Rifeng Guo | Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Mr. Rifeng Guo | Agriculture | Research Excellence Award

Graduate Student | The University of Inner Mongolia Agricultural University | China

This study introduces an advanced mechanized approach to improve transverse trenching efficiency for 1 document Salix psammophila sand barrier applications in desert environments. By developing a layered discrete element model incorporating spherical, elongated, and prismatic particles, the research accurately captures the complex behavior of sandy soil under varying moisture and cohesion conditions. Using a Box–Behnken experimental design, optimal structural parameters—specifically a soil-cutting angle of 30° and a helix angle of 20.37°—were identified to enhance soil interaction and conveying performance. Further system-level optimization determined ideal operational conditions, significantly improving trenching depth, soil compactness, and insertion stability while reducing torque requirements. The findings establish a novel interaction mechanism between auger geometry and sandy soil dynamics, offering scalable, efficient solutions for mechanized desertification control.

Featured Publications

Chi Mai Do | Irrigation | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Chi Mai Do | Irrigation | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Adelaide University | Australia

Dr. Chi Mai Do is an accomplished plant scientist and biotechnology researcher whose work bridges horticultural innovation, genetic diversity, and sustainable agricultural practices. With a strong academic background in plant science, biotechnology, and horticulture, she has focused her research on the pre-breeding of Indigenous Australian crops, genetic resistance in cereals, and crop improvement for resilience and sustainability. Her professional journey includes research and technical roles at the University of Adelaide, Athena IR-Tech, Magnus Kahl Seeds, and the United Nations Development Programme, where she contributed to green supply chain development and low-carbon agricultural strategies. Her research extends across plant tissue culture, precision irrigation, and genetic marker development, emphasizing data-driven approaches to enhance crop productivity and environmental adaptability. Dr. Chi Mai Do has co-authored several influential publications in international journals and contributed to national horticultural initiatives supporting Indigenous food programs and crop breeding innovation. Beyond research, she serves as an editorial board member of the New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science and volunteers with programs fostering early-career researcher development across Asia-Pacific institutions. Known for her multidisciplinary expertise, she integrates field research, biotechnological tools, and policy engagement to strengthen sustainable agrifood systems, supporting both scientific advancement and community-based agricultural growth.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Guevara-Torres, D. R., Luo, H., Do, C. M., Ostendorf, B., & Pagay, V. (2025). Improving the accuracy of seasonal crop coefficients in grapevine from Sentinel-2 data. Remote Sensing, 17(19), 3365.

Tran, D. N., Do, C. M., Le, H. T., & Do, P. M. (2021). Assessment on the potentials for a green and sustainable dragon fruit supply chain in Binh Thuan province in Vietnam (No. IC. 2020-09-42). United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Dunker, B., Waycott, M., Faast, R., Carragher, J., Jiranek, V., Delaporte, K., Betteridge, A., Calladine, A., Clarke, P., Conran, J., Mai Do, C., Puglisi, C., Sundstrom, J., Weinstein, P., Wilkinson, K., & Lowe, A. (2019). Final report: The Indigenous Food Program, a project in partnership with The Orana Foundation. University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Do, C. M., Pagay, V., Delaporte, K. L., & Schultz, C. J. (2018). Salinity tolerance of muntries (Kunzea pomifera), a native food crop. HortScience, 53(11), 1562–1569.

Do, C. M., Panakera-Thorpe, L. C., Delaporte, K. L., Croxford, A. E., & Schultz, C. J. (2017). Genic simple sequence repeat markers for measuring genetic diversity in a native food crop: A case study of Australian Kunzea pomifera F. Muell. (muntries). Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 1–21.

Do, C. M., Delaporte, K. L., & Schultz, C. J. (2017). Benchmarking study of quality parameters of Rivoli Bay selection of Kunzea pomifera (muntries): A new Indigenous crop from Australia. Scientia Horticulturae, 219, 287–293.

Joseph Train | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Mr Joseph Train | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student, University of Guelph, Canada 🌍

Joseph Train is a highly skilled engineering professional specializing in water resources and civil infrastructure. Based in Toronto, ON, Joseph has developed strong expertise in GIS, AutoCAD, and machine learning techniques applied to environmental engineering challenges. He is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Science in Engineering at the University of Guelph. With a hands-on background in both academic and industry settings, Joseph’s work bridges theoretical knowledge and practical engineering solutions for sustainable water systems.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓

Joseph holds a Master of Applied Science in Engineering from the University of Guelph (May 2023 – Dec 2024), where he is conducting a thesis on remotely monitoring drinking water treatment plants in isolated Indigenous communities. He received the Morwick Scholarship in Water Resources Engineering, valued at $20,000, for his dedication to conserving and protecting water resources. Joseph also earned his Bachelor of Water Resources Engineering with Co-op from the same institution (Sept 2018 – April 2023), laying the foundation for his deep understanding of water systems and infrastructure.

Experience 💼

Joseph has gained extensive experience through various roles in both academic and professional settings. As a Teaching Assistant at the University of Guelph, he has assisted with courses in Hydrology, Applied Differential Equations, and Design I & II, providing feedback and guiding students through complex design projects. His Engineering Assistant position at Greenland International Consulting Ltd. allowed him to contribute to site plans, implement LIDs, and research environmental impacts of wastewater treatment plant expansions. Additionally, his role as an Engineering Intern Student at the Regional Municipality of Peel enabled him to define sewerage borders and collect crucial water infrastructure data.

Research Interests 🔬

Joseph’s research interests focus on water resources engineering, particularly in the context of remote monitoring technologies for drinking water treatment plants in isolated communities. His research aims to improve access to clean water in Indigenous communities by predicting water advisories before they occur. He is also interested in the application of machine learning techniques to optimize infrastructure planning and management.

Awards & Positions 🏅

Joseph has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to both academic and extracurricular activities. He was awarded a signed letter from the Dean of Engineering for his volunteer work at the University of Guelph’s engineering recruitment events. Joseph also serves as the VP of Finance for the Graduate Engineering Society and has taken on the role of Bicycle Repair Coordinator for the Central Student Association at the University of Guelph.

Publications Top Notes📚

Joseph has contributed to research related to water resources engineering, particularly focused on monitoring and management systems. Some of his works include his ongoing thesis on the efficacy of remote monitoring of drinking water treatment plants. Below are links to his publications:

“Determining the Efficacy of Remotely Monitoring Drinking Water Treatment Plants” (2024, University of Guelph)
Cited by source.

“Predicting Drinking Water Advisories Using Remote Technology” (2023, Journal of Water Resources Engineering)
Cited by source.

Conclusion

Joseph Train possesses the skills, experience, and dedication necessary to be considered a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His commitment to using engineering solutions to address critical environmental challenges, particularly in water resources, sets him apart. With continued growth in research dissemination and broader academic engagement, Joseph has the potential to make significant contributions to the field, making him well-suited for this prestigious recognition.