Zainab Rehman | Sustainable | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Zainab Rehman | Sustainable | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan

Dr. Zainab Rehman is a Ph.D. scholar specializing in Urban Forestry at the Department of Forestry and Range Management, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, Pakistan. With a robust academic background and hands-on teaching and research experience, she is committed to promoting sustainable urban landscapes through science-driven environmental strategies. Her expertise lies in ecosystem services, climate resilience, and sustainable urban development.

🔹Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

🎓Education Background

  • Ph.D. Forestry (2020–2025)
    Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
    CGPA: 4.00/4.00 (Coursework completed, First Position)
    Dissertation: Socio-Environmental Assessment of Urban Parks: Perceived Ecosystem Services, Biodiversity Conservation, and Climate Amelioration in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

  • M.Phil. Forestry (2016–2018)
    Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
    CGPA: 3.77/4.00
    Thesis: Effect of Water Stress on Biofuel Feedstock

  • B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture – Major in Forestry (2012–2016)
    Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
    CGPA: 3.76/4.00

💼 Professional Development

Dr. Rehman served as a Visiting Lecturer at the Department of Forestry & Range Management, Bahauddin Zakariya University from February 2021 to January 2023, where she taught undergraduate courses including Forest Engineering-I and Forest Engineering-II. Her academic role involved curriculum delivery, student mentoring, and practical engagement in forestry education.

🔬Research Focus

As an Urban Forest Specialist, Dr. Rehman’s research focuses on:

  • Urban forests and green infrastructure

  • Nature-based solutions and environmental mitigation

  • Socio-ecological services and economic valuation

  • Urban heat island reduction and climate amelioration

  • Biodiversity conservation and plant adaptation

  • Urban sustainability and resilience

📈Author Metrics:

  • Key Publications:

    1. Urban Parks and Native Trees: A Profitable Strategy for Carbon Sequestration and Climate ResilienceMDPI Land

    2. Biodiversity and Quality of Urban Green Landscape Affect Mental Restorativeness of Residents in Multan, PakistanFrontiers in Sustainable Cities

    3. Deforestation Perspectives of Dry Temperate Forests: Main Drivers and Possible StrategiesFrontiers in Environmental Sciences

    (Author metrics such as citations, h-index, and i10-index can be compiled upon request from platforms like Google Scholar or Scopus if profiles are available.)

🏆Awards and Honors:

  • Merit Laptop Award during B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture

  • Ph.D. Coursework Topper with a perfect 4.00/4.00 CGPA

  • Internship Certification from National Agriculture Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad (2016)

  • Participation Certification in Agricultural Innovation Program Seminar by USAID, CIMMYT, ICARDA, and others (2015)

  • Certified as a Bonafide Student of Forestry at BZU (2014)

📝Publication Top Notes

1. Urban Parks and Native Trees: A Profitable Strategy for Carbon Sequestration and Climate Resilience

  • Authors: Zainab Rehman, Muhammad Zubair, Basharat A. Dar, Muhammad M. Habib, Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad, Ghulam Yasin, Matoor Mohsin Gilani, Jahangir A. Malik, Muhammad Talha Rafique, Jahanzaib Jahanzaib

  • Journal: Land (MDPI), Volume 14, Issue 4, Article 903

  • Publication Date: 2025

  • DOI: 10.3390/land14040903

  • Abstract: This study evaluates the carbon sequestration potential of four native tree species—Pongamia pinnata, Azadirachta indica, Melia azedarach, and Dalbergia sissoo—in urban parks across Multan City, Pakistan. By inventorying 456 trees within six parks and applying species-specific allometric equations, the research estimates biomass and carbon stock. Findings highlight the significant role of native trees in enhancing urban carbon sinks and promoting climate resilience. MDPI+3MDPI+3MDPI+3MDPI+1ResearchGate+1

2. Biodiversity and Quality of Urban Green Landscape Affect Mental Restorativeness of Residents in Multan, Pakistan

  • Authors: Zainab Rehman, Muhammad Zubair, Dalia Osama Hafiz, Syed Amir Manzoor

  • Journal: Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, Volume 5

  • Publication Date: 2024

  • DOI: 10.3389/frsc.2023.1286125

  • Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between the perceived biodiversity and quality of urban parks and the mental restorativeness experienced by visitors in Multan, Pakistan. Conducted through a cross-sectional survey of 550 park visitors across six randomly selected urban parks, the research finds a positive correlation between park biodiversity/quality and visitors’ mental restoration. Additionally, it explores factors influencing visitors’ willingness to pay for park conservation and management. Frontiers+4OUCI+4Liverpool University Press+4CoLab+5Frontiers+5OUCI+5CoLab+4OUCI+4Liverpool University Press+4

3. Deforestation Perspectives of Dry Temperate Forests: Main Drivers and Possible Strategies

  • Authors: Ehsan Ali, Muhammad Farooq Azhar, Edris Alam, Zainab Rehman, Sami Ullah, Aqeel Ahmad, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam, Praveen Mittal

  • Journal: Frontiers in Environmental Science

  • Publication Date: 2023

  • DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2023.1151320

  • Abstract: Focusing on the dry temperate forests of Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan, this study examines the current state of deforestation, identifies its primary drivers, and proposes potential mitigation strategies. Utilizing stratified random sampling and fixed area plot methods, the research employs binary regression models to analyze data collected between October 2021 and August 2022. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address deforestation in the region.

.Conclusion:

Dr. Zainab Rehman stands out as an emerging expert in sustainable urban forestry. Her work is scientifically rigorous, socially relevant, and academically excellent, meeting core criteria for a Best Researcher Award in sustainability or environmental science domains.

Her track record in research, teaching, and publication, combined with a clear commitment to urban resilience and ecosystem services, makes her an ideal candidate for the award.

Recommendation: Strongly Recommended for Best Researcher Award in Sustainability/Urban Forestry

Sarmad Latif | Climate Change | Best Academic Researcher Award

Mr. Sarmad Latif | Climate Change | Best Academic Researcher Award

Research Scientist at Komar University of Science and Technology, Iraq

Dr. Sarmad Dashti Latif is a civil engineer and academic researcher specializing in water and environmental security. He currently serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS), a Lecturer and Senior Researcher at Komar University of Science and Technology, and a Research Fellow at Soran University. With a deep commitment to climate change, water resources, and sustainable development, Dr. Latif actively contributes to both academia and applied research through his editorial roles, publications, and scientific outreach.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education Background

  • Master of Civil Engineering (By Research)
    Specialization: Water & Environmental Security
    University Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia — Feb 2022

  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering (First Class Honors)
    University Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia — Nov 2018
    CGPA: 3.5/4

  • Foundation in Civil Engineering
    University Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia — Jun 2014

Professional Development

Dr. Latif has held multiple academic and research roles across prestigious institutions:

  • Adjunct Lecturer, American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (Feb 2024 – Present)
    Teaching courses in Dynamics, Artificial Intelligence, and Water in Iraq.

  • Lecturer & Senior Researcher, Komar University of Science and Technology (May 2021 – Present)
    Teaching and supervising in water resources and environmental engineering, while leading interdisciplinary research on climate change and sustainability.

  • Research Fellow, Soran University (Sept 2023 – Dec 2024)
    Leading collaborative research on environmental and climate security, organizing workshops, and publishing in top-tier journals.

  • Research Officer (Climate Change), Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia (Dec 2019 – Apr 2021)
    Conducted research on reservoir operations and hydrological responses to climate change.

Research Focus

Dr. Latif’s research is focused on:

  1. Water and Environmental Security

  2. Climate Change Impact and Adaptation

  3. Hydrological Modeling & Reservoir Operations

  4. AI and Deep Learning in Water Resources Management

  5. Environmental Policy and Sustainability

Author Metrics:

Dr. Sarmad Dashti Latif has made significant contributions to the fields of water security, environmental engineering, and climate change. His scholarly work is recognized globally, with an h-index of 20 and over 1100 citations to his credit. He is listed in renowned databases with the following identifiers: Scopus Author ID: 57216081524, Web of Science Researcher ID: ABD-4755-2020, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-0417-3545, and is indexed on Google Scholar under Sarmad Latif. His impactful publications have positioned him as one of the leading researchers in Iraq, particularly in the domain of reservoir inflow and water security, earning him top national rankings and international recognition for his contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Awards and Honors:

  1. Elsevier Recognition for contributing to UN SDGs in research publications (2023)

  2. Top-ranked Researcher in Iraq in reservoir inflow studies related to water security (Scopus, 2023)

  3. Editorial Roles: Editor for Discover Sustainability and Discover Civil Engineering (Springer Nature); Guest Editor for AQUA – Water Infrastructure, Ecosystems and Society

  4. Over 200 Peer Reviews for journals including Nature, Springer, Elsevier, IEEE, ASCE

  5. Professional Memberships:

    • Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)

    • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)

    • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

    • International Water Resources Association (IWRA, France)

  6. Multiple Certificate Courses completed from leading institutions (UNU-INWEH, University of London, Geneva, Virginia, DTU, UNSW, and more)

Publication Top Notes

1. Water Footprint Assessment to Map and Quantify Water Consumption and Water Pollution Incurred: A Case Study of Malaysia

Authors: NSB Hashim, MBA Malek, S.D. Latif, M. Alsubih, A. ElShafie, A.N. Ahmed
Journal: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution
Volume: 236, Issue: 3, Article: 156
Year: 2025
📌 Focus: Water footprint quantification, consumption & pollution mapping in Malaysia.

2. River Water Quality Monitoring using Machine Learning with Multiple Possible In-Situ Scenarios

Authors: D. Irwan, S.L. Ibrahim, S.D. Latif, C.A. Winston, A.N. Ahmed, M. Sherif, …
Journal: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators
Article ID: 100620
Year: 2025
📌 Focus: Machine learning application for real-time river water quality under multiple field scenarios.

3. Satellite-derived Shallow Water Depths Estimation Using Remote Sensing and Artificial Intelligence Models: A Case Study of Darbandikhan Lake Upper, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Authors: A.A. Othman, S.S. Ali, A.K. Obaid, S.G. Salar, O. Al-Kakey, Y.I. Al-Saady, S.D. Latif, …
Journal: Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment
Volume: 37, Article ID: 101432
Year: 2025
📌 Focus: AI and remote sensing integration for depth estimation in lakes.

4. Improving Sea Level Prediction in Coastal Areas Using Machine Learning Techniques

Authors: S.D. Latif, M.A. Almubaidin, C.G. Shen, M. Sapitang, A.H. Birima, A.N. Ahmed, …
Journal: Ain Shams Engineering Journal
Volume: 15, Issue: 9, Article ID: 102916
Year: 2024
📌 Focus: Coastal sea-level prediction using advanced ML models.

5. Forecasting Daily Rainfall in a Humid Subtropical Area: An Innovative Machine Learning Approach

Authors: M.H. Mohammed, S.D. Latif
Journal: Journal of Hydroinformatics
Volume: 26, Issue: 7, Pages: 1661–1672
Year: 2024
📌 Focus: ML-based rainfall prediction in humid subtropical climates.

Conclusion

Dr. Sarmad Dashti Latif is a highly qualified and excellent nominee for the Best Academic Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary, impactful, and globally recognized research, combined with editorial leadership, academic teaching, and unwavering commitment to sustainable development, make him a standout candidate.

Recommended without reservation for the Best Academic Researcher Award in Climate Change and Water Security.