Yishak Kassie | Forestry | Excellence in Research

Posted on 07/03/202507/03/2025 by TOT Awards

Mr. Yishak Kassie | Forestry | Excellence in Research

Associate researcher at Ethiopian Forestry Development, Ethiopia

Mr. Yishak Adgo Kassie is an emerging forestry researcher from Ethiopia with a strong academic background and a passion for sustainable forest management. He currently serves as an Assistant Researcher II at Ethiopian Forestry Development, where he is actively engaged in research projects that enhance forestry practices and conservation efforts. He earned his Master of Science in Forest Management and Utilization from the University of Gondar in 2023 and holds a Bachelor of Science in General Forestry from Arba Minch University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, obtained in 2017. His career aspirations align with research-driven collaborations aimed at improving human resource capacity in Ethiopia’s forestry sector. He envisions contributing to national and global forestry initiatives by leveraging his expertise in forest conservation, policy development, and research. Through his role, he aims to bridge gaps between academic research and practical applications that benefit Ethiopia’s environmental sustainability.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education 🎓

Yishak Adgo Kassie has a strong educational foundation in forestry and environmental management. He completed his Master of Science in Forest Management and Utilization at the University of Gondar on October 5, 2023. His graduate studies focused on sustainable forestry practices, resource management, and conservation strategies to enhance Ethiopia’s forest ecosystem. Before his master’s degree, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in General Forestry at Arba Minch University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, graduating on July 9, 2017. His undergraduate education equipped him with essential knowledge of silviculture, agroforestry, and land restoration techniques. These academic achievements have laid the groundwork for his expertise in forest research, sustainable land management, and policy development, allowing him to contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s forestry sector.

Work Experience 💼

With extensive experience in forestry research, Yishak Adgo Kassie is currently an Assistant Researcher II at Ethiopian Forestry Development. In this role, he focuses on sustainable forest management, conservation planning, and the enhancement of Ethiopia’s forestry policies. His work includes conducting field studies, analyzing ecological data, and developing strategies to combat deforestation. Previously, he worked at the Ethiopian Development Research Institute, where he specialized in natural forest research. His role involved assessing the impact of forestry policies, designing reforestation programs, and collaborating with various environmental organizations. Through these positions, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of Ethiopia’s forestry challenges and opportunities, making him a valuable contributor to environmental sustainability initiatives.

Research Interests 🔬

Yishak Adgo Kassie’s research centers on sustainable forest management, conservation planning, and climate change adaptation. His studies aim to develop innovative solutions for reforestation, biodiversity conservation, and carbon sequestration. He is particularly interested in exploring the relationship between forest ecosystems and climate resilience, examining how policy-driven interventions can enhance Ethiopia’s forestry sector. Additionally, his research investigates the socio-economic impacts of forest conservation, ensuring that environmental sustainability efforts align with community development. His work contributes to evidence-based policymaking, bridging the gap between scientific research and practical implementation.

Conclusion

Yishak Adgo Kassie possesses a strong academic and professional background in forestry research, with a clear vision for advancing research and capacity-building in Ethiopia. While he demonstrates significant potential for the Excellence in Research Award, strengthening his publication record, international collaborations, and leadership in research projects would enhance his candidacy. His passion for sustainable forestry development and research-driven solutions makes him a commendable contender for this recognition. 🌍🌱

Top Noted Publications 📚

Carbon Storage Variation of Plantation Forest and Their Management Practices in Amhara, Ethiopia Austral Ecology

2025-01 | journal-article

DOI: 10.1111/aec.70019

Afshin Khodaparast | Low-carbon | Excellence in Research

Posted on 28/02/202528/02/2025 by TOT Awards

Dr. Afshin Khodaparast | Low-carbon | Excellence in Research

Researcher at Shahid beheshti university, Iran

Afshin Khodaparast is a distinguished civil engineer and researcher based in Tehran, Iran. He specializes in sustainable concrete materials and earthquake engineering, focusing on developing innovative green concrete solutions. With extensive academic training and industry experience, he has contributed to multiple high-impact research projects, particularly in earthquake-resistant structures and self-compacting earth concrete. As the CEO of ARPACIVIL, Afshin is dedicated to advancing eco-friendly construction technologies and implementing cutting-edge methodologies in the civil engineering sector. He has published extensively in renowned journals and conferences, showcasing his expertise in structural performance and materials science. Passionate about continuous learning and professional collaboration, Afshin actively participates in prestigious engineering societies such as ASCE and ACI. His work aims to bridge the gap between sustainable materials and resilient infrastructure, making significant strides in environmental conservation and structural safety.

professional profiles

Scopus Profile

Education

Afshin holds a Ph.D. in Earthquake Engineering from Shahid Beheshti University (2019-2024), where he researched the feasibility of self-compacted earth concrete in construction under the supervision of Dr. Kianoosh Samimi. He completed his Master of Science in Earthquake Engineering at Noshirvani University of Technology (2013-2016), focusing on the behavior of tall buildings under rotational earthquake components. His Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Islamic Azad University (2009-2013) laid the foundation for his expertise in structural analysis and design. His strong academic background, coupled with a passion for sustainable materials, has positioned him at the forefront of civil engineering research.

work Experience

As the CEO of ARPACIVIL, Afshin leads innovative construction and research projects, particularly in green materials and earthquake-resistant structures. His experience includes working on high-rise buildings with outrigger systems, investigating self-compacting earth concrete, and evaluating seismic responses in structures. He has been an integral part of earthquake damage assessment teams, including the 2017 Kermanshah Earthquake Response Team. With hands-on experience in advanced structural analysis software such as ETABS, SAP2000, OpenSees, and ABAQUS, he has conducted numerous simulations to optimize building safety. His leadership roles in civil engineering organizations reflect his dedication to advancing structural engineering practices globally.

Research Focus

Afshin’s research revolves around earthquake engineering, green concrete technology, and sustainable construction materials. His Ph.D. dissertation explores the application of self-compacted earth concrete to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry. His work also investigates seismic responses in high-rise structures, focusing on outrigger and belt-truss systems to improve structural resilience. He has published extensively on the impact of recycled fine aggregates, nano-silica, and rotational earthquake components on building performance. His interdisciplinary research aims to create environmentally friendly and disaster-resilient infrastructures.

Awards & Honors🏆

Afshin has been recognized for his contributions to civil engineering research, particularly in sustainable materials and earthquake engineering. He has received accolades for his publications on self-compacting earth concrete, high-rise structural behavior, and recycled materials in construction. As an executive board member of the Qaemshahr Engineers Association, he has played a key role in engineering education and innovation. His active membership in ASCE, ACI, and the Iranian Earthquake Engineering Association further underscores his commitment to professional excellence.

Conclusion

Publications to Noted

Title: Effect of Pumice on Self-Compacting Earth Concrete: Mechanical and Microstructural Characteristics, and Life Cycle Assessments

👨‍🔬 Authors:

Afshin Khodaparast (A. Khodaparast)

Kianoosh Samimi (K. Samimi)

Javad Eslami (J. Eslami)

Mahyar Pakan (M. Pakan)

📅 Year: 2025

Wen-Pei Sung | Environmental Science | Best Faculty Award

Posted on 10/02/202510/02/2025 by TOT Awards

Prof. Dr. Wen-Pei Sung | Environmental Science | Best Faculty Award

Lifetime Distinguished Professor at National Chin-Yi University of Technology , Taiwan

Dr. Wen-Pei Sung is a distinguished academic and engineering expert, currently serving as a Lifetime Distinguished Professor at National Chin-Yi University of Technology in Taiwan. He has also held leadership roles including Vice-President of Academic Affairs, Dean of the College of Humanities and Creativity, and Department Chair. Dr. Sung’s contributions to civil, structural, and environmental engineering are significant, especially in the areas of vocational education, structural dynamics, earthquake engineering, and green technologies. He has received numerous honors, including fellowships from prestigious organizations like IET, IETI, APTSA, and ICDM. Dr. Sung is known for his expertise in sustainable urban planning, climate adaptation, and structural safety, with extensive involvement in research and international collaborations. His groundbreaking work has had a substantial impact on environmental resilience and infrastructure development.

professional profiles

Orcid

Education

Dr. Wen-Pei Sung has a robust academic background, including advanced studies and qualifications in civil, structural, and environmental engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering and has pursued additional specialized certifications that have helped shape his exceptional career. Dr. Sung has dedicated himself to fostering a sustainable engineering ecosystem and has designed and contributed to various educational programs, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge in structural dynamics and earthquake engineering. His passion for integrating green technologies into engineering curricula has made him a respected figure in academic circles. He has lectured widely on topics such as smart infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

work Experience

Dr. Wen-Pei Sung brings extensive experience to both academia and industry. He has held numerous leadership roles at National Chin-Yi University of Technology, including serving as Vice-President of Academic Affairs, Dean, and Department Chair. Dr. Sung’s research interests include structural control mechanisms, green technologies, and urban resilience, specifically in earthquake engineering and environmental sustainability. His applied work has spanned across various projects focused on sustainable infrastructure, adaptive design, and structural health monitoring. Dr. Sung has been a government consultant, serving on committees related to urban planning, low-carbon technology, and geological sensitivity. His involvement in the Resilient Taiwan Project highlights his practical contributions to disaster resilience and climate adaptation. Additionally, he has advised various industry projects, focusing on green building technologies and sustainable urban planning.

Research Focus

Dr. Wen-Pei Sung’s research focuses on enhancing infrastructure sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. He has conducted groundbreaking work in structural control for buildings to improve their stability, incorporating seismic technologies to create earthquake-resistant structures. Dr. Sung’s research extends to sustainable environmental management practices, with a focus on green technologies for energy-saving in buildings and urban environments. His work includes the design and implementation of smart bridges using the Neutral Equilibrium Mechanism, structural health monitoring systems, and the application of permeable pavement systems for urban water management. He has also explored adaptive design concepts for urban flood retention spaces and green buildings. His ongoing projects, funded by Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council, investigate ways to integrate ecological and technological systems for urban disaster resilience and climate adaptation.

Conclusion

Dr. Wen-Pei Sung’s remarkable achievements in research, teaching, and industry consultancy make him a strong candidate for the Best Faculty Award. His contributions to structural engineering, sustainable urban development, and green technologies have established him as a leader in his field. His commitment to excellence in education and interdisciplinary research, coupled with his significant influence in the global engineering community, makes him deserving of this prestigious recognition.

Publications to Noted

Evaluating the Impact of Vertical Green Systems on Building Temperature Regulation: Effects of Shading Density and Proximity