Yunfeng Peng | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Shen Awards

Prof. Yunfeng Peng | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Prof. Yunfeng Peng is a distinguished researcher specializing in ecosystem carbon cycling, nitrogen deposition, and grassland degradation. He is a full professor at the Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, with extensive experience in conducting large-scale field surveys, manipulative experiments, and meta-analyses. His research provides critical insights into the effects of climate change and human activities on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. Prof. Peng has published extensively in high-impact journals, including Nature Geoscience, Global Change Biology, and Ecology, demonstrating his scientific excellence and influence in the field. His academic journey has been marked by international collaborations, particularly with the University of Missouri, where he conducted PhD exchange research. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to understanding soil carbon fluxes, nitrogen saturation, and the impact of global change on ecosystem processes. His work has important implications for ecosystem restoration and sustainable environmental management. Prof. Peng’s leadership in academia, strong publication record, and commitment to advancing ecological research establish him as a leading scientist in his field. His research is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate climate change effects and enhance ecosystem resilience in response to global environmental challenges.

Professional Profile

Education

Prof. Yunfeng Peng has a strong academic background in plant ecology and environmental science, with degrees from top institutions in China and international research experience. His education has provided him with a solid foundation in ecosystem processes, biogeochemistry, and global change ecology.

  • Ph.D. in Ecology (2006–2012) – China Agricultural University
    • Conducted research on ecosystem carbon and nitrogen cycling.
  • Ph.D. Exchange Program (2010–2012) – University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
    • Specialized in ecosystem nutrient dynamics and plant-soil interactions.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology (2002–2006) – Agricultural University of Hebei
    • Focused on plant physiology, soil science, and ecosystem processes.

Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Peng has gained expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and environmental modeling, which have shaped his research contributions. His time at the University of Missouri exposed him to cutting-edge ecological research methodologies, further strengthening his scientific expertise and global perspective. His educational background has played a crucial role in shaping his multidisciplinary approach to studying climate change and ecosystem sustainability.

Professional Experience

Prof. Yunfeng Peng has progressed through various academic ranks, demonstrating continuous professional growth and leadership in ecological research. His career has been dedicated to understanding and addressing the impacts of global environmental change on terrestrial ecosystems.

  • Full Professor (2024–Present) – Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    • Leads research on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in changing climates.
  • Associate Professor (2018–2024) – Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    • Conducted high-impact research on soil respiration, nitrogen enrichment, and permafrost carbon fluxes.
  • Assistant Professor (2015–2018) – Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    • Focused on experimental warming effects and nitrogen deposition in alpine ecosystems.
  • Postdoctoral Researcher (2013–2015) – Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    • Investigated ecosystem productivity responses to global climate change.

Prof. Peng’s professional trajectory highlights his commitment to advancing ecological science, particularly in the fields of biogeochemistry, plant-soil interactions, and climate change adaptation. His leadership roles and collaborations with international researchers underscore his significant contributions to global environmental research.

Research Interests

Prof. Yunfeng Peng’s research focuses on ecosystem responses to global environmental change, with a particular emphasis on carbon and nitrogen cycling in grasslands and permafrost regions. His research aims to improve our understanding of ecosystem stability, resilience, and adaptation in a rapidly changing world.

His primary research interests include:

  1. Carbon Cycling and Climate Change – Investigating how global warming and nitrogen deposition impact carbon storage and release in terrestrial ecosystems.
  2. Soil Respiration and Nitrogen Cycling – Examining how environmental factors regulate soil carbon fluxes and nitrogen processes across different ecosystems.
  3. Grassland Degradation and Restoration – Assessing the impact of grassland degradation on ecosystem functions and developing restoration strategies.
  4. Permafrost and Arctic Ecology – Studying carbon loss from permafrost ecosystems and its implications for global carbon budgets.
  5. Meta-Analysis and Global Synthesis – Using large-scale data analysis to identify patterns in ecosystem responses to environmental changes.

His work provides valuable insights for climate change mitigation strategies, sustainable land use, and biodiversity conservation.

Research Skills

Prof. Yunfeng Peng possesses a diverse set of research skills that allow him to conduct groundbreaking studies in the field of ecosystem ecology. His expertise spans fieldwork, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

  1. Field Research & Experimental Design – Extensive experience in conducting large-scale field surveys and manipulative experiments to study ecosystem processes.
  2. Biogeochemical Analysis – Skilled in measuring carbon and nitrogen fluxes, soil respiration, and microbial activity under changing environmental conditions.
  3. Statistical and Computational Modeling – Proficient in ecological modeling, meta-analysis, and GIS-based spatial analysis.
  4. Global Data Synthesis – Expertise in integrating data from multiple ecosystems to derive global patterns in carbon and nitrogen cycling.
  5. Scientific Writing & Publishing – Strong track record of publishing in high-impact journals and effectively communicating research findings.
  6. Collaborative Research – Experience working with international research teams and interdisciplinary collaborations.

His combination of field-based ecological research, advanced analytical skills, and global data integration makes him a leading expert in climate change and ecosystem science.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Yunfeng Peng has received numerous recognitions for his contributions to ecosystem ecology. His research has been acknowledged through prestigious awards, research grants, and high-impact publications.

Some of his key awards and honors include:

  1. Highly Cited Researcher Recognition – Acknowledged for publishing influential papers in global change ecology.
  2. Best Paper Awards – Received awards for outstanding contributions to ecosystem carbon and nitrogen studies.
  3. Research Grants and Fellowships – Secured competitive research funding for his work on climate change and soil biogeochemistry.
  4. Invited Speaker at International Conferences – Presented research at major global environmental science conferences.
  5. Editorial Board Memberships – Serves as a reviewer and editor for leading ecological and environmental science journals.

His accolades reflect his leadership, scientific impact, and commitment to advancing ecological research.

Conclusion

Prof. Yunfeng Peng is a highly accomplished researcher whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of carbon and nitrogen dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. His research has far-reaching implications for climate change mitigation, land management, and ecosystem restoration. With a strong publication record, international collaborations, and expertise in field and computational ecology, he is widely recognized as a leader in his field. His commitment to scientific excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global environmental sustainability makes him a key figure in ecosystem research. Moving forward, expanding his work into policy-driven research, interdisciplinary collaborations, and public engagement could further enhance the impact of his findings on real-world environmental solutions. His contributions make him an outstanding candidate for prestigious research awards and a respected authority in global change ecology.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Heating up the roof of the world: tracing the impacts of in-situ warming on carbon cycle in alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau
    Authors: Y. Bai Yuxuan, Y. Peng Yunfeng, D. Zhang Dianye, Y. Xie Yuhong, Y. Yang Yuanhe
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  • Title: Metagenomic insights into microbial community structure and metabolism in alpine permafrost on the Tibetan Plateau
    Authors: L. Kang Luyao, Y. Song Yutong, R. MacKelprang Rachel, Y. Peng Yunfeng, Y. Yang Yuanhe
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 13

  • Title: Enhanced response of soil respiration to experimental warming upon thermokarst formation
    Authors: G. Wang Guanqin, Y. Peng Yunfeng, L. Chen Leiyi, D. Zhang Dianye, Y. Yang Yuanhe
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 9

  • Title: Responses of soil bacterial functional group diversity to nitrogen enrichment in global grasslands
    Authors: Y. Liu Yang, Y. Peng Yunfeng, Y. Bai Yuxuan, M. Men Mingxin, Z. Peng Zhengping
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Widespread cooling of topsoil under nitrogen enrichment and implication for soil carbon flux
    Authors: L. Zhou Lina, Y. Liu Yang, M. Men Mingxin, Z. Peng Zhengping, Y. Peng Yunfeng
    Year: 2024

  • Title: Experimental warming altered plant functional traits and their coordination in a permafrost ecosystem
    Authors: B. Wei Bin, D. Zhang Dianye, G. Wang Guanqin, K. Niu Kechang, Y. Yang Yuanhe
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 26

  • Title: Characteristics of methane emissions from alpine thermokarst lakes on the Tibetan Plateau
    Authors: G. Yang Guibiao, Z. Zheng Zhihu, B.W. Abbott Benjamin W., Y. Peng Yunfeng, Y. Yang Yuanhe
    Year: 2023

 

Marcelo Cohen | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Marcelo Cohen | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Full Professor at Federal University of Para, Brazil.

Prof. Marcelo Cohen is a highly skilled researcher in the field of geosciences, possessing expertise in data analysis, interdisciplinary research, fieldwork, laboratory techniques, statistical analysis, literature review, communication, and problem-solving. With a strong foundation in geology, geochemistry, and oceanography, he employs an interdisciplinary approach to tackle complex environmental questions. Prof. Cohen’s proficiency in data analysis, both in the field and laboratory, ensures the accuracy and reliability of his research findings. His ability to integrate diverse perspectives and conduct rigorous statistical analyses enables him to generate comprehensive insights into environmental dynamics. Through effective communication and collaboration, Marcelo disseminates his findings and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in geosciences. Overall, his research skills, coupled with his dedication and commitment, position him as a respected figure in the scientific community, driving impactful research and addressing critical challenges in the field.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Prof. Marcelo Cohen pursued his academic journey with zeal and dedication, culminating in a remarkable educational background. He attained his Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, marking the beginning of his scholarly pursuits. Following this, he embarked on a postdoctoral program at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, further enriching his expertise in his field. Driven by a quest for knowledge, he then pursued another Ph.D. at the University of Bremen, Germany, where he excelled in his studies, earning magna cum laude honors. Prior to his doctoral pursuits, Marcelo earned his Master’s degree in Geology and Geochemistry, as well as his Bachelor’s degree in Geology, both from the Federal University of Pará, Brazil. These educational milestones laid a strong foundation for his illustrious career in academia and research.

Research Experience:

Prof. Marcelo Cohen’s research experience is extensive and spans various geographical and interdisciplinary domains. With a focus on paleoclimatology, paleoecology, and sea-level changes, he has conducted pioneering research that contributes to our understanding of Earth’s history and its implications for the future. His expertise extends to the Holocene history of mangrove dynamics, particularly in the Brazilian coast, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean regions. Through meticulous analysis of remote sensing data, fossil pollen, stable isotopes, and sedimentary features, Marcelo reconstructs paleoenvironments affected by climate and sea-level changes over decadal to millennial timescales. His work on the impacts of extreme weather events on mangroves underscores the urgency of climate resilience measures. Prof. Cohen’s research is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, drawing from fields such as geology, geochemistry, and oceanography. His contributions have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also provided valuable insights for policymakers and environmental practitioners grappling with the challenges of climate change.

Research Interest:

Prof. Marcelo Cohen’s research interests are diverse and deeply rooted in understanding the complex interactions between Earth’s systems and climate dynamics. His primary focus lies in the fields of paleoclimatology, paleoecology, and sea-level changes. By delving into the past, Marcelo seeks to unravel the intricate patterns of environmental change and their implications for the present and future. He is particularly intrigued by the Holocene history of mangrove dynamics, a critical ecosystem that serves as a barometer for climate variability and resilience. Through innovative methodologies such as remote sensing, fossil pollen analysis, stable isotopes, and sedimentary features, Marcelo reconstructs past environments with precision, shedding light on the drivers of change over different temporal scales. Additionally, his research delves into the impacts of extreme weather events on mangroves, providing valuable insights into ecosystem responses to climate variability. Prof. Cohen’s interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from geology, geochemistry, and oceanography, positions him at the forefront of scientific inquiry into Earth’s past and its implications for the future.

Award and Honors:

Prof. Marcelo Cohen’s dedication and contributions to the field of geosciences have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. As an affiliate member and Young Scientist of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences from 2011 to 2015, he was acknowledged for his outstanding research and scholarly achievements. This prestigious recognition underscores his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and understanding. Additionally, his appointment as a Researcher of Scientific Productivity and Ad Hoc Consultant of the National Council of Scientific and Technological Development (CNPQ) at Level 1B since 2004 reflects his ongoing impact and influence in the field. Prof. Cohen’s work has also been acknowledged internationally, as evidenced by his membership in the Commission on Stratigraphy and Chronology (SACCOM) of the International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA). These honors reflect not only his individual achievements but also the broader recognition of his contributions to the scientific community.

Research Skills:

Prof. Marcelo Cohen’s research skills are a testament to his proficiency and dedication in the field of geosciences. With a strong foundation in data analysis, he navigates complex datasets with precision, extracting valuable insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of environmental dynamics. His interdisciplinary approach, combining expertise in geology, geochemistry, and oceanography, enables him to integrate diverse perspectives and generate comprehensive research outcomes. Proficient in fieldwork techniques, he conducts meticulous observations and sample collection, enriching his research with firsthand data. In the laboratory, Marcelo’s adeptness in various analytical methods ensures the accuracy and reliability of his findings, while his statistical acumen allows for rigorous interpretation of results. Coupled with his talent for synthesizing existing knowledge through literature reviews, he identifies research gaps and formulates impactful research questions. Through effective communication and problem-solving skills, Marcelo disseminates his findings and fosters collaboration within the scientific community. Overall, Prof. Cohen’s research skills exemplify his commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing critical challenges in geosciences.

Publications:

  1. A 1500-year multi-proxy record of subtropical mangrove dynamics in relation to sea level and climate changes on Babitonga Bay, Southern Brazil
    • Authors: Torres, A.E.C.; França, M.C.; Borges da Silva, F.A.; …; Pessenda, L.C.R.; Macario, K.
    • Year: 2024
  2. Miocene tropical storms: Carbonate framework approaches and geochemistry proxies in a reservoir model
    • Authors: Aguilera, O.; De Araújo, O.M.O.; Lopes, R.T.; …; Giraud-López, M.J.; Kütter, V.T.
    • Citations: 4
    • Year: 2023
  3. Eco-morphological evolution of the Bolivar Peninsula (Texas, U.S.A.) during the last 2,000 years: A multi-proxy record of coastal environmental changes
    • Authors: Yao, Q.; Liu, K.-B.; Fan, D.; …; De Oliveira, P.E.; Rodrigues, E.
    • Year: 2023
  4. Assessment the Impacts of Sea-Level Changes on Mangroves of Ceará-Mirim Estuary, Northeastern Brazil, during the Holocene and Anthropocene
    • Authors: Nunes, S.P.D.Q.; França, M.C.; Cohen, M.C.L.; …; Magalhães, E.A.S.; Silva, F.A.B.
    • Citations: 2
    • Year: 2023
  5. What Are the Most Effective Proxies in Identifying Storm-Surge Deposits in Paleotempestology? A Quantitative Evaluation From the Sand-Limited, Peat-Dominated Environment of the Florida Coastal Everglades
    • Authors: Yao, Q.; Liu, K.-B.; Zhang, Z.; …; Maiti, K.; Yang, Y.
    • Citations: 2
    • Year: 2023
  6. A palynological record of mangrove biogeography, coastal geomorphological change, and prehistoric human activities from Cedar Keys, Florida, U.S.A.
    • Authors: Yao, Q.; Liu, K.-B.; Rodrigues, E.; Fan, D.; Cohen, M.
    • Citations: 8
    • Year: 2023
  7. Pollen atlas and identification dataset from Santa Catarina, south Brazil
    • Authors: Rodrigues, E.; Cohen, M.C.L.; Figueiredo, B.L.; Liu, K.-B.; Yao, Q.
    • Citations: 1
    • Year: 2023
  8. A timely method for post-disaster assessment and coastal landscape survey using drone and satellite imagery
    • Authors: Cohen, M.C.L.; de Souza, A.V.; Liu, K.-B.; Yao, Q.
    • Citations: 4
    • Year: 2023
  9. Death and Regeneration of an Amazonian Mangrove Forest by Anthropic and Natural Forces
    • Authors: Cardenas, S.M.M.; Cohen, M.C.L.; Ruiz, D.P.C.; …; Pessenda, L.C.R.; Culligan, N.
    • Citations: 6
    • Year: 2022
  10. Mangrove expansion at poleward range limits in North and South America: Late-Holocene climate variability or anthropocene global warming?
    • Authors: Yao, Q.; Cohen, M.; Liu, K.-B.; …; Yin, D.; Carlos Ruiz Pessenda, L.
    • Citations: 12
    • Year: 2022