Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhuo Zhang | Water Disaster | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Nanjing Normal University, China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zhuo Zhang is a leading researcher and educator at the School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, specializing in estuarine and coastal flood modeling. With a strong academic foundation in hydrodynamics and water engineering, he has built an impactful career in geospatial flood risk assessment, particularly using GIS, remote sensing, and deep learning models. Dr. Zhang has published multiple high-impact papers focused on compound flooding, tidal-surge interactions, and hydrodynamic simulations, often addressing urgent climate resilience challenges in coastal China. His research integrates big data and geospatial technologies to simulate and forecast flood events under typhoon and sea-level rise scenarios. Dr. Zhang is recognized for his innovative approaches in linking terrestrial and marine hydrology with computational methods, and for developing practical tools for disaster mitigation in urban estuarine regions. His interdisciplinary work places him at the forefront of flood disaster modeling and geographic information science.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Zhuo Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Harbor, Coastal, and Offshore Engineering from Hohai University (2007–2010), where he focused on coastal dynamics and engineering resilience. Prior to this, he earned his Master’s degree in Hydraulics and River Dynamics (2004–2007), also from Hohai University, where his research explored the mechanics of river flow and sediment transport. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Hydraulic and Hydropower Engineering at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power (2000–2004), where he developed a solid technical foundation in hydraulic structures and water systems. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Zhang has continuously blended engineering principles with environmental science, setting the stage for his later work in flood risk modeling and estuarine simulation. His multidisciplinary education has enabled him to approach complex water-related challenges from both engineering and geographic perspectives.

Work Experience

Dr. Zhuo Zhang currently serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, where he teaches and conducts research in coastal and estuarine hydrology, disaster simulation, and geoinformatics. His academic career spans over a decade, with substantial contributions to modeling flood disasters, typhoon-induced surges, and cross-scale hydrodynamic interactions in China’s vulnerable coastal regions. He collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in hydrology, meteorology, and computer science to simulate natural hazards and develop early-warning systems. Dr. Zhang has supervised graduate students, led funded projects, and published in top journals such as Journal of Hydrology and Estuaries and Coasts. He has also contributed to numerical model development, policy-relevant risk assessments, and urban resilience strategies. His experience bridges theory and practice, as he works closely with data scientists, planners, and environmental engineers to translate simulation outcomes into actionable solutions for coastal disaster mitigation.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Zhuo Zhang has earned a growing reputation for his pioneering work on estuarine flood modeling and compound disaster simulation. While specific awards are not listed in the current profile, his publication record in prestigious international journals—including Journal of Hydrology, Ocean & Coastal Management, and Estuaries and Coasts—demonstrates high peer recognition. His interdisciplinary research and collaborative works have attracted national attention for improving the scientific basis of urban flood risk management in China’s rapidly urbanizing coastal regions. His academic achievements and methodological innovations in deep learning for tidal prediction and GIS-hydrodynamic modeling have positioned him as a respected figure in applied hydrology and environmental geosciences. As his research continues to influence both policy and practice, Dr. Zhang is poised for future national and international recognitions in coastal resilience, smart city planning, and hydrologic hazard mitigation.

Research Focus

Dr. Zhuo Zhang’s research focuses on geographic modeling and simulation of estuarine flood disasters, particularly in the context of big data and climate change. His work integrates GIS, remote sensing, and hydrodynamic models to analyze compound flooding caused by storm surges, riverine flows, and tidal interactions. He develops advanced simulation frameworks that bridge local urban scales with regional estuarine systems, enabling accurate forecasting and response planning. His recent studies employ deep learning neural networks for tidal correction, cross-scale models for typhoon-induced flooding, and hybrid methods for flood inundation mapping. Through these approaches, Dr. Zhang seeks to enhance disaster preparedness, support sustainable urban development, and reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities. He is especially interested in the mechanistic dynamics of flood interactions in nearshore zones, providing scientific insight and decision-making tools to mitigate risks under increasing climate pressures.

Conclusion

Dr. Zhuo Zhang is a highly qualified and impactful candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the fields of hydraulic engineering, environmental modeling, and flood disaster simulation. His work exemplifies cutting-edge research with practical and societal impact, demonstrating both depth in methodology and breadth in interdisciplinary application. As climate-related flood risks intensify globally, Dr. Zhang’s innovations in simulation modeling and early-warning systems make him a timely and deserving nominee. With growing global outreach and visibility, he is poised to make even more significant contributions to sustainable disaster risk reduction and geographic sciences.

Publications to Noted

Title: A Novel Cross-Model Framework for Modelling Urban Multi-Hydrological Processes Based on Hydrogeographic Elements in Urban Areas
Authors: Zhuo Zhang, et al. (Exact co-authors not listed)
Citations: 0
Year: 2025
Journal: Environmental Modelling and Software

Title: A Novel Rapid Flood Inundation Method Based on GIS Combined with Hydrodynamics in Coastal and Riverine Regions
Authors: Zhuo Zhang, Zhiyao Song, Haocheng Wang, Songshan Yue, Di Hu, Fei Guo
Citations: 0
Year: 2025
Journal: Water Resources Management

Title: Erosion and Accretion Characteristics of the Muddy Coast in the Central Coastal Area of Jiangsu Province Based on Long-Term Remote Sensing Monitoring
Authors: Zhuo Zhang, et al. (Exact co-authors not listed)
Citations: 0
Year: 2025
Journal: Remote Sensing

Title: Research on Improving the Accuracy of Remote Sensing-Based Bathymetry on Muddy Coasts
Authors: Zhuo Zhang, et al. (Exact co-authors not listed)
Citations: 2
Year: 2025
Journal: Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

Zhuo Zhang | Water Disaster | Best Researcher Award