Sarah Freeman | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Sarah Freeman | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sarah Freeman at Emory University | United States

Dr. Sarah Slocum Freeman, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine (since September 2024) and a Doctoral Board Certified Behavior Analyst (#1-13-14435, certified since 2013) with extensive expertise in autism intervention, severe behavior, and professional training. She has been affiliated with the Marcus Autism Center since 2018, serving as a clinician in the Complex Behavior Support Program, Program Manager of the Transition Program since 2022, and more recently as Postdoctoral Resident Training Coordinator and Provider Mentorship Director in 2025. Her prior academic appointments include Practicum Coordinator and Visiting Assistant Professor at Rollins College (2015–2018) and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University (2018–2024). She previously held leadership roles at the University of Florida as Associate Clinical Director of the Behavior Analysis Research Clinic (2013–2015). Dr. Freeman earned her B.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2010, an M.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2013, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2016, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Rollins College (2015–2016). She has advanced numerous training and administrative programs at Marcus Autism Center, including serving as Program Manager of the Master’s and Ph.D. Program in Applied Behavior Analysis with the University of Georgia (2022–2025), chairing the Severe Behavior Department Research Mentorship Program (2019–2022), co-directing the Applied Behavior Analysis Postdoctoral Training Program (2021–2023), and leading the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (2025–present). A dedicated advocate for professional standards, she has served as Treasurer of the Association for Behavior Analysis International Challenging Behavior Special Interest Group since 2021 and held leadership roles in the Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis, including President in 2023. She has also contributed to state licensure efforts through committee work since 2019. Dr. Freeman is a frequent reviewer for major journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (since 2013), Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities (since 2019), and Education and Treatmen

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Slocum, S. K., & Tiger, J. H. (2010, May). Developing an assessment of sensitivity to and preference for forward and backward chaining strategies. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

Scheitauer, M. C., Tiger, J. H., Mevers, J. L., & Slocum, S. K. (2011, May). Assessing preference for choice-making opportunities with college students. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Barlow, K., Tiger, J. H., Slocum, S. K., & Miller, S. J. (2011, May). Comparing mand-training efficiency with selection-based and topography-based communication systems. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Scheitauer, M. C., Tiger, J. H., & Slocum, S. K. (2011, May). Descriptive and experimental evaluations of procedural fidelity failures of parents implementing differential reinforcement of alternative behavior in the treatment of problem behavior. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Slocum, S. K., Miller, S. J., & Tiger, J. H. (2012, May). An evaluation of the blocking procedure to teach conditional discriminations to a child with autism. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Seattle, WA.

Slocum, S. K., Zeug, N. M., Baker, C., Peters, K. P., Wunderlich, K. L., & Vollmer, T. V. (2013, May). A functional analysis of mild punishers for vocal stereotypy. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Minneapolis, MN.

Slocum, S. K., Vollmer, T. R., Whitehouse, C. W., Peters, K. P., Phillips, C. L., Radonavich, K., & Lewis, M. H. (2014, May). Developing a novel treatment for rigid inflexible behavior. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.

Jinyin Lei | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Jinyin Lei | Environmental Effects | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jinyin Lei at Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment | China

Mr. Lei Jinyin is a Researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences. He specializes in soil and water conservation, salinity control, and the efficient utilization of agricultural water resources. With a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control from Northwest A&F University, Mr. Lei has conducted impactful studies on dryland farming, soil fertility, irrigation regimes, and viticulture in the Helan Mountain region. His leadership in national and regional research projects highlights his commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring food security, and improving ecological resilience in arid regions.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mr. Lei earned his doctorate in Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control from Northwest A&F University, following a bachelor’s degree in the same field from Inner Mongolia Agricultural University. His academic background equipped him with strong expertise in land degradation, water management, and sustainable agriculture.

Experience

He has advanced his career at the Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, where he has served as Assistant Researcher, Associate Researcher, and now Researcher. He also broadened his perspective through a visiting research position at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia, which strengthened his international collaboration and expertise in agricultural resource management.

Professional Development

Mr. Lei has continuously enhanced his professional development through leadership in major research projects and collaborations. As principal investigator, he has studied soil organic carbon sequestration under changing hydrothermal conditions. He also directs projects focused on wine grape cultivation in the Helan Mountain region and contributes to studies on intercropping systems for maize and soybeans. His international research experience further expanded his outlook and collaborations. Through his project leadership, publications, and applied demonstrations, he has built expertise that integrates theory with practice, strengthening sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation while addressing the challenges of arid and semi-arid farming systems.D

Research Interests 

Mr. Lei’s research centers on soil and water conservation, efficient water use in agriculture, and strategies for salinity control in arid regions. He investigates soil organic carbon sequestration, tillage methods, soil fertility, and crop productivity in water-limited environments. His studies include irrigation management for wine grapes in the Helan Mountain region, aimed at enhancing both yield and quality. He also works on intercropping techniques to improve land use efficiency and resilience. By integrating ecological knowledge with applied agricultural practices, his research contributes to sustainable farming models that support food production while protecting fragile environments in dryland areas.

Awards and Recognitions 

Mr. Lei has authored influential works, including a monograph on land degradation and control in the Loess Plateau and several first-authored research papers on soil fertility, tillage, and irrigation. Although formal awards are not listed, his recognition is reflected through his leadership of key funded projects, impactful publications, and practical contributions to sustainable agriculture in Ningxia and beyond. His career progression from early-stage researcher to senior researcher, combined with international academic experience, demonstrates his dedication and scholarly impact. In conclusion, Mr. Lei’s achievements highlight his research leadership, valuable scientific contributions, and commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural development.

Top Noted Publications 

Title: Research on Land Degradation and Control in the Wind-Sand Area of the Northern Loess Plateau
Year: 2012

Title: Effects of Tillage Measures on Soil Aggregates and Crop Yield in Hilly Land of Southern Ningxia Mountains
Year: 2020

Title: Effects of Tillage Measures on Soil Nutrient Distribution and Fertilizer Utilization Efficiency in Sloping Farmland
Year: 2020

Title: Effects of Irrigation Regimes on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Wine Grapes in the Eastern Foothills of Helan Mountain
Year: 2021

Conclusion

Mr. Lei Jinyin’s career reflects steady growth from early-stage researcher to senior expert, marked by strong leadership in key projects, influential publications, and international collaboration. His contributions to soil and water conservation, irrigation management, and sustainable farming systems have provided both scientific insights and practical solutions for agriculture in arid regions. Although formal honors are not listed, his recognition lies in the lasting impact of his research, his role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices, and his commitment to ecological resilience. Overall, he stands out as a dedicated scholar contributing meaningfully to agricultural and environmental development.

Yuxi Liu | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Yuxi Liu | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yuxi Liu, Beijing University of Technology, China.

Publication profile

Scopus

Education and Experience

  • Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor
    Beijing University of Technology 🏫👨‍🏫
  • Recipient of National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars 🎓🏆
  • Talent Development Program
    Beijing University of Technology 🌟💼
  • Young Top Talent
    Beijing’s High-Level Teacher Team Construction 🌍👩‍🏫

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Yuxi Liu, a Professor and Ph.D. Supervisor at Beijing University of Technology, is a leading researcher in the field of environmental catalytic science. As a recipient of the Best Researcher Award, Dr. Liu’s groundbreaking work on the catalytic purification of environmental pollutants, combined with his exceptional academic contributions, positions him among the most influential scientists in his field. His prolific research, innovative approaches, and dedication to advancing science make him a highly deserving candidate for this prestigious honor.

Professional Development 

Awards and Honors

  • Recipient of National Science Fund for Excellent Young Scholars 🏆
  • Beijing University’s Talent Development Program Awardee 🌟
  • Young Top Talent in Beijing’s High-Level Teacher Team 🏅
  • World’s Top 2% Scientists (2019-2022) 🌐
  • Technical Expert in VOCs Pollution Prevention, China Environmental Protection Association 🧪
  • Over 140 SCI-indexed papers with H-index 54 📚
  • Eight National Invention Patents 🛠️
  • Author/Co-author of Five Specialized Books 📖

Publications Top Notes

  • 📄 “Pretreatment techniques in CO-SCR and NH3-SCR: Status, challenges, and perspectives” (2025) – Journal of Catalysis – 📚 
  • 🔥 “Enhanced low-temperature catalytic activity and stability in methane combustion of Pd−CeO2 nanowires@SiO2 by Pt dispersion” (2025) – Applied Catalysis B: Environmental – 📚 Cited by: 1.
  • 🎋 “Bamboo-like MnO2⋅Co3O4: High-performance catalysts for the oxidative removal of toluene” (2025) – Journal of Environmental Sciences (China) – 📚 Cited by: 8.
  • 💡 “Coupling Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production with Key Oxidation Reactions” (2024) – Angewandte Chemie – International Edition – 📚 Cited by: 4.
  • ⚙️ “Mg bulk and surface modification on Ni/Y2Ti2O7 catalyst for dry reforming of methane” (2024) – International Journal of Hydrogen Energy – 📚 
  • 🛠️ “Enhancing the resistance of single-atom and cluster catalysts in CO-SCR to water, sulfur, and oxygen via structural engineering” (2024) – Chemical Engineering Journal – 📚 Cited by: 2.

 

Proscovia Paschal Kamugisha | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Proscovia Paschal Kamugisha | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Proscovia Paschal Kamugisha, Mzumbe University,Tanzania.

Publication profile

Googlescholar

Education and Experience

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics (2015) – Sokoine University of Agriculture
  • 🎓 MSc in Agricultural Economics (2006) – Sokoine University of Agriculture
  • 🎓 BSc in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness (2002) – Sokoine University of Agriculture
  • 🏫 Head of Department – Administrative Studies (2020-2023)
  • 🏫 Head of Department – Economics (2024 – Present)
  • 📊 Core Researcher and Principal Investigator in multiple agricultural consultancy projects.

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Proscovia Paschal Kamugisha, Senior Lecturer at Mzumbe University, is an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her remarkable contributions to agricultural economics, agribusiness, and sustainable agricultural development. With an extensive academic and research career, Dr. Kamugisha has demonstrated leadership and innovation in her field, making significant strides in livestock economics, environmental economics, aquaculture economics, and supply chain management.

Professional Development 

Publications Top Notes

  • “Characterizing the Tanzanian quality beef supply chain: A case of Arusha and Dar-es-Salaam cities” (PP Kamugisha, NSY Mdoe, LA Mtenga, 2017) – Cited by 10 📋
  • “Sustainable solid waste management in developing countries: Tanzania outlook” (PP Kamugisha, SF Mhanga, 2020) – Cited by 4 🌍
  • “Public private partnerships for successful solid waste management and prospects for reducing public health risks in Kinondoni Municipality-Dar es Salaam, Tanzania” (P Kamugisha, J Ludete, S Mhanga, 2019) – Cited by 2 🏙️
  • “Evaluation of quality beef supply chain efficiency in Tanzania’s niche markets: A case study of Arusha and Dar-es-Salam cities” (PP Kamugisha, NSY Mdoe, LA Mtenga, 2017) – Cited by 2 🐄
  • “Biomass to liquefied petroleum gas cooking energy: A solution to indoor pollution ailments in Temeke Municipality, Dar-Es-Salaam” (P Kamugisha, MM Kombo, S Mhanga, 2019) – Cited by 1 🔋
  • “Quality beef supply chain efficiency and consumption in Arusha and Dar es Salaam cities, Tanzania” (PP Kamugisha, 2015) – Cited by 1 🥩

 

Balakrishna S Maddodi | Environmental | Sustainability Achievement Award

Balakrishna S Maddodi | Environmental | Sustainability Achievement Award

Dr. Balakrishna S Maddodi, Manipal Institute of Technology, India.

Publication profile

Orcid
Scopus

Education and Experience

  • 🎓 Ph.D. in Geo-informatics and Geo-evaluation Studies from Manipal Academy of Higher Education (2020).
  • 🎓 M.Phil. with distinction in Marine Geology from Mangalore University (1997).
  • 📚 26 years of experience in teaching, administration, and research.
  • 🌍 Expert in Environmental Studies, Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology, GIS, and Remote Sensing.
  • 📋 Research focused on sediment transport, river basin dynamics, and coastal morphometry.

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Balakrishna S. Maddodi, a visionary Associate Professor at the Manipal Institute of Technology, has been conferred with the prestigious Sustainability Achievement Award for his remarkable contributions to environmental sustainability, water resource management, and societal well-being. With over 26 years of experience spanning teaching, research, administration, and community service, Dr. Maddodi exemplifies excellence in fostering sustainable practices through education, innovation, and community outreach.

Professional Development 

Publications Top Notes

  • Correlation of Geotechnical and Mineralogical Properties of Lithomargic Clays in Uttara Kannada Region of South India (2024) – Geosciences (Switzerland) 🗺️ – 3 citations.
  • Sustainable options for fertilizer management in agriculture to prevent water contamination: a review (2024) – Environment, Development and Sustainability 🌱 – 34 citations.
  • Enhanced Wear Resistance in Carbon Nanotube-Filled Bio-Epoxy Composites: A Comprehensive Analysis via Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (2023) – Journal of Composites Science 🧪 – 6 citations.
  • Effect of Polypropylene Macro Fiber on Geotechnical Characteristics of Black Cotton Soil: An Experimental Investigation and Correlation Analysis (2023) – Engineered Science 🛠️ – 7 citations.
  • New polymeric and inorganic membrane materials for water separation (2023) – Modern Approaches in Membrane Technology for Gas Separation and Water Treatment 💧
  • Simulation and Experimental Analysis of L-Section in Reinforced Cement Concrete: Uncertainties in Performance and Strength (2023) – Engineering Proceedings 📏
  • Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Glass Wastes Incorporated Concrete (2022) – Engineered Science 🥽 – 6 citations.
  • Experimental and Statistical Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Green Cement Concrete – Taguchi Integrated Supervised Learning Approach (2022) – Engineered Science 🏗️ – 12 citations.

Melvin Samuel | Environmental | Environmental Innovation Award

Melvin Samuel | Environmental | Environmental Innovation Award

Dr. Melvin Samuel, Marquette University, United States.

Publication profile

Orcid
Scopus
Googlescholr

Education and Experience

  • Doctor of Philosophy – Ph.D. 🎓
    Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India – Environmental Science and Engineering, Biotechnology (2013-2016)
  • Master of Science by Research – M.S. by Research 🎓
    Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, India – Environmental Science and Engineering, Biotechnology (2010-2013)
  • Bachelor of Technology – B.Tech 🎓
    Karunya Institute of Technology & Sciences, India – Biotechnology (2006-2010)
  • Senior Research Analyst 📊
    Marquette University, USA (2022-present)
  • Research Associate 🧑‍🔬
    University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA (2018-2022)
  • Science and Policy Advisory Committee Member 🏛️
    Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc. (2018-2022)
  • Project Assistant 🔬
    Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India (2018)
  • Post-Doctoral Research Fellow 👨‍🔬
    Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India (2016-2018)

Suitability For The Award

Dr. Melvin Samuel is highly suitable for the Environmental Innovation Award, given his remarkable contributions to environmental science, particularly in developing groundbreaking solutions for water purification and contaminant degradation. His research has focused primarily on the mitigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a persistent environmental and public health concern, showcasing his commitment to creating innovative methods for pollution control and water treatment.

Professional Development 

Awards and Honors 

  • Patent: United States Provisional Patent for antibacterial and anti-biofilm hygiene coatings for water systems 🏅
  • Patent: GO/Cu3(BTC)2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic properties 🏅
  • Patent: Metal-organic framework composite for removing environmental contaminants 🏅
  • Certification: Biosafety/Biosecurity & Risk Management valid until 2026 🎖️
  • Certification: Data Security and Privacy, Chemical Hygiene, and Microbiology Lab Safety 🔐

Publications

  • 🛠️ Effect of heat treatment on microstructure and high-temperature wear performance of additive manufactured IN718 – Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 2024, cited by 0.
  • 💧 Enhanced perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) degradation by electrochemical activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS) during electrooxidation for water treatment – Science of the Total Environment, 2024, cited by 3.
  • 🌊 A comprehensive review of the challenges and opportunities in microalgae-based wastewater treatment for eliminating organic, inorganic, and emerging pollutants – Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 2024, cited by 2.
  • 🌱 Green energy breakthroughs: Harnessing nano-catalysts and enzymatic catalysts for bioenergy generation – Industrial Crops and Products, 2024, cited by 1.
  • 🌿 Ammonia production from microalgal biosystem: Present scenario, cultivation systems, production technologies, and way forward – Fuel, 2024, cited by 0.
  • ⚛️ Advancement in integrated ammonia synthesis, and its techno-economic analysis, emission index, and contribution to the hydrogen 2.0 economy – Fuel, 2024, cited by 3.
  • 🌍 Production and utilization of green ammonia for decarbonizing the energy sector with a discrete focus on Sustainable Development Goals and environmental impact and technical hurdles – Fuel, 2024, cited by 20.
  • 📏 Graphene materials in pollution trace detection and environmental improvement – Environmental Research, 2024, cited by 6.

Prof Dr. Costel Samuil| Environment Protection Award | Excellence in Research

Prof Dr. Costel Samuil| Environment Protection Award | Excellence in Research

Prof Dr. Costel Samuil , Iasi University of Life Sciences, Romania

Costel Samuil is a distinguished professor and academic leader in the field of agronomy, specializing in grassland management, forage crops, and environmental protection. 🌱 With a solid educational background and extensive experience at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV) in Iasi, Romania, he has contributed significantly to education, research, and project management throughout his career.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Google Scholar

Orcid

📚 Education and Expertise:

Costel Samuil holds a Ph.D. in agronomy from USAMV Iasi, with expertise in botany, agrochemistry, soil science, ecology, and forage crops. His research focuses on topics such as environmental protection, grassland productivity, organic farming, and the conversion of grassland types.

🌱 Academic Career:

Since 1993, Costel Samuil has held various teaching and research positions at USAMV Iasi, progressing from junior assistant to professor. His roles have involved extensive teaching, research supervision, and academic management, including serving as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture from 2016 to 2020.

📝 Publications and Projects:

Costel Samuil is a prolific author, having authored and co-authored numerous textbooks, books, and scientific papers on grassland management and forage production. His research contributions have been published in prestigious journals and presented at international conferences.

🌍 International Engagement:

Throughout his career, Costel Samuil has been actively engaged in international collaborations, including participation in training courses, scholarships, and projects funded by organizations like the World Bank, Leonardo da Vinci, and SCOPES Switzerland. He has contributed to advancing agricultural practices and sustainability both locally and internationally.

🌱 Professional Affiliations:

Costel Samuil is affiliated with several professional and scientific societies, including the European Grassland Federation and the Romanian Society of Grassland. His involvement underscores his commitment to advancing agricultural sciences and environmental sustainability.

Publication Top Notes :

Influence of the management on the phytocoenotic biodiversity of some Romanian representative grassland types

Citation -36

Tehnologii de agricultură ecologică

Citation -28

The productivity and quality of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Romanian forest steppe

Citation -25

Neophyte invasion in Moldavia (eastern Romania) in different habitat types

Citation -25

Influence of Fertilizers on the Biodiversity of Semi-natural Grassland in the Eastern Carpathians

Citation -23