Xiaofeng Ding | Water Quality | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Hydrologists

Mr. Xiaofeng Ding | Water Quality | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student at Guangdong University of Technology | China

Mr. Xiaofeng Ding is a passionate and emerging researcher in the field of environmental engineering with a specialization in advanced computational approaches to address water quality challenges. His research bridges artificial intelligence with environmental sustainability, demonstrating a clear vision for solving critical ecological issues through innovative and data-driven methodologies.

Professional Profile 

Education Details

He is pursuing his Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering at the School of Ecological Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology. His academic foundation is complemented by strong technical expertise in computational modeling, programming, and data analytics, which he effectively applies to environmental problem-solving.

Professional Experience

Mr. Ding has gained valuable research experience by contributing to projects supported by regional and national science foundations, focusing on water quality modeling and prediction. His work includes the development of deep learning models with practical applications for river basin management and water quality monitoring. He has collaborated with senior researchers and contributed to publications in internationally recognized journals, highlighting his ability to integrate technical proficiency with real-world environmental applications.

Research Interests

His core research interests lie in water quality prediction, environmental engineering, hydrology, and the integration of machine learning and deep learning models into environmental studies. His recent work on hybrid deep learning models has demonstrated improved accuracy in forecasting water quality trends, providing a robust foundation for early-warning systems and sustainable water resource management.

Awards and Honors

Mr. Ding’s contributions to scientific research are reflected in his peer-reviewed publication in a leading international journal, where he presented a novel hybrid time-series prediction model. His involvement in research projects supported by major funding agencies further showcases the recognition of his potential as a promising young researcher in the field of environmental science and artificial intelligence applications.

Publications Top Noted

Time Series Prediction of Water Quality Based on NGO-CNN-GRU Model—A Case Study of Xijiang River, China.

Year: 2025

Conclusion

Mr. Xiaofeng Ding stands out as a highly motivated and innovative young researcher whose work at the intersection of environmental engineering and artificial intelligence contributes significantly to water quality management and sustainability. With his strong research foundation and demonstrated potential, he is a deserving candidate for consideration for the Best Researcher Award.

 

Tsz Lok Wan | Postdoctoral Fellow | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Hydrologists

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan | Water-Energy Nexus | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Alberta, Canada

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan is a highly accomplished researcher specializing in computational materials science, with a focus on clean energy, environmental sustainability, and advanced catalysis. He holds a Ph.D. from Queensland University of Technology, where he earned multiple prestigious scholarships and the High Achiever Award. His research integrates chemistry, physics, and engineering to design and simulate innovative materials using advanced first-principles calculations and modeling tools. Dr. Wan has authored several high-impact publications in top-tier journals such as Nanoscale, Advanced Materials Technologies, and Journal of Materials Chemistry A, contributing significantly to the understanding of ferroelectric materials and their role in energy and environmental applications. With international research experience across Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada, and active participation in major scientific conferences, he demonstrates strong global engagement and academic leadership. Currently serving as a Young Editorial Board Member at the University of Alberta, Dr. Wan exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking and impactful researcher, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan has a robust academic background in engineering and materials science, beginning with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering from Queensland University of Technology, where he conducted theoretical investigations into the mechanical properties of graphene and carbon nanotube-based nanomaterials. He further advanced his expertise by completing a Master of Engineering Science in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Queensland, focusing his thesis on characterizing the surface force of nanowires. Building on this foundation, he earned a Doctor of Philosophy from Queensland University of Technology, where his research centered on ferroelectric-controllable gas capture and catalysis for environmental and energy applications. His doctoral studies were supported by several prestigious scholarships, including the ARC Discovery Scholarship, QUT HDR Tuition Fee Sponsorship, and the Faculty Write-Up Scholarship, and culminated in receiving the High Achiever Award in 2022 for outstanding academic performance.

Professional Experience

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan has accumulated diverse professional experience across academia and industry, reflecting a strong foundation in research, innovation, and engineering practice. He is currently serving as a Young Editorial Board Member at the University of Alberta’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, contributing to academic leadership and scholarly review. In parallel, he is involved in a carbon neutralization research initiative, further aligning his work with global sustainability goals. Previously, he held a postdoctoral fellowship at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, where he contributed to advanced image analysis and software development for medical applications. His earlier experiences include research internships at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where he worked on electrocardiograph circuit development and 3D ultrasound image analysis, respectively. Additionally, he gained hands-on engineering experience during an internship at Po Shing Construction Limited, where he calibrated engineering drawings and supported site workflow procedures. These roles have collectively equipped Dr. Wan with a blend of theoretical acumen and practical skills across computational modeling, biomedical engineering, and construction technology.

Research Interest

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan’s research interests lie at the dynamic intersection of chemistry, physics, and engineering, with a primary focus on the development of advanced materials for clean energy, environmental sustainability, and electronic applications. He is particularly interested in the use of computational modeling and first-principles calculations, such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics (AIMD), to understand and predict the behavior of materials at the atomic scale. His work explores ferroelectric-controlled catalysis, gas adsorption, and the design of two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures for applications such as hydrogen evolution and nitrogen reduction reactions. By simulating chemical reactions and material interactions that are difficult to observe experimentally, Dr. Wan aims to accelerate the discovery of efficient, sustainable catalysts and contribute to the global transition toward low-carbon technologies.

Award and Honor

Dr. Tsz Lok Wan has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence and research contributions. During his doctoral studies at Queensland University of Technology, he was the recipient of the ARC Discovery Scholarship, the QUT HDR Tuition Fee Sponsorship, and the Faculty Write-Up Scholarship, reflecting his strong academic standing and research potential. In 2022, he was honored with the High Achiever Award, acknowledging his outstanding performance and impact in the field of computational materials science. These accolades underscore his dedication to advancing knowledge in clean energy and environmental applications through innovative theoretical research.

Conclusion

Tsz Lok Wan demonstrates exemplary academic performance, technical proficiency, and research productivity in high-impact areas like sustainable catalysis and clean energy materials. While there is room to strengthen leadership and translational aspects of his research, his consistent contributions, especially in computational materials science, make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the early-to-mid career category.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Catalysis based on ferroelectrics: controllable chemical reaction with boosted efficiency
    Authors: TL Wan, L Ge, Y Pan, Q Yuan, L Liu, S Sarina, L Kou
    Year: 2021
    Citation: 50

  • Title: Rational design of 2D ferroelectric heterogeneous catalysts for controllable hydrogen evolution reaction
    Authors: TL Wan, J Liu, X Tan, T Liao, Y Gu, A Du, S Smith, L Kou
    Year: 2022
    Citation: 15

  • Title: Ferroelectric Controlled Gas Adsorption in Doped Graphene/In2Se3 Heterostructure
    Authors: TL Wan, J Shang, Y Gu, L Kou
    Year: 2022
    Citation: 12

  • Title: Density Functional Theory Studies on Magnetic Manipulation in NiI2 Layers
    Authors: M Liu, L Zhang, J Liu, TL Wan, A Du, Y Gu, L Kou
    Year: 2023
    Citation: 11

  • Title: Synergistic engineering of heterovalent states and sulfur-vacancy defects in Co/O co-doped ZnS for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
    Authors: L Chen, B Wu, X Wu, DH Kuo, TL Wan, B Yang, P Zhang, Z Su, J Lin, D Lu, X Chen
    Year: 2025
    Citation: 7

  • Title: Bimetallic conjugated metal–organic frameworks as bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting
    Authors: TL Wan, J Liu, X Tan, M Liu, S Smith, L Kou
    Year: 2023
    Citation: 4

  • Title: Enhanced Activity and Selectivity for Nitrogen Reduction Reaction in Electrides‐Based Heterostructures: A DFT Computational Study
    Authors: H Wijesingha, TL Wan, J Liu, L Kou
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 3

  • Title: Magnetic skyrmions and their manipulations in a 2D multiferroic CuCrP₂Te₆ monolayer
    Authors: M Liu, TL Wan, K Dou, L Zhang, W Sun, J Jiang, Y Ma, Y Gu, L Kou
    Year: 2024
    Citation: 3

  • Title: Mo-cation/O-anion doping strategy for creating vacancy defects and cation multivalency to enhance the hydrogen evolution of ZnS under visible light
    Authors: X Wu, TL Wan, B Yang, DH Kuo, P Zhang, M Liu, SN Adawara, D Fang Lu, J Lin, X Chen
    Year: 2025
    Citation: Not available yet

  • Title: Ferroelectric controllable gas capture and catalysis for environmental and energy application (PhD Thesis)
    Author: TL Wan
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Not applicable

  • Title: Ferroelectric Controlled Gas Adsorption in Doped Graphene/In2Se3 Heterostructure (Duplicate journal entry in Adv. Mater. Technol.)
    Authors: TL Wan, J Shang, Y Gu, L Kou
    Year: 2022
    Citation: Not listed separately (already counted above)

  • Title: Characterizing of Surface Forces of Nanowires (Master’s Thesis)
    Author: TL Wan
    Year: 2020
    Citation: Not applicable

.

 

Mohamed Saber | Hydropower Systems | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Hydrologists

Mr. Mohamed Saber | Hydropower Systems | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer assistant at Zagazig University, Egypt

Mohamed Saber Abdel-Moaty is a Lecturer Assistant in the Department of Water and Water Structures Engineering at Zagazig University, Egypt, and a Civil Hydraulic Engineer at the university’s Irrigation and Hydraulics Lab. He holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering with honors and is currently completing his M.Sc. in Water and Water Structures Engineering, focusing on energy harvesting using water wheels at low-head structures. His research interests center around sustainable hydraulic systems and renewable energy applications. He has published in the high-impact journal Renewable Energy, with work highlighting innovative designs for pico hydropower generation. Mohamed is proficient in CFD simulations using ANSYS Fluent and FLOW-3D, and skilled in structural design software like SAP2000 and ETABS. His professional experience includes academic teaching, computational and experimental research, structural design freelancing, and co-founding a general contracting company. He also gained international engineering experience through an intensive internship with AECOM in Qatar. Mohamed combines strong technical capabilities, academic dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, making him a promising early-career researcher in the field of civil and hydraulic engineering.

Professional Profile 

Education

Mohamed Saber holds a strong academ ic background in civil and hydraulic engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Zagazig University in 2019, graduating with an Excellent with Honors and an impressive overall grade of 88.65%. Building on his undergraduate success, he is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Water and Water Structures Engineering at the same university, with a research focus on sustainable energy, specifically the investigation of energy harvesting using water wheels at low-head structures. His academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to innovation, technical excellence, and the advancement of renewable energy solutions within hydraulic systems.

Professional Experience

Mohamed Saber has accumulated diverse professional experience in both academic and practical engineering settings since 2019. As a Lecturer Assistant in the Department of Water and Water Structures Engineering at Zagazig University, he has supported undergraduate courses, supervised lab work, and guided students in graduation projects. Concurrently, he has served as a Civil Hydraulic Engineer at the university’s Irrigation and Hydraulics Lab, where he conducted experimental and computational research focused on open channel flow and hydraulic structures. Beyond academia, Mohamed has worked as a freelance structural design engineer, delivering structural analysis and construction drawings for residential and commercial buildings using software such as SAP2000, ETABS, and SAFE. He also gained hands-on experience as a General Contracting Engineer, managing site activities, coordinating with subcontractors, and ensuring quality control. His technical expertise extends to freelance CFD engineering, where he performed simulations using ANSYS Fluent for fluid flow and heat transfer analysis. Additionally, Mohamed is the co-founder of CIVIC, a construction company offering design-build services, demonstrating his entrepreneurial initiative and leadership within the engineering industry.

Research Interest

Mohamed Saber’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydraulic engineering, renewable energy, and computational fluid dynamics. He is particularly focused on the development of sustainable energy solutions through the integration of hydraulic structures and energy harvesting technologies, as demonstrated by his M.Sc. thesis on energy generation using water wheels at low-head structures. His work aims to enhance the efficiency and applicability of pico and micro hydropower systems, especially in rural or developing regions. Mohamed is also deeply engaged in numerical modeling and simulation, utilizing CFD tools like ANSYS Fluent and FLOW-3D to analyze fluid behavior, optimize hydraulic performance, and support experimental findings. His broader research vision involves improving water infrastructure through innovative, environmentally friendly engineering approaches that align with global sustainability goals.

Award and Honor

Mohamed Saber has been recognized for his academic excellence and professional commitment throughout his early career. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Zagazig University with an Excellent with Honors distinction, achieving a high academic standing with an overall grade . His innovative research on renewable energy applications in hydraulic systems has led to the publication of a peer-reviewed article in the prestigious journal Renewable Energy, reflecting both the quality and relevance of his work. While he is still in the early stages of his research career, his strong academic performance, publication record, and involvement in significant engineering projects position him as a promising candidate for future academic and professional awards.

Conclusion

Recommendation: Mohammed Saber is a strong emerging researcher and could be a good candidate for an Early Career or Young Researcher Award, rather than a “Best Researcher Award” in a general or senior category. If the award focuses on innovation, potential, and sustainability-focused research in early-stage academics, then he is a highly suitable nominee..

Publications Top Noted

Title:
Techno-economic Assessment of the Dethridge Waterwheel under Sluice Gates in a Novel Design for Pico Hydropower Generation

Authors:
Mohamed Saber, Gamal Abdelall, Riham Ezzeldin, Ahmed Farouk AbdelGawad, Reda Ragab

Year:
2024

Journal:
Renewable Energy, Volume 234, Article 121206

DOI:
10.1016/j.renene.2024.121206

ISSN:
0960-1481

Citation (APA Style):
Saber, M., Abdelall, G., Ezzeldin, R., AbdelGawad, A. F., & Ragab, R. (2024). Techno-economic assessment of the Dethridge waterwheel under sluice gates in a novel design for pico hydropower generation. Renewable Energy, 234, 121206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.121206

Xiaojun Tang | Hydroinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Hydrologists

Prof. Dr. Xiaojun Tang | Hydroinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China

Professor Xiaojun Tang is a distinguished researcher at Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he leads the Institute of Intelligent Detection Technology and Systems. With a strong focus on well and gas logging, spectral analysis, and intelligent sensors, he has made significant contributions to the field of applied hydrology and energy exploration. His groundbreaking work in applying FTIR spectroscopy to aquifer detection has introduced novel methods for identifying water layers in complex reservoirs, offering a major advancement over traditional resistivity techniques. Professor Tang has authored over 60 scientific papers, published 7 books, and holds 50 patents, reflecting both academic excellence and practical innovation. He has directed more than 50 research projects funded by national and provincial bodies, and has collaborated extensively with major industrial organizations such as PetroChina and CNOOC. Recognized with prestigious awards including the China Instrument Society Innovation Award and multiple provincial science and technology prizes, Professor Tang exemplifies interdisciplinary leadership in hydrological instrumentation and applied research.

Professional Profile 

Education

Professor Xiaojun Tang holds a Ph.D. in a field related to instrumentation science and technology, aligning with his expertise in intelligent detection systems and spectral analysis. He received his academic training at leading Chinese institutions, culminating in his current role as a professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, one of China’s premier research universities. His educational background laid a strong foundation in engineering, applied physics, and sensor technology, which has supported his pioneering work in gas logging, aquifer detection, and intelligent instrumentation. Throughout his academic journey, Professor Tang has combined theoretical knowledge with practical innovation, shaping his role as both a researcher and educator in cutting-edge detection technologies.

Professional Experience

Professor Xiaojun Tang has extensive professional experience in the fields of intelligent detection technology, spectral analysis, and instrumentation science. He currently serves as a Professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he also directs the Institute of Intelligent Detection Technology and Systems. Over his career, he has led more than 50 significant research projects, including national-level initiatives such as the National Key Scientific Instrument and Equipment Development Project and programs under the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). His work has bridged academia and industry through collaborations with major organizations like PetroChina, CNOOC, and the China Coal Research Institute, applying his innovations in gas sensing and well logging to real-world energy and mining operations. Professor Tang’s professional expertise is further demonstrated by his 50 patents, 60+ peer-reviewed publications, and service on the editorial board of Applied Science and Technology, establishing him as a leader in applied research and technological innovation.

Research Interest

Professor Xiaojun Tang’s research interests lie at the intersection of intelligent detection technologies, spectral analysis, and applied instrumentation, with a strong focus on energy exploration and hydrological applications. He specializes in exploration well gas logging, FTIR spectroscopy, and intelligent sensor systems, aiming to improve the accuracy and efficiency of subsurface fluid detection. His innovative work includes developing advanced methods for aquifer identification using infrared spectral signatures, particularly in complex, low-resistivity geological formations. Additionally, Professor Tang is deeply engaged in research related to coal mine gas safety and real-time monitoring systems, contributing to both environmental safety and resource evaluation. His interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between fundamental research and industrial application, making significant impacts in the fields of hydrology, geoscience, and instrumentation engineering.

Award and Honor

Professor Xiaojun Tang has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to scientific research and technological innovation. Notably, he received the First Prize of the Liaoning Science and Technology Progress Award and the Second Prize of the Shaanxi Science and Technology Achievement Award, reflecting provincial-level acknowledgment of his impactful work. In addition, he was honored with the Innovation Award from the China Instrument and Control Society, which highlights his significant achievements in developing advanced intelligent instrumentation and detection systems. These accolades underscore his leadership in interdisciplinary research and his role in advancing applied science within both academic and industrial domains.

Conclusion

Professor Xiaojun Tang presents a compelling nomination for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering research in spectral analysis for aquifer detection, prolific output, and impactful industry collaboration. While his work is highly innovative and influential within applied instrumentation and hydrocarbon exploration, slight limitations in hydrology-specific visibility and international academic reach should be weighed.

Publications Top Noted

  1. Title: Water vapor absorption peaks in infrared spectroscopic gas logging and correlation with water layers
    Authors: Li, Xiaoshan; Tang, Xiaojun; Huang, Zijian; Chen, Houqing; Wu, Tong
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  2. Title: Characteristic Gases Detection Technology and Application of Buffer Layer Ablation Defects in XLPE Cables Based on FTIR
    Authors: Li, Xiaoshan; Tang, Xiaojun; Chen, Houqing; Gao, Jian; Ren, Zhigang
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  3. Title: Topology and Control Strategy of Multi-Port DC Power Electronic Transformer Based on Soft Switching
    Authors: Zhang, Jialin; Zha, Kunpeng; Tang, Xiaojun; Li, Lanfang; Li, Jiafei
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  4. Title: Hybrid TDOA/DOA Multiple PD Localization Using Two Arrays With KPCA-mnc-FastICA and Sparrow Search Algorithm
    Authors: Zhang, Zeyu; Tang, Xiaojun; Li, Xiaoshan; Liu, Chongzhi
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0

  5. Title: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum Analysis of Free Gas in Power Transformer
    Authors: Wang, Yang; Han, Wei; Huang, Lianpeng; Liu, Yiying; Tang, Xiaojun
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

  6. Title: Species discrimination of β-phenylethylamine, NaCl and NaOH based on Ultraviolet spectroscopy and principal component analysis combined with improved clustering by fast search and find of density peaks algorithm
    Authors: Tong, Angxin; Zhu, Jinyang; Zhang, Qiang; Chen, Hong; Zhang, Feng
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

  7. Title: Detection Method for Short-circuit Fault of Flexible DC Transmission System Based on Virtual Power Ratio
    Authors: Li, Wenbo; Tang, Xiaojun; Zhang, Zeyu; Wang, Hao
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  8. Title: Dynamic event-triggered dual-channel quantized sliding mode control for uncertain networked control systems under DoS attacks
    Authors: Liu, Chongzhi; Tang, Xiaojun; Zhang, Zeyu; Li, Xiaoshan; Li, Zhe
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  9. Title: An adaptive event-triggered H∞ control framework for nonlinear networked control systems with dual-channel quantization
    Authors: Liu, Chongzhi; Tang, Xiaojun; Lu, Youshui; Zhang, Zhifen; Peng, Jingbo
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1

  10. Title: Multiple ultrasonic partial discharge DOA estimation performance of KPCA Pseudo-Whitening mnc-FastICA
    Authors: Zhang, Zeyu; Tang, Xiaojun; Liu, Chongzhi; Li, Xiaoshan; Ren, Shuangzan
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4