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

 

 

KSHITIJ KACKER | Urban Environment | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. KSHITIJ KACKER | Urban Environment | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar and Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India

Kshitij Kacker, a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow at IIT Roorkee, excels in the intersection of architecture, planning, and climate science. His research focuses on urban heat stress and its impacts under changing climatic conditions, aiming to enhance urban resilience and sustainability. With notable projects on heat stress indices and green building productivity, Kacker’s work is instrumental in improving urban climate adaptation strategies. He has received prestigious awards such as the Young Scientist Award and a State Level Gold Medal for his contributions. Kacker’s collaborative efforts with leading institutions and his active participation in workshops and conferences underscore his commitment to advancing knowledge and applied research in his field. His research not only addresses current challenges but also offers practical solutions for building performance and environmental health, making him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Profile

Education

Kshitij Kacker has a distinguished educational background in architecture and planning. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Architecture and Planning at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), where he has achieved an impressive CGPA of 9.611. His research focuses on urban heat stress and climate resilience. Prior to his PhD, Kacker earned a Master in Building Engineering & Management (MBEM) from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, graduating with a CGPA of 8.88. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University (formerly GCA Lucknow), where he achieved a percentage of 84.1%. This strong foundation in architectural and environmental studies supports his current research efforts in enhancing urban resilience to climate change.

Professional Experience

Kshitij Kacker has gained diverse professional experience through various internships and roles in the field of architecture and planning. Notably, he interned at Mathur and Daniel Pvt. Ltd. in Lucknow, where he was involved in the design and management of residential and commercial projects, and at Lateral Architects Pvt. Ltd. in Bangalore, contributing to the drafting and site management of high-rise buildings and various other projects. His role at Point Architects Pvt. Ltd. provided experience in designing and managing large-scale projects, including a water park and commercial buildings. Additionally, Kacker has served as a Teaching Assistant at IIT Roorkee, where he supported course preparation and delivery for subjects related to sustainable environments and architectural design. His practical experience is complemented by his involvement in workshops on urban climate risk assessment and project management, reflecting his broad expertise and commitment to advancing his field.

Research Interests

Kshitij Kacker’s research interests lie at the intersection of architecture, urban planning, and climate science. His work primarily focuses on urban climate and heat stress risk, investigating how changing climatic conditions impact urban environments. Kacker is particularly interested in exploring thermal comfort and building energy efficiency, employing numerical weather modeling to assess and mitigate heat stress in urban areas. His research aims to enhance urban resilience by developing strategies to address the challenges posed by severe heat stress. Additionally, Kacker is involved in sustainability and project management, seeking to integrate climate considerations into architectural and planning practices. His work encompasses both theoretical and applied aspects, striving to provide actionable insights for improving urban planning and design in the context of a changing climate. Through his interdisciplinary approach, Kacker contributes to advancing knowledge and practical solutions for urban climate adaptation.

Research Skills

Kshitij Kacker possesses a diverse and advanced skill set that significantly enhances his research capabilities. His expertise includes sophisticated modeling and simulation techniques using tools such as the WRF model, GIS, and EnviMET, crucial for analyzing urban climate and heat stress. Proficient in SPSS, Minitab, and Design Builder, Kacker excels in data analysis and statistical evaluation, essential for robust research outcomes. His skills in Python programming and various design software like AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Lumion facilitate comprehensive and accurate modeling of architectural and environmental scenarios. Additionally, Kacker’s analytical thinking and adaptability enable him to tackle complex research challenges effectively. His experience in project management, combined with his ability to communicate complex findings clearly, underscores his strong research capabilities and commitment to advancing knowledge in urban climate resilience.

 Awards and Recognition

Kacker has received several prestigious awards, including the Young Scientist Award at the IDRiM Conference in 2023 and a State Level Gold Medal for his academic achievements. These accolades reflect his exceptional contributions to research and his recognition within the academic community.

Conclusion

Kshitij Kacker’s innovative research on urban heat stress and climate resilience demonstrates his significant contributions to the field. His work not only advances scientific understanding but also provides practical solutions for urban planning and environmental health. His accolades, collaborative efforts, and applied research highlight his suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Framing Bioclimatic Building Design Guidelines for Hot and Dry Climate: Case of Jaipur City
    • Authors: A Kansal, K Kacker
    • Publication Date: 2020
  2. Assessment of Heat Stress Hazard at an Intra-Urban Level: A Case of Delhi, India
    • Authors: K Kacker, M Mukherjee, P Srivastava
    • Conference: Passive and Low Energy Architecture (PLEA 2024 WROCŁAW)
    • Publication Date: 2024
    • Volume: 37
    • Pages: 464-469
  3. Impact of Green Building on Productivity of Offices
    • Authors: K Kacker, A Rastogi, VK Paul
    • Publication Date: 2022
  4. Low Cost Architecture and Associated Benefits: Thermal Comfort and Cost
    • Authors: R Kacker, K Kacker, A Kansal
    • Journal: International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology
    • Publication Date: 2021
    • Volume: 7
    • Issue: 11
    • Pages: 406-412