Wenbo Guo | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Wenbo Guo | Environmental | Best Researcher Award

Doctor (DPhil Researcher) at University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

Dr. Wenbo Guo is an interdisciplinary researcher at the intersection of urban planning, environmental health, and smart city development. He holds a DPhil (PhD) from the School of Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford, with his doctoral research focusing on air pollution, mobility, and subjective wellbeing in transitional China. With a dual academic background in geography and economics, Dr. Guo integrates spatial analysis, policy research, and community-engaged methods to promote socially sustainable and health-responsive cities. He has held research positions at the University of Oxford, Peking University, and think tanks such as Polygeia and the China-Britain Artificial Intelligence Association. His professional footprint spans the UK, China, and Australia, where he has conducted collaborative work on smart cities, digital twins, transport resilience, and spatial justice. Dr. Guo has participated in multiple national and international research projects, including those supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology in China, IBM, and the National Science Foundation. A recipient of numerous honors including the Swire Scholarship and Best Paper Award at the Urban Geography Conference, Dr. Guo also contributes as a journal reviewer and committee member in academic communities. His work reflects a commitment to equitable, AI-driven, and climate-resilient urban futures.

📝Publication Profile

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🎓Education

Dr. Wenbo Guo earned his DPhil (PhD) in Geography from the University of Oxford (2016–2025), focusing on urban air pollution, mobility, and wellbeing under the supervision of Professors Tim Schwanen and Christian Brand. His interdisciplinary research bridges environmental science, human geography, and urban policy. Prior to Oxford, he completed an M.S. in Human Geography at Peking University (2011–2014), mentored by Prof. Yanwei Chai, where he gained expertise in urban spatial behavior and planning theory. He also earned a B.S. in Urban and Environmental Sciences from Central China Normal University (2007–2011), studying urban-rural planning under Prof. Shengsheng Gong. Simultaneously, he pursued a B.A. in Economics at Wuhan University (2008–2011), demonstrating an early interdisciplinary orientation. During his postgraduate years, Dr. Guo was a visiting fellow at the Urban Research Program at Griffith University, Australia (2013), enriching his international academic exposure. His comprehensive education has equipped him with robust theoretical grounding, cross-disciplinary flexibility, and a global perspective on urban sustainability, environmental justice, and digital planning tools. These diverse academic experiences underpin his current work on the environmental-health-urban interface in transitional and global cities.

💼Professional Experience

Dr. Wenbo Guo has held diverse academic and research roles that reflect his multifaceted expertise in urban sustainability, spatial analytics, and environmental health. At the University of Oxford, he served as a Research Associate at the School of Geography and the Environment (2023–2025) and previously as a Research Assistant at the Blavatnik School of Government (2018–2019). He has been a long-term researcher at the China-Britain Artificial Intelligence Association (CBAIA) since 2018, focusing on AI-driven urban planning. He also contributed to global health think tank Polygeia (2020–2024), where he addressed planetary health and digital public health issues. Prior to Oxford, Dr. Guo worked at the Center for Smart Cities Research and Planning at Peking University (2014–2015), engaging in major national R&D programs. His teaching experience spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels at Peking University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, covering topics from GIS and human geography to spatial modeling. He also contributed to the LSE-PKU Summer School on sustainable development. Dr. Guo’s professional journey bridges academia, policy research, and applied urban analytics, enabling him to address complex, interdisciplinary urban challenges with both technical skills and social insights.

🔬Research Interest

Dr. Wenbo Guo’s research interests lie at the nexus of urban planning, environmental health, and digital innovation. His core areas include healthy cities, smart cities, digital twins, and AI applications in spatial planning. He focuses on equitable and sustainable urban and transport systems, emphasizing the environmental exposures and mobility patterns that shape urban health outcomes. His work also explores health inequalities, environmental justice, and the geography of wellbeing, particularly in transitional societies like China. As a geographer with strong methodological capabilities, he engages with exposure assessment, geospatial analytics, and spatial models to evaluate how urban form, climate resilience, and infrastructure affect public health. His interests extend to community-engaged research and participatory urban planning, aiming to integrate citizen perspectives into policy-making. He is also passionate about harnessing large language models (LLMs) and big data analytics to support smart governance and decision-making. By combining qualitative, quantitative, and spatial approaches, Dr. Guo seeks to foster cities that are socially inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and technologically advanced, with a strong orientation toward urban wellbeing and policy translation.

🧠Research Skills

Dr. Wenbo Guo brings a versatile and interdisciplinary research skill set encompassing spatial, quantitative, and qualitative methodologies. His technical proficiencies include spatial analysis with GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS), statistical programming in R and Stata, and scripting in Python. He has applied these tools extensively in urban planning, exposure assessment, mobility behavior modeling, and geospatial health analytics. Dr. Guo is particularly skilled in mixed-method research, integrating environmental data, human mobility patterns, and subjective wellbeing surveys to analyze complex urban systems. His experience in modeling space-time behaviors and smart travel services enhances his capacity to inform smart city and community planning initiatives. He has worked on large-scale national and international projects involving smart city development, urban policy innovation, and socio-environmental evaluation. Additionally, Dr. Guo has experience in participatory research methods and spatial visualization, allowing for the effective communication of research outcomes to stakeholders. With a growing interest in AI and large language models, he is exploring novel computational approaches to urban decision-making and digital governance. His multi-layered expertise equips him to address contemporary challenges in urban resilience, sustainability, and health equity.

🏆Awards and Honors

Dr. Wenbo Guo has received several academic honors and professional recognitions that reflect his excellence in urban geography and policy research. He was awarded the prestigious Swire Scholarship at the University of Oxford in 2016, recognizing his academic distinction and leadership potential. In 2019, he received the Best Paper Award at the Annual Conference of Urban Geography by the Geographical Society of China for his contributions to understanding spatial wellbeing in Chinese cities. During his postgraduate studies, he earned the National Scholarship from China’s Ministry of Education in 2012 and the Tenacity Scholarship from Peking University in 2013. His participation in international innovation competitions includes the European Smart Health and Healthcare Hackathon (2023) and the European Smart Mobility Hackathon (2017), both held in Prague. He also completed Oxford’s Leadership Program on Global Challenges in Transport, participating in modules focused on health, governance, and infrastructure from 2017 to 2018. These awards and programs underscore his interdisciplinary capacity, global engagement, and leadership in advancing research on sustainable, equitable, and smart urban futures.

📈Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 324

  • h-index: 12

  • i10-index: 14

📌Publications Top Notes

    1. Examining the Influence of Neighborhood and Street-Level Built Environment on Fitness Jogging in Chengdu, China: A Massive GPS Trajectory Data Analysis
      Authors: W. Yang, J. Hu, Y. Liu, W. Guo
      Journal: Journal of Transport Geography
      Year: 2023
      Citations: 50

    1. Examining the Incubation Period Distributions of COVID-19 in Chinese Patients with Different Travel Histories
      Authors: Z. Xiao, X. Xie, W. Guo, Z. Luo, J. Liao, F. Wen, Q. Zhou, L. Han, T. Zheng
      Journal: The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
      Year: 2020
      Citations: 33

    1. Smart Approaches to Community Management and Public Services in Chinese Cities
      (Original Chinese title: The intelligent path of urban community management and services in China)
      Authors: Y. Chai, W. Guo
      Journal: Progress in Geography
      Year: 2015
      Citations: 28

    1. Five-Year Lung Cancer Mortality Risk and Spatial Distribution in Xuanwei: A Spatiotemporal Correlation Study
      Authors: J. Li, W. Guo, J. Ran, R. Tang, H. Lin, X. Chen, B. Ning, J. Li, Y. Zhou, L.C. Chen, et al.
      Journal: BMC Public Health
      Year: 2019
      Citations: 25

    1. How Does the Visual Environment Influence Outdoor Jogging Behavior? Insights from Citywide Image and GPS Data
      Authors: W. Yang, H. Chen, J. Li, W. Guo, J. Fei, Y. Li, J. He
      Journal: Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
      Year: 2024
      Citations: 19

    1. Temporal Dimensions in Human Mobility and Health Research
      (Original Chinese title: Time Matters in the Study of Human Mobility and Health)
      Authors: M. Guan, W. Guo, Y. Chai
      Journal: Progress in Geography
      Year: 2013
      Citations: 15

    1. Day-to-Day Variability in Activity-Travel Behavior Based on GPS Data: A Case Study from the Suburbs of Beijing
      Authors: Y. Shen, Y. Chai, W. Guo
      Journal: Geographical Research
      Year: 2013
      Citations: 14

    1. Managing Tourist Congestion: Insights from Chinese Group Tours to the UK and Ireland
      Authors: M. Ji, W. Guo, Z. Chen, N. Morgan
      Journal: Current Issues in Tourism
      Year: 2023
      Citations: 13

    1. Applying a Subjective Well-Being Framework to Transport Equity
      Authors: L. Reardon, L. Mahoney, W. Guo
      Book Chapter: In Measuring Transport Equity
      Year: 2019
      Citations: 13

    1. Diurnal Variations in Weekly Spatio-Temporal Behavior of Suburban Residents in Beijing
      (Original Chinese title: Diurnal differences in spatial behavior of residents in Beijing suburbs over a week)
      Authors: Y. Shen, Y. Chai, W. Guo
      Journal: Geographical Research
      Year: 2013
      Citations: 13

🧾Conclusion

Dr. Wenbo Guo stands out as a rising scholar in the interdisciplinary field of urban sustainability, environmental health, and smart city innovation. His academic and professional journey—spanning top institutions in the UK, China, and Australia—demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing real-world urban challenges through a blend of theoretical insight and practical application. His work is informed by deep methodological expertise, covering spatial analysis, AI tools, and policy-oriented research, with a unique emphasis on wellbeing and environmental justice in rapidly transitioning cities. Dr. Guo’s diverse portfolio of research projects, funded by international and national agencies, showcases his ability to contribute meaningfully to both academic knowledge and policy innovation. His leadership roles, teaching experience, and recognition through scholarships and awards further affirm his standing in the field. Looking ahead, Dr. Guo aims to deepen his engagement in interdisciplinary research that promotes healthy, livable, and data-informed cities. With an evolving focus on digital governance, AI, and climate-resilient infrastructure, he is poised to play a significant role in shaping equitable and sustainable urban futures worldwide.

 

Shaliza Alwi | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaliza Alwi | Sustainable Development | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaliza Alwi | Sustainable Development – Lecturer at MARA University of Technology, Malaysia.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaliza Alwi is an experienced academician and finance professional with over two decades of teaching, research, and academic leadership. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at a government-linked company (GLC) and was previously a lecturer at Taylor’s University, where she held several key academic and administrative roles. Dr. Shaliza has been instrumental in curriculum development, program coordination, and student mentorship at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her expertise spans across financial management, investment, multinational finance, Islamic banking, derivatives, and insurance practices. She has supervised numerous postgraduate students and actively contributed to quality assurance processes such as AACSB accreditation and internal audits. With a solid grounding in finance and a commitment to academic excellence, she is also engaged in various community outreach projects, including entrepreneurship training programs targeted at Malaysia’s B40 community. She has collaborated with industry partners such as CIMB Islamic and Daikin Sdn Bhd, fostering academic-industry linkages. As a member of prestigious international professional bodies, Dr. Shaliza continues to contribute to the development of finance education and financial literacy both in academic settings and community platforms. Her contributions are marked by a passion for inclusive growth, innovative pedagogy, and strategic academic development.

Publication Profile

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Educational Details

Dr. Shaliza Alwi holds a diverse academic background in business and finance. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) with a major in Finance from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) in 1996. She then pursued her postgraduate studies internationally, completing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Charles Sturt University, Australia in 2001, with a focus on General Management. Furthering her specialization in finance, she obtained a Ph.D. in Finance from the Arshad Ayub Graduate Business School, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam. Her doctoral research focused on the theme “Interlocking Directorates and Firm Sustainable Growth within Industry Settings”, contributing valuable insights to corporate governance and strategic financial management. This blend of local and international education has equipped her with a strong theoretical foundation, cross-cultural academic exposure, and critical insights into financial systems and corporate sustainability. Her academic qualifications not only reflect her deep understanding of business and finance but also serve as the basis for her impactful teaching and research contributions in higher education institutions across Malaysia.

Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaliza Alwi has over 20 years of professional experience in academia. From August 2014 to June 2023, she served as a Lecturer at Taylor’s University, where she was actively involved in teaching, research supervision, curriculum development, and community engagement. She led various finance modules such as Derivatives, Islamic Banking, Corporate Finance, and Insurance Practices, and developed specialized content for the Actuarial Studies Program. She also mentored first-year students and supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she served as Stream Coordinator for the Finance Cluster, participated in multiple committees, and supported AACSB accreditation processes. She worked closely on interdisciplinary projects, including consultancy assignments with Daikin Sdn Bhd, and advised student teams in national and international competitions. Currently, she is an Associate Professor at a Government-Linked Company (GLC), where she continues her role in postgraduate teaching, supervision, and academic assessments. Her contributions span administrative leadership, student engagement, academic audits, and institutional quality assurance—underscoring her comprehensive role in shaping finance education in Malaysia.

Research Interest

Dr. Shaliza Alwi’s research interests lie at the intersection of corporate finance, interlocking directorates, firm sustainability, and Islamic finance. Her Ph.D. dissertation explored the dynamics of board interconnectivity and sustainable growth within industry frameworks, offering a strategic perspective on corporate governance. She has a keen interest in analyzing how financial networks and decision-making structures influence long-term organizational performance. Additionally, she engages in applied research in investment analysis, portfolio management, and multinational finance, aligning academic theories with real-world industry challenges. Dr. Shaliza is also interested in financial literacy, entrepreneurial development, and Islamic banking models, particularly in the context of Malaysia’s socio-economic development. Her community-based projects reflect her commitment to enhancing financial education among underserved groups such as the B40 community. Through consultancy projects and academic collaborations, she has expanded her research into market analysis, insurance systems, and business innovation. She also integrates interdisciplinary approaches into finance research, working with partners across business, actuarial science, and policy studies. Her work contributes to academic literature while fostering practical applications that support both public and private sector growth.

Research Skills

Dr. Shaliza Alwi possesses a robust set of research skills acquired through years of academic and applied research. She is proficient in using Bloomberg terminals for financial data analysis and has hands-on experience with Stata, EndNote, and Microsoft Office tools for statistical analysis, referencing, and research documentation. Her academic research involves both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, enabling her to conduct empirical studies across diverse financial domains. She is experienced in developing course materials, conducting assessment evaluations, and leading curriculum design for finance-related programs. Dr. Shaliza is skilled in guiding postgraduate research, particularly in corporate finance and governance-related topics. Her role as an AACSB internal auditor and assessor has further strengthened her capabilities in quality assurance and compliance-based research. She has also applied her research skills in consultancy projects, such as a market analysis for Daikin Sdn Bhd, and in evaluating entrepreneurship initiatives under corporate social responsibility programs. Through her training in Train the Trainer (HRDF-certified), she effectively transfers research knowledge to diverse learner groups. These competencies enable her to bridge theory with practice, ensuring her research maintains both academic rigor and practical relevance.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaliza Alwi has been recognized for her excellence in teaching and innovation. She was honored in 2018 with the “e-learning Superhero Competition” award by Taylor’s University, highlighting her exceptional contributions to digital learning and curriculum delivery. As a Module Leader, her leadership in e-learning content and online pedagogy significantly improved student engagement and academic outcomes. Beyond institutional recognition, she has actively mentored student teams that have excelled in various national and international competitions, such as the KUIZ Pelaburan PNB Malaysia (Champion, 2015), CIMB Trading Challenge, CIMA-EBLM Business Challenge (2020), CFA Institute Research Challenge (2020/21), and CME Group University World Trading Challenge (2020–2022). These accolades reflect her strong mentorship and commitment to student success. She is also a Certified Train the Trainer professional under HRDF Malaysia since 2006, which underscores her contribution to training and professional development. Her memberships in prestigious bodies such as the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers and Bursa Malaysia’s Knowledge Centre further affirm her professional stature and recognition in the field of finance.

Author Metrics

  • Total Citations: 409

  • h-index: 9

  • i10-index: 8

These metrics reflect Dr. Alwi’s research influence and academic impact, particularly in the areas of fintech, consumer behavior, and educational workload studies.

Top Noted Publication

  • Title: Time Element in the Construct of Special Education Teacher Workload in Malaysia
    Authors: MNN Irma Shayana Bte Samaden, Irfah Najihah, Shaliza Alwi, Rabiatul Munirah
    Journal: Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 82

  • Title: An Empirical Study on the Customers’ Satisfaction on Fintech Mobile Payment Services in Malaysia
    Authors: S. Alwi, R.M. Alpandi, M.N.M. Salleh, I. Najihah
    Journal: International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 68

  • Title: Fintech as Financial Inclusion: Factors Affecting Behavioral Intention to Accept Mobile E-Wallet during Covid-19 Outbreak
    Authors: S. Alwi, M.N.M. Salleh, R.M. Alpandi, F.F. Ya’acob, S.M.M. Abdullah
    Journal: Turkish Journal of Computer and Mathematics Education
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 59

  • Title: Factors Affecting Savings Habits within Millennials in Malaysia: Case Study on Students of Taylor’s University
    Authors: S. Alwi, I.Z. Amir Hashim, M.S. Ali
    Journal: Proceedings of the Fourth Asia-Pacific Conference on Global Business, Economics, Finance and Social Sciences
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 59

  • Title: Consumer Acceptance and Adoption towards Payment-Type Fintech Services from Malaysian Perspective
    Authors: S. Alwi, M.N.M. Salleh, S.E.A. Razak, N.M. Naim
    Journal: International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 22

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shaliza Alwi embodies the qualities of an accomplished academic leader, finance educator, and community advocate. Her multifaceted career reflects a deep commitment to excellence in teaching, research, mentorship, and social responsibility. With a strong academic foundation in finance, enhanced by international education and interdisciplinary exposure, she has effectively bridged academic theory with practical insights. Her contributions span program development, AACSB accreditation, academic audits, and postgraduate supervision, reinforcing her role as a key driver of educational quality and innovation. Equally committed to societal impact, Dr. Shaliza has initiated and led numerous financial literacy and entrepreneurial programs for Malaysia’s B40 community, creating meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. Through her work with industry partners and professional bodies, she continues to influence both academic and financial landscapes. Whether guiding students, auditing programs, or delivering community training, Dr. Shaliza consistently demonstrates leadership, empathy, and academic rigor. Her vision for inclusive and sustainable growth—through education, research, and outreach—positions her as a respected thought leader in the Malaysian academic and financial sectors.