Viviana Gamboa Sojo | Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Viviana Gamboa Sojo | Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor | University of Costa Rica | Costa Rica

Viviana Gamboa Sojo, a dedicated geologist from Costa Rica, has pursued a distinguished academic and research career with a focus on marine geology, climate change, and paleoceanography. Her work, particularly in high-latitude environments, delves into sedimentology and micropaleontology, aiming to understand environmental shifts over time.

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Strengths for the Award 🏆

Viviana has a solid foundation in geology, with a Bachelor’s, Licenciatura, Master’s, and a Ph.D. Her advanced studies in Earth Sciences from prestigious universities in Costa Rica and Italy demonstrate her commitment and expertise.

She has a proven track record in marine geology, paleoclimatology, and paleoceanography, with specific focus on high-latitude climate change during the Quaternary period. Her work on foraminiferal assemblages and sedimentology to interpret paleoceanographic shifts is both relevant and impactful in understanding past environmental conditions.

Viviana’s research has been recognized and supported by numerous prestigious grants and awards, including multi-year project funding from INQUA, awards from the Cushman Foundation, and participation in international research projects, such as the INQUA MARE initiative.

She has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in well-regarded journals, which reflects her active engagement with the scientific community. Her collaborations span several countries, including Italy and Norway, underscoring her strong network and influence in her field.

Viviana’s role as a professor and researcher at the Universidad de Costa Rica highlights her dedication to educating and mentoring the next generation of scientists. This, combined with her research, enhances her overall contribution to her field.

Education 🎓

  • 2021: Ph.D. in Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Italy.
  • 2017: M.Sc. in Geological Sciences and Technologies, University of Pisa, Italy.
  • 2014: Licentiate in Geology, University of Costa Rica.
  • 2011: Bachelor in Geology, University of Costa Rica.

Experience 👩‍🏫

Viviana has extensive teaching and research experience, beginning as a professor and researcher at the Central American School of Geology, University of Costa Rica. Her career includes involvement in projects exploring paleontological and environmental changes in continental and marine ecosystems, further enriched by her participation in international scientific expeditions and workshops.

Research Interests 🔬

Viviana’s research interests center on marine geology, climate change impacts during the Quaternary period, paleoceanography, and micropaleontology. Her studies use sedimentology and benthic foraminifera to trace past environmental shifts, with a keen focus on Arctic ecosystems and how these regions respond to climate variations.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Viviana’s contributions have earned her several honors, including:

  • 2019: INQUA Grant for the INQUA MARE project.
  • 2018: Joseph A. Cushman Award from the Cushman Foundation for her work on the Barents Sea paleoclimate.
  • 2015: Academic excellence from the University of Costa Rica, recognizing her outstanding academic performance.

Publications 📑

Deciphering Paleoceanographic Shifts Inferred from the Foraminiferal Record of the Western Svalbard Slope (Bellsund Drift) over the Past Century

  • Authors: Viviana M. Gamboa Sojo, Caterina Morigi, Leonardo Langone, Renata G. Lucchi
  • Year: 2024
  • DOI: 10.3390/jmse12040559

Environmental Changes in Krossfjorden, Svalbard, since 1950: Benthic Foraminiferal and Stable Isotope Evidence

Multiproxy Investigation of the Last 2,000 Years BP Marine Paleoenvironmental Record along the Western Spitsbergen Margin

  • Authors: Fiorenza Torricella, Viviana Maria Gamboa Sojo, Karen Gariboldi, Nessim Douss, Maria Elena Musco, Chiara Caricchi, Renata Giulia Lucchi, Katia Carbonara, Caterina Morigi
  • Year: 2022
  • DOI: 10.1080/15230430.2022.2123859

Living and Dead Foraminiferal Assemblages of the Last Decades from Kveithola Trough: Taphonomic Processes and Ecological Highlights

  • Authors: Viviana Maria Gamboa-Sojo, Katrine Husum, Francesca Caridi, Renata G. Lucchi, Manuel Bensi, Vedrana Kovačević, Anna Sabbatini, Leonardo Langone, Aleksander Tadeusz Dominiczak, Patricia Povea et al.
  • Year: 2021
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.marmicro.2021.102014

Benthic Foraminiferal Fauna from Anoxic Sediments in the Kveithola Trough, Northwest Barents Sea (Arctic Region)

Conclusion 🌎

Viviana Gamboa Sojo demonstrates all the qualities of a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award“. Her expertise, dedication, and accomplishments reflect her status as a researcher with significant contributions to the field of Earth Sciences, particularly in understanding climate change through geological and paleoceanographic research. With continued efforts in outreach and broader publication, her influence and recognition in the scientific community will likely continue to grow.

Marc Girondot | Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Marc Girondot | Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Paris Saclay University | France

Marc Girondot, PhD, is a distinguished Full Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University Paris Saclay, specializing in quantitative biology applied to animal sciences, particularly reptiles. His research focuses on developing statistical models to assess the impacts of environmental changes on reptile populations.

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Strengths for the Award 🏆

Dr. Marc Girondot has an impressive publication record with 138 rank A publications and 35 rank B publications, highlighting his significant contributions to the field of quantitative biology and ecology.

His research has a notable h-index of 42, indicating that many of his publications are highly cited, which speaks to the relevance and influence of his work. Dr. Girondot’s expertise spans biostatistics, quantitative ecology, and environmental sciences, allowing him to tackle complex ecological issues related to anthropogenic pressures and climate change.

As the director of the Master of Environment program and head of the Ecological Processes and Anthropological Pressures research group, he has shown a commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists.

He has developed four R packages for statistical analysis and has published several influential papers on marine turtles, sex determination, and ecological modeling, showcasing his ability to apply statistical methods to real-world problems.

His work as an expert for various organizations, including the IUCN and national agencies, illustrates his recognition as a leading figure in global biodiversity and conservation efforts.

Education 🎓

Marc obtained his PhD in 1993 from the University Pierre et Marie Curie, where he analyzed genetic and epigenetic factors in reptile sex determination. He completed his Habilitation in 2000, studying macroevolution and adaptation in vertebrates.

Experience 💼

Since 2000, Marc has served as Full Professor at the University Paris Saclay, leading the research group on Ecological Processes and Anthropological Pressures. His previous roles include Assistant Professor at the University Denis Diderot and a visiting professorship in biostatistics in Tunisia.

Research Interests 🔍

Marc’s primary research interests include biostatistics, quantitative ecology, climate change, and conservation biology. He has developed four R packages and numerous freely available software tools to enhance research in these fields.

Awards 🏆

Marc has received notable recognition for his work, achieving a rank of 138 in A publications and an h-index of 42. He is the director of the Master of Environment program at the University Paris Sud and has supervised numerous master’s and PhD students.

Publications 📚

Regional management units for marine turtles: a novel framework for prioritizing conservation and research across multiple scales
Authors: BP Wallace, AD DiMatteo, BJ Hurley, EM Finkbeiner, AB Bolten, …
Year: 2010
Citations: 798

Global research priorities for sea turtles: informing management and conservation in the 21st century
Authors: M Hamann, MH Godfrey, JA Seminoff, K Arthur, PCR Barata, KA Bjorndal, …
Year: 2010
Citations: 749

Global conservation priorities for marine turtles
Authors: BP Wallace, AD DiMatteo, AB Bolten, MY Chaloupka, BJ Hutchinson, …
Year: 2011
Citations: 620

Are we working towards global research priorities for management and conservation of sea turtles?
Authors: AF Rees, J Alfaro-Shigueto, PCR Barata, KA Bjorndal, AB Bolten, …
Year: 2016
Citations: 297

Temperature-dependent sex determination and global change: are some species at greater risk?
Authors: V Hulin, V Delmas, M Girondot, MH Godfrey, JM Guillon
Year: 2009
Citations: 218

Dermochelys coriacea
Authors: BP Wallace, M Tiwari, M Girondot
Year: 2013
Citations: 197

Leatherback turtles, Dermochelys coriacea, nesting in French Guiana, 1978-1995
Authors: M Girondot, J Fretey
Year: 1996
Citations: 170

Successful reproduction of the introduced slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) in the South of France
Authors: A Cadi, V Delmas, AC Prévot‐Julliard, P Joly, C Pieau, M Girondot
Year: 2004
Citations: 169

Maternal transfer of trace elements in leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) of French Guiana
Authors: E Guirlet, K Das, M Girondot
Year: 2008
Citations: 165

Trade-off between current reproductive effort and delay to next reproduction in the leatherback sea turtle
Authors: P Rivalan, AC Prevot-Julliard, R Choquet, R Pradel, B Jacquemin, …
Year: 2005
Citations: 165

Conclusions 🌟

Dr. Marc Girondot stands out as a leading researcher in the fields of ecology and quantitative biology. His extensive publication record, high impact on the scientific community, and dedication to education make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there are areas where he could expand his influence, his current contributions to ecological research and conservation efforts are exemplary and set a strong foundation for future achievements. His work not only advances scientific knowledge but also plays a critical role in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Paul TADZONG MOUAFO | Coastal Management | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Paul TADZONG MOUAFO | Coastal Management | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant | University of Dscjang, Cameroon | Cameroon

Dr. Tadzong Mouafo Paul is an accomplished economist and a dedicated educator, specializing in public economics and human resources. Born on August 27, 1991, in Mbouda, Cameroon, he currently resides in Dschang, Cameroon, where he serves as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Dschang. With a robust academic background and numerous contributions to the field of economics, Dr. Paul is a prominent figure in his domain.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Paul has an impressive educational background from the University of Dschang (UDS):

  • 2017-2021: Doctorate/Ph.D. in Public Economics and Human Resources, with the distinction “Très Honorable.”
  • 2015-2016: Master’s in Public Economics and Human Resources, with the distinction “Assez Bien.”
  • 2014-2015: Maîtrise in Public Economics and Human Resources, with the distinction “Assez Bien.”
  • 2010-2014: Bachelor’s in Public Economics and Human Resources, with the distinction “Assez Bien.”

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Dr. Paul has extensive teaching experience at the University of Dschang and the Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (IME):

  • Since 2018: Teaching various undergraduate courses including Microeconomics, Linear Algebra, Mathematical Analysis, and Monetary Analysis.
  • Since 2021: Teaching HND courses in Operational Research, Business Economics, General Economics, and General Mathematics at IME.

Research Interest 🔍

Dr. Paul’s research interests lie in public economics, human resources, and the socio-economic impacts of policies on communities. His work focuses on areas such as the indirect effects of taxation, consumer behavior in response to government policies, and the broader economic implications of infrastructure development.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Paul has received numerous accolades for his academic and research contributions, including commendations for his doctoral and master’s theses. His work has been recognized by both national and international academic communities.

Publications 📚

Dr. Paul has published several articles and working papers in renowned journals:

  • 2019: “Anglophone crisis in Cameroon: Can indirect tax play a crucial role?” in Turkish Economic Review (co-authored with Tchoffo, N. R., and Zeufack, K. G.) Link.
  • 2021: “Does tobacco make consumers happy? Evidence from Cameroon” in Journal of Happiness Studies (co-authored with Roger T. N., Nkengfack H., and Mboutchouang K. A.).
  • 2024: “Can transport infrastructure help mitigate the inward–immiserizing growth in Cameroon? An externality approach in CGE analysis” (co-authored with Tchoffo, N. R., Matsop D. C., and Tchio S. S.).

Taeksang Kim | Coastal Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Taeksang Kim | Coastal Management | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate | University of Michigan | United States

Taeksang Kim received his bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Seoul National University in 2015 and his master’s in the same field from the same university in 2017. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan. Taeksang has professional experience as a site engineer at Daewoo E&C, contributing to significant projects like the Al-Faw breakwater in Iraq. His research focuses on hydraulic and coastal engineering, particularly safety design to prevent damage from natural events. He has published peer-reviewed papers, presented at international conferences, and received several scholarships and fellowships.

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Scholar

Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ongoing.
    • Dual degree in Scientific Computing.
    • Advisor: Jeremy Bricker.
    • GPA: 3.90 / 4.00.
  • M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Feb 2017.
    • Thesis: “Determination of the Optimal Width of a Breakwater Caisson by Reliability-Based Design Optimization.”
    • Advisor: Kyung-Duck Suh.
    • GPA: 4.13 / 4.30.
  • B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, Feb 2015.
    • Graduated Cum Laude.
    • GPA: 3.72 / 4.30.

Experience 💼

Ph.D. Candidate, University of Michigan (2021-Present).

Research Assistant, Engineering Research Institute, Seoul National University (2019-2020).

Site Engineer, Daewoo E&C (2017-2018).

Research Interests 🔬

Taeksang Kim’s research interests lie in hydraulic and coastal engineering, focusing on nappe flow, scour depth estimation, dam-break waves, and computational fluid dynamics. His work aims to enhance safety designs to mitigate damage from natural events.

Awards 🏆

Ph.D. Scholarship, Fellowship awarded by the University of Michigan, Winter 2021.

Master’s Scholarship, Research Assistant Scholarship awarded by BrainKorea21 PLUS, 2016.

National Need-Based Scholarship, awarded by Seoul National University, Fall 2015.

National Scholarship for Science and Engineering, awarded by Korea Student Aid Foundation, 2013-2014.

Superior Academic Performance Award, awarded by Seoul National University, 2009.

Publications📚

Journal Articles:

Kim, T., Malherbe, J. N., Shimpalee, S., & Bricker, J. D. (2024). Sub-Nappe Air Cavity Pressure and Cavity Water Depth during Caisson Breakwater Overtopping by a Tsunami. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 12(7), 1135. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse12071135

Zou, P., Kim, T., Bricker, J. D., & Uijttewaal, W. S. (2023). Assessment of Interfacial Turbulence Treatment Models for Free Surface Flows. Journal of Hydraulic Research, 61(5), 651-667. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221686.2023.2246925

Conference Papers:

Kim, T., Malherbe, J., Shimpalee, S., & Bricker, J. (2022). SUB-NAPPE AIR CAVITY PRESSURE DURING OVERFLOW OF A VERTICAL STRUCTURE. Coastal Engineering Proceedings, (37), 4-4. https://doi.org/10.9753/icce.v37.papers.4

Jayaratne, R., Balasubramaniam, N., Kim, T., & Bricker, J. (2022). FAILURE OF SEAWALLS DUE TO TSUNAMI-INDUCED SCOUR. Coastal Engineering Proceedings, (37), 72-72. https://doi.org/10.9753/icce.v37.structures.72

Dissertation:

Kim, T. S. (2017). Determination of Optimal Width of Breakwater Caisson by Reliability-Based Design Optimization. Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul. Link