To Dang | Coastal Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. To Dang | Coastal Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | California State University, Dominguez Hills | United States 

Dr. To Dang is a physicist and coastal engineer with extensive expertise in fluid mechanics, wave dynamics, sediment transport, and coastal morphodynamics, combining strong theoretical foundations with applied research in environmental and engineering contexts. He earned his B.S. in Physics from the University of Ho Chi Minh City in 1984, an M.Eng. in Coastal Engineering from the Asian Institute of Technology in 1993, and a Ph.D. in Coastal and Environmental Engineering from the University of New South Wales, Australia, in 2007. Over the past four decades, Dr. Dang has held academic and professional positions including Assistant Lecturer, Lecturer, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City; Senior Coastal Scientist at Environmental Science Associates, San Francisco; and currently Lecturer in the Department of Physics at California State University, Dominguez Hills. His research interests lie at the intersection of physics and engineering, focusing on nonlinear shallow water equations, sediment transport processes, hydrodynamic modeling, and the application of computational methods and AI-informed models to both environmental systems and education. He is skilled in advanced mathematical modeling, experimental design, and computer-based simulation tools that address real-world challenges in coastal engineering and physics education. Dr. Dang has published in internationally recognized journals such as Journal of Fluid Mechanics and Coastal Engineering, contributed to IEEE and Scopus-indexed conferences, and supervised more than 60 theses across physics and engineering disciplines. His honors include multiple competitive scholarships, such as the New Zealand Foreign Aid Master Scholarship, AusAID Ph.D. Scholarship, and recognition as the “Most Favorite Lecturer” at Saigon Technology University. Through teaching, mentoring, and leadership roles—including serving as Chapter Chair of the Vietnam Physics Society—he has significantly contributed to advancing both research and STEM education. His dedication, international collaborations, and scholarly outputs make him a strong candidate for recognition. Citations by 68 documents; 2 documents; h-index: 2.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publication

Dang, T. (1997). Flood and typhoon disasters in Viet Nam in the half century since 1950. Natural Hazards, 15(1), 71–87. Citations: 52

Amran Alkamzari | Marine Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amran Alkamzari | Marine Science | Best Researcher Award

Director at Newcastle University | Oman

Dr. Amran Mohammed Ali Al-Kamzari is a seasoned researcher and environmental policy expert with deep specialization in marine pollution, fisheries science, and biodiversity conservation. With a career spanning government leadership, academic research, and international collaboration, he has consistently bridged scientific inquiry with applied environmental governance. His professional journey reflects a blend of technical expertise, research innovation, and community-focused initiatives aimed at preserving marine ecosystems and shaping sustainable policies. He has authored books, research articles, and science communication works that highlight both scholarly rigor and public awareness. Beyond his publications, Dr. Al-Kamzari has been entrusted with leadership responsibilities in national oil spill contingency planning, environmental emergency response, and global representation in international frameworks. His strengths lie in integrating research, education, and outreach to address pressing ecological challenges while empowering communities and young researchers. His impact extends across academic, policy, and public domains, making him an influential voice in marine environmental research and conservation.

Professional Profile

ORCID Profile 

Education

Dr. Al-Kamzari holds a distinguished academic background anchored in marine science and environmental governance. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Policy and Marine Pollution from Newcastle University, where his research focused on innovative methods of oil spill detection, environmental legislation, and sustainable marine management. Prior to that, he completed a Master’s degree in Marine Science at Sultan Qaboos University, producing an award-winning thesis that was recognized for its contribution to fisheries and environmental sustainability. His foundational studies were completed with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science, also at Sultan Qaboos University, providing him with strong technical and ecological knowledge. Alongside his core degrees, he pursued specialized certifications, including a postgraduate certificate in research training and a certificate in higher education teaching, reflecting his dedication to continuous professional growth. His education reflects a balanced integration of theoretical frameworks, applied scientific practice, and pedagogical training to guide both research and policy.

Experience

Dr. Al-Kamzari has extensive professional experience across multiple high-level roles in Oman, the UAE, and the UK, focusing on marine pollution management, environmental emergency response, and conservation policy. He currently serves as a Senior Environmental Policy and Marine Pollution Specialist with the Environment Authority, where he develops legislation and oversees marine protection initiatives. Previously, he held directorship positions, including Director of Environment Emergency and Director of the Pollution Operation Control Centre, where he led national strategies for pollution monitoring, environmental law enforcement, and international coordination. His earlier work with the Ministry of Environment & Climate Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries involved hands-on research in fisheries management, coral reef protection, eco-tourism development, and awareness programs. His leadership extends to supervising environmental campaigns such as the “Emirates Free of Plastic Bags” and coordinating multi-agency oil spill emergency exercises. This diverse career demonstrates his ability to integrate science, leadership, and policy at national and international levels.

Research Interests

Dr. Al-Kamzari’s research interests lie at the intersection of marine ecology, environmental policy, and sustainable development. His work focuses on oil spill detection, marine pollution mitigation, fisheries sustainability, coral reef conservation, and biodiversity protection. He is particularly interested in innovative technologies such as drone-based monitoring systems for oil spills and electronic data logging for marine ecosystems. His studies also extend to ecosystem rehabilitation, including mangrove plantation and turtle conservation, linking scientific research with on-ground environmental action. Beyond technical research, he is passionate about integrating policy frameworks with scientific findings to create effective governance models for marine conservation. He has a strong commitment to environmental awareness and education, often translating research into accessible formats through publications, workshops, and illustrated stories for broader audiences. His interdisciplinary approach highlights the importance of merging scientific knowledge, environmental law, and community engagement to address the growing challenges of marine and coastal sustainability.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Al-Kamzari has received multiple prestigious awards in recognition of his academic and professional excellence. His Master’s thesis earned the Best Postgraduate Thesis Award, underscoring the originality and impact of his research in marine science. He also won the Best Student Poster Award at the National Conference on Agriculture and Fisheries Research, reflecting his ability to present complex research in accessible formats. Additionally, his scientific contributions were honored with the Best Paper Award at the Underwater Life Conference, recognizing his innovative approaches to marine ecology. Beyond academia, his leadership in environmental policy and public engagement has been acknowledged through his role as Oman’s focal point in global initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. These accolades not only validate his scholarly contributions but also emphasize his influence in shaping policies and advancing sustainable practices on both national and international platforms.

Research Skills

Dr. Al-Kamzari possesses a wide range of research skills spanning field studies, laboratory experimentation, and policy-oriented environmental research. He is adept at marine biodiversity assessments, coral reef monitoring, fisheries age analysis, and oil spill detection techniques using both traditional and modern tools such as drones and electronic data loggers. His expertise also extends to environmental risk assessment, disaster preparedness, and ecological rehabilitation, particularly in mangrove replantation and turtle conservation programs. He demonstrates strong skills in scientific writing, data analysis, and public awareness campaigns, reflecting his ability to communicate findings to both scholarly and non-specialist audiences. With leadership in supervising national initiatives, he also excels in project design, cross-institutional collaboration, and training young professionals. His combined technical, analytical, and communication skills make him highly versatile in both academic research and applied environmental management, enabling him to contribute meaningfully to advancing marine science and shaping sustainable environmental policies.

Publication Top Notes

Title: An Unresolved Environmental Problem—Small-Scale Unattributable Marine Oil Spills in Musandam, Oman
Authors: Amran Al-Kamzari, Tim Gray, Clare Fitzsimmons, J. Grant Burgess
Year: 2025
Journal: Sustainability (MDPI)

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Amran Mohammed Ali Al-Kamzari stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His academic achievements, extensive professional experience, and leadership in environmental policy and marine conservation have significantly advanced both science and sustainability practices in Oman and beyond. His pioneering work on oil spill detection, commitment to biodiversity protection, and strong public outreach illustrate his ability to merge research excellence with societal impact. With continued growth in international scholarly publications and collaborations, Dr. Al-Kamzari is well positioned to make even greater contributions to global environmental research and leadership in the years ahead.

Tongzhong Wei | Ocean engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tongzhong Wei | Ocean engineering | Best Researcher Award

Business Manager at Guangxi Beitou Engergy Investment Group Co., Ltd, China

Dr. Tongzhong Wei is a highly qualified researcher in geotechnical engineering with a strong academic background, currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Dalian University of Technology. His work focuses on marine soil properties and foundation engineering, demonstrated through multiple publications in top-tier SCI and EI-indexed journals. Dr. Wei’s research has practical significance, addressing offshore foundation challenges, and he holds a leadership role in the energy industry, bridging academic research with real-world applications. His innovation has been internationally recognized, notably with a Silver Award at the 49th Geneva International Invention Exhibition in 2024. While he shows strong collaboration skills, further establishing independent research leadership and expanding visibility through conferences or patents would enhance his profile. Despite these areas for growth, Dr. Wei’s impactful publications, industry involvement, and global recognition clearly demonstrate his suitability for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting his dedication to advancing geotechnical engineering with innovative and applicable solutions.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. Tongzhong Wei has a solid and progressive educational background in engineering, beginning with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from Guilin University of Technology, completed in 2017. He continued to advance his expertise by earning a Master of Science degree in Geotechnical Engineering from the same university in 2020, demonstrating a focused commitment to his specialized field. Currently, Dr. Wei is pursuing his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering at Dalian University of Technology, one of China’s leading technical universities, with an expected completion in April 2025. This academic progression reflects his deepening knowledge and research capabilities in geotechnical engineering, particularly related to marine soil and foundation design. Throughout his studies, he has combined theoretical learning with practical research, laying a strong foundation for his contributions to engineering science and innovation in marine and offshore foundation technologies.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Tongzhong Wei currently serves as a Business Manager in the Department of Science and Information Technology at Guangxi Beitou Energy Investment Group Co., Ltd, a role he began in 2025. In this capacity, he plays a vital role in bridging scientific research with industry applications, particularly in the energy sector. His professional experience is closely aligned with his academic expertise in geotechnical engineering, allowing him to contribute to innovative projects related to marine soil and offshore foundation technologies. This position enables Dr. Wei to oversee and manage research initiatives, fostering collaboration between technical teams and business objectives. Prior to this role, his career was primarily focused on academic research, where he developed a strong foundation in studying the mechanical properties of marine soils and foundation design. His combined experience in both academia and industry equips him with a unique perspective, enhancing the practical impact and commercial viability of his research outcomes.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Tongzhong Wei’s research interests center on geotechnical engineering with a strong focus on marine and offshore foundation systems. He specializes in studying the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of marine soils, which are critical for designing safe and efficient offshore structures. His work explores soil-structure interaction, particularly the behavior and bearing capacity of suction caissons and bucket foundations under various loading conditions. Dr. Wei is also interested in the effects of soil microstructure on compression behavior and the installation processes of foundation elements like sand plugs. His research employs both experimental studies and numerical simulations to develop simplified analytical frameworks that improve the prediction of foundation performance in complex seabed environments. By addressing challenges in marine foundation design, his research contributes to safer, more cost-effective, and sustainable offshore engineering solutions, supporting the energy sector and infrastructure development in marine environments.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Tongzhong Wei has received notable awards and honors that highlight his innovative contributions and research excellence in geotechnical engineering. In 2024, he was awarded the Silver Award at the prestigious 49th Geneva International Invention Exhibition, an esteemed global platform recognizing groundbreaking inventions and technological advancements. This international recognition underscores Dr. Wei’s ability to translate his research into impactful innovations with real-world applications. Earlier, in 2019, he earned the Silver Award in the Guangxi Division of the fifth “Internet Plus” Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to creativity and entrepreneurial thinking from early in his academic career. These awards not only reflect his technical expertise but also his dedication to fostering innovation and applying scientific research to solve practical engineering challenges. Collectively, Dr. Wei’s honors establish him as a distinguished researcher with recognized achievements at both national and international levels.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Tongzhong Wei possesses strong research skills in geotechnical engineering, particularly in the study of marine soils and offshore foundation systems. He is adept at conducting both experimental and numerical investigations to analyze the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of complex seabed materials. His expertise includes soil-structure interaction, suction caisson behavior, and foundation bearing capacity under various loading scenarios. Dr. Wei applies advanced analytical methods and simulation techniques to develop simplified frameworks that enhance the understanding and design of marine foundations. His ability to integrate microstructural soil characteristics into compression behavior studies demonstrates a detailed and multidisciplinary approach. Additionally, he is skilled in managing collaborative research projects, combining theoretical insights with practical engineering solutions. These research skills enable Dr. Wei to contribute to safer and more efficient offshore engineering practices, supporting sustainable development in the marine energy sector and infrastructure projects.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Tongzhong Wei is a highly promising and impactful researcher in geotechnical engineering with a clear trajectory toward research excellence. His strong publication record in reputable journals, combined with industry engagement and international recognition for innovation, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Publication Top Noted✍️

  • Authors: Y. Wang, T. Wei, H. Jiao, S. Wu, X. Zhang

  • Year: 2025

  • Title: A simplified analytical framework for the bearing capacity of the grouped bucket foundation under six-degree-of-freedom load

  • Journal: Ocean Engineering