Ms. Sara Qwaider | Sustainable | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Sara Qwaider | Sustainable | Women Researcher Award 

Ms. Sara Qwaider | Sustainable | King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals | Saudi Arabia

Ms. Sara Qwaider is an accomplished urbanist, architect, and sustainable city design researcher with a strong academic foundation and research-driven professional journey focused on creating innovative, people-centered, and environmentally responsible urban environments. She holds a Master of Science in Architecture from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and a Bachelor of Architecture from Girne American University, where she developed an excellent command of design theories, technical expertise, and scientific methodology. Throughout her professional experience as a Research and Teaching Assistant in the Department of Architecture & City Design, a site manager assistant, a landscape design trainee, and a site engineer assistant, she demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, team collaboration, design proficiency, and the ability to effectively manage multidisciplinary projects aligned with sustainability goals and Saudi Vision 2030. Her research interests include smart communities, GIS-based urban analytics, social sustainability, vernacular architecture, human behavior in public spaces, and the development of green frameworks that improve quality of life in rapidly growing cities. Ms. Sara Qwaider has contributed to prominent research initiatives such as smart campus development frameworks, green rating systems tailored to regional contexts, logistics urban parks, and social life cycle assessment adaptation to Saudi needs, reflecting her commitment to bridging design, data science, and sustainable development. She excels in research skills including architectural design analysis, urban data interpretation, project-based problem-solving, and the use of advanced digital technologies, supported by strong proficiency in AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Twinmotion, Lumion, Photoshop, SketchUp, JASP, and Microsoft Office. She has been recognized with multiple honors including first-place wins in smart campus innovation and university research exhibitions, demonstrating her creativity and academic excellence. Her strengths lie in applying sustainability-focused design principles to real-world challenges, mentoring students, and presenting research in competitive academic environments. Areas for continued improvement include expanding international partnerships and increasing her publication volume in high-impact indexed journals to further elevate her research visibility.

Professional Profiles: ORCID

Selected Publications 

  1. Qwaider, S. (2024). GIS-based progress monitoring of SDGs toward achieving smart Saudi cities. 5 citations.

Dr. Jonathan Higham | Air Quality | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jonathan Higham | Air Quality | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Jonathan Higham, The University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

Dr. Jonny Edward Higham is a Senior Lecturer in Contemporary and Dynamic Processes in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Liverpool. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Fluid Mechanics and an MEng in Civil & Structural Engineering from the University of Sheffield, he integrates advanced machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques—especially those rooted in linear algebra such as Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) and Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD)—to address critical challenges in maritime safety, environmental monitoring, and public health. Dr. Higham has led high-impact projects, including MarRI-UK-funded research that has reduced port maintenance costs and digitalized shipyard operations in partnership with Lloyd’s Register. His work on ML-based aerosol dynamics in dentistry informed NHS COVID-19 guidelines, while his deployment of a 58-sensor air quality network across Liverpool directly informs city policy. As the founder of the Liverpool Employer-Led Academy (LELA), launched in 2024, he fosters collaboration between academia and industry to enhance student employability. A recipient of multiple awards, including from the American Physical Society and the University of Liverpool, Dr. Higham has over 609 citations and more than 35 publications. He also serves as Deputy Chair of the FSE Ethics Committee and SoES Commercialisation Lead, and supervises numerous doctoral students in ML/AI research.

Professional Profile:

SCOPUS

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Jonny Edward Higham

Dr. Jonny Edward Higham, Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool, is a distinguished researcher whose interdisciplinary work in machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and environmental engineering has made a significant impact on public safety, healthcare, and environmental policy. His research excellence, practical innovation, and mentorship make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

  • PhD in Environmental Fluid Mechanics, University of Sheffield (2013–2016)

  • MEng in Civil & Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield (2009–2013)

  • MEng in E.T.S. de Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos, Universidad de Granada (2012)

  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2016)

  • Currently pursuing Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy

💼 Work Experience

  • 👨‍🏫 Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography and Planning, University of Liverpool (2018–Present)

    • Led £190k MarRI-UK project using ML and SVD for nearshore bathymetry, cutting port costs by 15%

    • Principal Investigator for £30k MarRI-UK Digital Shipyard project using AI in shipbuilding with Lloyd’s Register

    • Developed YOLOv8-based boulder detection model (78% accuracy) for maritime navigation

    • Engineered ML models for aerosol dynamics during COVID-19, contributing to NHS protocols

    • Installed 58-sensor air quality network across Liverpool, influencing city policy

    • Founded and leads Liverpool Employer-Led Academy (LELA), launched 2024

    • Supervises 10 PhD students (4 completed, 6 ongoing)

    • Deputy Chair of FSE Ethics, SoES Commercialisation Lead

  • 🧪 Oakridge Research Fellow, National Energy Technology Laboratories, U.S. Department of Energy (2016–2018)

    • Applied ML and linear algebra for granular flow analysis, laying groundwork for maritime and environmental innovations

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • 🥇 American Physical Society Award (2020) – ML contributions to fluid mechanics

  • 🎓 School Teaching Prize, University of Liverpool (2020) – for ML-based teaching innovations

  • 💰 Faculty Teaching Development Grant, University of Liverpool (2020) – for AI-driven teaching tools

📊 Key Achievements

  • 609 Google Scholar citations

  • 35+ peer-reviewed publications

  • Established YOLOv8 models in sonar imaging and healthcare

  • Influenced NHS and Liverpool City Council with ML-driven research

  • Leads national-level MarRI-UK maritime innovation projects

Publication Top Notes:

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