Ermias Debie | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ermias Debie | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Dr. Ermias Debie is an accomplished researcher and academic in the field of Environment and Natural Resources Management, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. He holds a Ph.D. from Addis Ababa University and a certificate in GIS and remote sensing applications for water resource management. His research focuses on vital areas such as livelihood resilience, climate change, sustainable land management, and ecological restoration, contributing significantly to the understanding of these issues in Ethiopia. Dr. Debie has published extensively in reputable journals, with recent works addressing biodiversity, land use changes, and ecosystem services. He is actively involved in national projects, including curriculum development and training programs for teachers, and has supervised over 50 graduate students. His commitment to community service is demonstrated through various capacity-building initiatives aimed at enhancing local practices in environmental management and biodiversity conservation.

Profile

Education

Dr. Ermias Debie holds a Ph.D. in Environment and Natural Resources Management from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. His academic journey is marked by a strong focus on environmental sustainability and resource management. He further enhanced his expertise by obtaining a certificate in GIS and remote sensing applications for water resources management from the esteemed Delft Institution in the Netherlands. This combination of advanced education has equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to address critical issues related to livelihood resilience, climate change, food insecurity, and sustainable land management. Dr. Debie’s educational background reflects a commitment to applying scientific principles to real-world challenges, particularly in the context of ecological restoration and the sustainable management of natural resources in Ethiopia and beyond. His interdisciplinary approach to education underscores his dedication to promoting sustainable practices in environmental science and natural resource management.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ermias Debie is an accomplished Associate Professor of Environment and Natural Resources Management at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, with a robust career in academia and research. He has held various leadership roles, including the Department Head of Geography and Environmental Studies from 2020 to 2022 and Course Chair in Environmental Geography from 2023 to 2024. Prior to his tenure at Bahir Dar University, Dr. Debie served as an Assistant Professor at Debre Markos University and Jigjiga University, where he was also the Department Head and Coordinator of the M.A. Program in Disaster Risk Management. His academic journey began as a lecturer, and he has been instrumental in supervising over 50 MA and MSc students, alongside one PhD candidate. Dr. Debie’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as he has contributed to community service projects and national curriculum development, enhancing the educational landscape in Ethiopia.

Research Interest

Dr. Ermias Debie’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental management and sustainable development. He focuses on livelihood resilience, examining how climate change and variability impact food security, particularly in the context of Ethiopia’s diverse ecosystems. His work emphasizes climate-smart innovations and sustainable land management practices aimed at mitigating land degradation and promoting ecological restoration. Dr. Debie is particularly interested in agrobiodiversity and its role in enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers. He employs advanced methodologies, including GIS and remote sensing, to analyze the interactions between land use, ecosystem services, and agricultural practices. His recent publications reflect a commitment to understanding the socio-economic and environmental factors that influence sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation. By integrating local perspectives and scientific research, Dr. Debie aims to develop practical solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and resource degradation in vulnerable communities.

Research Skills

Dr. Ermias Debie possesses a diverse array of research skills that significantly contribute to his expertise in Environment and Natural Resources Management. His proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing applications enhances his ability to analyze spatial data for water resources management and environmental assessments. Dr. Debie’s extensive knowledge in climate-smart innovations, agrobiodiversity, and sustainable land management enables him to conduct impactful research on climate change adaptation and resilience strategies for rural communities. He is adept at employing various analytical techniques, including statistical analysis and modeling, to assess ecosystem services, land-use changes, and soil conservation practices. Dr. Debie also has a strong track record of publishing in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating his ability to communicate research findings effectively. Moreover, his mentoring experience with over 50 MA and MSc students showcases his commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers in the field.

Award and Recognition

Dr. Ermias Debie has garnered significant recognition for his impactful contributions in the fields of environment and natural resources management. With a Ph.D. from Addis Ababa University, he has published extensively in reputable journals, highlighting critical issues such as climate change, sustainable land management, and food security in Ethiopia. His research has led to practical solutions for improving livelihood resilience and ecological restoration, demonstrating his commitment to advancing knowledge and sustainability. Dr. Debie’s leadership extends beyond research, as he has played a pivotal role in developing educational resources, including geography curricula and textbooks for Ethiopian students. His dedication to community service is evident through training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of geography teachers and local farmers. Furthermore, he has supervised over 50 graduate students, fostering the next generation of environmental scholars. Dr. Debie’s extensive achievements make him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting his dedication to excellence in research and education.

Conclusion

Dr. Ermias Debie exemplifies the qualities of a best researcher through his extensive academic background, impactful research contributions, and dedication to community engagement. His leadership in academia and commitment to mentoring future scholars position him as a significant asset in the field of environmental and natural resource management. With continued efforts to expand his collaborative networks and outreach strategies, Dr. Debie’s work can contribute even more significantly to addressing pressing environmental challenges, making him a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Notes
  1. A local perspective on the links between flora biodiversity and ecosystem services in the northwest highlands of Ethiopia
    • Authors: Debie, E.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
    • Volume/Page: 370, 122656
  2. Analysis of the decision to convert croplands into E. Camaldulensis woodlot and its impact on income diversification in Mecha district, Northwest Ethiopia
    • Authors: Debie, E.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    • Volume/Page: 17, 100636
  3. Endemic plant species and threats to their sustainability in Ethiopia: A systematic review
    • Authors: Abro, T.W., Desta, A.B., Debie, E., Alemu, D.M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Trees, Forests and People
    • Volume/Page: 17, 100634
  4. Effectiveness of sustainable land management initiatives in the highlands of Ethiopia
    • Authors: Debie, E.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Regional Environmental Change
    • Volume/Page: 24(3), 106
  5. The impacts of land use/cover changes on values of ecosystem service in Tul watershed, Northwest Ethiopia
    • Authors: Debie, E., Awoke, Z.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Ethiopian Renaissance Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
    • Volume/Page: 10(2), pp. 1–16
  6. Perceived Determinants of Smallholder Households’ Resilience to Livelihood Insecurity in Goncha District, Northwest Highlands of Ethiopia
    • Authors: Debie, E., Ayele, A.W.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: SAGE Open
    • Volume/Page: 13(3)
  7. Characterizing groundwater quality for a safe supply of water using WQI and GIS in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia
    • Authors: Asmamaw, M., Debie, E.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Water Practice and Technology
    • Volume/Page: 18(4), pp. 859–883
  8. Assessment of the effects of land use/cover changes on soil loss and sediment export in the Tul Watershed, Northwest Ethiopia using the RUSLE and InVEST models
    • Authors: Debie, E., Awoke, Z.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: International Journal of River Basin Management
  9. Changes in Ecosystem Service Values in Response to the Planting of Eucalyptus and Acacia Species in the Gilgel Abay Watershed, Northwest Ethiopia
    • Authors: Debie, E., Anteneh, M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Journal: Tropical Conservation Science
    • Volume/Page: 15
  10. The role of sustainable soil management practices in improving smallholder farmers’ livelihoods in the Gosho watershed, Northwest Ethiopia
    • Authors: Debie, E., Yayeh, T., Anteneh, M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Journal: Cogent Food and Agriculture
    • Volume/Page: 8(1), 2097608

 

 

Belén Fernández | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Belén Fernández | Environmental Science | Women Researcher Award

Researcher of IRTA, Spain .

Dr. Mª Belén Fernández García, a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Santiago de Compostela (2004), is a dedicated researcher in environmental sciences, biotechnology, and chemical engineering. She specializes in organic waste valorization, focusing on processes like anaerobic digestion and fermentative bioreactors. With an h-index of 20, Dr. Fernández García has led numerous research projects and supervised doctoral theses, contributing significantly to the field of sustainability and renewable energy. Her expertise extends to pretreatment techniques for enhancing biological degradation of organic wastes and developing innovative solutions for renewable energy production and emissions mitigation. Dr. Fernández García’s current research emphasizes agroindustrial waste valorization for renewable energy, nutrient recovery, and emissions reduction. She is actively involved in several ongoing research projects aimed at promoting sustainability in agriculture and waste management. Her work underscores a commitment to scientific excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Mª Belén Fernández García earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Santiago de Compostela in 2004. Since 2012, she has been a dedicated researcher in the Sustainability in Biosystems Program at IRTA. Her research spans environmental sciences, biotechnology, and chemical engineering, focusing on organic waste valorization processes. Dr. Fernández García has extensive experience in developing and demonstrating waste valorization methods at laboratory and pilot scales, specializing in anaerobic digestion, fermentative bioreactors, and microbial activity assessments. She has led numerous EU and national research projects, supervised doctoral theses, and contributed to innovative initiatives for renewable energy production and emissions mitigation in agroindustrial settings. Currently, she is actively involved in projects promoting sustainability in olive cultivation and optimizing resource use in agriculture. Her work exemplifies a commitment to advancing sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

Professional Experience

Dr. Mª Belén Fernández García, a Chemical Engineering PhD from the University of Santiago de Compostela (2004) and researcher at IRTA since 2012, specializes in environmental sciences and biotechnology. With expertise in organic waste valorization, anaerobic digestion, and bioreactor technologies, she leads innovative projects in renewable energy and emissions reduction. Dr. Fernández García has contributed to numerous EU and national research initiatives, supervising doctoral theses and master’s projects. Her current focus involves agroindustrial waste valorization for energy and nutrient recovery, alongside emissions reduction strategies in farm-scale settings. Committed to sustainable practices, she champions novel solutions in environmental engineering and biotechnology, aligning her work with global efforts toward a greener future.

Research Interest

Dr. Mª Belén Fernández García, with a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Santiago de Compostela, is a dedicated researcher focusing on environmental sciences, biotechnology, and chemical engineering. Her expertise lies in the valorization of organic waste through innovative processes, such as anaerobic digestion and fermentative bioreactors, to produce renewable energy sources like biogas and biohydrogen. Dr. Fernández García is well-versed in pretreatment methods for optimizing organic waste degradation and nutrient recovery from agroindustrial residues. She has an extensive track record in both EU and national projects, with a strong commitment to sustainability and emissions reduction in agri-food systems. Currently, her research explores novel approaches to waste valorization, nutrient recovery, and emissions mitigation, contributing significantly to the field of environmental engineering and biotechnology.

Award and Honors

Dr. Mª Belén Fernández García is a distinguished researcher specializing in environmental sciences, biotechnology, and chemical engineering. She obtained her PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Santiago de Compostela in 2004 and currently holds an impressive h-index of 20. Dr. Fernández García is renowned for her expertise in organic waste valorization processes, with extensive experience in anaerobic digestion, fermentative bioreactors, and pretreatment techniques to enhance biological degradation. Throughout her career, Dr. Fernández García has actively contributed to 23 EU and national public projects and 93 private R&D&i contracts. She has supervised 8 completed doctoral theses and continues to mentor 2 ongoing doctoral candidates, along with overseeing 15 master’s final projects and 28 internships for professional and university degree students. Her research focuses on sustainable energy production, nutrient recovery from waste, and innovative emissions mitigation strategies, making significant strides in environmental engineering and sustainability.

Research Skills

Dr. Mª Belén Fernández García possesses a diverse and advanced skill set in research methodologies and techniques, particularly in environmental sciences, biotechnology, and chemical engineering. Her research spans the development and demonstration of organic waste valorization processes at laboratory and pilot scales, with expertise in anaerobic digestion, fermentative bioreactors, and microbial activity assessments. She specializes in employing pretreatment techniques such as high-pressure/temperature treatment, hydrothermal carbonization, and ultrasonic treatment to enhance the biological degradation of organic wastes. Dr. Fernández García has extensive experience managing EU and national research projects, private R&D&i contracts, and supervising doctoral and master’s theses. Her collaborative approach and innovative solutions contribute significantly to the field of sustainability and renewable energy. With a focus on agroindustrial waste valorization, she is dedicated to developing solutions for renewable energy production, nutrient recovery, and emissions mitigation. Her research skills underscore her commitment to addressing environmental challenges through scientific excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Publications

  1. Publication Title: “Effectiveness of precision feeding in reducing N excretion in dairy cattle”
    • Authors: Morey, L.; Bach, A.; Sabrià, D.; Fernández, B.; Terré, M.
    • Journal: Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2023, 304, 115722
    • Citations: 0
  2. Publication Title: “Acidification and solar drying of manure-based digestate to produce improved fertilizing products”
    • Authors: Morey, L.; Fernández, B.; Tey, L.; Cots, M.; Riau, V.
    • Journal: Journal of Environmental Management, 2023, 336, 117664
    • Citations: 7
  3. Publication Title: “Near infrared spectroscopy for fast characterization of animal by products feedstocks for biogas production: Calibration of a handheld device”
    • Authors: Otero, A.; Segura, C.; Tey, L.; Comaposada, J.; Fernández, B.
    • Journal: Biomass and Bioenergy, 2023, 169, 106691
    • Citations: 1
  4. Publication Title: “Use of wood and cork in biofilters for the simultaneous removal of nitrates and pesticides from groundwater”
    • Authors: Escolà Casas, M.; Guivernau, M.; Viñas, M.; Biel, C.; Matamoros, V.
    • Journal: Chemosphere, 2023, 313, 137502
    • Citations: 4
  5. Publication Title: “Assessment of a novel microalgae-cork based technology for removing antibiotics, pesticides and nitrates from groundwater”
    • Authors: Rambaldo, L.; Ávila, H.; Escolà Casas, M.; Bayona, J.M.; Matamoros, V.
    • Journal: Chemosphere, 2022, 301, 134777
    • Citations: 14
  6. Publication Title: “Influence of pH and temperature on struvite purity and recovery from anaerobic digestate”
    • Authors: González-Morales, C.; Fernández, B.; Molina, F.J.; Matamoros-Veloza, A.; Camargo-Valero, M.A.
    • Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland), 2021, 13(19), 10730
    • Citations: 26
  7. Publication Title: “Biogas production from slaughterhouse waste: Effect of blood content and fat saponification”
    • Authors: Otero, A.; Mendoza, M.; Carreras, R.; Fernández, B.
    • Journal: Waste Management, 2021, 133, pp. 119–126
    • Citations: 9
  8. Publication Title: “The determination of fertilizer quality of the formed struvite from a WWTP”
    • Authors: González, C.; Fernández, B.; Molina, F.; Camargo-Valero, M.A.; Peláez, C.
    • Journal: Water Science and Technology, 2021, 83(12), pp. 3041–3053
    • Citations: 6
  9. Publication Title: “Combined acidification and solar drying of pig slurries for nutrient recovery and controlled atmospheric emissions”
    • Authors: Prenafeta-Boldú, F.X.; Fernández, B.; Viñas, M.; Soler, J.; Illa, J.
    • Journal: Agronomy, 2021, 11(2), 222
    • Citations: 3
  10. Publication Title: “Solar drying in the vineyard: A sustainable technology for the recovery of nutrients from winery organic waste”
    • Authors: Prenafeta-Boldú, F.X.; Burgos, L.; Noguerol, J.; Mercader, M.; Soler, J.
    • Journal: Water Science and Technology, 2020, 82(1), pp. 27–38
    • Citations: 2