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

Marta Sokół – Biodiversity – Best Researcher Award

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Marta Sokół – Biodiversity

Mrs. Marta Sokół  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Biodiversity.  She actively engaged in various courses and conferences during her academic journey. As part of the Pilot Tutor Program at Bialystok University of Technology, she enriched her skills by participating in a nature inventory course using QGIS software titled “Nature Inventory: GIS Basics with QGIS” in 2022. This 20-hour course, conducted by OnGeo, provided her with practical knowledge, and she successfully obtained a certificate upon completion. Additionally, she showcased her research at the IALE 2022 European Landscape Ecology Congress, presenting a poster titled “A multi-criteria method for assessing the value of ecosystem services for catchment protection in northeastern Poland.” The collaborative effort with her tutor demonstrated her commitment to exploring and contributing to the field.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations: 📚🎓

She completed her full-time studies at Bialystok University of Technology, focusing on spatial management within the Faculty of Construction and Environmental Sciences from 2017 to 2022. Her major was spatial management with a specialization in Geoinformation and Spatial Planning, achieving commendable results. Her master’s thesis, addressing spatial issues in Bialystok, received recognition by winning the competition held by the President of the City of Bialystok for the best thesis in that category. Subsequently, she continued her education at the same university, enrolling in the Institute of Environmental and Energy Engineering from 2023 onwards, concentrating on the scientific disciplines of environmental engineering, mining, and energy. Notably, during her master’s studies, she actively participated in the Pilot Tutor Program, showcasing her commitment to academic and practical engagement in her field.

 

Courses and conferences

She actively engaged in various courses and conferences during her academic journey. As part of the Pilot Tutor Program at Bialystok University of Technology, she enriched her skills by participating in a nature inventory course using QGIS software titled “Nature Inventory: GIS Basics with QGIS” in 2022. This 20-hour course, conducted by OnGeo, provided her with practical knowledge, and she successfully obtained a certificate upon completion. Additionally, she showcased her research at the IALE 2022 European Landscape Ecology Congress, presenting a poster titled “A multi-criteria method for assessing the value of ecosystem services for catchment protection in northeastern Poland.” The collaborative effort with her tutor demonstrated her commitment to exploring and contributing to the field. Furthermore, her involvement in the Landscape Seminar organized by the Polish Landscape Ecology Association focused on issues pertaining to landscape design, reflecting her broader engagement with the interdisciplinary aspects of her academic pursuits.

 

📚Top Noted Publication

Grażyna Łaska – Biodiversity – Best Researcher Award

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Grażyna Łaska – Biodiversity 

Dr. Grazyna Laska distinguished academic and researcher in the field Biodiversity.  Grażyna Łaska, prof. PB demonstrates special achievements in its scientific and research work. In the parametric assessment for the achievements submitted for evaluation of the discipline of biological sciences and environmental engineering, in 2023 it received a positive and outstanding mark with a total number of 1291.1 points, including 863.15 points. for scientific and research activities and 427.95 points. for teaching and organizational activities. In the scientific achievements of Dr. hab. Grażyna Łaska, prof. PB currently has 238 scientific papers, including 136 original scientific papers with a total MEiN score of 2,480.36 points and an Impact Factor (IF) of 60.190, including  7 original scientific papers from the list of the Philadelphia Institute of Scientific Information in 2021-2022 with a total score of 636.7 points.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations: 📚🎓

In 2020-2021, of the 9 patent inventions filed, Dr. hab. Grażyna Łaska, prof. PB, obtained from the Patent Office of the Republic of Poland – 6 patents with a total score of 490 points. Currently, in 2023, Ph.D. Grażyna Łaska is the supervisor of another 8 of her own scientific works, and was also the supervisor of 4 completed doctorates, including the 2022 supervisor of the implementation doctorate of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and serves as a reviewer of scientific monographs – professors and a reviewer of scientific articles for international and national periodicals. As part of international research cooperation in the field of genetic and biological variability of the pasque flower Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill. in north-eastern Poland continues research with Prof. Jason Hoeksema from the Department of Biology in the USA at the University of Mississippi in Oxford and with the research team from Palackeho v Olomouci University in the Czech Republic.

​ As a certified nature expert (Professional Certificate No. ŚR.II.GP. 66334/333/08) in the field of “Agri-environment-climate measures” under the EU Rural Development Programs for 2007-2013, 2014-2020 and currently 2021- 2027, also takes part in government training and agri-environmental workshops of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ph.D. Grażyna Łaska, prof. PB is currently serving another term as Vice-President of the Polish Botanical Society (2016-2022; 2022-2025) and Chairwoman of the Białystok Branch of the Polish Botanical Society (2022-2025). He is also a member of national and international ecological and pharmaceutical organizations (Polish Association of Landscape Ecology PAEK, the International Association of Landscape Ecology IALE, the International Association for Ecology INTECOL, The American Society of Pharmacognosy ASP, Polish Society of Ecological Engineering).

📚Top Noted Publication

  • Biodiversity and ecosystem services: Complementary approach for catchment protection and land use in northeastern Poland

  • The Approach to Finding Locations for Wind Farms Using GIS and MCDA: Case Study Based on Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland

  • A Review: Assessment of Domestic Solid Fuel Sources in Nigeria

  • Pulsatilla vulgaris Inhibits Cancer Proliferation in Signaling Pathways of 12 Reporter Genes

  • A Review: Existing Methods for Solving Spatial Planning Problems for Wind Turbines in Poland

  • Bayesian network model informs on the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the population characteristics of an endangered plant species

  • Assessment of Cow Dung Pellets as a Renewable Solid Fuel in Direct Combustion Technologies

  • Application of Bayesian networks in evaluation of current status and protection of Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill.

  • Characteristics of Ashes from the Combustion of Cow Dung Biomass

  • The Effect of Moisture and Ash on the Calorific Value of Cow Dung Biomass 

  • The Effect of Moisture and Ash on the Calorific Value of Cow Dung Biomass

  • Evaluation of energy properties of animal cow dung manure,Ocena energetycznych właściwości odchodów zwierzęcych cow dung

    Przemysl Chemiczny
    2018 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.15199/62.2018.5.19

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85054550031

    CONTRIBUTORS: Łaska, G.; Szymajda, A.

  • Model of anthropogenic disturbance impact on the relationships between vegetation and population dynamics of Carexdigitata

  • Pulsatilla patens (Ranunculaceae), a perennial herb, is ectomycorrhizal in northeastern Poland and likely shares ectomycorrhizal fungi with Pinus sylvestris

  • ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF THE ROOT EXTRACTS OF &ITPULSATILLA PATENS&IT AGAINST &ITCANDIDA GLABRATA&IT

  • Antifungal activity of the root extracts of Pulsatilla patens against Candida glabrata

  • ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF THE ROOT EXTRACTS OF PULSATILLA PATENS AGAINST CANDIDA GLABRATA

  • Antifungal activity of the root extracts of Pulsatilla patens against Candida glabrata

  • Wind Energy and Multi-criteria Analysis in Making Decisions on the Location of Wind Farms

Wenfu Peng -Vegetation dynamic monitoring- Best Researcher Award

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Wenfu Peng -Vegetation dynamic monitoring

Prof Dr. Wenfu Peng  distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Vegetation dynamic monitoring. In 2002, he embarked on a postgraduate journey, undertaking Master’s studies at the College of Resources and Environment at Sichuan Normal University. Building on this foundation, he pursued a Doctorate, completing his PhD from the State Key Laboratory of Geological Disaster Prevention and Geological Environmental Protection at Chengdu University of Technology in 2009. Throughout his academic trajectory, he demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing his understanding of geography and related disciplines.

Eduvation

He began his educational journey in 1985, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from the Department of Geography at Sichuan Normal University, where he dedicated himself to the study of geographic principles and phenomena. After a brief hiatus, from 1992 to 1995, he continued his academic pursuits at Southwest University (formerly Southwest Normal University), further expanding his knowledge in the field.
Professional Profiles:

 

Academic Positions:

Since July 2005, he has held the esteemed position of Professor at the School of Geography and Resource Science at Sichuan Normal University, where he has made significant contributions to academia. His expertise encompasses a range of teaching activities, primarily focusing on postgraduate courses such as “Understanding and Analysis of Remote Sensing Image Science.” Additionally, he imparts his knowledge to undergraduate students through courses like “GIS Spatial Analysis,” “GIS Principles,” “Territorial Planning,” and other related subjects. Throughout his tenure, he has been dedicated to fostering a comprehensive understanding of geographical and spatial sciences among his students, leaving an indelible mark on the academic landscape.

Research Overview:

Throughout the years, he has actively engaged in a multitude of research projects, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in various domains. From 2014 to 2017, he spearheaded the National Natural Science Foundation of China Project titled “Maintenance Mechanism of Land Ecological Security in Chengdu Plain based on LUCC Disturbance” (Project No. 41371125), delving into the intricate dynamics of land use and ecological security. Subsequently, from 2018 to 2020, he directed his efforts towards the Humanities and Social Science Planning Project of the Ministry of Education (Project No. 17YJA850007), contributing valuable insights to the intersection of social sciences and education.

In the earlier years, his involvement in key projects at Sichuan Normal University included the 2013-2015 Key Cultivation Project, “Ecological Security Research of Chengdu Plain Based on LUCC” (Project No. 13ZDL03), and the 2014-2015 Sichuan Provincial Department of Education Project, “Research on Ecotourism Development Model of West Sichuan Plateau Based on GIS” (Project No. LYC13-11). His diverse expertise also extended to national initiatives, such as the National Science and Technology Major Project’s special topic on “Water Pollution Control and Treatment” (Project No. 2009ZX07106-004-01-02), specifically focusing on the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources and salinity in the Bosten Lake Basin. Additionally, his contributions were integral to the National Science and Technology Support Program’s topic on “Research on Rural Housing Planning, Design, and Construction Standards” (Project No. 2008BAJ08B09-5), concentrating on the formulation of standards for village and township rural community planning. His extensive involvement in these projects reflects his dedication to advancing scientific understanding and addressing critical issues in various fields.

Awards

In recognition of his notable contributions to the field, he was honored with the third prize of the Sichuan Science and Technology Progress Award in 2011 for his exemplary project titled “Research on Urban Land Use Change and Its Ecological Environment Effect Based on RS & GIS.” Beyond his research endeavors, he actively engages in social contributions by serving as a review expert for various international journals, demonstrating his commitment to advancing scholarly discourse and maintaining rigorous standards within the academic community.

Moreover, he has assumed significant roles in shaping academic and scientific landscapes. His responsibilities include serving as an evaluation expert for the Degree Center of the Ministry of Education, China, contributing to the assessment of educational standards. Additionally, he has lent his expertise as a science and technology plan evaluation expert for the Provincial Department of Science and Technology in Sichuan Province, playing a pivotal role in evaluating and shaping regional scientific initiatives. Further showcasing his multifaceted involvement, he serves as a technical expert for territorial ecological restoration support at the Provincial Department of Natural Resources, Sichuan Province, underscoring his commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological well-being. Through these diverse roles, he continues to make a meaningful impact in academia, research, and the broader scientific community.

Publication

1.Quantifying urban expansion and its driving forces in Chengdu, western China  – 2023                                                                  Wang, G., Peng, W., Zhang, L., …Shi, J., Wang, L.

2. Quantifying the impacts of natural and human factors on changes in NPP using an optimal parameters-based geographical detector -2023

3.Vegetation EVI changes and response to natural factors and human activities based on geographically and temporally weighted regression-2023

4. Assessment of Land Ecological Security from 2000 to 2020 in the Chengdu Plain Region of China                                    Zhang, L., Peng, W., Zhang, J. – 2023

5. Estimate of population density and diagnosis of main factors of spatial heterogeneity in the metropolitan scale,     western China  Wang, G., Peng, W., Zhang, L. -2023

6. Spatiotemporal variations and driving mechanisms of vegetation coverage in the Wumeng Mountainous Area, China