Nor El Houda Bourkaib | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nor El Houda Bourkaib | Environment | Best Researcher Award

PHD at Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Algeria.

Norelhouda Bourkaib is a passionate Ph.D. student in Environmental Engineering with a specialization in green chemistry and renewable materials; her research centers on the epoxidation of waste cooking oils to develop eco-friendly biobased products; skilled in experimental design, statistical modeling, and chemical analysis, she integrates sustainability with scientific innovation to address environmental and industrial challenges; her publication in the International Journal of Environmental Studies reflects her commitment to impactful, data-driven research; she exhibits strong critical thinking, independence in scientific inquiry, and a dedication to waste valorization through green methodologies.

🎓 Education 

She earned her diploma in Environmental Engineering from Ecole Nationale Polytechnique (Algiers) with rigorous academic training in sustainable technologies, environmental systems, and chemical process engineering; her curriculum emphasized green chemistry principles, analytical methods, and statistical optimization; her doctoral research expands upon this foundation by applying experimental design and data science tools (R, Python) to chemical valorization processes; she demonstrates a strong theoretical base combined with practical research experience in environmentally focused innovation and chemical transformation.

💼 Experience 

Since 2017, she has been conducting independent research as a Ph.D. scholar, leading a project on the epoxidation of waste cooking oil using peracid chemistry; she designed and executed lab experiments, optimized conditions using DoE in R, analyzed products via titration and FTIR, and successfully published her findings in an international peer-reviewed journal; her work spans full-cycle research—from literature review and lab work to data interpretation and academic writing—showcasing her problem-solving ability, project ownership, and commitment to sustainable chemical solutions.

 🏆Awards and Honors

While no formal awards are listed, her published article in a respected international journal highlights her academic recognition; her research has been commended for applying a statistical, reproducible approach to biobased epoxide synthesis; her commitment to scientific excellence and environmental sustainability is evident through her innovative application of experimental design, making her a promising scholar in green chemistry and waste valorization with the potential for future honors and academic distinction.

🔬Research Focus

Her core research lies in the valorization of used cooking oils through epoxidation processes aimed at generating sustainable, biobased materials for industrial use; she applies statistical methods like design of experiments (DoE) and software tools such as R to optimize reaction parameters; the work includes synthesis using peracids, product characterization using titration and FTIR, and method validation; her research contributes to circular economy principles by converting waste into high-value materials, aligning with global sustainability and green chemistry goals.

🌟Conclusion

Norel Houda Bourkaib shows strong potential as an impactful environmental researcher with a clear dedication to sustainable innovation. Her research is original, socially relevant, and technically sound. While still early in her academic journey, her work already reflects a high level of scientific maturity. With further development in terms of publication volume, international engagement, and industry interaction, she is a promising candidate for the Best Researcher Award and is well on her way to becoming a leader in green chemistry and environmental sustainability.

📝Publications 

Title: Recycling used cooking oil into a biobased epoxide by experimental design using R
Year: 2025
Authors: N. El Houda Bourkaib, R. Irinislimane, N. Belhaneche-Bensemra

Title: Experimental Design and Kinetics Study of Epoxidized Used Cooking Oil Using R
Year: 2025
Author: N. El Houda Bourkaib

Beatrice Sorrentino | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Beatrice Sorrentino | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Assegnista di Ricerca, ENEA, Italy

Beatrice Sorrentino is an accomplished Italian researcher with a strong background in physical and astrophysical sciences. With extensive experience in environmental research and spectroscopy, Beatrice has made significant contributions to various European Union projects aimed at understanding and improving environmental and climate policies. She has a keen interest in the intersection of environmental science and physics, which drives her innovative research in meteorological data analysis and air quality modeling.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Research Experience: Beatrice Sorrentino has a strong background in environmental research, particularly in areas related to environmental and climate policy, meteorology, and air quality. Her experience working on European Union projects such as LIFE AIRFRESH and LIFE VEG-GAP demonstrates her ability to contribute significantly to environmental research, which aligns with the goals of the Research for Women Researcher Award.
  2. Publications and Presentations: She has an impressive list of publications in reputable journals such as Environmental Research and Environmental Pollution, showcasing her contributions to the field. Additionally, her presentations at international conferences highlight her active participation in the scientific community.
  3. Diverse Skill Set: Sorrentino has a solid foundation in physics, astrophysics, and radiotherapy, which broadens her expertise beyond environmental research. Her knowledge of various spectroscopic techniques and her experience in data analysis add to her qualifications.
  4. International Exposure: Her Erasmus+ study experience in France and participation in international workshops and conferences demonstrate her global perspective and ability to collaborate across borders, which is crucial for modern scientific research.
  5. Language Proficiency: With strong skills in English, French, and basic knowledge of Spanish, she is well-equipped to communicate and collaborate in an international research environment.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Extended Research Focus: While her expertise in environmental research is evident, expanding her research to include other pressing global environmental issues, such as climate change mitigation or sustainable development, could enhance her candidacy for this award.
  2. Leadership Roles: While she has significant experience as a researcher, taking on more leadership roles in research projects or initiatives could strengthen her profile and demonstrate her ability to lead and mentor other researchers.
  3. Broader Collaboration: Increasing her involvement in collaborative research projects with institutions outside of Europe could diversify her research portfolio and further highlight her global impact.

 

🎓 Education

Beatrice holds a Master’s degree in Physical and Astrophysical Sciences from the University of Florence, where she specialized in Nuclear and Subnuclear Physics. Her thesis focused on the performance of Silicon Drift Detectors for PIXE measurements using a compact accelerator detection system. Beatrice also has a Bachelor’s degree in General Physics from the University of Pisa, complemented by an Erasmus+ study experience at Aix-Marseille Université, where she explored topics in Relativistic Cosmology and Quantum Field Theory.

💼 Experience

Beatrice is currently working as a researcher at ENEA, focusing on projects like LIFE AIRFRESH and LIFE VEG-GAP, which involve the analysis and processing of meteorological data for environmental assessments. Her work has also included collaboration with ENEA’s analysis laboratory in Frascati, where she contributed to the TOP IMPLART project by acquiring and analyzing X-ray and gamma-ray spectra. Additionally, she has experience teaching mathematics and physics to high school students in Rome.

🔬 Research Focus

Beatrice’s research interests lie at the nexus of environmental science and physics, with a particular emphasis on meteorological data analysis, air quality modeling, and the spectral analysis of materials. Her work often involves the application of advanced spectroscopy techniques to study environmental impacts and improve climate-related decision-making processes.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Beatrice has been recognized for her contributions to environmental science, particularly for her presentation on the impact of green roofs on the atmosphere, which won the Best Presentation in the field of natural sciences at the International Sopot Youth Conference 2021 in Poland.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Meteorological, chemical and biological evaluation of the coupled chemistry-climate WRF-Chem model from regional to urban scale – Published in Environmental Research, June 2024. Cited by 8 articles

Surface ozone risk to human health and vegetation in tropical regions: The case of Thailand – Published in Environmental Research, July 2023. Cited by 5 articles

The Role of Vegetation on Urban Atmosphere of Three European Cities – Published in Forests, June 2023. Cited by 7 articles

Urban Vegetation Effects on Meteorology and Air Quality: A Comparison of Three European Cities – Chapter in book Air Pollution Modeling and its Application XXVIII, January 2023. Cited by 3 articles

Canopy-based Classification of Urban vegetation from Very High-Resolution Satellite Imagery – Published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, February 2023. Cited by 6 articles

Conclusion:

Beatrice Sorrentino is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her extensive experience in environmental research, impressive publication record, and active participation in international conferences make her a strong contender. While expanding her research focus and taking on leadership roles could enhance her profile, her current achievements and skills already position her as a worthy recipient of this award.

Parthankar Choudhury | Environment Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Parthankar Choudhury| Environment Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Professor Parthankar Choudhury is the Dean and former Head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences at Assam University, Silchar. He graduated from G.C. College and completed his M.Sc. in Zoology from G.U. With 36 years of teaching and 28 years of research experience, he has published 102 papers, five books, and 56 popular science articles. He has supervised 19 Ph.D. and two M.Phil scholars, with six Ph.D. projects ongoing. His research focuses on wildlife and biodiversity conservation. An awardee of the ‘Friends of the Environment’ by the Government of Assam, he has attended and delivered talks at 210 seminars globally.

profile:

 

Scopus

Orcid

Scholar

 

🎓 Education:

Graduated from G. C. College (1984), M.Sc. in Zoology from G. U. (1987)

📚 Publications:

  • Papers: 102
  • Books: 5
  • Science-based popular articles: 56

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience: 36 years

 🔬 Research Experience: 28 years Produced 19 Ph.Ds and 2 M.Phils, Supervising 6 ongoing Ph.D. research works

🌳 Field of Interest: Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation

🏆 Awards & Recognition

  • Friends of the Environment Award by Government of Assam (Awarded: August 15, 2022)

🌍 International Visits

  • Europe, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal
  • Visiting Fellow at Rajiv Gandhi University, Arunachal Pradesh (April 1-15, 2016)

🎤 Seminars, Symposia, Conferences

  • Attended/Delivered Invited Talks: 210

🤝 Collaborations

  • Universities: Kerala, Periyar, Pondicherry, Kalyani, Burdwan, Goa, Bharathiar, Rajiv Gandhi, Gauhati, Mizoram, NE Hill University

📋 Memberships

International Primatological Society, USA, Zoological Society of Assam, SANIZE, Zoo Outreach Organization, Fellow, Society of Environmental Sciences, India, Executive Council Member, Assam University, Silchar, President, Governing Body, Cachar College, Silchar, Governing Body Member, Haflong Govt. College, Editorial Board Member, Journal of Life Science and Technologies, Editorial Board Member, The Indian Journal of Environment And Research, Life Member, Centre for Environment, Education and Economic Development, Member, Board of Research Studies, Assam University, Member, Board of Post Graduate Studies, Environmental Science, Assam University, Member, Board of Under Graduate Studies, Environmental Studies, Assam University, Chairman, E. P. Odum School of Environmental Science, Assam University, Member, District Level Expert Appraisal Committee, Hailakandi District, Assam, Chairman, Green Audit Team, Assam University, Member, Eco-forest Development Committee, Assam University, Member, Board of Post Graduate Studies, Department of Mathematics, AUS, Life Member, Vijnana Bharati

📊 Projects (Completed and Ongoing)

  1. Pests of Tea and Control in Tea Agro-ecosystem
    • Agency: UGC North East
    • Period: 1998-2001
    • Grant: ₹1.0 Lakh
  2. SAP-DRS: Biodiversity Conservation
    • Agency: UGC
    • Period: 2009-2012
    • Grant: ₹46.2 Lakhs
  3. Status Survey of Western Hoolock Gibbon and Conservation Initiative
    • Agency: UGC-MRP
    • Period: 2013-2017
    • Grant: ₹9.45 Lakhs
  4. Status Survey and Conservation Needs of Primates
    • Agency: International Primatological Society, USA
    • Period: 2016-2017
    • Grant: $2000
  5. Habitat Restoration and Conservation of Gangetic Dolphin
    • Agency: North East Council Secretariat (NEC) under DoNER Ministry
    • Period: 2021-2024
    • Grant: ₹24.89 Lakhs

Publication:📝

  • Importance of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in rural livelihood: A study in Patharia Hills Reserve Forest, northeast India
    • NR Talukdar, P Choudhury, RA Barbhuiya, B Singh
    • Trees, Forests and People 3, 100042, 2021

 

  • Impact of pesticide use on the health of farmers: A study in Barak valley, Assam (India)
    • KR Dey, P Choudhury, BK Dutta
    • Journal of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology 5 (10), 269-277, 2013

 

  • Habitat suitability of the Asiatic elephant in the trans-boundary Patharia Hills Reserve Forest, northeast India
    • NR Talukdar, P Choudhury, F Ahmad, R Ahmed, F Ahmad, H Al-Razi
    • Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 6, 1951-1961, 2020

 

  • Conserving wildlife wealth of Patharia Hills reserve forest, Assam, India: A critical analysis
    • NR Talukdar, P Choudhury
    • Global Ecology and Conservation 10, 126-138, 2017

 

  • Assessment of forest health status using a forest fragmentation approach: A study in Patharia Hills Reserve Forest, northeast India
    • NR Talukdar, R Ahmed, P Choudhury, NA Barbhuiya
    • Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 6, 27-37, 2020

 

  • Diversity of Plankton in Maijan, Upper Assam Beel
    • SKS Abujam, S Dakua, B Bakalial, AK Saikia, SP Biswas, P Choudhury
    • Asian Journal of Experimental Biological Sciences 2 (4), 562-568, 2011

 

  • Avifaunal diversity in Assam University Campus, Silchar, India
    • B Chakdar, P Choudhury, H Singha
    • Journal of Threatened Taxa 8 (1), 8369-8378, 2016

 

  • Digital soil mapping: a predictive performance assessment of spatial linear regression, Bayesian and ML-based models
    • AK Matazi, EE Gognet, RG Kakaï
    • Modeling Earth Systems and Environment 10 (1), 595-618, 2024

 

  • Rapid screening for resistance of maize inbred and hybrid lines against southern corn leaf blight
    • BN Shukuru, TS Archana, AM Kangela
    • Journal of Phytopathology 171 (9), 452-469, 2023

 

  • Does Eucalyptus determine agricultural soil quality?
    • AK Matazi, EK Luganda, SM Mukotanyi
    • Cogent Food & Agriculture 9 (1), 2157115, 2023