Mahmood Fooladi | Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mahmood Fooladi | Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant at  Isfahan University of Technology, Iran.

Mahmood Fooladi is a Civil Engineer, Environmental Data Scientist, and Water Resources Engineer with over 6 years of experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Water Resources Management from Isfahan University of Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology-Civil from Pishtazan Institute of Higher Education. Mahmood has a strong background in various areas including Hydrometeorology, Hydroclimatology, Remote Sensing, Climate Change, and Water Quality Modeling. He is skilled in several programming languages and software tools such as Python, MATLAB, Arc-GIS, HEC-HMS, and SWAT. Mahmood has published several research papers in reputable journals and has presented his work at international conferences. Currently, he is working as a Research Assistant at Isfahan University of Technology, focusing on improving flood forecasting accuracy and water quality monitoring techniques using advanced technologies and methodologies.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Mahmood Fooladi is a Civil Engineer, Environmental Data Scientist, and Water Resources Engineer with over 6 years of experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Water Resources Management from Isfahan University of Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology-Civil from Pishtazan Institute of Higher Education. Mahmood has a strong background in various areas including Hydrometeorology, Hydroclimatology, Remote Sensing, Climate Change, and Water Quality Modeling. He is skilled in several programming languages and software tools such as Python, MATLAB, Arc-GIS, HEC-HMS, and SWAT. Mahmood has published several research papers in reputable journals and has presented his work at international conferences. Currently, he is working as a Research Assistant at Isfahan University of Technology, focusing on improving flood forecasting accuracy and water quality monitoring techniques using advanced technologies and methodologies.

Research experience:

Mahmood Fooladi has a rich and diverse research experience, particularly in the field of water resources management and environmental engineering. He has contributed to several significant studies, including the development of smarter water quality monitoring techniques using deep learning models, and the creation of fusion-based frameworks for flood forecasting and meteorological drought modeling under climate change scenarios. Mahmood has also been involved in projects assessing long-term precipitation patterns, trend analysis of hydrological and water quality variables, and the application of remote sensing data and machine learning in predicting and monitoring environmental factors. His research demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the understanding and management of water resources and environmental challenges through innovative approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Interest:

Mahmood Fooladi’s research interests encompass a wide range of topics within water resources management, environmental data science, and civil engineering. He is particularly interested in hydrometeorology and hydroclimatology, focusing on understanding the complex interactions between atmospheric processes and hydrological cycles. Additionally, Mahmood is involved in research related to remote sensing and climate change, using satellite data to monitor environmental changes and assess their impacts on water resources. He also works on water quality modeling, developing innovative approaches to assess and manage water quality in reservoirs and water bodies. Furthermore, Mahmood is engaged in studying extreme events such as droughts and floods, developing models to predict and mitigate their effects. His research also includes groundwater modeling, performance criteria, and sustainability index development, as well as the application of machine learning and statistical analysis in environmental studies. Mahmood is committed to advancing knowledge and finding sustainable solutions to water resource challenges through his interdisciplinary research approach.

Skills:

Mahmood Fooladi is equipped with a diverse and comprehensive skill set that enables him to excel in his field of water resources management, environmental data science, and civil engineering. His proficiency in hydrologic software such as Arc-GIS, HEC-HMS, SWAT, and WEAP allows him to effectively model and analyze hydrological processes. Mahmood’s programming skills in Python, MATLAB, R, and Visual Basic enable him to develop advanced models and algorithms for data analysis and modeling. He is also adept at using statistical software like Excel, XLSTAT, SPSS, Minitab, and EasyFit for data analysis and interpretation. His proficiency in engineering software such as AutoCAD, Google Earth Engine, and Microsoft Office further enhances his ability to conduct research and analyze spatial data. Mahmood’s strong research skills, coupled with his analytical and project management abilities, make him a valuable asset in addressing complex challenges in water resources management and environmental engineering.

Academic Projects:

Mahmood Fooladi has been involved in several significant academic projects that showcase his expertise in water resources management and environmental engineering. For his master’s thesis, Mahmood focused on the application of combination models for drought monitoring, using machine learning techniques and climate change scenarios. He developed and applied these models to assess drought conditions, utilizing fuzzy performance criteria for evaluation. Additionally, Mahmood contributed to a project aimed at enhancing water quality monitoring in reservoirs. This project utilized interpretable deep learning models and feature importance analysis to improve the efficiency and accuracy of water quality monitoring systems. Mahmood also played a role in developing a fusion-based framework for flood forecasting, specifically focusing on the Kan River in Iran. This framework aimed to improve flood forecasting accuracy and preparedness in the region. Furthermore, Mahmood participated in projects related to long-term precipitation prediction in California, assessment of changeability of precipitation patterns in Iran, and meteorological drought modeling under climate change scenarios. These projects highlight Mahmood’s ability to apply advanced techniques and methodologies to address complex challenges in water resources management and environmental engineering, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for water resource management and climate change adaptation.

Publications:

  1. Trend analysis of hydrological and water quality variables to detect anthropogenic effects and climate variability on a river basin scale: A case study of Iran
    • Authors: M. Fooladi, M.H. Golmohammadi, H.R. Safavi, R. Mirghafari, H. Akbari
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 16
  2. Application of meteorological drought for assessing watershed health using fuzzy-based reliability, resilience, and vulnerability
    • Authors: M. Fooladi, M.H. Golmohammadi, H.R. Safavi, V.P. Singh
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 15
  3. Fusion-based framework for meteorological drought modeling using remotely sensed datasets under climate change scenarios: Resilience, vulnerability, and frequency analysis
    • Authors: M. Fooladi, M.H. Golmohammadi, H.R. Safavi, V.P. Singh
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 15
  4. Improving performance criteria in the water resource systems based on fuzzy approach
    • Authors: M.H. Golmohammadi, H.R. Safavi, S. Sandoval-Solis, M. Fooladi
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 10
  5. Assessing the changeability of precipitation patterns using multiple remote sensing data and an efficient uncertainty method over different climate regions of Iran
    • Authors: M. Fooladi, M.H. Golmohammadi, I. Rahimi, H.R. Safavi, M.R. Nikoo
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 9
  6. Long-term precipitation prediction in different climate divisions of California using remotely sensed data and machine learning
    • Authors: S. Majnooni, M.R. Nikoo, B. Nematollahi, M. Fooladi, N. Alamdari
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
  7. Assessing scaling behavior of four hydrological variables using combined fractal and statistical methods in Missouri river basin
    • Authors: S. Mehrab Amiri, M. Fooladi, V. Rahmani, R. Mirghafari
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  8. Multi-model fusion-based framework for daily flood forecasting in multiple-step-ahead and near future under climate change scenarios
    • Authors: H.R. Safavi, M.R. Nikoo, M. Fooladi
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: Not provided

Emmanuel Manzungu | Water Resources Award | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof Dr. Emmanuel Manzungu | Water Resources Award | Outstanding Scientist Award

PhD supervisor at University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe.

Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Manzungu is a highly accomplished academic and researcher with over 30 years of experience in agricultural and environmental management. He currently holds the position of Full Professor of Agricultural Landscapes, Waterscapes Environmental Management in the Department of Soil Science and Environment at the University of Zimbabwe. Dr. Manzungu has been involved in numerous research projects focusing on water resource management, smallholder agriculture, and environmental sustainability, collaborating with institutions across Africa and beyond. He has published over 100 articles, book chapters, and monographs, and has contributed significantly to curriculum development and academic program reviews. Dr. Manzungu’s expertise and leadership in the field have earned him recognition as a valuable contributor to the advancement of agricultural and environmental sciences in Southern Africa and beyond.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Manzungu is an accomplished academic specializing in agricultural sciences and management. He earned his Diploma in Agriculture from Chibero College, Zimbabwe, in 1984, followed by a BSc Hons in Agriculture (Crop Science) from the University of Zimbabwe in 1987. Dr. Manzungu later completed an MSc in Tropical and Subtropical Horticulture and Crop Science at the University of London, United Kingdom, from 1994 to 1999. He furthered his academic pursuits with a PhD in Irrigation and Water Management from Wageningen University in the Netherlands in 1991. In 2005-2006, Dr. Manzungu obtained an Executive Diploma in General Management from the Zimbabwe Institute of Management, enhancing his skills in organizational leadership and strategic management. His extensive educational background and research expertise have positioned him as a leading authority in agricultural practices, particularly in irrigation, water management, and crop science.

Academic and Professional:

Since 2009, Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Manzungu has served as a Lecturer and Full Professor at the University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe, where he has contributed significantly to the academic and research landscape. Prior to this, from 2002 to 2008, he held the position of Research Associate at the same institution, further deepening his expertise in agricultural sciences and management. In 2001, Dr. Manzungu embarked on a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, where he continued to explore his passion for irrigation and water management. His dedication to research and academia is evident from his role as Project Coordinator at the University of Zimbabwe from 1998 to 2000, where he played a pivotal role in coordinating research activities. Dr. Manzungu’s academic journey began as a PhD Research Fellow at Wageningen University from 1994 to 1999, during which he conducted groundbreaking research in his field. Prior to his doctoral studies, he worked as a Research Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture in Zimbabwe from 1988 to 1993, gaining valuable insights and experience in agricultural practices and policies.

Research Experience:

Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Manzungu has led and participated in several impactful research projects focusing on water resource management and agricultural development in Africa. These projects include the “Smallholder farming families Adapt African Alluvial Aquifers to Strengthen Their Own Resilience (A4 Store)” from 2023 to 2027, involving 14 institutions from six countries. He was also involved in projects such as “Flows and Practices: The Politics of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Africa” from 2013 to 2016 and the development of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Water Research Agenda in 2015. In addition, Dr. Manzungu has contributed to projects like “Limpopo Water Governance” from 2011 to 2013, focusing on water governance in South Africa and Zimbabwe, and the “Challenge of integrated water resource management for improved livelihoods” from 2004 to 2008, addressing water scarcity in the Limpopo Basin. His research has had a significant impact on water resource management policies and practices in Southern Africa.

Academic and Research Contributions:

Prof. Dr. Emmanuel Manzungu’s academic and research metrics reflect his extensive contributions to the field of agricultural and environmental management. He has authored a total of 123 publications, including 58 referred journal articles, 32 referred book chapters, 13 referred monographs, and 6 published reports. Additionally, he has contributed to 14 workshop/conference papers and abstracts. Dr. Manzungu is actively involved in academic reviewing and editorial work. He serves as a member of the Editorial Board of one journal and has reviewed articles for 10 referred journals. His expertise is also recognized in the assessment of professorial promotions, having assessed promotions for Associate Professor and Full Professor positions on multiple occasions. In terms of PhD supervision and examination, Dr. Manzungu has supervised 4 PhD students and served as an examiner for doctoral theses. His commitment to academic excellence and research advancement is evident through his diverse contributions and leadership in the academic community.

 Publications:

  1. Are ‘second generation’ water regulators the catalyst for sustainable water outcomes and an integrated water sector in sub-Saharan Africa? Insights from Zimbabwe
    • Author: E. Manzungu
    • Year: 2024
  2. Re-inventing the underprivileged irrigation tenant? A socio-historical perspective on irrigation rights in Zimbabwe as defined by the 2021 Irrigable Areas (Control) regulations
    • Author: E. Manzungu
    • Year: 2023
  3. Characteristics of herbaceous vegetation on abandoned fallow fields in south central Zimbabwe
    • Authors: L. Mtali-Chafadza, P.H. Mugabe, E. Manzungu
    • Year: 2022
  4. Unpacking the narrative of agricultural innovations as the sine qua non of sustainable rural livelihoods in Southern Africa
    • Authors: E.P. Mutsvangwa-Sammie, E. Manzungu
    • Year: 2021
  5. Universities’ partnership: the role of academic institutions in water cooperation and diplomacy
    • Authors: A. Barua, R. ter Horst, J. Sehring, E. Manzungu, A. Nicol
    • Year: 2021
  6. Soil fertility status of abandoned fields in smallholder agriculture in South Central Zimbabwe
    • Authors: L. Mtali-Chafadza, E. Manzungu, P.H. Mugabe
    • Year: 2020
  7. Efforts to improve Zimbabwe communal grazing areas: a review
    • Authors: B. Tavirimirwa, E. Manzungu, S. Washaya, C. Mudzengi, R. Mwembe
    • Year: 2019
  8. Key attributes of agricultural innovations in semi-arid smallholder farming systems in south-west Zimbabwe
    • Authors: E.P. Mutsvangwa-Sammie, E. Manzungu, S. Siziba
    • Year: 2018
  9. Profiles of innovators in a semi-arid smallholder agricultural environment in south west Zimbabwe
    • Authors: E.P. Mutsvangwa-Sammie, E. Manzungu, S. Siziba
    • Year: 2017
  10. Towards sustainable agricultural water management
    • Authors: E. Manzungu, A. Senzanje, J. Mutiro
    • Year: 2017