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.

Maryam Fazlollahi Mohammadi | Soil and Macro Fauna | Zoology Honour Awards

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Dr. Maryam Fazlollahi Mohammadi | Soil and Macro Fauna | Zoology Honour Awards

Lecturer at South East Technological University, Ireland

Dr. Maryam Fazlollahi Mohammadi is an accomplished forestry researcher and lecturer with a strong background in ecosystem ecology and biodiversity. She earned her BSc and MSc from Tehran University and completed her PhD in Forestry at Tarbiat Modares University in 2016, graduating first in her class. Her doctoral research focused on topographic impacts on forest ecosystems, particularly in the Hyrcanian forests. Maryam has since held academic positions in Iran and Ireland, including postdoctoral research at University College Dublin (UCD) and a current lecturer role at South East Technological University (SETU). Her work contributes significantly to understanding forest dynamics, soil-vegetation interactions, and carbon modeling. Dr. Fazlollahi is known for her collaborative projects, teaching excellence, and contributions to environmental sustainability. 🌍🌲📚

Professional Profiles📖

Education 🎓📚

Maryam obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Forestry from Tehran University, Iran, with a strong emphasis on forest ecology and land management. Her Master’s studies explored forest biodiversity, while her PhD research at Tarbiat Modares University (2016) investigated how topography and landscape features influence forest ecosystems—particularly tree regeneration, herbaceous layers, and soil quality—in the Hyrcanian forest region. Her research was pioneering in identifying natural regeneration patterns linked to soil traits and topography. She ranked 1st in her PhD cohort, a testament to her academic excellence and dedication. She also undertook part of her PhD research at the University of Torino, Italy, collaborating on soil carbon research with Dr. Daniel Said-Pullicino. Recently, she has expanded her skills through the QQI-accredited project management course for postdocs. 📖🌿🌎

Experience 🏥🔍

Maryam has extensive teaching and research experience in both Iranian and Irish academic settings. She began her career lecturing at Iranian universities, teaching ecology, soil science, and agricultural systems. As an occasional lecturer at UCD, she contributed to modules like Forest Climate and Carbon, supporting undergraduate learning through lectures, quizzes, and lab design. Her postdoctoral work at UCD focused on forest carbon dynamics as part of the Terrain-AI project, funded by SFI and Microsoft, involving collaboration with multiple universities. Since December 2022, she has been a Forestry Lecturer at SETU, engaging in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, fieldwork, and student supervision. She maintains active collaborations across UCD, UL, UCC, and industry stakeholders. Her background bridges research and practice in forest management and climate mitigation. 🌲🧪📊

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

Dr. Maryam Fazlollahi Mohammadi has received several notable recognitions throughout her academic career. She ranked first in her PhD cohort at Tarbiat Modares University, a testament to her academic excellence. She was awarded an international research mobility grant by Iran’s Ministry of Science and Technology, facilitating collaborative research on soil carbon dynamics at the University of Torino, Italy. As a postdoctoral researcher on the prestigious Terrain-AI project—funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and Microsoft—she contributed to cutting-edge forest carbon modeling. At South East Technological University (SETU), she supervises multiple research theses, supporting student-led inquiry and applied learning. She also completed a QQI-accredited project management course for postdoctoral researchers. Dr. Fazlollahi has consistently been recognized for the timely and high-quality delivery of academic and administrative responsibilities. She serves as a reviewer for leading journals such as Catena, Ecological Research, and Scientific Reports, and has developed forest management training materials used across Northern Iran.

Research Focus 🔬🧪

Dr. Fazlollahi’s research spans forest ecology, biodiversity, and environmental modeling. Her work explores how topography, soil conditions, and landform shape influence forest regeneration and species distribution, particularly in mixed-species ecosystems like the Hyrcanian forests. She is an expert in spatial ecology and has contributed to innovative soil-carbon mapping and topographic modeling. As a core researcher on the Terrain-AI project, she focuses on linking management interventions with forest carbon fluxes to support climate mitigation. Her research outcomes support practical forestry decisions, from silviculture planning to policy advising. Her interdisciplinary collaborations extend into agroforestry, biodiversity conservation, and remote sensing integration. She actively works with stakeholders like Coillte, DAFM, and private forestry bodies to apply scientific insights to policy and practice. 🌳📈🌎

Skills 🛠️📊

Dr. Maryam Fazlollahi Mohammadi possesses a diverse and robust skill set that supports her academic, research, and professional endeavors. She is proficient in analytical tools such as MATLAB, R, and SPSS 📊, enabling her to conduct complex statistical analyses and data modeling. Her expertise in GIS and spatial analysis includes hands-on experience with ArcGIS and remote sensing technologies 🗺️. She has completed QQI-certified postdoctoral training in project management 📋, enhancing her ability to lead and coordinate interdisciplinary research projects. Dr. Fazlollahi is also adept in using research and academic tools like EndNote, GS+, and EXPERT CHOICE 🔬. Her teaching skillset includes integrating digital platforms such as Brightspace and Moodle and automating assessments via Google Sheets 💻. In the field and laboratory, she excels in soil sampling, vegetation surveys, and developing lab protocols 🌱. Her strong verbal and written communication 📢, multilingual fluency in English and Farsi 🗣️, and excellent organizational and collaborative abilities 🤝 ensure the timely and high-quality execution of both academic and outreach responsibilities.

Publications Top Notes📚

 

Impact of Management practices on stand-level carbon balance in Irish forests
Source: Irish Forestry
Year: 2022
Citations: Not available

Fine-scale topographic influence on the spatial distribution of tree species diameter in old-growth beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) forests, northern Iran
Source: Scientific Reports, Nature
Year: 2022
Citations: Not available

The effect of landform on soil microbial activity and biomass in a Hyrcanian oriental beech stand
Source: CATENA
Year: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2016.10.006
Citations: 40+

Tree species composition, biodiversity and regeneration in response to catena shape and position in a mountain forest
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Forest Research
Year: 2017
DOI: 10.1080/02827581.2016.1193624
Citations: 30+

Slope gradient and shape effects on soil profiles in the northern mountainous forests of Iran
Source: Eurasian Soil Science
Year: 2016
DOI: 10.1134/s1064229316120061
Citations: 20+

Using the Analytical Network Process (ANP) based on BOCR Model to select the most suitable region for forestation with almond species
Source: Nusantara Bioscience
Year: 2015
DOI: 10.13057/nusbiosci/n070210
Citations: 15+

The influence of landform on the understory plant community in a temperate Beech forest in northern Iran
Source: Ecological Research
Year: 2015
DOI: 10.1007/s11284-014-1233-3
Citations: 25+

Adaptive Strip Sampling in Forest Inventory of Scattered Species of Ulmus glabrain Hyrcanian Forests Northern Iran
Source: Nusantara Bioscience
Year: 2015
Citations: 10+

Cost Price and Quality Evaluation of Seedlings in Public and Private Nurseries (Case Study: Pistacia Atlantic Avarmutica and Populus nigra in Zaghe and Kalantari Nurseries of Lorestan Province)
Source: Iranian Journal of Forest
Year: 2014
Citations: 5+

Qualitative and Financial Evaluation of Public and Private Forest Nurseries; Case study of Southern Zagros forests, Iran
Source: Bioscience
Year: 2014
Citations: 5+

Selection of the Most Suitable Species for Forestation in Southern Zagros Forests Using AHP & TOPSIS Techniques
Source: Ecology of Iranian Forest Journal
Year: 2014
Citations: 10+