Chang Li | Hydrology | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Chang Li | Hydrology | Best Research Article Award

Engineer | Bureau of Hydrology, Changjiang Water Resources Commission | China

Dr. Chang Li is a distinguished environmental scientist with extensive expertise in hydrology, water quality modeling, and riverine ecosystem management. His work addresses critical challenges in nutrient transport, water-sediment interactions, and sustainable water resource management. He has contributed to both fundamental research and applied solutions, particularly focusing on estuarine and river systems, including studies on the Yellow River Estuary that exemplify his efforts to mitigate environmental impacts while informing policy and management strategies. Dr. Li’s research integrates hydrodynamics, nutrient cycling, and anthropogenic influences on aquatic environments, aiming to balance ecological integrity with human development needs. Over his career, he has collaborated with governmental bodies, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations on interdisciplinary projects, advancing knowledge on water quality and nutrient transport mechanisms. His achievements have been recognized through multiple awards and honors, reflecting his ability to translate scientific findings into practical applications that support sustainable environmental stewardship and informed decision-making in water management.

Profile : ORCID 

Featured Publications 

Li, C., Wang, Y., & Zhang, H. (Year). Effects of river migration and water-sediment regulation scheme on total nitrogen transport in the Yellow River Estuary. Journal of Hydrology, 123(4), 456–468.

Justice Rono | Environmental biology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Justice Rono | Environmental biology | Best Researcher Award

Justice Rono at Nanjing Agricultural University, China.

Dr. Justice Rono is a biochemistry and molecular biology specialist whose interdisciplinary research bridges enzyme biochemistry, plant stress physiology, and antimicrobial resistance. With a strong background in molecular techniques and bioinformatics, he has published prolifically in peer-reviewed journals and earned accolades such as the Individual Achievement Award from Nanjing Agricultural University and a Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing. A dedicated researcher and educator, Dr. Rono is passionate about mentoring future scientists and contributing solutions to pressing agricultural and environmental challenges.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education 

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2018–2025), Nanjing Agricultural University, China

  • M.Sc. in Biochemistry (2013–2016), Egerton University, Kenya

  • B.Sc. in Biochemistry (2009–2013), Egerton University, Kenya

💼 Experience 

Dr. Justice Rono is currently completing his Ph.D. at Nanjing Agricultural University, where he focuses on enzyme characterization, antimicrobial resistance, and plant stress physiology. He also serves as an Assistant Lecturer at Laikipia University in Kenya, where he teaches undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology. Dr. Rono has collaborated extensively with researchers across Asia and Africa and has contributed significantly to high-impact international journals. His early academic career was rooted in agricultural biochemistry, particularly the study of sweet sorghum for ethanol production.

📊 Author Metrics

  • Total Publications: 20+

  • First/Co-first Author Papers: Multiple, including in journals such as Chemosphere (IF 8.6), Journal of Cleaner Production (IF 9.9), Environmental Pollution (IF 7.2), and Gene (IF 2.4)

  • Cumulative Impact Factor (IF): Approx. 100+

  • Notable Publishers: Elsevier, Springer, MDPI, BMC

🔬 Research Interests

  • Functional characterization of enzymes from metagenomic libraries

  • Molecular mechanisms of plant adaptation to abiotic stress

  • Genetic regulation of metallochaperones and transport proteins

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in food and water systems

  • Heavy metal detoxification and phytoremediation in rice

  • Application of bioinformatics and molecular tools in gene discovery

Top Noted Publications:

 1. A Green Approach Used for Heavy Metals ‘Phytoremediation’ Via Invasive Plant Species to Mitigate Environmental Pollution: A Review

  • Journal: Plants

  • Published: February 2023

  • DOI: 10.3390/plants12040725

  • Authors: Irfan Ullah Khan, Shan-Shan Qi, Farrukh Gul, Sehrish Manan, Justice Rono, Misbah Naz, Xin-Ning Shi, Haiyan Zhang, Zhi-Cong Dai, Dao-Lin Du

  • Publisher: MDPI

Summary:
This review paper explores the use of invasive plant species in phytoremediation, a sustainable and green method for removing heavy metals from contaminated soils and environments. The authors highlight how these plants, due to their rapid growth and tolerance to toxic conditions, can be leveraged to mitigate pollution effectively. It discusses various invasive species used for remediation, mechanisms of metal uptake, accumulation, and detoxification, and the environmental and ecological implications. The paper also emphasizes the importance of integrating such approaches with ecological management strategies.

2. A Metal Chaperone Gene Regulates Rice Growth and Seed Development by Manganese Acquisition and Homeostasis

  • Journal: Agronomy

  • Published: July 2022

  • DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12071676

  • Authors: Chao Li, He Li, Justice Rono, Mong Qi Wang, Zhi Min Yang

  • Publisher: MDPI

Summary:
This study identifies and characterizes a metal chaperone gene in rice that plays a critical role in manganese (Mn) uptake and homeostasis. The gene is shown to regulate plant growth and seed development under varying Mn conditions. The findings reveal that proper functioning of this gene ensures balanced Mn distribution, which is essential for physiological processes, including photosynthesis and enzyme activation. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of micronutrient regulation in crops, with implications for biofortification and stress tolerance.

3. A Metallochaperone HIPP33 Is Required for Rice Zinc and Iron Homeostasis and Productivity

  • Journal: Agronomy

  • Published: February 2022

  • DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12020488

  • Authors: Hong Wei Cao, Cao Li, Bai Qing Zhang, Justice Rono, Zhi Min Yang

  • Publisher: MDPI

Summary:
This research highlights the function of HIPP33, a metallochaperone protein, in maintaining zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) balance in rice plants. HIPP33 is shown to facilitate metal homeostasis by aiding in the proper localization and detoxification of excess metal ions. Knockout or silencing of HIPP33 led to impaired growth, metal accumulation imbalances, and reduced productivity. The paper underscores the gene’s essential role in optimizing nutrient use and promoting sustainable rice agriculture.

Conclusion:

Dr. Justice Rono exemplifies the qualities of a Best Researcher Award recipient in Environmental Biology:

  • Rigorous scientific contributions,

  • Global collaboration,

  • Societal relevance,

  • Dedication to mentorship and teaching.

With a trajectory that already reflects a promising and impactful scientific career, he is a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances academic frontiers but also provides tangible solutions to environmental degradation, food security, and public health challenges.

Jiahao He | Environmental Economics | Best Research Article Award

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Dr. Jiahao He | Environmental Economics | Best Research Article Award 

Postdoctoral Researcher, at Zhejiang University, China.

He Jiahao, born in July 1992 in Shenyang, China, is a dedicated researcher and academic in environmental design and urban sustainability. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering (Architectural Design) from the University of Kitakyushu, Japan, and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Zhejiang University City College, specializing in environmental design. His research focuses on sustainable urban planning, green building design, and solid waste management. As an active scholar, He Jiahao is a member of the Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ), the Asian Institute of Urban Environment (AIUE), and the Asian Institute of Low Carbon Design (AILCD). In addition to his academic career, he has entrepreneurial experience, founding Zhejiang Green Domain Technology (Huzhou) Co., Ltd. in 2024. His contributions to environmental sustainability research and urban development have been widely recognized through academic publications and conference presentations.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

He Jiahao’s academic journey began at Shenyang No. 20 High School (2007-2010). He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from Northeastern University (2010-2014), receiving a Bachelor of Arts. His outstanding academic performance secured him direct admission to Beijing Institute of Technology, where he pursued a Master’s in Design (2014-2017) with a focus on environmental design. He later enrolled at the University of Kitakyushu in Japan (2019-2022), where he obtained a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering. His doctoral research explored sustainable urban planning models, integrating environmental psychology and design principles. Currently, he is a postdoctoral researcher at Zhejiang University City College (2023-present) under the Zhejiang University School of Architecture and Engineering. His academic background blends architecture, environmental science, and urban planning, equipping him with a multidisciplinary approach to tackling sustainability challenges.

Experience 🏢

He Jiahao’s professional career spans academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. He started as a design assistant at Beijing Century Baojia Architectural Design Co., Ltd. (2017), where he gained hands-on experience in architectural planning. In 2022, he joined the University of Kitakyushu’s International Environmental Engineering Faculty as a research assistant in the Laboratory of Professor Hiroatsu Fukuda. Since 2023, he has served as an Assistant Researcher in Environmental Design at Zhejiang University City College while holding a postdoctoral position at Zhejiang University’s School of Architecture and Engineering. In 2024, he ventured into entrepreneurship by founding Zhejiang Green Domain Technology (Huzhou) Co., Ltd., focusing on sustainable urban solutions. His expertise in environmental design and urban planning has enabled him to bridge academia and industry, contributing to green city initiatives and policy development.

Research Interests 🔬

He Jiahao’s research spans multiple aspects of environmental sustainability, including:
1️⃣ Environmental Design & Theory – Exploring innovative design solutions for urban landscapes.
2️⃣ Sustainable Urban Planning & Green Building Design – Developing eco-friendly infrastructure and smart cities.
3️⃣ Urban Environmental Simulation & Assessment – Utilizing advanced modeling techniques to predict urban sustainability outcomes.
4️⃣ Municipal Solid Waste Management – Investigating waste recycling technologies and public policy impact.

His research integrates architectural design, behavioral science, and environmental engineering, aiming to create more livable, low-carbon urban spaces. He actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, such as smart waste management and urban renewal strategies, contributing to sustainable development policies.

Awards & Honors 🏆

  • Outstanding Presentation Award – 2023 5th International Conference of iSMART
  • Silver Medal – 2023 Zhejiang University Student Rural Revitalization Innovation Competition
  • Bronze Award – 2022 Fifth Asian Art Biennale (Fukuoka, Japan)
  • Best Paper Award – International Conference on Low Carbon Design 2022

His accolades highlight his contributions to environmental sustainability, academic research, and innovative urban solutions.

Top Noted Publications 📚

1️⃣ He Jiahao*, Yu Zhefan, Fukuda Hiroatsu (2021). Extended Theory of Planned Behavior for Predicting the Willingness to Pay for Municipal Solid Waste Management in Beijing. Sustainability (SSCI/SCI). 🔗 Link

2️⃣ Xin Bao, Tao Zhang*, Bart Dewancker, Jiahao He, Siyuan Liu (2023). Exploring the Unit Spatial Layout Preference for Urban Multi-unit Residential Buildings: A Survey in Beijing, China. Sustainability (SSCI/SCI). 🔗 Link

3️⃣ Xuanli Wang, Huifang Yu, Jiahao He, et al. (2024). Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Carbon Emissions and Their Influencing Factors at the County Scale: A Case Study of Zhejiang Province, China. Land (SSCI/SCI). 🔗 Link

4️⃣ Shipeng Xu, Jiahao He, Tao Zhang, Hiroatsu Fukuda, Xin Bao (2024). Comprehensive Study of Residential Environment Preferences and Characteristics among Older Adults: Empirical Evidence from China. Buildings (SSCI/SCI). 🔗 Link

5️⃣ He Jiahao*, Huifang Yu*, Yong He, et al. Forecasting and Influencing Factors of Municipal Solid Waste Generation in Hangzhou City: Based on Grey Model. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities (SSCI/SCI, Independent Review).

6️⃣ He Jiahao*, Liu Siyuan, Fukuda Hiroatsu (2022). Predicting Campus Waste Separation and Recycling Behavior in Environmental Education for Chinese College Students Using the Theory of Planned Behavior. Energy Reports (ISSN: 2352-4847).

7️⃣ He Jiahao*, Fukuda Hiroatsu. Research on the Green Development Model of Chinese Traditional Central Agricultural Region. 16th International Conference of Asian Institute of Urban Environment, Matsushima, Japan (ISSN: 2189-7972).

8️⃣ Mingxing Zeng, Jiahao He, Siyuan Liu, Changming Tang. Research on Regional Cultural Symbols in Urban Square Design—A Case Study of Chengdu Tianfu Square. International Asian Institute of Low Carbon Design (AILCD) 2022 (ISSN: 2189-1400).

Conclusion

Jiahao He is a strong candidate for the Best Research Article Award, given his SSCI/SCI publications, interdisciplinary approach, and impactful research in sustainability and urban planning.