Xiaogang Feng | environmental sciences | Best Researcher Award

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

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

๐ŸŽ“ 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.

๐Ÿข 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.

๐Ÿ”ฌ 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.

๐Ÿ† 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.

๐Ÿ“š 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.

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

Educationย 

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 Focusย 

Nasrin Gharahiโ€™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. Nasrinโ€™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.

Publicationsย 

  1. Nonparametric techniques for predicting soil bulk density of tropical rainforest topsoils in Rwanda ๐ŸŒ๐ŸŒฑ
  2. Effect of plastic pollution in soil properties and growth of grass species in semi-arid regions ๐ŸŒฟ๐ŸŒ
  3. Spatial variations of nitrogen trace gas emissions from tropical mountain forests in Nyungwe, Rwanda ๐ŸŒฒ๐Ÿ’จ
  4. Evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking purposes: a case study from Beheshtabad Basin, Iran ๐Ÿ’ง๐ŸŒ
  5. Cd and Pb bioaccumulation in Eurasian watermilfoil in relation to the role of metal contents in wetland sediments ๐ŸŸ๐ŸŒพ
  6. Effects of vegetation pattern and of biochar and powdery soil amendments on soil loss by wind ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿ’จ
  7. Detailed regional predictions of N2O and NO emissions from a tropical highland rainforest ๐ŸŒณ๐Ÿ’จ
  8. Investigation of surface and tunnel runoff and sediment production in saline-sodic soil ๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒฑ
  9. Investigating the effect of different water and soil conservation practices on soil properties ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ง
  10. Investigating spatial and temporal trends of groundwater quality in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari Province, Iran ๐Ÿ’ง๐Ÿ“Š
  11. Investigating the effect of nano-clay particles and biochar on nitrate leaching and soil stability ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’จ
  12. Combining climate information and remote sensing in the integrated drought index ๐ŸŒ๐ŸŒก๏ธ
  13. Effect of Biochar and Zeolite on Cadmium Uptake in Green bell Pepper and Leaching ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ๐Ÿ’ง
  14. Comparison of Separation Methods for Baseflow from Direct Runoff in Doroud Basin, Lorestan, Iran ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿงช
  15. Study of the trophic status of Choghakhor wetland using a trophic state index ๐Ÿž๏ธ๐Ÿ“Š
  16. The relationship of land use and quality of groundwater resources in Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari province ๐Ÿ’ง๐ŸŒ
  17. Sustainable practices for diminishing nitrate leaching ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ’ง
  18. Water quality and eutrophication status of the Zarivar Wetland, Iran ๐ŸŒŠ๐Ÿ’ง
  19. Comparison of Sampling Designs for Soil Sediment Source Fingerprinting ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ”ฌ
  20. Temporal variation pattern of runoff and surface sediment and piping erosion in silt loam soil ๐ŸŒง๏ธ๐ŸŒฟ