Alain Póvoa | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Alain Póvoa | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Estudante de Doutorado at UFF, Brazil

Alain Póvoa is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Ocean and Earth Dynamics at Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Brazil. His research primarily focuses on marine litter, including microplastics, plastisphere, and benthic organisms attached to debris (rafting). He has contributed to the understanding of solid waste distribution in marine and coastal environments and its ecological impacts. Póvoa is also involved in environmental education and public awareness through initiatives such as the Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia Extension Project and the Instituto Mar Adentro. His work highlights the critical need for sustainable coastal management and the role of education in enhancing environmental perception. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles in esteemed journals and is actively engaged in research on coastal resilience and adaptation strategies.

Professional Profile 

Education

Alain Póvoa holds a Master’s degree in Marine Biology and Coastal Environments from Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), completed in 2021. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Ocean and Earth Dynamics at the same institution, expected to enhance his expertise in marine science. Póvoa also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), obtained in 2017. His academic journey has focused on marine ecosystems, environmental challenges, and the impact of human activity on coastal environments. Through his education, Póvoa has developed a strong foundation in marine biology, environmental science, and coastal management.

Professional Experience

Póvoa has extensive professional experience in marine research, contributing to several significant projects and publications. He is a key collaborator in the Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia Extension Project at UERJ, which promotes environmental awareness regarding marine litter. He also works with Instituto Mar Adentro, focusing on marine conservation. Póvoa’s research includes the analysis of solid waste and microplastics in Brazilian coastal regions and their ecological implications. Additionally, he is involved in the Liga Acadêmica de Diversidade Animal (LADA – UFF), further contributing to the scientific community. His professional work bridges the gap between academia and real-world environmental challenges, combining research with hands-on conservation efforts.

 

Research Interest

Alain Póvoa’s research interests primarily focus on marine litter, particularly the impact of solid waste on marine and coastal ecosystems. His work emphasizes the study of benthic organisms that adhere to debris (rafting), microplastics, and the plastisphere. Póvoa is dedicated to understanding the distribution of marine litter in Brazilian coastal areas and its ecological consequences, such as biodiversity loss and ecosystem disruption. Additionally, his research explores environmental education and public perception of litter on sandy beaches, aiming to promote awareness and drive behavioral changes. His interdisciplinary approach combines marine biology, environmental science, and coastal management, contributing to solutions for sustainable environmental practices. Póvoa’s work is vital in addressing pressing issues such as pollution, habitat degradation, and the role of coastal habitats in mitigating climate change.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic and research career, Alain Póvoa has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to marine science and environmental research. His dedication to understanding the impact of marine litter and his commitment to promoting environmental sustainability have earned him numerous accolades. As an active collaborator in various research projects, Póvoa has been honored for his scientific output, including publications in high-impact journals. His involvement in initiatives like Praia Limpa é a Minha Praia and Instituto Mar Adentro showcases his passion for both research and outreach, earning recognition in academic and environmental circles. These achievements reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering positive change in coastal conservation efforts. Póvoa’s continuous pursuit of knowledge and solutions to marine pollution positions him as a prominent figure in the field of marine and environmental science.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Macrofouling on marine litter in a Southwest Atlantic urban tropical bay and surrounds
    Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Souza, L.R., Henud, I.R., Amorim, R.M., Soares-Gomes, A.
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Coastal resilience and adaptation strategies: Natural habitats for coastal protection and Atlantic forest restoration on the coast of the Rio de Janeiro state
    Authors: Henud, I.R., Póvoa, A.A., Gonçalves Tavares, M., Soares-Gomes, A.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Abundance and distribution of solid waste and microplastics in southeastern Brazilian islands: a comprehensive analysis
    Authors: Imsaurriaga, C.S.A., Póvoa, A.A., Derviche, P., Castro, R.O., de Araújo, F.V.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Marine litter on Atlantic Ocean sandy beaches: Current state of knowledge by scientometric analysis and proposal for discussion of amelioration by coastal management
    Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Souza, L.R., Henud, I.R., De-La-Torre, G.E., Soares-Gomes, A.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0
  • Title: Marine litter colonization: Methodological challenges and recommendations
    Authors: De-la-Torre, G.E., Romero Arribasplata, M.B., Lucas Roman, V.A., Póvoa, A.A., Walker, T.R.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 12
  • Title: Cigarette butts in two urban areas from Brazil: Links among environmental impacts, demography and market
    Authors: Ribeiro, V.V., Lopes, T.C., Amaral dos Santos Pinto, M., Szklo, A.S., Castro, Í.B.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 39
  • Title: Macroorganisms fouled in marine anthropogenic litter (rafting) around a tropical bay in the Southwest Atlantic
    Authors: Póvoa, A.A., de Araújo, F.V., Skinner, L.F.
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 20
  • Title: Fouling organisms in marine litter (rafting on abiogenic substrates): A global review of literature
    Authors: Póvoa, A.A., Skinner, L.F., de Araújo, F.V.
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 54
  • Title: Marine litter and wood debris as habitat and vector for the range expansion of invasive corals (Tubastraea spp.)
    Authors: Mantelatto, M.C., Póvoa, A.A., Skinner, L.F., Araujo, F.V.D., Creed, J.C.
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 46

Parvaneh Sobhani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral researcher, Department of Environmental Science, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in Environmental Science and Engineering, with a focus on land use and regional planning. She completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resource Management at Hamadan University and the University of Alborz, respectively, earning top honors. Dr. Sobhani’s doctoral research at Shahid Beheshti University focused on evaluating the sustainability of ecotourism in protected areas of Tehran. She has contributed significantly to studies on environmental assessment, eco-tourism development, and the impact of climate change on tourism in conservation areas. With numerous publications in prestigious journals, her work explores ecological capacity, the environmental impacts of development, and strategies for sustainable tourism. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Sobhani has extensive technical training in GIS, spatial decision-making, and environmental risk assessment. She is committed to advancing research on sustainable environmental management and conservation practices.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani has a strong educational background in Environmental Engineering and Natural Resource Management. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Hamadan University, where she graduated with top honors. Following this, she pursued her Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management at the University of Alborz, further developing her expertise in environmental science and land management. Dr. Sobhani then completed her Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering at Shahid Beheshti University, where she focused on the sustainability of ecotourism in protected areas of Tehran. Her doctoral research combined environmental assessment, land use planning, and conservation strategies, contributing to the development of sustainable tourism practices in ecological sites. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Sobhani has also gained significant experience in GIS, spatial decision-making, and environmental risk management, which have become key components of her research and academic career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani has extensive professional experience in the fields of environmental engineering, natural resource management, and sustainability. She has worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at several prestigious universities, where she has taught and mentored students in subjects related to environmental science, land management, and ecological conservation. Dr. Sobhani has also been actively involved in research, focusing on environmental sustainability, ecotourism, and the management of protected areas. Her expertise includes using GIS and spatial analysis tools for environmental assessment and land use planning. She has contributed to multiple projects in collaboration with government agencies and international organizations, providing consultancy on sustainable land management, environmental risk assessment, and the implementation of conservation policies. Additionally, Dr. Sobhani has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, further solidifying her role as a thought leader in her field. Her professional experience also includes organizing environmental workshops and conferences.

Research Interest

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani’s research interests are centered around environmental sustainability, natural resource management, and the integration of ecotourism with conservation practices. She focuses on developing innovative strategies for the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly in protected areas and sensitive ecosystems. Her work emphasizes the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis to environmental assessment and land use planning, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Dr. Sobhani also explores the role of community engagement in environmental governance, studying how local populations can be involved in conservation efforts while benefiting from sustainable development. She has a keen interest in the ecological impacts of tourism and how ecotourism can be leveraged as a tool for both conservation and economic development. Additionally, her research touches on climate change mitigation, with a focus on the restoration of degraded ecosystems and the development of resilient environmental policies.

Award and Honor

Dr. Parvaneh Sobhani has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and research. She was awarded the Environmental Leadership Award for her innovative approaches to integrating conservation practices with community development, particularly in protected areas. Dr. Sobhani’s research has also earned her recognition in the form of research excellence awards, acknowledging her significant contributions to sustainable resource management and the application of GIS in environmental assessment. Her leadership in promoting ecotourism as a tool for conservation has garnered national recognition, with her receiving an Ecotourism Excellence Award. She has been invited to serve on various advisory boards and research panels, reflecting her expertise in the fields of environmental science and sustainability. Dr. Sobhani’s commitment to addressing climate change through practical and community-centered solutions has earned her accolades from environmental organizations and academic institutions around the world.

Conclusion

Parvaneh Sobhani Pajooh is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award based on her exceptional academic qualifications, a substantial body of research, and significant contributions to environmental science and sustainable development. Her work is critical in addressing the environmental challenges of our time, especially in the context of ecotourism and climate change adaptation. While there are areas for potential growth, her foundational work and continued contributions position her as a leading researcher in her field.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Estimation of ecotourism carrying capacity for sustainable development of protected areas in Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, MV Marcu
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 46
  • Title: Simulation and impact assessment of future land use and land cover changes in two protected areas in Tehran, Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, H Mostafavi
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 41
  • Title: Habitat integrity in protected areas threatened by LULC changes and fragmentation: A case study in Tehran province, Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, S Barghjelveh, SMM Sadeghi, MV Marcu
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 39
  • Title: Evaluating the ecological security of ecotourism in protected area based on the DPSIR model
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, ID Wolf, A Deljouei, MV Marcu
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 30
  • Title: Evaluating ecotourism sustainability indicators for protected areas in Tehran, Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, MV Marcu, ID Wolf
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 28
  • Title: Relationship analysis of local community participation in sustainable ecotourism development in protected areas, Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, ID Wolf, A Deljouei
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 26
  • Title: Assessing changes in land use/land cover and ecological risk to conserve protected areas in urban–rural contexts
    Authors: ID Wolf, P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 15
  • Title: Assessment of the ecological footprint associated with consumption resources and urbanization development in Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iran
    Authors: A Mir, P Sobhani, R Sayahnia
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 14
  • Title: Strategies to Manage Ecotourism Sustainably: Insights from a SWOT-ANP Analysis and IUCN Guidelines
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, ID Wolf, MV Marcu, M Lück, SMM Sadeghi
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11
  • Title: Natural features and management areas of Khamir and Gheshm mangrove forests
    Authors: P Sobhani, A Danehkar
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10
  • Title: Investigating tourism climate conditions in Iran’s mangrove forests using Tourism Comfort Climate Index (TCI) and Holiday Climate Index (HCI)
    Authors: P Sobhani, A Danehkar
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10
  • Title: Assessing spatial and temporal changes of natural capital in a typical semi-arid protected area based on an ecological footprint model
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, ID Wolf, Y Esmaeilzadeh
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 10
  • Title: Evaluation of Promoting Conservation Hunting Areas (Case Study: Hamedan Alvand No-Hunting Area)
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Goshtasb, B Nezami, A Jahani
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 8
  • Title: Land potential for ecotourism development and assessing landscape ecology in areas on protection of Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, ID Wolf
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 7
  • Title: Tracing the Impact Pathways of COVID-19 on Tourism and Developing Strategies for Resilience and Adaptation in Iran
    Authors: P Sobhani, H Veisi, H Esmaeilzadeh, SMM Sadeghi, MV Marcu, ID Wolf
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 7