Fong-Zuo Lee | Water resources | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Fong-Zuo Lee | Water resources | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor , Department of Civil Engineering/ National Chung Hsing University , Taiwan

Fong-Zuo Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU), Taiwan, since 2023. He previously held positions as a Postdoctoral Researcher and Project Assistant Fellow at National Taiwan University (NTU), where he contributed to research on water resource management, sediment transport, and hydraulic modeling. Dr. Lee holds a Ph.D. in Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering from NTU, alongside Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU). His academic work focuses on addressing key issues in reservoir sedimentation, river hydraulics, and water resource sustainability. In addition to his research, he is an active member of the International Association for Hydraulic Engineering and Research (IAHR) and several other professional societies. Dr. Lee has authored numerous journal articles and conference papers and is dedicated to advancing innovative solutions for water resource management and environmental sustainability.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Strengths for the Award

        1. Strong Academic Background:

    • Dr. Lee has an impressive academic trajectory, starting as a postdoctoral researcher at National Taiwan University (NTU), progressing to a project assistant fellow, and now holding a position as Assistant Professor at National Chung Hsing University (NCHU). This progression highlights his dedication to academic and professional growth.
  1. Extensive Research Contributions:
    • Dr. Lee has demonstrated significant contributions to research in reservoir sedimentation, hydraulics, and river sediment transport—fields that are vital for sustainable water resource management. His work has led to the publication of 38 peer-reviewed journal articles, including in SCI and Scopus indexed journals, which is a solid reflection of his influence in his research field.
    • His papers are highly relevant and innovative, particularly the application of modeling techniques to study sediment transport and desilting efficiency, topics that have broad environmental and engineering implications.
  2. Innovative Solutions in Reservoir Management:
    • Dr. Lee’s research in dredging techniques for reservoirs, hydraulic modeling, and floating barriers for woody debris management reflects his creativity and ability to find practical solutions to real-world problems. These innovations are crucial in the context of climate change, water resource management, and maintaining the ecological health of water bodies.
  3. High Citation Index:
    • A citation count of 211 (Scopus) demonstrates that his research has been widely recognized and cited by peers, indicating the impact and relevance of his work in the academic community.
  4. Prolific Publication and Editorial Work:
    • Dr. Lee has published multiple articles in leading journals and has collaborated with prominent researchers such as Professors Jihn-Sung Lai and Sameh Ahmed Kantoush, which signifies his position in an esteemed network of professionals.
    • His editorial appointments also suggest his expertise and reputation in the academic community.
  5. Leadership and Multidisciplinary Approach:
    • His involvement in multidisciplinary research projects, including collaboration with engineers and hydrologists, indicates his ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams and his holistic approach to solving complex environmental engineering problems.
  6. Patents and Books:
    • He holds 7 patents and has published books, showcasing his commitment to advancing both theoretical and applied aspects of his research. Patents are a strong indicator of the practical applicability of his work.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader International Collaboration:
    • While Dr. Lee has strong national collaborations, expanding his research to involve more international institutions could further elevate his profile on the global stage. His work could benefit from more cross-border partnerships, especially with institutions in the EU or North America, to bring in diverse perspectives and resources.
  2. Public Engagement and Outreach:
    • Dr. Lee’s work, while impactful in academia, could benefit from more public outreach and awareness campaigns. Given the environmental relevance of his research (e.g., reservoir management, water safety, and climate resilience), greater engagement with policy makers, industries, and the public could enhance the impact of his innovations.
  3. Expanding Research into Policy or Practical Applications:
    • While his research has direct engineering applications, his efforts in bridging the gap between scientific innovation and practical policy implementation (e.g., advising governments on water management) could be expanded. Collaborations with governmental or non-governmental organizations in policy formulation could increase the societal impact of his work.

Education 

Fong-Zuo Lee earned his Ph.D. in Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering from National Taiwan University (NTU) in 2014, where he conducted extensive research on sediment transport in reservoirs and river systems. Prior to that, he completed both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taiwan. His academic journey equipped him with a robust understanding of hydraulic engineering, sediment dynamics, and water resource management, laying the foundation for his research on environmental sustainability and innovative water management practices. As a researcher, he has focused on the integration of hydrological models, sediment transport simulations, and engineering solutions to improve reservoir desilting and water conservation strategies. His doctoral and postdoctoral research was highly interdisciplinary, bridging civil and environmental engineering with practical applications in sustainable water systems and sediment management.

Research Focus 

Dr. Fong-Zuo Lee’s research focuses primarily on the study of sediment transport in river systems and reservoirs, with an emphasis on preventing sedimentation and optimizing sediment management strategies. His work spans hydraulic modeling, sediment transport simulations, and watershed management. He is particularly interested in the development of advanced models to predict sediment behavior under various hydrological conditions, including during extreme weather events. Another significant area of his research is bridge pier scour simulation and the effects of sedimentation on infrastructure. Dr. Lee also explores the use of artificial intelligence and sensor systems for real-time monitoring and early warning in hydraulic environments, such as for detecting and mitigating bridge scour during floods. His projects aim to improve water conservation practices, enhance riverine ecosystem management, and inform better policy for sustainable water resource development. His contributions have practical implications for water quality, infrastructure stability, and environmental protection.

Publications

  1. Modeling and Analysis of Turbidity Currents in a Reservoir with the Dredged Guiding Channel 🌊🔬
  2. Application of Artificial Countermeasures to Enhance Desilting Efficiency in a Reservoir Under Normal and Extreme Events 🌧️🏞️
  3. The Two-Dimensional Hydraulic and Sediment Transport Simulation of Dredging Scenarios in Huajiang Wetland 🌿💧
  4. Experimental Study with Hydraulic Modeling of a Reservoir Desilting Operation Using a Sediment Bypass Tunnel 🚧💦
  5. Apply Two-Dimensional Layer-Averaged Model and Theoretical Orifice Flow Equations to Estimate Desilting Efficiency ⚙️🌍
  6. Desilting Efficiency Improvement Using a Dredged Channel in a Reservoir 🏞️🔧
  7. Physical Model Setup and Tests on Cooling Circulation Water Pumping Intake System 🔬💡
  8. Reservoir Sediment Management and Downstream River Impacts for Sustainable Water Resources—Case Study of Shihmen Reservoir 💧🌍
  9. The Artificial Intelligence of Things Sensing System of Real-Time Bridge Scour Monitoring for Early Warning During Floods 🤖🌊
  10. Minimizing the Impact of Vacating Instream Storage of a Multi-Reservoir System: A Trade-Off Study of Water Supply and Empty Flushing 🌊🔄

Conclusion

Dr. Fong-Zuo Lee is highly deserving of recognition for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive academic background, groundbreaking contributions in the fields of hydraulic modeling, sediment transport, and environmental engineering, coupled with a strong citation record and innovative solutions for reservoir sediment management, position him as a leader in his field. His research not only addresses theoretical challenges but also provides practical solutions to pressing environmental problems, such as flood control, sediment management, and ecological conservation.Given his track record of high-quality publications, patents, and collaborative research, as well as his engagement with both academia and industry, Dr. Lee’s work has substantial potential for wider application. If he continues to build on these strengths—especially by increasing international collaborations and policy engagement—he will be well-positioned to make even greater contributions to his field.Thus, Dr. Fong-Zuo Lee is an excellent candidate for this prestigious award, and his continued work will likely shape the future of environmental engineering and water resource management.

He Bai | Wastewater Purifying | Best Researcher Award

Dr He Bai | Wastewater Purifying | Best Researcher Award

Dr He Bai, East China University of Science and Technology, China

He Bai is a dedicated doctoral candidate at the School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology. Born on June 16, 1995, He Bai has consistently excelled in his academic journey. Starting with a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese from Baotou Teacher’s College, followed by a Master’s from Inner Mongolia University, he now pursues his PhD with a focus on innovative chemical engineering solutions. His accolades include multiple scholarships and a silver award at the 7th China International “Internet Plus” College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. He Bai’s research interests are diverse, ranging from nanoparticle luminescence to environmental applications, such as wastewater treatment. Proficient in advanced testing instruments and software, he has co-authored three SCI papers. Outside academia, he enjoys basketball, swimming, and running, demonstrating a balanced and active lifestyle. His future goals include furthering his research and contributing to sustainable environmental solutions.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Achievements: He Bai has demonstrated strong academic performance, as evidenced by multiple scholarships, including the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Scholarship and academic scholarships from East China University of Science and Technology. His academic track record highlights a commitment to excellence.
  2. Research Contributions: He Bai has published three SCI papers, which reflects a solid foundation in research and a capability to contribute to the scientific community. His work on various topics, including the efficient degradation of methoxychlor and the development of luminescent nanoparticles, indicates a diverse research portfolio.
  3. Technical Proficiency: He Bai is proficient in using various advanced testing instruments and software, which is crucial for conducting high-quality research. This technical skillset enhances his ability to undertake complex experiments and produce reliable data.
  4. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Winning the silver award in the 7th China International “Internet Plus” College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition in Shanghai demonstrates his innovative thinking and ability to apply research in practical and entrepreneurial contexts.
  5. Project Leadership: He Bai successfully secured funding for a doctoral project on biochar-based catalysts, which indicates his ability to independently lead research projects and secure financial support, an essential quality for a successful researcher.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact and Recognition: While He Bai has published several papers and won a few awards, gaining broader recognition in the scientific community, such as presenting at international conferences or collaborating on high-impact projects, could strengthen his candidacy for a Best Researcher Award.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engaging in interdisciplinary research or collaboration with other fields could enhance the breadth of his research impact and introduce new perspectives to his work.
  3. Language Skills: Although He Bai has a certain practical ability to use English and has published papers in English, further improvement in English proficiency could aid in better communicating his research to an international audience, thus broadening the reach and impact of his work.

Education 

He Bai’s educational background is rooted in a strong foundation in the Chinese language and literature, which he studied at Baotou Teacher’s College from 2014 to 2018, earning his Bachelor’s degree. He continued his academic pursuit at Inner Mongolia University, where he completed his postgraduate studies from 2018 to 2021, further specializing in Chinese. Currently, He Bai is a doctoral candidate at the East China University of Science and Technology, where he has been studying since September 2021. His education is marked by a consistent track record of excellence, having been awarded scholarships for his academic achievements, including the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Scholarship in 2020 and academic scholarships at East China University of Science and Technology in 2021 and 2022. He Bai’s educational journey reflects a commitment to deepening his expertise, developing a solid theoretical foundation, and engaging in innovative research.

Experience 

He Bai possesses a diverse range of experiences that complement his academic pursuits. Throughout his doctoral studies at the East China University of Science and Technology, he has developed proficiency in a wide array of advanced testing instruments, including fluorescence (FL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution field emission transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and differential thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), among others. His technical skills extend to software such as Origin, Photoshop (PS), and Chemdraw, essential tools for his research and data analysis. He Bai has also been actively involved in research projects, most notably leading a project on biochar-based catalysts for wastewater treatment, which received a funding grant of 10,000 RMB. His experience is further enriched by his participation in the 7th China International “Internet Plus” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, where he won a silver award, highlighting his ability to apply research to real-world challenges.

Research Focus

He Bai’s research focus lies at the intersection of material science and environmental engineering, with a particular emphasis on developing innovative solutions for environmental sustainability. His work is centered on the design and fabrication of advanced nanomaterials, such as core-shell-shell structured SiO2@GdPO4@SiO2 nanoparticles, aimed at improving luminescence efficiency. Additionally, He Bai has contributed to the development of functional materials for environmental applications, including the preparation of Fe3O4@Fe0 immobilized enzymes to enhance the degradation of persistent organic pollutants like methoxychlor. His research also explores the potential of graphene-like NBC-TiO2@FeMn composites in photo-Fenton systems for accelerating contaminant degradation in wastewater treatment. Through his work, He Bai seeks to address critical environmental challenges by leveraging cutting-edge materials and innovative chemical processes, with a long-term goal of advancing sustainable technologies that contribute to cleaner and safer ecosystems.

Publication Top Notes

Structure and defect engineering synergistically boost Mo6+/Mo4+ circulation of Sv-MoS2 based photo-Fenton-like system for efficient levofloxacin degradation

Carbon defects-enriched NBC-C3N5@CoMn with ultrafast modulation of redox couples for efficient degradation of contaminant

Modulating the redox couples of graphene-like NBC-TiO2@FeMn through forming photo-Fenton system for boosting persulfate activation to accelerate the contaminant degradation

Conclusion

He Bai is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his academic achievements, technical proficiency, research contributions, and innovative mindset. His ability to lead projects and secure funding further supports his potential. However, focusing on broader recognition, interdisciplinary collaboration, and further improving his English language skills could enhance his overall profile and make him an even stronger contender for this award.