Niloofar Akbariansaravi | Circular Economy | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Niloofar Akbariansaravi | Circular Economy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Researcher | University of British Columbia | Canada

Dr. Niloofar Akbariansaravi is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Sessional Lecturer at the University of British Columbia (UBC) Okanagan, specializing in Applied Operations Research, Business Analytics, and Sustainable Supply Chain Management. She holds dual PhDs in Mechanical Engineering from UBC and Industrial Engineering from the University of Tehran, complemented by a master’s in Industrial Engineering and a bachelor’s degree from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Her professional experience spans academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, including leadership roles in collaborative sustainability projects with bioenergy, bioplastic, and sawmilling sectors, and the founding of SustainPro Solutions Inc., a UBC spin-off promoting circular economy analytics. Dr. Akbariansaravi’s research focuses on developing data-driven Decision Support Systems (DSS), multi-criteria optimization frameworks, and techno-economic sustainability models to support environmentally responsible manufacturing and supply chain practices. She has authored multiple refereed journal articles, book chapters, and international conference papers, earning recognition through awards such as the Best Student Paper at the IISE Conference and competitive research fellowships from UBC, MITACS, and Lab-to-Market Canada. As an educator and mentor, she has guided numerous graduate students and contributed to interdisciplinary teaching in analytics and sustainability. Her professional affiliations and achievements include serving as a journal reviewer, conference chair, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification holder, and active member of leading research networks advancing sustainable industrial systems worldwide.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Rabbani, M., Oladzad-Abbasabady, N., & Akbarian-Saravi, N. (2022). Ambulance routing in disaster response considering variable patient condition: NSGA-II and MOPSO algorithms. Journal of Industrial & Management Optimization, 18(2), 148.

2. Rabbani, M., Saravi, N. A., Farrokhi-Asl, H., Lim, S. F. W. T., & Tahaei, Z. (2018). Developing a sustainable supply chain optimization model for switchgrass-based bioenergy production: A case study. Journal of Cleaner Production, 200, 827–843.

3. Akbarian-Saravi, N., Mobini, M., & Rabbani, M. (2020). Development of a comprehensive decision support tool for strategic and tactical planning of a sustainable bioethanol supply chain: Real case study, discussions and policy implications. Journal of Cleaner Production, 244, 118871.

4. Rabbani, M., Mokarrari, K. R., & Akbarian-Saravi, N. (2021). A multi-objective location inventory routing problem with pricing decisions in a sustainable waste management system. Sustainable Cities and Society, 75, 103319.

5. Rabbani, M., Momen, S., Akbarian-Saravi, N., Farrokhi-Asl, H., & Ghelichi, Z. (2020). Optimal design for sustainable bioethanol supply chain considering the bioethanol production strategies: A case study. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 134, 106720.

Guochun Zhang | Magnetic Refrigeration | Best Researcher Award

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Guochun Zhang | Magnetic Refrigeration | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry | China

Professor Zhang Guochun, a leading faculty member at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, is an accomplished inorganic chemist recognized for his pioneering contributions to crystal science. He earned his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China, where he established a strong academic foundation in advanced material synthesis and characterization. His professional career has been devoted to advancing crystal research, with a focus on the discovery of new functional crystals, investigating the fundamental relationships between structure and properties, and developing innovative methods for bulk crystal growth. Through his expertise, Professor Zhang has significantly contributed to expanding the practical applications of crystalline materials in diverse scientific and technological fields. In addition to his research, he plays an active role in academic leadership, supervising students, mentoring young researchers, and fostering collaborations that promote innovation and excellence in physical chemistry. His impactful body of work, reflected in high-quality publications and influential contributions to the field, has advanced both fundamental understanding and practical applications, establishing him as a prominent figure whose achievements continue to shape the landscape of inorganic and materials chemistry.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Wide spectral range refractive indices of BBO crystal covering 0.2–2000 THz. (2025). Applied Optics.

Optical properties of barium borate crystal in the THz range revisited. (2025). Optics Letters.

The crystal structures, magnetic interactions and cryogenic magnetocaloric effects for NaGdXO₄ (X = Si, Ti) compounds. (2025). Journal of Alloys and Compounds.

Potential laser crystal of Zn₄B₆O₁₃:Mn²⁺ with low thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity: Single-crystal growth and characterization. (2024). Crystal Growth & Design.

Magnetic properties and cryogenic magnetocaloric effect in α-Gd₂(MoO₄)₃ compound. (2024). Cryogenics.

Saidou Kinda | Environmental Engineering | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Saidou Kinda | Environmental Engineering | Young Researcher Award

Engineer, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Burkina Faso

Saidou Kinda is a dynamic and forward-thinking doctoral engineer from Burkina Faso, specializing in water and environmental engineering with a dual foundation in civil engineering. Currently pursuing his PhD at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, he also serves as Vice Commercial Advisor at the Turkish Embassy in Ouagadougou, bridging economic and research ties between Turkey and Burkina Faso. With a deep commitment to sustainable infrastructure and international development, Saidou combines technical expertise, global perspective, and multilingual fluency to contribute to innovative solutions in water management, environmental sustainability, and engineering design.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Saidou’s academic journey began at École Saint André de Basneré and continued through Lycée Privé Madina and Lycée Provincial de Kaya. From 2017 to 2022, he completed dual engineering programs in Water & Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering at Çukurova University, Turkey. His academic excellence led him to Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, where he earned a Master’s in Industrial Wastewater Treatment (2022–2024) and is now pursuing a PhD in Water and Environmental Engineering. His education has focused on water treatment, dam design, and sustainable infrastructure for urban and rural environments.

🛠️ Professional Experience

Saidou has held a variety of engineering and advisory roles. At ARTAS, Turkey, he worked as a Project Engineer, contributing to wastewater treatment plant design and dam engineering projects like the Yedigöze Arch Dam. He interned at DSI (State Hydraulic Works) and the Municipality of Adana, engaging in water supply and urban sanitation systems. Currently, as Vice Commercial Advisor at the Turkish Embassy, he supports bilateral trade, project investment, and commercial cooperation between Turkey and Burkina Faso. He has also participated in key infrastructure projects in Ceyhan and Imamoglu, showcasing his capability in both design and implementation.

🔬 Research Interests

Saidou’s research is centered on wastewater treatment technologies, membrane bioreactors (MBR), climate change adaptation, hydraulic infrastructure, and metal pollution in soils. He focuses on optimizing biological treatment strategies for textile wastewater and improving recovery potentials of industrial water through innovative technologies. His doctoral studies expand upon nutrient management and reverse osmosis systems for African contexts, aiming for sustainable, cost-effective solutions to water scarcity and pollution.

📚 Publications Top Notes

Title: Pollution Indices Assessment of Metal Concentrations in Karabuk Soil Samples

Authors: Naim Sezgin, Saidou Kinda, Utku Emre Temelli, Naim Sezgin
Published: International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Food Sciences
Summary:
This peer-reviewed journal article presents a comprehensive analysis of soil contamination levels in Karabuk, an industrial region in Turkey known for its steel production. Using various pollution indices such as the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), and Pollution Load Index (PLI).

Title: Conception de Barrage en Arc (Kemer Baraj Tasarımı)
Author: Saidou Kinda
Institution: Çukurova University, Faculty of Engineering
Type: Final Engineering Project / Graduation Thesis
Date: June 2022
Summary:
This engineering thesis by Saidou Kinda focuses on the complete structural and hydraulic design of an arch dam, taking the Yedigöze Dam in Turkey as a case study.

🔚 Conclusion

Saidou Kinda is a promising figure in the field of environmental engineering, blending academic rigor, technical competence, and international engagement. His multidisciplinary expertise, backed by professional experience and impactful research, positions him as a valuable contributor to the future of water and environmental sustainability in Africa and beyond. Through his leadership and cross-cultural collaboration, he embodies the ideals of innovation, resilience, and global citizenship.