Geoecological Problems Professors and Supervisors

Yamskikh Galina YuryevnaView profile

Professor

Siberian Federal University , sibFURussia

Professor Galina Yuryevna Yamskikh is a distinguished academic serving as Head and Professor at the Department of Geography within the School of Ecology and Geography at Siberian Federal University. With over 43 years of professional experience and 45 years of advanced training, she is a leading expert in paleoenvironmental research of Siberian regions, specializing in Holocene climate and vegetation reconstructions. Her scientific expertise spans palynology, paleogeography, paleoclimatology, paleolandscape science, soil geography, exogenous geomorphology, and quaternary geology. Professor Yamskikh teaches comprehensive courses including geology, geography, landscape-geoecological systems, paleogeography, and modern problems of ecology and nature management. She heads postgraduate studies in Geoecology (1.6.21) and Geomorphology and paleogeography (1.6.14), demonstrating her leadership in academic training. Professor Yamskikh's recent research (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on paleoenvironmental reconstructions, recreational resource management in the Krasnoyarsk Basin, snow cover composition analysis, and paleogeographic tourism. Her work bridges historical environmental studies with contemporary ecological challenges, particularly examining how Holocene climate and vegetation changes inform current environmental management practices in Siberia. She has published extensively on mollusk assemblages, floodplain soils, and climate change prediction in the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe region. Her scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards: Honorary Worker of Higher Professional Education Certificate of honor of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation Laureate of the Krasnoyarsk City Head's Prize in the field of science and education – professor's prize Professor Yamskikh actively participates in the Russian Palynological Society and Russian Geographical Society. She has completed numerous advanced training programs from 2018-2023, focusing on digital teaching methods, climate project development, and modern educational technologies. Her research collaborations span multiple Siberian institutions, with significant contributions to understanding the environmental history of the Krasnoyarsk Basin and surrounding regions through interdisciplinary approaches combining palynological, malacofaunistic, and geomorphological analyses.

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Dirk OlonscheckView profile

Researcher

Max Planck Institute for MeteorologyGermany

Dirk Olonscheck is a Research Scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (MPI-M) in Hamburg, Germany, working within the Department of Climate Dynamics in the Director's Research Group (CDY). He has been with the institute since 2013 in various capacities, currently serving as a Research Scientist since 2023 under the mentorship of Sarah Kang. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Earth System Modelling from the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology (2015-2018), a Master of Science in Atmospheric and Climate Science from ETH Zurich (2012-2014), and a Bachelor of Science in Geoecology from the University of Potsdam and University College London (2009-2012). Dr. Olonscheck's research focuses on climate variability, particularly internal climate variability and its changes under global warming. His work examines sea surface temperature patterns, temperature variability, climate extremes, and Arctic sea ice dynamics. He has made significant contributions to understanding how climate models represent observed patterns and how internal variability affects climate projections. His publication record shows a strong focus on large ensemble climate modeling, with recent work exploring tropical Pacific warming patterns, Arctic marine heatwaves, and the relationship between climate model resolution and the representation of extreme precipitation events. His research demonstrates consistent patterns of change in temperature variability with increases on tropical land and decreases at high latitudes. Dr. Olonscheck has received recognition through the prestigious Alexander-von-Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship, which supported his research at the University of Edinburgh in 2020. He actively mentors early-career researchers, currently supervising postdoctoral researchers Aruhasi and Shreya Dhame. He serves on PhD advisory and examination committees for several students including Alec Sherrill, Siân Chilcott, Daniel Burt, and Celine Gieße. He has also supervised Master's students Jhanvi Kumar and Alec Sherrill. Dr. Olonscheck teaches 'Grundlagen für Meteorologie und Klima' (Lecture Weather and Climate Extremes) for BSc students during the winter semester (2023/2024, 2024/2025).

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Alexander PrechtelView profile

Researcher

University of Erlangen–NurembergGermany

Dr. Alexander Prechtel is an Academic Councillor at the Chair of Applied Mathematics I at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), where he has been working since 2005. He serves as the representative of academic mid-level staff in the Department of Mathematics since 2010 and previously worked as the new construction officer for the department from 2008-2012. His research focuses on mathematical modeling in geosciences, particularly soil structure formation, reactive transport in porous media, and natural attenuation processes. Prechtel earned his Dipl.-Math. from the University of Bayreuth in 1997 with a minor in Geoecology focusing on hydrology, followed by a DEA in Hydrology and Geochemistry from École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris in 1998. He completed his Dr. rer. nat. in Mathematics at FAU in 2005 under Prof. Dr. P. Knabner with a dissertation on hydrogeochemical multicomponent transport problems. His research interests span mathematics in geosciences and natural sciences, with specific focus on structure formation in soils, modeling and simulation of reactive mass transport in porous media, evaluation of natural self-cleaning power of soils, and efficient solution methods for hydrogeochemical multicomponent models. Recent work has concentrated on soil microaggregates, particularly in the rhizosphere, and the carbon turnover processes associated with soil structure dynamics. He has made significant contributions to developing mechanistic models that explicitly represent pore structures derived from CT scans to study self-organization of soil aggregates. His publication record shows a clear progression toward increasingly sophisticated multiscale modeling approaches, with recent papers focusing on pore-scale interactions between roots, soil structure, and carbon dynamics. The research demonstrates how exudates like mucilage play a crucial role in soil structure formation in the rhizosphere, with persistent stabilization effects even after the exudates themselves have decomposed. Prechtel has successfully secured substantial research funding, with third-party funding volume as PI/Co-PI since 2015 totaling approximately 1.176 million euros. He has supervised numerous Bachelor's, Master's, and Diplom theses across mathematics, technomathematics, and Integrated Life Sciences programs. His teaching portfolio includes courses on differential equation models, metabolic networks, and groundwater modeling. As a reviewer, he serves for the Agence Nationale de Recherche in France and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), and contributes to multiple prestigious journals including BioSystems, Environmental Science & Technology, Geoderma, and Water Resources Research.

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Michał KonopskiView profile

Researcher

Polish Academy of SciencesPoland

Dr. Michał Konopski is a researcher at the Department of Rural Geography and Local Development within the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He has been affiliated with the institution since March 2012, contributing to research on rural geography and local development issues in Poland. His educational background includes bachelor's studies (2002-2005) and master's studies (2005-2007) at the University of Warsaw's Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, with specialization in geoecology. His master's thesis focused on 'Ecological functions of Pole Mokotowskie' while his bachelor's thesis examined 'Factors shaping the stratification of the Polish Carpathians.' Dr. Konopski's research interests center on territorial identity, local development processes, rural landscape transformations, and socio-demographic challenges facing the Polish countryside. His work contributes to understanding the complex relationships between rural communities, their environments, and development trajectories in contemporary Poland. While specific publications by Dr. Konopski are not detailed in the provided information, his research aligns with the broader activities of the Institute which includes spatial analysis, regional development studies, and geographical research on Polish territories.

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Marek DegórskiView profile

Professor

Polish Academy of SciencesPoland

Prof. Marek Degórski is a Professor of Earth Sciences at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS), where he has been affiliated since 1979. He currently serves as Head of the Department of Geoecology, Chairman of the Scientific Council, and Director General of the Institute. His academic career includes a PhD (1988), habilitation (2002), and elevation to professor (2009). He has held leadership roles such as Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs (2003–2009) and Head of International Scientific Cooperation (1996–2002). Education: Master’s in Geography (1979) and PhD in Natural Sciences (1988) from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. His research focuses on pedogeneses, soil properties, landscape dynamics, and ecosystem services, with notable contributions to the spatial analysis of podzolic soils and urban ecological planning. Key awards include the 1988 Secretary of the 7th Department of PAS Award, 1989 President of PAS Award, 2005 ISI High Citation Distinction, and 2008 Golden Badge of the Polish Geographical Society. His work integrates environmental science with policy, emphasizing sustainable spatial development, climate adaptation, and transboundary governance. Major initiatives include ecosystem service assessments in postglacial landscapes, urban sustainability projects (e.g., Warsaw case studies), and national spatial planning frameworks like the KPZK 2030. He has led interdisciplinary teams and advised on environmental policy at both national and international levels. Labs/Teams: Active in the Department of Geoecology and Climatology, collaborating on EU-funded projects and international conferences (e.g., 2014 Regional Conference of the International Geographical Union in Kraków).

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Serhiy Andriyovych VyzhvaView profile

Professor

Taras Shevchenko National University of KyivUkraine

Professor Serhiy Vyzhva is a distinguished geoscientist currently serving as Director of the Scientific Research Institute "Institute of Geology" at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. With over 35 years of professional experience, he has held various leadership positions including Head of the Department of Geophysics (2002-2007, 2015-2019), Dean of the Faculty of Geology (2007-2012), and Vice-Rector for Scientific Work (2012-2015). Professor Vyzhva's educational background includes: 1982: Graduated from the Geological Faculty of Kyiv University with a degree in "Geophysical Methods of Exploration and Exploration of Mineral Deposits" 1985: Completed postgraduate studies at the Department of Geophysical Methods of Exploration and Exploration of Mineral Deposits 1996: Candidate's thesis on "Development of a Method for Mathematical Modeling of Acoustic Characteristics of Complex-Structured Oil and Gas Reservoir Rocks" 2004: Doctoral thesis on "Theory and Methodology of Complex Geodynamic Interpretation of Geophysical Monitoring Data of Hazardous Geological Processes" Professor Vyzhva's research spans multiple domains in geophysics and geology. His primary interests include mathematical modeling of stochastic processes and fields, geoecological research, and the study of complex oil and gas reservoir rocks. He has made significant contributions to the application of geophysical methods in engineering and geological research, particularly in the geophysical monitoring of hazardous geological processes. His work integrates nuclear geophysics, engineering geophysics, and the physics of the Earth to address practical problems in resource exploration and environmental monitoring. The recent publications of Professor Vyzhva demonstrate a strong focus on reservoir characterization, particularly of Carboniferous and Cambrian rocks in the Dnieper-Donets Basin. His research increasingly incorporates interdisciplinary approaches, combining geophysical monitoring with environmental assessment, particularly regarding landslide hazards in urban areas like Kyiv. There's a clear trend toward practical applications of geophysical methods for resource assessment, infrastructure safety, and environmental protection. Professor Vyzhva has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career: 2002: Certificate of Honor from the Head of the Kyiv City State Administration 2004: Certificate of Honor from the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine 2007: L.I. Lutugin medal from the State Service for Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine 2009: "Honorary Researcher of the Subsoil" badge from the State Service for Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine 2009: "Honored Worker of Education of Ukraine" title from the Government of Ukraine 2011: V.I. Luchytsky medal from the State Service for Geology and Subsoil of Ukraine 2012: Certificate of Honor from NJSC "Naftogaz of Ukraine" Professor Vyzhva has supervised numerous students and led significant research projects, including the ongoing project "Modern technologies for monitoring natural and man-made processes to assess the impact on critical infrastructure objects" (2018-ongoing). His leadership extends to directing the Theoretical and Applied Geophysics Research Laboratory, where he oversees research on oil and gas petrophysics, experimental and applied geophysics, reservoir modeling, and environmental investigations.

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Zofia RączkowskaView profile

Professor

Polish Academy of SciencesPoland

Professor Zofia Rączkowska is a distinguished geomorphologist at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IGiPZ PAN), where she has been affiliated since 1978. She heads research within the Department of Geoenvironmental Research, focusing on high-mountain systems with particular expertise in the Tatra Mountains. Her academic journey includes a Master's degree from Jagiellonian University (1977), Doctor of Geographical Sciences (1997), habilitation in Earth Sciences (2008), and full professorship (2017). Her research spans contemporary geomorphological processes in high mountains, with emphasis on periglacial dynamics, relief-vegetation interactions, and snow avalanche systems. Fieldwork in the Tatra Mountains forms the core of her empirical studies, utilizing advanced techniques like terrestrial laser scanning for morphodynamic analysis. Her work integrates climate change impacts with geomorphic responses, particularly examining how extreme events transform mountain landscapes. Rączkowska's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity across five decades, with recent work (2021-2024) showing heightened focus on quantitative assessment of slope processes, flood triggers, and international comparative studies extending to the Himalayas. Her research methodology combines field monitoring with geospatial analysis, contributing significantly to understanding mountain hazard systems. She actively participates in major geomorphological conferences and collaborates internationally, as evidenced by publications in journals like Catena , Geomorphology , and Land Degradation & Development . Her leadership extends to editorial roles and conference organization within the geomorphological community.

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Grit WaltherView profile

Professor

RWTH Aachen UniversityGermany

Grit Walther is a University Professor of Operations Management at the Faculty of Business and Economics, RWTH Aachen University since September 2012. She leads the Chair of Operations Management, focusing on application-oriented research in logistics and production systems. Her work bridges business administration with engineering disciplines to address sustainability challenges in value networks. Professor Walther's educational background includes a natural sciences degree in Geoecology followed by a doctorate in 2004 from the Chair of Production and Logistics at TU Braunschweig. Her academic career progressed from heading the 'Sustainable Value Networks' working group at TU Braunschweig (2004-2009), to completing her habilitation in 2009, and holding a professorship at the University of Wuppertal (2010-2012) before joining RWTH Aachen. Her research spans production, logistics, and supply chain management with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Professor Walther investigates sustainable supply chains, reverse logistics, sustainable mobility systems, and the transformation toward zero-emission industries. Her work integrates robust and multi-criteria optimization approaches to address uncertainties in regulatory, economic, and technological conditions across various sectors including non-ferrous metal industries, automotive, and energy markets. Professor Walther's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to leading journals in operations research and management science. Her recent work shows increasing focus on sustainability challenges, particularly in recycling networks, green logistics, and sustainable mobility. She frequently collaborates with researchers across disciplines, addressing complex problems at the intersection of business, engineering, and environmental science. She actively engages with industry through research projects implemented in interdisciplinary cooperation with engineering and scientific research institutes, industrial companies, and political decision-makers. Her work on sustainable value networks has practical implications for companies seeking to optimize their operations while meeting environmental objectives.

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Elena TraisterView profile

Professor

Massachusetts College of Liberal ArtsUnited States

Elena Traister serves as Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), where she teaches courses ranging from introductory environmental systems to advanced policy and research methods. Her office is located in the Center for Science & Innovation 225F, with contact available via email and phone. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the University of New Hampshire (2010) M.E.Sc. from Yale School of the Environment (2005) B.A. from Williams College (2001) Professor Traister's research centers on stream conservation and freshwater contamination mitigation, emphasizing collaborative partnerships with state and local institutions for cleanup initiatives. She champions student engagement in real-world conservation through campus sustainability programs and community-based projects in sustainable food systems. Her teaching philosophy integrates environmental policy with hands-on field experience. Her scholarly publications demonstrate consistent focus on freshwater ecosystems, spanning acidification impacts, watershed geoecology, and bacterial monitoring across diverse geographic contexts including Central Europe and northeastern U.S. river systems. These works reflect interdisciplinary approaches combining ecological field studies with policy applications. She actively mentors students through course-based research projects and campus sustainability coordination, fostering professional development via community partnerships. Her Green Living Seminar models collaborative environmental problem-solving through semester-long projects with external organizations.

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