Prof. Harvey Shear | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Harvey Shear, University of Toronto Mississauga, Canada

Harvey Shear is a distinguished academic and researcher, currently serving as a professor in the Department of Geography, Geomatics, and Environment at the University of Toronto Mississauga. With an extensive career in environmental science and policy, he has made significant contributions to freshwater resource management and ecosystem health. A fluent speaker of English, French, and Spanish, Shear’s research spans multiple countries, including Canada, Mexico, and the United States. He has mentored numerous graduate students and continues to shape the field with his scientific insights.

Profile

Orcid

Based on Harvey Shear’s detailed curriculum vitae, here’s an evaluation of his strengths for the Best Researcher Award, areas for improvement, and a conclusion:

Strengths

Extensive Academic and Professional Experience: With a Ph.D. from the University of London and over two decades of experience in various high-level environmental roles, Dr. Shear has a broad range of expertise in water resource management, ecosystem health, and environmental sustainability. He has held significant positions, including Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga and Director roles at Environment Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Impactful Research and Publications: Dr. Shear has an impressive publication record, with numerous peer-reviewed articles in well-regarded journals. His work on ecosystem health indicators in the Great Lakes and other research projects related to water quality, sustainability, and pollution management reflects a strong commitment to impactful research. His contributions have received recognition, such as the Hromadka Award for outstanding scientific contributions.

International Collaboration: Dr. Shear’s collaboration with researchers from various countries, particularly in Mexico, demonstrates his global impact. He has co-authored papers with international experts and has worked on projects aimed at improving environmental management in both Canada and Mexico.

Teaching and Mentorship: His role in supervising graduate students and developing international partnerships with universities showcases his commitment to fostering the next generation of environmental scientists.

Areas for Improvement

Broader Cross-Disciplinary Research: While Dr. Shear’s work in ecosystem health and freshwater resources is highly specialized, expanding into more interdisciplinary research (e.g., integrating social, economic, and policy dimensions more deeply into his environmental work) could further enhance his impact.

Public Engagement and Communication: Given his significant academic and research background, Dr. Shear could further engage with broader public audiences, particularly through outreach or media initiatives, to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater conservation and ecosystem health.

Innovative Technologies in Research: Integrating newer technologies like machine learning or AI for environmental data analysis could advance his research and broaden its applications, offering fresh insights into water quality management.

Education 🎓

Dr. Harvey Shear earned his Ph.D. from the University of London, UK, where he conducted research on “Some Aspects of the Physiology of a Blue Green Alga.” He also holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto, where he majored in both Botany and Chemistry. His strong academic foundation has supported his significant contributions to environmental science.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Dr. Shear has held several influential roles throughout his career, including Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga since 2006. Prior to this, he served as a Regional Science Advisor and Director at Environment Canada, focusing on environmental policy and research. His career has also included leadership positions in the Fisheries and Oceans Canada department and the International Joint Commission. He continues to engage in academic teaching and research supervision.

Research Interests 🔬

Harvey Shear’s research interests include ecosystem health, sustainable water management, and the environmental monitoring of freshwater resources. His work has particularly focused on the Great Lakes, Lake Chapala in Mexico, and other aquatic ecosystems. He is also interested in water quality indices and the impacts of eutrophication and pollution on aquatic life.

Award 🏅

Dr. Shear has received numerous accolades throughout his career. Notably, he was awarded the Hromadka Award for his outstanding scientific contributions at the Ninth International Conference on Modelling, Monitoring, and Management of Water Pollution in 2008. This award highlights his significant impact in the field of environmental science and his dedication to the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.

Publication Top Notes 📑

De Anda, J., Shear, H., Maniak, U., & Riedel, G. (2000). “Preliminary phosphorus balance in Lake Chapala (Mexico).” J. Great Lakes Res., 26(2), 129-140.

Shear, H., Stadler-Salt, N., Bertram, P., & Horvatin, P. (2003). “The Development and Implementation of Indicators of Ecosystem Health in the Great Lakes Basin.” Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 88: 119-152.

De Anda, J., & Shear, H. (2013). “Hydroelectricity Plants in México and the Challenge of Sustainability.” Journal of Local Sustainable Development, 6(17).

Shear, H., & de Anda, J. (2017). “Potential of Vertical Hydroponic Agriculture in Mexico.” Sustainability, 9(1), 140-157.

Rodríguez, D. M., de Anda, J., & Shear, H. (2023). “Lake Atotonilco: A First Approach to Determining the Minimum Lake Level Necessary to Sustain Its Biodiversity.” Annals of the American Association of Geographers, pp. 1–15.

Conclusion

Dr. Harvey Shear is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to environmental science, particularly in the areas of water quality, ecosystem health, and sustainability. His long-standing career, significant body of published work, and commitment to teaching and mentorship solidify his position as a leading researcher in his field. Although there are areas for improvement, particularly in interdisciplinary collaboration and public outreach, his overall impact and ongoing contributions make him a strong candidate for this prestigious award.

Mr. Azizullah Faizi | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Azizullah Faizi, Sakarya University, Turkey

Azizullah Faizi is a PhD candidate in Economics with a passion for data analysis, particularly in panel data studies. With a wealth of experience in academia, he has delivered lectures on subjects like Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Financial Risk Management, and Monetary Policy. Faizi is also skilled in managing and coordinating educational teams, having served as the Head of the Department at the Accounting and Administration Institute in Kabul. His research explores the intersection of natural resource abundance, human capital, and economic growth, especially in developing countries.

Profile

Orcid

Azizullah Faizi demonstrates strong qualifications and a promising research profile that could make him a suitable candidate for the “Young Scientist Award.” Here’s a breakdown of his strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion:

Strengths for the Award

Strong Academic Background: Faizi holds a PhD candidacy in Economics at Sakarya University, Turkey, with a relevant thesis on the impact of natural resources on economic growth, a pressing issue in the field.

Relevant Research Focus: His research in panel data analysis, human capital, institutional quality, and economic growth is valuable, especially with his work addressing sustainable development and globalization. Publications in high-impact journals like Sustainability and Energy Policy reflect his capacity for high-quality research.

Teaching and Leadership Experience: As an Assistant Professor and Department Head, Faizi has demonstrated leadership and management skills, contributing to the academic development of students and teachers.

International Recognition: He has been awarded the YTB Scholarship by the Turkish scholarship program, highlighting his recognition at an international level.

Multilingual and Technical Skills: Faizi’s proficiency in multiple languages (English, Turkish, Urdu, Persian, and Pashto) and his technical expertise in R, Python, STATA, and EVIEWS position him well for interdisciplinary research.

Areas for Improvement

Wider Research Dissemination: While Faizi has published in prominent journals, further engagement in international collaborations or conferences could enhance his global visibility.

Broader Practical Applications: Extending his research into practical policy implementation could elevate the impact of his work on real-world issues, particularly in the context of sustainable economic growth.

Diversification of Research Topics: Exploring additional areas such as poverty reduction, education, or health economics could broaden his research portfolio and attract a wider audience.

Education 🎓

Faizi is currently pursuing his PhD in Economics at Sakarya University, Turkey, focusing on the role of human capital, institutional quality, and globalization in the relationship between natural resource abundance/scarcity and economic growth. He earned a Master’s degree in Finance & Banking Affairs from Kabul University, where he explored the effects of monetary policy on the stability of money in Afghanistan. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management from Herat University.

Experience 💼

Faizi has taught at various levels, including as an Assistant Professor at Ghazni University and as a Lecturer and Department Head at the Accounting and Administration Institute (AAI) in Kabul. He has also worked with the Deputy Ministry of Technical & Vocational Education and Training (DM-TVET) in Kabul, preparing assessment materials for accounting teachers. In addition to his academic roles, Faizi is the founder of the Humanitarian Assistances and Services Providing Organization (HASPO) NGO in Kabul.

Research Interest 🔬

Faizi’s research interests lie in the intersection of natural resource management, economic growth, and globalization. He explores the effects of human capital and institutional quality on economic outcomes, with a particular focus on how these factors influence the resource curse. His work also delves into the role of renewable energy, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability in driving economic development, particularly in the Organization of Turkic States.

Award 🏆

Faizi has been recognized with the YTB Scholarship award from the Turkish Scholarship Program for his outstanding academic achievements. This prestigious honor underscores his potential as a researcher and scholar in the field of economics.

Publication

Environmental Impacts of Natural Resources, Renewable Energy, Technological Innovation, and Globalization: Evidence from the Organization of Turkic States

Conclusion

Azizullah Faizi exhibits considerable promise as a researcher and educator, with a solid academic record, leadership experience, and impactful publications. His strengths in economic research, especially in the context of natural resources and globalization, position him well for the “Young Scientist Award.” With continued growth in international collaborations and broader research applications, Faizi could become a leading figure in the field of economics.