Elizabeth Middleton | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Elizabeth Middleton | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD, USA | United States

Dr. Elizabeth M. Middleton is a distinguished research scientist and senior research consultant at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), with decades of leadership in carbon dynamics, photobiology, and vegetation remote sensing, including spectroscopy and fluorescence-based satellite observation. Over her extensive career at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) , she made pioneering contributions to global-scale ecosystem monitoring and Earth observation missions. She served in several key roles, including Project Manager of the Eastern Regional Remote Sensing Applications Center, Principal Investigator for major projects such as the Boreal Ecosystem Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) in Canada and NASA’s Carbon Cycle Science Program, and Deputy Project Manager for the Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (LBA). As EO-1 Mission Scientist for NASA’s Earth Observer-1 satellite and GSFC Lead Scientist for the Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) concept, she was instrumental in advancing satellite technologies for monitoring ecosystem productivity. Her research has significantly enhanced understanding of light use efficiency, vegetation fluorescence, and biosphere-atmosphere interactions. Dr. Middleton has also contributed as a member of the European Space Agency’s Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) advisory group and as co-investigator in joint NASA/ESA field campaigns. An active member of several professional societies including ESA, AIBS, IEEE, and AGU, she has served as guest editor for multiple leading journals in remote sensing and as a reviewer and panelist for numerous scientific programs. Recognized through numerous NASA awards—including the Exceptional Service Medal and the Nordberg Award for Outstanding Earth Science—her career embodies scientific excellence and sustained contributions to advancing ecological and atmospheric research through remote sensing innovation.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Huemmrich, K. F., Campbell, P. E. K., Harding, D. J., Ranson, K. J., Wynne, R., Thomas, V., & Middleton, E. M. (2022). Evaluating approaches relating ecosystem productivity with DESIS spectral information. International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLVI-1/W1-2021, 31–37.

Huemmrich, K. F., Campbell, P. K., Landis, D. R., & Middleton, E. M. (2019). Developing a common globally applicable method for optical remote sensing of ecosystem light use efficiency. Remote Sensing of Environment, 230, 111190.

Huemmrich, K. F., Campbell, P., Vargas, S. A., Sackett, S., Unger, S., May, J., Tweedie, C., Joiner, J., Yoshida, Y., & Middleton, E. (2022). Leaf-level chlorophyll fluorescence and reflectance spectra of high latitude plants. Environmental Research Communications, 4(3), 035001.

Joiner, J., Yoshida, Y., Anderson, M., Holmes, T., Hain, C., Reichle, R., Koster, R., Middleton, E., & Zeng, F. (2018). Global relationships between satellite-derived solar-induced fluorescence (SIF), traditional vegetation indices (NDVI and NDII), evapotranspiration (ET), and soil moisture anomalies. Remote Sensing of Environment, 219, 339–352

Nichol, C. J., Drolet, G., Porcar-Castell, A., Maclellan, C., Wade, T., Sabater, N., Middleton, E. M., MacLellan, C., Levula, J., Mammarella, I., Vesala, T., & Atherton, J. A. (2019). Diurnal and seasonal solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence in a boreal Scots pine canopy. Remote Sensing, 11(3), 273.

Sabater, N., Vicent, J., Alonso, L., Verrelst, J., Middleton, E. M., Atherton, J., Porcar-Castell, A., & Moreno, J. (2018). Compensation of oxygen transmittance effects for proximal sensing retrieval of canopy-leaving sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. Remote Sensing, 10(10), 1551.

Inna Derbeko | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Inna Derbeko | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Inna Derbeko, Institute of Geology and Nature ManagmentFar Eastern Branch Russian Academy of Sciencesnt, Russia

Dr. Inna M. Derbeko is an accomplished geologist specializing in the study of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt and related geological structures of the Russian Far East. A graduate of the Kuibyshev Far Eastern Polytechnic Institute (now Far Eastern Federal University) in Vladivostok, Russia, she has dedicated over three decades to the geological exploration of regions like Chukotka, Kamchatka, and the Amur Region. Her 2007 dissertation focused on the Late Mesozoic volcanism of the Amur region, emphasizing geochemical, geochronological, and geodynamic characteristics. Dr. Derbeko has made significant contributions to geological mapping and gold deposit forecasting. She is the author of over 150 scholarly works, including peer-reviewed articles, monographs, and book chapters published by renowned international publishing houses. Her research integrates isotope geochemistry, petrology, and tectonic analysis, contributing greatly to the understanding of orogenic processes in northeastern Asia.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Derbeko obtained her higher education in Geology at the prestigious Kuibyshev Far Eastern Polytechnic Institute (now Far Eastern Federal University) located in Vladivostok, Russia. Her academic journey focused on regional geology, petrology, and tectonics, providing her with a strong foundation in understanding complex geological formations. Following her graduation, she continued her scientific pursuit and successfully defended her Ph.D. dissertation in 2007 on the topic “Late Mesozoic Volcanism of the Amur Region (Composition, Geochronology, Geodynamic Settings)”, a significant work that has shaped her later research. Her formal education is marked by a comprehensive approach combining field studies, laboratory analysis, and theoretical interpretation, which enabled her to tackle complex geological challenges in one of the most tectonically active regions of the world. Her Ph.D. research incorporated multi-disciplinary methods including geochemical and isotopic analysis, essential for deciphering the geological evolution of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt.

Experience

With extensive geological fieldwork experience, Dr. Derbeko has worked in regions such as the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug and Kamchatka, focusing on regional tectonics and mineral resource estimation. Since 1990, she has conducted in-depth geological research on the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt and its surroundings in the Amur Region, Russia. Her primary contributions include compiling a detailed geological map (scale 1:500,000) and conducting a predictive assessment of gold deposits in the Amur Region. Her professional roles also involved collaborative work with leading geologists and institutes, producing over 150 publications, including high-impact articles and monographs. Dr. Derbeko’s experience blends extensive field surveys, analytical laboratory methods, and synthesis of geochemical, isotopic, and petrological data, leading to valuable insights into regional geodynamics and magmatism. Her work has significantly influenced the understanding of tectonic evolution and mineral potential in northeastern Asia.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Inna M. Derbeko has earned recognition for her outstanding contributions to geological science, particularly in the realm of tectonics, magmatism, and mineral resource evaluation of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt. Although specific formal awards and honors are not explicitly listed in public records, her repeated publications in prestigious international journals such as Geodynamics & Tectonophysics, Russian Geology and Geophysics, Minerals, and Geochemistry International highlight her reputation and authority in the field. Invitations to contribute to monographs published by InTech Publishing and Springer Nature also attest to her esteemed status within the scientific community. Her leadership in national geological mapping and resource assessment projects for the Amur Region and beyond has further cemented her role as a respected expert in Russian geological sciences, receiving acknowledgments from academic institutions and professional geological societies in Russia and internationally.

Research Focus

Dr. Derbeko’s research centers on the tectonic evolution, magmatism, and metallogeny of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt, with a strong emphasis on the Late Mesozoic period. She integrates geochemical, geochronological, and isotopic studies to decipher the origin and evolution of volcanic and plutonic complexes in the eastern flank of the orogenic belt. Her work addresses key geodynamic processes such as subduction, suprasubduction magmatism, and the formation of sedimentary basins resulting from Mesozoic tectonic events. Another important research direction includes assessing the mineral potential of the Amur region, specifically predicting gold resources. Dr. Derbeko is also involved in geological mapping at various scales and explores the post-Mesozoic structural transformations impacting ore localization. Through multidisciplinary approaches combining field observations, petrography, and laboratory analyses, her research advances the understanding of orogenic processes and crustal evolution in Northeast Asia.

Publication Top Notes

  1. 📄 Correlation of the andesite complexes of the southern edge of Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt Eastern frame according to its geochronological, geochemical and isotope-geochemical data.

  2. 📄 Late Mesozoic adakite granites of the southern frame of the eastern flank of the Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt: material composition and geodynamic conditions of formation.

  3. 📄 Suprasubduction nature of late Cretaceous magmatism in the Mongol–Okhotsk sector of the Pacific fold belt: geochemical and Sr-Nd isotope evidences.

  4. 📄 The role of Mesozoic geodynamic events in formation of sedimentary basins on the framing of the Eastern Mongol-Okhotsk orogenic belt.

  5. 📄 The Influence of an Interdependent Structures on the Post-Mesozoic Evolution of the Eastern Flank of the Mongol-Okhotsk Orogenic Belt.

  6. 📄 Late Mesozoic Granitoid Magmatism in the Evolution of the Eastern Flank of the Mongol-Okhotsk Orogenic Belt (Russia).

  7. 📄 Post-Mesozoic Evolution of the Eastern Flank of the Mongol–Okhotsk Orogenic Belt.

  8. 📄 Late Mesozoic Adakite Granites in the Northern Framing of the Eastern Flank of the Mongol–Okhotsk Orogenic Belt.

Boubacar Bah | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Boubacar Bah | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Boubacar Bah, Institut Supérieur des Mines et Géologie de Boké, Guinea

Dr. Boubacar Bah is a geologist specializing in the tectonic and sedimentary characterization of basins along the West African passive margin of the South Atlantic. He holds a Doctorate in Geology and has developed expertise in structural geology, brittle tectonics, modeling, sedimentology, and stratigraphy. With extensive field experience, he focuses on the tectono-sedimentary evolution of basins. Dr. Bah has contributed to advanced research in paleostress reconstruction and basin modeling through academic and industry collaborations in France and Guinea.

Education:

2017 – 2023: Doctorat en Géologie, Sorbonne Université, Paris

2014 – 2017: Master en Géosciences, Sorbonne Université, Paris

2009 – 2013: Licence en Science de la Terre, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, Pau

2009 – 2013: Licence en Ingénierie Génie Minier, Institut Supérieur des Mines et Géologie de Boké, Guinée

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Professional Experience:

Structural Geologist – Research Engineer, Sorbonne Université Paris (May 2023 – July 2024)

Research on paleopiezometry of calcite twins for reconstructing paleostress history in the Apennine chain.

Supervised by Prof. Olivier Lacombe at the Institut des Sciences de la Terre de Paris (ISTeP).

Continuation of PhD research initiated by Aurélie Labeur, focusing on publication of findings.

Research Geologist R&D – Doctoral Researcher, TotalEnergies – Sorbonne Université (Nov 2019 – Mar 2023)

Conducted research on tectonic and sedimentary evolution of basins.

Integrated structural geology and sedimentology for energy exploration.

Exploration Geologist – Intern, TotalEnergies – CSTJF, Pau (Feb 2019 – Jun 2019)

Assisted in basin modeling and exploration projects.

Research Geologist – Intern, Laboratoire de Géologie, ENS Paris (Mar 2018 – Jun 2018)

Investigated brittle tectonics and structural deformation processes.

Field Geologist – Intern, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (Jun 2017 – Jul 2018)

Conducted fieldwork on sedimentary basins and tectonic structures.

Mining Engineer – Intern, Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée – CBG (Apr 2013 – Sep 2013)

Gained experience in mineral exploration and resource assessment.

Research Interests:

Tectonic and Sedimentary Characterization – Studying the evolution of sedimentary basins in passive margins, particularly in the West African region.

Structural Geology – Investigating deformation patterns, fault systems, and their influence on basin development.

Brittle Tectonics – Analyzing fracture networks and stress history in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.

Tectono-Sedimentary Basin Evolution – Modeling the geological history of sedimentary basins, integrating structural and stratigraphic data.

Paleopiezometry and Paleostress Reconstruction – Using calcite twins and microstructures to assess historical stress conditions in mountain chains, such as the Apennines.

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy – Examining depositional environments, facies distribution, and sequence stratigraphy in basin analysis.

Geological Modeling – Applying 2D and 3D geological modeling techniques for structural and sedimentary basin evolution studies.

Energy Geosciences – Research related to hydrocarbon reservoirs and sedimentary basin development, given experience at TotalEnergies.

Top Notable Publications:

Paleostress evolution of the Outer Kwanza basin (offshore Angola); comparison with the Congo basin and implications for the tectonic history of the Central segment of the West African margin

Authors: B. Bah, O. Lacombe, N. E. Beaudoin, P. A. Teboul, J. P. Girard, C. Gout

Journal: Journal of African Earth Sciences, Volume 218, 105382 (2024)

Multi-proxy reconstruction of the burial history and porosity evolution of the TOCA carbonate formation in the Lower Congo basin (South West Africa)

Authors: B. Bah, N. E. Beaudoin, O. Lacombe, J. P. Girard, C. Gout, N. Godeau, et al.

Journal: Marine and Petroleum Geology, Volume 148, 106018 (2023)

Depicting past stress history at passive margins: A combination of calcite twinning and stylolite roughness paleopiezometry in supra-salt Sendji deep carbonates, Lower Congo basin

Authors: A. Zeboudj, B. Bah, O. Lacombe, N. E. Beaudoin, C. Gout, N. Godeau, et al.

Journal: Marine and Petroleum Geology, Volume 152, 106219 (2023)

Paleostress evolution of the West Africa passive margin: New insights from calcite twinning paleopiezometry in the deeply buried syn-rift TOCA formation (Lower Congo basin)

Authors: B. Bah, O. Lacombe, N. E. Beaudoin, A. Zeboudj, C. Gout, J. P. Girard, et al.

Journal: Tectonophysics, Volume 863, 229997 (2023)

Apport de l’analyse paléopiézométrique des macles de la calcite et des stylolites à la compréhension de l’histoire tectonique et d’enfouissement des bassins sédimentaires de la marge passive ouest-africaine

Author: B. Bah

Institution: Sorbonne Université (2023)

Conclusion:

Dr. Boubacar Bah is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his specialized expertise, high-impact research, and growing international recognition. If he continues to build his research impact through higher-tier publications, leadership roles, and expanded interdisciplinary collaborations, he would be a top contender for the award.