Stratos Kokolakis | Ecological Monitoring | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Stratos Kokolakis | Ecological Monitoring | Best Researcher Award

Hellenic Mediterranean University, Greece

Profile

ORCID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Efstratios “Stratos” Georgios Kokolakis began his academic journey at the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), where he earned his Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture. Building on his foundational knowledge and passion for environmental science and technology, he advanced to a Ph.D. candidacy in Agricultural Science at the same institution. His early academic pursuits laid a strong interdisciplinary foundation, blending agriculture with emerging geospatial technologies.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Since February 2024, Stratos has held the position of Senior Research Associate at Health Level Seven (HL7) Europe, based in Brussels. This role not only highlights his growth from a strong academic background but also underscores his involvement in international-level research and policy development concerning health and environment integration. His proactive engagement in both research and applied projects places him at the nexus of environmental science, technology, and public health.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Stratos Kokolakis’s research primarily orbits around Geoinformatics, Remote Sensing, Spatial Data Analysis & GIS, UAV-based Environmental Monitoring, and Aquatic Ecosystem Health. His notable paper, “From Space to Stream: Combining Remote Sensing and In Situ Techniques for Comprehensive Stream Health Assessment” (published in Remote Sensing, 2025), exemplifies his innovative approach of integrating Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, UAV-derived topographic data, and laboratory analysis to evaluate urban stream health. His work not only advances academic understanding but also delivers practical frameworks for environmental management.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Stratos’s research has significantly contributed to enhancing urban aquatic ecosystem monitoring. Through presentations like “Earth Observation and Geoinformatics to Monitoring the Environmental Status of Urban Streams” at ICED2024, he bridges environmental monitoring with mental health policy-making. His interdisciplinary research is influencing how public health authorities consider environmental data for urban planning and wellness strategies, particularly emphasizing the link between environmental health and human mental well-being.

📈 Academic Cites and Recognition

Stratos’s work is published in reputable databases such as Scopus and Remote Sensing, with citations beginning to build as his 2025 publications circulate through the academic community. His proactive research dissemination through conferences and publications underscores his growing academic footprint and influence among peers in environmental science and spatial data communities.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Stratos exhibits strong technical proficiency in Remote Sensing analysis, UAV-based environmental surveying, GIS data processing, spatial modeling, and water quality assessment techniques. His ability to combine data from diverse sources — satellites, drones, lab samples — and integrate them into cohesive analytical frameworks marks him as a versatile and forward-thinking researcher.

📚 Teaching Experience

While primarily research-focused at this stage of his career, Stratos’s involvement in collaborative research projects and mentorship activities hints at a strong potential for future academic teaching roles. His technical acumen and communication skills position him well to eventually contribute as a lecturer or trainer in Geoinformatics, GIS applications, and Environmental Science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Efstratios Georgios Kokolakis is setting the stage for a long-lasting impact on environmental monitoring and public health policy integration. His innovative methodologies are likely to become part of standardized practices in urban ecosystem management. Looking ahead, his research is poised to influence European environmental health policies, contribute to climate adaptation strategies, and enhance the use of spatial technologies for sustainable development. His commitment to merging environmental science with societal benefits ensures that his legacy will be one of practical innovation and academic excellence.

📚 Notable Publications

  • Publication: "From Space to Stream: Combining Remote Sensing and In Situ Techniques for Comprehensive Stream Health Assessment"

    • Authors: Stratos Kokolakis, Eleni Kokinou, Matenia Karagiannidou, Nikos Gerarchakis, Christos Vasilakos, Melina Kotti, Catherine Chronaki

    • Journal: Remote Sensing

    • Year: 2025

  • Publication: "Monitoring the Healthy Status of Urban Streams"

    • Authors: Stratos Kokolakis, Eleni Kokinou, Catherine Chronaki

    • Journal: E3S Web of Conferences

    • Year: 2024

  • Publication: "Earth Observation and Geoinformatics to Monitoring the Environmental Status of Urban Streams Inextricably Linked to People’s Mental Health"

    • Authors: Stratos Kokolakis, Eleni Kokinou, Catherine Chronaki, Anne Moen, Gora Datta

    • Journal: Book Chapter

    • Year: 2024

  • Publication: "Integrating Earth Observation with Stream Health and Agricultural Activity"

    • Authors: David Chatzidavid, Eleni Kokinou, Stratos Kokolakis, Matina Karagiannidou

    • Journal: Remote Sensing

    • Year: 2023

  • Publication: "Spatiotemporal Environmental Monitoring of the Karst-related Almyros Wetland (Heraklion, Crete, Greece, Eastern Mediterranean)"

    • Authors: Eleni Kokinou, D.E. Zacharioudaki, Stratos Kokolakis, Melina Kotti, D. Chatzidavid, M. Karagiannidou, E. Fanouraki, E. Kontaxakis

    • Journal: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

    • Year: 2023

 

 

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marilena De Simone | Sustainability | Business-Science Integration Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marilena De Simone | Sustainability | Business-Science Integration Excellence Award

University of Calabria, Italy.

Marilena De Simone is an Associate Professor in Building Physics and Energy Systems at the Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, Italy. With a strong background in environmental and mechanical engineering, she has contributed extensively to research on energy efficiency, sustainable building design, and renewable energy systems. Dr. De Simone is a recognized leader in international collaborations, coordinating initiatives like the IEA EBC Annex projects. She has published over 100 works in prestigious journals and conferences, serves as a reviewer for high-impact journals, and actively participates in editorial boards and scientific committees.

Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Education🎓

Marilena De Simone earned her Doctorate in Environmental Engineering from the University of Calabria in 2001, showcasing her strong foundation in sustainable practices and engineering principles. She further advanced her expertise by completing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the same institution from 2002 to 2006. Her doctoral studies emphasized innovative approaches in engineering applications, laying the groundwork for her contributions to energy efficiency and building physics.

Professional Experience🏫

Marilena De Simone is an Associate Professor in Building Physics and Energy Systems at the University of Calabria, a role she has held since 2022, following 15 years as an Assistant Professor in the same field (2007–2022). Renowned for her engaging lectures, she teaches courses on Applied Physics and Renewable Energy Systems, equipping future engineers with sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, she has been a key coordinator for prestigious IEA EBC Annex projects, focusing on advancing building energy efficiency through innovative strategies and international collaborations. Her work bridges cutting-edge research with impactful academic mentorship.

Research Interests🔬

Energy Performance of Buildings🏢

Marilena De Simone investigates strategies to evaluate and improve the energy performance of buildings. Her research includes innovative assessment methods, energy audits, and requalification techniques to enhance building efficiency.

Renewable Energy Systems🌞

She focuses on the development and integration of renewable energy systems, emphasizing sustainable solutions for urban contexts. Her work explores solar, wind, and energy storage technologies to meet urban energy demands effectively.

Green Roofs and Materials🌱

Marilena explores energy-efficient solutions through the application of green roofs and advanced materials. Her studies address urban sustainability, reducing energy consumption and enhancing thermal comfort in buildings.

Occupant Behavior in Energy Use🏠

Her research delves into statistical modeling and case studies to understand how occupant behavior impacts energy consumption. These insights inform the design of occupant-centric building systems for better energy management.

Circular Economy in the Built Environment🔄

She champions innovative materials and techniques aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Her focus is on sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact while optimizing resource utilization in the building sector.

Awards and Honors🏆

Qualified for the role of Full Professor (2023)

Editorial Roles: Member of the editorial boards of MDPI's Buildings and other journals

Invited speaker at prominent workshops and conferences, including IAQVEC and EnerStock

Publications Top Notes📚

Circular Economy of Wind Turbines Waste in Constructions and Cities Book Chapter | 2024
Contributors: Marilena De Simone, Daniel-Viorel Ungureanu, Daniele Campagna. Link

Monitoring of Energy Rates of Domestic PV Systems to Evaluate the Influence of Occupants’ Behavior on Environmental and Economic Benefits Buildings | Journal Article | 2024-12-19, Contributors: Marilena De Simone, Antonio Bilotta. Link

Assessment of Probabilistic Models to Estimate the Occupancy State in Office Buildings Using Indoor Parameters and User-Related Variables Energy and Buildings | Journal Article | 2021, Contributors: G. Fajilla, M. Chen Austin, D. Mora, M. De Simone. Link

Intersecting Heuristic Adaptive Strategies, Building Design and Energy Saving Intentions When Facing Discomfort Environment: A Cross-Country Analysis Building and Environment | Journal Article | 2021, Contributors: C.-F. Chen, M. De Simone, S. Yilmaz, X. Xu, Z. Wang, T. Hong, Y. Pan. Link

Effect of Climate Change and Occupant Behaviour on the Environmental Impact of the Heating and Cooling Systems of a Real Apartment: A Parametric Study through Life Cycle Assessment Energies | Journal Article | 2021-12-11
Contributors: Gianmarco Fajilla, Emiliano Borri, Marilena De Simone, Luisa F. Cabeza, Luís Bragança. Link