Research Concept

Rationale

Addressing the sustainability complex issues requires on-going and in-depth analysis, evaluation, and continuous contribution. Such research contribution should consider various geographical scales, issues, and multi-dimensional thinking (e.g., environmental, social, and economic dimensions). It also should consider the trade-offs of the issues of concern and their variables as well the future scenarios and our readiness and response to global changes.

Research Background

My research work is founded on multidisciplinary topics and interdisciplinary research methods on sustainability-oriented issues. Particularly, contributing to realistic solutions to today’s most complex environmental and resource issues in a local and global change response. My previous research contribution focused on several environmental works by going beyond the traditional concept of the environment as human-centered (e.g., environmental hazards to human health). In my most recent research contribution, I worked on topics of, e.g., an evaluation and process enhancement of a novel Japanese chemical technology of converting carbon dioxide (CO2) to dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a useful product for the industry. The evaluation was in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption, compared with several existing and industrialized technologies. In my earlier research work, I focused on topics such as integrated waste management systems of municipal solid waste, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE, e-waste) systems, and urban resource management. Also, circular economy, and resource efficiency, recycling, waste-to-energy of integrated waste management solutions that contribute to (1) solve the complex issues of the existing waste management systems in developing countries and (2) by designing and examining enhanced and state-of-the-art systems to wellbeing and climate change mitigation. These research endeavors considered the economic and social impacts as well as the impacts on the ecosystem.

Research Questions

My research work is founded on answering the questions (1): how we can live in harmony with the world that requires an up-to-date scientific understanding of changes at local, regional, and global levels and by responding with practical solutions and policies for momentous events of the recent years. (2) how countries can achieve win-to win solutions to sustainability-related complex issues of modern societies that incorporate not only the new arising environmental challenges but also how to develop greener technologies, accelerate the transition to the circular economy and sustainable development, and (3) how we can design efficient social systems that can play a role in those solutions. The contribution to answering those three questions in my research work will be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for their importance on our responses to the local and global issues and changes. Since my research interest is multidisciplinary to contribute to addressing the previously mentioned questions, the research topics of interest including, but not limited to, sustainable development, SDGs, environmental impact assessment, integrated medical waste management systems, chemical, and hazardous waste, circular economy, resource efficiency, urban environmental resource management and planning, chemical process simulation and optimization of modern technologies of utilizing solid and heat waste, non-hazardous chemicals and CO2 as a feedstock. Also, technology evaluation, and environmental policy, and agriculture and food waste and food supply systems.

Research Hypothesis

My research hypothesis is (1) a profound and substantial scientific understanding of today’s most sustainability complex issues and (2) employing interdisciplinary research methods, integrated-thinking, and life-cycle thinking of environmental and social impacts that can contribute to sustainable development. For example, cleaner production and green technologies (chemical-based, energy, waste treatment, smart farming technologies, etc.). Also, to respond to the current and newly arising challenges with up-to-date research results. These can contribute to enhancing our understanding and policies in response to such challenges. With that said, environmentally-focused research is just one key player to address such challenges. Research work that considers other key players, such as the social impacts, considering social welfare, is also an essential element of my future research plan.

Research Methods

1. Quantitative data analysis.
2. Qualitative data analysis.
3. Compositional data analysis.
4. Statistical analysis. 
5. Probability, random variables, and random processes.
6. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
7. Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA).
8. Material Flow Analysis (MFA).
9. Substance Flow Analysis (SFA).
10. Total Material Requirement (TMR).
11. Modeling techniques.
12. Scenario development and analysis.
13. What-if analysis.
14. Sustainability assessment. 
15. Cost and benefit analysis.
16. Process development, simulation, and optimization.
17. Simulation techniques.
18. Uncertainty analysis.
19. Sensitivity analysis.
20. Text mining.
21. Surveys.
22. Questionnaires.
23. Interviews.
24. Focus group interviews.
25. Delphi method.
26. Life-cycle thinking approaches.
27. Integrated approaches. 
28. Trade offs analysis. 
29. Agent-based models.
30. Social networks analysis.
31. Linear programming.