Aurora Gullotta | water engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Aurora Gullotta | water engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Adrian Pisla, University of Catania Italy

Aurora Gullotta, an Italian Assistant Professor at the University of Catania, specializes in Hydraulic and Maritime Constructions and Hydrology. With a PhD in Urban and Land Risks and extensive teaching and research experience, she focuses on sustainable water systems and equity in resource distribution. An active scholar, she has authored numerous impactful publications and collaborated internationally, notably during her visiting PhD tenure at the University of Exeter. Aurora excels in leveraging advanced modeling tools like EPA-SWMM for innovative solutions in urban and water management challenges.

Publication Profile

google scholar

🎓Education

PhD in Urban and Land Risks (2017–2020) University of Catania; Thesis on intermittent water distribution systems. Visiting PhD Student (2019–2020) Centre for Water Systems, University of Exeter, UK. Master’s in Land and Environmental Engineering (2014–2017) University of Catania; Graduated summa cum laude. Bachelor’s in Civil and Environmental Engineering (2010–2014) University of Catania; Graduated summa cum laude.

🏢Experience

Assistant Professor (2022–Present) University of Catania; Lecturer of Hydrology and Sustainable Water Systems. Teaching Assistant (2017–2020) University of Catania; Co-supervised theses in hydrology and hydraulic constructions. Conference Organizer and Speaker Presented research at international forums like EGU and IAHR. Peer Reviewer Reviewed manuscripts for renowned journals in hydrology and water systems.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Top Citations: 111 citations and an h-index of 7 (as of December 2024). Summa Cum Laude: Awarded for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. International Collaborator: Visiting PhD at University of Exeter, UK. Active Conference Presence: Speaker at leading forums like NOVATECH and CCWI. Journal Reviewer: Reviewer for top-tier journals in hydrology and water resources.

🔬 Research Focus

Water Distribution Systems: Intermittent supply modeling and equity improvement. Urban Drainage: Simulation and sustainable drainage systems (SUDs). Leakage Detection: Real-time pressure control and reduction techniques. Hydrological Modeling: Using tools like EPA-SWMM and EPANET. Rainwater Harvesting: Conceptualizing urban solutions for water conservation.

Conclusion

Aurora Gullotta is a highly accomplished researcher with significant contributions to hydrology and hydraulic engineering. Her innovative work, global collaborations, and dedication to education make her an excellent candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” By broadening the scope of her research and enhancing her engagement with policy and interdisciplinary fields, she could further strengthen her candidacy.

Publication Top Notes

  • Using EPA-SWMM to simulate intermittent water distribution systems
    Authors: A. Campisano, A. Gullotta, C. Modica
    Published in: Urban Water Journal, 2018
    Citations: 38
  • Optimal location of valves to improve equity in intermittent water distribution systems
    Authors: A. Gullotta, D. Butler, A. Campisano, E. Creaco, R. Farmani, C. Modica
    Published in: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 2021
    Citations: 28
  • A simplified methodology for optimal location and setting of valves to improve equity in intermittent water distribution systems
    Authors: A. Gullotta, A. Campisano, E. Creaco, C. Modica
    Published in: Water Resources Management, 2021
    Citations: 24
  • Trend analysis and identification of the meteorological factors influencing reference evapotranspiration
    Authors: T.M. Aschale, D.J. Peres, A. Gullotta, G. Sciuto, A. Cancelliere
    Published in: Water, 2023
    Citations: 14
  • Evaluation of reference evapotranspiration estimation methods for assessing hydrological impacts of photovoltaic power plants in Mediterranean climates
    Authors: T.M. Aschale, G. Sciuto, D.J. Peres, A. Gullotta, A. Cancelliere
    Published in: Water, 2022
    Citations: 14
  • Long-term experiments for the evaluation of the potential for storm water control of modular blue roofs in Mediterranean climate
    Authors: A. Campisano, C. Modica, A. Gullotta
    Published in: Urban Water Journal, 2021
    Citations: 14
  • Laboratory experiments and simulation analysis to evaluate the application potential of pressure remote RTC in water distribution networks
    Authors: A. Campisano, C. Modica, F. Musmeci, C. Bosco, A. Gullotta
    Published in: Water Research, 2020
    Citations: 12
  • Simulation of Intermittent Water Distribution Networks by EPA-SWMM: Comparing Model Results and Field Experiments
    Authors: A. Gullotta, A. Campisano
    Published in: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management, 2024
    Citations: 1

 

 

Abul Abrar Masrur Ahmed | Water Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Abul Abrar Masrur Ahmed | Water Engineering | Best Researcher Award

A dedicated data scientist with expertise in applied AI (deep and machine learning) techniques for air quality, bias correction, hydrology, water resources, and climate extremes. I have a decade of experience in building robust Machine Learning solutions, combining professional and research experience to gain deep knowledge in hydrology and water resources. I am passionate about leveraging data science and AI to drive impactful data-driven decisions.

Publication profile

Scopus

Scholar

 

🏆 Evaluation for Best Researcher Award

🔍 Streng ths for the Award:

Extensive Research Experience: With over a decade of experience in applied AI and machine learning for hydrology, climate extremes, and air quality, Dr. Masrur Ahmed has developed a solid research foundation, making significant contributions to environmental and climate sciences. Prolific Publications: A commendable h-index of 16 and an i10-index of 25, along with a considerable number of publications in high-impact journals, reflects Dr. Ahmed’s active research engagement and scholarly impact. Innovative Application of AI: His work in developing hybrid deep learning models for hydrological prediction and air quality forecasting is cutting-edge, pushing the boundaries of traditional environmental science research. Recognized Expertise: His role as a reviewer and guest editor in respected journals, along with memberships in several professional organizations, underscores his standing in the scientific community. Global Collaboration: His involvement in international projects, such as those with the University of Melbourne, CSIRO, and BOM, indicates his ability to work effectively across disciplines and borders.

🔄 Areas for Improvement:

Interdisciplinary Applications: While Dr. Ahmed excels in his niche, expanding his AI applications to other fields, such as agriculture or public health, could further enhance his research portfolio. Leadership Roles: Although he has served as Head of the Civil Engineering Department, more leadership roles in larger, interdisciplinary research projects could solidify his candidacy for top awards. Public Engagement: Increasing efforts to communicate his research to a broader audience through public talks, popular science articles, or media could enhance the societal impact of his work.

🎓 EDUCATION

2019 – 2022 PhD in Applied Artificial Intelligence University of Southern Queensland, Australia Thesis: Development of Deep Learning Hybrid Models for Hydrological Prediction. 2011 – 2017 MSc in Civil & Environmental Engineering Shahjalal University of Science & Technology
Thesis: Development of ANN Model to Predict the DO Concentration of the Surma River. 2005 – 2009 BSc in Civil & Environmental Engineering
Shahjalal University of Science & Technology

💼 WORK EXPERIENCE

Scientist, Climate and Atmospheric Science Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water JAN/2024 – Present Developing machine learning and deep learning models focused on emission modeling and air quality forecasting. Research Fellow in Water Resource Modelling The University of Melbourne, Australia FEB/2022 – JAN/2024 Conducted research in water demand forecasting under global warming scenarios, developed probabilistic deep learning models, and collaborated with leading institutions like CSIRO and BOM. Research Scholar
University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ), Australia FEB/2019 – FEB/2022 Developed hybrid deep learning algorithms for hydrological forecasting in the Australian Murray Darling Basin.

🧪 RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

  • ORCiD: 0000-0002-7941-3902
  • Google Scholar: Link
  • Citations: 1048
  • h-index: 16
  • i10-index: 25
  • Review/Guest Editor:
    • Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence
    • Journal of Land (Special Edition)

 

Publication top notes

  1. Title: Application of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to estimate the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of Surma River
    Authors: AAM Ahmed, SMA Shah
    Year: 2017

 

  1. Title: Prediction of dissolved oxygen in Surma River by biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand using the artificial neural networks (ANNs)
    Authors: AAM Ahmed
    Year: 2014

 

  1. Title: Deep learning hybrid model with Boruta-Random forest optimiser algorithm for streamflow forecasting with climate mode indices, rainfall, and periodicity
    Authors: AAM Ahmed, RC Deo, Q Feng, A Ghahramani, N Raj, Z Yin, L Yang
    Year: 2021

 

  1. Title: LSTM integrated with Boruta-random forest optimiser for soil moisture estimation under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 global warming scenarios
    Authors: AAM Ahmed, RC Deo, A Ghahramani, N Raj, Q Feng, Z Yin, L Yang
    Year: 2021

 

  1. Title: Deep learning forecasts of soil moisture: convolutional neural network and gated recurrent unit models coupled with satellite-derived MODIS, observations and synoptic-scale variables
    Authors: AAM Ahmed, RC Deo, N Raj, A Ghahramani, Q Feng, Z Yin, L Yang
    Year: 2021

 

  1. Title: A Canadian water quality guideline-water quality index (CCME-WQI) based assessment study of water quality in Surma River
    Authors: GM Munna, MMI Chowdhury, AAM Ahmed, S Chowdhury, MM Alom
    Year: 2013

 

  1. Title: Hybrid deep learning method for a week-ahead evapotranspiration forecasting
    Authors: AAM Ahmed, RC Deo, Q Feng, A Ghahramani, N Raj, Z Yin, L Yang
    Year: 2022

 

  1. Title: New double decomposition deep learning methods for river water level forecasting
    Authors: AAM Ahmed, RC Deo, A Ghahramani, Q Feng, N Raj, Z Yin, L Yang
    Year: 2022

 

  1. Title: Hybrid intelligence models for compressive strength prediction of MPC composites and parametric analysis with SHAP algorithm
    Authors: MA Haque, B Chen, A Kashem, T Qureshi, AAM Ahmed
    Year: 2023

🏅 Conclusion:

Dr. Masrur Ahmed is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, given his significant contributions to applied AI in environmental sciences, extensive publication record, and active role in the research community. To further strengthen his candidacy, broadening the interdisciplinary application of his work and increasing his public engagement could be beneficial.

Rajesh Kumar Soothar | Irrigation | Young Scientist Award

Assist Prof Dr. Rajesh Kumar Soothar | Irrigation | Young Scientist Award

👨‍🏫Profile Summary

Dedicated and accomplished professional with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Water Resources and extensive experience in academia. Possesses a strong academic background with a Master’s degree in Irrigation and Drainage and a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering. Over six years of progressive experience as an Assistant Professor, delivering high-quality education and contributing to research in the field. Previously served as a Lecturer and Teaching Assistant, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence. Skilled in research, teaching, and mentoring, with a focus on agricultural engineering and water resource management.

🌐 Professional Profiles

 

 

🎓 Qualifications

  • Ph.D. (Agricultural Water Resources and its Environment)
    • Year: 2020
    • Grade: 92%
    • Institution: Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
  • M.E. (Irrigation and Drainage)
    • Year: 2014
    • Grade: 87%
    • Institution: SAU (Possibly referring to an unspecified university or institution)
  • B.E. (Agricultural Engineering)
    • Year: 2011
    • Grade: 3.6 (CGPA)
    • Institution: SAU (Possibly referring to an unspecified university or institution)

👨‍💼 Employment Record (Professional Experience)

  • Assistant Professor
    • Period: February 16, 2017 – Present
    • Total Service: 6 years + 2 months (as of March 2024)
  • Lecturer
    • Period: May 05, 2014 – February 15, 2017
    • Total Service: 2 years + 8 months
  • Teaching Assistant (Department of Basic Engineering)
    • Period: June 24, 2013 – May 04, 2014
    • Total Service: 11 months
  • Research Assistant (HEC)
    • Period: May 26, 2012 – May 04, 2014
    • Total Service: 2 years

📚Top Noted Publication

  1. Title: Drought priming improved water status, photosynthesis and water productivity of cowpea during post-anthesis drought stress

    • Authors: M Tankari, C Wang, H Ma, X Li, L Li, RK Soothar, N Cui, M Zaman-Allah, …
    • Journal: Agricultural Water Management
    • Volume: 245
    • Page: 106565
    • Year: 2021

     

    Title: Evaluating the performance of SALTMED model under alternate irrigation using saline and fresh water strategies to winter wheat in the North China Plain

    • Authors: RK Soothar, W Zhang, Y Zhang, M Tankari, U Mirjat, Y Wang
    • Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
    • Volume: 26
    • Pages: 34499-34509
    • Year: 2019

     

    Title: Sustaining yield of winter wheat under alternate irrigation using saline water at different growth stages: a case study in the North China Plain

    • Authors: RK Soothar, W Zhang, B Liu, M Tankari, C Wang, L Li, H Xing, D Gong, …
    • Journal: Sustainability
    • Volume: 11
    • Issue: 17
    • Page: 4564
    • Year: 2019

     

    Title: Leaf Gas Exchange, Plant Water Relations and Water Use Efficiency of Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp. Inoculated with Rhizobia under Different Soil Water Regimes

    • Authors: M Tankari, C Wang, X Zhang, L Li, RK Soothar, H Ma, H Xing, C Yan, …
    • Journal: Water
    • Volume: 11
    • Issue: 3
    • Page: 498
    • Year: 2019

     

    Title: EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZER DOSES ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SPINACH (SPINACIA OLERACEA L.).

    • Authors: M Solangi, V Suthar, B Wagan, AG Siyal, A Sarkc, RK Soothar
    • Journal: Science International
    • Volume: 28
    • Issue: 1
    • Year: 2016

     

    Title: Analysis of Conveyance Losses from Tertiary Irrigation Network

    • Authors: RKS Naeem Shah Bukhari Syed, Zhao Shuqi, Muhammad Munir Babar
    • Journal: Civil Engineering Journal
    • Volume: 7
    • Issue: 10
    • Pages: 1731-1740
    • Year: 2021

     

    Title: Effect of different soil moisture regimes on plant growth and water use efficiency of Sunflower: experimental study and modeling

    • Authors: MAR R. K. Soothar, A. Singha, S. A. Soomro, A. Chachar, F. Kalhoro
    • Journal: Bulletin of the National Research Centre
    • Volume: 45
    • Year: 2021

     

    Title: Comparative study of scientific and traditional water application practices for wheat crop

    • Authors: AA Tagar, A Soomro, SM Bhatti, S Memon, RK Soothar
    • Journal: Pakistan Journal of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary …
    • Year: 2016

     

    Title: Effects of irrigation frequencies on soil salinity and crop water productivity of fodder maize

    • Authors: AN Chachar, MU Mirjat, RK Soothar, IA Shaikh, MH Mirjat, SA Dahri
    • Journal: Acta Ecologica Sinica
    • Volume: 40
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 277-282
    • Year: 2020

     

    Title: Estimating seepage losses in different size of earthen watercourses at farm level

    • Authors: RK Soothar, MS Mirjat, MA Mangrio, AS Chandio, N Leghari
    • Journal: Pakistan Journal of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Veterinary …
    • Year: 2015

     

    Title: Drought priming alleviated salinity stress and improved water use efficiency of wheat plants

    • Authors: A Singha, RK Soothar, C Wang, EET Marín, M Tankari, W Hao, Y Wang
    • Journal: Plant Growth Regulation
    • Year: 2022

     

    Title: Soil Salt Accumulation, Physiological Responses, and Yield Simulation of Winter Wheat to Alternate Saline and Fresh Water Irrigation in the North China Plain

    • Authors: RK Soothar, C Wang, L Li, N Cui, W Zhang, Y Wang
    • Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
    • Year: 2021

     

    Title: Nutrient uptake of some okra varieties as influenced by different levels of applied N, P and K

    • Authors: M Solangi, AA Tagar, AM Solangi, AG Siyal, RK Soothar, AR Shah
    • Journal: Sci Inter
    • Volume: 27
    • Pages: 4327-4331
    • Year: 2015