Josephine Maximus | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Josephine Maximus | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at University of Guyana, Guyana.

Josephine Kawamaximus is a Lecturer in Petroleum Geoscience at the University of Guyana with extensive experience in petroleum geology, reservoir characterization, and environmental geology. She previously worked as a petroleum geologist at Belemaoil Producing Ltd., contributing to hydrocarbon reservoir evaluations and field development plans. Her research focuses on seal integrity analysis for carbon capture, heavy metal distribution in lake sediments, and watershed erosion vulnerability. She holds a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geosciences (Distinction) and a Bachelor’s in Geology. Her professional training includes seismic interpretation, formation evaluation, and data analytics. She has published multiple research papers and presented at conferences. Skilled in Petrel, Power BI, Python, and PostgreSQL, she is actively involved in academic mentoring and professional associations like AAPG and NAPE. With her strong research background, practical industry experience, and academic contributions, she is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, though further high-impact publications could enhance her profile.

Professional Profile 

Education

Josephine Kawamaximus holds a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geosciences with Distinction from the Centre for Petroleum Geosciences, University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, obtained in April 2015. Her postgraduate studies focused on reservoir characterization, seismic interpretation, and hydrocarbon prospect evaluation. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Port-Harcourt in March 2012, graduating with a Second Class Upper Division. During her academic journey, she actively participated in geological field studies, facies analysis, and research presentations. In addition to her formal education, she has undertaken various professional training programs, including Geo-pressure Prediction, Formation Evaluation, and Seismic Interpretation, enhancing her technical expertise. She has also developed strong skills in software applications such as Petrel, Techlog, and Power BI, reinforcing her ability to analyze geological data effectively. Her academic excellence, combined with specialized training and research experience, establishes a solid foundation for her contributions to petroleum geosciences.

Professional Experience

Josephine Kawamaximus has a diverse professional background in petroleum geoscience, academia, and environmental geology. She is currently a Lecturer in Petroleum Geosciences at the University of Guyana, where she supervises final-year research projects and teaches courses on sedimentary petrology, seismic interpretation, and energy resources. Prior to academia, she worked as a Petroleum Geologist at Belemaoil Producing Ltd. in Nigeria, focusing on seismic interpretation, reservoir characterization, and hydrocarbon resource evaluation. She contributed to field development plans and supervised geological studies in the Niger Delta. Earlier in her career, she served as a Geologist at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, where she conducted dam monitoring, geotechnical analysis, and sustainability assessments of irrigation projects. She also gained hands-on experience as a laboratory technician during her internship at Teks Geotech Consult. With expertise spanning research, exploration, and resource management, she brings valuable industry knowledge and academic leadership to petroleum geoscience.

Research Interest

Josephine Kawamaximus’s research interests lie at the intersection of petroleum geology, reservoir characterization, and environmental geoscience. She focuses on understanding hydrocarbon reservoir dynamics through seismic interpretation, petrophysical analysis, and stratigraphic modeling. Her work aims to enhance oil and gas exploration efficiency by integrating well log data, core analysis, and sequence stratigraphy for improved prospect evaluation. Additionally, she is deeply involved in environmental geology, studying heavy metal contamination in post-mining landscapes and watershed vulnerability to erosion. Her research extends to hydrogeology, investigating sustainable groundwater management and geological site selection for carbon capture and storage. With a keen interest in sedimentary petrology, she explores depositional environments and diagenetic processes influencing reservoir quality. Through her multidisciplinary approach, she contributes to both energy resource optimization and environmental sustainability, bridging the gap between petroleum geoscience and ecological conservation while fostering innovative solutions in earth sciences.

Award and Honor

Josephine Kawamaximus has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her contributions to petroleum geoscience and academia. She serves as the Faculty Representative for the Center for Excellence for Teaching and Learning (COETAL) at the University of Guyana, highlighting her commitment to academic excellence. She is a member of esteemed professional organizations, including the International Energy Agency Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme (IEAGHG), the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE), and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG). During her academic journey, she served as the Vice President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) at the University of Port-Harcourt and participated in the prestigious Imperial Barrel Award Competition in 2015. Her active involvement in professional training programs and industry certifications further demonstrates her dedication to continuous learning and excellence in petroleum geoscience. Her contributions continue to impact the fields of energy exploration, research, and education.

Research Skill

Josephine Kawamaximus possesses a strong research skillset, combining advanced geological analysis with data-driven methodologies. Her expertise includes seismic interpretation, reservoir characterization, and petrophysical analysis, enabling her to evaluate hydrocarbon potential effectively. She is proficient in integrating well log data, core samples, and sequence stratigraphy to assess reservoir quality and develop accurate geological models. Additionally, she has experience in environmental geology, particularly in studying heavy metal contamination and watershed vulnerability using GIS and remote sensing techniques. Her technical skills extend to software applications like Petrel, Techlog, Power BI, and PostgreSQL, which she employs for data visualization, reservoir modeling, and geostatistical analysis. She also has intermediate proficiency in Python for geospatial and statistical analysis. With her ability to synthesize complex geological data and present findings in peer-reviewed publications, she demonstrates a strong analytical mindset. Her multidisciplinary research approach contributes to both energy resource optimization and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

Josephine Kawa Maximus is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her extensive academic, research, and industry experience in petroleum geosciences, reservoir characterization, and environmental geology. Her diverse expertise, leadership in education, and technical skills make her a valuable contributor to the field.

To further strengthen her candidacy, she could focus on publishing in top-tier journals, securing research funding, and increasing international collaborations. Expanding her conference presentations and keynote engagements would also elevate her global impact.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Assessing Watershed Vulnerability to Erosion and Sedimentation: Integrating DEM and LULC Data in Guyana’s Diverse Landscapes
    Authors: Josephine Kawa Maximus
    Year: 2024
    Citation: HydroResearch, DOI: 10.1016/j.hydres.2024.11.002

  • Title: Impact of Bauxite Mining on Heavy Metal Levels in Kara Kara Blue Lake and Associated Active Tailing Pond
    Authors: Mayon Adams, Josephine Kawa Maximus, Kerion Husbands
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Asian Journal of Environment & Ecology, DOI: 10.9734/ajee/2024/v23i7572

  • Title: Application of Seal Integrity and Fault Connectivity Analysis in Selecting Suitable Subsurface Geological Sites for Carbon Capture and Storage
    Authors: Josephine Maximus, Livinus Nosike
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Journal of Geosciences and Geomatics, DOI: 10.12691/jgg-12-2-1

  • Title: Exploring the Potential of Black Shale Source Rocks in the Babouri-Figuil Basin, Northern Cameroon: A Study on Organic Petrography
    Authors: Josephine Kawa Maximus
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Advances in Image and Video Processing, DOI: 10.14738/aivp.115.15591

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