Zhijing Xue | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhijing Xue | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Shaanxi Normal University, China

👨‍🎓Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhijing Xue has cultivated a strong academic foundation in geography, laying the groundwork for a distinguished career in environmental and ecological research. Her early academic endeavors reflect a deep interest in the interactions between soil processes and ecological sustainability, particularly within the framework of biogeochemical cycles. Her passion for understanding the mechanisms of organic matter transformation and nutrient dynamics drove her initial research focus and positioned her to tackle complex environmental issues relevant to China’s unique ecosystems.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Xue is currently affiliated with the School of Geography and Tourism at Shaanxi Normal University, where she serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography. Since joining the institution, she has taken on a pivotal role in advancing both academic research and student mentorship. Her work bridges theoretical studies with applied environmental science, often intersecting with national ecological restoration goals. She has been entrusted with key responsibilities in curriculum development, faculty collaborations, and student guidance.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xue’s research explores the ecological significance of litter decomposition and its role in soil nutrient cycling. One of her core projects investigated the organic carbon transformation in the “litter-soil” interface, leveraging biomarker techniques to trace organic matter pathways. Another key project assessed the impact of litter decomposition on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics within the Loess Plateau, a critical ecological zone in China. These studies contribute vital knowledge on how plant residues affect soil fertility, carbon storage, and nitrogen distribution—insights that are essential for sustainable land use and combating land degradation in semi-arid regions.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Xue’s research has significantly contributed to the broader scientific understanding of terrestrial carbon processes and soil health management. Her findings inform environmental policy, particularly in regions undergoing reforestation and ecological rehabilitation. By linking micro-level soil biochemistry with macro-level ecosystem functioning, her work aids in optimizing land management practices and improving ecological outcomes on degraded lands. Her research also supports China’s national goals of carbon neutrality and sustainable agriculture.

Academic Citations and Collaborations

Her scholarly publications have been recognized and cited by researchers in fields ranging from soil science and environmental chemistry to ecology and climate change studies. Her collaboration with the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) as a principal investigator exemplifies her leadership and the national importance of her research. Through academic networks and conferences, Dr. Xue has fostered productive exchanges that enrich her own research and elevate the scientific community’s understanding of ecological transformation processes.

Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Xue possesses strong technical capabilities in biomarker analysis, soil nutrient profiling, and ecosystem modeling. Her expertise includes using advanced laboratory methods to trace organic matter dynamics and quantify soil carbon and nitrogen interactions. She is adept at integrating field data with geospatial analysis tools, enabling her to capture both local variability and regional trends across landscapes like the Loess Plateau.

Teaching Experience and Mentorship

In her academic role, Dr. Xue is deeply involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to environmental geography, soil science, and ecological restoration. She has guided numerous student research projects, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and methodological rigor. Her commitment to education is reflected in her ability to blend cutting-edge research with pedagogy, thereby inspiring a new generation of environmental scientists.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Zhijing Xue continues to shape the academic and environmental research landscape through her pioneering work in soil-litter interactions. Her research trajectory suggests a growing emphasis on understanding the ecological responses to climate change and anthropogenic stressors. Looking ahead, she is poised to contribute to national and international collaborations that tackle ecosystem sustainability and carbon management. Her legacy lies not only in the richness of her scientific findings but also in the empowerment of students and colleagues under her guidance.

📖Notable Publications

Soil organic carbon distribution in relation to land use and its storage in a small watershed of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: X. Fang, Z. Xue, B. Li, S. An
Journal: Catena
Year: 2012

Deciphering factors driving soil microbial life‐history strategies in restored grasslands
Authors: Y. Yang, Y. Dou, B. Wang, Z. Xue, Y. Wang, S. An, S.X. Chang
Journal: iMeta
Year: 2023

Soil aggregation and intra-aggregate carbon fractions in relation to vegetation succession on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: M. Cheng, Y. Xiang, Z. Xue, S. An, F. Darboux
Journal: Catena
Year: 2015

Soil nitrogen distributions for different land uses and landscape positions in a small watershed on Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Z. Xue, M. Cheng, S. An
Journal: Ecological Engineering
Year: 2013

Changes in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen at a small watershed scale as the result of land use conversion on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Z. Xue, S. An
Journal: Sustainability
Year: 2018

Lilyan Alsaka | Environmental Chemistry| Environmental Chemistry Award

Mrs. Lilyan Alsaka | Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Chemistry Award

University of Technology Sydney, Australia

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Mrs. Lilyan Alsaka’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Building and Construction Engineering from the University of Technology, Baghdad, followed by a Master’s in Environmental Engineering at the same university. These formative studies laid the foundation for her deep-rooted interest in sustainable engineering and environmental protection. With a solid base in both structural and environmental engineering principles, her early academic pursuits reflected a strong commitment to addressing environmental challenges through technical excellence. She further enhanced her qualifications with a Diploma in Chemistry Techniques and a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques from TAFE NSW, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and practical expertise.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

With over 20 years of combined academic, research, and professional experience, Mrs. Alsaka has played pivotal roles in environmental engineering, focusing on pollution control, wastewater management, and soil remediation. She has worked across multiple sectors—academic, governmental, and research-intensive environments—translating complex scientific research into applicable field solutions. Her work includes environmental impact assessments (EIA), waste stabilization, and transboundary water policy development. She also holds an HSE Leadership Certification, contributing to safe and sustainable engineering practices in all her professional roles.

🔬 Research Focus and Technical Contributions

Mrs. Alsaka’s research is distinguished by its applied focus on water and soil remediation, particularly in challenging areas like PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid) removal, heavy metal extraction using hydrogel-based and electrokinetic systems, and advanced landfill leachate treatment. Her hydrogel composite-based systems have shown remarkable efficiency in removing contaminants such as chromium, nickel, and copper, reflecting her ability to integrate innovative materials science with environmental engineering. In addition, her membrane technologies for desalination and reactive barrier designs using iron slag underline her multidisciplinary expertise.

🌏 Impact and Global Engagement

Mrs. Alsaka has made significant contributions at both local and international levels. From analyzing pollution in the Tigris River in Mosul to engaging in international programs on shared water resource management, her work bridges scientific research and global environmental policy. Her participation in these programs has not only influenced policy development for sustainable water use but also demonstrated her role as a global advocate for responsible environmental governance.

📚 Academic Contributions and Citations

As a PhD candidate at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in her final year, Mrs. Alsaka has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, focusing on emerging contaminants, remediation technologies, and water quality improvement. These publications have contributed significantly to the scientific discourse around sustainable engineering practices and are referenced within academic and policy-making circles. Her technical reports, funding proposals, and scholarly articles are a testament to her research rigor and scholarly impact.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Mrs. Alsaka is proficient in a wide range of technical and laboratory skills, including TAFE-certified environmental monitoring techniques, ISO 14001 auditing, and laboratory testing of groundwater, soil, and wastewater. She is experienced with membrane filtration systems, hydrogel synthesis, and solid waste stabilization methods. Her strong command of Microsoft Office tools, environmental risk assessment methodologies, and regulatory reporting procedures positions her as a technically agile environmental engineer.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Beyond her research, Mrs. Alsaka has served as a lecturer and student supervisor, nurturing young minds in the field of environmental engineering. Her mentorship of career professionals and students alike underscores her dedication to capacity-building and academic growth. With experience in lab training, technical instruction, and stakeholder engagement, she effectively bridges academia and real-world environmental solutions.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Mrs. Alsaka is poised to make lasting contributions in the areas of clean water access, PFAS remediation, and international water policy. Her interdisciplinary expertise, coupled with a strong ethical foundation and a vision for sustainability, positions her as a leader in next-generation environmental solutions. Her legacy will be one of innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable future.

📖Notable Publications

Eco-friendly kappa-carrageenan-nano zerovalent iron hydrogel water and wastewater purification
Authors: Rokhsare Kardani, Sudesh Yadav, Ali Altaee, Lilyan Alsaka, John Zhou
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2025

A Review of Hydrogel Application in Wastewater Purification
Authors: Lilyan Alsaka, Lina Alsaka, Ali Altaee, Syed Javaid Zaidi, John Zhou, Tayma Kazwini
Journal: Separations
Year: 2025

Iron slag permeable reactive barrier for PFOA removal by the electrokinetic process
Authors: Namuun Ganbat, Faris M. Hamdi, Ibrar Ibrar, Ali Altaee, Lilyan Alsaka, Akshaya K. Samal, John Zhou, Alaa H. Hawari
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2023