Shimelash Molla Kassaye | Environmental Science | Editorial Board Member

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

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

Lanhui Zhang | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award | 13425

Prof Dr Lanhui Zhang | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Lanhui Zhang,Lanzhou university,China

Prof. Lanhui Zhang is nominated for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to environmental science and hydrology. Her pioneering work in land surface-atmosphere interactions and the integration of AI into hydrological modeling has significantly advanced the field. With over 40 publications, leadership in national research projects, and recognized international service, Prof. Zhang exemplifies innovation, impact, and academic excellence.

 Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Lanhui Zhang embarked on her academic journey with a deep curiosity about atmospheric sciences and their interactions with the Earth’s surface. She pursued her higher education at Lanzhou University, one of China’s leading institutions in environmental and earth sciences. In 2011, she earned her Ph.D. in Meteorology, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to hydrological research and land-atmosphere dynamics.

👩‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Prof. Zhang has risen through the academic ranks to become a Professor at the Key Laboratory of West China’s Environmental System (Ministry of Education), under the College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University. She was promoted to this position in 2024, after years of research excellence and academic leadership.

Her professional career is defined by active leadership in nationally funded research projects, with three projects under her leadership and contributions to three others supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). These projects tackle critical issues such as two-dimensional soil water movement, land use change, and the assimilation of remote sensing data into hydrological models—areas crucial for the environmental management of China’s vulnerable mountain ecosystems.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Zhang’s primary research interests include land surface-atmosphere interactions, hydrological modeling, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in environmental systems. Her work represents a forward-thinking fusion of physical science with machine learning, aimed at improving the precision and adaptability of environmental simulations.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Zhang’s research excellence has earned her national and international recognition. From 2016 to 2024, she served as the Executive Director of the Steering Committee for the IGU Water Sustainability Commission, showcasing her leadership on a global platform concerned with water sustainability and climate resilience.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Zhang’s research extends beyond academia. By applying her models to real-world challenges in water management, especially in China’s ecologically sensitive mountain regions, she has contributed to sustainable agricultural and water resource practices. Her integration of AI in hydrological modeling has sparked interest among younger researchers and provided a framework for interdisciplinary collaborations, bridging environmental science, computer modeling, and engineering. Her hybrid modeling techniques are being adapted and cited in multiple environmental modeling platforms, influencing both research direction and educational curricula across institutions.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Prof. Zhang is committed to expanding the frontier of intelligent environmental modeling. She envisions developing adaptive, AI-driven hydrological models that respond in real-time to environmental changes—tools that will be critical in an era of accelerating climate variability. She also plans to mentor young scientists, expand international collaborations, and contribute to national policy through science-based guidance on water and land sustainability. Prof. Zhang’s work stands as a legacy of scientific innovation, real-world relevance, and educational impact. Her ongoing contributions promise to shape the future of environmental modeling and water resource management both in China and internationally.

Publications Top Notes

The effect of heat treatment on the electrochemical properties of additive manufactured TC4 titanium alloy

Author: S., Che, Shuanghang, Y., Zhang, Yifei, Q., Yuan, Quan, L., Kong, Lu, J., Li, Jianzhong

Journal: International Journal of Electrochemical Science This link is disabled

Year: 2025

Thermodynamics study for Y2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 system: Emphasis on the equilibrium phase relationship at 1400℃ and 1600℃

Author: S., Li, Sheng, J., Shi, Junjie, D., Li, Dong, Y., Qiu, Yuchao, J., Li, Jianzhong

Journal: Journal of Alloys and CompoundsThis link is disabled

Year: 2025

Effect of 5wt% Fe3O4 addition on the phase equilibria of the CaO-SiO2-TiO2 system at 1400°C in air

Author: J., Shi, Junjie, C., Jiang, Chenglong, Y., Cao, Yifei, M., Yao, Maoxi, J., Li, Jianzhong

Journal: International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials This link is disabled

Year: 2025

Ying Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ying Zhang is a renowned expert in atmospheric environment remote sensing at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China. She has published over 90 scientific papers and holds multiple patents in the field. Her pioneering work in particulate matter remote sensing and atmospheric composition inversion has been adopted by key institutions, including the China Meteorological Administration. Dr. Zhang has led numerous national and international research projects, received prestigious awards such as the Aerosol Young Scientist Award and China Patent Award, and collaborates globally with top research institutes in advancing environmental and atmospheric monitoring technologies.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ying Zhang’s journey into the world of science began with a deep interest in environmental and atmospheric phenomena. Her academic foundation was solidified at the prestigious Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), where she earned her Ph.D. in Remote Sensing. Her doctoral research focused on atmospheric environment remote sensing, laying the groundwork for a career dedicated to environmental monitoring through satellite data and advanced algorithms. Her early academic work reflected a blend of precision, curiosity, and a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges through scientific innovation.

👩‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Aerospace Information Research Institute, CAS, Dr. Zhang plays a vital role in advancing China’s capabilities in satellite-based environmental monitoring. Her professional journey includes participation in eight major national and international research projects, where she has worked extensively on atmospheric environmental remote sensing, air quality monitoring, and climate change analysis. In addition to her academic roles, she has provided critical consultancy as the Principal Investigator (PI) for three industry-linked projects in the meteorology and environmental protection sectors, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhang is a pioneer in the field of remote sensing for atmospheric monitoring. Her research introduced the Multi-parameter Particulate Matter Remote Sensing (PMRS) approach, a breakthrough in differentiating anthropogenic and natural sources of air pollution using satellite data. This methodology has since been operationalized by the China Meteorological Administration for real-time haze monitoring via the FY-4 satellite. Furthermore, she developed a remote sensing inversion method for determining the chemical composition of atmospheric particulates—now utilized by over ten institutions through the SONET (Sun-Sky Radiometer Observation Network).

Her academic contributions include the authorship of over 90 scientific papers, 70 of which are indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection, earning her over 1,654 citations. She has also co-authored two monographs, one in English and another in Chinese, showcasing her ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to both domestic and international audiences.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhang’s exceptional contributions have earned her numerous prestigious awards that underscore her scientific impact. These include:

  • 🥇 Aerosol Young Scientist Award

  • 🧪 Beijing Natural Science Award

  • 🌱 Environmental Protection Science and Technology Award

  • 💡 China Patent Award for Excellence

These accolades not only highlight her technical excellence but also recognize her contributions to environmental sustainability and public health through improved monitoring systems and methodologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Zhang’s research has had a significant real-world impact. By advancing remote sensing techniques, her work has strengthened China’s environmental monitoring infrastructure, particularly in tracking air pollution and climate change. Her PMRS method is a cornerstone in national haze monitoring operations, while her composition inversion techniques have empowered research institutions and meteorological agencies to better understand and respond to pollution events.

In addition to her scientific output, she has actively shaped the research community through editorial roles, including guest editor positions at Remote Sensing and Atmosphere, and as an editorial board member of China Environmental Monitoring. Her collaborative efforts span across leading international institutions such as the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, University of Lille, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison—promoting global dialogue and cooperation in environmental science.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhang’s legacy is one of bridging theory and application, with her innovations in remote sensing poised to continue benefiting both scientific communities and policy-making bodies. Her leadership and contributions serve as an inspiration for young scientists, particularly women in STEM, and her methodologies are likely to influence future developments in artificial intelligence-driven remote sensing, big data atmospheric modeling, and international climate change monitoring frameworks.

Looking ahead, Dr. Zhang is expected to further explore multi-source data integration, enhancing the precision and scope of environmental monitoring systems. With 10 invention patents already published and 4 more under process, her work continues to shape the evolving landscape of atmospheric sciences and remote sensing technology.

Publication Top Notes

ContributorsZhuolin Yang; Ying Zhang; Yisong Xie; Hua Xu; Chaoyu Yan; Tong Hu; Zhengqiang Li
Journal: Environment International
Year: 2025
Contributors: Zhe Ji; Zhengqiang Li; Ying Zhang; Yan Ma; Zheng Shi; Xiaoxi Yan; Yisong Xie; Yang Zheng; Zhenting Chen
Journal: Aerosol Science and Engineering
Year: 2024

Lili Chen | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lili Chen | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lili Chen, Chang’an University, China

Dr. Lili Chen, a Ph.D. candidate at Chang’an University, specializes in vegetation and climate change research. She earned her B.S. in geomatics engineering from Lanzhou University of Technology in 2022. Her research focuses on analyzing spatiotemporal vegetation changes in the northern foothills of the Qinling Mountains, incorporating climate time-lag effects and human activity assessments. Her study highlights the dominant influence of climate change on vegetation dynamics, providing insights for ecological restoration strategies. She has published in Environmental Research and aims to contribute to sustainable environmental management.

Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Lili Chen’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in geomatics engineering. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Lanzhou University of Technology in 2022, where she displayed exceptional analytical skills and a keen interest in environmental studies. Her undergraduate years were marked by rigorous coursework, hands-on research projects, and an unwavering passion for understanding the intricate relationship between the environment and technology. During this period, she developed a profound appreciation for the dynamic interplay between vegetation and climate, which would later become the cornerstone of her research.

Following her undergraduate studies, Lili Chen pursued a Ph.D. at Chang’an University, specializing in surveying and mapping. Her doctoral research is deeply focused on analyzing vegetation dynamics in response to climate change and human activities. Her early academic pursuits laid the groundwork for her innovative approach to assessing environmental sustainability.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

As a dedicated researcher at Chang’an University, Lili Chen has actively contributed to the scientific community through her meticulous study of vegetation changes. Her expertise lies in employing cutting-edge methodologies such as the Kernel Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (kNDVI) to assess ecological transformations. By integrating climate time-lag effects and human activity influences into her models, she provides a holistic perspective on environmental fluctuations.

Despite being at an early stage in her professional career, Lili has demonstrated an exceptional ability to translate theoretical concepts into practical insights. She has collaborated with faculty members, engaged in data-driven analysis, and participated in academic discussions aimed at shaping sustainable ecological policies. Her research has gained recognition for its methodological rigor and its potential to influence environmental conservation strategies.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌿

Lili Chen’s research primarily revolves around vegetation and climate change. Her notable project, “Spatiotemporal Changes of Vegetation in the Northern Foothills of the Qinling Mountains Based on kNDVI Considering Climate Time-Lag Effects and Human Activities,” is a groundbreaking study that spans over three decades (1986–2022). In this research, she meticulously examines the extent to which climate change and human interventions have impacted regional vegetation.

By incorporating advanced statistical models, multiple regression residuals methods, and remote sensing techniques, she has successfully quantified the relative influence of climate factors versus anthropogenic activities. Her findings indicate that climate change plays a more dominant role in shaping vegetation patterns than human-induced factors. This revelation is crucial for policymakers and environmentalists seeking effective strategies for ecological restoration.

Additionally, her work emphasizes the significance of time-lag effects in vegetation responses, offering new perspectives on long-term environmental planning. Her contributions extend beyond academia, as her research provides actionable insights for sustainable development, land use management, and biodiversity conservation.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Lili Chen’s scholarly contributions have earned her a nomination for the Best Researcher Award in the International Research Awards. Her research publication in Environmental Research, a prestigious SCI-indexed journal, underscores the scientific merit of her work.

Though early in her career, her dedication and intellectual rigor have been acknowledged by peers and mentors alike. Her research has also been cited in academic discussions on environmental sustainability, reinforcing her growing influence in the field of ecological studies. While she has not yet received patents or editorial appointments, her research trajectory suggests that such accomplishments are well within her reach.

Publication Top Notes

Highly transparent, underwater self-healing, and ionic conductive elastomer based on multivalent ion–dipole interactions

Author: Y Zhang, M Li, B Qin, L Chen, Y Liu, X Zhang, C Wang
Journal: Chemistry of Materials
Year: 2020

Superstretchable, yet stiff, fatigue-resistant ligament-like elastomers

Author: M Li, L Chen, Y Li, X Dai, Z Jin, Y Zhang, W Feng, LT Yan, Y Cao, C Wang
Journal: Nature Communications
Year: 2022

A highly robust amphibious soft robot with imperceptibility based on a water‐stable and self‐healing ionic conductor

Author: Z Cheng, W Feng, Y Zhang, L Sun, Y Liu, L Chen, C Wang
Journal: Advanced Materials
Year: 2023