Zheting Meng | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zheting Meng | Physics and Astronomy | Best Researcher Award

Graduate student at Institute of Optics and Electron, China

Mrs. Genevieve Lanka Govender is an accomplished journalist, researcher, and educator with extensive experience in media, communication, and academia. She holds a Master of Journalism (Cum Laude) from Durban University of Technology and has received multiple industry accolades, including MTN Radio and Vodacom Regional Awards for excellence in broadcasting. With a strong background in news production, editorial management, and investigative journalism, she has played a key role in covering major national and international events. Her contributions to academia include lecturing in radio journalism and media management, as well as earning recognition for her research excellence. She has also held leadership roles in media organizations such as SABC, where she served as a senior current affairs producer and acting editor. Currently, she provides education support at Assumption College Kilmore. Her expertise in news reporting, communication, and education positions her as a distinguished professional in her field.

Professional Profile 

Education

Mrs. Genevieve Lanka Govender has a strong academic background in journalism, media management, and leadership. She earned her Master of Journalism (Cum Laude) from Durban University of Technology in 2023, where she was recognized as the Best Research Student and received awards for her outstanding research paper and student-lecturer collaboration. She also holds a Bachelor of Technology in Journalism (Cum Laude) from Durban University of Technology (2016). In addition, she has completed several leadership and management programs, including the Junior Management Programme (NQF Level 6) from Regenesys School of Business and the Essentials of Broadcast Management (NQF Level 6) from Sol Plaatje Leadership Institute at Rhodes University. She further enhanced her skills with a Certificate in Whole Brain Manager from Enterprises University of Pretoria. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor in Ministry from New Heart Bible Academy. Her diverse educational qualifications reflect her expertise in journalism, research, and leadership.

Professional Experience

Mrs. Genevieve Lanka Govender has an extensive career in journalism, broadcasting, and media leadership. She currently serves as the SABC Digital News Editor, where she leads digital content strategies and oversees editorial operations. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, she has held various roles, including award-winning radio journalist, presenter, and producer. Her expertise extends to investigative journalism, newsroom management, and digital transformation in the media sector. Throughout her career, she has contributed to major South African news platforms, ensuring high-quality and impactful storytelling. In addition to her editorial work, she is dedicated to mentoring young journalists and fostering ethical journalism practices. Her leadership skills and commitment to innovation have earned her recognition in the industry. Mrs. Govender’s professional journey reflects her passion for media excellence, and she continues to play a pivotal role in shaping digital journalism in South Africa.

Research Interest

Mrs. Genevieve Lanka Govender’s research interests focus on digital journalism, media ethics, and the evolving landscape of news consumption in the digital age. She is particularly passionate about exploring the impact of social media on news dissemination, audience engagement, and misinformation. Her work delves into the role of artificial intelligence in journalism, analyzing how automation and data-driven reporting can enhance storytelling while maintaining journalistic integrity. Additionally, she is interested in media literacy and the ways in which journalists can combat fake news through responsible reporting. Her research also extends to the representation of marginalized voices in mainstream media and the ethical considerations of digital news production. As a leader in the media industry, she continuously examines trends in digital transformation, focusing on strategies to ensure high-quality, credible journalism in an era of rapid technological change. Her insights contribute to shaping the future of digital news and responsible media practices.

Award and Honor

Mrs. Genevieve Lanka Govender has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of her contributions to journalism, media ethics, and digital storytelling. She has been acknowledged for her excellence in investigative reporting, earning prestigious accolades that highlight her commitment to truth and integrity in journalism. Her work in digital media transformation has also been celebrated, earning her industry recognition for innovative approaches to news dissemination. She has been honored for her leadership in promoting ethical journalism and media literacy, receiving awards from media associations and academic institutions. Additionally, her contributions to the empowerment of marginalized voices in media have been recognized with special commendations. Her dedication to responsible reporting and journalistic integrity has made her a respected figure in the field, inspiring future generations of media professionals. Through her achievements, Mrs. Govender continues to shape the evolving landscape of journalism and media ethics with her impactful contributions.

Conclusion

Genevieve Lanka Govender is a highly skilled and award-winning journalist and academic researcher with a strong background in investigative journalism and media research. Her exceptional academic performance, industry awards, and research contributions make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. However, a greater emphasis on academic research publications, international collaborations, and broader research scope would further solidify her position as an ideal awardee.

Publication Top Noted

  • Authors: Genevieve Govender, Tigere P. Muringa
  • Year: 2025
  • Title: “Women Will Never Be Equal to Men”: Examining Women Journalists’ Experiences of Patriarchy and Sexism in South Africa
  • Journal: Journal. Media
  • Volume & Issue: 6(1)
  • Article Number: 27
  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia6010027
  • Affiliation: Journalism Programme, Department of Media, Language and Communication, Faculty of Arts and Design, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
  • Submission Received: 11 October 2024
  • Revised: 2 February 2025
  • Accepted: 3 February 2025
  • Published: 15 February 2025

Filagot Mengistu Walle | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Filagot Mengistu Walle | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

Filagot Mengistu Walle is a dedicated lecturer and researcher at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Geophysics, Space Science, and Astronomy. She specializes in remote sensing, GIS, and geospatial analysis, focusing on environmental and geophysical studies such as groundwater potential mapping, forest structure assessment, land surface temperature analysis, landslide hazard zonation, and geothermal energy development. With an M.Sc. in Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics from Addis Ababa University, she has contributed to numerous projects funded by international organizations, including the UK’s Natural Environmental Research Council and the Global Challenge Research Fund. Filagot possesses strong digital and analytical skills, proficient in Python, R, MATLAB, and various GIS and image processing software. Her research has been published in reputable journals, demonstrating her expertise in using satellite imagery and geophysical methods for sustainable development. With years of experience in academia and research, she continues to make significant contributions to geospatial sciences in Ethiopia and beyond.

Professional Profile 

Education

Filagot Mengistu Walle has a strong academic background with multiple degrees in geospatial sciences and education. She earned her M.Sc. in Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, equipping her with advanced expertise in satellite imagery analysis, GIS applications, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, she holds an M.A. in Vocational Educational Management from Adama Science and Technology University, reflecting her commitment to academic leadership and curriculum development. Her educational journey began with a B.Sc. in Management Information Systems from Unity University, Ethiopia, which provided her with a strong foundation in data management, computing, and digital analysis. Her diverse academic qualifications have enabled her to integrate technology with geospatial sciences, leading impactful research in environmental sustainability, land use analysis, and geophysical studies. Through continuous learning and interdisciplinary expertise, Filagot has developed a well-rounded educational profile that supports her work as a researcher, lecturer, and geospatial data analyst.

Professional Experience

Filagot Mengistu Walle has an extensive professional background in academia, research, and technology. She is currently a lecturer and researcher at Addis Ababa University’s Institute of Geophysics, Space Science, and Astronomy, where she conducts cutting-edge research in remote sensing, GIS applications, and environmental monitoring. Prior to this, she served as a Senior Network Administrator at Addis Ababa University from 2015 to 2018, managing IT infrastructure and network systems. From 2008 to 2014, she worked as an IT trainer and department head at Aman Polytechnic College, where she played a key role in curriculum development and technical training. Throughout her career, Filagot has led numerous research projects on groundwater mapping, land use change, geothermal energy, and disaster risk assessment. Her expertise in geospatial technologies, programming, and environmental sensing has made significant contributions to scientific advancements in Ethiopia and beyond, positioning her as a leader in the field of geoinformatics.

Research Interest

Filagot Mengistu Walle’s research interests focus on remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial data analysis, and environmental monitoring. She specializes in applying earth observation technologies to assess groundwater potential, land use and land cover changes, forest structure, and climate-smart agro-pastoral ecosystems. Her work also extends to disaster risk assessment, including landslide hazard zoning and slope instability modeling using optical and InSAR techniques. Additionally, she explores the impact of industrial activities on land surface temperature and investigates active magmatic systems and volcanic unrest using geophysical and satellite data. Her research on the sustainable development of geothermal energy technology contributes to clean energy and water access solutions in Ethiopia and Kenya. With expertise in advanced geospatial analysis, programming, and big data processing, Filagot integrates cutting-edge technologies to address environmental and societal challenges, enhancing decision-making processes for sustainable development and resource management in East Africa.

Award and Honor

There is no specific mention of awards and honors in Mrs. Filagot Mengistu Walle’s curriculum vitae. However, her extensive contributions to remote sensing, GIS, environmental monitoring, and disaster risk assessment highlight her recognition within the scientific community. Her involvement in prestigious research projects, such as the RiftVolc project funded by the UK’s Natural Environmental Research Council and the Sustainable Development of Geothermal Energy Technology project supported by the Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF), demonstrates her influence in the field. Additionally, her publications in high-impact journals and collaborations with esteemed institutions reflect her academic excellence and research impact. While formal awards may not be explicitly listed, her leadership in significant scientific endeavors and contributions to geospatial and environmental research position her as a distinguished researcher in her field. Her work continues to shape sustainable development efforts and climate resilience strategies in Ethiopia and East Africa.

Research Skill

Mrs. Filagot Mengistu Walle possesses exceptional research skills in remote sensing, GIS, geospatial analysis, and environmental monitoring. Her expertise includes processing and analyzing satellite imagery, spatial data modeling, and geostatistical analysis for applications such as groundwater potential mapping, landslide hazard assessment, and climate change impact studies. She is proficient in advanced geospatial tools, including QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine, and image processing software such as Erdas Imagine and ENVI. Additionally, her programming skills in Python, R, SQL, and MATLAB enhance her ability to develop geospatial models and automate data analysis. Her research involves integrating multiple geophysical and earth observation techniques to study land surface temperature changes, volcanic unrest, and agro-pastoral ecosystem transformation. Her ability to combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications allows her to contribute significantly to sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and environmental management, making her a highly skilled researcher in geospatial sciences and remote sensing technologies.

Conclusion

Filagot Mengistu Walle is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her multidisciplinary expertise, impactful projects, and research excellence in Remote Sensing and GIS. However, to maximize her competitiveness, pursuing a Ph.D., increasing high-impact publications, and leading global research initiatives would further solidify her standing in the academic and research community.

Publications Top Noted

  • F. Mengistu, K.V. Suryabhagavan, T.K. Raghuvanshi, E. Lewi (2019). Landslide Hazard Zonation and Slope Instability Assessment Using Optical and InSAR Data: A Case Study from Gidole Town and Its Surrounding Areas, Southern Ethiopia. Remote Sensing of Land, 3(1), 1-14. Cited by: 54

  • G. Mewa, F. Mengistu (2022). Assessment of Landslide Risk in Ethiopia: Distributions, Causes, and Impacts. IntechOpen. Cited by: 8

  • F. Mengistu, B.T. Hailu, T.A. Abera, J. Heiskanen, T.T. Zeleke, T. Johansson, et al. (2024). Improving the Accuracy of Honey Bee Forage Class Mapping Using Ensemble Learning and Multi-Source Satellite Data in Google Earth Engine. Scientific African, 26, e02415. Cited by: 1

  • R. Gezahegn, F. Mengistu (2025). Morphometric and Land Use Land Cover Analysis for the Management of Water Resources in Guder Sub-Basin, Ethiopia. Applied Water Science, 15(2), 18. Cited by: Not available yet (Upcoming 2025 publication).