Hee Kyung Park | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Hee Kyung Park | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Post-master’s Researcher | Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology | South Korea

Ms. Hee Kyung Park is a Master’s Degree Researcher at the Department of Environmental Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, whose work focuses on the quantitative risk assessment and safety management of next-generation clean energy systems. Her research emphasizes decarbonized fuels such as hydrogen and ammonia, exploring their combustion behavior, explosion risks, and fire dynamics through both experimental and computational methods. She has conducted extensive studies involving cone calorimetry, toxicity testing, and fire dynamics simulation to enhance safety protocols in energy infrastructure. Her recent publications in leading KCI and SCI(E) journals address crucial topics, including consequence analysis of hydrogen leakage accidents, ammonia fuel risk evaluation in combined cycle power plants, and semi-quantitative safety management frameworks using the Bow-tie method. Additionally, she has contributed to major national research projects developing hydrogen turbine combustor testing methods and retrofitting technologies for gas turbines co-firing hydrogen. Through her interdisciplinary approach integrating thermal engineering, safety systems, and computational risk analysis, Ms. Hee Kyung Park plays a key role in advancing safer, sustainable, and high-efficiency energy technologies that align with global carbon neutrality goals. Her expertise and scholarly output, reflected in 15 citations by 14 documents across 8 publications with an h-index of 3, continue to contribute significantly to the evolution of hydrogen and ammonia-based energy systems within industrial safety and environmental research domains.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid 

Featured Publications

Park, H. K. (2023, November). Consequence analysis on the leakage accident of hydrogen fuel in a combined cycle power plant: Based on the effect of regional environmental features. Journal of Hydrogen and New Energy.

Park, H. K. (2024, January). Experimental investigation on the measurement performance of high-speed ultrasonic wave thermometry in ambient- and high-temperature environments. Applied Thermal Engineering.

Park, H. K. (2024, April). Semi-quantitative risk assessment using Bow-tie method for the establishment of safety management system of hydrogen fuel storage facility in a combined cycle power plant. Journal of the Korean Society of Safety.

Park, H. K. (2024, April). Analysis of damage impact range according to the NG/NH3 mixing ratio when applying ammonia as fuel for a combined cycle power plant using an ALOHA program. Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas.

Park, H. K. (2024, March). Fire dynamics and evacuation simulation study on the library adapting BIPV based on the experimental data of a cone calorimeter. The Korean Institute of Fire Science & Engineering.

Lucia Camelia Pirvu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher | National Institute for Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research and Development | Romania

Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu is a distinguished biochemist, doctor in chemistry, and senior researcher in pharmaceutical biotechnology, with nearly three decades of scientific expertise in developing herbal medicines and plant-derived products. Her research bridges chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology, focusing on the design, extraction, and analytical characterization of bioactive compounds from vegetal biomass. She has successfully coordinated numerous interdisciplinary projects exceeding four million euros in funding, advancing innovations in medicinal, agricultural, cosmetic, and hygiene formulations. Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu work emphasizes pre-pharmacological screening of natural products, particularly targeting oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Her prolific scientific output includes over forty indexed publications in internationally recognized journals such as International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Plants, Antibiotics, and Foods, where she explores bioactivity, metabolic effects, and therapeutic potential of natural compounds through in vitro and in silico approaches. She is also the author of several specialized books and book chapters published internationally, highlighting the integration of polyphenols and herbal extracts into modern therapeutic and protective products. With 18 patents and patent applications, Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu has contributed significantly to developing innovative vegetal formulations with antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-protective effects. Her research excellence is reflected by 402 citations across 362 documents, 51 published works, and an h-index of 12. Dr. Lucia Camelia Pirvu scientific leadership and creative application of natural bioresources demonstrate her commitment to sustainable pharmaceutical innovation and the advancement of phytochemical research for human and environmental health.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Researchgate 

Featured Publications

Cristea, S., Perisoara, A., Tihăuan, B. M., Ene, M. D., Constantin, M., Florea, A. M., Ivan, E. S., Zala, R. C., Purcăreanu, B., Mihaiescu, D. E., & Pirvu, L. (2025). In vitro evaluation of the antifungal activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract and its potential application in plant protection. Plants, 14(21), 3320.

Pirvu, L., Stefaniu, A., Nita, S., Radu, N., & Neagu, G. (2025). In silico and in vitro analyses of strawberry-derived extracts in relation to key compounds’ metabolic and anti-tumor effects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(8), 3492.

Marian, T., Radu, N., Voicescu, M., Nistor, C. L., Pirvu, L., Mihaila, M., & Bostan, M. (2025). Preliminary biological assessments of some algae basis biomaterials. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 13(2), 318.

Albisoru, D., Radu, N., Pirvu, L., Stefaniu, A., Băbeanu, N., Stoica, R., & Mihai, D. P. (2024). Studies regarding antimicrobial properties of some microbial polyketides derived from Monascus strains. Antibiotics, 13(11), 1092.

Stefaniu, A., Neagu, G., Albulescu, A., Radu, N., & Pirvu, L. (2024). In silico comparison of quantum and bioactivity parameters of a series of natural diphenyl acetone analogues; in vitro Caco-2 studies on three main chalcone derivatives. Symmetry, 16(10), 1383.

Jennifer Goldstein | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jennifer Goldstein | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor | California State University | United States

Dr. Jennifer Goldstein is a distinguished scholar, educator, and leader whose career bridges research, practice, and policy in education. She earned her doctorate in Administration and Policy Analysis with a minor in Sociology at Stanford University and began her academic path with a degree in Social Sciences from the University of California, Berkeley. Her professional journey includes faculty appointments at Baruch College, City University of New York, and her current role as Professor of Educational Leadership at California State University, Fullerton, where she also served as Department Chair. She has directed innovative programs such as Leadership Education for Anaheim Districts and has held leadership roles with the California Office to Reform Education. Dr. Jennifer Goldstein research examines teacher evaluation, peer review, distributed leadership, and university-district partnerships for leadership preparation. Her published works, including books, peer-reviewed articles, and policy briefs, contribute significantly to debates on accountability, equity, and professionalism in education. She has been invited to speak nationally, consulted for teacher unions and educational organizations, and collaborated on major grants and research-practice partnerships. Her teaching spans doctoral, master’s, and credential programs, emphasizing leadership development, instructional practice, and equity-focused preparation. Recognized with numerous honors for scholarship, teaching, and service, she also contributes through editorial and reviewing roles for leading journals and presses. Beyond academia, she is active in community service, civic engagement, and interfaith initiatives, reflecting her commitment to equity and justice both in schools and society. Her career embodies a blend of rigorous scholarship, transformative leadership, and engaged citizenship.

Profile: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Goldstein, J. (2004). Making sense of distributed leadership: The case of peer assistance and review. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 26(2), 173–197.

Goldstein, J. (2007). Easy to dance to: Solving the problems of teacher evaluation with peer assistance and review. American Journal of Education, 113(3), 479–508.

Goldstein, J. (2010). Peer review and teacher leadership: Linking professionalism and accountability. Series on School Reform. Teachers College Press.

Goldstein, J. (2005). Debunking the fear of peer review: Combining supervision and evaluation and living to tell about it. Journal of Personnel Evaluation in Education, 18(4), 235–252.

Goldstein, J., Lozano, M., & Panero, N. S. (2025). Metabolizing the challenges to partnership: Partner learning in a university-district partnership for leadership preparation. Journal of Research on Leadership Education, 20(1), 32–58.

 

Yue Xin | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yue Xin | Environmental Science| Best Researcher Award

Lecturer, Taizhou university, China

Yue Xin (月欣), is a plant molecular biology researcher with deep expertise in stress-resistance genetics. Currently affiliated with Taizhou University, she has made significant contributions to understanding gene function in woody plants under environmental stress, especially lead (Pb) toxicity. Her research integrates advanced bioinformatics, transgenic technologies, and multi-omics to support sustainable forestry and ecological remediation. 📚🌿

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Yue Xin pursued her academic journey at Nanjing Forestry University, beginning in the Outstanding Talent Class in Forestry (2014–2018) where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She then advanced directly into an integrated master’s and doctoral program (2018–2024), focusing on Forest Genetics and Breeding, where she developed core expertise in plant biotechnology, population genetics, and quantitative trait analysis. 🧬🌱

💼 Professional Experience

During her doctoral studies, Yue Xin engaged in diverse research activities involving multiple species including willow, poplar, ginkgo, crabapple, pine, nanmu, tobacco, and Arabidopsis thaliana. Her methodologies include gene cloning, tissue culture, transient transformation, SNP/SSR marker-assisted breeding, and phenological observations. She conducted germplasm surveys at major Chinese botanical centers and actively participated in conferences like the China Forestry Academic Conference and the Graduate Academic Forum. 🌲🔬

🔬 Research Interest

Yue’s research centers on molecular mechanisms of abiotic stress resistance in plants, particularly the response of woody species like Salix integra (willow) to lead (Pb) contamination. Her doctoral thesis explored gene regulatory networks and transcription factors (especially NAC family) through multi-omics analysis and transgenic validation. Her work aims to enhance plant tolerance for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. 🧪🌍

🏆 Awards and Honors

🥇 Dr. Yue Xin has demonstrated outstanding leadership in scientific research as the Principal Investigator of the 2023 Jiangsu Provincial Graduate Research Innovation Project, titled “Identification of NAC Transcription Factor Family in Salix integra and Its Response to Lead Stress” (KYCX23_1211). 🧪 This work delves into the molecular mechanisms of plant stress resistance, particularly under heavy metal exposure. Furthermore, she holds two utility model patents (ZL201821595087.1 & ZL201822087701.X) related to innovative biotechnological lab equipment, showcasing her practical contributions to experimental methodology. 🧾 Her expertise has been recognized through invited presentations at premier academic symposia and salons in forestry genetics and molecular biology, reinforcing her status as a rising talent in plant biotechnology.

📚 Publications

Identification of Pb-responsive GST transcripts in Salix integra and Pb tolerance of transgenic plants overexpressing SiGSTU55
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2025 | Cited by: pending
👉 Highlights gene-based lead resistance in woody plants (IF = 12.2)

Full-length transcriptome sequencing of Salix integra reveals a time series response to Pb stress
Industrial Crops and Products, 2023 | Cited by: 5
👉 Reveals dynamic gene expression under heavy metal exposure (IF = 5.9)

Transcriptome-Wide Identification of the NAC Transcription Factor in Salix integra under Pb Stress
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2023 | Cited by: 8
👉 NAC family gene expression mapped under lead stress (IF = 5.6)

Overexpression of the Ginkgo biloba WD40 gene GbLWD1-like improves salt tolerance in Populus
Plant Science, 2021 | Cited by: 11
👉 Demonstrates stress-resilient transgenic trees (IF = 5.2)

Full-length sequencing of Ginkgo biloba reveals terpenoid synthesis during seed development
Industrial Crops and Products, 2021 | Cited by: 12
👉 Links genetics with phytochemical development (IF = 5.9)

Overexpression of GbF3’H1 boosts catechin levels in transgenic Populus
Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2020 | Cited by: 18
👉 Enhances plant-based antioxidants via gene engineering (IF = 6.1)

🏁 Conclusion

Yue Xin is a highly qualified and promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her comprehensive research training, interdisciplinary approach, impressive publication record, and leadership in impactful environmental biotechnology projects mark her as a standout early-career researcher. With continued expansion into international networks and broader grant success, she is poised to become a leading figure in plant molecular stress research and sustainable environmental solutions.

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni | Ecology and Conservation | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni | Ecology and Conservation | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni, General Manager: Scientifc Services, South African National Parks, South Africa

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni, renowned for her expertise in Ecology and Conservation, has been honored with the prestigious Women Researcher Award. Serving as the General Manager of Scientific Services at South African National Parks, she exemplifies dedication to biodiversity preservation and sustainable practices. Dr. Maruping-Mzileni’s leadership underscores her commitment to advancing ecological research and fostering conservation initiatives. Her contributions are pivotal in shaping environmental stewardship in South Africa and beyond. 🌿🏆

Profile

Google Scholar

Academic Record

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni has a rich academic background spanning over a decade, culminating in a DTech in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University of Technology. Her research journey began with a BSc in Zoology and Ecology from St. Francis Xavier University, Canada, followed by an Honors BSc in Wildlife Management and an MSc in Wildlife Management from the University of Pretoria. Her doctoral work focused on the emergence of bovine tuberculosis in lions at Kruger National Park, South Africa, from 2011 to 2015. 🦁 Her expertise extends to reintroducing captive-bred cheetahs into the wild, demonstrating a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and management.

Work Experience

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni brings a wealth of expertise to her role as General Manager of the Cape and Arid Research Units at South African National Parks. With a career spanning from ecological consulting to regional ecology, she excels in coordinating biodiversity conservation research across national parks. Her leadership emphasizes adaptive management principles, ensuring effective science-management interfaces. Previously a lecturer and research manager, she has nurtured future conservationists through training and mentoring. Dr. Maruping-Mzileni’s contributions extend globally, shaping conservation strategies and fostering a deep understanding of wildlife management. 🌿🔬

Teaching Experience

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni offers a range of specialized diploma and BTech courses focused on environmental conservation and wildlife management. The curriculum includes diverse programs such as Nature Conservation, Ecotourism Management, and Wildlife/Game Ranch Management. These courses are designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge essential for preserving biodiversity and managing natural resources sustainably. Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni’s dedication to education in these fields ensures that graduates are prepared to tackle current and future challenges in conservation and ecotourism 🌿🦒.

Research Achievements

Dr. Nkabeng Thato Maruping-Mzileni’s research illuminates critical insights into the dynamics of African wildlife. 🦁 Her recent study explores the impact of ecological factors on Roan Antelope populations in Mokala National Park, South Africa, highlighting the intricate balance between environmental drivers and species survival. Previous works delve into diverse aspects of wildlife ecology, including disease transmission in lions, spatial patterns of large cats, and shifts in lion prey selection. 🌍 Through her comprehensive approach, Dr. Maruping-Mzileni contributes significantly to our understanding of biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management in African savannas.

Relevant Field skills

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni brings a wealth of experience in Conservation Biology, spanning diverse regions like Canada, Namibia, and South Africa. 🌍 Her expertise includes telemetry, Cybertracker, CMore, and extensive surveys—both aerial and ground-based—focusing on various animal and vegetation surveying techniques. She specializes in the capture and monitoring of large, free-roaming mammals such as cheetahs, leopards, lions, rhinos, and various African ungulates. 🦁🦏 Dr. Maruping-Mzileni also excels in vegetation surveys, encompassing woody and herbaceous plants, plant taxonomy, classification, dynamics, and phenology. Additionally, her skills extend to captive animal care and handling, including species like vervet monkeys, chacma baboons, spotted hyenas, and more. 🌿

Community Engagement and Outreach

Dr. Nkabeng Maruping-Mzileni brings a wealth of experience and passion to her roles across various platforms. As a former board member of the International Wildlife Fellowship Foundation 🌍, her focus on promoting sustainable wildlife use for biodiversity conservation is evident. She also actively engages with the Next Einstein Forum, advocating for science and inspiring Lesotho’s youth since 2015 🧬. At the National University of Lesotho, she shares her expertise, emphasizing science as a catalyst for development 🎓. Her contributions to The Conversation Africa from 2014 to 2019 highlight her commitment to bridging scientific research with public awareness on conservation 📚.

Publications Top Notes

Livestock predation and its management in South Africa: A scientific assessment

Spatio-temporal separation between lions and leopards in the Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

State-shifts of lion prey selection in the Kruger National Park

Uncovering hidden states in African lion movement data using hidden Markov models

Ecological drivers of female lion (Panthera leo) reproduction in the Kruger National Park

Effects of the number of people on efficient capture and sample collection: A lion case study

Spatial patterns of large African cats: a large‐scale study on density, home range size, and home range overlap of lions Panthera leo and leopards Panthera pardus

The implications of large home range size in a solitary felid, the Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Horizontal disease transmission in lions from behavioural interfaces via social network analysis

The ephemeral pans of Gras-Holpan: Mokala National Park, Northern Cape, South Africa

The re-introduction of captive bred cheetah into a wild environment, Makulu Makete Wildlife Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa