Alain Póvoa | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

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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

Abebe Bitew | Geography and environmental management | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Abebe Bitew | Geography and environmental management | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Mr. Abebe Bitew is an Ethiopian educator with a strong academic background in Geography and Environmental Studies. He holds a Bachelor of Education in Geography and Environmental Studies, a Master of Arts in Environment and Land Resource Management, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Management at Bahir Dar University. With over six years of experience in education, including teaching at Ankesha Secondary & Preparatory School and serving as a lecturer at Debre Markos University, Mr. Bitew has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and professional development. He has participated in various training programs, including one on active learning, continuous assessment, and classroom management. Although his teaching career is impressive, his research contributions, such as publications or conference presentations, are not well-documented. Strengthening his research profile would enhance his candidacy for recognition as a leading researcher. Nevertheless, his academic and teaching background highlights his dedication to environmental studies and education.

Professional Profile:

Education

Mr. Abebe Bitew has a solid educational foundation in Geography and Environmental Studies. He earned a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) in Geography and Environmental Studies from Debre Markos University in 2011, which equipped him with the knowledge to teach and explore the complexities of the environment. He then pursued a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Geography and Environmental Studies, specializing in Environment and Land Resource Management, which he completed in 2018 at the same institution. This advanced degree helped him deepen his understanding of environmental issues and their management. Currently, Mr. Bitew is a Ph.D. candidate in Geography and Environmental Management at Bahir Dar University, further advancing his expertise in the field. His ongoing doctoral research demonstrates his commitment to academic growth and his dedication to addressing critical environmental challenges, positioning him as a passionate scholar in Geography and Environmental Studies.

Professional Experience

Mr. Abebe Bitew has accumulated significant professional experience in the education sector. He began his career as a teacher at Ankesha Secondary & Preparatory School, where he worked from 2012 to 2018, imparting knowledge in geography and environmental studies to secondary school students. This experience provided him with a strong foundation in teaching and classroom management. In 2019, Mr. Bitew transitioned to higher education as a lecturer at Debre Markos University, where he taught courses in geography and environmental studies until 2020. His time as a university lecturer allowed him to engage more deeply with academic research and contribute to the intellectual development of his students. Currently, Mr. Bitew is continuing his academic journey as a Ph.D. candidate at Bahir Dar University. His diverse professional experiences reflect a commitment to education, a passion for environmental studies, and a dedication to shaping the next generation of scholars.

Research interest

Mr. Abebe Bitew’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of geography and environmental studies, with a particular focus on environment and land resource management. His academic background, including his Master’s degree in Environment and Land Resource Management, has driven his interest in understanding the complex interactions between human activities and the environment. Mr. Bitew is particularly keen on exploring sustainable land use practices, environmental conservation, and the impact of climate change on local communities. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Management at Bahir Dar University, his doctoral research further delves into the management of natural resources and the implementation of effective environmental policies in Ethiopia. His goal is to contribute to the development of strategies that can help mitigate environmental challenges while promoting sustainable development. Through his research, Mr. Bitew aims to address critical environmental issues in Ethiopia and beyond, ensuring the responsible use of land and natural resources for future generations.

Award and honor

Mr. Abebe Bitew has received recognition for his professional development and contributions to the field of education. One notable award is a certificate of participation from Debre Markos University, where he completed an induction training on active learning, continuous assessment, and classroom management. This certification highlights his commitment to enhancing his teaching methods and improving the learning experience for students. While this award reflects his dedication to teaching, Mr. Bitew’s profile would benefit from further recognition in the form of academic or research awards. Although specific research honors or accolades are not mentioned, his ongoing doctoral studies and professional experience suggest that he is committed to making meaningful contributions to the fields of geography and environmental management. As he progresses in his academic career, it is likely that he will receive further recognition for his research and impact on sustainable environmental practices.

Conclusion 

Mr. Abebe Bitew demonstrates significant potential for recognition as a researcher, particularly given his advanced studies and academic dedication. However, the lack of detailed evidence regarding impactful research or publications limits his competitiveness for the “Best Researcher Award.” Enhancing his profile with a clear record of research contributions, publications, and awards would make him a stronger candidate. If the award considers potential and commitment to research, he may be a deserving nominee. However, if the criteria are based on demonstrated research excellence, further evidence is needed.

Publication Top Noted 

Title: Smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and its risks across agroecological zones in the Ayehu watershed, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

Authors:

  • Abebe Biresaw Bitew
  • Amare Sewnet Minale

Year: 2025

Journal: Environmental and Sustainability Indicators

DOI: 10.1016/j.indic.2024.100546

This journal article is scheduled for publication in February 2025. The research focuses on the perceptions of smallholder farmers regarding climate variability and the associated risks across various agroecological zones in the Ayehu watershed, located in the Upper Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia.