Raouf Hassan | Environmental Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raouf Hassan | Environmental Engineering | Best Academic Researcher Award 

Associate professor at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University ,Saudi Arabia

Dr. Raouf Ahmed Mohamed Hassan is an Associate Professor of Civil and at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With a Ph.D. from Nantes University, France, he specializes in environmental engineering, particularly wastewater treatment, greywater recycling, and sustainable waste management. He began his academic journey in Egypt, earning his B.Sc. from South Valley University, and later pursued advanced studies in France. Dr. Hassan has contributed significantly to academia through his teaching, supervision of numerous undergraduate projects, and active participation in international conferences. His research integrates environmental sustainability with modern engineering solutions, using both experimental and AI-based methodologies. A recognized figure in his field, he has received several university awards for scientific publications and served as a reviewer for top-tier international journals. Multilingual and globally engaged, Dr. Hassan continues to promote eco-friendly solutions for water and waste challenges in arid and urban environments.

👨‍🔬 Professional Profile

✅ Strengths for the Award

  1. Robust Academic Foundation

    • Trained in both Egypt and France, Dr. Hassan brings an international academic background rooted in civil and environmental engineering.

    • His Ph.D. from Nantes University under a renowned lab (GEPEA) gives added credibility to his scientific formation.

  2. High-Impact Research Contributions

    • Over 40 peer-reviewed publications, many in reputable journals like Scientific Reports and Desalination and Water Treatment.

    • Research integrates AI, machine learning, and experimental design, showcasing innovation in predictive environmental modeling.

  3. Award-Winning Excellence

    • Multiple University Awards for Scientific Publications (both in Egypt and Saudi Arabia).

    • Recipient of Best Article Award (2024)—a recognition of the novelty and utility of his work.

  4. Applied Focus on Sustainable Solutions

    • Projects on greywater reuse, biochar-based CO₂ adsorption, and zero-liquid discharge show real-world applicability.

    • Research supports environmental sustainability in urban and arid zones, an urgent global priority.

  5. Academic Leadership and Teaching

    • 20+ years of academic service across leading institutions.

    • Extensive teaching in environmental impact assessment, wastewater engineering, and sustainability.

    • Mentored numerous student projects, showcasing commitment to future generations of engineers.

  6. Global Perspective

    • Multilingual (Arabic, English, French), internationally educated and active in collaborative research.

    • Participates in European research networks and funded projects, widening his scholarly impact.

🎓 Education

Dr. Raouf Hassan earned his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from South Valley University, Egypt, where he developed a strong foundation in infrastructure and environmental systems. He pursued his M.Sc. and Ph.D. at Nantes University, France, specializing under the GEPEA Laboratory. His academic training in France equipped him with advanced knowledge in wastewater treatment technologies, anaerobic digestion, and gas-liquid mass transfer. During his postgraduate studies, Dr. Hassan was involved in European collaborative projects focused on sludge valorization and sustainable energy. His education provided interdisciplinary exposure to both engineering principles and practical environmental applications. Additionally, he has completed several professional development courses covering scientific research methodologies, teaching strategies, academic ethics, and educational technologies. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Dr. Hassan’s educational journey reflects a blend of local insight and international expertise, empowering him to address environmental challenges in both developing and developed contexts through innovative civil engineering solutions.

🧑‍🏫 Experience

Dr. Raouf Hassan has over two decades of academic and research experience in civil and environmental engineering. He currently serves as Associate Professor at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Saudi Arabia, a position he has held since 2025 after serving as Assistant Professor there since 2017. Earlier, he worked as a faculty member and department head at Aswan University and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport in Egypt. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as water and wastewater treatment, environmental impact assessment, and hydraulic systems. Dr. Hassan has supervised numerous student projects addressing urban water infrastructure, air pollution, and waste management in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Beyond teaching, he has led and participated in several research projects funded by the Saudi Ministry of Education. His experience also spans administrative leadership, curriculum development, and student advising, making him a vital contributor to engineering education and environmental innovation.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Raouf Hassan has received multiple accolades in recognition of his research excellence and academic contributions. He has been awarded the University Award for Scientific Publication by Aswan University for four consecutive years (2019–2022) and received the same recognition from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in 2021 and 2022. In 2024, he was honored with the Best Article Award by the Desalination and Water Treatment journal, highlighting his impactful contributions to sustainable water management. He also held a postdoctoral fellowship in 2013 at Nantes University, supported by the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education. In addition to these achievements, Dr. Hassan is a senior member of APCBEES and an active reviewer for prominent international journals and conferences in environmental engineering. His consistent recognition reflects both the quality and relevance of his research, which spans water treatment, greywater reuse, and waste-to-energy systems across regional and international contexts.

🔬 Research Focus on Environmental Engineering

Dr. Raouf Hassan’s research is centered on sustainable environmental engineering, particularly focusing on wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, sludge valorization, and solid waste management. He integrates conventional and advanced techniques such as biogas production, membrane filtration, and eco-friendly materials to address water and waste challenges in urban and arid environments. His recent projects have explored sustainable greywater management in mosques, techno-economic assessments of water purification systems, and AI-based models for predicting environmental parameters. Dr. Hassan is also deeply involved in developing zero-liquid discharge systems and reusing agricultural residues for water filtration. With over 40 peer-reviewed publications and participation in global research initiatives, his work blends experimental rigor with practical application, often involving interdisciplinary collaboration. His research is funded by major bodies like the Deanship for Research & Innovation and the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Hassan’s scientific endeavors aim to create resource-efficient, climate-resilient, and cost-effective environmental solutions for future-ready cities.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Predicting CO₂ adsorption in KOH-activated biochar using advanced machine learning techniques

Journal: Scientific Reports, 2025
Authors: [Author names not provided]
Summary:
This study develops advanced machine learning models to predict the CO₂ adsorption capacity of KOH-activated biochar. The researchers utilized various algorithms to analyze experimental data, enabling precise modeling of adsorption behavior. The results reveal key parameters influencing performance and demonstrate that machine learning can significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of material screening for carbon capture technologies.

Machine learning frameworks to accurately estimate the adsorption of organic materials onto resin and biochar

Journal: Scientific Reports, 2025
Authors: [Author names not provided]
Summary:
This research investigates the use of machine learning techniques to estimate the adsorption of organic compounds onto resin and biochar materials. The study employs several regression models trained on experimental data to predict adsorption efficiency. Findings show that machine learning offers a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional methods in evaluating adsorbent materials for applications in environmental remediation and water purification.

🧾 Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Raouf Ahmed Mohamed Hassan stands out as a distinguished scholar and practitioner in the realm of civil and environmental engineering. His academic qualifications, international training, and extensive teaching experience position him as a leader in both educational and research domains. His multidisciplinary approach bridges environmental sustainability with engineering innovation, addressing pressing issues such as wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and air quality assessment. Recognized with multiple university-level awards and international journal accolades, Dr. Hassan continues to contribute meaningfully to science and society. His dedication to student mentorship, administrative service, and global collaboration reflects his commitment to holistic academic excellence. Through his research, he not only addresses critical environmental challenges but also provides scalable, real-world solutions tailored to urban and arid environments. As the world grapples with climate change and resource scarcity, Dr. Hassan’s vision, expertise, and innovative thinking offer valuable pathways toward sustainable development and environmental resilience.

Charu Joshi | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Charu Joshi | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar, Kumaun University, India

Ms. Charu Joshi is a dedicated young ecologist currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Botany at Kumaun University, Nainital, India. With a strong academic background from the University of Delhi, she has demonstrated deep commitment to ecological research—particularly focusing on the invasion dynamics of Lantana camara in the Kumaun Himalayan forests. Her work spans floristic diversity assessments, allelopathic impacts, and biomass applications of invasive species. She has published five peer-reviewed papers and presented her work at national and international platforms, winning the first position for an oral presentation in 2024. Ms. Joshi’s passion lies in understanding how invasive species alter native ecosystems and developing strategies for their sustainable management. Her early contributions reflect not just academic rigor but also applied ecological insight. She stands out as a promising researcher shaping the future of biodiversity conservation and forest ecology in India.

Professional Profile

🎓 Education

Ms. Charu Joshi began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Botany from the University of Delhi in 2019, where she laid the foundation for her interest in plant science. She pursued her Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Botany from the same university and graduated in 2021 with a strong academic record and research inclination. Currently, she is a Ph.D. research scholar at the Department of Botany, DSB Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital. Her doctoral research investigates the ecological impacts and functional dynamics of Lantana camara shrublands in the Kumaun Himalaya. Her education has been marked by a consistent focus on ecological systems, invasive plant management, and biodiversity conservation. With her progression from undergraduate to doctoral levels, Ms. Joshi has developed a firm grasp of theoretical and practical aspects of environmental botany, preparing her for impactful ecological research.

💼 Experience

Ms. Charu Joshi has gathered hands-on research experience in plant invasion ecology and agro-ecological studies. Between June and December 2022, she conducted a project evaluating the effects of aqueous extracts (soaked and crushed) of Lantana camara stem on the germination and early growth of rice variety Chandan-21. This work introduced her to plant allelopathy and its implications for agricultural productivity. Currently, she is working on a doctoral project titled “Structural and functional attributes of Lantana camara shrublands in different forests of Kumaun Himalaya”, focusing on the ecological consequences of invasive species on forest biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Her work involves extensive field studies, lab-based analysis, and collaborative research with senior scientists. Through active involvement in experiments, data analysis, and manuscript writing, Ms. Joshi has developed a solid foundation in ecological methodology, contributing both to scientific knowledge and environmental management strategies.

🏅 Awards and Honors

In recognition of her scientific excellence and presentation skills, Ms. Charu Joshi was awarded First Position in the oral presentation category at the International Conference on Mountain Ecosystem Processes and Sustainable Livelihood – 2024, held from 5–7 March 2024. Organized by the Himachal Pradesh Regional Centre, GBPIHED, Kullu, the conference showcased cutting-edge ecological research across the Himalayan region. Ms. Joshi’s work on the floristic impact of Lantana camara invasion in forest ecosystems stood out for its scientific depth and practical relevance. This award highlights her capability to communicate complex ecological dynamics effectively to both experts and broader audiences. Additionally, her involvement in five published papers and five conference abstracts has earned her respect within the academic community as a promising early-career researcher. Such accolades reflect her continued commitment to research excellence and her emerging leadership in Himalayan ecology and environmental botany.

🔬 Research Focus

Ms. Charu Joshi’s research primarily revolves around invasion ecology, with a focus on the impact of Lantana camara, an aggressive alien species, on native forest ecosystems of the Kumaun Himalaya. Her studies assess the floristic changes, species diversity loss, and alteration in plant community structure due to invasive species. She also investigates the allelopathic effects of Lantana extracts on agricultural crops such as rice and wheat, providing insights into plant–plant interactions. Another dimension of her research explores the potential use of invasive plants as biomass for biochar production, linking ecological challenges to sustainable solutions. Her interdisciplinary approach combines field ecology, experimental plant biology, and agro-environmental applications. The research contributes significantly to forest management, biodiversity conservation, and the development of eco-restorative strategies. Through her scholarly work, Ms. Joshi aims to bridge the gap between ecological research and practical conservation measures in Himalayan landscapes.

📄 Publication Top Notes

  1. Floristic composition and diversity in Lantana camara L. invaded forest zones of Kumaun Himalaya, India
    Authors: Joshi, C., Joshi, V., Bargali, K., Fartyal, A., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
    Journal: Vegetos, 1–16
    Summary: This paper analyzes species richness and vegetation composition in areas invaded by Lantana camara. It concludes that the invasive species significantly reduces native species diversity and alters the structural balance of forest ecosystems.

  2. Effects of aqueous leachates from above ground parts of Lantana camara on seed germination, growth and yield of wheat crop
    Authors: Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Bargali, S. S., & Bargali, K. (2024)
    Journal: Ecological Frontiers, 44(6), 1241–1250
    Summary: The study evaluates how leachates from Lantana suppress wheat growth, highlighting the toxic allelopathic effects and recommending agricultural safeguards in invaded zones.
    Citations: 4 (2024)

  3. Comparative impacts of soaked and crushed aqueous extracts of Lantana camara leaf and stem on germination and early seedling length of Oryza sativa
    Authors: Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Fartyal, A., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2024)
    Journal: Current Agriculture Research Journal, 12, 1345–1360
    Summary: This experimental paper examines how different preparations of Lantana extracts affect rice seedlings, offering new insights into crop-weed dynamics and control.

  4. Assessing the Potential of Three Invasive Alien Plants as Possible Feedstock for the Production of Biochar and Crop Productivity
    Authors: Fartyal, A., Bhambra, G. K., Joshi, V., Joshi, C., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
    Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 1–17
    Summary: The study assesses the use of Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, and Ageratina adenophora for biochar production, linking ecological control with resource utilization.

  5. Altered composition and structure of plant communities in response to Lantana camara invasion in forest ecosystems of Kumaun Himalaya, India
    Authors: Joshi, C., Joshi, V., Fartyal, A., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2025)
    Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2025.100947
    Summary: This study shows how Lantana disrupts community dynamics in forest plots and recommends ecological restoration practices based on the level of invasion.

Conclusion

Ms. Charu Joshi demonstrates outstanding potential and performance as a young environmental researcher. Her focused and impactful contributions to understanding Lantana camara invasion ecology, emerging citation metrics, and academic recognition make her a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued publication momentum and broader engagement (international or interdisciplinary), she is poised to make long-term contributions to ecological science.