Dr. William Okello | Limnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. William Okello, National Fisheries Resources Research Institute, Uganda

Dr. William Okello is a distinguished researcher with over 18 years of experience in Limnology, working collaboratively with national, regional, and international partners to promote conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources. He holds a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences from the University of Vienna, an M.Sc. in Environmental Science and Technology with a specialization in Limnology & Wetland Ecosystem Management from UNESCO-IHE in the Netherlands, and a Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology from Makerere University. Currently serving as a Principal Research Officer at the National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI-NARO) in Uganda, Dr. Okello has played a pivotal role in developing strategic research programs, securing grants, and advancing environmental research, including collaborations on novel greenhouse gas monitoring technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa. With a prolific academic output of over 50 publications, he is also an active postgraduate external examiner at Makerere University. Beyond research, he contributes to community development through his engagement in Rotary projects, translating scientific insights into impactful public policies.

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Suitability for the Best Researcher Award – William Okello, Ph.D.

Dr. William Okello is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his outstanding contributions to limnology, environmental science, and sustainable water resource management. His extensive research experience, leadership, and impact make him a strong contender.

Education 📚

🎓 Ph.D. in Natural Sciences – University of Vienna, Austria (2010)
🌱 MSc. in Environmental Science and Technology (Limnology & Wetland Ecosystem Management) – UNESCO-IHE, Delft, The Netherlands (2004)
🏥 Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology (BBLT) – Makerere University, Uganda (2002)
🧪 Diploma in Science and Technology (Chemistry & Biochemistry) – Kyambogo Polytechnic, Uganda (1994)

Work Experience 💼

🔬 National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI-NARO)

🏆 Principal Research Officer, Fish Habitat Management Programme (Water Environment) (July 2022 – Present)
- Securing research grants (aiming for $5M over five years)
- Leading research collaborations (e.g., Greenhouse Gas monitoring with University of Leicester, UK)
- Strategic planning, patenting, and commercialization of research products
- Overseeing data collection, analysis, and publication
🌍 Programme Leader, Fish Habitat Management (Nov 2019 – Dec 2023)
- Deputy Director of Research
- Developed strategic plans for environmental research
- Led research projects, financial accountability, and stakeholder engagement
- Mentored and trained research teams
- Ensured environmental compliance in projects

Achievements & Contributions 🏅

📝 Authored & Co-authored 50+ Publications – Peer-reviewed journals, books, technical reports, and conference proceedings
🎤 Presented at National & International Conferences – Sharing expertise in Limnology & Environmental Science
🌍 Consultant for UNIDO – Addressed hypoxic conditions in the Guinea Current Large Marine Ecosystem
🎓 External Examiner at Makerere University (Since 2005) – Supporting postgraduate education and research training
🤝 Community Service as a Rotarian – Implementing projects that improve living conditions in Uganda
📜 Environmental Impact Assessments – Contributed to sustainable project development in Uganda

Awards & Honors 🏆

🌟 Recognized for Leadership & Contributions in Limnology and Water Resource Management
🏅 Multiple Professional Development Certifications
📢 Honored for Policy Contributions in Sustainable Natural Resource Utilization

Publication Top Notes:

Fiducial Reference Measurements for Greenhouse Gases (FRM4GHG): Validation of Satellite (Sentinel-5 Precursor, OCO-2, and GOSAT) Missions Using the COllaborative Carbon Column Observing Network (COCCON)

Limitations for informed decision making and better management of the transboundary Lake Albert fisheries resources

Spatial and temporal variations of dissolved CO2, CH4 and N2O in Lakes Edward and George (East Africa)

Horizontal differentiation in water chemistry, phytoplankton, zooplankton and macrozoobenthic communities in Lake Kwania

Common water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes) invades Lakes Edward, George, and Kazinga Channel: A call for immediate action

Mr. Zhibo Cui, Tarim University, China

Zhibo Cui is a dedicated researcher specializing in sensor technology and remote sensing applications. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Resources and Environment from the College of Agriculture at Tarim University in 2023 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Resource Utilization and Plant Protection at the same institution. His research focuses on the advanced utilization of Sentinel-1/2 radar and optical sensors for environmental monitoring, particularly in soil organic carbon mapping. He has made significant contributions to multi-source remote sensing data fusion and has successfully enhanced mapping accuracy using super-ensemble models. His work, published in Remote Sensing, demonstrates his expertise in sensor data processing and analysis. With a strong foundation in innovation and teamwork, Zhibo Cui continues to push the boundaries of remote sensing technology for agricultural and environmental advancements.

Professional Profile:

Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Based on the provided information, Zhibo Cui demonstrates a strong research background in sensor technology and remote sensing applications, particularly in the monitoring of soil organic carbon using Sentinel-1/2 radar and optical sensors. His work focuses on sensor data processing, multi-source remote sensing data fusion, and high-accuracy mapping, which are relevant and impactful areas of study.

🏆 Achievements:

📡 Advanced Research in Remote Sensing – Unveiled complex correlations between Sentinel-1/2 data and soil organic carbon

🌍 High-Precision Soil Organic Carbon Mapping – Led a project integrating environmental covariates with a super-ensemble model

✍ Published Research – “High-Accuracy Mapping of Soil Organic Carbon by Mining Sentinel-1/2 Radar and Optical Time-Series Data with Super Ensemble Model” in Remote Sensing journal