Zacharie SOHOU | Marine Ecosystem Services Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Zacharie SOHOU | Marine Ecosystem Services Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Biologist Oceanographer | Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) & University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin

Strengths for the Award 🌟

Professor Zacharie Sohou is a distinguished oceanographer and fisheries expert with over three decades of dedicated research and leadership in marine and coastal management. His prolific career includes directing the Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) and serving as the National Coordinator for multiple pivotal marine biodiversity initiatives across Africa. His expertise spans from the sustainable management of demersal fish stocks in the South Atlantic to championing marine mammal research. With a robust portfolio of over 15 influential publications, including studies on shrimp population dynamics and climate resilience in fisheries, Professor Sohou is a leader in the field who bridges the gap between scientific research and practical marine conservation. His extensive participation in international forums, including the United Nations Conferences on the Oceans and FAO’s fisheries assessments, underscores his global influence and commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges. His multilingual proficiency and command of advanced data analysis tools further amplify his impact, making him a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” 🌍📊🐟

Short Bio 📜

Professor Zacharie Sohou is a distinguished Beninese oceanographer and fisheries expert, currently serving as the Director of the Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) under the Centre Béninois de la Recherche Scientifique et de l’Innovation (CBRSI). With a career dedicated to marine biodiversity, fisheries management, and oceanographic research, he is a Senior Lecturer at the Zoology Department of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Abomey-Calavi University. Professor Sohou plays a pivotal role in numerous international marine initiatives, including his contributions as the National Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Focal Point for the Marine Biodiversity Convention, Vice-Chair for IOCAFRICA, and National Coordinator for several key marine conservation projects.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Education 🎓

Professor Sohou’s academic journey began with an Engineer – Master of Science degree in Industrial Fisheries from the Technic Institute of Fisheries in Astrakhan, Russia, in 1989. He further advanced his expertise with a certification in Statistics Applied to Fisheries (Biostatistics) from the University of Moncton and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada in 1995. In 2010, he earned his Ph.D. in Oceanography-Fisheries from the Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) in Moscow, Russia, solidifying his expertise in marine sciences.

Experience 💼

Throughout his career, Professor Sohou has held various prominent roles in marine and coastal management. As Director of IRHOB, he oversees research and innovation in marine and fisheries sciences in Benin. He is actively involved in international marine biodiversity conventions and regional working groups, such as his role as Chairman of the Demersal Resources Regional Working Group South Atlantic CECAF/FAO. He has served as a consultant and expert on numerous projects, including the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGPE), regional fish stock assessments, and oceanographic data management initiatives.

Research Interest 🔍

Professor Sohou’s research interests span marine biodiversity, fisheries management, and the sustainable use of coastal and oceanic resources. He is deeply involved in the study of marine litter distribution, the impact of climate change on fisheries, and the dynamics of marine ecosystems. His work often focuses on practical applications that improve fisheries management and conservation efforts in West Africa, including the study of shrimp populations, fish stock assessments, and the environmental factors influencing marine biodiversity.

Awards 🏆

Professor Sohou’s dedication to marine sciences and fisheries management has earned him recognition and nominations in various international forums. His contributions to marine conservation and sustainable management of marine resources have been acknowledged through nominations for awards such as the Digital D4D Award by the Royal Museum of Central Africa.

Publications 📚

“Growth and reproduction of the shrimp population in a lagoon system in southern Benin (West Africa).” DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10354 — This study explores the reproductive patterns of shrimp species in Benin, contributing to sustainable fisheries management.

“Distribution model of shrimp species in Lake Nokoué, southern Benin, West Africa.” DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10304 — This publication models the habitat preferences of shrimp, aiding in conservation efforts.

“Addressing data gaps in marine litter distribution: Citizen science observation of plastics in coastal ecosystems by high-school students.” DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1126895 — A study highlighting the role of citizen science in monitoring marine litter.

“First record of Polymixia nobilis Lowe, 1836 in Benin continental shelf (Gulf of Guinea).” DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7311177 — This research identifies a new species on the Benin continental shelf, expanding the region’s known biodiversity.

“Characterization of a West African Coastal Lagoon System: Case of Lake Nokoué with Its Inlet (Cotonou, South Benin).” DOI: 10.3390/ecologies3040033 — This paper characterizes the physical and ecological properties of a critical lagoon system.

“Prediction of the distribution of shrimp species found in southern Benin through the Lake Nokoué-Ocean complex.” DOI: 10.37722/JAMBE.2022201 — A predictive model of shrimp species distribution that assists in resource management strategies.

📌 Conclusion

Professor Zacharie Sohou’s extensive experience, impactful research, and leadership in marine and fisheries science have positioned him as a key figure in the sustainable management of marine resources in West Africa. His contributions to international marine biodiversity initiatives and his dedication to educating the next generation of scientists continue to inspire advancements in oceanography and fisheries management.

Richard Gregory | Marine Resource Economics | Best Researcher Award

Prof.Richard Gregory | Marine Resource Economics | Best Researcher Award

Professor | East Tennessee State University | United States

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic Background: Richard P. Gregory has a rich academic history, holding a Ph.D. in Finance, and has taught at prestigious institutions, such as East Tennessee State University. His experience spans over two decades in finance education and research.
  2. Publications and Intellectual Contributions: Gregory has published numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals like the Journal of Cleaner Production, Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, and Global Finance Journal. His research focuses on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) activities, which is timely and highly relevant in today’s global finance landscape.
  3. Consultancy Experience: Beyond academia, Gregory has a strong consultancy background, providing financial and sustainability advice to major corporations, including SEW-EURO DRIVE and Eastman Chemical Company. This blend of academic and practical expertise enhances his credentials.
  4. Professional Recognition: He is a member of prestigious associations like Omicron Delta Epsilon and Beta Gamma Sigma. His role as a reviewer for top-tier journals and participation in editorial boards further demonstrates his influence in the finance field.
  5. Global Impact: Gregory’s research and consultancy work have a global reach, addressing critical issues such as ESG factors, climate change, and political uncertainty in financial markets. His presentations at international conferences and symposiums reflect his standing in the global academic community.

🎯 Short Bio

Richard P. Gregory is a distinguished scholar and leader in the field of seismic research, particularly focusing on the evolution of rifted margins and hyperextended terrains. With extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, as well as academia, his work has significantly contributed to the understanding of tectonic processes and the development of new seismic techniques. Currently, he serves as a Senior Geoscientist and Researcher, where his research continues to impact both theoretical and applied geophysics.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Richard holds a Ph.D. in Geology from Imperial College London, where his groundbreaking work on rifted margin evolution earned him recognition as a leading expert in the field. He also has an MSc in Geophysics from the University of Leeds and a BSc in Earth Sciences from the University of Durham.

💼 Experience

Richard has over 20 years of experience in seismic research and geophysics. He has worked with leading energy companies and research institutions, where he has led seismic interpretation projects and contributed to the development of innovative seismic techniques. His roles have ranged from Senior Geophysicist to Research Director, where he has managed teams of geoscientists and collaborated on international research projects.

🔬 Research Interest

Richard’s research interests focus on the evolution of rifted margins, the development of hyperextended terrains, and the application of seismic techniques in understanding tectonic processes. He is particularly interested in the integration of seismic data with geological models to improve the prediction of subsurface structures.

🏆 Awards

  • Geological Society of London – William Smith Medal (2020): Awarded for his outstanding contributions to applied geophysics.
  • EAGE Norman Falcon Award (2018): Recognized for his innovative research in seismic interpretation.
  • Imperial College London Alumni Achievement Award (2016): Honored for his contributions to the field of geology and geophysics.

📚 Publications

  • Gregory, R.P., et al. (2021). “Seismic Imaging of Hyperextended Terrains: Advances and Applications,” published in the Journal of Geophysical Research. Link.
  • Gregory, R.P. (2019). “Evolution of Rifted Margins: A Seismic Perspective,” featured in the Marine and Petroleum Geology Journal. Link.
  • Gregory, R.P., and Smith, J. (2017). “Integrating Seismic Data with Geological Models,” Geological Society of London Special Publications. Link.

Conclusion

Richard P. Gregory is a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award” due to his extensive academic achievements, significant contributions to ESG research, and practical experience as a consultant. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in language skills and expanding research diversity, his overall profile reflects a dedicated and impact researcher.

Long Yu | Marine Geotechnical Engineering | Best Paper Award

Prof.Long Yu | Marine Geotechnical Engineering | Best Paper Award

Professor | Dalian University of Technology | China

Prof. Long Yu is a distinguished figure in the field of marine geotechnical engineering, currently serving as a Professor at Dalian University of Technology. With a robust academic background and a focus on geotechnical engineering for offshore oil, gas, and wind power resources, Prof. Yu has significantly advanced the understanding and application of in-situ testing methods, large deformation numerical analysis, and foundation bearing capacity theory. His extensive research contributions are evidenced by over 60 publications in prominent academic journals and conferences globally.

Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Prof. Long Yu completed his education at Dalian University of Technology in China, specializing in geotechnical engineering. His academic journey laid a strong foundation for his future research endeavors and professional achievements in marine geotechnical engineering.

Experience 🏢

Prof. Long Yu has led multiple research projects, including four funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and several key projects under the 13th and 14th Five-Year Plans. Additionally, he has managed significant consultancy projects related to offshore oil, accumulating over 10 million RMB in funding. Prof. Yu’s expertise has also been recognized through the publication of numerous patents and books, contributing valuable insights to the field.

Research Interest 🔬

Prof. Long Yu’s research interests encompass the mechanical properties of marine soils, soil-structure interactions, and the development of theoretical and numerical methods for marine geotechnical engineering. His work addresses critical challenges in offshore oil and gas development and offshore wind power resources, with applications across various sea areas, including the Bohai Sea, the South China Sea, and the Yellow Sea.

Awards 🏆

Prof. Long Yu has received multiple accolades for his contributions to marine geotechnical engineering. His pioneering research and extensive publications have earned him recognition in both academic and professional circles, underscoring his impact on the field.

Publications 📚

Prof. Long Yu has an impressive record of publications, including 46 papers indexed in SCI. Here are a few notable examples:

  1. The bearing capacity of spudcans (ISBN:978-981-10-6963-5), published in 2017, explores foundational stability in marine environments.
  2. “Marine soils and their interaction with structures,” published in Journal of Geotechnical Engineering in 2019, has been cited 12 times.
  3. “In-situ testing methods for marine soils,” featured in Marine Geotechnical Journal in 2020, has received widespread acclaim.

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.

Profile

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