Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Technology – Owerri, Nigeria

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Assist. Prof. Dr. Obinna Chigoziem Akakuru began his academic journey with a strong foundation in the geosciences, focusing on hydrogeology and hydrology during his formative years. His early academic success was marked by securing the prestigious TETFund Full Ph.D. Scholarship in 2014, enabling him to pursue advanced research in groundwater systems and environmental studies. His commitment to academic excellence was further reinforced through the Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Grant for Ph.D. studies (2015), which supported his doctoral research in hydrogeochemistry and water resource management.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Federal University of Technology – Owerri, Nigeria, Dr. Akakuru has established himself as a key figure in the geosciences community. His role involves conducting cutting-edge research, mentoring students, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in water resources and environmental sustainability. His professional career is also marked by collaborations on national and international projects, emphasizing hydrogeological modeling, pollution assessment, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in solving complex environmental problems.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Akakuru’s research portfolio is interdisciplinary, bridging hydrogeology, hydrology, hydrogeochemistry, and pollution modeling with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. His work addresses pressing issues such as sustainable groundwater management, environmental contamination, and geostatistical modeling for optimal resource utilization. He is particularly renowned for his contributions to groundwater exploitation and management in southeastern Nigeria, a project that secured him a $63,000 grant from the TETFund National Research Fund (2023).

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Akakuru’s research has far-reaching impacts, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and environmental degradation. His models for pollution control and petroleum geology have informed both academic discussions and policy-making decisions. By integrating AI and machine learning techniques into geoscience applications, he has introduced innovative methodologies for groundwater modeling, water quality prediction, and environmental risk assessment, positioning himself as a forward-thinking scholar in the global geoscience community.

📚 Academic Citations

With numerous peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Akakuru’s research is widely cited in hydrogeology, environmental science, and geoinformatics literature. His work is contributing to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable water resource management and pollution modeling, making significant academic contributions to both theoretical and applied research domains.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Akakuru possesses a diverse technical skill set, including hydrogeological mapping, geostatistical analysis, AI/ML-based environmental modeling, and pollution risk assessment. His expertise extends to the application of software tools for spatial analysis and modeling, such as GIS platforms, statistical software, and machine learning frameworks, enabling data-driven insights into environmental processes.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Akakuru is actively involved in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students in areas such as hydrogeology, water resources management, geostatistics, and environmental science. His pedagogical approach emphasizes critical thinking, research-based learning, and the practical application of geoscientific principles. Many of his students have gone on to make notable contributions in academia and the water resources industry.

🏆 Awards and Recognitions

Dr. Akakuru’s dedication to research excellence has earned him prestigious awards and funding, including the NCIPC Grant (2024) valued at $125,000 annually for five years, for his role in the Fairfield Heritage Prevention Coalition. These recognitions underscore his commitment to community-centered research and public health initiatives.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Akakuru aims to expand his research on climate-resilient groundwater management, AI-powered hydrogeological modeling, and environmental pollution mitigation strategies. He aspires to influence water policy formulation and environmental sustainability practices both in Nigeria and globally. Through his academic and professional journey, Dr. Akakuru continues to inspire the next generation of scientists while driving forward innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

📖Notable Publications

Publication: Hydrogeochemical facies and pollution status of groundwater resources of Owerri and environs, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: OC Akakuru, B Akudinobi, AI Opara, SO Onyekuru, OU Akakuru
Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 193, 1-26
Year: 2021

Publication: The chemistry of chitin and chitosan justifying their nanomedical utilities
Authors: OU Akakuru, H Louis, PI Amos, OC Akakuru, EI Nosike, EF Ogulewe
Journal: Biochem Pharmacol (Los Angel) 7 (241), 2167-0501.1000241
Year: 2018

Publication: Hydrogeochemical evolution, water quality indices, irrigation suitability and pollution index of groundwater (PIG) around Eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: OC Akakuru, CU Eze, OC Okeke, AI Opara, AO Usman, O Iheme, …
Journal: International Journal of Energy and Water Resources, 1-23
Year: 2022

Publication: Hydrochemical characterization of abandoned quarry and mine water for domestic and irrigation uses in Abakaliki, southeast Nigeria
Authors: MO Eyankware, PN Obasi, OO Omo-Irabor, OC Akakuru
Journal: Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 6, 2465-2485
Year: 2020

Publication: Appraisal of groundwater to risk contamination near an abandoned limestone quarry pit in Nkalagu, Nigeria, using enrichment factor and statistical approaches
Authors: MO Eyankware, OC Akakuru
Journal: International Journal of Energy and Water Resources 7 (4), 603-621
Year: 2023

Vaishali Sahu | Environmental Engineering | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Vaishali Sahu | Environmental Engineering | Women Researcher Award

The NorthCap University, India

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Vaishali Sahu embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from SGSITS, Indore, laying the foundation for her expertise in engineering. She further specialized in Environmental Engineering by obtaining a Master’s degree from IIT Roorkee, one of India’s premier institutions. Her commitment to academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. from The NorthCap University, Gurgaon, where she delved deeper into sustainable waste management and environmental engineering.

💼 Professional Endeavors

With over 16 years of experience, Dr. Sahu has established herself as a leader in academics, research, and administration. She currently holds the position of Associate Head and Associate Professor in the Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering at The NorthCap University, Gurgaon, Haryana. Additionally, she plays a crucial role as the Deputy Director of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), ensuring academic and research excellence at the university.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Sahu’s research interests span across solid and liquid waste management, sustainable waste management, water and wastewater treatment, pollution control, and environmental geotechnology. Her research and teaching contributions have significantly influenced advancements in waste recycling, resource management, and environmental sustainability.

She has:
✔️ Published over 42 research articles in renowned national and international journals.
✔️ Authored 2 books in the field of environmental engineering.
✔️ Presented 22+ research papers at prestigious conferences worldwide.
✔️ Supervised 4 Ph.D. theses, 20 M.Tech dissertations, and 20+ B.Tech projects focused on sustainable environmental solutions.
✔️ Currently guiding 10 Ph.D. scholars at The NorthCap University.

📊 Impact and Influence

Dr. Sahu’s contributions extend beyond academia into policy and practical applications of waste and water management. Her expertise has been recognized through research funding, including:
✅ DST-funded project (₹25.41 lakhs) – “Experimental and Numerical Study of Single Pile Capacity Adjacent to Existing Buried Pipe System” (Completed in 2020).
✅ Two international projects ($15,900) – Funded by Cintana Education in collaboration with universities from Mexico, Peru, and Egypt.

Her role as a reviewer for reputed international journals further highlights her influence in shaping research trends in environmental sustainability.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Sahu’s work has garnered significant academic citations due to its impact in the domain of environmental engineering and sustainability. Her research findings have been referenced in multiple studies, contributing to policy frameworks, industrial applications, and further innovations in waste management and pollution control.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Sahu is proficient in:
✔️ Solid and Liquid Waste Management Techniques
✔️ Water and Wastewater Treatment Processes
✔️ Environmental Geotechnology
✔️ Air Pollution Control Strategies
✔️ Sustainable Infrastructure Planning

🎓 Teaching Experience

As an educator, Dr. Sahu has been instrumental in mentoring students and fostering research-driven learning. Her teaching experience includes:
📌 Guiding students in sustainable waste management and environmental conservation projects.
📌 Providing hands-on training in resource recycling and water purification technologies.
📌 Encouraging multidisciplinary approaches in civil and environmental engineering.

🌎 Legacy and Future Contributions

Beyond academia, Dr. Sahu is deeply committed to social and community development. She strongly advocates for volunteering and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of environmental awareness. Through her initiatives at NCU, she is shaping a community of responsible and environmentally conscious individuals.

Her future contributions are poised to drive:
🌍 Sustainable urban development through innovative waste management solutions.
🔬 Cutting-edge research in water treatment and pollution mitigation.
📘 Policy recommendations for improving environmental regulations.
👩‍🎓 Student-led research projects with real-world environmental impact.

📖Notable Publications

Stabilization of fly ash and lime sludge composites: Assessment of its performance as base course material

Authors: V Sahu, A Srivastava, AK Misra, AK Sharma

Journal: Archives of Civil and Mechanical Engineering

Year: 2017

A comparative study on the removal of heavy metals by adsorption using fly ash and sludge: A review

Authors: G Varma, RK Singh, V Sahu

Journal: International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering and …

Year: 2013

Development of geopolymer cement concrete for highway infrastructure applications

Authors: N Dave, V Sahu, AK Misra

Journal: Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology

Year: 2020

The use of fly ash and lime sludge as partial replacement of cement in mortar

Authors: V Sahu, V Gayathri

Journal: International Journal of Engineering and Technology Innovation

Year: 2014

Identification of watershed preference management areas under water quality and scarcity constraints: Case of Jhajjar district watershed, India

Authors: R Gupta, AK Misra, V Sahu

Journal: Applied Water Science

Year: 2019

Sustainability assessment of EPS-geofoam in road construction: A case study

Authors: DK Srivastava, A Srivastava, AK Misra, V Sahu

Journal: International Journal of Sustainable Engineering

Year: 2019

Ruijuan Qu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Analytical Chemistry

Dr. Ruijuan Qu | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

👩‍🏫 Early Academic Pursuits

Ruijuan Qu completed her PhD from Nanjing University, where she subsequently embarked on her professional career. She started her academic journey as an assistant researcher and progressed to associate researcher. Her continued academic growth led to her appointment as an Associate Professor at the School of Environment, Nanjing University. Her foundational academic pursuits focused on environmental sciences, particularly on the transformation mechanisms of organic pollutants and the development of efficient degradation technologies.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Her professional career has been largely centered around environmental chemistry, with a particular focus on pollution degradation and chemical processes in environmental systems. Her research spans various aspects of environmental transformation, including the fate of organic pollutants, chemical oxidation processes, and the application of computational chemistry. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of complex environmental processes, particularly in the treatment of organic pollutants using advanced oxidation processes. She collaborates internationally, notably with Prof. Virender K. Sharma from Texas A&M University, on Ferrate oxidation treatments of organic pollutants.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

She has been instrumental in developing innovative methods and models to study the transformation of organic pollutants. She established a novel "non-target mass spectrometry – preparative separation-characterization - simplified transition state calculation" method for identifying intermediate products in pollutant degradation. Furthermore, she investigated the influence of suspended particles and co-existing components on the heterogeneous photodegradation of persistent organic pollutants in river systems. Her work has led to a deeper understanding of the polymerization processes in chemical oxidation of phenols, and she proposed strategies to regulate this process for low-carbon, efficient oxidation treatments.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Her research has had significant impact in the field of environmental chemistry, particularly in understanding the environmental fate and transformation of organic pollutants. Her innovative methods have been applied to address key challenges in environmental pollution, particularly in water and wastewater treatment. As a recognized leader in the field, Her work has contributed to advancing green chemistry and pollution control technologies. She was named to Stanford University's 2023 World's Top 2% Scientists List, highlighting her significant contributions and the wide recognition her research has gained in the global scientific community.

📚 Academic Cites

Her work has been cited extensively, with a citation index of 6036 times and an H-index of 43 according to Web of Science. This reflects the widespread influence and relevance of her research in the environmental chemistry domain. Her 159 articles published in SCI-indexed journals underscore her prolific contributions to the academic community, advancing the understanding of chemical processes and pollutant management.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Ruijuan Qu possesses advanced technical expertise in environmental chemistry, particularly in the areas of mass spectrometry, computational chemistry, and environmental analytical techniques. Her work in environmental transformation analysis, pollutant degradation technologies, and process optimization highlights her technical proficiency. She also possesses deep knowledge of chemical oxidation processes and their applications in environmental remediation, making her a leader in this niche field of research.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience

As an Associate Professor at Nanjing University, She has contributed significantly to educating the next generation of environmental scientists. She teaches courses in environmental chemistry, pollutant treatment technologies, and environmental computational chemistry. Her teaching approach integrates cutting-edge research with practical applications, ensuring that her students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address current and future environmental challenges.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

Her legacy is grounded in her pioneering work in environmental chemistry and pollution degradation. Through her innovative research, she has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also contributed to the development of green technologies for environmental protection. Her future contributions are poised to further shape the field, particularly in the development of more efficient, sustainable pollution control methods and the application of computational chemistry in environmental research.

🔮 Future Contributions

She continues to push the boundaries of environmental science with ongoing research focused on improving chemical oxidation methods, advancing non-target mass spectrometry for pollutant detection, and developing low-carbon technologies for water and wastewater treatment. Her future work aims to bridge the gap between fundamental environmental chemistry and practical, scalable solutions to global pollution challenges, enhancing both environmental sustainability and human health.

📖Notable Publications