Kwang-Joo Moon | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Dr. Kwang-Joo Moon | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior Researcher, National Institute of Environmental Research, South Korea

Dr. Kwang-Joo Moon πŸ‡°πŸ‡· is a Senior Research Scientist in the Global Environment Research Division at the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Korea. With deep expertise in real-time monitoring of air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs), Dr. Moon has played a crucial role in shaping air quality research in Korea and beyond. His interdisciplinary work spans mobile monitoring via drones, aircraft, and vehicles, coupled with advanced statistical techniques for source apportionment. He actively contributes to cross-national projects that enhance understanding of particulate matter (PM) and GHG emissions for cleaner, healthier air. πŸŒπŸ“ŠβœˆοΈ

Profile

Orcid

Education πŸŽ“

Dr. Moon pursued both his undergraduate and doctoral studies at INHA University in Incheon, Korea. πŸŽ“ He earned his B.A. in Environmental Engineering in 2001 and continued to obtain his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering in 2014. His academic foundation reflects a strong commitment to atmospheric science, air quality management, and environmental monitoringβ€”topics that continue to guide his research and professional pursuits. πŸ§ͺπŸ“š

Experience πŸ’Ό

Dr. Moon’s distinguished career began as a Research Assistant at NIER from 2001 to 2005. He then served as a Research Scientist at Korea’s Ministry of Environment from 2006 to 2008, gaining valuable policy-level experience. From 2009 to 2020, he rejoined NIER as a Research Scientist, focusing on national air quality initiatives. 🌫️ From 2017 to 2018, he took part in a strategic offshore assignment with the Korea-China Air Quality Joint Research Team at CRAES, China. Since 2021, he has served as Senior Research Scientist at NIER, contributing to pioneering work in mobile emission monitoring and pollutant tracking. πŸš›πŸŒπŸ“‘

Research Interest πŸ”

Dr. Moon’s research primarily focuses on real-time monitoring of air pollutants and greenhouse gases using sensor networks, mobile units, and statistical models. πŸ“ˆ His expertise includes source apportionment of PM and GHGs using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) and Hybrid Receptor Models. He is highly skilled in deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mobile laboratories, and airborne platforms for emission source tracking. His work integrates environmental engineering with advanced analytics and geo-informatics, targeting cleaner urban and industrial environments. πŸšπŸŒ«οΈπŸ“‘

Awards πŸ†

While formal individual awards are not listed, Dr. Moon has made impactful contributions to international air quality initiatives, such as the KORUS-AQ (Korea–United States Air Quality) field study (2016), the Korea-China PM2.5 joint research (2017–2018), and EAREX 2005 under UNEP’s ABC project. 🌐 These programs demonstrate his leadership in multinational collaborations and highlight his influence on air quality research across East Asia. 🧭🌎

Publications πŸ“„

Han, S., et al. (2024) – Modification of Hybrid Receptor Model for Atmospheric Fine Particles (PM2.5) in 2020 Daejeon, Korea, Using an ACERWT Model, Atmosphere, 15(4): 477
πŸ”— Read here
Cited in works using hybrid models for PM2.5 source analysis. πŸ“‘

Chae, J., et al. (2023) – The Study on Emission Characteristics of Gas-phase Hazardous Air Pollutants Generated at the Large-scale Industrial Complexes, J. Kor. Soc. Atmos. Environ., 40(1): 27-47
πŸ”— Read here
Cited in research on hazardous emissions in industrial zones. 🏭

Moon, K. (2023) – Study on the Distribution of VOCs in the Ambient Air of Domestic Industrial Complexes using Mobile SIFT-MS, J. Kor. Soc. Urban Environ., 22(4): 207–227
πŸ”— Read here
Referenced in studies applying mobile VOC sensing technology. πŸš™

Lee, C., et al. (2023) – A Study on the Concentrations Calibration for NO, NOβ‚‚, SOβ‚‚, CO and VOC Sensors Reflecting the Influence of Temperature and Relative Humidity, J. Kor. Soc. Urban Environ., 21(4): 259–266
πŸ”— Read here
Cited in sensor calibration research for environmental monitoring. 🌑️

Lee, C., et al. (2021) – Performance Test of Gas Sensors Measuring Air Pollutants of NO, NOβ‚‚, SOβ‚‚, CO and VOC, J. Kor. Soc. Urban Environ., 21(1): 13–20
πŸ”— Read here
Referenced in evaluations of low-cost air quality sensors. πŸ’¨

Yoo, H., et al. (2020) – Validation for SOC Estimation from OC and EC concentration in PM2.5 measured at Seoul, Particle and Aerosol Research, 16(1): 19–30
πŸ”— Read here
Cited in studies quantifying secondary organic carbon in PM. πŸ”

Lim, S., et al. (2020) – Fossil-driven secondary inorganic PM2.5 enhancement in the North China Plain, Environmental Pollution, 266(2): 115163
πŸ”— Read here
Cited in research on fossil fuel-related PM formation. πŸ›’οΈ

Park, J., et al. (2020) – Application of Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry in Airborne SOβ‚‚ Observation on Hanseo Beechcraft 1900D, Asian J. Atmos. Environ., 14(4): 413–421
πŸ”— Read here
Referenced for airborne chemical sensor applications. ✈️

Moon, K.J., et al. (2008) – Source apportionment of fine carbonaceous particles by PMF at Gosan, Environment International, 34(5): 654–664
πŸ”— Read here
Widely cited in East Asian PM source studies. 🌏

Han, J.S., Moon, K.J., et al. (2006) – Identification of source regions of fine particles using hybrid receptor models, J. Geophys. Res.: Atmos., 111(D22)
πŸ”— Read here
Cited in hybrid model development for long-range transport. 🌬️

Han, J.S., Moon, K.J., et al. (2006) – Size-resolved source apportionment of ambient particles by PMF at Gosan, Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 6(1): 211–223
πŸ”— Read here
Foundational in PMF model applications across Asia. πŸ“

Conclusion

Based on his research achievements, publications, and experience, Kwang-Joo Moon is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to environmental research, particularly in air quality and pollution monitoring, demonstrate his potential to make a significant impact in the field. With some further emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and publishing in top-tier journals, he is well-positioned to continue making meaningful contributions to research.

Mr. Mohit Phulara | Dendroclimatology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Environmental Scientists

Mr. Mohit Phulara | Dendroclimatology | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral sholar, University of Silesia, Poland

🌱 Mohit Phulara is a dedicated doctoral student at the International Environmental Doctoral School, affiliated with the University of Silesia, Katowice. His research is focused on the dendroclimatic responses of Arctic and high mountain plants to contemporary environmental changes. Mohit has actively participated in various international workshops and seminars, presenting his findings and engaging with fellow researchers.

Publication Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award

  1. Diverse Academic Background: Mohit has a strong academic foundation with multiple certificates and diplomas in areas relevant to his research. His education in disaster management, climate change, and remote sensing demonstrates his interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues.
  2. Extensive Research Experience: As a doctoral student at the International Environmental Doctoral School, Mohit is actively engaged in significant research projects, including his thesis on wood anatomical traits in response to environmental changes. His work on Arctic and high mountain plants is particularly relevant in the context of global climate change.
  3. Robust Publication Record: Mohit has co-authored several publications in reputable journals. His work contributes to understanding the effects of climate change on Himalayan ecosystems, highlighting his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.
  4. International Collaboration and Training: His participation in numerous international training programs, workshops, and conferences showcases his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. This exposure enhances his research capabilities and network.
  5. Strong Presentation Skills: Mohit has demonstrated effective communication skills by presenting his research at various national and international conferences. This ability to share knowledge is essential for a researcher and contributes to the broader scientific community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Research Focus: While Mohit has excelled in dendrochronology and its applications, exploring additional facets of environmental science could enhance his research profile. Diversifying his research topics may provide a more comprehensive view of ecological changes.
  2. Increased Public Engagement: Engaging with the community through outreach programs or public seminars could enhance the impact of his research. Greater public awareness and involvement in environmental issues can foster a more profound societal change.
  3. Collaborative Publications: While he has a solid publication record, increasing the number of collaborative publications can enhance visibility and foster interdisciplinary research. Collaborative projects can bring together diverse perspectives and resources, leading to more comprehensive outcomes.
  4. Long-Term Project Leadership: Taking on more leadership roles in research projects can further develop his skills in project management and strategic planning. This experience would be valuable for his future career, especially if he aims for senior research positions.

Education

πŸŽ“ Mohit earned his M.Sc. in Geology from Kumaun University, Nainital, with an impressive score of 68.8%. He also holds a B.Sc. in Physics, Math, and Geology, graduating with 64.5%. In addition to his formal degrees, he has completed several certificate courses, including Disaster Management and Mountain Ecosystem and Climate Change, enhancing his expertise in environmental science.

Experience

πŸ§ͺ Mohit’s extensive research experience includes working as a Technical Assistant and a Senior Project Fellow on the NMHS-IHTP Project, focusing on timberline and altitudinal gradient ecology in the Himalayas. His current doctoral research explores wood anatomical traits in relation to climate change, complemented by involvement in various international projects and research visits to locations like Svalbard and Slovenia.

Research Focus

🌍 Mohit’s research interests lie at the intersection of climate change, dendroecology, and the ecological responses of high-altitude vegetation. His work investigates how environmental factors influence the growth patterns of tree species, contributing valuable insights into climate resilience and adaptation.

Awards and Honors

πŸ† Throughout his academic journey, Mohit has been recognized for his contributions to environmental research. He has received various scholarships and fellowships, enabling him to pursue advanced studies and participate in international conferences, where he has shared his research with a global audience.

Publications

πŸ“š Mohit has authored and co-authored several noteworthy publications that reflect his research contributions:

Static treeline of Himalayan silver fir since last several decades at Tungnath, western Himalaya (Tropical Ecology, 2018)

Indian Himalayan timberline ecotone in response to Climate Change – Initial findings (Current Science, 2021)

Tree-ring based Age-Girth Stand Structure of Himalayan fir along the Treeline transects in Western Himalaya (Available at SSRN)

Growth Response and Shifting of Treeline Species in the Himalayan Region to Climate Change: A Dendrochronological Perspective (ENVIS Newsletter on Himalayan Ecology, 2021)

Conclusion

Mohit Phulara’s dedication to research, combined with his extensive qualifications and experience, makes him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to conduct significant research in the context of climate change, along with his effective communication and presentation skills, showcases his potential to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. By addressing the areas for improvement, Mohit can further enhance his research profile and impact in the field of environmental science.