Faran Vahedian | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Faran Vahedian | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Faran Vahedian, Colorado School of Mines, United States

Dr. Faran Vahedian, Ph.D. 🏞️, is an environmental engineer and hydrogeologist with 10 years of experience in groundwater contamination and environmental remediation. She completed her PhD at Colorado School of Mines, focusing on PFAS transport in AFFF-impacted media 🌊. Dr. Vahedian specializes in numerical modeling, data analysis, and laboratory work using tools like MODFLOW, FEFLOW, and Python 🖥️. She has worked on various projects, including remediation of PFAS contamination, and collaborated with experts to develop analytical methods using LC-MS. Currently, she is a Senior Research Engineer at EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, contributing to EPA’s PFAS research and remediation projects 🔬.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Faran Vahedian is a passionate researcher in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with a Ph.D. from Colorado School of Mines (2024). She holds a Master’s in Water Engineering from the University of Guelph (2021) and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran (2014). Dr. Vahedian has a strong background in environmental solutions and engineering design. She is also certified in OSHA HAZWOPER, highlighting her expertise in hazardous waste operations. Her education and certifications reflect her commitment to advancing sustainability and safety in the engineering field. 🌍🔧🎓💧💼

Experience

Dr. Faran Vahedian is a skilled researcher and hydrogeologist with extensive experience in environmental remediation and groundwater contamination. From 2021 to 2024, she successfully completed a SERDP ESTCP project on PFAS transport, conducting lab experiments and numerical modeling with HYDRUS. Previously, she worked as a hydrogeologist, conducting groundwater quality assessments, leachate simulations, and flood risk evaluations. As a wastewater treatment plant design engineer, she ensured water quality control and optimized treatment systems. With expertise in GIS, Python, and modeling tools like SWAT, FEFLOW, and HEC-RAS, Dr. Vahedian contributes to sustainable water management and environmental protection. 🌍💧🔬🌿

EA Project Experience

Mrs. Faran Vahedian is a Senior Research Engineer at EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc. (2024–Present), focusing on PFAS research and development. She supports projects like the Remedial Investigation Report for the BJAT LLC Superfund Site and evaluates PFAS sources, mass balance, and groundwater impacts at multiple Air National Guard installations. She also provides analytical and technical support to the EPA’s Office of Research and Development, researching PFAS and contaminants of emerging concern. Additionally, she leads a Water Research Foundation project, developing regulatory frameworks and decision-making tools for PFAS residual management. 💧🔬🌍🧪

Professional Recognition

Dr. Faran Vahedian is a skilled professional with extensive experience in leading engineering firms and environmental organizations. She has contributed significantly to large-scale projects, including the remediation of PFAS at multiple Air National Guard installations. Her expertise in advancing research methodologies for environmental contaminants has played a crucial role in improving environmental protection practices. Dr. Vahedian’s work continues to make a lasting impact on both industry standards and environmental health, showcasing her dedication to sustainable solutions. 🌍🔬💧🌱

Career Development 

Dr. Vahedian’s progression from hydrogeologist to senior research engineer, with roles in prestigious organizations like EA Engineering, reflects her significant career growth and her ongoing contributions to high-impact research projects, particularly related to PFAS and contaminants of emerging concern. 

Research Focus

Faran Vahedian’s research focuses on the transport and behavior of chemical substances in environmental systems, particularly in unsaturated media. Her work, including studies on tension-driven flow, explores the movement of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in porous environments, which is crucial for understanding its impact on water and soil contamination. By integrating hydrological modeling and field experiments, she examines how fluids interact with unsaturated soils and groundwater, aiming to improve environmental protection and remediation strategies. Her interdisciplinary research contributes to water quality management, environmental engineering, and sustainable practices. 🌍💧🌱🔬

Publication Top Notes

FATİH PALA | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

FATİH PALA | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr FATİH PALA, Oltu Science and Art Center, Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Pala is an academic specializing in social studies education, with a focus on digital tools and technology integration in teaching. He holds a doctoral degree (2020) and a Master’s (2016) in education. His research includes studies on digital storytelling, environmental perceptions, and the use of digital games in history teaching. Dr. Pala has published numerous articles in international journals and presented at national conferences. He is also the editor of the book Hikâyelerle Değerlerimiz. With experience as a school principal and educator, he aims to innovate in teaching through digital methods. 📚💻🎓

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Pala completed his Bachelor’s degree on June 14, 2011, and went on to earn a Master’s degree in March 2016. His Master’s thesis, titled “Sosyal bilgiler derslerinde yer alan tarihleri öğrencilerin hatırlama düzeyi ve tarihlerin öğretiminin öğretmen ve öğrenci görüşlerine göre incelenmesi” (2015), was supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Şimşek. He pursued his Doctoral studies and received his degree in November 2020. Dr. Pala’s academic focus has been on social studies education and history teaching methodologies. 🎓📚📅

Leadership & Contributions

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Pala is the editor of the 2023 book “Hikayelerle Değerlerimiz,” which focuses on values education. He has contributed to the field by presenting research on teachers’ perceptions of gifted education at the 34th National Special Education Congress in 2024. His academic work highlights his commitment to advancing education and fostering an understanding of diverse teaching needs. Dr. Pala’s efforts in both scholarly writing and research presentations reflect his passion for improving educational practices. 📚👨‍🏫🎓

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Pala is the Founder and Director of Oltu Bilim ve Sanat Merkezi (2022), dedicated to promoting science and art education. His leadership and commitment to education are reflected in his prior role as the Deputy Principal at Küçük Orcuk Secondary School (2022), where he supported academic growth and development. Dr. Pala’s work emphasizes fostering creativity and critical thinking in students, merging the worlds of science and art. His innovative approach continues to inspire future generations in Turkey. 📚🎨👨‍🏫✨

Research focus

Fatih Pala’s research primarily focuses on education, particularly in social studies and history teaching. His work explores innovative methods like digital storytelling, the integration of digital technology, and the role of philosophy education in fostering critical thinking and conceptual achievement in students. He investigates how educational practices, such as group work and digital competencies, impact students’ academic performance, attitudes, and knowledge retention. Additionally, Pala has studied the challenges faced by students from migrant backgrounds and how teacher behaviors influence students’ learning, especially in social studies. His contributions aim to enhance teaching methods and student engagement. 📚💻📊👩‍🏫

Publication Top Notes

The effect of philosophy education for children (P4C) on students’ conceptual achievement and critical thinking skills: A mixed method research

Sosyal bilgiler derslerinde tarihlerin (dates) öğretimi

Sosyal bilgiler dersi tarihe yolculuk ünitesi bağlamında dijital hikâye kullanımının öğrenci akademik başarı ve kalıcılığa etkisi

Göç ile Gelen Öğrencilerin Eğitim Sorunlarına İlişkin Öğretmen Görüşleri

Sosyal Bilgiler Dersinde Dijital Öyküleme Destekli Grup Çalışmasının Akademik Başarı, Tutum ve Kalıcılığa Etkisi

KİTAP OKUMA ALIŞKANLIĞININ SOSYAL BİLGİLER ÖĞRETMEN DAVRANIŞLARI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİ

8. SINIF ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN ÇANAKKALE CEPHESİNE İLİŞKİN BİLGİ DÜZEYLERİ

7. Sınıf sosyal bilgiler dersi yaşayan demokrasi ünitesinde geçen kavramların anlaşılma düzeyi

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Pala’s continuous contributions to educational innovation, coupled with his research on digital tools in social studies teaching, his leadership roles in academic settings, and his publications, all highlight his suitability for the “Best Researcher Award.” His commitment to improving educational practices through digitalization and social studies teaching positions him as a transformative figure in the academic community. 📚✨