Marjan Kamyabi | sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Marjan Kamyabi | sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Tourism, Cyprus International University, Turkey 

Dr. Marjan Kamyabi is a passionate tourism scholar and lecturer currently serving at Cyprus International University. With a solid background in tourism marketing and accessibility, she brings over a decade of academic and industry experience across Iran, North Cyprus, and the Eastern Mediterranean. Dr. Kamyabi has contributed to inclusive tourism studies and has actively guided postgraduate students on diverse research topics. Her work reflects a deep commitment to accessible tourism, sustainable travel, and market development, making her a dynamic contributor to global tourism research and education. 🌍📚✈️

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🎓 Education

Dr. Kamyabi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman (2007–2012) 🎓. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Tourism Marketing at Qeshm Higher Education Institute (2012–2014), graduating with distinction. Her academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in Tourism from Eastern Mediterranean University (2017–2022), where she investigated challenges in accessible tourism for people with disabilities in North Cyprus. Her multilingual abilities—Persian 🇮🇷 (native), English 🇬🇧, and Turkish 🇹🇷—enhance her global research engagement.

💼 Experience

Dr. Kamyabi has held a diverse range of academic and professional roles. She is currently a Lecturer at Cyprus International University (2022–present), previously served as a Research Assistant at Eastern Mediterranean University (2017–2022), and was a Lecturer at Azad University and Payamenoor University in Kerman (2014–2016). In earlier years, she contributed to the hospitality and tourism industry as a Tour Guide, Flight Counter Agent, and Hotel Manager, enriching her practical understanding of the field. 🏨🗺️👩‍🏫

🔬 Research Interest

Dr. Kamyabi’s research interests span Accessible Tourism, Tourism Marketing, Sustainable Destination Development, and Consumer Behavior. She specializes in exploring how tourism experiences can be more inclusive, particularly for people with disabilities. Her Ph.D. thesis focused on North Cyprus as a case study for identifying infrastructural gaps and opportunities in accessible tourism, using robust analytical methods like ANOVA and regression models. 📊🌱🧳

🏆 Awards

While formal awards are not listed, Dr. Kamyabi’s recognition stems from her scholarly impact, conference contributions, and research supervision. Her leadership in postgraduate theses and active participation in international conferences highlight her academic excellence and dedication to the advancement of tourism science. 🥇🎓🌟

📄 Publications

An Investigation of the Challenges Faced by the Disabled Population and the Implications for Accessible Tourism: Evidence from a Mediterranean DestinationSustainability, Vol. 14, Issue 8 (2022), Cited by 7 articles.
🔹 Impacts of Gambling on Students’ Life: Case of Eastern Mediterranean University – A Grounded Theory ResearchJournal of Travel and Tourism Research, Vol. 13 (2018).
🔹 Ecotourism, Geopark in Persian Gulf: Challenges and Development Strategies (Qeshm Island)Journal of Advance in Environmental Biology (July 2014).
🔹 A Review on Eco-tourism Potentials: A Case Study of Kerman-IranJournal of Advance in Environmental Biology (Nov 2014)

Conclusion

Marjan Kamyabi’s academic achievements, particularly in accessible tourism and ecotourism, make her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to addressing practical issues in tourism, along with her strong publication record, showcases her potential to drive change in the field. With continued growth in research diversity and increased global academic engagement, she is on a promising path to further success in academia.

Prof.Wilson PARAWIRA | Environmental Science | Excellence in Research

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.