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

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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

Niguse Hagazi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Niguse Hagazi | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr Niguse Hagazi, World Agroforestry, ICRAF, /Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ethiopia

🌍 Niguse Hagazi is a leading researcher and Ethiopian Country Director at ICRAF Ethiopia, with a PhD candidacy at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. With over 15 years of experience in forestry, agroforestry, and natural resource management, Niguse has significantly contributed to Ethiopia’s environmental strategies, including the National Drylands Restoration Strategy. His expertise spans landscape restoration, climate-smart agriculture, and green job creation. He’s authored over 30 publications and actively engages in international conferences and professional societies. Niguse’s work focuses on sustainable development and conservation in urban-rural settings. 🌱📚

Publication profile

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Experience

Niguse Hagazi is a dedicated researcher at ICRAF Ethiopia Office and a PhD candidate at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany. With over 15 years of experience, he leads as the Ethiopian Country Director, focusing on forestry, agroforestry, and natural resources management. Niguse plays a pivotal role in developing national strategies, such as the Ethiopian National Drylands Restoration Strategy, and in managing projects related to landscape restoration, green job creation, and climate-smart agriculture 🌍🌱. He’s also a trainer and consultant, providing expertise and capacity development to a wide range of stakeholders. His extensive publications span peer-reviewed journals, books, and manuals 📚🌿.

Academic Qualifications

Currently a PhD Candidate at the Institute of Geography, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany 🌍. Holds a Master’s degree in Tropical Land Resources Management from Mekelle University, Ethiopia (2008) 🌿. Completed a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Sciences at Wendo-Genet College of Forestry, Hawassa University (2002) 🌳. Passionate about sustainable land management and environmental conservation, with a solid academic background in forestry and tropical land resources. Dedicated to advancing knowledge and research in the field of geography and environmental sciences. 🌱📚

Research focus

The research focus of Niguse Hagazi and his team, including Mulat Kebede, Mulugeta Mokria, Emiru Birhane, Aster Gebrekirstos, and Achim Bräuning, revolves around biomass estimation in restored landscapes. Their 2023 study published in Environmental Research Communications explores methods for accurately estimating biomass of Acacia saligna trees. This research is crucial for understanding and managing ecological restoration efforts, enhancing carbon sequestration strategies, and assessing the effectiveness of reforestation projects. Their work contributes to sustainable land management and forest ecology, providing valuable insights into biomass dynamics in restored ecosystems. 🌳📊🌍

Publication top notes

Biomass estimation models for Acacia saligna trees in restored landscapes