Hanin Othman | Environmental Science and Smart Technology | Young Researcher Award 

Ms. Hanin Othman | Environmental Science and Smart Technology | Young Researcher Award 

Ms. Hanin Othman | Pennsylvania State University | United States

Author Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Hanin Othman began her academic journey with a strong foundation in architecture and design. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from The Hashemite University, Jordan in 2014, where she graduated among the top students in her class and received multiple honors, including the Best Graduation Project Award. Her academic excellence continued through her Master of Science in Architectural Engineering from The University of Jordan in 2019, where her thesis publication earned the Best Master Thesis Published Paper Award. Building upon these achievements, she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Architecture (Sustainability) at Pennsylvania State University, USA. Her educational path reflects a consistent dedication to research and innovation at the intersection of environmental science and smart technology.

Professional Endeavors

Ms. Othman’s professional journey is marked by her deep involvement in academia, research, and creative technology. At Penn State University, she serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, instructing courses such as Basic Design and Research and Sustainable Architecture I & II. She is also the Artist and Maker in Residence at the Learning Factory, where she designs and leads workshops on low-cost IoT-based environmental monitoring systems using Arduino. Her earlier professional experience includes working as an Architect and Design Studio Supervisor at The Hashemite University, and as an Architect at Ruba Hosuah for Engineering. These roles allowed her to integrate sustainability principles with modern design methods, reinforcing her commitment to environmental science and smart technology.

Contributions and Research Focus

Ms. Hanin Othman’s research lies at the dynamic intersection of environmental science and smart technology, with a particular focus on sustainability, digital fabrication, and sensing technologies in architecture. Her doctoral research emphasizes the development of IoT-based indoor air quality monitoring systems, integrating mobile platforms, robotic sensing, and data-driven optimization techniques. She also explores urban microclimates, vegetation impacts, and thermal comfort using simulation tools such as ENVI-met, Design Builder, and CFD modeling. Additionally, her work in robotic fabrication bridges computational design with traditional craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of sustainable architectural innovation.

Impact and Influence

Ms. Othman has made a remarkable impact both as a researcher and an educator. Her innovative approach to integrating environmental science and smart technology into architecture has influenced sustainable design practices and academic pedagogy. She has been recognized through numerous awards, including the ICDS Rising Researcher Award (2025–2026), Fox Scholar Award (2025), Sustainability Graduate Student Award Nomination (2024–2025), and the Artists and Makers in Residence Program (2024–2025). Her teaching contributions at Penn State University have inspired many students to embrace interdisciplinary and environmentally responsive design approaches.

Academic Cites

Ms. Othman’s research contributions have been featured in conferences, workshops, and institutional publications, reflecting the growing academic acknowledgment of her work. Her studies in environmental science and smart technology have attracted attention for their real-world applicability and technological innovation. Through her participation in Penn State’s Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS) and Hamer Center for Community Design, she has collaborated on projects that integrate digital twins, IoT networks, and data-driven environmental monitoring   all contributing to the broader academic discourse on sustainable and smart architectural systems.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Ms. Hanin Othman’s legacy will be defined by her contributions to sustainable architectural research and the advancement of environmental science and smart technology. Her ongoing projects, such as TwinSight: A Data-Driven Digital Twin Framework for Human-Centric Health Monitoring, highlight her vision for human-centered, data-driven, and equitable environmental design. As she continues to mentor students and collaborate across disciplines, her influence will extend to shaping the next generation of architects and environmental technologists. Her long-term goal is to pioneer scalable, low-cost sensing and smart systems that redefine sustainability in architecture.

Environmental Science and Smart Technology

Ms. Hanin Othman’s research integrates Environmental Science and Smart Technology through IoT-based sensing systems, robotic fabrication, and data-driven environmental design. Her interdisciplinary approach to Environmental Science and Smart Technology bridges architecture, engineering, and sustainability, redefining how design responds to ecological and technological challenges. The future of Environmental Science and Smart Technology continues to evolve through her innovative contributions, academic leadership, and commitment to global sustainable development.

Featured Publications

Othman, H., & Alshboul, A. A. (2020). The role of urban morphology on outdoor thermal comfort: The case of Al-Sharq City–Az Zarqa. Urban Climate, 34, 100706.

Othman, H., Azari, R., & Guimarães, T. (2024). Low-cost IoT-based indoor air quality monitoring. Technology|Architecture + Design, 8(2: Coding), 250–270.

Othman, H., Sieves, G., Guimarães, T., & Azari, R. (2025). A calibration chamber framework for low-cost indoor air quality sensor validation. Building and Environment, 113856.

Othman, H., Sieves, G., Guimaraes, T., & Azari, R. (2024). Development of a calibration chamber to evaluate the performance of a low-cost IAQ sensing device. In SIGraDi 2024 - Biodigital Intelligent Systems Conference 1.

Othman, H., & Azari, R. (2023). Exploring low-cost sensors for indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring: A review of stationary and mobile sensing systems. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference of the Arab Society 

Imam, C. A., Othman, H. A. S., & Çapunaman, Ö. B. (2023). Robotic plaster carving: Formalizing subtractive detailing of plaster surfaces for construction and crafts. In 41st Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural

Dr. Darkhan Yerezhep | Environmental Science | Distinguished Scientist Award

Dr. Darkhan Yerezhep | Environmental Science | Distinguished Scientist Award

Satbayev University, Kazakhstan.

Darkhan Yeseyuly Erezhep is a Kazakh scientist, engineer, and academic leader currently serving as the Head of the Department of Standardization, Certification, and Metrology at KazNITU named after K. I. Satpayev, Kazakhstan. With over 10 years of academic and industrial experience, his expertise spans thermal physics, metrology, quality management, and energy systems. A double PhD holder, Dr. Erezhep is an award-winning educator and a leading voice in advancing Kazakhstan’s technical education and research infrastructure.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Darkhan Yerezhep is a distinguished scholar with dual Ph.D. degrees in Engineering—one in Thermal Physics and Theoretical Heat Engineering from ITMO University, Russia (2020), and another in Technical Physics awarded by the Ministry of Education and Science of Kazakhstan (2021). He holds a Master’s degree in Refrigeration and Cryogenic Engineering (2017) and a Bachelor’s degree in Standardization and Metrology (2015), both from ITMO University. Additionally, he pursued a second higher education in Financial Management, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Yerezhep has also earned multiple professional certifications in standardization, scientific mentoring, and quality systems from leading institutions in Kazakhstan and Russia, further demonstrating his commitment to academic excellence and applied research.

💼 Experience

Dr. Darkhan Yerezhep currently serves as the Head of Department at KazNITU in Almaty (2023–present), where he has led significant advancements including the development of Master’s and Ph.D. programs, fostering international collaborations, and increasing the department’s research funding tenfold. He also holds roles as Associate Professor and Researcher at KazNITU and the Physicotechnical Institute, and previously served as a Senior Lecturer at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. His earlier career includes work as a Researcher and Design Engineer at ITMO University and Roselectromotor in St. Petersburg. Dr. Yerezhep has extensive teaching and research experience in cryogenics, metrology, quality systems, and technical regulation.

🔬 Research Interests

Thermal physics and thermoelectric systems

Cryogenic engineering

Standardization and metrology

Quality assurance in industrial systems

Energy system efficiency and low-temperature processes

Passionate about integrating SDG goals, inclusive education, and scientific commercialization in engineering research.

🏆 Awards & Honors

🏅 Best University Teacher (2024) – Kazakhstan Ministry of Education

🎓 State Scientific Scholarship for Talented Young Scientists (2024–2025)

Led department to 2nd place in Atameken National Ranking (2024)

Recipient of state and institutional recognition for leadership in education and science.

📚 Selected Publications

🧪 1. Multiple Phase Transitions in Ethanol Thin Films Obtained by Physical Vapor Deposition

Journal: Applied Surface Science
DOI: 10.1016/J.APSUSC.2024.162259
WOSUID: WOS:001402656800001
Co-authors: Aldiyarov A., Sokolov D., Korshikov E., Nurmukan A., Tasmukhanova A., Ramos M.A.
This article explores complex phase behaviors in ethanol thin films created via physical vapor deposition, highlighting unique thermodynamic transitions.

💧 2. Geoinformation and Analytical Support for the Development of Promising Aquifers for Pasture Water Supply in Southern Kazakhstan

Journal: Water
Date: April 2025
DOI: 10.3390/w17091297
Co-authors: Tazhiyev S., Murtazin Y., Sotnikov E., Rakhimova V., Adenova D., Abdizhalel M., Yerezhep D.
This study presents a GIS-based approach to assessing groundwater potential for sustainable livestock support in arid Kazakh regions.

🚀 3. Optimizing Combustion Characteristics of Ammonium Perchlorate Composites with Nickel-Enhanced Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Journal: Aerospace
Date: March 2025
DOI: 10.3390/aerospace12040270
Co-authors: Nurguzhin M., Janikeyev M., Omarbayev M., Yermakhanova A., Meiirbekov M., Zhumakhanov M., Lesbayev A., Yerezhep D., Atamanov M., Tulepov M.
The work investigates improvements in the combustion efficiency of AP-based propellants through the use of nickel-modified additives.

❄️ 4. Криогенная установка для FTIR-спектроскопического исследования поведения углеводородных соединений при атмосферном давлении

Journal: Bulletin of Toraighyrov University. Energetics series
Date: March 28, 2025
DOI: 10.48081/NJKI9829
Co-authors: Кенбай А. А., Алдияров А. У., Ережеп Д. Е.
Title translation: Cryogenic Setup for FTIR Spectroscopic Study of Hydrocarbon Compounds at Atmospheric Pressure
The article describes a cryogenic system designed for FTIR spectroscopy to analyze hydrocarbon behavior under atmospheric conditions.

 

 

 

Dr. Said Munir | Air Quality | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Said Munir | Air Quality | Best Researcher Award

National Center for Meteorology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Said Munir is a seasoned Air Quality and Meteorology Expert at the National Center for Meteorology in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With dual nationalities (British and Pakistani) and over 20 years of international experience, he has contributed significantly to the fields of air quality monitoring, emission modeling, atmospheric chemistry, and climate impact assessment. Known for his interdisciplinary research, Dr. Munir thrives in collaborative environments and utilizes machine learning, QGIS, and R to solve complex environmental problems. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and is recognized globally for his work in both academia and public policy.

Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Said Munir holds a 🎓 Ph.D. in Air Quality and Transport Studies from the University of Leeds, UK (2009–2013), where he conducted pioneering research on the spatial-temporal analysis of traffic-related ground-level ozone ([Link to Thesis]). He previously earned a 🌬️ Master’s degree in Air Pollution Management and Control from the University of Birmingham, UK (2008–2009), focusing his dissertation on the impact of ozone on UK agriculture. Earlier, he completed a 🌍 Master’s in Natural Resources Management at the University of Greenwich, UK (1999–2000), where he assessed atmospheric pollutants using simple methodologies. Dr. Munir began his academic journey with a 🌾 B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from the Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan (1995–1998), graduating with First Class Honours and an impressive GPA of 3.86/4.00. His multidisciplinary education reflects a deep commitment to understanding and managing environmental challenges at the intersection of air quality, transport, and agriculture.

💼 Experience

Dr. Said Munir is currently serving as an Air Quality and Meteorology Expert at the National Center for Meteorology, Saudi Arabia (2024–Present), where he leads national-level projects on air quality and drought variability, employing advanced modeling techniques and machine learning. Prior to this, he was a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, UK (2021–2024), contributing to high-impact EU-funded projects such as nPETS and MODALES, focused on nanoparticle emissions, transport, and climate-health policy development. From 2017 to 2021, Dr. Munir worked as a Research Associate at the University of Sheffield, UK, where he managed urban air quality sensor networks, conducted high-resolution pollution mapping, and carried out source apportionment studies, playing a key role in advancing urban environmental monitoring systems.

🔬 Research Interests

🌫️ Air Quality Monitoring & Impact Assessment

💻 Machine Learning in Environmental Science

🌍 Emission & Dispersion Modeling (ADMS-Urban, Airviro)

🧪 Atmospheric Chemistry and Receptor Modelling

🛰️ Geospatial and Statistical Analysis (QGIS, R)

☀️ Climate Change, Drought Indices, and Environmental Policy

🏆 Awards & Grants

Multiple national and international research grants from EU and UK agencies.

Contributor to high-impact environmental policy frameworks in Saudi Arabia and the UK.

Recognized for advancing low-cost sensor technology and nanoparticle emission mitigation.

📚 Selected Publications

Munir et al. (2025)Drought variabilities in Saudi Arabia: Spatiotemporal trends – Earth Systems and Environment.
DOI: 10.1007/s41748-025-00570-w
Cited by: 2 articles

Munir et al. (2025)PM2.5 Variability in Saudi Arabia – Atmosphere, 16, 463.
DOI: 10.3390/atmos16040463
Cited by: 4 articles

Munir et al. (2025)Machine Learning & Source Apportionment in Saudi ArabiaWater, Soil and Air Pollution (Under Review)
Cited by: Awaiting peer review

Munir et al. (2025)Urban Nanoparticle Emission Modeling – Atmosphere, 16(4), 417.
DOI: 10.3390/atmos16040417
Cited by: 1 article

Al-Hajji et al. (2025)Dust Storm Climate Study in Riyadh – Int. J. of Environment and Climate Change, 15(3): 381-99.
DOI: 10.9734/ijecc/2025/v15i34780
Cited by: 3 articles