Valdir Fernandes | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Valdir Fernandes | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Valdir Fernandes | Environmental Science | Professor | Universidade Technological Federal do Parana | Brazil

Prof. Valdir Fernandes is a highly respected scholar recognized for his multidisciplinary contributions to the fields of environmental engineering, sustainability, and technology and society studies. With a strong academic foundation and a career marked by innovation, research leadership, and community engagement, he has established himself as a leading voice in advancing sustainable practices and interdisciplinary knowledge integration. His professional trajectory demonstrates a commitment to addressing complex environmental challenges while fostering academic excellence through teaching, research, and policy-oriented initiatives. As a senior professor at Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, he continues to influence research directions, mentor emerging scholars, and build collaborations that bridge scientific knowledge with societal needs.

Professional Profile 

Education

Prof. Valdir Fernandes pursued his undergraduate studies in social sciences, which provided him with a strong grounding in human behavior, institutions, and governance. This foundation proved crucial in later integrating social and environmental perspectives in his research. He advanced his studies with a master’s degree in environmental engineering, focusing on the intersection between industrial development, environmental policies, and public governance. Building upon this expertise, he earned a doctoral degree in environmental engineering from a prestigious Brazilian university, where his work explored environmental management and sustainable production systems. He later engaged in postdoctoral research at the University of São Paulo, further enriching his expertise in sustainability, health, and interdisciplinary environmental studies.

Experience

Prof. Valdir Fernandes has extensive academic and administrative experience that demonstrates his ability to lead, innovate, and inspire. At Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, he has served as a professor in graduate programs related to technology, society, and environmental sustainability, designing and teaching courses that integrate scientific methodology with sustainability and policy studies. His career has also encompassed significant leadership roles, including service as Pro-Rector of Research and Graduate Studies, where he guided research development and program evaluations across multiple academic units. Beyond his university commitments, he has actively collaborated with CAPES, contributing as a consultant, coordinator, and evaluator in environmental and interdisciplinary sciences. His extensive involvement in councils, committees, and advisory boards illustrates his ability to shape academic policy, strengthen program quality, and advance national and international standards in higher education and research.

Research Interest

The research interests of Prof. Valdir Fernandes lie at the intersection of environmental engineering, sustainability, and interdisciplinary social sciences. He has worked extensively on sustainability assessment methodologies, urban sustainability, environmental governance, and the integration of social responsibility into organizational and production systems. His focus on interdisciplinarity allows him to connect engineering solutions with policy frameworks and societal values, enabling practical approaches to sustainability challenges. He is particularly engaged in advancing research that evaluates the long-term impacts of human activities on ecosystems and communities, with an emphasis on technological innovation, sustainability indicators, and participatory decision-making. Through his publications and collaborative projects, he has consistently promoted the idea that sustainable development requires a balance between technical efficiency, social justice, and environmental stewardship.

Award

Prof. Valdir Fernandes has received distinguished recognition for his scholarly and societal contributions. He has been honored with national awards, including acknowledgment by legislative institutions for his academic service. His most notable recognition is the Prêmio Jabuti in the category of education and pedagogy for his influential book on interdisciplinarity in teaching and research. This prestigious award highlights his ability to contribute to both scientific and educational advancement, demonstrating the transformative impact of his work in shaping knowledge, practices, and public policy. These recognitions reflect his reputation as a thought leader and his enduring commitment to advancing sustainability and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Selected Publications

  • The Environmental Dimension in Productive Organizations: A Study of the Economy of Communion (Published 2007, Citations: 95)

  • Industry, Environment, and Public Policies in Santa Catarina (Published 2003, Citations: 64)

  • Practices of Interdisciplinarity in Teaching and Research (Published 2015, Citations: 120)

  • Sustainability and Interdisciplinary Approaches in Technology and Society (Published 2019, Citations: 48)

Conclusion

Prof. Valdir Fernandes stands out as a distinguished academic whose research, leadership, and dedication to sustainability have earned him respect and recognition at both national and international levels. His scholarly work reflects a unique ability to integrate engineering, social sciences, and policy perspectives into a coherent framework for addressing environmental and technological challenges. His leadership roles in academic institutions and national research organizations underscore his commitment to improving the quality of education and research, while his publications highlight his significant intellectual contributions. With a proven record of achievements, influential awards, and ongoing engagement in advancing sustainability and interdisciplinary approaches, Prof. Valdir Fernandes is a deserving nominee for this award. His future potential lies in expanding global collaborations, furthering interdisciplinary innovation, and continuing to mentor the next generation of scholars and practitioners committed to sustainable development.

 

 

Weichao Wang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Weichao Wang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr Weichao Wang, Southwest Forestry University, China

Weichao Wang is a dedicated researcher at Southwest Forestry University, with a focus on ecological studies and environmental science. 🌿 He is a key participant in multiple significant projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China-funded research on microalgae diversity and wetland meadow plant stability. 🧪 He has contributed to notable publications, such as studies on alpine vegetation responses and Orchidaceae diversity in Yunnan. 🌸 Weichao has been honored with the Second Place Graduate Student Academic Scholarship for two consecutive years (2022-2023, 2023-2024). 🏆 His work significantly advances our understanding of ecological stoichiometry and environmental heterogeneity. 🌏📚

Publication profile

Orcid

Education

I earned the Second Place Graduate Student Academic Scholarship at Southwest Forestry University for both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years 📚🥈. My research includes projects on chemosensory effects of alpine meadow plants, environmental heterogeneity’s impact on microalgae, trampling disturbances on wetland meadow plants, and ecological stoichiometry of coffee leaves and soils in Yunnan Province. Notable publications feature studies on alpine vegetation responses, orchid diversity, and water quality in Dianchi Wetland Park 🌿🌸💧.

Experience

I earned the Second Place Graduate Student Academic Scholarship at Southwest Forestry University for both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years 📚🥈. My research includes projects on chemosensory effects of alpine meadow plants, environmental heterogeneity’s impact on microalgae, trampling disturbances on wetland meadow plants, and ecological stoichiometry of coffee leaves and soils in Yunnan Province. Notable publications feature studies on alpine vegetation responses, orchid diversity, and water quality in Dianchi Wetland Park 🌿🌸💧.

Awards

🎓 In November 2022, the user earned the Second Place Graduate Student Academic Scholarship at Southwest Forestry University for the 2022-2023 academic year, recognizing their academic excellence and dedication. 📚✨ Their commitment to scholarly pursuits was further acknowledged in November 2023, when they received the same prestigious scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. 🎉🏆 These accolades highlight their consistent performance and determination in their academic journey, showcasing their capability and promise as a graduate student at Southwest Forestry University. 🌟🔍

Research focus

Weichao Wang’s research focuses on the ecological dynamics of alpine vegetation, specifically investigating how different species impact ecosystem responses. Their work, highlighted in the study “Short-Term Responses of Alpine Vegetation to the Removal of Dominant Versus Sparse Species,” explores the effects of removing dominant and sparse species on plant communities. This research is crucial for understanding biodiversity conservation, ecosystem stability, and the impacts of climate change on fragile alpine environments. 🌿🗻🔬📊

Publication top notes

Short-Term Responses of Alpine Vegetation to the Removal of Dominant Versus Sparse Species

Forbi Preasious Funwi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Forbi Preasious Funwi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr Forbi Preasious Funwi, Millennium Ecologicam Museum, Cameroon

Forbi Preasious Funwi is a dedicated Cameroonian environmentalist 🌿 with expertise in botany, ecology, and project management. He holds an MSc. in Plant Ecology and a BSc. in Plant Biology from the University of Yaoundé I. With a passion for conservation and sustainability, Forbi has contributed significantly to projects focusing on biodiversity assessment, climate adaptation, and community development. He is adept at project writing and monitoring, evidenced by his involvement in various initiatives, including those funded by the Green Climate Fund and the Global Environment Facility. Forbi is known for his excellent teamwork 🌍 spirit and innovative approach to environmental challenges.

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

In 2010, earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Biology from the University of Yaoundé I 🎓. This foundational education ignited my passion for understanding the intricate world of plant life. Building upon this knowledge, I pursued a Master of Science degree in Plant Ecology at the same institution, completing it in 2015 🌿. This advanced degree equipped me with the expertise to delve deeper into the relationships between plants and their environments. Both academic milestones have shaped my journey, fueling my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the field of ecology and botanical sciences.

Experience

In my journey spanning from 2013 to 2023, I’ve been deeply immersed in various environmental and conservation endeavors across Cameroon. From conducting assessments for hydropower projects to biodiversity surveys in diverse regions, every experience has shaped my understanding and commitment to sustainable practices. Whether it’s collaborating with international organizations like FAO and GIZ or contributing to local initiatives, each project has been a step towards safeguarding Cameroon’s natural heritage 🌿. As I look back on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities to make a difference in environmental conservation 🙏.

Research focus

The research focus of FP Funwi spans across several critical areas of environmental and agricultural studies in Cameroon. With a diverse portfolio ranging from carbon storage potential in agroforestry systems to the management of medicinal plants amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Funwi’s work demonstrates a keen interest in biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management, and community resilience in the face of environmental challenges. 🌱 Their studies delve into the intricate relationships between human activities, ecosystems, and climate change impacts, providing valuable insights for conservation efforts and the sustainable use of natural resources in Cameroon and beyond.

Publication top notes

Carbon storage potential of cacao agroforestry systems of different age and management intensity

A review of Cameroonian medicinal plants with potentials for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic

Land use and land cover changes in Doume Communal Forest in eastern Cameroon: implications for conservation and sustainable management

Using transect sampling to determine the distribution of some key non-timber forest products across habitat types near Boumba-Bek National Park, South-east Cameroon

Climate change perception and local adaptation of natural resource management in a farming community of Cameroon: A case study

Biodiversity and carbon stock in the SODECAO agroforestry system of center region of Cameroon: Case of talba locality

Diversity, structure and carbon storage potential of the Dja Wildlife Reserve vegetation cover

Indigenous and local knowledgeas a tool for wildlife conservation in the Dja biosphere reserve, cameroon

Community of vascular epiphytes on some phorophytes in the Babadjou Subdivision (Western Cameroon): Case of Bamelo

Family Farming Systems in Northern Central Cameroon: Challenges and Prospects for Food Security

Exploring farmers’ vulnerability and agrobiodiversity in perspective of adaptation in Southern Cameroon

Assessing plant diversity change in logged and unlogged dense semi-deciduous production forest of eastern Cameroon

Mapping carbon stocks in the Dimako communal forest, East-Cameroon

Enhanced local governance as response to threats on vulnerable non-timber forest product species: Case of Garcinia kola Heckel in East Cameroon

Ethnobotanical study and vulnerability of medicinal plants used against the symptoms of COVID-19 in the Lomié subdivision, East Region of Cameroon

Farm typology and structure of farmer decision making: The case of the production basin of the forest-savannah transition zone, Centre Cameroon Region

Plant diversity of oil palm plantations of different ages and under different farming practices in the Ngoas locality Yaounde-Cameroon

Navigating Climate Challenges: Insights from Smallholder of Mbangassina’s Local Communities in the Centre Cameroon Region

Availability, Natural Regeneration Potential and Ethnoecological Knowledge of Garcinia Kola: Perspectives for Conservation and Sustainable Resource Use in Belabo, Eastern Cameroon

Assessing Plant Diversity Change in Logged and Unlogged Dense Semi-Deciduous Production Forest of Eastern Cameroon