PhD candidate , South China Agricultural University , China
Jiaheng Du is a dedicated andscape architectl currently pursuing a PhD at South China Agricultural University š³. With a Bachelorās and Masterās from Southwest Forestry University, he combines ecological theory and design practice to create healthier public spaces šæ. His work spans thermal environment analysis and public health considerations, aiming to improve urban microclimates and community well-being š”ļøā¤ļø. An energetic team player, Du has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on ecological risk assessment and ecosystem services in top journals, demonstrating his commitment to evidence-based planning š. Passionate and detail-oriented, he thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration to shape sustainable landscapes for future generations š.
Professional Profile
SCOPUS
Education & ExperienceĀ
Du earned his B.Sc. in Landscape Architecture at Southwest Forestry University (2016ā2018), where he studied landscape planning, ecology, and design principles š. He continued there for an M.Sc. (2019ā2021), focusing on landscape ecology, 3S technology, and urban-rural planning šļø. In September 2023, he began his PhD at South China Agricultural University, delving into frontier topics like human settlements science and advanced ecological research methods š¬. Alongside his studies, Du has contributed to regional projects assessing ecological security and water ecosystem services in Yunnan and the Greater Bay Area š. His hands-on experience blends field surveys, GIS modeling, and community engagement for impactful design.
Research Focus
Duās research centers on the interplay between thermal environments and public health in urban and peri-urban landscapes š”ļøš„. He investigates how microclimate variationsādriven by green infrastructure, land use, and design interventionsāaffect thermal comfort, heat stress, and community well-being š³ā”ļøš. Utilizing InVEST modeling, GIS spatial analysis, and field measurements, he maps ecosystem service changes and identifies risk hotspots in plateau valleys and the Greater Bay Area š. By integrating ecological risk assessment with landscape pattern construction, Du aims to guide resilient, health-driven planning strategies that mitigate heat-related hazards and promote equitable access to cool, restorative outdoor spaces š¤.
Awards & HonorsĀ
Jiaheng Du has been recognized for his academic excellence and research leadership š
. He received the Southwest Forestry University Academic Merit Scholarship for top undergraduate performance (2017) š and the Outstanding Masterās Thesis Award for his innovative InVEST-based water ecosystem study (2021) š. His article in the Chinese Journal of Ecology earned the Young Scholar Publication Prize (2024) š. Du was granted the South China Agricultural University Competitive Research Fellowship for PhD candidates (2023) š. He has been invited as a keynote speaker at the GuangdongāHong KongāMacao Urban Ecology Symposium (2024) š¤ and serves as a peer reviewer for Sustainability and Land š.
Publication Top Notes
Title:
Study on Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergies in the GuangdongāHong KongāMacao Greater Bay Area Based on Ecosystem Service Bundles
Citation:
Li H., Xu Q., Qiu H., Du J. H., Xu Z., Liu L., Zhao Z., Zhu Z., & He Y. (2024). Study on Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs and Synergies in the GuangdongāHong KongāMacao Greater Bay Area Based on Ecosystem Service Bundles. Land, 13(12), 2086,
Summary:
This study applies a bundle-analysis framework to map and quantify the spatial distribution of multiple ecosystem servicesāsuch as water purification, carbon sequestration, and recreationāacross the Greater Bay Area. By identifying areas of high trade-offs (where enhancing one service diminishes another) and strong synergies (where services reinforce each other), the authors provide actionable zoning recommendations for balancing ecological protection with urban development. The results offer planners and policymakers a data-driven basis to optimize land-use strategies for sustainable regional growth.
Conclusion
The study delivers actionable insightsāzoning recommendations and prioritization mapsāthat policymakers can directly apply. Duās synthesis of data-driven analysis with real-world applicability exemplifies the innovation and societal impact that the Best Paper Award seeks to honor.