Amal Zaher | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Amal Zaher, Beni-suef University, Egypt

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amal Zaher Shehata is an accomplished academic and researcher in Environmental and Chemical Engineering, affiliated with the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Egypt. With a strong foundation in chemical engineering, she has led transformative research on wastewater treatment, nanomaterials, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Zaher has authored numerous impactful publications in high-ranking journals, particularly focusing on advanced oxidation processes, layered double hydroxides, and photocatalysis. She has supervised 16 postgraduate theses (14 M.Sc. and 2 Ph.D.), contributed to funded national and international research projects, and actively participates in quality assurance and curriculum development. In addition to her academic duties, she serves as Director of the Training Committee at PSAS and is a reviewer for respected journals such as RSC and Fuel. Her research contributions and dedication to environmental advancement make her a distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Amal Zaher holds a B.Sc. Honors (2000), M.Sc. (2006), and Ph.D. (2012) in Chemical Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Egypt. Her master’s thesis focused on “A New Technology for Treatment of Oil-Polluted Wastewater,” while her doctoral research, titled “Advanced Process for Oily Water Treatment: Statistical Optimization,” advanced the field of environmental process engineering through data-driven techniques. Her academic journey reflects deep expertise in water and wastewater treatment, catalysis, and nanotechnology. She has since expanded her specialization to include interdisciplinary applications in environmental science, particularly within industrial and sustainable development contexts. Her strong academic background underpins her effective teaching, supervision, and pioneering research efforts at Beni-Suef University.

Experience

Dr. Zaher began her career as a freelance engineer (2000–2002) and later served as a safety and occupational health specialist (2002–2016) at the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration, Minia, Egypt. In academia, she served as Assistant Professor (2013–2022) and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022 at the Environmental Science and Industrial Development Department, PSAS Faculty, Beni-Suef University. She also directed the faculty’s Training Unit (2016–2018) and currently leads the Training Committee. Dr. Zaher has taught various undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including Biogas Technology, Environmental Management Systems, Green Chemistry, and Clean Water Technology. Her leadership extends to academic program development, quality assurance, and supervision of graduate students. With over two decades of diverse professional experience, she effectively bridges the gap between engineering practice and academic innovation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Amal Zaher has received recognition as a dedicated researcher and academic leader. Her H-index of 10 and 355+ citations (as of May 2025, Scopus ID: 8922238500) reflect her research influence in environmental nanotechnology and water treatment. She is a peer reviewer for internationally acclaimed journals, including RSC and Fuel, and has contributed to global conferences and symposia, both as an attendee and organizer. Notably, she has coordinated institutional programs on occupational safety and environmental sustainability, reinforcing her impact in academic development. She is also an active member of the Arab Federation for Specialized Women and the Institute for Engineering Research and Publication. Her participation in funded research projects, including international collaborations with institutions in the USA, highlights her global research footprint and scholarly contributions deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Research Focus

Dr. Zaher’s research centers on sustainable environmental technologies, with a focus on advanced water and wastewater treatment methods. Her core expertise includes photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, nanomaterials (e.g., LDH, MOFs), and adsorption techniques for removing pharmaceuticals, dyes, and heavy metals. She applies experimental and computational techniques to optimize processes for treating oily wastewater and enhancing solar desalination systems. Dr. Zaher also explores the reuse and recycling of nanomaterials in water purification, with attention to green synthesis approaches. Her interdisciplinary work integrates chemical engineering, environmental science, and material chemistry to create scalable, eco-friendly solutions to water pollution. Ongoing collaborations and publications on nanostructures and electrochemical sensing technologies further underscore her commitment to environmental innovation and sustainable development.

Publication Top Notes

2006 – Using Advanced Oxidation Process for Oily Water Clean-Up, National Conference, Las Vegas, USA.
2012 – Optimization of a Simulated Photo-Fenton Process, 9th International Conference on Modeling Simulation and Visualization Methods.
Influences of tungsten incorporation… toward urea elimination, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 45(15), 8082-8093.
Zn/Fe LDH as a clay-like adsorbent for oxytetracycline removal, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(11), 12256-12269.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol Wastewater, Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 63(11), 4439-4445.
Tungsten incorporation in nickel doped carbon nanofibers…, Fuel, 280, 118654.
La-doped Zn-Fe LDH for tetracycline adsorption, Journal of Molecular Liquids, 322, 114546.
LDH Nanocubes Synthesized with Zeolite Templates, Nanomaterials, 11(12), 3315.
Zn–Fe LDH nanostructures for dye removal, Scientific Reports, 11(1).
Photocatalytic degradation with ZnO nanoparticles, Journal of International Society for Science and Engineering.
Recycling of Zn–Al LDH after levofloxacin adsorption, RSC Advances, 10(46), 27633-27651.
Enhanced Solar Desalination Units, Conference Proceedings.
Book Chapter (2024) – Nanomaterials for Electrochemical Sensing of Heavy Metals, Springer.
Book Chapter (2025) – Nanofibres for Medical Applications, Elsevier.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amal Zaher exemplifies excellence in environmental engineering research and education. Her substantial contributions to water treatment technologies, advanced nanomaterials, and green chemistry underscore her standing as a thought leader and innovator. With a proven track record of impactful publications, active supervision, and international collaboration, she is an outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her work not only addresses pressing environmental challenges but also promotes sustainable solutions that benefit both science and society.

Josep Llorca-Bofí | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Josep Llorca-Bofí, Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, Germany

Dr. Josep Llorca-Bofí appears to be a strong candidate for the Researcher of the Year Award due to his extensive contributions and achievements in the fields of architectural design and acoustics. Here’s an analysis of his qualifications and impact:

Research Contributions

Innovative Research Focus: Dr. Llorca-Bofí’s research integrates architectural design with acoustic analysis, exploring how sound influences space perception and design. His work includes leading a research group on “Person-focused Analysis of Architectural Design” and developing methodologies for virtual reality models and urban soundscapes.

Significant Publications: His publications cover a range of topics, from urban soundscapes to virtual acoustic environments. Key papers include:

“Multi-detailed 3D architectural framework for sound perception research in virtual reality” (2021).
“Urban opportunities and conflicts around street musicians” (2020).
“Learning room acoustics by design: A project-based experience” (2019).

Awards and Fellowships: He has received notable awards, including the Ramon y Cajal fellowship, which supports his tenure-track position and research in Spain, and the Doctoral Extraordinary Award from UPC.

Professional Experience

Teaching and Mentoring: Dr. Llorca-Bofí has a rich teaching portfolio, including courses on acoustic design principles and virtual reality in architecture. He also supervises Ph.D. candidates and various theses in both architecture and engineering.

Leadership and Collaboration: His role as a Junior Principal Investigator at RWTH Aachen University and his leadership in various research and academic settings showcase his influence and collaboration across institutions.

Contributions to the Field

Funding and Grants: He has successfully secured funding for significant projects, such as the support for organ installation at the Sagrada Familia and his Ramon y Cajal fellowship, highlighting his ability to attract substantial research resources.

Professional Engagement: Dr. Llorca-Bofí has chaired sessions at major international conferences, demonstrating his recognition and leadership in the field.

Conclusion

Dr. Josep Llorca-Bofí’s innovative research, significant publications, prestigious awards, and impactful teaching and mentoring make him an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work not only advances the understanding of acoustics in architecture but also integrates this knowledge into practical applications and educational frameworks.