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.

Vishwambhar Prasad Sati | Geography | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Prof. Dr. Vishwambhar Prasad Sati | Geography | Best Researcher Award

Senior Professor at Mizoram University, Aizawl, India

Professional Profile

Scopus
Orcid
Google Scholar

Summary

Prof. Vishwambhar Prasad Sati is a Senior Professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Management at Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl, India. With over 28 years of diverse academic and administrative experience, he is an internationally recognized scholar in mountain geography, sustainable development, and natural resource management. His work spans across continents, and he is actively engaged in global academic collaborations. Prof. Sati has also served in key academic leadership roles both in India and abroad and is currently affiliated as a Visiting Professor and Global Fellow at several international institutions.

Educational Details

Prof. Sati holds a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) in Geography from Jiwaji University, Gwalior (2011), a Ph.D. in Geography from HNB Garhwal University (1992), and an M.A. in Geography from the same institution (1989). He qualified the National Eligibility Test (NET) in Geography in 1997, conducted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

Professional Experience

Prof. Sati began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in Madhya Pradesh in 1994 and progressed to the ranks of Associate and full Professor, later joining Mizoram University through direct selection in 2012. Since 2021, he has served as Senior Professor at Mizoram University. His international teaching tenure includes serving as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Geography at Eritrea Institute of Technology (2005–2007). He has held several academic leadership roles, including Head of the Centre for Disaster Management at Mizoram University (since 2023) and Head of the Department of Geography and RM (2016–2019). Earlier, he also held administrative positions in Government PG Colleges in Madhya Pradesh and Eritrea.

Research Interests

Prof. Sati's research focuses on mountain geography, sustainable development, natural resource management, disaster risk reduction, rural transformation, and climate change impacts. His interdisciplinary approach integrates field-based observations, sustainable livelihoods, and policy-based strategies for environmental management, especially in fragile ecosystems such as the Himalayas.

Author Metrics

Prof. Sati maintains a strong scholarly presence with an extensive publication record indexed in Scopus, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar. His research is widely cited and reflects a consistent focus on sustainability, hazard risk, and mountain ecosystems. He has been recognized among the top 0.5% of scholars worldwide based on publication volume and impact. His academic content is accessible through various platforms including YouTube, Medium, and institutional repositories.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Sati has been honored with numerous awards and fellowships, including the Golden Achiever Award (2023), Best Research Paper Award (Elsevier, 2023), and multiple Visiting Professorships across Ukraine, China, and Canada. Notably, he was a Presidential Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2016) and has been recognized by the World Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, and ICSSR for his outstanding contributions. His accolades include more than a dozen international fellowships and over 50 international visits for academic purposes.

Publication Top Notes

1. Exploring Livelihood Opportunities in the Kali Kumaon Region of Uttarakhand Himalaya

Author: VP Sati
Journal: African Journal of Rural Development, Vol. 10(1), pp. 1–16
Year: 2025
Summary:
This paper examines alternative livelihood opportunities in the Kali Kumaon region of the Uttarakhand Himalaya. It emphasizes region-specific strategies to shift communities from subsistence-based livelihoods to more diversified and sustainable sources of income, including eco-tourism, agro-forestry, and local entrepreneurship.

2. Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Jamrani Irrigation Dam Project, Kumaon Himalaya, India

Author: VP Sati
Journal: Rural and Regional Development, Vol. 3(3), Article ID: 10007
Year: 2025
Summary:
This article critically assesses the Jamrani Irrigation Dam Project in terms of its developmental promises and environmental trade-offs. It investigates socio-economic transformations, resettlement issues, and ecological changes, offering policy-level recommendations for inclusive and sustainable development.

3. Sustainable Homestay Tourism for Enhancing Rural Livelihood in the Uttarakhand Himalaya: A Study of the Tons River Basin

Authors: VP Sati, S Banerjee
Journal: BIO Web of Conferences, Vol. 151, Article No. 03001
Year: 2025
Summary:
This paper presents homestay tourism as a model for sustainable rural livelihood in the Tons River Basin. By linking local culture, traditional architecture, and natural beauty to community-based tourism, it promotes economic resilience and environmental stewardship.

4. A Brief Introduction to Cultural Geography of the Central Himalaya, India

Author: VP Sati
Book Chapter In: Sacred Landscapes, Indigenous Knowledge, and Ethno-culture in Natural Resource Management
Year: 2024
Summary:
This chapter introduces the cultural landscape of the Central Himalaya, focusing on indigenous traditions, sacred geography, and ethnographic heritage. It explains how cultural practices are deeply interwoven with ecological knowledge and sustainable resource use.

5. Spatio‐Temporal Assessment of Areal Fragmentation and Volume of Snow Cover in the Central Himalaya

Authors: SB, VP Sati, MAS Chakraborty
Journal: Earth Systems and Environment
Year: 2024
Summary:
This research utilizes remote sensing and GIS to monitor snow cover fragmentation and volume trends in the Central Himalaya. The findings reveal significant climatic shifts affecting snow distribution, with implications for hydrological regimes and regional water security.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Vishwambhar Prasad Sati is an outstanding researcher with a proven track record of scholarly rigor, societal relevance, and global academic engagement. His recent publications, international awards, and ongoing contributions to mountain research, sustainable development, and rural livelihood studies strongly support his nomination and candidacy for the Best Researcher Award.

Mohamed Elhag | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Elhag | Remote Sensing | Best Researcher Award

Professor of Remote Sensing at Aerospace Information Research Institute, China

Professional Profile

Scopus
Orcid
Google Scholar

Summary

Professor Mohamed Elhag is an esteemed academic and environmental researcher specializing in remote sensing, geospatial technologies, and natural resources management. He currently serves as a Tenure Track Professor in the Department of Water Resources at King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he holds research fellow and visiting professor positions in Greece, China, and Oman, demonstrating a strong international academic footprint. His multi-decade career reflects extensive contributions to the fields of environmental science, water management, and geoinformation technologies.

Educational Details

Professor Elhag earned his Ph.D. in Water Resource Management from the University of Thessaly, Greece (2012), focusing on GIS, remote sensing, and spatial decision support systems. He holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Management (2008) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management (2007) from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania (MAICh), Greece. Earlier, he completed an M.Sc. in Plant Ecology (2008) and a B.Sc. in Special Botany (1999) from Cairo University, Egypt, in addition to postgraduate training in environmental studies and economics from the Faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University.

Professional Experience

With over two decades of professional experience, Professor Elhag has served in leading academic and research roles across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. At King Abdulaziz University, he has progressed from Assistant Professor to Full Professor since 2013. He also serves as a Research Fellow at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and CIHEAM/MAICh, and as Visiting Professor at the German University of Technology in Oman. Earlier roles include appointments at the University of Thessaly and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania. His work encompasses teaching, research leadership, and project coordination in ecological mapping, climate impact assessment, and sustainable land use.

Research Interests

Professor Elhag’s research is centered on geo-information technologies, remote sensing, and environmental management, particularly in arid and semi-arid ecosystems. His interests span a broad spectrum including water resource modeling, land use dynamics, soil erosion, vegetation mapping, habitat conservation, hyperspectral and microwave remote sensing, and spatial statistical modeling for decision support in natural resource governance.

Author Metrics

According to Google Scholar, Professor Elhag has amassed 1,785 citations, with an h-index of 21 and i10-index of 53 (as of 2024). His research output includes over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and international conference presentations. His work is widely published in high-impact journals such as Earth Systems and Environment, Sustainability, Arabian Journal of Geosciences, and Desalination and Water Treatment, reflecting significant academic influence across environmental science disciplines.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Professor Elhag has been actively engaged in national and international research initiatives. He has been the principal investigator or co-PI on several funded projects by King Abdulaziz University and the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. His commitment to academic excellence and cross-border scientific collaboration has earned him recognition within professional societies such as the Arab Water Council, Saudi Biological Society, and Water Sciences and Technology Association, as well as affiliations with numerous international environmental research programs.

Publicaiton Top Notes

1. Assessment of Surface Deformation Patterns Using InSAR Data: Implications for Human Impacts in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia
2. Understanding Drought: Agricultural and Socioeconomic Effects in Tekeze Watershed, Northern Ethiopia
3. Assessment of Machine Learning Techniques in Mapping Land Use/Land Cover Changes in a Semi-Arid Environment

  • Authors: Noamen Baccari, Mohamed Hafedh Hamza, Tarek Slama, Anis Sebei, Sarra Ouerghi, Rania Elsheikh, Naoufel Rebai, Mohamed Elhag

  • Journal: Earth Systems and Environment

  • Publication Date: January 2025

  • DOI: 10.1007/s41748-025-00620-3

  • Access: ResearchGateresearchgate.net

4. Assessment of Coastal Zone Vulnerability in Context of Sea-Level Rise and Inundation Risk in Qatar
5. Comparative Assessment of Process-Based Models for Simulating the Hydrological Response of the Himalayan River Basin

Conclusion

Professor Mohamed Elhag exemplifies what the Best Researcher Award aims to recognize: outstanding scholarly excellence, global academic leadership, innovation in high-impact research, and contributions to solving real-world environmental challenges. His output, citation record, interdisciplinary focus, and international presence make him a deserving candidate. With minor expansion into science communication and strategic collaborations, his profile could be even more impactful.

 

Nitesh Kumar Mourya – Geography – Best Researcher Award

Published on by Network Science

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.