Jesse Kosgei | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jesse Kosgei | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Fisheries and Coral Ecology Technical Lead at Wildlife Conservation Society, Kenya

Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei is an accomplished marine ecologist and fisheries scientist with over a decade of experience in science-based conservation. He holds a Master’s degree in Fisheries from Pwani University and currently serves as the Technical Lead for Fisheries and Coral Ecology at the Wildlife Conservation Society – Kenya Marine Program. His expertise lies in small-scale fisheries, coral reef ecology, and the socioeconomics of marine resource use. Jesse has made significant contributions to ecological research, sustainable fisheries management, and data-driven conservation strategies across Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. He has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications addressing pressing issues like climate change, resource sustainability, and fisheries policy. In addition to research, he plays a vital role in mentoring junior scientists, managing long-term datasets, and supporting global marine initiatives. Passionate about practical conservation solutions, Jesse combines technical skills, leadership, and regional collaboration to advance ecosystem resilience and community livelihoods in the Western Indian Ocean.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei has a solid academic foundation in marine and fisheries sciences. He earned a Master of Science degree in Fisheries from Pwani University in Mombasa, Kenya, where he specialized in sustainable fisheries management and ecological research. Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Coastal and Marine Resource Management at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, gaining comprehensive knowledge in marine ecosystems, conservation, and coastal resource use. To further enhance his technical capabilities, Jesse has pursued several professional certifications, including Social Safeguards and Community Engagement from the Wildlife Conservation Society, R Programming from Macquarie University, and Practical Tools in Quantitative Fisheries Stock Assessment from the University of Florida and Pwani University. He is also a certified diver through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), which supports his field research activities. His educational background reflects both academic excellence and a commitment to continuous learning in applied marine science.

Professional Experience 💼

Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei has over a decade of professional experience in marine conservation, fisheries science, and ecological research. Since 2015, he has served as the Fisheries and Coral Ecologist Technical Lead at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) – Kenya Marine Program, where he leads research initiatives, develops conservation strategies, and mentors junior scientists. His work spans Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, involving the design and implementation of ecological and socioeconomic monitoring programs. Jesse manages and analyzes over 30 years of data on coral reefs, fish, and sea urchins, applying advanced statistical and machine learning tools to inform conservation policies. Prior to WCS, he worked as a Research Assistant at the Kenya Fisheries Service, where he managed fish catch data and supported national fisheries assessments. He also gained early field experience as an intern at the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute. His professional journey demonstrates a deep commitment to data-driven, impact-oriented marine conservation.

Research Interest 🔬

Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei’s research interests center on marine ecology, small-scale fisheries, and the human dimensions of marine resource management. He is particularly focused on the sustainable use and conservation of coral reef ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. His work aims to establish ecological baselines, assess the impacts of fishing practices, and set sustainable fisheries targets that align with ecosystem health and community livelihoods. Jesse is also interested in the integration of socioeconomic data with ecological indicators to inform holistic, adaptive marine management strategies. He has explored topics such as bycatch reduction, the effects of gear subsidies, fisheries responses to environmental and policy changes, and the role of compliance in conservation outcomes. His research combines field-based data collection, long-term monitoring, and advanced analytics, including machine learning, to generate practical solutions for fisheries sustainability. Ultimately, his goal is to support science-based policies that enhance ecosystem resilience and benefit coastal communities.

Research Skill🔎

Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei possesses a diverse and robust set of research skills that span ecological fieldwork, data analysis, and conservation planning. He is highly proficient in designing and implementing ecological and socioeconomic surveys related to coral reef health, fisheries, and coastal resource use. His expertise includes managing and analyzing complex datasets, including over 30 years of historical ecological data, using advanced statistical tools and machine learning techniques. Jesse is skilled in programming with R, enabling him to conduct quantitative stock assessments and generate data-driven insights to inform fisheries management. He has experience in digitizing monitoring tools and developing innovative approaches to track and assess conservation outcomes. Additionally, his diving certification enhances his ability to conduct in situ marine ecosystem assessments. Jesse is also adept at producing peer-reviewed scientific publications and technical reports, contributing to both academic knowledge and practical policy guidance. His research skills reflect strong analytical, technical, and field-based capabilities.

Award and Honor🏆

Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei’s profile does not list formal awards or honors, his career achievements and contributions reflect significant professional recognition and impact within the marine conservation and fisheries science community. Serving as the Technical Lead for Fisheries and Coral Ecology at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) – Kenya Marine Program is itself a testament to his leadership and expertise. His co-authorship in high-impact peer-reviewed journals alongside internationally respected scientists demonstrates the high regard for his research contributions. Jesse has also played key roles in regional and global conservation initiatives, and his mentorship of students and young scientists adds to his professional standing. His involvement in long-term ecological monitoring, data management, and sustainable fisheries strategies has made him a valued contributor to evidence-based environmental policy. While not yet formally decorated with awards, his growing influence and proven track record make him a strong candidate for future honors and recognitions in the field.

Conclusion📝

Mr. Jesse Kiprono Kosgei is a highly qualified and impactful researcher whose work has made meaningful contributions to marine conservation and sustainable fisheries management in East Africa. His scientific rigor, leadership, and applied research make him a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award. However, greater visibility through first-author publications, academic affiliations, and recognized honors would further solidify his candidacy.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Coral reef fish communities, diversity, and their fisheries and biodiversity status in East Africa
    Author(s): TR McClanahan
    Journal: Marine Ecology Progress Series
    Year: 2019
    Cited by: 41

  • Improving sustainable yield estimates for tropical reef fisheries
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, MK Azali
    Journal: Fish and Fisheries
    Year: 2020
    Cited by: 20

  • Community biomass and life history benchmarks for coral reef fisheries
    Author(s): TR McClanahan
    Journal: Fish and Fisheries
    Year: 2018
    Cited by: 19

  • Perceptions of governance effectiveness and fisheries restriction options in a climate refugia
    Author(s): T McClanahan, C Abunge
    Journal: Biological Conservation
    Year: 2020
    Cited by: 16

  • Outcomes of gear and closure subsidies in artisanal coral reef fisheries
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei
    Journal: Conservation Science and Practice
    Year: 2019
    Cited by: 16

  • Redistribution of benefits but not detection in a fisheries bycatch-reduction management initiative
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei
    Journal: Conservation Biology
    Year: 2018
    Cited by: 13

  • Low optimal fisheries yield creates challenges for sustainability in a climate refugia
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei
    Journal: Conservation Science and Practice
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 7

  • Fish catch responses to Covid-19 disease curfews dependent on compliance, fisheries management, and environmental contexts
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, MK Azali, JK Kosgei
    Journal: Marine Policy
    Year: 2022
    Cited by: 5

  • Challenges to managing fisheries with high inter-community variability on the Kenya-Tanzania border
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, RM Oddenyo, JK Kosgei
    Journal: Current Research in Environmental Sustainability
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: 3

  • Fisheries sustainability eroded by lost catch proportionality in a coral reef seascape
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei, AT Humphries
    Journal: Sustainability
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: 1

  • Variation in coral reef fisheries production, employment, and living wage goals
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, JK Kosgei
    Journal: [Not specified]
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: Not listed

  • Challenges of Implementing Fisheries and Coastal Management Policies in Climate Refuge on an International Boundary
    Author(s): TR McClanahan, RM Oddenyo, JK Kosgei
    Journal: SSRN (Preprint)
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: Not listed

  • Fisheries Sustainability Eroded by the Loss of Vulnerable Dominant Taxa and Insufficient Compensatory Production in a Coral Reef Seascape
    Author(s): T McClanahan, JK Kosgei, AT Humphries
    Journal: MDPI AG
    Year: [Not specified]
    Cited by: Not listed

Zhenming Zhang | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhenming Zhang | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Guizhou University, China

Dr. Zhenming Zhang, a distinguished Professor at the College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, is a leading researcher specializing in soil science, environmental remediation, and microplastic pollution. He earned his Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and has held positions as a senior researcher, postdoctoral fellow, and associate professor. Dr. Zhang has authored over 40 scientific papers in top international journals and holds 30 national invention patents, demonstrating both academic excellence and practical innovation. His research addresses critical environmental challenges, including carbon cycling, agricultural pollution prevention, and soil health. Recognized with multiple prestigious awards in Guizhou Province, he serves as a chief expert in forestry ecology and is part of several expert committees. His interdisciplinary and applied research has significantly contributed to sustainable environmental management. Dr. Zhang’s work showcases a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and technological development in fragile ecological regions.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Dr. Zhenming Zhang has a strong academic foundation in environmental and soil sciences. He earned his Ph.D. from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing, China, between 2014 and 2017, where he developed advanced expertise in soil remediation and environmental sustainability. Prior to that, he completed his Master’s degree in Soil Science at Guizhou University, Guiyang Province, China, from 2009 to 2012, focusing on soil nutrient management and land rehabilitation. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Anhui Normal University, Anhui Province, China, which he pursued from 2005 to 2009. Throughout his education, Dr. Zhang demonstrated a strong commitment to research and innovation, building a multidisciplinary understanding that bridges environmental science, soil ecology, and pollution control. His academic training has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex environmental issues and contribute significantly to sustainable resource management and ecological protection.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Zhenming Zhang has extensive professional experience in research, teaching, and scientific innovation. Since 2021, he has served as a Senior Researcher at the College of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, where he leads projects in soil science, environmental remediation, and pollution control. Before this role, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences from 2017 to 2020, focusing on advanced agricultural and environmental research. Earlier, from 2013 to 2021, he worked as an Associate Professor at the Guizhou Institute of Biology, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, contributing to major projects on environmental sustainability and resource management. Over his career, Dr. Zhang has combined academic leadership with practical application, securing numerous patents and publishing extensively in international journals. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing environmental science, mentoring young researchers, and developing innovative solutions for fragile ecological regions and sustainable agricultural practices.

Research Interest 🔬

Dr. Zhenming Zhang’s research interests center on addressing critical environmental challenges through innovative scientific approaches. His work focuses on the carbon cycle processes and carbon sink dynamics in fragile ecological regions, aiming to enhance climate change mitigation strategies. He is deeply involved in the efficient regulation of soil water and fertilizer systems to promote sustainable agricultural productivity. Additionally, Dr. Zhang is committed to the prevention and control of agricultural environmental pollution, developing methods to reduce the ecological impact of farming practices. His expertise also extends to soil remediation techniques that ensure high-efficiency, quality, and safe cultivation. A significant part of his current research targets the monitoring, distribution, and treatment of microplastic pollution in soil, water, and sediments, which has become a major global concern. Through these diverse but interconnected areas, Dr. Zhang’s research contributes to sustainable environmental management, ecosystem restoration, and the protection of agricultural and natural resources.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Zhenming Zhang has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his outstanding contributions to environmental science and technology. He was a major contributor to projects that earned the Second Prize for the Transformation of Scientific and Technological Achievements and the Third Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress in Guizhou Province. He was also named an Excellent Scientific Research Worker by the Guizhou Academy of Sciences for the period 2014–2016. His leadership and expertise have been further acknowledged through prestigious titles such as “Western Light Visiting Scholar” by the Organization Department of the Central Committee of China, Chief Expert of Guizhou Province’s Forestry Ecology, and Thousand-Level Talent of Guizhou Province. Additionally, he has been recognized as an Outstanding Young Scientific and Technological Talent in Forestry and serves as an expert in multiple provincial committees, including the Agricultural Product Geographical Indications Evaluation and the Comprehensive Bid Evaluation Database. His honors reflect broad academic and practical influence.

Research Skill🔎

Dr. Zhenming Zhang possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills that have positioned him as a leader in environmental science and soil research. He is highly skilled in investigating carbon cycling and carbon sink mechanisms in fragile ecosystems, utilizing advanced field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data modeling techniques. His expertise extends to soil-water-fertilizer regulation, where he applies innovative methods to optimize soil health and agricultural sustainability. Dr. Zhang has strong capabilities in pollution prevention, particularly in monitoring, characterizing, and remediating agricultural pollutants and microplastics in soil and water systems. He is proficient in geospatial analysis, GIS-based environmental modeling, and risk assessment of soil contaminants. Additionally, his experience in patent development demonstrates practical innovation skills, bridging research with real-world applications. His interdisciplinary approach integrates environmental engineering, soil science, and ecological restoration, making him adept at addressing complex environmental problems and contributing to sustainable development solutions.

Conclusion📝

Dr. Prof. Zhenming Zhang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award. His consistent research output, innovative focus on environmental challenges, patent contributions, and multiple prestigious awards at the regional level all strongly support his candidacy. However, for even stronger competitiveness at international levels, increasing his global research visibility, leadership in major international grants, and citation impact metrics would be recommended steps forward.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Jiachun Zhang, Yunchao Zhou, Zhenming Zhang, Yanchao Lv. (2025). Environmental Technology and Innovation.

  • Qiuxiao Yan, Shaoxia Lin, Fuxiao Wei, Zhenming Zhang, Daoping Wang. (2025). Journal of Hazardous Materials.

  • Wen Hu, Zhenming Zhang, Guiting Mu. (2025). Journal of Cleaner Production.

  • Fupeng Li, Yongcheng Jiang, Lei Wu, Zhenming Zhang. (2025). Catena.
    Citations: 1

  • Yongcheng Jiang, Fupeng Li, Yufeng Gong, Xiuyuan Yang, Zhenming Zhang. (2025). Land Degradation and Development.

  • Lichun Wu, Xiuyuan Yang, Fudong Zhang, Zhenming Zhang. (2024). Science of the Total Environment.

  • Xinglei Wang, Simeng Tang, Ling Ding, Xianfei Huang, Xuetao Guo. (2024) — (Note: Zhenming Zhang is not listed here as an author.

  • Yongcheng Jiang, Fupeng Li, Yufeng Gong, Xiuyuan Yang, Zhenming Zhang. (2024). Journal of Hazardous Materials.
    Citations: 2

  • Jinnan Xiao, Xiuyuan Yang, Zhenming Zhang, Zhaowen Yang, Xinrui Zhang. (2024). Water, Air, and Soil Pollution.
    Citations: 1

  • Yufeng Gong, Wei Ren, Fupeng Li, Yongcheng Jiang, Zhenming Zhang. (2024). Environmental Technology and Innovation.