Sarah Freeman | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Sarah Freeman | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sarah Freeman at Emory University | United States

Dr. Sarah Slocum Freeman, PhD, BCBA-D, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University School of Medicine (since September 2024) and a Doctoral Board Certified Behavior Analyst (#1-13-14435, certified since 2013) with extensive expertise in autism intervention, severe behavior, and professional training. She has been affiliated with the Marcus Autism Center since 2018, serving as a clinician in the Complex Behavior Support Program, Program Manager of the Transition Program since 2022, and more recently as Postdoctoral Resident Training Coordinator and Provider Mentorship Director in 2025. Her prior academic appointments include Practicum Coordinator and Visiting Assistant Professor at Rollins College (2015–2018) and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Emory University (2018–2024). She previously held leadership roles at the University of Florida as Associate Clinical Director of the Behavior Analysis Research Clinic (2013–2015). Dr. Freeman earned her B.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2010, an M.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2013, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2016, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Rollins College (2015–2016). She has advanced numerous training and administrative programs at Marcus Autism Center, including serving as Program Manager of the Master’s and Ph.D. Program in Applied Behavior Analysis with the University of Georgia (2022–2025), chairing the Severe Behavior Department Research Mentorship Program (2019–2022), co-directing the Applied Behavior Analysis Postdoctoral Training Program (2021–2023), and leading the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee (2025–present). A dedicated advocate for professional standards, she has served as Treasurer of the Association for Behavior Analysis International Challenging Behavior Special Interest Group since 2021 and held leadership roles in the Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis, including President in 2023. She has also contributed to state licensure efforts through committee work since 2019. Dr. Freeman is a frequent reviewer for major journals, including the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (since 2013), Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities (since 2019), and Education and Treatmen

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Slocum, S. K., & Tiger, J. H. (2010, May). Developing an assessment of sensitivity to and preference for forward and backward chaining strategies. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

Scheitauer, M. C., Tiger, J. H., Mevers, J. L., & Slocum, S. K. (2011, May). Assessing preference for choice-making opportunities with college students. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Barlow, K., Tiger, J. H., Slocum, S. K., & Miller, S. J. (2011, May). Comparing mand-training efficiency with selection-based and topography-based communication systems. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Scheitauer, M. C., Tiger, J. H., & Slocum, S. K. (2011, May). Descriptive and experimental evaluations of procedural fidelity failures of parents implementing differential reinforcement of alternative behavior in the treatment of problem behavior. Poster presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.

Slocum, S. K., Miller, S. J., & Tiger, J. H. (2012, May). An evaluation of the blocking procedure to teach conditional discriminations to a child with autism. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Seattle, WA.

Slocum, S. K., Zeug, N. M., Baker, C., Peters, K. P., Wunderlich, K. L., & Vollmer, T. V. (2013, May). A functional analysis of mild punishers for vocal stereotypy. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Minneapolis, MN.

Slocum, S. K., Vollmer, T. R., Whitehouse, C. W., Peters, K. P., Phillips, C. L., Radonavich, K., & Lewis, M. H. (2014, May). Developing a novel treatment for rigid inflexible behavior. Paper presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.

Jinyin Lei | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Jinyin Lei | Environmental Effects | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jinyin Lei at Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment | China

Mr. Lei Jinyin is a Researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences. He specializes in soil and water conservation, salinity control, and the efficient utilization of agricultural water resources. With a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control from Northwest A&F University, Mr. Lei has conducted impactful studies on dryland farming, soil fertility, irrigation regimes, and viticulture in the Helan Mountain region. His leadership in national and regional research projects highlights his commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring food security, and improving ecological resilience in arid regions.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mr. Lei earned his doctorate in Soil and Water Conservation and Desertification Control from Northwest A&F University, following a bachelor’s degree in the same field from Inner Mongolia Agricultural University. His academic background equipped him with strong expertise in land degradation, water management, and sustainable agriculture.

Experience

He has advanced his career at the Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, where he has served as Assistant Researcher, Associate Researcher, and now Researcher. He also broadened his perspective through a visiting research position at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia, which strengthened his international collaboration and expertise in agricultural resource management.

Professional Development

Mr. Lei has continuously enhanced his professional development through leadership in major research projects and collaborations. As principal investigator, he has studied soil organic carbon sequestration under changing hydrothermal conditions. He also directs projects focused on wine grape cultivation in the Helan Mountain region and contributes to studies on intercropping systems for maize and soybeans. His international research experience further expanded his outlook and collaborations. Through his project leadership, publications, and applied demonstrations, he has built expertise that integrates theory with practice, strengthening sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation while addressing the challenges of arid and semi-arid farming systems.D

Research Interests 

Mr. Lei’s research centers on soil and water conservation, efficient water use in agriculture, and strategies for salinity control in arid regions. He investigates soil organic carbon sequestration, tillage methods, soil fertility, and crop productivity in water-limited environments. His studies include irrigation management for wine grapes in the Helan Mountain region, aimed at enhancing both yield and quality. He also works on intercropping techniques to improve land use efficiency and resilience. By integrating ecological knowledge with applied agricultural practices, his research contributes to sustainable farming models that support food production while protecting fragile environments in dryland areas.

Awards and Recognitions 

Mr. Lei has authored influential works, including a monograph on land degradation and control in the Loess Plateau and several first-authored research papers on soil fertility, tillage, and irrigation. Although formal awards are not listed, his recognition is reflected through his leadership of key funded projects, impactful publications, and practical contributions to sustainable agriculture in Ningxia and beyond. His career progression from early-stage researcher to senior researcher, combined with international academic experience, demonstrates his dedication and scholarly impact. In conclusion, Mr. Lei’s achievements highlight his research leadership, valuable scientific contributions, and commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural development.

Top Noted Publications 

Title: Research on Land Degradation and Control in the Wind-Sand Area of the Northern Loess Plateau
Year: 2012

Title: Effects of Tillage Measures on Soil Aggregates and Crop Yield in Hilly Land of Southern Ningxia Mountains
Year: 2020

Title: Effects of Tillage Measures on Soil Nutrient Distribution and Fertilizer Utilization Efficiency in Sloping Farmland
Year: 2020

Title: Effects of Irrigation Regimes on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Wine Grapes in the Eastern Foothills of Helan Mountain
Year: 2021

Conclusion

Mr. Lei Jinyin’s career reflects steady growth from early-stage researcher to senior expert, marked by strong leadership in key projects, influential publications, and international collaboration. His contributions to soil and water conservation, irrigation management, and sustainable farming systems have provided both scientific insights and practical solutions for agriculture in arid regions. Although formal honors are not listed, his recognition lies in the lasting impact of his research, his role in advancing sustainable agricultural practices, and his commitment to ecological resilience. Overall, he stands out as a dedicated scholar contributing meaningfully to agricultural and environmental development.

Muhammad Wasim Haider | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Muhammad Wasim Haider | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Muhammad Wasim Haider, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

Zahra Taheri Sarteshnizi | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

Dr.Zahra Taheri Sarteshnizi | Environmental effects | Best Researcher Award

member of Dr. Farid’s research team at Boise State University, Iran

Dr. Zahra Taheri Sarteshnizi is a highly accomplished researcher and academic in the field of Water Engineering and Sciences, with a Ph.D. focused on Hydraulic Structures. Her research interests span various areas, including the erosion of cohesive beds by fluid flow, machine learning applications in environmental engineering, and the transport of organic chemicals and PFAS in sediment. Dr. Taheri Sarteshnizi has extensive teaching experience at multiple universities, covering a wide range of civil engineering subjects such as fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, and hydraulic design. Proficient in Python, GIS, MATLAB, and R, she has applied her skills to impactful research projects, including studies on wastewater effects on sediment properties and soil stabilization. With a solid academic background, an interdisciplinary approach to research, and a growing professional network, she is a promising candidate for recognition as a top researcher in her field.

professional profile

Education

Dr. Zahra Taheri Sarteshnizi holds a Ph.D. in Water Engineering and Sciences, specializing in Hydraulic Structures, which she completed at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, from 2014 to 2019. Her doctoral research focused on the impact of mixing urban refined wastewater and sediment flow on erosion threshold shear stress in water transmission networks. She also earned a Master’s degree in Water Engineering and Sciences (Hydraulic Structures) from Gorgan Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (2010–2012), where she investigated the effects of straw and plastic waste materials on soil properties and shear strength. Dr. Taheri Sarteshnizi’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Water Engineering and Sciences from Shahrekord University (2004–2008), where she studied the optimization of cutoff wall placement to reduce pressure and leakage discharge in water structures. Her diverse educational background has laid a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary research and teaching career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zahra Taheri Sarteshnizi has a robust professional experience that spans both academia and research. From 2017 to 2023, she served as an Adjunct Professor at Azad University of Shahrekord, where she taught various civil engineering courses, including statics, fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, and hydraulic systems. She also held teaching positions at Azad University of Farsan (2015–2020) and Payame Nour University (2012–2014). In addition to her teaching roles, Dr. Taheri Sarteshnizi has been actively involved in research projects, particularly focusing on hydraulic structures, wastewater impact on sediment properties, and soil stabilization techniques. Her work includes leading research teams and conducting experiments related to erosion and sediment behavior in water systems. Her contributions to both education and research have made her a key figure in her field, providing a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in civil and environmental engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Zahra Taheri Sarteshnizi’s research interests are centered around key challenges in environmental and hydraulic engineering, with a particular focus on the erosion of cohesive beds by fluid flow and the impact of wastewater on sediment properties. Her work integrates cutting-edge techniques like machine learning to address complex environmental issues such as soil stabilization and the transport of organic chemicals, including Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), in sediment. Additionally, she is interested in the fate and transport of contaminants in the vadose zone, which plays a critical role in water and soil management. Dr. Taheri Sarteshnizi’s interdisciplinary approach combines traditional hydraulic studies with modern computational tools, aiming to improve the sustainability and resilience of water infrastructure and environmental systems.

Award and Honor

Dr. Zahra Taheri Sarteshnizi has made significant contributions to her field, earning recognition for her research and academic achievements. She has been honored with the Senior Fellow status from the Higher Education Academy in the United Kingdom, reflecting her commitment to excellence in higher education. Additionally, Dr. Taheri Sarteshnizi was awarded the Bahari Visiting Fellowship in the Persian Arts of the Book for the 2016–2017 academic year at the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, highlighting her expertise in Persian literature and manuscript studies. Her research has been cited 148 times, indicating the impact and relevance of her work in the academic community.

Conclusion

Zahra Taheri Sarteshnizi has demonstrated exceptional expertise and dedication to her field through her academic achievements, interdisciplinary research interests, and teaching experience. She is well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award, particularly due to her ability to apply technical solutions to environmental challenges. By focusing on expanding her research output, building international collaborations, and increasing her public engagement, Zahra could further enhance her standing as a top-tier researcher in her field.

Publications Top Noted

  • Experimental Study on the Threshold Shear Stress of Fine Sediments (Case Study: Karkeh Reservoir Dam Sediments)
    Authors: M Khastar, R Fattahi, M Ghasemi, Z Taheri
    Year: 2018
    Citation: Journal of Hydraulics, 13(3), 107-115
  • Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Consolidation Time on Erosion Rate of Cohesive Sediment
    Authors: Z Taheri, K Esmaili, H Samadi Borujeni, SR Khodashenas
    Year: 2020
    Citation: Irrigation Sciences and Engineering, 43(2), 171-186
  • Using Food Industry Byproduct to Stabilize an Expansive Clay
    Authors: ZTS, Nicole L. Shaw, Arvin Farid
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Waste
  • Experimental Investigation of Cohesive Sediments Erosion in the Presence of Bed Coarse-Gran Size Sediments
    Authors: M Khastar, H Samadi-Boroujeni, M Ghasemi, Z Taheri
    Year: 2020
    Citation: Sharif Journal of Civil Engineering, 36(3.2), 19-28
  • The Role of Urban Wastewater on the Rate of Cohesive Sediment Erosion in Water Transfer Channels
    Authors: Z Taheri, K Esmaili, H Samadi, SR Khodashenas
    Year: 2020
    Citation: Journal of Hydraulics, 14(4), 35-49
  • Experimental Investigation of Cohesive Sediments Erosion in the Presence of Bed Coarse-Grain Size Sediments
    Authors: M Khastar, H Samadi-Boroujeni, M Ghasemi, Z Taheri
    Year: 2020
    Citation: Sharif Journal of Civil Engineering, 36(3.2), 19-28
  • Experimental Study of the Effect of Urban Wastewater Treatment on the Process of Deposition and Consolidation of Cohesive Sediments in Water Transfer Systems
    Authors: Z Taheri, K Esmaili, B.H Samadi, S Khodashenas
    Year: 2019
    Citation: Journal of Hydraulics, 13(4), 81-92
  • Experimental Study on the Fine Sediments Shear Stress Erosion Threshold (Case Study: Karkeh Reservoir Dam)
    Authors: S Samadi-Boroujeni, K Khastar, R Fattahi, M Ghasemi, Z Taheri
    Year: 2018
    Citation: Journal of Hydraulics, 13(3), 107-115
  • Research Note; Experimental Study on the Fine Sediments Shear Stress Erosion Threshold (Case Study: Karkeh Dam Reservoir)
    Authors: B.H Samadi, B.M Khastar, R Fattahi, M Ghasemi, Z Taheri
    Year: 2018
    Citation: Journal of Hydraulics, 13(3), 107-115