Zhijing Xue | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

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

Md. Tushar Ali | Environmental Chemistry | Young Scientist Award -1966

Published on by Analytical Chemistry

Mr. Md. Tushar Ali | Environmental Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh

👨‍🎓Profiles

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Md. Tushar Ali began his academic journey in Civil Engineering at Khulna University of Engineering & Technology (KUET), Bangladesh, majoring in Structural Engineering with a minor in Environmental Engineering. From January 2019 to March 2024, he maintained a strong academic record, graduating with a CGPA of 3.47 out of 4.00, peaking at an impressive 3.94 in a single term. His undergraduate foundation laid a solid groundwork in structural systems, sustainability, and environmental dynamics, which became the springboard for his transition into multidisciplinary research. Early exposure to complex environmental problems inspired Tushar to explore intersections between engineering, atmospheric science, and ecological resilience.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently, Tushar serves as a Research Assistant in the SCIP Plastics Project—an international collaboration between KUET and Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, funded by the German Government. In this role, he engages in diverse tasks ranging from field surveys and lab analyses to advanced modeling and scientific reporting. His work focuses on real-world issues like landfill gas emissions, plastic pollution, and ecological risk assessments. Tushar applies sophisticated tools such as MATLAB, Fuzzy Logic systems, and statistical modeling to analyze landfill impacts. In parallel, he contributes to atmospheric research alongside Dr. Towfiqul Islam and Dr. Hamidul Bari, exploring urban air quality, greenhouse gas trends, and climate behavior through satellite remote sensing and analytical models like PCA and GAM. His dual involvement in waste and climate research marks him as a rare multidisciplinary asset.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Tushar’s research contributions span across several pivotal areas in environmental science and engineering. His field measurements of landfill gases across various waste compositions and seasons offer critical insights into emission patterns. He has developed environmental risk models integrating PCA, DEA, and Fuzzy Logic in MATLAB, enhancing the precision of hazard prediction. His research also explores how plastics escape from landfills via wind, floods, and human interaction, supporting data-driven plastic waste mitigation strategies. A noteworthy technical endeavor includes using LiDAR drone-based Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) to estimate landfill capacity and predict operational lifespan. Furthermore, his satellite-based work investigates air pollution trends, GHG dynamics, and meteorological variables before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Tushar has also delved into Atmospheric River (AR) behavior using ERA5 and GrADS, highlighting links between rainfall surges and atmospheric circulation. His seasonal studies on GHG trends and their interaction with urban heat island effects demonstrate a mature understanding of urban climate interactions.

🌱 Undergraduate Research Highlights

Even during his undergraduate years, Tushar was deeply involved in both computational and experimental research. He carried out comparative studies on the thermal performance of traditional vs. pervious concrete pavements using embedded thermocouples, which later resulted in a Q2 journal publication. He further explored the mechanical and thermal behavior of pervious concrete systems and studied cement grout behavior under temperature variations—research that he presented at a national conference. Additionally, his work on using recycled aggregates in sustainable construction is currently under review in a prestigious Q1 journal. These early achievements reflect his commitment to sustainability and innovative material use in civil engineering.

💡 Impact and Influence

Tushar’s interdisciplinary approach enables him to address critical environmental challenges in both urban and rural contexts. His work provides valuable data for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists tackling the pressing issues of waste management, air quality, and climate adaptation. Through high-impact research and modeling, Tushar is influencing conversations around landfill safety, urban emissions, and infrastructure planning. His Bangladesh-centered studies are equally relevant to other rapidly urbanizing regions across the globe. By combining engineering rigor with environmental awareness, he serves as a bridge between academia and real-world climate solutions.

📚 Academic Recognition and Publications

Md. Tushar Ali has published several journal articles and conference papers in Q1 and Q2 indexed journals—an impressive achievement for a researcher at this early stage. His work in landfill gas modeling, satellite climate analytics, and sustainable construction materials has already been recognized in professional and academic forums. Several of his studies are under peer review, indicating a consistent research pipeline. His early academic and research excellence positions him as a rising star in environmental engineering and climate science.

🧠 Technical Skills

Tushar possesses a wide-ranging technical skillset that enhances his research versatility. In programming and modeling, he is proficient in MATLAB, Python, and Google Earth Engine. His mapping and remote sensing capabilities include ArcGIS, GrADS, and satellite image analysis. From a civil engineering perspective, he is skilled in ETABS and AutoCAD for structural modeling. He also excels in data visualization and analysis using OriginPro, Microsoft Excel, and scientific presentation tools such as MS Word and PowerPoint.

👨‍🏫 Teaching and Mentorship Experience

Though not formally appointed as an instructor, Tushar has played an active mentorship role within his academic and research teams. He has guided junior peers in lab experiments, environmental modeling, software tools, and research methodologies. His collaborative style and ability to simplify complex tools have made him an informal but impactful mentor, laying the groundwork for future academic leadership and teaching roles.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Md. Tushar Ali is crafting a legacy built on research excellence, cross-disciplinary integration, and commitment to solving real-world environmental problems. His work in landfill management, urban climate studies, and sustainable construction is already contributing to both national and global sustainability goals. As he moves forward, Tushar aims to expand his impact through international collaboration, higher academic pursuits, and climate policy engagement. With a strong foundation and a clear vision, he is well-positioned to become a key figure in shaping resilient and sustainable environmental infrastructures for the future.

📖Notable Publications

  • mpact of brick dust addition on the physical and mechanical performance of pervious concrete
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Muhammad Harunur Rashid
    Journal: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
    Year: 2025

  • Environmental risks of plastic losses from landfills: A comparative study of divisional cities in Bangladesh
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Islam M. Rafizul
    Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances
    Year: 2024

  • Dynamics of atmospheric emissions and meteorological variables in Bangladesh from pre-to post-COVID-19 lockdown
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Islam M. Rafizul; Quazi Hamidul Bari
    Journal: Heliyon
    Year: 2024

  • The effects of coarser sand addition on thermal properties of pervious concrete
    Authors: Md. Tushar Ali; Muhammad Harunur Rashid
    Journal: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
    Year: 2024