Nitesh Kumar Mourya – Geography – Best Researcher Award

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Nitesh Kumar Mourya – Geography- Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nitesh Kumar Mourya  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Geography. He is a highly skilled GIS and Remote Sensing professional proficient in tools such as ArcGIS Desktop and Pro, ERDAS Imagine, Global Mapper, QGIS, and Google Earth Engine, with a proven track record of achieving a 0.97 Kappa accuracy in Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) classification. Holding a master’s degree in Geography and Diploma in GIS and Remote Sensing, he is motivated to pursue a Ph.D. in Physical, Environmental, Urban, Economical, and Population Geography, contributing to cutting-edge research. His keen observation of natural features, coupled with a deep understanding of geomorphic processes, climate change, human and environment interaction studies, rapid environment change, etc., fuels his development of self-hypotheses and testing those, including insights into plate tectonics. Eager to apply his skills and contribute to advancements in geography, he is equally enthusiastic about securing a corporate role in GIS and Remote Sensing, leveraging his expertise to drive innovation and make meaningful contributions in a professional setting. Never Ever Settle, Eagar to learn, perform, and research.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He completed his M.A. / M.Sc. in Geography from the University of Rajasthan in December 2020, and his B.A. in Geography, History, and Political Science from the same university in June 2017, achieving 55.7% and 50% marks respectively (with Geography at 58.5%). His expertise lies in Physical Geography. Additionally, he pursued a Computer Hardware Diploma at Statisworld Education in October 2012, where he learned about computer hardware assembling, issue troubleshooting, and hardware replacement. Furthermore, he obtained a Diploma in Computer Application (DCA) from DOS Computer Information Technology, Jaipur (Rajasthan), India in August 2012, gaining proficiency in various computer applications.

Working Experience

❖ GIS-Faculty / Analyst
GeoCatalog – Institute of Geoinformatics and Research (From June 2021).
• GIS-Analysist, PhD Consultancy GIS and Remote Sensing earth observation related science, Teaching,
Revenue mapping projects.
❖ GIS-Faculty
Swastik Edustart – (February 2022 to July 2023).
• Teaching GIS and Remote Sensing, Assist PhD Scholars with GIS-RS techniques research application.
• Expertise in generating highly accurate Land Use Land Cover with different models and algorithms, change
analysis, and predication.
❖ Internship (Corporate)
Tech Culture (New-Delhi) (3rd August to 3
rd November 2020, been 31 January 2021)
• Digitizing building footprint and correcting available vector data

Workshops / Conferences

❖ Urban Health Hazard and Preparedness in Global Pandemic COVID-19, National Webinar,
on 2 May 2020.
Department of Geography, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, University of Delhi (India).
❖ Future cities, Sustainable Development and Geospatial Technologies, National Online Conference, on
24 May 2020.
Department of Studies and Research in Geography, Rani Channamma University, Karnataka (India).
• Paper presented on, “Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Shoreline Change Along Jagatsinghpur.”
❖ The Science of Places: Exploring the Career Goals and Competencies of Future Geographers, Webinar,
on 31 May 2020.
School of Basic and Applied Sciences & Department of Geography, Adam University.
❖ Implication of Covid-19 on local & Regional Sustainable Development: A Global Perspective, International
E-Conference, on 27-28 June 2020.
International Geography Union (IGU) – INDIA.
• Paper presented on “Urban Growth Predication Using Geospatial Techniques: A Case Study of
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.”
❖ Earth Resources Management in Current Scenario, One Day Virtual Symposium, on 05 September 2020.
Suresh Gyan Vihar University.
❖ 5th World Congress on Disaster Management, 24-27 November 2021
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.
• Paper presented on “Assessment of Chemicals Hazard and Resilience in an Educational Setup:
Acase study of Jamia Millia Islamia University, India.”
❖ LANDSLIDE RISK ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION IN INDIA, National Conference, on 01-02
November 2022.
Department of Geography, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
•Paper presented on “AHP integrated GIS based Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in the
Garhwal Himalayan Region of India.”
❖ Building Urban Resilience through Advanced Technology,
Amity University and National Disaster Management
• Learned about building urban resilience and developing urban green space, improving urban
environment.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

➢ Physical Geography – Geomorphology (Paleo-Tectonics, ground water depletion impact on land use,
Coastal Environment, Climate Change, Palaeo-climate, Micro-Climate, Air Quality and Pollution,
Heat Waves, Tropical Cyclones – survival time on land surface and sea surface temperature
correlation with cyclone intensity, Global Worming in Mountainous Region.
➢ Urban Geography – Urban expansion among developed and under develop countries, Urban
Environment Change, Urban Climate Change in Mountainous and Non-mountainous cities, Urban
HeatIsland, Heat Waves impact.
➢ Population Geography – Agriculture development in context of increasing population technical
calculation on Marxian theory, Increase Population and food availability in future, Population of Indian is
higher as per availability of resources.
➢ Environment or Environmental Geography – Deforestation and Carbon Sequestration, Environment
Protection and Urban Ecology, Ozone Depletion.
➢ GIS and Remote Sensing – Machine Learning based model application in Earth Observation or
Geography, Calculating Efficiency of Machine Learning model, LULC change and Prediction, Actual
LULC extraction on behalf of reflectance energy or ground truthing, Flood and other Disaster Studies
through SAR data application, GIS and RS application in Geospatial Research.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

➢ Land Use/ Land Cover Dynamics Study and Prediction In Jaipur City using CA Markov Model Integrated
with Road Network, Published at GeoJournal, DOI: 10.1007/s10708-022-10593-9.
➢ Forest carbon sequestration mapping and economic quantification infusing MLPnn-Markov chain and
InVEST carbon model in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalaya, Published at Ecological
Informatics, DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2023.102428 (doi.org).
➢ Evaluation of Shoreline Alteration Along the Jagatsinghpur District Coast, India (1990-2020) Using Dsas,
SSRN Electronic Journal (DOI: doi.org). (Under Revision at Ocean and Coastal Management).
➢ Assessment of Chemicals Hazard and Resilience in an Educational Setup: A case study of Jamia Millia
Islamia University, India, Accepted at Indian Journal of Environmental Protection.
➢ Evaluating the Efficiency of ML based LULC Prediction Models (CA Markov and MOLUSCE),
submitted to Technological Forecasting & Social Change.

Lakmali Weerasena – Ecological Conservation Award – Best Researcher Award

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Lakmali Weerasena – Ecological Conservation Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lakmali Weerasena distinguished academic and researcher in the field Ecological Conservation. She specializes in scientific computing with a particular focus on analyzing complex optimization problems and designing efficient algorithms using graph data structures for modeling and data analysis, both theoretically and in practical applications. Her research interests span various domains including engineering, conservation biology, and management science, where she explores emerging models. Drawing from classical optimization techniques, statistical concepts, and modern methodologies such as machine learning, she seeks to address multifaceted challenges. Her contributions extend beyond theoretical investigations to applied research, as evidenced by her publications across diverse areas in applied mathematics, operations research, and statistics in esteemed scientific journals. Furthermore, she actively engages with the academic community by organizing conference sessions and presenting her research as both an invited and contributing speaker, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration in her field.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

Lakmali Weerasena holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research from Clemson University, where she completed her dissertation on “Approximation in Multiobjective Optimization with Applications,” under the guidance of Professor Margaret Wiecek. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University, focusing on optimization models for designing spatially compact ecological reserve systems, supervised by Professor Emeritus Douglas Shier. Lakmali’s academic journey began at the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Mathematics. Additionally, she pursued non-degree graduate studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, delving into Introduction to Machine Learning offered by the Department of Computer Science in the College of Engineering during the spring of 2023. With her diverse educational background spanning across mathematics, optimization, and machine learning, Lakmali Weerasena exhibits a multidisciplinary approach to her academic pursuits.

 Work experiences

 

She has built a distinguished career in academia, currently serving as the UC Foundation Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga since August 2022. Prior to this role, she held positions as Assistant Professor of Mathematics at the same institution from August 2016 to August 2022, and as Assistant Professor of Mathematics (Limited Term) at Albany State University from August 2015 to May 2016. Earlier in her career, she served as a Lecturer at Kennesaw State University from August 2014 to May 2015 and as a Visiting Lecturer. Her academic journey began at Clemson University, where she served as a Graduate Teacher of Record from August 2007 to December 2013 while completing her Ph.D. in Operations Research. These experiences have provided her with a comprehensive understanding of mathematics education and research, allowing her to excel in her current role as an esteemed faculty member.

Teaching Experience

In her tenure at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, TN, USA, since August 2016, she has demonstrated her versatility and expertise in teaching across a wide range of courses in the Department of Mathematics. Her teaching portfolio encompasses both undergraduate and graduate levels, covering topics such as computational and applied mathematics, probability and statistics, mathematical statistics, operations research (both linear and nonlinear), applied statistics, mathematical programming, introductory statistics, discrete mathematics for computer science, elementary linear algebra, calculus, and precalculus. Additionally, she supervises graduate-level courses focused on doctoral research, graduate research, and thesis preparation. Through her dedication and proficiency in teaching diverse mathematical subjects, she plays a pivotal role in fostering students’ understanding and appreciation for mathematics at both introductory and advanced levels.

Conferences

Invited Presentations
1. Breadth First Search Algorithm to Identify Connected Reserve Systems, ASB Special Session
on Women in Biology Inspired by Women in Biology, March 2024, Association of Southeastern
Biologists
2. A Sequential Approach to the Design of Compact and Connected Reserve Systems, Research
Colloquium in the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, University of Peradeniya,
Sri Lanka, January 2024.
3. An integrated approach to the design of compact and connected reserve systems, AWM Special
Session on Exploring the Intersection of Mathematics and Ecology: Research Applications and
Findings, September 2023, AWM Research Symposium.
4. Spatially explicit mathematical model for invasive species management, AMS Special Session
on New Developments in Operations Research and Management Sciences I, October 2022, 2022
Fall Southeastern Sectional Meeting.
5. Advancing local search approximations for multiobjective combinatorial optimization problems,
Department of Mathematics Colloquium, October 2021, UTC, TN, US
6. An approximation approach for the generalized multiobjective set cover problem, Multi-Criteria
Decision Making (MCDM) section, INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the
Management Sciences) Conference, October 2021, California.
7. An approximation algorithm for the generalized multiobjective set cover problem, Approximation
Approaches for Multiobjective Optimization in stream Multiobjective Optimization session
under Multiobjective Optimization, 31st European Conference on Operational Research Conference,
July 2021, Athens, Greece (supported by UTC SimCenter grant).
8. Design of an algorithm with multiple-cost efficient rules for the generalized multiobjective set
cover problem, SimCenter and Department of Mathematics Colloquium, April 2021, UTC, TN,
USA.
9. Generalized set cover problem with conflict objective functions: algorithm and applications in
ecological conservation., Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) section, INFORMS (Institute
for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) Conference, October 2019, Seattle, USA
(supported by UTC grant).
10. Combinatorial optimization for ecological conservation, the 43rd Annual Meeting of the SIAM
Atlantic Section, September 2019, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville, TN (supported by
UTC grant).
11. Approximation method for optimum design of a fin, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville,
Knoxville, TN, February 14, 2019 (supported by Department of Mathematics, The University
of Tennessee at Knoxville).
12. Multiobjective design of a fin in a steady-state regime, Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM)
section, INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) Conference,
November 2018, Arizona, USA (supported by UTC grant).

Awards

She has mentored several students who have received prestigious awards and recognition for their academic achievements. Chathuri Aththanayaka participated in and presented a poster at the AWM Research Symposium, supported by the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF DMS 2113506) in 2023. Christopher Tompkins received the NCUR Support Award from UTC in the same year. Delwyn Sam and Jonathan Stegmann were both honored with the Honor College Student Award from UTC in 2021 and 2018, respectively, highlighting their exceptional academic performance and contributions. Dell Zimmerman was granted the Scholarship, Engagement, the Arts, Research, Creativity, & Humanities (SEARCH) grant at UTC in 2018, where Dr. Soubantika Palchoudhury led the project. Additionally, Nichols Graham received the Undergraduate Research Award from Albany State University in 2016, recognizing his outstanding research endeavors under her guidance. These accolades underscore her dedication to mentoring and nurturing talented students, fostering their growth and success in academia.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

1. Weerasena L., Aththanayaka C., Bandara D., Advances in the decision-making of set covering
models under uncertainty, Annals of Operations Research (forthcoming, 2024):
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany).
2. Fadul M., Reising D., Weerasena L., Loveless T.D., Sartipi M., Tyler J., Improving RF-DNA
Fingerprinting Performance In An Indoor Multipath Environment Using Semi-Supervised Learning,
IEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security (2024): 1-16
(Publisher: IEEE).
3. Fadul M., Reising D., Weerasena L., An Investigation into the Impacts of Deep Learning-based
Re-sampling on Specific Emitter Identification Performance, The Journal of Engineering (2023):
1:11 (Publisher: Wiley, New Jersey, US).
4. Weerasena L., Shier D., Tonkyn D., McFeaters M., Collins C., Sequential approach to reserve
design with compactness and contiguity considerations, Ecological Modelling (2023): 478:10281
(Publisher: Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands). CrossRef Google Scholar
5. Weerasena, L., Ebiefung, A., Skjellum, A., Design of a heuristic algorithm for the generalized
multi-objective set covering problem, Computational Optimization and Applications (2022): 82:717-
751
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
6. Weerasena, L., Hunt, N., Bandara, D., McKnight, M., Spatially Explicit Multi-objective Mathematical
Model for Invasive Species Management, Biological Invasions (2022): 24:1839–1862
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
7. Belinskiy, B., Hinton, D., Weerasena, L., Khan, M., On the Sturm–Liouville problem describing
an ocean waveguide covered by pack ice, Applicable Analysis (2021): 1-23
(Publisher: Taylor and Francis, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
8. Weerasena, L., Advancing local search approximations for multiobjective combinatorial optimization
problems Journal of Combinatorial Optimization (2021): 1-24.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
9. Weerasena, L., Belinskiy, B. P., Hiestand, J. W., Optimal effectiveness and efficiency of a fin in
steady-state: multiobjective approach Optimization and Engineering (2020): 1157-1180.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
10. Weerasena, L. Algorithm for Generalized multiobjective set covering problem with an application
in ecological conservation, Int. J. of Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Optimisation (2020):
Volume 10 No.2, 167 – 186.
(Publisher: Inderscience, Geneva, Switzerland) CrossRef Google Scholar
11. Belinskiy, B. P., Hiestand, J. W., Weerasena, L., Optimal design of a fin in a steady-state regime.
Applied Mathematical Modeling (2020): Volume 77, Part 2, 1188-1200.
(Publisher: Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands) CrossRef Google Scholar
12. Gunasekera, S., Weerasena, L., Saram, A., Ajumobi, O., Exact inference for the Youden index to
discriminate individuals using two-parameter exponentially distributed pooled samples, Biostatistics
& Epidemiology (2019): 38-61.
(Publisher: Taylor and Francis, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
13. Weerasena L., Wiecek M.M., A tolerance function for the multiobjective set covering problem.
Optimization Letters (2018): 1–19.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar
14. Palchoudhury S., Jungjohann K.,Weerasena L., Arabshahi A., Gharge U., Albattah A., Miller
J., Patel K., Holler R., Enhanced legume root growth with pre-soaking in α Fe2O3 nanoparticle
fertilizer. Royal Society of Chemistry Advances (2018): 24075–24083.
(Publisher: The Royal Society of Chemistry, London, United Kingdom) CrossRef Google Scholar
15. Vanderpooten D., Weerasena L., Wiecek M.M., Covers and approximations in multiobjective
optimization. Journal of Global Optimization (2017): 67(3) 601–619.
(Publisher: Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Germany) CrossRef Google Scholar

Hemamalini Rawindran – Life Cycle Analysis Award – Best Researcher Award

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Hemamalini Rawindran – Life Cycle Analysis Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hemamalini Rawindran distinguished academic and researcher in the field Life Cycle Analysis. As a Research Officer at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in 2023, she was primarily engaged in a project funded by Yayasan UTP focused on analyzing the nutritional values of protein-rich microalgae-palm kernel expeller bio-composite feeds. Additionally, she conducted Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies pertaining to membrane utilization for remediating microalgal wastewater and the upcycling of microplastics in marine environments.

Transitioning to her role as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia from September 2023 to the present, she has been actively involved in a HiCoE project grant. Her responsibilities include the development of a solid matrix polymer inclusion membrane, where she is tasked with creating a mathematical model to evaluate electrodriven ion flux into the membrane. Moreover, she conducts sustainable metric analyses on the polymer inclusion membrane and assesses ion migration using a dual casting solution approach. In addition to her research duties, she is also involved in reviewing technical papers and converting findings into coherent paragraphs for publication.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a PhD in Science by Research (Grade A) from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, completed between 2020 and 2023, which was funded by the prestigious HiCoE grant focusing on the thermochemical conversion of biomass. During her doctoral studies, she notably contributed to the development of a novel attached microalgal system and spent three months on a Fellowship under AMTEC at UTM. She demonstrated remarkable productivity by authoring 7 papers and co-authoring 20 papers. Additionally, she supervised 7 Final Year Project (FYP) students, resulting in 3 Q1 and 1 Q2 publications. Furthermore, she actively participated in educational activities, conducting laboratory sessions and tutorials for undergraduate (UG) students. She also provided assistance to UG students in virtual reality and augmented reality STEM-based classes, showcasing her commitment to fostering learning environments. Her academic excellence was recognized with the High Achiever Award and Graduate on Time (GOT) award.

Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Master’s in Science by Research (Grade B) at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS from 2016 to 2019. This program, funded by a PETRONAS Research grant, focused on the elimination of surfactants in produced water from Enhanced Oil Recovery. During this time, she authored 2 papers and gained valuable experience through conducting laboratory and tutorial sessions for foundation students. She also spent one year on attachment at AMTEC, UTM, focusing on membrane development.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and Biology from Tunku Abdul Rahman College / Campbell University, USA, which she completed from 2011 to 2014. Her Final Year Project (FYP) explored the effect of carbonated beverages on human tooth density, and she graduated with Second Upper Class honors.

Research Colloborations

She has actively engaged in various collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the University of Tasmania (UTas), Australia, Petronas Research Sdn Bhd, Aston University, UK, and AMTEC at UTM. Notably, her collaborative efforts have led to significant contributions in several areas.

One of her notable achievements includes the development of a polymer inclusion membrane using a dual-solution casting approach, aimed at enhancing membrane technology. Additionally, she conducted a comprehensive review on the environmental sustainability aspects, focusing on the greenness of polymer inclusion membranes.

Moreover, she demonstrated her commitment to sustainability by repurposing spent coffee grounds for cultivating attached microalgae, as highlighted in Aston University’s bulletin. This innovative approach garnered attention for its eco-friendly application.

Her research findings have been published in high-impact journals, including a notable publication in a Q1 journal with an Impact Factor (IF) of 15.9 (RSER) in 2017-2018, focusing on the development of PVDF-TiO2 membrane for treating oil and gas surfactant-rich wastewater. Additionally, her work during a three-month fellowship in 2021 resulted in publications in two journals: one with a Q2 IF of 2.6 (Molecular Biotechnology) and another with a Q1 IF of 8.9 (Environmental Research), focusing on the development of a PET membrane from waste drinking bottles for treating microalgal harvested wastewater.

Furthermore, she successfully completed a mini-project funded by Petronas Research Sdn Bhd (PRSB), where she developed a membrane validation method for Petronas surfactants using HPLC. This endeavor resulted in the development of a membrane capable of treating surfactant-rich produced water with an impressive 98% rejection rate, as published in a Q1 journal with an IF of 11.1 (JCP).

Throughout her collaborations and individual projects, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and dedication to advancing sustainable membrane technologies and addressing environmental challenges in various industrial sectors.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬