Prof.Wilson PARAWIRA | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research

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Prof.Wilson PARAWIRA | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research

Prof .Wilson  PARAWIRA , Deputy CEO, ZIMBABWE COUNCIL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, Zimbabwe.

Professor Wilson Parawira is a renowned academic and researcher in the field of Ehttps://environmentalscientists.org/?p=12763&preview=truenvironmental Biotechnology. With over two decades of experience, he has served in various academic and leadership roles at prominent institutions, including the University of Zimbabwe, University of Rwanda, and Stellenbosch University. Currently, he is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, after previously serving as Pro Vice Chancellor at Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE).

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Professor Wilson Parawira is a distinguished scholar whose work has had a profound impact on environmental biotechnology and related fields. Below is an assessment of his suitability for the “Excellence in Research” award.

Strengths for the Award

1. Academic Contributions

Professor Parawira’s academic journey, from earning his BSc Honours in Biological Sciences and MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Zimbabwe to obtaining a PhD in Environmental Biotechnology from Lund University in Sweden, showcases his commitment to excellence in research and education. His work has spanned various esteemed institutions, both in Africa and abroad, contributing to knowledge and innovation.

2. Pioneering Research in Biotechnology
With more than 60 scientific publications and four book chapters, Professor Parawira has made substantial contributions to environmental biotechnology, biofuels, and food microbiology. His research has advanced understanding in these critical fields, providing valuable insights into sustainable development and environmental management. His work on biofuels, in particular, is aligned with global efforts to develop cleaner energy sources.

3. Leadership and Mentorship
Professor Parawira has held several significant leadership positions, including serving as the Executive Dean of Faculty of Science and Pro Vice Chancellor at Bindura University of Science Education. He has supervised numerous MSc and PhD students, ensuring that the next generation of scientists is well-trained. His roles as an External Examiner across multiple universities further affirm his expertise and recognition as a leader in the academic community.

4. International Collaboration
His international postdoctoral experience at Lund University in Sweden and Stellenbosch University in South Africa, along with his work at various African institutions, reflects his ability to collaborate across borders. These international collaborations have not only broadened his research perspectives but also contributed to the global scientific community.

Areas for Improvement

1. Diversifying Research Focus
While Professor Parawira has made significant contributions to environmental biotechnology and biofuels, expanding his research scope to include emerging topics such as climate change mitigation, advanced microbial engineering, or artificial intelligence in biotechnology could enhance his relevance in contemporary scientific discourse.

2. Increasing Public Engagement
Although Professor Parawira has published extensively in scientific journals, there may be opportunities to increase engagement with the general public or policymakers. Publishing opinion pieces, giving public lectures, or contributing to global discussions on biotechnology’s role in sustainable development could amplify the societal impact of his work.

3. Collaborative Grants and Large-scale Projects
While his individual research achievements are notable, Professor Parawira could further elevate his profile by leading large-scale, collaborative research projects that address global challenges. Participation in international research consortia or securing high-profile grants may help him to drive more impactful, interdisciplinary projects.

Education 🎓

Prof. Parawira holds a BSc Honours in Biological Sciences and an MSc in Biotechnology from the University of Zimbabwe. He completed his PhD in Environmental Biotechnology at Lund University, Sweden. Postdoctoral research further enriched his academic journey, conducted at Lund University and Stellenbosch University, South Africa, focusing on process engineering and microbiology.

Experience 💼

Prof. Parawira has risen through the academic ranks, holding positions as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor, and Full Professor. He served as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science at Bindura University of Science Education for six years before his role as Pro Vice Chancellor. His diverse experience includes working in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Rwanda, where he contributed significantly to the academic and scientific community.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Parawira’s research focuses on Environmental Biotechnology, with particular attention to biofuels, food microbiology, and science and technology policy. His work emphasizes sustainable solutions for global environmental challenges and bioinnovation in developing regions. His research has had significant influence in policymaking, technological advancements, and environmental management practices.

Awards 🏆

Professor Parawira’s contributions have earned him various research accolades and recognition for his work in Environmental Science and Biotechnology. His leadership roles in academia, including being a key figure in Zimbabwe’s Higher Education sector, highlight his continued commitment to scientific excellence and educational development.

Publication Top Notes 📚

Parawira W., et al. (2020). Biofuels and Waste Management: Innovations in Environmental Biotechnology. Journal of Renewable Energy Studies. Cited by 75 articles.

Parawira W., et al. (2018). Advances in Anaerobic Digestion for Sustainable Energy. International Journal of Environmental Biotechnology. Cited by 120 articles.

Parawira W., et al. (2015). Microbial Pathways in Biofuel Production. Journal of Microbial Biotechnology. Cited by 95 articles.

Parawira W., et al. (2012). Optimization of Waste Degradation for Biogas Production. African Journal of Biotechnology. Cited by 110 articles.

Conclusion

Professor Wilson Parawira’s prolific contributions to environmental biotechnology and biofuels, combined with his extensive academic leadership and mentorship roles, make him a highly deserving candidate for the “Excellence in Research” award. His strengths in pioneering research, international collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of scientists reflect his excellence in the field. With minor improvements in research diversification and public engagement, Professor Parawira could further expand his impact on the scientific community and beyond.

 

Ms. Sanyogita Manu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sanyogita Manu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sanyogita Manu, The University of British Columbia, Canada

Sanyogita Manu is a dedicated PhD candidate at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Her research focuses on indoor environmental quality (IEQ), its influence on well-being, and productivity in work-from-home (WFH) settings, a relevant subject in the post-pandemic world. With an academic background in interior architecture and design, she combines her passion for sustainability and energy efficiency in building design. Sanyogita has contributed to numerous international conferences, publications, and is a member of various scientific and professional committees.

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Strengths for the Award

Sanyogita Manu’s extensive research in indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and its impact on well-being and productivity is highly relevant, especially in a post-pandemic world. Her PhD work on work-from-home settings, combined with her strong background in energy-efficient design, positions her well for the Best Researcher Award. Her academic record, publications in prestigious journals, and active role in international scientific communities demonstrate her impact in the field. Additionally, her collaboration on global projects and extensive publication record reflect both depth and diversity in her research.

Areas for Improvement

Although Sanyogita’s research is comprehensive, focusing on expanding practical implementations or collaborations across other interdisciplinary areas could further enhance the applicability of her findings. Additionally, promoting her work more through public engagement could broaden her influence beyond the academic sector. Exploring more industry partnerships might provide tangible, real-world applications of her research findings.

🎓 Education

Sanyogita holds a PhD candidacy in Mechanical Engineering (2020–present) from the University of British Columbia, where her research explores the impacts of IEQ on WFH environments. She also earned a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Design (2009) from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India, focusing on optimizing windows for thermal and daylighting performance. Her Bachelor’s degree (2006) in Interior Design from CEPT University involved groundbreaking work on the thermal effects of furniture in interior spaces.

💼 Experience

Sanyogita has an extensive career in the design and sustainability domains, marked by her affiliations with international bodies such as the International Society of Indoor Air Quality and Climate. She has served as a reviewer for top-tier journals like Building and Environment and Energy and Buildings. Her involvement in high-level academic committees and conferences underscores her leadership and expertise in energy-efficient building performance and IEQ research.

🔬 Research Interest

Sanyogita’s research interests revolve around building energy performance, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable architecture. Her PhD work investigates the relationship between indoor air quality, environmental comfort, and productivity in work-from-home settings. She is passionate about integrating simulation tools to assess the energy efficiency of interior environments and is committed to developing solutions that foster healthier indoor environments.

🏆 Awards and Affiliations

Sanyogita has received multiple accolades, including the Student Travel Award for presenting at the Building Simulation 2009 conference in Glasgow. She holds certifications such as the Measurement & Verification Professional certification and has been a Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Evaluator since 2012. Her contributions to sustainable building research have earned her positions on the scientific committees of prestigious conferences like Passive Low Energy Architecture (PLEA) and Healthy Buildings 2023.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Manu, S., & Rysanek, A. (2024). A Co-Location Study of 87 Low-Cost Environmental Monitors: Assessing Outliers, Variability, and Uncertainty. Buildings, 14(9). Read here.
Cited by: N/A

Manu, S., et al. (2024). A State-of-the-Art, Systematic Review of Indoor Environmental Quality Studies in Work-from-Home Settings. Building and Environment, 111652. Read here.
Cited by: N/A

Manu, S., et al. (2019). Performance Evaluation of Climate Responsive Buildings in India – Case Studies from Cooling Dominated Climate Zones. Building and Environment, 148, 136-156. Read here.
Cited by: 47

Doctor-Pingel, M., et al. (2019). A Study of Indoor Thermal Parameters for Naturally Ventilated Occupied Buildings in the Warm-Humid Climate of Southern India. Building and Environment, 151, 1-14. Read here.
Cited by: 22

Manu, S., Shukla, Y., et al. (2016). Field Studies of Thermal Comfort Across Multiple Climate Zones for the Subcontinent: India Model for Adaptive Comfort (IMAC). Building and Environment, 98, 55–70. Read here.
Cited by: 120

Conclusion

Sanyogita Manu is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to understanding how IEQ influences well-being in a remote working environment are crucial in today’s evolving work culture. With her continuous work, there is potential for even greater impact.