JIZHEN MO | Environmental Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. JIZHEN MO – Environmental Analysis – Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Mo Jizhen’s interdisciplinary research, methodological rigor, and proven ability to lead projects from conception to implementation align closely with the criteria of the Best Researcher Award. Her work exemplifies innovation, practical relevance, and scholarly depth—qualities central to this recognition.

The University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong

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🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Mo Jizhen’s academic journey began with a profound curiosity about how human settlements evolve and function, leading to her enrollment in the Human Geography and Urban-Rural Planning Bachelor’s program at Guangzhou University from September 2020 to June 2024. With a GPA of 3.7/4.0, ranking in the top 15% of her class, Mo demonstrated consistent academic excellence. Her foundational education encompassed a rich blend of theoretical and technical coursework, including Physical Geography, Human Geography, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Urban Geography, Logistic Geography, and Real Estate Management. Through these, she developed a multidimensional understanding of spatial development and urban planning challenges. Particularly significant was her engagement with the Principle of Urban Planning, where she explored the synergy between spatial policy and sustainable urban development.

đŸ’ŒProfessional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Mo translated her academic knowledge into practical skills through impactful internships. At the Guangdong Urban & Rural Planning and Design Institute Co., Ltd., she interned with the 5th Planning and Design Office, where she contributed to planning optimization by drafting layout and schematic maps aligned with new urban strategies. Her ideas on sustainable development—particularly the concept of “Mutual Promotion of Characteristic Resources Protection and Village Development”—were incorporated into official regional planning strategies. Earlier, during her internship at the Guangzhou Urban Planning & Design Survey Research Institute, she was part of the Industry Research Department at the Geographic Information Center. There, she assisted in the monitoring of the property market, spatial data analysis, and industrial planning, contributing to reports that were later submitted to the local government and utilized in planning documents.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Environmental Analysis

Mo’s most distinguished contribution to academic research was as Project Leader of “Exploring Global Cities: Guangzhou Multicultural Study and Research,” a project recognized with a Second Prize at the national level by the Geographical Society of China. Her role encompassed a full spectrum of research activities includes Conducted a literature review with over 100 academic sources, identifying gaps and framing new research directions, Designed and implemented questionnaires, collecting over 100 valid responses to investigate the multicultural fabric of Guangzhou., Performed semi-structured interviews with 57 individuals, leading to comprehensive interview analysis and Applied spatial analysis tools using GIS to map Points of Interest (POIs) and generate Kernel Density diagrams, revealing the spatial distribution of multiculturalism in the city. Additionally, her bachelor’s dissertation, titled “Self-identity Construction of Queer from the Perspective of Field Theory,” showcased her interdisciplinary approach, intersecting geography with sociology and identity studies.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Mo Jizhen’s academic excellence and leadership have been acknowledged through numerous honors. She received the Outstanding Student Award from Guangzhou University in 2024, along with First Class Scholarships in her 2nd and 4th years. Her research skills earned a Second Prize in the Geography Study Social Research Category in 2021. That same year, she was recognized in the 13th Challenge Cup Student Entrepreneurship Program. She also won a Provincial Project Approval for her participation in the Entrepreneurial Training & Practice Program for College Students in 2023 and was named an Excellent Student of the Young Marxist Training Program in 2022.

Impact and Influence

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Mo’s interdisciplinary approach, especially her engagement with urban multiculturalism and inclusive planning, reflects a deep awareness of contemporary urban issues. Her projects and internships have influenced planning outcomes in Guangzhou, where her spatial analysis work has informed industrial layouts and policy directions.  Her ability to bridge academic theory and professional practice makes her a valuable contributor to any urban policy or planning team. Through her multicultural lens, Mo is contributing to more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable city planning paradigms in China.

🔼Legacy and Future Contributions 

Now pursuing a Master’s degree in Transport Policy and Planning at The University of Hong Kong (Sep 2024 – Aug 2025), Mo is poised to extend her influence into the realm of transportation. Her core courses—Transport Policy and Planning, Engineering for Transport Systems, Public Transport Systems, and Transport and Development—reflect her growing expertise in creating integrated and people-centric mobility systems. With a firm foundation in urban-rural planning and a strong orientation toward sustainability, Mo is set to contribute to the evolving global discourse on transport justice, multimodal integration, and urban resilience.

Conclusion

Mo Jizhen exemplifies the next generation of urban thinkers and planners. Her journey from Guangzhou University to The University of Hong Kong, through a rich blend of academic excellence, hands-on project leadership, and innovative research, paints a compelling picture of a scholar-practitioner dedicated to inclusive urban futures. Her commitment to integrating human geography, transport systems, and multicultural urbanism makes her a promising force in shaping the cities of tomorrow.

📚Publications

Embryonic developmental toxicity in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) caused by combined 17α-ethinylestradiol and hypoxic exposure

 Authors: X., Qin, Xian, J., Mo, Jiezhang, H., Lin, Huiju, … R.Y.C., Kong, Richard Yuen Chong, K., Lai, Kengpo

Journals: Frontiers of Environmental Science and Engineering

Temperature-dependent toxicity and mechanisms of florfenicol on the embryonic development of marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Authors: X., Guo, Xingying, X., Gong, Xu, J., Wang, Jinhui, … W., Liu, Wenhua, Z., Wang, Zhen

Journals: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

Jenifer de Carvalho Lopes Dantas | Plant conservation | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Jenifer de Carvalho Lopes Dantas – Plant conservation – Women Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Dr. Lopes’ extensive research contributions in plant systematics, evolutionary biology, and biogeography position her as a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her work has significantly advanced the field, and her association with prestigious institutions such as Harvard University highlights her recognition as a leading researcher in her domain.

 Harvard University | United States

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Scholar

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Jenifer C. Lopes has dedicated her career to understanding the evolutionary patterns, systematics, and biogeography of plants in the Neotropics. Her academic journey began at the University of São Paulo, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology (2005–2009). She further specialized in botany by completing her Master’s degree (2010–2012) and later obtained a Ph.D. in Botany (2012–2018) from the same institution. Throughout her studies, she developed a profound interest in plant systematics, particularly focusing on the Annonaceae family and the biodiversity of the Brazilian flora.

đŸ’ŒProfessional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

Jenifer’s professional career has been marked by significant contributions to plant systematics and evolutionary biology. From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of SĂŁo Paulo’s Instituto de BiociĂȘncias, where she deepened her expertise in botany. In September 2023, she joined Harvard University Herbaria as a Research Associate in the Department of Organismic & Evolutionary Biology. Her current work at Harvard is focused on the systematics of Vellozia, a genus native to South American mountaintops, particularly within the biodiversity-rich campos rupestres of Brazil.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Plant conservation

Lopes’ research has primarily revolved around the systematics, biogeography, and evolutionary history of plant families, particularly Annonaceae and Velloziaceae. She has investigated the historical biogeography of Vellozia, shedding light on range expansion in South American mountaintops following climatic cooling events. Her work has also explored the role of frugivores in the dispersal of Annonaceae from Africa to the Neotropics, leading to multiple transitions across biomes. Additionally, her research on phytotoxicity in Annona coriacea has contributed to understanding the chemical ecology of plant species in tropical ecosystems.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Lopes’ contributions have been widely recognized within the scientific community. Her work has been cited extensively, and she has collaborated with leading researchers in the field of botany. She has participated in international research collaborations and contributed to the conservation of endangered plant species through her taxonomic and ecological studies.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Jenifer C. Lopes’ research has had a profound impact on the fields of systematics, evolutionary biology, and conservation science. Her studies on the diversification and adaptation of plant lineages in response to climatic and ecological changes have provided valuable insights into plant evolution in tropical and subtropical environments. By documenting new species and analyzing their evolutionary history, she has contributed to biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly in South America’s threatened ecosystems.

🔼Legacy and Future Contributions 

As a research associate at Harvard University, Lopes continues to advance the field of plant systematics and evolutionary biology. Her ongoing work on Vellozia and related plant families will likely yield further critical insights into the historical biogeography and adaptive evolution of Neotropical plants. Her research is expected to play a crucial role in shaping conservation strategies for plant species facing habitat loss due to climate change.

 

Conclusion

Dr. Jenifer C. Lopes‘ exceptional contributions to evolutionary biology and plant systematics, her innovative research on Neotropical flora, and her dedication to biodiversity conservation make her an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her impactful work, academic excellence, and ongoing research at Harvard University demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field

📚Publications

Vanishing ecosystems: The looming threat of climate change on an iconic genus Vellozia in the Brazilian campos rupestres

Authors:  Rain E. Bugado; Nawal Shrestha; Renato A. Magri; Jefferson Prado; Jenifer C. Lopes

Journals: Global Ecology and Conservation

Historical biogeography of Vellozia (Velloziaceae) reveals range expansion in South American mountaintops after climatic cooling events and increased diversification rates after the occupation of Southern Espinhaço Province

Authors: Renato A Magri; Federico Luebert; Andressa Cabral; Suzana Alcantara; LĂșcia G Lohmann; Jefferson Prado; Jenifer C Lopes

Journals: Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society

Unveiling the aftermath of conflict and herbarium specimens’ loss: Typifications of species described by Pohl within the Neotropical genus Vellozia

Authors: Jenifer C. Lopes; Renato A. Magri; Jefferson Prado

Journals: TAXON

Two new critically endangered species of Vellozia (Velloziaceae) from the Campos Rupestres of Espinhaço Range, Brazil

Authors: R.A. MAGRI; A. CABRAL; J. PRADO; J.C. LOPES

Journals: Phytotaxa