Dr. Hengpeng Li - Environmental Science - Best Researcher Award

Nanjing Institute of Geography & Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - China

Author Profile

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Li Hengpeng began his academic journey with a deep interest in environmental science and engineering. his foundational education laid the groundwork for his future contributions in integrated watershed management and land-environment interactions. committed to interdisciplinary excellence, he refined his focus on hydrology, water quality, and sustainable ecological strategies early in his academic career. during this period, his curiosity extended to emerging fields such as power electronics, where he explored its intersection with environmental monitoring systems and automation of ecological observations.

🏛️ Professional endeavors

Currently serving as a research professor, dr. li hengpeng holds dual directorial roles: at the watershed resources and eco-environment research laboratory within the nanjing institute of geography and limnology, chinese academy of sciences (cas), and at the tianmu lake basin ecological observation and research station. under his leadership, these institutes have made substantial contributions to the development of watershed ecological security mechanisms. with extensive field experience, he has seamlessly integrated innovative technologies, including power electronics systems for real-time environmental data collection and analysis, into the operational frameworks of these research stations.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Li’s primary research domains include land-cover change and environmental impacts, hydrological and water quality modeling, and watershed planning and management. he has published over 100 academic papers in prestigious journals, cementing his reputation as a leader in watershed science. one of his most groundbreaking efforts is the market-based trading Environmental Science trial for water environmental capacity, framing it as an ecosystem service product. this novel concept not only innovates environmental governance but also utilizes concepts from power electronics in smart monitoring systems to regulate and quantify ecological service exchanges in real-time.

🌍 Impact and influence

The societal relevance and environmental impact of dr. li’s work are significant. his models and strategies have influenced the legislative protection of lake and reservoir environments across china. selected as a leading talent under the jiangsu provincial "333 high-level talent cultivation project", he has shaped national policy through science-backed recommendations. his projects were highlighted as model cases in two key national initiatives: the ndrс’s “value realization mechanism of ecological products” and the mee’s “green development in Environmental Science ecological civilization demonstration projects.” his efforts have led to improved watershed governance, demonstrating a strong intersection between science, policy, and environmental ethics.

📚 Academic cites

With over 100 academic papers published, dr. li hengpeng has built an influential academic presence in the fields of environmental science, hydrology, and sustainability planning. his work is frequently cited in international journals addressing ecosystem service valuation, hydrological dynamics, and land-use planning. many of his publications serve as reference points for Environmental Science interdisciplinary studies combining geographical information systems (gis), remote sensing, and environmental modeling—enhanced further by his integration of power electronics in eco-sensing and adaptive environmental control frameworks.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

Dr. Li's innovative approach to ecosystem service commercialization and watershed management has established a new paradigm in eco-environmental governance. awarded the 2024 jiangsu may 1st labor medal, his legacy continues to inspire young researchers in china and beyond. moving forward, his focus remains on refining integrated ecological models and enhancing data-driven environmental decision-making systems. future projects aim to elevate smart watershed governance by embedding ai-driven tools and expanding the use of automation through intelligent systems and power electronics for precision monitoring and resource optimization.

Notable Publications

Title: Variability in N₂O emission controls among different ponds within a hilly watershed
Author(s): Shuyi Xie, Tianyu Xia, Hengpeng Li, Yongjuan Chen, Wangshou Zhang
Journal: Water Research
Title: Breaking the Boundary between Permanent Capital Farmland and Arable Land in China: Understanding State and Drivers of Permanent Capital Farmland Non-Grain Production in a Rapid Urbanizing County
Author(s): Yunjie Shi, Hengpeng Li, Jianwei Geng, Wangshou Zhang, Yuyang Shao
Journal: Land
Title: Historical development, impact mechanism and future trends of nitrogen footprint in Wuxi City, China
Author(s): Chuanhe Xiong, Hengpeng Li, Hongxiang Fan, Akida Askar
Journal: Science of the Total Environment
Title: Wetland Destruction in a Headwater River Leads to Disturbing Decline of In-stream Nitrogen Removal
Author(s): Wangshou Zhang, Hengpeng Li, Dawei Xu, Tianyu Xia
Journal: Environmental Science and Technology
Title: Review of Researches on Nitrogen Removal Effects of Denitrifying Woodchip Bioreactor from Agricultural Non-point Source Wastewater
Author(s): Jiaping Pang, Hengpeng Li, Jun Li, Shuai Zang
Journal: Journal of Ecology and Rural Environment

Early academic pursuits 🎓

Ednah n. Ototo embarked on her academic journey with a deep interest in parasitology, eventually earning a ph.d. in the field. she further expanded her expertise with certifications in implementation research for diseases of poverty and organizational development. her early academic training laid the foundation for a career that intersects health, climate change, and gender advocacy, aiming to uplift vulnerable communities. her commitment to research and learning has been the driving force behind her professional growth.

Professional endeavors 🏢

Ednah’s professional career spans over 12 years, during which she has worked with both local and international organizations. currently, she is serving as the women and water entrepreneurship network coordinator for the university of waterloo’s impower project. in this role, she focuses on co-creating a network that empowers women water vendors in kenya. she also holds the position of postdoctoral fellow at the same institution, where she designs and manages the women rise program, addressing the impact of covid-19 in kenya and uganda. her extensive experience in program management, proposal writing, and stakeholder engagement highlights her leadership in implementing meaningful interventions.

Contributions and research focus 🔬

Ednah’s research focuses on areas crucial to sustainable development and public health, such as climate change adaptation, food security, water and sanitation, and disaster risk reduction. her expertise in monitoring and evaluation has been instrumental in shaping programs that enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations. Geography and Environmental Health she is passionate about integrating gender advocacy into her work, ensuring that women play a central role in climate resilience and community health solutions.

Accolades and recognition 🏅

Ednah has earned recognition for her significant contributions to various interdisciplinary projects, funded by prominent donors like usaid, dfid, idrc, and nih. her Geography and Environmental Health leadership in securing funding for health and environmental interventions has helped improve the livelihoods of crisis-affected populations in kenya and beyond. her innovative approaches to health, gender, and climate change have garnered the respect of colleagues and international organizations alike.

Impact and influence 🌱

Through her work, ednah has had a profound impact on the health and well-being of vulnerable communities. her research and program management have led to practical solutions in water, sanitation, and food security, directly benefiting populations affected by climate change and disasters. her ability to bridge the gap Geography and Environmental Health between research and real-world applications has made her a key figure in community health and climate resilience efforts.

Legacy and future contributions 🔮

Ednah’s legacy is defined by her commitment to empowering women and vulnerable communities through education, entrepreneurship, and health initiatives. her ongoing work with the university of waterloo on the women and water entrepreneurship network reflects her vision of sustainable, women-led solutions in water resource management. as she continues to lead impactful projects, her future contributions are poised to shape more inclusive and resilient societies.

Notable Publications

Title: Surveillance of malaria vector population density and biting behaviour in western Kenya
Author: EN Ototo, JP Mbugi, CL Wanjala, G Zhou, AK Githeko
Journal: Malaria Journal, 2015

Title: Forecasting the potential effects of climate change on malaria in the Lake Victoria basin using regionalized climate projections
Author: EN Ototo, JO Ogutu, A Githeko, MY Said, L Kamau
Journal: Acta Parasitologica, 2022

Title: Surveillance of vector populations and malaria transmission during the 2009/10 El Niño event in the western Kenya highlands: opportunities for early detection of outbreaks
Author: EN Ototo, AK Githeko, CL Wanjala, TW Scott
Journal: Parasites & Vectors, 2011

Title: Evaluation of universal coverage of insecticide-treated nets in western Kenya: field surveys
Author: G Zhou, JS Li, EN Ototo, HE Atieli, AK Githeko, G Yan
Journal: Malaria Journal, 2014

Title: Age-specific Plasmodium parasite profile in pre and post ITN intervention period at a highland site in western Kenya
Author: EN Ototo, G Zhou, L Kamau, JP Mbugi, CL Wanjala
Journal: Malaria Journal, 2017