Celia Caridad Borges Casas | Marine biology | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Celia Caridad Borges Casas | Marine biology | Best Researcher Award

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuba

Celia Caridad Borges Casas is a Cuban biologist specializing in marine ecology, fish parasitology, and ecological interaction networks . She earned her Master’s in Marine Sciences and Limnology with Honors from UNAM and a Bachelor’s in Biology with a Gold Title distinction from Universidad Central “Marta Abreu”. Her work includes pioneering research on parasitic isopods in commercial snappers and seagrass ecosystem impacts . She has led projects on parasite-host interactions across North American marine ecoregions and contributed to biodiversity knowledge with the first record of Halophila ovalis in the Greater Antilles . Celia combines traditional marine ecological approaches with GIS, statistical analysis, and bioinformatics . She has presented at international conferences like SWIMM and the Latin American Fisheries Congress and completed over ten advanced courses. Her interdisciplinary expertise empowers her contributions to marine conservation, research innovation, and data-driven ecosystem management .

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Celia holds a Master’s in Marine Sciences and Limnology from UNAM, graduating with a 9.77 GPA and Honors, with a thesis on parasitic isopods in snappers . She earned her Bachelor’s in Biology with the Gold Title (GPA 4.76) from Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” , researching desalination plant impacts on seagrass beds . She pursued postgraduate training in species diversity, aquatic chemistry, marine geology, data analysis, and statistical modeling through UNAM, INVEMAR, and FAO . Additional certifications include Open Water Diver, Marine Ecology, and AGRRA coral reef assessment . She also trained at the Smithsonian Institution in paleontology 🦴 and CIIMAR in Portugal, specializing in bioinformatics and molecular biology . These diverse educational experiences provide her with a robust foundation in marine sciences, ecology, and computational biology, enabling her to integrate fieldwork, laboratory research, and advanced data analysis in her marine conservation research .

💼 Experience

Celia’s professional experience spans ecological research, marine biodiversity, and conservation management . She served as a protected areas technician in Cuba (2019–2021), contributing to ecosystem monitoring . As a Master’s fellow (2022–2024), she led a research project on parasitic isopods in commercial snappers, producing peer-reviewed publications and field data analyses. She also served as Co-PI in the “Species Interactions” project at UNAM, exploring parasite-host networks and ecological dynamics . Her research fellowships in Portugal enhanced her molecular biology and bioinformatics skills . Celia participated in international events like SWIMM 2023, First International Climate Change Congress, and multiple student science congresses. Across her roles, she demonstrated technical expertise in GIS, RStudio, biodiversity databases (Darwin Core, GloBI), and PRISMA reviews . Her hands-on contributions to three major projects reflect her multidisciplinary and international scope in marine science and conservation .

🏅 Awards & Honors

Celia has earned five major academic distinctions recognizing her excellence and research achievements . She received Honors in her Master’s at UNAM, awarded for timely graduation and outstanding academic performance . During her undergraduate studies, she was honored with the Gold Title—one of the highest recognitions for scholarly distinction at Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas . Her seagrass research earned accolades at national conferences, including the 48th University Student Scientific Conference . She was selected for a research fellowship at CIIMAR in Portugal, supported by competitive scientific merit. Celia has also been awarded multiple postgraduate course certifications by institutions like FAO, UNAM, and INVEMAR . These honors affirm her scientific impact in marine biology, parasitology, and conservation, and highlight her dedication to continuous professional growth and international collaboration.

🔬 Research Focus

Celia’s research centers on marine ecosystem conservation, particularly coral reef biodiversity, fish parasitology, and ecological interactions. She investigates host-parasite dynamics in commercial fish species and their implications on marine food webs and fisheries sustainability. Her Master’s work on isopod parasites in Lutjanidae snappers informs her current studies on parasite-host networks in North American marine ecoregions. She applies statistical modeling, GIS, and molecular biology tools to explore environmental impacts and biodiversity patterns. Her contributions include the first regional record of Halophila ovalis, highlighting her commitment to species documentation and conservation . She integrates traditional ecological fieldwork with computational approaches like PRISMA reviews, Darwin Core databases, and bioinformatics pipelines. Celia aims to advance understanding of how anthropogenic pressures affect marine biota, offering insights that support ecosystem-based management, policy, and marine biodiversity protection at both regional and global scales.

Conclusion

Celia Borges Casas embodies the qualities sought in a recipient of the Young Scientist Award—academic excellence, innovative interdisciplinary research, and a strong commitment to marine biodiversity and ecological conservation. Her achievements indicate a trajectory of growing impact and international relevance. With continued support and opportunities, she is poised to emerge as a leading scientist addressing critical environmental challenges in marine ecosystems.

Publication

📄 1. Effects of Wastewater from a Desalination Plant on a Marine Grassland in Santa Maria, Villa Clara, Cuba
  • Type: Preprint

  • Date: 2025-04

  • Authors: Casas, Celia; Joán Hernández Albernas

  • Corresponding Author: Celia Casas

  • Source: bioRxiv (Preprint ID: 648634)

  • Source-Work-ID: cv-prod-id-4694707

  • Repository: bioRxiv (DOI not yet published)

🦀2. Cymothoa excisa Perty, 1833 and Rocinela signata Schioedte & Meinert, 1879 (Crustacea: Isopoda) parasitizing commercial snappers (Teleostei: Lutjanidae) in the southern Gulf of Mexico
  • Journal: Marine Biology Research (MBRJ)

  • Date: 2025-04-18

  • Authors: Casas, Celia; Alfonso Aguilar Perera (Corresponding Author); Fernando Alvarez Noguera; Edlin Guerra Castro; Daniel Arceo Carranza; Fernando Nuno Dias Marques Simoes

  • DOI: 10.1080/17451000.2025.2482596

  • Source-Work-ID: cv-prod-id-4694679

🌱3. First record for seagrass Halophila ovalis in the Greater Antilles
  • Journal: Mexican Journal of Biodiversity

  • Date: 2017-12-06

  • Authors: Joán I. Hernández-Albernas (Corresponding Author); Celia C. Borges-Casas

  • Source-Work-ID: cv-prod-id-4284977

  • Source: CIÊNCIAVITAE

 

Amazigh Ouaksel | Milieux aquatiques | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel | Milieux aquatiques | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel, CEREGE – Aix Marseille université, France

Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel is a researcher in environmental chemistry, specializing in the risks associated with (nano)particle exposure in freshwater ecosystems. He holds a PhD (2020–2023) from Aix-Marseille University, focusing on the environmental impacts of tungsten-based nanomaterials. With research experience at CEREGE, France, and the University of Bejaia, Algeria, he has investigated nanoparticle aggregation, bio-lixiviation, and pollutant fate. He has presented at SETAC and Goldschmidt conferences and co-authored studies on nuclear dismantling exposure. Currently, he serves as an ATER at Aix-Marseille University. 🌍🔬📚

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Educational Background

Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel holds a PhD in Environmental Chemistry (2020–2023) from Aix-Marseille University, where he focused on the environmental risks associated with the life cycle of energy technologies, particularly the exposure and impacts of tungsten-based (nano)particles. He earned a Master’s degree (2018–2020) in Waste Management and Polluted Sites (GSDP, MAEVA) from Aix-Marseille University, conducting research at CEREGE. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s in Mineral Resource Valorization (2015–2017) at the University of Bejaia, Algeria. His academic journey has equipped him with expertise in environmental risk assessment, nanoparticle behavior, and sustainable resource management. 🌍🔬📚

🔬 Research Experience

Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel has gained extensive research experience in environmental chemistry and nanoparticle behavior. In 2020, he conducted a six-month research internship at CEREGE, Aix-en-Provence, France, studying the fate of TiO₂ and CeO₂ nanoparticles in freshwater ecosystems. In 2019, during a three-month internship at the same institute, he analyzed the hetero-aggregation kinetics of metal oxide nanoparticles with clays. Earlier, in 2017, he undertook a three-month research project at the BBBS Laboratory, University of Bejaia, Algeria, optimizing the physico-chemical parameters of bioleaching for gold ore mineralization. His work contributes to understanding environmental risks and nanoparticle interactions. 🌍🧪🔎

📚 Scientific Training

Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel is actively engaged in scientific training and outreach. Since 2020, he has participated in the Fête de la Science in Aix-en-Provence, France, presenting on nanoparticle properties 🧪🌍. In 2022, he completed the Aster’X training on X-ray spectroscopy, tomography, and emission analysis (32.5 hours) 🔬📊. Since 2023, he has been leading interactive workshops, including Fresques du Sol, de l’Économie Circulaire, Ma Terre en 180 Minutes, and Ma Terre en Classe, fostering environmental awareness and education 🌱📖. His contributions bridge scientific research and public engagement, promoting sustainability and technological understanding.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel has extensive teaching experience in environmental chemistry and geosciences. From 2020 to 2023, he served as a Teaching Associate (CME) at IUT d’Aix-Marseille, delivering practical chemistry courses in general and organic chemistry 🧪📚. He also developed a professional simulation project on water analysis 💧🔬. Since 2023, as a Temporary Lecturer and Researcher (ATER) at Aix-Marseille University (OSU Pythéas), he has been teaching biogeochemical cycles, soil science, ecotoxicology, and water chemistry 🌍📊. His expertise spans data analysis, GIS, and environmental risk assessment, integrating fieldwork and laboratory experiments to enhance student learning.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Amazigh Ouaksel specializes in environmental chemistry and nanoparticle ecotoxicology 🌍🧪. His research focuses on the behavior, fate, and environmental risks of metallic and engineered nanoparticles (e.g., tungsten, titanium dioxide, and cerium dioxide) in freshwater ecosystems 💧⚛️. He investigates nanoparticle aggregation, mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity in aquatic environments, assessing their impact on benthic organisms and water quality 🦠🦐. His work also contributes to nuclear decommissioning impact studies and sustainable waste management. His expertise spans biogeochemical cycles, soil-water interactions, and environmental risk assessment, advancing knowledge in pollution mitigation and ecosystem safety 🌱.

Publications Top Notes

1️⃣ Ouaksel A., Vidal V., Proux O., Pailles C., Rose J., Auffan M. (2023) – Coupling High-Energy Resolution Fluorescence Detected X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy with Microfluidic Cells for in Situ Monitoring of Tungsten Nanoparticles Redox Transformation. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry.

2️⃣ Ouaksel A., Carboni A., Slomberg D., Vidal V., Proux O., Santella C., Brousset L., Angeletti B., Thiéry A., Rose J., Auffan M. (2025) – Behavior and fate of ITER-like tungsten nanoparticles potentially released into freshwater ecosystems during tokamak reactor operation and maintenance. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

3️⃣ Slomberg D., Auffan M., Payet M., Carboni A., Ouaksel A., Brousset L., Angeletti B., Thiéry A., Grisolia C., Rose J. (2023) – Tritiated stainless steel (nano)particle release following a nuclear dismantling incident scenario: Significant exposure of freshwater ecosystem benthic zone. Journal of Hazardous Materials.

Morteza Zanganeh | marine science | Best Innovation Award

Dr. Morteza Zanganeh | marine science | Best Innovation Award

Professor at ISF College of Pharmacy,  India

👨‍🏫 Dr. Morteza Zanganeh, an accomplished Iranian civil engineer, born on July 13, 1980, in Golestan, holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Water Engineering. His expertise encompasses coastal engineering, wave prediction, and marine structures. As an Assistant Professor at Golestan University, he has made significant contributions to academia, heading the Natural Hazard Institute. With a rich portfolio of publications and diverse projects, Zanganeh’s work extends to numerical code developments, teaching, and leadership roles. His multidimensional skills in programming, numerical modeling, and soft computing methods underline his commitment to advancing hydraulic and coastal engineering fields.. 📚

🌐 Professional Profiles:

🎓 Educational Background:

Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Water Engineering Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran, 2006-2012 Dissertation: “Two-phase modeling of current-induced scour beneath pipelines via combined Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics and Distinct Element Method.” M.Sc. Civil Engineering, Water Engineering (Coastal Engineering) Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST), Tehran, Iran, 2003-2006 Thesis: “A combined model of Fuzzy Inference Systems and Genetic Algorithm (FIS-GA) for prediction of wave parameters and its comparison with ANFIS and empirical methods.” B.S. Civil Engineering Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), Isfahan, Iran, 1999-2003

👩‍💼 Work Experiences and Projects:

Head of Natural Hazard Institute, Golestan University, 2022-now. Assistant Professor, Golestan University, Faculty of Engineering, 2013-now. Dean of Faculty, Golestan University, Faculty of Engineering, 2017-2022. Vice president in education and research, Golestan University, Faculty of Engineering, 2016-2017. Head of Civil Engineering section, Golestan University, Faculty of Engineering, 2013-2016. Consulting Engineer at Sazeh Pardazi Iran (SPI) Consulting Engineers, Tehran, Iran, 2011-2013. Research Assistant in various projects related to storm water networks, wastewater treatment, and marine activities.

Research Interests:

Application of Soft Computing Methods (ANN, GA-FIS, PSO-FIS, GP, and COA) in Marine Events Prediction, Water Hammer Modeling, Ram Pump Design, and Hydropower plant. Coastal Stabilization and Beach Nourishment. Coastal and Marine Structures. Modeling of Wave and Marine Currents. Two-phase Flow Modeling and Turbulence Modeling. Sea Water Intake Including Deep water, Infiltration Galleries, and Outfall System.

Teaching Assistant Experiences:

Served as a teaching assistant in courses related to Coastal Engineering, Open Channel Hydraulics, and Design of Coastal Structures.

Academic Honors:

Achieved high rankings in university entrance exams for B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees.

Research Focus

Morteza Zanganeh is a distinguished researcher specializing in Coastal and Marine Engineering. His groundbreaking work, published in renowned journals like ELSEVIER and IWA Publishing, spans predictive modeling of wave parameters, scour beneath marine pipelines, and two-phase flow simulations. With expertise in soft computing methods, his research integrates Genetic Algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization, and Fuzzy Inference Systems. Zanganeh’s contributions extend to numerical modeling, optimizing wave predictor models, and enhancing ANFIS-based wave predictions using Particle Swarm Optimization. His work significantly advances the understanding of coastal dynamics and hydraulic systems, earning accolades for innovation and excellence. 🌊🔍

Peer Reviewer & Academic Engagements

Dr. Morteza Zanganeh citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar are as follows:

Citations: 269 (All), 152  (Since 2018)
h-index: 9 (All), 7 (Since 2018)
i10-index: 9 (All), 6 (Since 2018)