Xiaogang Feng | environmental sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Xiaogang Feng | environmental sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Associate Professor, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, China.

Dr. Xiaogang Feng (English name: Mark) is an Associate Professor at the College of Architecture, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, China. Born on March 24, 1979, in Xi’an, he is married to Yanli Guan (Anne), and they have a daughter, Wenyan Feng (Dora), born on August 27, 2011. Dr. Feng specializes in urban environmental studies, particularly focusing on the evolution and regulation of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect during urbanization processes. He also conducts research on environmental remote sensing and the digital preservation of traditional villages. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems from Shaanxi Normal University in 2011, a Master’s degree from Fuzhou University in 2006, and a Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 2003.

Professional Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Feng’s academic foundation is rooted in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). He earned his Ph.D. from Shaanxi Normal University in 2011, where his research focused on the Urban Heat Island effect and its mitigation strategies. Prior to that, he completed his Master’s degree at Fuzhou University in 2006, specializing in Virtual Geographic Environments. His undergraduate studies were at Northeastern University, where he majored in Surveying and Mapping Engineering. These educational experiences have equipped Dr. Feng with a comprehensive understanding of spatial analysis, environmental monitoring, and the application of GIS technologies in urban planning and heritage conservation.

🏢 Professional Experience

Dr. Feng has a diverse academic and professional background. Since 2017, he has served as an Associate Professor and Director of the Institute of Building Survey and Mapping at the College of Architecture, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology. His teaching portfolio includes courses on Engineering Surveying, 3S Applications, and Geographic Information Systems for both undergraduate and graduate students. Between 2006 and 2016, Dr. Feng held various positions, including Teaching Assistant and Senior Lecturer, at the same institution. His professional experience reflects a commitment to integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications in the fields of architecture, urban planning, and environmental science.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Feng’s research interests lie at the intersection of urban environmental science and heritage conservation. He investigates the Urban Heat Island effect, analyzing its spatial morphology and the coupling trends between urban development and land surface temperature. His work also delves into the digital preservation of traditional villages, employing technologies like digital twins and remote sensing to document and protect cultural heritage. Additionally, Dr. Feng explores the thermal environment of residential green spaces, aiming to enhance human thermal comfort through spatial design. His interdisciplinary approach combines environmental science, technology, and cultural studies to address contemporary urban challenges.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Feng’s contributions to academia have been recognized through various awards. He has been honored with the Outstanding Youth Science and Technology Award by the Shaanxi Provincial Government. In 2023, he received the Excellent Teaching Award from Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, acknowledging his dedication to quality education. His research excellence has also been acknowledged with the Best Paper Award at the International Conference on Urban Environmental Studies in 2022. These accolades reflect Dr. Feng’s commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in his fields of expertise.

📚 Top Noted Publications

Dr. Feng has an extensive publication record, contributing to both international and Chinese journals. Notable works include:

1. Study on the Spatial Morphology of Ando Tibetan Traditional Villages in China: A Case of Traditional Villages in Huangnan Prefecture

  • Authors: Feng, X., Hu, M., Somenahalli, S., Zhang, W., Liu, K., Li, M., Zhou, Z., Li, F.

  • Journal: Sustainability, 17(4), 1353 (2025)

  • DOI: 10.3390/su17041353

  • Summary: This study examines the spatial morphology of traditional Tibetan villages in Huangnan Prefecture, China. Utilizing fractal theory, spatial syntax theory, GIS, and geomorphological statistical analysis, the research analyzes both external morphology and internal structure of these villages, constructing a quantitative system of spatial morphology for traditional villages. researchgate.net

2. Analysis of the Coupling Trend Between the Urban Agglomeration Development and Land Surface Heat Island Effect: A Case Study of Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration, China

  • Authors: Feng, X., Li, F., Somenahalli, S., Zhao, Y., Li, M., Zhou, Z., Li, F.

  • Journal: Sustainability, 17(12), 5239 (2025)

  • DOI: 10.3390/su17125239

  • Summary: This research investigates the coupling relationship between urban development and the land surface heat island (UHI) effect in the Guanzhong Plain urban agglomeration. The study utilizes remote sensing data and spatial analysis to understand the spatial distribution and temporal evolution of UHI intensity in relation to urban expansion.

3. Reshaping the New Quality Productivity of Traditional Village: Theoretical Framework, Implementation Path, and Promotion Strategy

  • Authors: Feng, X., Zhao, Y., et al.

  • Journal: Urban Development Studies, 32(2), 20-26 (2025)

  • Summary: This paper proposes a theoretical framework for enhancing the new quality productivity of traditional villages. It discusses implementation paths and promotion strategies aimed at revitalizing traditional villages through sustainable development practices and integration of modern technologies.

4. An Intelligent Construction Model and Application of Traditional Villages Based on Integrated Space-Ground Collaboration

  • Authors: Feng, X., Luo, J., et al.

  • Journal: Journal of Xi’an University of Architecture & Technology (Natural Science Edition), 57(2), 254-262 (2025)

  • Summary: This study presents an intelligent construction model for traditional villages that integrates spatial and ground collaboration. The model aims to preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development through the application of advanced technologies in construction and planning.

5. Research on the Construction Process and Optimization Part of Rural Space from the Perspective of Identity

  • Authors: Feng, X., Wang, Y., Qiu, M.

  • Journal: Contemporary Architecture, 11, 40-45 (2024)

  • Summary: This paper explores the construction process and optimization of rural spaces from the perspective of identity. It emphasizes the importance of cultural identity in rural development and proposes strategies for integrating local traditions into modern architectural practices.

Conclusion

Dr. Xiaogang Feng is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in areas related to environmental remote sensing, urban thermal environments, and the digital conservation of cultural heritage. His consistent scholarly output, interdisciplinary research focus, and leadership in academic institutions demonstrate both productivity and impact.

fei li | environmental sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. fei li | environmental sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Scholar, at Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, China.

Li Fei, a master’s student in urban planning at the School of Architecture of Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, focuses on the protection of traditional villages and the study of urban thermal environment. She has systematically studied cutting-edge courses such as urban and rural planning theory, spatial planning and sustainable development, GIS and smart city technology, and has a solid professional theoretical foundation. During her graduate studies, she actively participated in the National Natural Science Foundation of China project and accumulated solid data analysis and project practice capabilities. She is good at using spatial analysis tools such as ArcGIS, CityEngine, and Python, and has outstanding performance in the digital protection of village cultural heritage. In addition, she published her research results in the international journal “Sustainability”, showing excellent scientific research potential. She loves interdisciplinary collaboration, has won graduate academic scholarships and competition honors, and is committed to promoting urban and rural heritage protection and smart development with digital technology.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

🎓Education

Li Fei is currently studying for a master’s degree in urban planning at Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology (September 2023 to present)🏫. During her master’s degree, she systematically studied core courses such as cutting-edge theories of urban and rural planning, sustainable spatial development, GIS analysis, and smart city construction📚. She pays special attention to the digital protection of traditional villages and the integration of human geography information, and applies what she has learned to practical projects. She has mastered a variety of professional technical tools including ArcGIS, CityEngine, BIM and Python, and has strong data modeling and spatial analysis capabilities🧠. During her time at school, Li Fei received a graduate student scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year, which fully demonstrated her academic excellence and professionalism🌟. She continues to explore the integration of urban and rural planning and digital technology in and out of class, striving to transform theory into an effective path to solve practical problems🛠️.

💼Experience

Li Fei participated in a number of practical projects related to digital heritage protection during her graduate studies. She was responsible for data research and traditional village museum construction in the National Natural Science Foundation project. She is proficient in point cloud data, three-dimensional laser scanning and BIM technology, and independently completed the digital twin modeling and data archiving of historical buildings. From December 2023 to May 2024, she participated in the development of the “Huangnan Ancient Village Digital Protection Platform”, responsible for integrating human geography information, establishing a village cultural heritage database, and realizing virtual display and building information query functions. In addition, she also wrote the “Technical Guidelines for Digital Protection of Traditional Villages in Huangnan” to provide a technical basis for subsequent repair and protection projects. Li Fei demonstrated outstanding technical execution and interdisciplinary coordination capabilities in the project, and is a practitioner of the combination of urban and rural planning and digital technology.

🔬Research Interest

Li Fei’s research interests focus on the cross-application of traditional village protection, urban thermal environment and digital technology🌡️. She focuses on how to achieve systematic protection and digital reproduction of historical and cultural heritage through advanced technologies such as spatial analysis, three-dimensional modeling and BIM📊. She is particularly focused on combining human geography with modern technological means to establish an operational cultural heritage database and digital display platform to support protective planning and smart management🛰️. In addition, Li Fei has a strong interest in how smart city technology can promote sustainable urban and rural development, and hopes to explore the application of big data and AI in urban heat island effect mitigation and ecological restoration in future research🌳. She is committed to transforming scientific and technological achievements into effective tools for serving public welfare from micro-architecture to macro-spatial levels🤝.

🏆Awards

During her master’s degree, Li Fei received the 2023-2024 graduate student scholarship from Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, which fully affirmed her course learning, scientific research ability and comprehensive quality. In addition, she has won awards in national urban and rural planning academic competitions, demonstrating interdisciplinary integration thinking and innovation. The “Huangnan Ancient Village Digital Protection Platform” she participated in was highly praised both inside and outside the school and was selected as an excellent demonstration case. Li Fei also represented the school in the International Young Planners Forum, where she presented her research results and received praise from experts. These honors are not only a reflection of her scientific research ability, but also a strong proof of her teamwork, project execution and academic exchange capabilities.

📚Top Noted Publications

Li Fei published a paper titled **”Digital Conservation of Traditional Villages Based on BIM and Point Cloud Data: A Case Study of Huangnan Ancient Villages”📄 in the international journal Sustainability . The paper was published in 2024** and has been cited by many academic articles, showing a high academic influence🔍.

📌 Li, F. (2024). Digital Conservation of Traditional Villages Based on BIM and Point Cloud Data: A Case Study of Huangnan Ancient Villages. Sustainability, MDPI.Cited by 6 articles 📈。

This study takes the Huangnan ancient village as an example, combines point cloud scanning and BIM modeling, builds a village cultural heritage database, and proposes a systematic digital protection path. The article proposes a set of scalable technical processes, which provides a theoretical basis and practical paradigm for the digital protection of traditional villages in my country.

Conclusion

In summary

Her research direction has significant social value and innovation potential, especially in the digital practice of urban and rural sustainable development and cultural heritage protection Fully qualified to apply for the “Best Researcher Award”.

Bao-Jun Sun | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Bao-Jun Sun | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Bao-Jun Sun, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Prof. Bao-Jun Sun is an esteemed researcher in evolutionary and environmental physiology, focusing on how amphibians and reptiles respond to climate change. He employs ecological modeling, manipulative experiments, and comparative analyses to explore phenotypic and evolutionary adaptations. Currently an Associate Professor at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, he will be promoted to Full Professor in 2025. His research highlights include the ecological and genetic mechanisms driving ectotherm endangerment due to global warming. With numerous high-impact publications, he significantly contributes to climate change resilience studies.

Profile

Education 🎓

Prof. Bao-Jun Sun 🎓 has an extensive academic background in ecology and zoology. He earned his Ph.D. in Ecology (2011-2014) from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China 🏛️, where he deepened his expertise in ecological research. Prior to that, he completed his Master’s degree in Zoology (2008-2011) at Hangzhou Normal University 📚, refining his understanding of animal sciences. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology (2002-2006) from Dalian Nationalities University 🧬, laying a strong foundation in biological sciences. His educational path reflects a deep commitment to scientific exploration and research 🔬.

Scientific Community

Prof. Bao-Jun Sun 🌍 is a distinguished researcher whose work significantly enhances our understanding of climate change’s impact on biodiversity 🌱, contributing to global conservation efforts. His interdisciplinary research integrates ecology, genetics, and evolutionary physiology 🧬, positioning him as a leading figure in environmental biology. Through his innovative studies, he explores how species adapt to changing environments, providing crucial insights for ecological sustainability 🌿. His collaborations with international scientists 🤝 further amplify his influence in the scientific community, fostering global partnerships for environmental research. His contributions are vital in shaping conservation strategies for a rapidly changing world .

Experience 🧪

Prof. Bao-Jun Sun 🔬 is a leading researcher in evolutionary and environmental physiology, focusing on ectotherms, particularly amphibians and reptiles 🐸🦎. His innovative work integrates inter- and intraspecific comparisons, manipulative experiments, and ecological modeling 📊, providing a comprehensive approach to understanding climate change effects on these species 🌍. His research explores phenotypic and evolutionary adaptation, the genetic mechanisms behind species endangerment 🧬, and the ecological consequences of climate warming 🌡️. With high scientific impact, his studies contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and the adaptation strategies of ectothermic species in a rapidly changing environment.

Research Focus 🔍

Prof. Bao-Jun Sun’s research focuses on thermal ecology 🔥, physiology 🏃‍♂️, and developmental biology 🦎 of reptiles and amphibians. His work explores how temperature and climate change 🌡️ impact embryonic development 🥚, metabolism ⚡, and reproductive strategies 🦖. He investigates heat tolerance 🏜️, oxygen dependency 🫁, and maternal effects 🤰 on offspring fitness. His studies on temperature-dependent sex determination ♂️♀️ and environmental adaptation 🌍 provide crucial insights into species resilience against global warming. His research also extends to gut microbiota 🦠, behavioral ecology 🦗, and conservation biology 🛡️, making significant contributions to ecophysiology and evolutionary biology 📚.

nasrin Gharahi | environment | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. nasrin Gharahi | environment | Best Researcher Award

shahrekord, shahrekord university, Iran

Nasrin Gharahi is an accomplished environmental scientist with a strong academic background and extensive experience in soil and water conservation. She holds both an MSc in Physical Land Resources and a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from Ghent University, Belgium. Her research spans critical areas such as soil pollution, groundwater quality, and the impact of environmental stressors on ecosystems. Nasrin has been active in both theoretical and applied environmental science, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for land management and pollution control. She is a dedicated faculty member in the Environmental Sciences Department, where her work consistently addresses pressing global environmental issues, particularly in semi-arid regions. Her interdisciplinary approach and collaboration with international experts enhance the reach and impact of her research, making her a respected figure in environmental science circles.

Profile

Education 

Nasrin Gharahi pursued her higher education at Ghent University, Belgium. She completed her MSc in Physical Land Resources between 2004 and 2007, where she focused on understanding land and soil systems from a physical and environmental perspective. Driven by a passion for addressing global environmental challenges, she continued her studies and earned a PhD in Bioscience Engineering from Ghent University between 2008 and 2012. Her doctoral research explored nonparametric techniques for predicting soil bulk density in tropical rainforests, particularly in Rwanda. Her academic journey in Belgium, renowned for its research in environmental sciences, has laid the foundation for her continued exploration into soil science, environmental conservation, and bioscience engineering. The combination of physical and bioscientific expertise has enabled Nasrin to contribute significantly to environmental solutions with a focus on sustainable practices and soil-water conservation techniques.

Research Focus 

Nasrin Gharahi’s research focuses primarily on the intersection of soil science, environmental pollution, and water quality. Her work explores how various environmental factors, such as plastic pollution and metal bioaccumulation, affect soil health, plant growth, and water resources. She is particularly interested in finding sustainable solutions to soil erosion, nitrate leaching, and the impact of climate change on ecosystems, with a focus on semi-arid regions. Nasrin’s interdisciplinary approach combines biogeochemistry, land management, and bioscience engineering to create practical applications for environmental conservation. She investigates innovative techniques such as the use of biochar and nano-clay particles to improve soil quality and reduce pollution. In addition, her research involves evaluating groundwater quality for drinking purposes, studying vegetation patterns, and understanding nitrogen trace gas emissions from tropical forests. Her work contributes to the development of policies aimed at mitigating environmental degradation and fostering sustainable land use.

Publications 

  1. Nonparametric techniques for predicting soil bulk density of tropical rainforest topsoils in Rwanda 🌍🌱
  2. Effect of plastic pollution in soil properties and growth of grass species in semi-arid regions 🌿🌍
  3. Spatial variations of nitrogen trace gas emissions from tropical mountain forests in Nyungwe, Rwanda 🌲💨
  4. Evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking purposes: a case study from Beheshtabad Basin, Iran 💧🌍
  5. Cd and Pb bioaccumulation in Eurasian watermilfoil in relation to the role of metal contents in wetland sediments 🐟🌾
  6. Effects of vegetation pattern and of biochar and powdery soil amendments on soil loss by wind 🌿💨
  7. Detailed regional predictions of N2O and NO emissions from a tropical highland rainforest 🌳💨
  8. Investigation of surface and tunnel runoff and sediment production in saline-sodic soil 🌊🌱
  9. Investigating the effect of different water and soil conservation practices on soil properties 🌱💧
  10. Investigating spatial and temporal trends of groundwater quality in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province, Iran 💧📊
  11. Investigating the effect of nano-clay particles and biochar on nitrate leaching and soil stability 🌱💨
  12. Combining climate information and remote sensing in the integrated drought index 🌍🌡️
  13. Effect of Biochar and Zeolite on Cadmium Uptake in Green bell Pepper and Leaching 🌶️💧
  14. Comparison of Separation Methods for Baseflow from Direct Runoff in Doroud Basin, Lorestan, Iran 🌊🧪
  15. Study of the trophic status of Choghakhor wetland using a trophic state index 🏞️📊
  16. The relationship of land use and quality of groundwater resources in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province 💧🌍
  17. Sustainable practices for diminishing nitrate leaching 🌱💧
  18. Water quality and eutrophication status of the Zarivar Wetland, Iran 🌊💧
  19. Comparison of Sampling Designs for Soil Sediment Source Fingerprinting 🌍🔬
  20. Temporal variation pattern of runoff and surface sediment and piping erosion in silt loam soil 🌧️🌿

Danish Khan | Energy | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Danish Khan | Energy | Best Scholar Award

Assistant Professor at Shenzhen Technology University, China

🎓 A dedicated scientist and educator with expertise in renewable energy and electrical engineering, specializing in perovskite solar cells. 🌱 Holds diverse academic and professional experience in Pakistan and China, demonstrating a passion for innovative research and teaching. 💡 A dedicated scientist and educator with expertise in renewable energy and electrical engineering, specializing in perovskite solar cells. 🌱 Holds diverse academic and professional experience in Pakistan and China, demonstrating a passion for innovative research and teaching. 💡

Publication Profile

scholar

Education🎓 

PhD in Renewable Energy (2014.09-2019.06): Research focus on perovskite organic photovoltaics at North China Electric Power University. Master’s in Electrical Engineering (2012.09-2014.06): Specialization in insulation materials at North China Electric Power University Undergraduate in Electrical Engineering (2007.09-2011.06): Focused on insulating materials at COMSATS University, Pakistan.

Experience👩‍🏫

Scientist in Materials Perovskite R&D (2023.03-Present): Researching perovskite solar cells. Postdoctoral Researcher (2021.03-2023.02): Worked on doped HTMs and titanium ore solar cells at Southern University of Science and Technology. Assistant Professor (2019.09-2021.02): Taught electrical engineering and materials courses at Indus University, Pakistan, and served as part-time acting director.

Awards and Honors🔍

HEC Pakistan Certified Doctoral Supervisor.  Guest speaker at MEIE2020 and the 4th Symposium on Optoelectronics Materials and Devices.  Reviewer for SCI journals.

Research Focus🌞

Specializes in perovskite solar cells, focusing on stability, efficiency, and advanced doped HTMs.  Expertise in materials characterization using NMR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and computational tools like Materials Studio and MATLAB.

Publications 📖

📘 Competitive assessment of South Asia’s wind power industry: SWOT analysis and value chain combined model – Energy Strategy Reviews, 2020. Cited: 82.

🌞 Dopant-free phthalocyanine hole conductor for stable perovskite solar cells with 23% efficiency – Advanced Functional Materials, 2022. Cited: 67.

📊 Photovoltaic power forecasting using Elman Neural Network – IEEE Conference, 2017. Cited: 43.

🧪 Nexuses Between Chemical Design and Small Molecule Hole Transport Materials – Small, 2023. Cited: 41.

🔬 Dielectric properties of transformer oil-based silica nanofluids – IEEE, 2015. Cited: 40.

⚛️ Thiophene-functionalized phthalocyanine isomers for defect passivation in perovskite solar cells – Journal of Energy Chemistry, 2022. Cited: 36.

🏭 Incorporation of carbon nanotubes in organic solar cells – Ain Shams Engineering Journal, 2021. Cited: 36.

🔋 Design and performance analysis of PV grid-tied systems with energy storage – Int. J. Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2021. Cited: 32.

🌟 Improving optical properties of SnO₂ nanoparticles via Ni doping – Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, 2021. Cited: 30.

🌌 Conjugated linker-boosted self-assembled monolayers for perovskite solar cells – Joule, 2024. Cited: 29.

🌐 Hybrid power forecasting with neural networks and air quality index – Int. J. Photoenergy, 2017. Cited: 26.

🧾 Phthalocyanine in perovskite solar cells: A review – Materials Chemistry Frontiers, 2023. Cited: 22.

🏗️ Ion-Dipole interaction for inverted perovskite solar cells – Advanced Functional Materials, 2024. Cited: 20.

🌞 Charge transport-free np homojunction perovskite solar cells – Solar Energy, 2022. Cited: 20.

Conclusion

This individual is highly suitable for the Research for Best Scholar Award due to their exceptional academic credentials, impactful research contributions in renewable energy, and proven leadership skills in both academia and research. Their ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in perovskite solar cells aligns with the award’s focus on scholarly excellence.

To further strengthen their candidacy, they could diversify their research focus, pursue interdisciplinary collaborations, and secure significant grants. With continued professional growth, this individual is well-positioned to make transformative contributions to academia and renewable energy innovation.