Nikolaos Skoulikidis | Hydrogeochemistry | Innovative Citation Leadership Award

Dr. Nikolaos Skoulikidis | Hydrogeochemistry | Innovative Citation Leadership Award

Research director at Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Greece

Dr. Nikolaos Skoulikidis is a highly accomplished researcher and environmental scientist with a wealth of experience in biogeochemistry and environmental management. He holds a Ph.D. in Biogeochemistry from the University of Hamburg and a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Dr. Skoulikidis has held various research positions, including Head of the Department of Environmental Research at the Institute of Inland Waters, HCMR. His current research and educational activities focus on water management, coastal environment utilization, and environmental education. Dr. Skoulikidis is involved in several projects aimed at sustainable water management and environmental conservation on Greek islands. He is also engaged in research on stable isotopes for surface flow estimation and the ecological status of Greek rivers and coastal waters. Throughout his career, Dr. Skoulikidis has been recognized for his scientific achievements, receiving awards such as the ECOCITY 2011 Award for Scientific Research and recognition in the LIFE EnviFriendly project. His dedication to research, positive attitude, and expertise in environmental science make him a valuable asset to the field.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Nikolaos Skoulikidis has a strong educational background in geology and biogeochemistry. He earned his PhD in Biogeochemistry from the University of Hamburg in 1990, with a thesis focused on the biogeochemistry of major Greek rivers. Prior to this, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Geology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in 1982, with a thesis on the distribution of heavy metals in various environmental settings in the Maliakos Gulf region.

🗣️Work experience:

Dr. Nikolaos Skoulikidis has a rich and extensive employment history, spanning several prestigious institutions and roles. Since 2008, he has been serving as a Researcher A΄ and the Head of the Research Direction “Integrated River Basin Management” at the Department of Inland Waters (DIW) of the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW) at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR). Prior to this, from 2003 to 2008, he held the position of Researcher B΄ at the same institute. Dr. Skoulikidis has been actively involved in research and management roles at HCMR since 1998, initially as the Head of the Department of Environmental Research. His tenure at HCMR also includes positions as a Researcher C΄ (1998-2003) and a Researcher D΄ (1994-1998). Before joining HCMR, Dr. Skoulikidis worked as a Scientific Collaborator at the Civil Engineering Department of the National Technical University of Athens in 1994. He also served as the Head of the Department of Environmental Research & Technology at Intratech Technology Transfer Ltd. from 1990 to 1994. Additionally, he gained valuable research experience as a Scientific Collaborator at the University of Hamburg, Institute of Geology & Palaeontology, Department of Biogeochemistry from 1987 to 1990, and as a Research Assistant at the same institution from 1986 to 1987

Research:

Dr. Nikolaos Skoulikidis is actively engaged in various research and educational activities that contribute to the advancement of water management and environmental education. He is involved in emblematic actions focusing on water management and the utilization of coastal environments and wave potential on several islands, including Halki, Antikythira, and Kythira. Additionally, Dr. Skoulikidis leads environmental education initiatives, particularly marine literacy programs for high school students in island regions such as Crete, Sardinia, and Majorca, using innovative technological tools. He also participates in projects aimed at increasing knowledge of water bodies’ importance on Greek islands, encompassing research, education, and citizen science. Furthermore, Dr. Skoulikidis is responsible for projects applying stable isotopes to estimate the contribution of vapor condensation processes to surface flow in mountainous islands with frequent fog coverage, such as internal projects at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR). He is also involved in the presentation and geo-mythological interpretation of ancient Greek myths in interactive exhibitions, water management planning for islands like Samothraki, and monitoring the ecological status of Greek rivers, coastal, and transitional waters in compliance with the Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EU.

Skills:

Dr. Nikolaos Skoulikidis possesses a range of valuable skills that have contributed to his success in his research and management roles. He is dedicated to his research, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. His positive attitude and emotional intelligence enable him to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, fostering productive relationships. Dr. Skoulikidis also has experience in human resources management, which has been instrumental in leading and coordinating research teams. His ability to work well in groups enhances collaboration and facilitates the achievement of common goals.

Awards:

Dr. Nikolaos Skoulikidis has received prestigious awards for his outstanding contributions to scientific research and environmental projects. In 2011, he was honored with the ECOCITY Award for Scientific Research, recognizing his significant achievements in the field. Additionally, Dr. Skoulikidis was recognized for his exceptional work in the LIFE EnviFriendly project, being awarded as one of the five best projects in the 2009 LIFE program. These accolades underscore his commitment to excellence and innovation in environmental science and research.

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📚Publications :

Constructed floating wetlands: a review of research, design, operation and management aspects, and data meta-analysis

Authors: N Pavlineri, NT Skoulikidis, VA Tsihrintzis

Citations: 305

Year: 2017

Non-perennial Mediterranean rivers in Europe: status, pressures, and challenges for research and management

Authors: NT Skoulikidis, S Sabater, T Datry, MM Morais, A Buffagni, G DĂśrflinger, …

Citations: 251

Year: 2017

Managing the effects of multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems under water scarcity. The GLOBAQUA project

Authors: A Navarro-Ortega, V Acuna, A Bellin, P Burek, G Cassiani, …

Citations: 235

Year: 2015

Heavy metal contamination status in Greek surface waters: A review with application and evaluation of pollution indices

Authors: I Karaouzas, N Kapetanaki, A Mentzafou, TD Kanellopoulos, N Skoulikidis

Citations: 195

Year: 2021

The environmental state of rivers in the Balkans—A review within the DPSIR framework

Authors: NT Skoulikidis

Citations: 177

Year: 2009

A novel approach to analysing the regimes of temporary streams in relation to their controls on the composition and structure of aquatic biota

Authors: F Gallart, N Prat, EM GarcĂ­a-Roger, J Latron, M Rieradevall, P Llorens, …

Citations: 159

Year: 2012

River ecosystem processes: A synthesis of approaches, criteria of use and sensitivity to environmental stressors

Authors: D Von Schiller, V AcuĂąa, I Aristi, M Arroita, A Basaguren, A Bellin, …

Citations: 156

Year: 2017

An integrated approach to watershed management within the DPSIR framework: Axios River catchment and Thermaikos Gulf

Authors: AP Karageorgis, MS Skourtos, V Kapsimalis, AD Kontogianni, …

Citations: 150

Year: 2005

Analysis of factors driving stream water composition and synthesis of management tools—A case study on small/medium Greek catchments

Authors: NT Skoulikidis, Y Amaxidis, I Bertahas, S Laschou, K Gritzalis

Citations: 147

Year: 2006

Water and sediment quality assessment of the Axios River and its coastal environment

Authors: AP Karageorgis, NP Nikolaidis, H Karamanos, N Skoulikidis

Citations: 108

Year: 2003

The environmental state of freshwater resources in Greece (rivers and lakes)

Authors: NT Skoulikidis, I Bertahas, T Koussouris

Citations: 101

Year: 1998

The mirage toolbox: an integrated assessment tool for temporary streams

Authors: N Prat, F Gallart, D Von Schiller, S Polesello, EM GarcĂ­a‐Roger, J Latron, …

Citations: 94

Year: 2014

Particle bound pollutants in rivers: Results from suspended sediment sampling in Globaqua River Basins

Authors: H RĂźgner, M Schwientek, R Milačič, T Zuliani, J Vidmar, M Paunović, …

Citations: 93

Year: 2019

 

 

EstefanĂ­a Aroca | Sustainability Science | Interdisciplinary Citation Impact Award

Dr. EstefanĂ­a Aroca | Sustainability Science | Interdisciplinary Citation Impact Award

PhD at University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain

Dr. EstefanĂ­a Aroca is a highly accomplished researcher in the field of Environmental Sciences, with a strong focus on natural hazards and environmental assessment. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, a Master’s Degree in Physics, Instrumentation, and Environment (Specialty in Natural Hazards and Environmental Assessment), and a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, where her thesis received the highest grade (cum laude unanimously). Dr. Aroca has extensive teaching experience, having taught courses in Geology and Surface and Groundwater Hydrology at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. She has also participated in various research projects, including the “DRAINAGE project,” which aimed to increase resilience to floods while improving water body status and sustainable resource management. In addition to her academic and research achievements, Dr. Aroca has undertaken a post-doctoral research stay at the Hazards Vulnerability & Resilience Institute, University of South Carolina, funded by the University of Castilla-La Mancha. She has received prestigious grants and scholarships, including an FPI Predoctoral Contract – Postdoctoral Orientation Period (POP) and an FPI Predoctoral Contract, from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Universities. Dr. Aroca’s dedication to research excellence and her commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative methodologies make her a valuable asset to the scientific community.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. EstefanĂ­a Aroca completed her university education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of MĂĄlaga, awarded on 15/09/2013, with a good average mark. She furthered her studies with a Master’s Degree in Physics, Instrumentation, and Environment (Specialty in Natural Hazards and Environmental Assessment) from the University of Cantabria, Faculty of Sciences, awarded on 08/10/2014, achieving a qualification of 8.60. Dr. Aroca culminated her academic journey with a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from the University of Castilla-La Mancha, with her thesis titled “Methodological proposal for the holistic characterization of vulnerability in areas prone to flash flooding: design and application,” under the guidance of JosĂŠ MarĂ­a Bodoque del Pozo. She obtained her doctoral degree on 04/07/2022, with the highest grade (cum laude unanimously).

🗣️Teaching experience:

Dr. EstefanĂ­a Aroca has extensive teaching experience in the field of Environmental Sciences. She has taught courses in Geology and Surface and Groundwater Hydrology at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. For example, she taught Geology to first-year Bachelor’s Degree students in Environmental Sciences, covering core concepts, for 45 hours from 25/01/2023 to 31/03/2023. Additionally, she taught Surface and Groundwater Hydrology, an obligatory course for third-year Bachelor’s Degree students in Environmental Sciences, for 15 hours from 22/11/2022 to 10/12/2022. Her teaching contributions also include previous instances of teaching similar courses in 2022 and 2021. These teaching experiences demonstrate her commitment to educating students in the field of Environmental Sciences and her expertise in Geology and Hydrology.

Technological experience:

Dr. EstefanĂ­a Aroca has been involved in a significant research and development project titled “Design of a Methodology to Increase Resilience to Floods Compatible with the Improvement of the Status of Water Bodies and the Sustainable Management of Resources (DRAINAGE project).” This project, which took place at the University of Castilla-La Mancha from 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2021, focused on enhancing flood resilience while promoting sustainable water management practices. Dr. Aroca contributed as a researcher alongside 33 other researchers, under the direction of Principal Investigator JosĂŠ MarĂ­a Bodoque del Pozo. The project received funding from the Spanish Research Agency, a state agency, totaling 71,390 €. This experience highlights Dr. Aroca’s expertise in research and her commitment to addressing environmental challenges through innovative methodologies.

achievements:

Dr. EstefanĂ­a Aroca has undertaken a post-doctoral research stay at the Hazards Vulnerability & Resilience Institute, University of South Carolina, Columbia, United States of America, from 01/04/2023 to 30/06/2023, funded by the University of Castilla-La Mancha. During this three-month period, she conducted postdoctoral research, contributing to the institute’s work on hazards, vulnerability, and resilience. Additionally, Dr. Aroca has received prestigious grants and scholarships to support her academic and research endeavors. She was awarded an FPI Predoctoral Contract – Postdoctoral Orientation Period (POP) by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Universities, on 01/08/2022, for a duration of one year, ending on 31/07/2023. This grant allowed her to pursue postdoctoral research at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Biochemistry. Prior to this, she received an FPI Predoctoral Contract from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Universities, on 01/08/2019, for a duration of three years, ending on 31/07/2022, to support her pre-doctoral research at the same institution. Moreover, Dr. Aroca has been recognized as an Assistant Professor by Spain’s National Agency for Quality Assessment and Accreditation (ANECA) on 28/10/2022, highlighting her academic achievements and expertise in her field. These achievements demonstrate her commitment to research excellence and academic advancement.

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📚Publications :

Construction of an integrated social vulnerability index in urban areas prone to flash flooding

Authors: E Aroca-Jimenez, JM Bodoque, JA Garcia, A Diez-Herrero

Citations: 84

Year: 2017

A quantitative methodology for the assessment of the regional economic vulnerability to flash floods

Authors: E Aroca-JimĂŠnez, JM Bodoque, JA GarcĂ­a, A DĂ­ez-Herrero

Citations: 54

Year: 2018

How to construct and validate an Integrated Socio-Economic Vulnerability Index: Implementation at regional scale in urban areas prone to flash flooding

Authors: E Aroca-JimĂŠnez, JM Bodoque, JA GarcĂ­a

Citations: 44

Year: 2020

Flood damage analysis: First floor elevation uncertainty resulting from LiDAR-derived digital surface models

Authors: JM Bodoque, C Guardiola-Albert, E Aroca-JimÊnez, MÁ Eguibar

Citations: 37

Year: 2016

Holistic characterization of flash flood vulnerability: Construction and validation of an integrated multidimensional vulnerability index

Authors: E Aroca-JimĂŠnez, JM Bodoque, JA GarcĂ­a, JE Figueroa-GarcĂ­a

Citations: 16

Year: 2022

Analysing flash flood risk perception through a geostatistical approach in the village of Navaluenga, Central Spain

Authors: C Guardiola‐Albert, A Díez‐Herrero, M Amerigo Cuervo‐Arango

Citations: 11

Year: 2020

Developing reliable urban flood hazard mapping from LiDAR data

Authors: JM Bodoque, E Aroca-JimÊnez, MÁ Eguibar, JA García

Citations: 6

Year: 2023

Analysis of social vulnerability to flash floods in Urban Areas of Castilla y LeĂłn (Spain)

Authors: E Aroca-Jimenez, JM Bodoque, JA Garcia, A Diez-Herrero

Citations: 6

Year: 2016

An Integrated Multidimensional Resilience Index for urban areas prone to flash floods: Development and validation

Authors: E Aroca-JimĂŠnez, JM Bodoque, JA GarcĂ­a

Citations: 2

Year: 2023

The relationship between the variables “main floor of houses with respect to their urban surroundings” and models for the estimation of economic losses owing to floods

Authors: JG Revilla, AD Herrero, E Aroca-JimĂŠnez, JMB del Pozo, NB Folia

Citations: 2

Year: 2018

 

 

Marcello Mezzasalma | Zoology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Marcello Mezzasalma | Zoology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc researcher at Universita’ della Calabria, Italy

Dr. Marcello Mezzasalma is a dedicated researcher with a background in zoology and biodiversity conservation. He obtained his Master’s degree and PhD in Advanced Biology from the UniversitĂ  degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, where his research focused on the phylogeography and taxonomy of snake species. Dr. Mezzasalma has extensive experience as a postdoctoral researcher, including positions at the University of Calabria, the University of Porto, and the Natural History Museum in London. His research has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship for his project on chromosomal evolution in reptiles from Madagascar. Dr. Mezzasalma’s work has also been acknowledged with the Edises Award for the best PhD thesis in Advanced Biology and the Best Paper Award at the Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration. He is passionate about environmental research and is committed to understanding and preserving biodiversity. Dr. Mezzasalma’s research contributions have significantly advanced the field of zoology, and he continues to make valuable contributions to the scientific community.

Professional Profiles:

📚 Education:

Dr. Marcello Mezzasalma is an accomplished researcher with a deep-rooted passion for zoology and biodiversity. He obtained his Ph.D. in Advanced Biology from the University of Napoli Federico II, Italy, in 2014, with a thesis focusing on the phylogeography and taxonomy of certain snake species. His academic journey also includes a Master’s Degree and Bachelor’s Degree in Scienze della Natura (Natural Sciences) from the same university, both achieved with top honors. Following his education, Dr. Mezzasalma embarked on a series of prestigious research positions. He served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, UniversitĂ  della Calabria, Italy, from June 2022 to April 2024. Prior to this, he held a Postdoctoral Research position at the Instituto de CiĂŞncias, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA), University of Porto, Portugal, contributing to a project on the evolutionary patterns of frogs in Madagascar. Dr. Mezzasalma’s research has also been internationally recognized, as evidenced by his Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship at the Natural History Museum in London, UK, from 2018 to 2020. Here, he investigated the chromosomal evolution and biodiversity of reptiles in Madagascar. His commitment to biodiversity conservation extends beyond research, as he has also served as a zoological consultant for conservation projects in Italy. With a solid academic background and extensive research experience, Dr. Marcello Mezzasalma continues to make significant contributions to the field of zoology and biodiversity conservation.

🗣️Professional experience:

Dr. Marcello Mezzasalma has garnered a wealth of professional experience in the field of zoology and biodiversity. His most recent role, as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Dipartimento di Biologia, Ecologia e Scienze della Terra, UniversitĂ  della Calabria, Italy, from June 2022 to April 2024, focused on advancing research in these areas. Prior to this, he served as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Instituto de CiĂŞncias, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA), University of Porto, Portugal, from October 2020 to August 2021, contributing to a project on the evolutionary patterns of frogs in Madagascar. Dr. Mezzasalma’s professional journey also includes a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship at the Natural History Museum in London, UK, from October 2018 to September 2020. Here, he delved into the chromosomal evolution and biodiversity of reptiles in Madagascar, showcasing his commitment to understanding and conserving biodiversity. In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Mezzasalma has actively contributed to conservation efforts. He served as a zoological consultant for the “Sito di Importanza Comunitaria (S.I.C) IT8050010 Fasce litoranee a destra e a sinistra del Fiume Sele, Riserva naturale Foce Sele – Tanagro e Monti Eremita-Marzano” in 2015, highlighting his dedication to biodiversity conservation and protection.

🏆Awards:

Dr. Marcello Mezzasalma has been recognized for his outstanding contributions and research achievements with several grants and awards. Notably, he was awarded the prestigious “Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship” from 2018 to 2020 for his project “CHROMREP,” which focused on the chromosomal evolution and biodiversity of reptiles in Madagascar. This fellowship, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, provided €183,454.80 in support. In 2014, Dr. Mezzasalma received the Edises Award for the best PhD thesis in Advanced Biology at the UniversitĂ  degli Studi di Napoli Federico II. This recognition highlighted the quality and impact of his doctoral research. Additionally, he has been honored with the Best Paper Award in Track 3 (Ecotoxicology, Environmental Safety, and Bioremediation) at the 5th Euro-Mediterranean Conference for Environmental Integration (EMCEI), further underscoring his excellence in environmental research. Dr. Mezzasalma’s commitment to innovative projects has also been acknowledged, as evidenced by the “Green & Blue” award for the project “L’Insetto è servito” at the XV edition of Start Cup Calabria (SCC). These accolades reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and making meaningful contributions to the field of zoology and biodiversity conservation.

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📚Publications :

Photography-based taxonomy is inadequate, unnecessary, and potentially harmful for biological sciences

Authors: C al.

Year: 2016

Citations: 111

A sisters’ story: comparative phylogeography and taxonomy of Hierophis viridiflavus and H. gemonensis (Serpentes, Colubridae)

Authors: M Mezzasalma, A Dall’Asta, A Loy, M Cheylan, P Lymberakis, MAL Zuffi

Year: 2015

Citations: 60

Molecular phylogeny, biogeography and chromosome evolution of Malagasy dwarf geckos of the genus Lygodactylus (Squamata, Gekkonidae)

Authors: M Mezzasalma, F Andreone, G Aprea, F Glaw, G Odierna, FM Guarino

Year: 2017

Citations: 30

Karyological characterization of the common chameleon (Chamaeleo chamaeleon) provides insights on the evolution and diversification of sex chromosomes in Chamaeleonidae

Authors: M Sidhom, K Said, N Chatti, FM Guarino, G Odierna, A Petraccioli

Year: 2020

Citations: 29

Chromosome evolution in pseudoxyrhophiine snakes from Madagascar: a wide range of karyotypic variability

Authors: M Mezzasalma, F Andreone, WR Branch, F Glaw, FM Guarino, ZT Nagy

Year: 2014

Citations: 28

Age structure and growth in a population of Pelobates varaldii (Anura, Pelobatidae) from northwestern Morocco

Authors: FM Guarino, P de Pous, A Crottini, M Mezzasalma, F Andreone

Year: 2011

Citations: 28

Lizards as model organisms of sex chromosome evolution: What we really know from a systematic distribution of available data?

Authors: M Mezzasalma, FM Guarino, G Odierna

Year: 2021

Citations: 27

Karyological evidence for diversification of Italian slow worm populations (Squamata, Anguidae)

Authors: M Mezzasalma, FM Guarino, G Aprea, A Petraccioli, A Crottini, G Odierna

Year: 2013

Citations: 27

Changes in heterochromatin content and ancient chromosome fusion in the endemic Malagasy boid snakes Sanzinia and Acrantophis (Squamata: Serpentes)

Authors: M Mezzasalma, F Andreone, F Glaw, FM Guarino, G Odierna

Year: 2019

Citations: 25

Cold-blooded in the Ice Age:“refugia within refugia”, inter-and intraspecific biogeographic diversification of European whipsnakes (Squamata, Colubridae, Hierophis)

Authors: M Mezzasalma, M Di Febbraro, FM Guarino, G Odierna, D Russo

Year: 2018

Citations: 25

Isolation and characterization of interspersed repeated sequences in the common lizard, Zootoca vivipara, and their conservation in Squamata

Authors: A Petraccioli, FM Guarino, L Kupriyanova, M Mezzasalma, G Odierna

Year: 2019

Citations: 24

Non‐random accumulation of LINE1‐like sequences on differentiated snake W chromosomes

Authors: M Mezzasalma, V Visone, A Petraccioli, G Odierna, T Capriglione

Year: 2016

Citations: 24

Skeletochronology, age at maturity and cause of mortality of loggerhead sea turtles Caretta caretta stranded along the beaches of Campania (south-western Italy, western …

Authors: FM Guarino, F Di Nocera, F Pollaro, G Galiero, D Iaccarino, D Iovino

Year: 2020

Citations: 23

Brain Gene Expression is Influenced by Incubation Temperature During Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) Development

Authors: MM Pallotta, M Turano, R Ronca, M Mezzasalma, A Petraccioli, G Odierna

Year: 2017

Citations: 23