Angela Boggero | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Angela Boggero | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

CNR-Water Research Institute (IRSA) | Italy

Dr. Angela Boggero is a distinguished Italian researcher specializing in freshwater ecology, with a primary focus on macroinvertebrates and invasive species in aquatic ecosystems. She is currently a senior researcher at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) – Water Research Institute (IRSA) in Verbania Pallanza, where she leads research activities related to the ecological assessment and management of freshwater biodiversity. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to the study of lake and river ecosystems, particularly in understanding the role of benthic communities as indicators of ecological quality in compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive. Her previous experience includes serving as a researcher with LifeWatch Italy, the Italian component of the European LifeWatch infrastructure, where she was responsible for studies on the vulnerability of freshwater ecosystems to the introduction of alien species. She has also worked extensively with the Institute of Ecosystem Study (ISE-CNR), focusing on the ecological monitoring and assessment of macroinvertebrate communities in subalpine and alpine water bodies. Angela’s academic background includes a degree in Biological Sciences with an ecological focus from the University of Turin, where she studied reproductive mechanisms and genetic variability in marine organisms. Throughout her career, she has participated in numerous national and international research programs and has contributed to advancing methodologies for aquatic biomonitoring, biodiversity conservation, and invasive species management. Her scientific expertise and leadership have supported Italy’s compliance with European environmental directives and fostered collaboration within the broader scientific community. Fluent in English and proficient in other European languages, she continues to play a vital role in promoting interdisciplinary research and sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems.

Featured Publications

Pawlowski, J., Kelly-Quinn, M., Altermatt, F., Apothéloz-Perret-Gentil, L., Beja, P., … (2018). The future of biotic indices in the ecogenomic era: Integrating (e)DNA metabarcoding in biological assessment of aquatic ecosystems. Science of the Total Environment, 637, 1295–1310.

Leese, F., Altermatt, F., Bouchez, A., Ekrem, T., Hering, D., Meissner, K., … (2016). DNAqua-Net: Developing new genetic tools for bioassessment and monitoring of aquatic ecosystems in Europe. Research Ideas and Outcomes, 2, e11321.

Füreder, L., Ettinger, R., Boggero, A., Thaler, B., & Thies, H. (2006). Macroinvertebrate diversity in Alpine lakes: Effects of altitude and catchment properties. Hydrobiologia, 562(1), 123–144.

Marchetto, A., Mosello, R., Psenner, R., Bendetta, G., Boggero, A., & Tait, D., … (1995). Factors affecting water chemistry of alpine lakes. Aquatic Sciences, 57(1), 81–89.

Rossaro, B., Lencioni, V., Boggero, A., & Marziali, L. (2006). Chironomids from southern Alpine running waters: Ecology and biogeography. Hydrobiologia, 562(1), 231–246.

Boggero, A., Füreder, L., Lencioni, V., Simčič, T., Thaler, B., Ferrarese, U., … (2006). Littoral chironomid communities of Alpine lakes in relation to environmental factors. Hydrobiologia, 562(1), 145–165.

Dereba Megersa | Environmental Science | Most Cited Article Award

Dereba Megersa | Environmental Science | Most Cited Article Award

Ethiopia Meteorlogy Institute | Ethiopia

Dr. Dereba Muleta Megersa,  in Arsi Bekoji, Oromia, Ethiopia, is a dedicated meteorologist and climate science professional with a strong academic and international training background. He began his education at Tulu Nageso Elementary School and progressed through Bekoji Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, completing his preparatory studies. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Arba Minch University and later pursued a Master’s degree at Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), China, graduating. Currently engaged in advanced studies, Dereba has consistently expanded his expertise through numerous international workshops and training programs. His participation includes the FY2023 Fengyun Satellite User Conference in Xiamen, China; seminars on global climate change, agricultural meteorology, and disaster mitigation hosted by NUIST and CMA; and specialized courses on atmospheric policy and weather forecasting across China and South Korea. These experiences reflect his commitment to enhancing meteorological forecasting and environmental resilience in developing countries. Dereba is fluent in professional communication and actively collaborates through platforms like WeChat and ORCID. With a career rooted in academic excellence and global engagement, Dereba continues to contribute to climate science and disaster preparedness, embodying a proactive approach to international collaboration and sustainable development.

Profile: Scoups | Orcid

Featured Publications

Megersa, D. M., Abera, M., Geremew, T., Zainab, Z., & Luo, X. S. (2025). Effects of climate on malaria transmission: The role of temperature, rainfall, and humidity across Africa. Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 156, 438.

Megersa, D. M., & Luo, X.-S. (2025). Effects of climate change on malaria risk to human health: A review. Atmosphere, 16(1), 71.

Geremew, T., Ullah, I., Akinsanola, A. A., Muleta, D., Teshome, F., Syed, S., & Rafi, R. (2025). Unravelling Southern Ocean sea surface temperatures impacts on long rainfall variability in East Africa. Atmospheric Research, 310, 108406.

Luo, X.-S., Muleta, D., Hu, Z., Tang, H., Zhao, Z., Shen, S., & Lee, B.-L. (2017). Inclusive development and agricultural adaptation to climate change. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 24, 78–83.

Yohannes, T., Yu, J., Jonah, K., Oo, K. Y. T., Muleta, D., Adem, K., & Geremew, T. (2024). A bibliographic review on anthropogenic climate change and drought. Environmental Science & Policy, 160, 103830.

Abdela, K. A., Fantabil, A., & Muleta, D. (2023). Bibliographic review on drought and water level articles. Discover Water, 3, 17.

Harry Jol | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Harry Jol | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Harry Jol, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, United States

Dr. H.M. Jol is a distinguished geographer and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, known for his expertise in geomorphology and the application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in geological and archaeological studies. With a global academic and fieldwork presence, Dr. Jol has conducted extensive research across North America, New Zealand, Israel, and beyond. He brings a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to the classroom, blending physical geography, geophysical techniques, and environmental field studies. His academic journey has taken him from British Columbia to Alberta and on to global stages through fellowships, sabbaticals, and invited positions. Passionate about student mentorship and hands-on learning, he has led numerous field seminars and capstone courses focused on geomorphology, environmental hazards, and archaeological landscapes. A published author and frequent research collaborator, Dr. Jol continues to advance the frontiers of geoscience through innovative field techniques, interdisciplinary partnerships, and a dedication to education and mentorship.

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. H.M. Jol earned his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Calgary (1993), where he pioneered the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to study sedimentary deposits under the supervision of Dr. Derald G. Smith. His doctoral dissertation focused on field experiments on deltas. Prior to this, he completed an M.Sc. in Geography from Simon Fraser University (1989), specializing in seismic stratigraphy on the southeastern Fraser River Delta under Dr. Michael C. Roberts. He began his academic path with a B.Sc. in Physical Geography from Simon Fraser University in 1987. Throughout his studies, Dr. Jol was supported by numerous prestigious fellowships and scholarships, including the NSERC PG3 Scholarship and the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship. His early academic experiences laid the foundation for a prolific research career that integrates advanced geophysical methods into geographic science, contributing significantly to the fields of sedimentology, geomorphology, and environmental hazard assessment.

Experience

Dr. Jol has been a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1996, serving as Professor since 2006. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate courses including Physical Environment, Geomorphology, Environmental Hazards, and field-based capstone seminars across the U.S., New Zealand, and Israel. He has also led international immersion experiences and contributed to community continuing education. Previously, he held teaching roles at Trinity Western University, University of Calgary, and University College of the Fraser Valley, instructing courses in GIS, remote sensing, and physical geography. His field-based teaching is known for blending scientific rigor with real-world applications, often involving student-led research using GPR and other geophysical tools. Internationally, he has co-instructed courses at the University of Canterbury in engineering geomorphology. Dr. Jol’s career is marked by a commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, field-based learning, and mentorship, particularly in collaborative undergraduate research and experiential education.

Awards and Honors

Dr. H.M. Jol has received numerous honors recognizing his excellence in research, mentorship, and teaching. He was a finalist for the 2023 Excellence in Mentoring Award and is a two-time recipient of the University of Wisconsin Sabbatical Leave (2002/03, 2017/18, and 2024/25). He was awarded the Grove Karl Gilbert Award (2019) as a co-author for outstanding geomorphological research. Dr. Jol received the Excellence in Service-Learning Award (2017) and held Visiting Erskine Fellowships at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand (2003 and 2018). He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2008) and was nominated as CASE Professor of the Year (1999). His academic achievements began early with prestigious fellowships including NSERC, Killam, and Petro-Canada Graduate Awards, along with numerous undergraduate honors. These accolades reflect his lifelong commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful teaching across geoscience disciplines.

Research Focus

Dr. H.M. Jol’s research primarily focuses on the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to explore subsurface geomorphological, environmental, and archaeological features. He has led interdisciplinary investigations across North America, Israel, and New Zealand, using GPR to study deltaic systems, fluvial terraces, sand dunes, and buried archaeological sites. His work often bridges the gap between geophysics and geography, applying geotechnical imaging to understand sediment stratigraphy, landscape evolution, and environmental hazards. He has collaborated with engineers, geologists, archaeologists, and students, often integrating his field data into community-based research and educational initiatives. Key research themes include eolian dune formation, subaqueous sedimentation, and geohazard analysis. Through his leadership, dozens of undergraduate students have participated in publishable research projects, making his lab a vibrant hub for experiential learning. His projects have also contributed to sustainable land-use practices and archaeological preservation, showcasing the applied value of geophysical tools in the Earth sciences.

Publication Top Notes

  • 🏞️ Subaqueous industrial waste in Western Wisconsin lakes: reducing/redirecting the dredged materials from landfills

  • 🌊 Subsurface imaging of South Brighton Spit, Christchurch, New Zealand, Part I: data collection and processing

  • 🌬️ Geomorphology of cliff-top parabolic dunes within the Lower Chippewa River Valley, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

  • 🌍 Late Quaternary eolian dunes and fluvial terraces of the Lower Chippewa River Valley

  • 🏺 Ground penetrating radar aided archaeological survey on Har Karkom (Mt. Sinai?), Israel

  • 🏞️ Geomorphic history of the Chippewa River Valley in the vicinity of Half Moon Lake