections database and constructed an integrative digital platform. Prior to this, he served as a Medical Representative at Surgipharm Ltd- Abbott Nutrition Int in Nairobi, Kenya, from 2020 to 2021. In this role, he meticulously detailed products to doctors, conducted continuous medical education to healthcare professionals, and actively participated in scientific webinars focusing on nutritional products. Additionally, his tenure as a Research Assistant at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Kisumu, Kenya, from 2019 to 2020, involved conducting household data collection surveys on post-COVID-19 impact and supervising field data collection on the contribution of Non-Profit Institutions (NPIs) to the country’s economy. His proficiency and leadership skills were further demonstrated during his time as a Content Supervisor at the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) in Siaya, Kenya, in 2019, where he supervised enumerators during the Kenya Population and Housing Census.

Research Interest

Bonface Onyango’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of topics within the realm of bioinformatics and computational biology. His primary focus lies in leveraging machine learning techniques for the analysis of genomic data, with specific emphasis on predicting the source of pathogens like Salmonella Enterica from whole genome sequencing data. Additionally, he is deeply involved in exploring microbial diversity in COVID-19 patients using AI-driven approaches. His expertise extends to the development of bioinformatics pipelines for ancestry prediction using whole exome data, reflecting his commitment to unraveling complex biological phenomena through computational methods. Moreover, he has a keen interest in reproducible research practices and machine learning applications in diverse biological contexts.

Award and Honors

Throughout his career, Bonface Onyango has received recognition and accolades for his contributions to various fields. Notable among these honors are his appointments as project lead and technical lead in prestigious bioinformatics hackathons and codeathons organized by institutions like the African Society of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (ASBCB) and Founders Factory Africa. Furthermore, his outstanding performance as a graduate research fellow at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) has been acknowledged, reflecting his dedication and proficiency in developing biocollections databases and integrative digital platforms. Additionally, his role as a content supervisor during the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census highlights his commitment to excellence in data collection and management.

Research Skills

Bonface Onyango possesses a diverse set of research skills that enable him to excel in his field. With a solid foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology, he demonstrates proficiency in data analysis, particularly in handling large-scale genomic datasets and applying machine learning algorithms for predictive modeling. His expertise extends to programming languages such as Python, R, and Bash, along with familiarity with Linux environments. Bonface is adept at utilizing various libraries and tools, including Sklearn, Pandas, Numpy, Git, and Docker, to streamline research workflows and facilitate collaboration. Moreover, his proficiency in citation management software such as Zotero, Mendeley, and Latex underscores his meticulous approach to academic writing and publication. Overall, Bonface’s research skills are instrumental in advancing scientific knowledge and addressing complex biological challenges.