Xiaoguang Ouyang | Mangrove Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Xiaoguang Ouyang | Mangrove Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Research Institute at Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), China 

Dr. Xiaoguang Ouyang is an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at the College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University. He specializes in mangrove ecology and blue carbon, with a strong interdisciplinary background that spans ecology, biogeochemistry, and environmental science. Dr. Ouyang’s research focuses on understanding the ecological functions and carbon sequestration potential of coastal wetlands, particularly mangrove ecosystems, in the context of global climate change and ecosystem management.

Professional Profiles📖

Google Scholar 

ORCID 

🎓 Education

Dr. Ouyang earned his Ph.D. in Ecology from the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2018. He previously received an M.S. in Hydrobiology from Jinan University in 2014 and a B.S. in Biology from Jiangxi Normal University in 2011. His academic training has provided a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied environmental sciences.

🧪 Experience

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Ouyang joined Xiamen University as a postdoctoral researcher, later advancing to Assistant Professor and currently serving as Associate Professor. In these capacities, he has led numerous national and international research initiatives, supervised graduate students, and contributed to the development of advanced methodologies in blue carbon assessment, ecosystem modeling, and wetland restoration.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Ouyang has received several prestigious accolades in recognition of his research excellence. These include the National Scholarship for Ph.D. Students from the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2016 and the Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award from Jinan University in 2014. These honors reflect his academic rigor and significant contributions to environmental science.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ouyang’s primary research interests lie in the dynamics of blue carbon in coastal wetlands, especially mangroves. His work explores mangrove restoration, carbon sequestration, biogeochemical cycles of carbon and nitrogen, and the application of ecological modeling. He is particularly engaged in climate change mitigation strategies through nature-based solutions and sustainable ecosystem management.

🛠️  Research Skills

He is proficient in a range of ecological and environmental tools, including InVEST and SWAT for modeling, and R and Python for statistical analysis. His expertise also covers remote sensing, GIS applications, field monitoring technologies, scientific writing, and research project management, enabling him to tackle complex environmental challenges with a multidisciplinary approach.

Publications Top Notes📚

Updated estimates of carbon accumulation rates in coastal marsh sediments
X. Ouyang, S.Y. Lee
Biogeosciences, 2014 — 369 citations

Improved estimates on global carbon stock and carbon pools in tidal wetlands
X. Ouyang, S.Y. Lee
Nature Communications, 2020 — 227 citations

Mangroves give cause for conservation optimism, for now
D.A. Friess, E.S. Yando, G.M.O. Abuchahla, J.B. Adams, S. Cannicci, …
Current Biology, 2020 — 213 citations

The role of root decomposition in global mangrove and saltmarsh carbon budgets
X. Ouyang, S.Y. Lee, R.M. Connolly
Earth-Science Reviews, 2017 — 146 citations

Paradigms of mangroves in treatment of anthropogenic wastewater pollution
X. Ouyang, F. Guo
Science of the Total Environment, 2016 — 119 citations

Fate and effects of macro- and microplastics in coastal wetlands
X. Ouyang, C. Duarte, S.G. Cheung, N.F.Y. Tam, S. Cannicci, C. Martin, H.S. Lo, …
Environmental Science & Technology, 2022 — 109 citations

Feeding strategies for the acquisition of high‐quality food sources in stream macroinvertebrates
F. Guo, S.E. Bunn, M.T. Brett, B. Fry, H. Hager, X. Ouyang, M.J. Kainz
Limnology and Oceanography, 2018 — 88 citations

Integrated fuzzy AHP with MDS in selecting natural wastewater treatment alternatives
X. Ouyang, F. Guo, D. Shan, H. Yu, J. Wang
Ecological Engineering, 2015 — 78 citations

Structural equation modeling reveals factors regulating surface sediment OC and CO₂ efflux
X. Ouyang, S.Y. Lee, R.M. Connolly
Science of the Total Environment, 2017 — 64 citations

Spatially-explicit valuation of coastal wetlands for cyclone mitigation
X. Ouyang, S.Y. Lee, R.M. Connolly, M.J. Kainz
Scientific Reports, 2018 — 53 citations

Effect of nitrate addition on transformation of pentachlorophenol in paddy soil
H.Y. Yu, Y. Wang, P.C. Chen, F. Li, M. Chen, M. Hu, X. Ouyang
Journal of Environmental Management, 2014 — 52 citations

Lipid biomarkers from aquatic environments reflect paleoclimate change
X. Ouyang, F. Guo, H. Bu
Quaternary Science Reviews, 2015 — 46 citations

Carbon accumulation rates in salt marsh sediments suggest high carbon storage
X. Ouyang, S.Y. Lee
Biogeosciences Discussions, 2013 — 38 citations

Intuitionistic fuzzy AHP for selecting paradigms of mangrove wastewater treatment
X. Ouyang, F. Guo
Chemosphere, 2018 — 37 citations

Conceptualizing ecosystem degradation using mangrove forests
E.S. Yando, T.M. Sloey, F. Dahdouh-Guebas, K. Rogers, G.M.O. Abuchahla, …
Biological Conservation, 2021 — 35 citations

Response of macrophyte litter decomposition in blue carbon ecosystems to climate change
X. Ouyang, E. Kristensen, M. Zimmer, C. Thornber, Z. Yang, S.Y. Lee
Global Change Biology, 2023 — 31 citations

Basal resources of river food webs affect fatty acid profiles of freshwater fish
F. Guo, N. Ebm, B. Fry, S.E. Bunn, M.T. Brett, X. Ouyang, H. Hager, M.J. Kainz
Science of the Total Environment, 2022 — 29 citations

Impact of super-typhoon Mangkhut on sediment nutrient dynamics in mangroves
X. Ouyang, F. Guo, S.Y. Lee
Science of the Total Environment, 2021 — 21 citations

✅ Conclusion 

Dr. Xiaoguang Ouyang is an exemplary candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His research has made substantial and sustained contributions to the understanding of blue carbon ecosystems and environmental sustainability. He combines scientific rigor with applied relevance and interdisciplinary breadth. While he could enhance his global policy and public engagement presence, his academic excellence, innovation, and leadership make him a compelling and highly deserving nominee for this honor.

Abdol Aziz Shahraki | Environmental Studies | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Abdol Aziz Shahraki | Environmental Studies | Best Researcher Award

Supervisor at Knowledge & Implementation Consulting Engineering Company, Iran

Professor Abdolaziz Shahraki is a distinguished academic and civil engineer with decades of impactful experience in urban and regional development. With a strong background in infrastructure, environment, and strategic urban planning, he has held prestigious positions at international institutions such as the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and leading universities across Iran. He is a prolific researcher whose work spans sustainable urbanism, water resource management, housing policy, transportation networks, and digital village initiatives. Professor Shahraki has contributed to more than 50 strategic urban development plans and has led major projects aimed at modernizing cities, improving infrastructure, and supporting marginalized communities. His international education and multilingual capabilities have allowed him to collaborate globally and contribute to top-tier journals. As a mentor, consultant, and city council advisor, he strives to advance resilience and sustainability in urban planning practices. His career reflects a rare blend of academic rigor and on-the-ground impact.

Professional Profiles📖

Google Scholar

ORCID 

🎓 Education 

Professor Shahraki’s educational foundation is rooted in multidisciplinary excellence. He holds a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Development from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden (2014), where his doctoral work focused on new town planning in Iran. Prior to that, he earned a Master’s degree in Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (2003), and pursued postgraduate studies in Swedish literature and the socio-economic structures of Europe (1989–1994), all at KTH. He also completed a specialized Applied Computer Engineering program in 2000 at KTH’s School of Information and Communications Technology in Södertälje. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Road, Building, and Water Engineering from the University of Baluchistan, Iran, in 1981. His diverse academic path not only reflects his deep technical acumen but also his passion for interdisciplinary integration, particularly in addressing complex urban challenges. His education has laid the foundation for his research in sustainability and strategic regional development.

🏗 Experience 

Professor Shahraki has over three decades of teaching, research, and academic leadership. He served at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden, first as Assistant Professor (1994–2003), working on Stockholm’s infrastructure linked to the OS Project, and later as Associate Professor (2004–2014), where he developed his doctoral research on Iran’s new town planning. Upon returning to Iran, he took on roles at multiple institutions. At the International University of Chabahar (2014–2016), he led courses on urban and regional planning, tourism development, and natural resources management. From 2014 to 2018, he taught at Zabol State University’s School of Town Building Engineering. Since 2014, he has been a Professor at the University of Sistan Baluchistan, mentoring doctoral and graduate students in geography and urban planning. Across these positions, he has supervised countless theses and published extensively, contributing to the advancement of sustainable urban planning and infrastructure development in theory and practice.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

While specific awards are not listed, Professor Shahraki’s numerous honors can be inferred from his prestigious roles, international publications, and project leadership. His academic journey has been marked by several institutional recognitions, including funded publications from KTH and municipal bodies in Iran, signifying the value and trust placed in his expertise. His thesis was fully funded by KTH, and he has consistently secured governmental and institutional backing for city-scale strategic plans. His appointment as Managing Director of Sistan-Baluchistan’s Mega Urban Project reflects regional acknowledgment of his strategic leadership. He has been invited to serve as a reviewer for top-tier international journals and collaborates with globally renowned publishing houses, such as Springer, Elsevier, and Wiley. His repeated invitations to guide urban development policies at municipal and national levels also highlight his status as a trusted thought leader in sustainable planning and development, deserving recognition as a leading scholar-practitioner in his field.u

🔬 Research Focus

Professor Shahraki’s research integrates engineering, planning, and sustainability to address urban and regional development challenges. His core focus lies in sustainable urban infrastructure, smart city design, housing, transportation, tourism, and water management. His interdisciplinary work draws from civil engineering, environmental science, and socio-economic analysis, aimed at fostering resilient cities in arid and developing regions. He has pioneered research on digital villages, ancient and modern housing techniques, ecosystem-based flood control, and sustainable energy integration. He also contributes to literature on post-COVID urban standards, urban equity, and hydrological drought analysis. By combining traditional knowledge with contemporary technological solutions, his work is particularly influential in areas experiencing rapid urbanization, such as Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province. Through extensive fieldwork and policy advising, he bridges theory and practice, aiming to provide replicable, inclusive planning frameworks. His research agenda continues to impact not just academia, but also real-world urban governance and infrastructure development strategies.

🛠 Skills 

Professor Shahraki brings a rare blend of technical, managerial, and academic skills. His engineering foundation allows him to design and manage infrastructure projects, including roads, housing, water systems, and urban transportation networks. As a strategic planner, he excels in spatial planning, GIS mapping, and regional development analysis. He is also proficient in urban sustainability metrics and environmental impact assessments. His work on digital villages and smart cities shows his fluency in integrating ICT into planning frameworks. He is a multilingual communicator, fluent in English, Swedish, Farsi, and Baluchi, which enhances his global academic collaborations. As a teacher and mentor, he is known for guiding doctoral and graduate students through complex research projects. His leadership in major urban projects reflects strong organizational and policy advising abilities. Whether in the classroom, field, or policy arena, his toolkit is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical implementation across multicultural, interdisciplinary environments./0258

Publications Top Notes📚

Progressing urban development and life quality simultaneously
🔹 Citations: 42
🔹 Year: 2016

Sustainable regional development through knowledge networks
🔹 Citations: 26
🔹 Year: 2019

Urban planning for physically disabled people’s needs with case studies
🔹 Citations: 30
🔹 Year: 2021

Renovation programs in old and inefficient neighborhoods of cities with case studies
🔹 Citations: 16
🔹 Year: 2022

Tourism development techniques in the urban master plan
🔹 Citations: 18
🔹 Year: 2022

Planning of transportation infrastructure networks for sustainable development with case studies in Chabahar
🔹 Citations: 13
🔹 Year: 2023

Urban planning and design in unauthorized neighborhoods using case studies
🔹 Citations: 16
🔹 Year: 2017

House building techniques for achieving sustainable development goals
🔹 Citations: Not available yet
🔹 Year: 2024

Supplying water in hydro-drought regions with case studies in Zahedan
🔹 Citations: 12
🔹 Year: 2019

Managing urban wastewater to fight the pandemic of COVID-19 effectively
🔹 Citations: Not available yet
🔹 Year: 2022

 

Charles Sprouse III | Integral Ecology | Best Faculty Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Charles Sprouse III | Integral Ecology | Best Faculty Award

Doctor at Benedictine College, United States

Dr. Charles Edward Sprouse III is an accomplished academician and researcher specializing in mechanical engineering and physics. With expertise in sustainability, life cycle assessment, and integral ecology, he has significantly contributed to environmental stewardship and emissions reduction technologies. His research in low-temperature power cycles and organic Rankine cycles has gained widespread recognition, influencing academia and industry. As a dedicated educator, Dr. Sprouse has mentored 21 student research projects, some of which have won prestigious awards. His professional affiliations include ASME, ASEE, and SAE, reflecting his deep engagement with the engineering community. With 21 peer-reviewed journal publications and 46 completed research projects, he continues to advance engineering solutions for energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction. Dr. Sprouse’s commitment to integrating technology with sustainability principles makes him a leading figure in mechanical and environmental engineering research.

Professional Profiles📖

Education  🎓

Dr. Sprouse holds advanced degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering, equipping him with a strong interdisciplinary foundation for addressing complex engineering challenges. His academic journey includes rigorous training in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and sustainable energy systems. Throughout his studies, he developed expertise in waste heat recovery, emissions control, and renewable energy technologies. His research explored environmental impacts in energy applications, leading to groundbreaking innovations in organic Rankine cycles. Dr. Sprouse actively participated in academic societies, earning memberships in Pi Tau Sigma (ΠΤΣ) and Tau Beta Pi (ΤΒΠ), prestigious engineering honor societies. His education has laid the foundation for his impactful career in both academia and industry, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. His commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in his continuous contributions to engineering research, education, and sustainability initiatives.

Experience 🏢

With a diverse and impactful career, Dr. Sprouse has made significant contributions as a researcher, educator, and consultant. At Benedictine College, he has taught 21 engineering courses, covering fundamental and advanced topics in mechanical engineering. His mentorship of 21 student research projects has led to award-winning work in sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Dr. Sprouse’s research has focused on waste heat recovery, emissions abatement, and energy-efficient power cycles, leading to 21 journal publications and over 46 research projects. His consultancy experience spans life cycle assessment, sustainability planning, and thermofluidic system monitoring. Industry collaborations have allowed him to bridge academic research with real-world applications, particularly in solar energy, geothermal energy, and automotive emissions reduction.

His commitment to engineering education and research innovation has earned him recognition in professional societies like ASME, ASEE, and SAE. Through his experience, he continues to drive advancements in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Dr. Sprouse’s excellence in research, teaching, and environmental innovation has been recognized through multiple awards and honors. He has guided two student projects that won the Dr. Wangari Maathai Discovery Awards for outstanding contributions to sustainability, environmental justice, and women’s equality.

His co-authored research on waste heat recovery using organic Rankine cycles was the most downloaded article in mechanical engineering in 2013, among approximately 20,000 eligible works. This recognition highlights the significance of his contributions to energy efficiency and emissions control.

Dr. Sprouse’s professional impact is further acknowledged through memberships in Pi Tau Sigma (ΠΤΣ), Tau Beta Pi (ΤΒΠ), ASME, ASEE, and SAE, reflecting his influence in mechanical engineering and academia. His work continues to shape sustainability-focused engineering practices, bridging research with industry innovation.

Skills💡

Dr. Sprouse possesses a diverse skill set that seamlessly integrates engineering expertise, sustainability analysis, and academic mentorship. His technical proficiency spans thermodynamics and heat transfer, with a specialization in waste heat recovery and low-temperature power cycles. He is well-versed in life cycle assessment (LCA), allowing him to evaluate the environmental impact of energy and industrial systems. His expertise in computational modeling and simulation enables him to conduct in-depth energy efficiency analyses, while his knowledge of renewable energy systems encompasses solar, geothermal, and alternative energy applications. Additionally, he is highly skilled in sustainability planning, providing consultancy on eco-friendly designs and emissions reduction strategies. Beyond his technical acumen, Dr. Sprouse excels in academic and research-oriented skills, including technical writing and publishing, with 21 peer-reviewed journal articles to his credit. He is also a dedicated mentor and educator, guiding students in research projects and engineering concepts. His industry collaborations further highlight his ability to bridge academic research with real-world applications, driving engineering solutions for a more sustainable future.

Research Focus🔬

Dr. Sprouse’s research is centered on sustainability, waste heat recovery, and energy-efficient power cycles. His expertise in low-temperature power cycles, particularly organic Rankine cycles (ORCs), has led to significant advancements in thermal pollution reduction and natural refrigerant applications.

His work in environmental impact assessment integrates life cycle analysis (LCA) to ensure long-term sustainability in renewable energy systems, deep geothermal energy, and MW-scale solar arrays. He also explores integral ecology and emissions abatement, developing technologies to minimize the environmental footprint of energy production.

A key focus of his research is automotive and industrial emissions reduction, where he has introduced an aftertreatment device that filters particulate matter while recovering heat for supplementary power generation. His findings have been widely cited and have influenced an increase in commercial ORC technology applications.

Dr. Sprouse remains committed to bridging engineering innovations with environmental responsibility, driving research that contributes to clean energy solutions.

Conclusion✅

Publications Top Notes📚

“Integral Ecology Approach to Life Cycle Assessment of Solar Arrays”​

Journal: Solar Compass​

Publication Date: March 2025​

DOI: 10.1016/j.solcom.2024.100104​

Citations: As of April 2, 2025, specific citation metrics are not available.​

“Review of Organic Rankine Cycles for Internal Combustion Engine Waste Heat Recovery: Latest Decade in Review”​

Journal: Sustainability​

Publication Date: February 26, 2024​

DOI: 10.3390/su16051924​

Citations: As of April 2, 2025, specific citation metrics are not available.​

“A Critical Survey of Environmental Content in United States Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Curricula”​

Journal: Sustainability​

Publication Date: June 21, 2021​

DOI: 10.3390/su13126961​​

Citations: As of April 2, 2025, specific citation metrics are not available.​

“Advancing Pervious Pavements through Nomenclature, Standards, and Holistic Green Design”​

Journal: Sustainability​

Publication Date: September 2020​

DOI: 10.3390/su12187422​

Citations: As of April 2, 2025, specific citation metrics are not available.