Wafa Adel Alhalabi | Cretaceous Vertebrate Fossil | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr. Wafa Adel Alhalabi | Cretaceous Vertebrate Fossil | Women Researcher Award

Research Assistant at Sao Paulo University, Brazil

Wafa Adel Alhalabi is a Syrian-Brazilian paleontologist and biologist born in Damascus on May 14, 1980. With a lifelong passion for ancient life and environmental conservation, she holds a Ph.D. in Paleontology from the University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil. Her multidisciplinary background bridges paleobiology, environmental management, and biological sciences. Wafa’s career spans continents and cultures, from conducting fieldwork in the Middle East to managing water laboratories in West Africa. She has made significant contributions to the recovery and analysis of vertebrate fossils from Syria, Brazil, and other regions. A dynamic lecturer, mentor, and science communicator, she has been a keynote speaker and active participant in numerous global conferences. Fluent in Arabic, English, Portuguese, and conversant in Spanish and French, Wafa exemplifies cross-cultural scientific engagement. Her mission is not only to uncover prehistoric life but also to inspire and empower women in science through active involvement in educational outreach and scientific events.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus

Google Scholar

ORCID

🎓 Education

Wafa Alhalabi holds a Ph.D. in Paleontology (2017–2021) from the University of São Paulo (USP), where her doctoral research provided a detailed review of appendicular skeleton characters in early dinosaur phylogenies, supervised by Dr. Max Cardoso Langer. She earned a Master’s degree in Environmental Management (2006–2008) through a joint program between Damascus University (Syria) and Poitiers University (France), focusing on risk analysis in public waste sites. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology (1999–2004) from Damascus University, where she developed foundational expertise in ecological systems and biodiversity. This interdisciplinary training has enabled her to work across both environmental and paleontological research domains. Wafa’s educational path reflects her commitment to merging environmental stewardship with the historical understanding of Earth’s life forms, equipping her to tackle modern scientific challenges with a deep-time perspective.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Wafa Alhalabi’s professional experience spans research, environmental consultancy, teaching, and lab management. From 2022 to 2024, she worked as a fossil preparator and curator at the Laboratory of Paleontology, University of São Paulo (USP), handling delicate vertebrate specimens. Since 2018, she has served as Lab Manager at Liberlab Water Analysis Laboratory in Liberia, West Africa, managing environmental diagnostics. Between 2008 and 2016, she worked as an environmental consultant and biologist for ELARD across the Arab region. Her teaching roles include co-advising student projects on crocodyliform and dinosaur anatomy, and delivering short courses on fossil preparation. Wafa has also participated extensively in outreach initiatives, including the creation of Syria’s first geopark and organizing science education events like Darwin Day and “Ready to be a Scientist”. Her international experience in research and management uniquely positions her as a scientific leader bridging paleontology and environmental science.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Wafa Alhalabi has earned significant recognition in paleontological and scientific circles. She was a keynote speaker at the 5th Paleontological Virtual Congress in March 2025, and a lecturer at prestigious events such as the XXVIII Brazilian Congress of Paleontology and the Global Scientific Congress on Geology & Earth Science in Dubai. As head of the scientific community for the 2023 Regional Meeting of the Brazilian Society of Paleontology (Paleo SP), she showcased leadership in scientific coordination. Wafa also earned the role of organizer and participant in numerous educational science outreach initiatives like “Jurassic Holidays” and Darwin Day in Brazil. She has represented her research across Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, gaining accolades for both scientific rigor and public engagement. Her continued peer-review work for journals like The Journal of Oman Studies and International Journal of Avian & Wildlife Biology further underscores her standing in the scientific community.

🔬 Research Focus

Wafa Adel Alhalabi specializes in vertebrate paleontology with a focus on Mesozoic and Cenozoic reptiles from Syria and South America. Her doctoral work delved into comparative phylogenetics of early dinosaurs, providing a taxonomic and anatomical framework for future studies. Through the “Recovering Lost Time in Syria” project, she has brought to light rare fossil records—including abelisaurid dinosaurs, stereogenyini turtles, and elasmosaurids—highlighting Syria’s untapped paleontological potential. She also contributes to projects on crocodyliforms, early ornithischians, and micro-remains from Peru. Beyond taxonomy, her work emphasizes conservation paleobiology, fossil preparation techniques, and science diplomacy. She is deeply invested in reviving Syrian paleontology amidst geopolitical challenges, bridging academic collaboration between Brazil and the Middle East. Wafa’s broader research ethos incorporates environmental management, seeking to understand past ecosystems to inform present-day ecological restoration and sustainability.

🛠️  Research Skills

Wafa Alhalabi brings a wide array of technical and interpersonal skills to her multidisciplinary roles. Her laboratory expertise includes fossil preparation, curation, CT data processing, and anatomical reconstruction using Amira and Avizo software. She is proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and advanced MS Office applications, essential for scientific visualization and documentation. Her programming capabilities in R enable her to analyze morphometric and phylogenetic datasets. Linguistically, she is fluent in Arabic, English, and Portuguese, with basic proficiency in Spanish and French—ideal for international collaboration. She excels in field research, lab management, and science communication. Her leadership experience spans organizing conferences, mentoring students, and fostering public science literacy. With years of consultancy in environmental diagnostics and water analysis, she bridges biology, geology, and sustainability. These combined capabilities make her a versatile scientist with both the depth and agility to tackle complex interdisciplinary challenges.

✅ Conclusion 

Dr. Wafa Adel Alhalabi is an outstanding multidisciplinary woman researcher whose scientific achievements, international collaborations, cultural outreach, and dedication to underrepresented regions make her exceptionally suitable for a Women Researcher Award. Her contributions not only fill major gaps in Syrian paleontology but also embody the transformative power of cross-cultural science.

Her candidacy aligns strongly with the goals of such an award: recognizing women who break barriers, promote inclusivity, and contribute meaningfully to global science. 🌍🦖👩‍🔬

Publications Top Notes📚

🦕 Recovering lost time in Syria: New Late Cretaceous (Coniacian–Santonian) elasmosaurid remains from the Palmyrides mountain chain
📅 Year: 2024
🔢 Citations: 0

🐜 First fossil insect from Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber in Syria (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
📅 Year: 2015
🔢 Citations: 17

🧱 New outcrop of amber from Lebanon and Syria
📅 Year: 2012
🔢 Citations: 3

🦖 Comprehensive review of phylogenetic characters in early dinosaurs – Preliminary results
📅 Year: 2021
🔢 Citations: 0

Muhammad Shahid | Fossil Studies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Zoology Honour

Dr. Muhammad Shahid | Fossil Studies | Best Researcher Award

Post Doc at KFUPM, Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Shahid is an accomplished researcher specializing in Energy Systems Engineering with extensive expertise in integrated energy modeling, renewable energy, and sustainable energy planning. He holds a PhD from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, and is currently pursuing a Post-Doctorate at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia. With a professional background that spans over a decade, Dr. Shahid has contributed significantly to research on energy security, energy demand forecasting, and environmental emissions reduction. He has authored and co-authored numerous research publications in high-impact ISI-indexed journals and has been actively involved in national energy planning projects in Pakistan. His work is focused on developing sustainable energy pathways using advanced simulation tools like LEAP and TIMES. Recognized with awards and certifications, he has also served in key roles in both academia and industry, contributing to energy policy development and renewable energy integration.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Muhammad Shahid has a strong academic background in the field of Energy Systems Engineering. He completed his PhD in Energy Systems Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. His doctoral research focused on integrated energy modeling and sustainable energy planning. Prior to his PhD, he obtained his Master’s degree in Energy Systems Engineering from the same institution, where he developed expertise in renewable energy technologies and energy management systems. Dr. Shahid began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, which provided him with a solid foundation in technical and analytical skills essential for energy research. He has also enhanced his qualifications through various professional certifications and specialized training programs related to energy modeling, energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration. His educational accomplishments reflect a consistent passion for sustainable energy solutions and have prepared him to address complex energy challenges at both national and international levels.

Professional Experience

Dr. Muhammad Shahid possesses extensive professional experience in both academia and industry, focusing primarily on energy systems and renewable energy planning. He has worked as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, NUST, where he taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in energy systems, energy management, and environmental sustainability. In addition to his academic role, he has served as a research consultant for several energy projects in collaboration with government agencies and international organizations. Currently, he is pursuing a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, where he is involved in advanced research on energy modeling, energy transition strategies, and climate change mitigation. His professional experience also includes policy advisory roles, energy auditing, and participation in multi-disciplinary research teams. His work experience demonstrates a unique blend of teaching, research, consultancy, and project management within the rapidly evolving energy sector.

Research Interest

Dr. Muhammad Shahid’s research interests lie primarily in the areas of integrated energy systems modeling, renewable energy technologies, sustainable energy planning, and energy policy development. He is particularly focused on energy transition pathways, energy security enhancement, and environmental impact assessment using advanced simulation tools such as LEAP (Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning) and TIMES (The Integrated MARKAL-EFOM System). His research aims to provide policy-relevant insights for optimizing energy systems in developing countries, addressing issues like energy demand forecasting, renewable energy integration, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Additionally, Dr. Shahid is interested in exploring smart energy solutions, climate change mitigation strategies, and innovative renewable technologies such as solar PV, wind, and biomass energy systems. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed international journals and has presented his work at various national and international conferences. His research vision aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

Award and Honors

Dr. Muhammad Shahid has received several awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of energy systems engineering and renewable energy research. He was awarded a prestigious Post-Doctoral Fellowship at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, acknowledging his expertise and research excellence. Additionally, he has been honored with research productivity awards and certificates of appreciation from NUST for his significant publication record and impactful research work. Dr. Shahid’s research articles have been published in renowned ISI-indexed journals, earning him recognition within the international research community. He has also been invited as a guest speaker and session chair at various conferences and seminars, further demonstrating his leadership in the field. His work on energy modeling and policy analysis has been appreciated by both academic and government institutions, making him a respected figure in the energy research community.

Conclusion

Dr. Muhammad Shahid is a distinguished energy systems expert with a rich academic and professional background in sustainable energy solutions. With a PhD from NUST and a Post-Doctorate from KFUPM, he has established himself as a dedicated researcher and educator in the fields of renewable energy, energy modeling, and environmental sustainability. His professional journey reflects a perfect balance of teaching, research, and consultancy, contributing significantly to national and international energy planning and policy development. His research interests, focusing on integrated energy systems, energy transition, and climate change mitigation, have led to valuable contributions to scientific literature and practical energy solutions. Dr. Shahid’s achievements have earned him several prestigious awards and honors, highlighting his commitment to excellence and innovation. As the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems, Dr. Shahid’s expertise and vision continue to play a vital role in addressing global energy challenges and fostering sustainable development.

Publications Top Notes

  • Energy security and renewable energy policy analysis of Pakistan
    Authors: T. Aized, M. Shahid, A.A. Bhatti, M. Saleem, G. Anandarajah
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 237

  • Electricity supply pathways based on renewable resources: A sustainable energy future for Pakistan
    Authors: M. Shahid, K. Ullah, K. Imran, I. Mahmood, A. Mahmood
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 63

  • LEAP simulated economic evaluation of sustainable scenarios to fulfill the regional electricity demand in Pakistan
    Authors: M. Shahid, K. Ullah, K. Imran, A. Mahmood, M. Arentsen
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 46

  • Assessment of long-term energy and environmental impacts of the cleaner technologies for brick production
    Authors: A. Abbas, M.B. Sajid, M.A. Iftikhar, A.H. Khoja, M.M. Ahmad, M. Shahid, K. Ullah
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 35

  • Economic and environmental analysis of green transport penetration in Pakistan
    Authors: M. Shahid, K. Ullah, K. Imran, N. Masroor, M.B. Sajid
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 21

  • The long-term forecast of Gilgit Baltistan (GB)’s electricity demand
    Authors: A. Hussain, K. Ullah, U. Perwez, M. Shahid
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 14

  • Emission reduction energy model of Punjab: A case study
    Authors: R. Nasir, S.R. Ahmad, M. Shahid
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 11

  • Techno-Economic Analysis of Distributed Generation for Microgrid Application Using HOMER Pro
    Authors: M. Kamran, M. Bilal, M. Mudassar, M. Shahid
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 10