Mr. Namwinwelbere Dabire | Watershed | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Namwinwelbere Dabire, Université Abomey Calavi, Benin

Namwinwelbere Dabire is a Ph.D. candidate in Water Engineering and Applications at the University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. With a strong interdisciplinary background in computer science and hydrology, he holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering and Information Systems, an Engineering degree in Hydrology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems and Telecommunications from Joseph Ki Zerbo University in Burkina Faso. His research bridges Artificial Intelligence and Environmental Sciences, focusing on machine learning, deep learning, climate change, hydrological modeling, flood frequency analysis, and water resources management. He has published multiple scientific papers, including recent works on water quality and level prediction of Lake Nokoué using advanced AI models like random forests and LSTM networks. Namwinwelbere has participated in prominent international conferences such as the WCRP Open Science Conference and the Climate Informatics Conference. As an educator, he has taught a wide range of subjects from AI and data mining to hydrometeorology and watershed hydrology. His technical expertise spans Python, R, and GIS tools like QGIS. Fluent in French and proficient in English, he is committed to contributing to sustainable water management and climate adaptation strategies in West Africa and beyond.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award

Namwinwelbere Dabire is a highly multidisciplinary and impactful researcher whose work spans Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, Hydrology, and Remote Sensing. His unique integration of Machine Learning with Water Engineering solutions places him at the cutting edge of applied environmental science and data-driven hydrological modeling, making him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

🎓 Education

📘 Ph.D. Candidate in Water Engineering and Applications (2021–2024)
University of Abomey Calavi, Benin
💻 Master’s Degree in Computer Science – Software Engineering & Information Systems (2018)
Joseph Ki Zerbo University, Burkina Faso
💧 Engineering Degree in Hydrology (2020)
AGRHYMET Regional Center, Niamey, Niger
📡 Bachelor’s Degree in Science & Technology – Information Systems and Telecommunications (2015)
Joseph Ki Zerbo University, Burkina Faso
🧪 Scientific Baccalaureate, Series D (2011)
Provincial High School of Diebougou, Burkina Faso

💼 Teaching & Work Experience

🧠 Lecturer & Trainer in:
- Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning & Deep Learning)
- Data Mining & Programming
- Hydrology, Hydro-meteorology & Water Resources Management
  (Various academic institutions & training projects)
🌍 Trainer for specialized programs:
- Flood Risk Mapping using Geospatial Tech – 2iE (Oct 2023)
- Hydrological Modeling Training – PAEA Project (Sep 2023)

🏆 Achievements, Awards & Honors

🌐 International Conference Presenter:
- HydroML 2023 (Berkeley Lab)
- World Climate Research Program (Rwanda, Oct 2023)
- 13th Int. Conference on Climate Informatics (London, Apr 2024)
📝 Publications:
- IJAR (2024): Water Quality Index of Lake Nokoué using ML
- Hydrology (2024): LSTM-based Lake Nokoué water level forecasting
- EJEES (2022): Study on Flooding & Water Quality of Lake Nokoué
📜 Advanced-Level Trainings Attended:
- Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation – SMHI, Sweden (2022)
- Hydrological Modeling (GR4J, WEAP) – WASCAL, COWI, AGRHYMET
- Early Flood Alerts & Risk Management – AGRHYMET, Niger
- Transboundary Basin Management – EAD, Egypt

Publication Top Notes:

Determination of Hydrological Flood Hazard Thresholds and Flood Frequency Analysis: Case Study of Nokoue Lake Watershed

Determination of Hydrological Flood Hazards Thresholds and Flood Frequency Analysis: Case of Nokoue Lake Watershed

Probabilistic Flood Modeling in the Lake Nokoue Basin Using Statistical Models

Forecasting Lake Nokoué Water Levels Using Long Short-Term Memory Network

water Quality index of lake nokoue prediction using random forest and neural network

Current State of Flooding and Water Quality of Nokoue Lake in Benin (Ouest Africa)

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.

Professional Profile:

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

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)