Mahesh Prasad Awasthi | Environmental Science | Young Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Mr. Mahesh Prasad Awasthi | Environmental Science | Young Researcher Award

Teaching Assistant at Far Western University, Nepal

Professional Profile

Scopus
Orcid
Google Scholar

Summary

Mahesh Prasad Awasthi, is an emerging environmental scientist and geospatial researcher. Currently serving as a Teaching Assistant at the Central Department of General Science, Far Western University, Nepal, he also contributes as a GIS specialist and researcher for the Api Saipal Development Forum. Mahesh has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating geospatial technologies and environmental science to address critical societal and ecological challenges in the Himalayan region.

Educational Details

Mahesh holds a Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Environmental Science from the Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, where his thesis focused on flood susceptibility modeling and water quality assessment. He completed his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Environmental Science at Far Western University, with a thesis on landslide susceptibility modeling. His academic journey began with +2 Science from Kanchan Vidya Mandir Samudayik College and School Leaving Certificate (S.L.C.) from Galeshwor Secondary School, Baitadi.

Professional Experience

Mahesh has over five years of multidisciplinary experience in environmental science, disaster risk reduction, and geoinformatics. He currently teaches at Far Western University and previously worked as a Field Enumerator for Nepal’s National Climate Change Survey. Additionally, he serves as a part-time Program Coordinator and GIS Specialist at the Api Saipal Development Forum and held the role of Program Officer for Environment and DRR at Lakshya Training and Research Center. He has also interned with ENPHO and NEEDS Nepal on urban resilience and waste management projects.

Research Interest

His research interests include Environmental Geoinformatics (GIS/RS/Modeling), Hydrogeochemistry, Aquatic Ecology, Wetland Conservation, Disaster Risk Management, and Climate Change. He emphasizes the application of multivariate statistical tools, digital elevation models, and hydrological modeling techniques to support data-driven environmental planning and conservation in Nepal’s fragile ecosystems. Mahesh is passionate about empowering communities and young researchers through the intersection of science, technology, and policy.

Author Metrics

Mahesh has co-authored and authored over 16 peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals such as Environmental Earth Science, Water Practice and Technology, Water, Scientific World, and Sustainable Water Resources Management. His work has been cited across multiple domains involving geospatial modeling, climate change vulnerability, hydrochemical assessment, and bioindicators. His profiles are accessible on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and ORCID.

Awards and Honors

Mahesh has received several competitive research grants and awards for his pioneering work in environmental assessment and community-based climate adaptation. In 2022, he was awarded a thesis grant by the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment, followed by principal investigator-led projects in 2023, 2024, and 2025 funded by institutions like the Nepal National Social Welfare Association and Ministry of Social Development. These grants supported impactful research on climate resilience, water vulnerability, and local adaptation strategies in Western Nepal.

Publication Top Notes

1. An Assessment of Seasonal Water Quality in Phewa Lake, Nepal, by Integrating Geochemical Indices and Statistical Techniques: A Sustainable Approach

  • Authors: R. Timalsina, S. Acharya, B. Đurin, M. P. Awasthi, R. R. Pant, G. R. Joshi, et al.

  • Journal: Water, Vol. 17(2), Article 238, 2025

  • Citations: 9

  • Summary: This study evaluates the seasonal variation in water quality of Phewa Lake using a blend of geochemical indices and statistical tools. It provides actionable insights into the lake’s ecological status, highlighting potential pollution sources and proposing sustainable water management strategies.

2. Hydro-chemical Characteristics of Biring and Tangting Rivers (Nepal) and Evaluation of Water Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes

  • Authors: N. Basnet, S. Sitaula, R. Bohara, S. Bhattarai, S. Rawal, M. P. Uprety, M. P. Awasthi, et al.

  • Journal: Environmental Research, Vol. 261, Article 119697, 2024

  • Citations: 8

  • Summary: This research analyzes hydro-chemical properties of the Biring and Tangting Rivers, assessing their suitability for drinking and irrigation. It identifies key contaminants, highlights seasonal influences, and recommends interventions to ensure safe water use.

3. Evaluating the Major Sources of Surface Water Quality in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Gandaki Province, Nepal

  • Authors: S. Tiwari, B. Timalsina, S. Sitaula, M. P. Awasthi, A. Mahat, R. R. Pant

  • Journal: Himalayan Biodiversity, pp. 29–38, 2023

  • Citations: 8

  • Summary: This paper identifies and analyzes the primary anthropogenic and natural contributors to surface water pollution in Pokhara. The findings serve as a policy guide for improving urban water resource management and safeguarding biodiversity.

4. Mapping and Analyzing Temporal Variability of Spectral Indices in the Lowland Region of Far Western Nepal

  • Author: M. P. Awasthi

  • Journal: Water Practice and Technology, Vol. 18(11), pp. 2971–2988, 2023

  • Citations: 7

  • Summary: This study leverages satellite-derived spectral indices to monitor environmental variability and land cover change in Far Western Nepal. The findings emphasize the role of remote sensing in early warning systems and environmental planning.

5. Water Balance Estimation and Runoff Simulation of Chameliya Watershed, Nepal

  • Authors: J. Nepal, R. R. Pant, S. Shrestha, S. Paudel, K. Bishwakarma, M. P. Awasthi, et al.

  • Journal: Environmental Earth Sciences, Vol. 83(3), Article 117, 2024

  • Citations: 6

  • Summary: Focusing on the Chameliya Watershed, this research employs hydrological modeling to estimate water balance and simulate runoff. The outcomes aid in flood risk management, irrigation planning, and climate resilience in the Himalayan foothills.

Conclusion

Mr. Mahesh Prasad Awasthi exemplifies the ideal recipient of the Young Researcher Award in Environmental Science. His track record reflects a rare combination of academic excellence, community-oriented practice, and innovation in geospatial methods. He is already influencing environmental monitoring and climate resilience planning in Nepal, and with continued support, he is poised to make even broader regional and international contributions.

Erdiwansyah – Science and Technology – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Erdiwansyah – Science and Technology – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Erdiwansyah  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Science and Technology. He has been involved in significant research projects, including the production of bio-coke from palm oil solid waste as a high-calorie and environmentally friendly fuel, a project spanning from 2022 to 2024. Additionally, he worked on developing biomass stove innovations using agricultural waste to fry chips in the Saree community of Aceh Besar.

 

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He holds a PhD in Renewable Energy and Technology from Universitas Syiah Kuala in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. He also earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the same institution. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Serambi Mekkah, also located in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.

Research Area

Renewable Energy, Biomass, Energy Conversions, Combustion, Biodiesel, Technology Renewable Energy.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Victor Klaba – Hydrogeology- Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Victor Klaba – Hydrogeology- Best Researcher Award

Mr. Victor Klaba distinguished academic and researcher in the field Hydrogeology. Specialized in hydrogeology for five years, he has developed a range of skills from fieldwork to analysis and interpretation, while collaborating with scientists, water resource managers, and politicians. As water resources are one of the pillars of our societies, this science is crucial for humanity and its future, especially in view of current challenges such as climate change, war, and demographic development. Moreover, he specializes in the study of a specific hydrogeological object: the Karst. Representing the main drinking water resource for 25% of the world’s population, this object is highly vulnerable and difficult to study due to its high degree of heterogeneity and anisotropy.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences and a Master’s degree in 3G, both from the University of Franche-Comté in Besançon, France, through the CMI cursus. Currently, he is a PhD student in Hydrogeology at the same university, enrolled in the Doctoral School of Science and Health.

 

Work Experience

He has interned with the COREAUNA project at the Geological Survey of New Caledonia, where he studied the functioning of the Koné alluvial aquifer through geochemical characterization and contributed to updating the water resource protection policy for Koné and the North Province. Additionally, he interned with the TRANSKARST project at the Chrono-environment Laboratory, where he conducted a study of groundwater circulation in the Montfaucon anticline through rigorous geological analysis, including structure, fracturing, and modeling. In another phase of the TRANSKARST project, he undertook a preliminary study of the Arcier hydrosystem’s functioning through hydrochemical and hydrodynamic characterization, involving fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and further geological modeling of Montfaucon.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Tizita Endale Elcho – Soil science Award – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Tizita Endale Elcho – Soil science Award – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tizita Endale Elcho  distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Soil Science. She is a seasoned researcher specializing in the fields of land degradation, soil quality, and soil erosion, boasting over a decade of expertise in conducting thorough research, crafting insightful analyses, and publishing findings in reputable academic journals. Moreover, she brings more than six years of valuable experience in teaching and mentoring both undergraduate and postgraduate students, guiding them through the complexities of their theses.

During her tenure from 2014 to 2017, she assumed the role of laboratory coordinator at the College of Agriculture Science, Arba Minch University. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, facilitating lecture demonstrations, and managing monitoring and evaluation processes.

Her proactive nature allows her to excel independently, showcasing a remarkable ability to stay motivated and meet deadlines even in demanding situations. With a practical mindset and a logical approach to problem-solving, she demonstrates a strong capability to perform efficiently, ensuring successful outcomes even under significant pressure.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

She holds a Doctor of Bioscience Engineering (PhD) degree from KU Leuven and Ghent University in Belgium, earned between 2018 and 2023. Her doctoral research focused on assessing the soil degradation status and processes of agricultural fields across an elevation gradient in the Southern Ethiopian Rift, culminating in her PhD thesis.

Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed her Master of Science (MSc) in Soil Science at Haramaya University in Ethiopia from 2012 to 2014, graduating with a commendable CGPA of 3.64 out of 4.00. Her commitment to academic excellence was evident during her undergraduate years at Bahir Dar University in Ethiopia, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Natural Resource Management from 2006 to 2008, graduating with distinction and achieving a CGPA of 3.46 out of 4.00.

Employment History

She served as a Soil and Water Conservation Expert at the Gamo Gofa Zone Agriculture and Rural Development Office in Arba Minch from 2008 to 2010. In this role, she played a crucial part in scheduling and conducting training sessions for local communities, particularly farmers, on the implementation of soil and water conservation practices. Additionally, she supervised developmental agents across various Kebeles within the Arba Minch district agriculture and rural development office, ensuring the effective dissemination of knowledge and practices. Her responsibilities extended to mobilizing communities to embrace innovative technologies such as water harvesting, watershed management, and integrated soil fertility management, contributing significantly to sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

Lecturer and laboratory coordinator at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Arba Minch  University, Arba Minch (2014 – 2023)

Achievements and responsibilities:

  • Conduct basic and applied research with several teams on soil-related issues.
  • Advise both undergraduate and postgraduate students on their final-year research.
  • Train developmental agents and natural resources management experts with the collaboration of Mercy Corps.
  • Lecture several courses such as Fundamental Soil Science, Integrated Soil Fertility Management, Land Degradation and Rehabilitation, Integrated Watershed Management, Research Methodology, Biodiversity Conservation, and Environmental Impact Assessment.
  • Organize and facilitate research symposiums at the university level.
  • Coordinate all laboratory activities of the college.
  • Prepare laboratory guidelines for the relevant bodies of the colleges including departments.
  • Prepare activities and financial plans as well as reports for the college laboratory office.
  • Arranging laboratory equipment and supplies, guide and follow up technical assistance in laboratory activities.
📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Hemamalini Rawindran – Life Cycle Analysis Award – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

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📝🔬

George Mikhailovsky – Biology Network – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

George Mikhailovsky – Biology Network – Best Researcher Award

 Dr. George Mikhailovsky  distinguished academic and researcher in the Biology Network. He has held the role of President and CEO at Global Mind Share in Norfolk, VA since July 2012, a non-profit organization co-founded with Gary Sorrell. In this capacity, he oversees the collection of critical global issues affecting humanity from around the world, facilitating their discussion and efforts toward resolution. Additionally, since October 1998, he has served as a Principal Systems Analyst at CALIBRE in Metro Park, Alexandria, VA. With a tenure spanning over two decades, he has been the Technical Lead for significant projects such as the Capital Program Management System (CPMS) and Operating Budget System (OBS) for esteemed entities like the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). His work involves managing approximately $6 million in efforts to develop and implement CPMS, a comprehensive financial management information system that tracks and reports on various aspects including grants, capital programs, contracts, budgets, and expenses, thereby contributing significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of these transportation authorities.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He obtained his Master of Science in Biophysics and Physiology from Moscow State University in 1966-1969. Subsequently, he pursued a Doctor of Philosophy degree at the same institution, specializing in Biophysics, which he completed in 1969. Later, between 1981 and 1983, he earned his Doctor of Science degree in Biostatistics & Ecological Modeling from the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, USSR Academy of Sciences. His academic journey reflects a comprehensive exploration of interdisciplinary fields, spanning from biophysics to ecological modeling, showcasing his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and understanding.

Throughout his career, he has held various positions that reflect his expertise and dedication across different fields. From December 1969 to April 1978, he worked at Moscow State University, initially as a Laboratory Assistant, progressing to Junior Scientist, and eventually Senior Scientist. During this time, he played a pivotal role in developing the concept and structure of marine ecological monitoring services for the Government Committee of Meteorology and Environmental Protection. Additionally, he led coastal expeditions to The White Sea from 1973 to 1976 as part of Moscow State University’s initiatives.

Moving forward, from May 1978 to January 1981, he served as a Professor and Deputy Chairman of the Physics-Chemical Biology Department at Irkutsk State University, where he lectured on topics such as General Biophysics, Biophysics of Complex Systems, and Biological Systems Theory. His contributions extended to research in statistical multivariable analysis of the structure of freshwater plankton communities and biological thermodynamics.

Subsequently, from February 1981 to May 1995, he held the position of Principal Scientist at the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia. Here, he specialized in mathematical treatment of multi-variable ecological data, employing methods such as cluster analysis and principal components analysis. He also developed new statistical methods, focusing on statistical modeling of marine ecosystems, including ecological risk assessment and marine environment quality estimation.

In addition to his research roles, he contributed to academia as a Professor of the System Ecology Department at Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Russia, from February 1992 to June 1995. His teaching portfolio included courses on General Oceanography, General Ecology, Ecological Monitoring, and Marine Ecology.

Transitioning to the private sector, he served as a Programmer Analyst at Innovative Information Systems, Inc., Rockville, MD, from November 1995 to November 1996, where he was involved in the development and implementation of an online medical supply application. Following this, he joined Information Systems Solutions International, Inc., Silver Spring, MD, as a Senior Programmer from November 1996 to October 1998, contributing to the enhancement of PowerBuilder applications for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

His dedication to education continued as he assumed a part-time Professor role at Software Quality Learning, Inc., Rockville, MD, from March 1997 to August 1999. Here, he focused on educating and training PowerBuilder developers, covering fundamental to advanced topics. Currently, he also serves as the President and CEO of Global Mind Share, a non-profit organization aimed at addressing global issues critical to humanity.

Award and Honour

He has earned numerous certifications and awards throughout his career, showcasing his expertise and recognition in various fields. Notably, in 2008, he obtained the Certified SOA (Service-Oriented Architecture) Associate certification, demonstrating his proficiency in this architectural approach. His dedication to excellence was acknowledged in 2006 when he received the Certificate of Excellence from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Additionally, he holds several Oracle certifications, including Oracle 10g Administrator Certified Professional (2004), Oracle 9i Administrator Certified Professional (2003), Oracle 8i Certified Database Administrator (2002), and Oracle 8 Certified Database Administrator (2001), underlining his mastery in Oracle database administration.

Furthermore, he achieved the designation of Master PowerBuilder Programmer in 1999, indicating his advanced skills in this programming language. His contributions to the field of science were recognized in 1995 when he was included in the List of 5000 Outstanding Scientists of Russia by the Russian Government, affirming his significant impact and contributions to scientific research and academia. These certifications and awards underscore his commitment to continuous learning, professional development, and excellence in his respective domains.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬