Marjaana Siivola – Virtual Reality Analytics – Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Marjaana Siivola - Virtual Reality Analytics - Best Researcher Award 

Aalto University - Finland

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mrs. Marjaana Siivola's academic journey began with a strong focus on technology and its application in various domains. She obtained her Master of Science in technology with a specialization in utilizing technology to support the independent living of the elderly and disabled. This foundational education laid the groundwork for her future research and professional endeavors.

Her academic pursuits continued as she pursued a Licentiate of Technology degree, where her focus shifted towards exploring the usability of mixed reality applications. This period marked her transition into interdisciplinary research, blending technology with fields such as human-computer interaction and user-centered design. Siivola's early academic pursuits reflect a commitment to leveraging technology for social good and enhancing user experiences across different contexts.

Professional Endeavors

Mrs. Siivola's professional journey is characterized by a diverse range of roles spanning research, education, and entrepreneurship. Following her academic achievements, she delved into the realm of usability as a specialist at Finndesign Oy and later continued her research pursuits at the University of Technology. Her work during this period contributed to understanding user requirements and interface solutions for various applications, including temperature control systems and mixed reality training tools.

In 2012, Siivola founded Doules, where she assumed the roles of doula, childbirth educator, and researcher. This entrepreneurial venture allowed her to merge her expertise in technology with her passion for supporting expectant parents during childbirth. Her multidisciplinary approach to childbirth education, incorporating elements of virtual reality and digital platforms, reflects her innovative thinking and commitment to enhancing the childbirth experience.

Siivola's professional journey also includes academic pursuits as a PhD student at Aalto University, focusing on online childbirth education. This role showcases her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field and exploring innovative methods to improve access to quality education and support for expectant parents.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mrs. Siivola's research focus centers on leveraging technology to enhance childbirth education and support services. Her pioneering work in virtual reality childbirth education has garnered attention for its potential to revolutionize traditional childbirth preparation methods. Through her publications, Siivola has explored the advantages of virtual reality in childbirth education, the role of 360° videos, and the integration of flipped learning approaches. Her research contributes to bridging the gap between technological innovation and maternal healthcare, with a focus on improving outcomes and experiences for expectant parents and healthcare professionals alike.

Furthermore, Siivola's contributions extend beyond academia through her advocacy for collaboration between midwives and doulas, as evidenced by her publications and presentations. By fostering synergy between these two essential roles in maternal care, Siivola aims to create a supportive ecosystem that prioritizes the holistic well-being of expectant families.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Siivola has received recognition for her contributions to the field of childbirth education and support. Her presentations at international conferences and publications in esteemed journals underscore her status as a thought leader in the intersection of technology and maternal healthcare. Additionally, her involvement in professional organizations such as Suomen doulat ry and DONA International highlights her commitment to advancing doula care standards and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration within the maternal health community.

Impact and Influence

Mrs. Siivola's work has had a significant impact on both academic research and practical applications in maternal healthcare. By pioneering the integration of virtual reality into childbirth education, she has opened up new possibilities for enhancing the accessibility and effectiveness of prenatal preparation. Her emphasis on user-centered design principles ensures that technological innovations are tailored to meet the needs and preferences of diverse user groups, ultimately improving the childbirth experience for expectant parents worldwide.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a trailblazer in the field of virtual reality childbirth education, Marjaana Siivola's legacy is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to improving maternal healthcare outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach and pioneering research pave the way for future advancements in digital education and support services for expectant families. Moving forward, Siivola's work will continue to shape the landscape of childbirth education, inspiring new generations of researchers and practitioners to embrace technology as a tool for positive change in maternal health.

Notable Publication

 

Akshara S – Real world Case study – Best Researcher Award 

Ms. Akshara S - Real world Case study - Best Researcher Award 

Kumaraguru college of technology - India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Akshara S embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation laid at The Vijay Millennium School in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Excelling in both Class 10 and Class 12 with remarkable scores of 90.6% and 89.4% respectively, Akshara demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence from an early age. Her consistent performance reflected not only her dedication to learning but also her innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge. These formative years instilled in her a passion for exploration and innovation, setting the stage for her future endeavors in the field of technology.

Professional Endeavors

During her undergraduate studies at Kumaraguru College of Technology in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Akshara delved into the dynamic realm of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. Her pursuit of knowledge in this cutting-edge field led her to diverse professional experiences, including an internship as an Innovation Engineer Trainee at Forge, Coimbatore. During this tenure, she honed her skills in generating innovative ideas, product design, and customer discovery. Her adeptness in handling information with discretion and organizational finesse underscored her professionalism and commitment to excellence.

Contributions and Research Focus On Real world Case study

Ms. Akshara's contributions extend beyond the realm of academia and professional endeavors. She has actively engaged in impactful projects that blend technological innovation with societal needs. Noteworthy among these is her project on "Proactive Headcount & Suspicious Activity Detection using YOLO V8," which she presented at the 3rd International Conference on Evolutionary Computing and Mobile Sustainable Networks (ICECMSN 2023). This project showcases her dedication to leveraging advanced surveillance technology for enhancing public safety—a testament to her commitment to utilizing technology for the greater good.

Accolades and Recognition

Ms. Akshara's academic and professional achievements have garnered widespread recognition. Her paper presentation at ICECMSN 2023 stands as a testament to her research acumen and innovative thinking. Additionally, her accomplishments in the National Cadet Corps Air Wing, including achieving the C certificate and receiving a silver medal in Skeet Firing, underscore her multifaceted talents and leadership capabilities. Notably, her innovative concept at the Techgium 6th Edition hackathon earned her a Certificate of Recognition from L&T Technology Services, further affirming her prowess in the technological landscape.

Impact and Influence

Ms. Akshara's journey is marked by a profound impact on both her academic community and the larger society. Through her leadership roles in organizations such as the NCC Air Wing and her contributions to projects aimed at enhancing public safety and business analytics, she has demonstrated a keen understanding of societal needs and a proactive approach to addressing them through technological innovation. Her endeavors have inspired her peers and colleagues, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and positive change.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Ms. Akshara continues to tread her path of academic and professional excellence, her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science is already taking shape. With a diverse skill set encompassing programming languages, analytics tools, and leadership qualities, she is poised to make significant contributions to the technology landscape. Her future endeavors are bound to leave an indelible mark, shaping the trajectory of technological innovation and societal progress for years to come.

Notable Publication

Priya L – Cognitive analytics – Excellence in Innovation 

Dr Priya L - Cognitive analytics - Excellence in Innovation 

Rajalakshmi engineering college - India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. L. Priya embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in engineering, completing her Bachelor's in Electronics and Communication Engineering (B.E. ECE) from AVC College of Engineering, Mayiladuthurai. She further honed her expertise with a Master's in Technology (M.Tech) in Information Technology from M.I.T Campus, Anna University. Her academic pursuit reached its pinnacle with a Ph.D. in Computer Vision from Anna University, showcasing a deep commitment to advancing her knowledge in the field.

Professional Endeavors

With an illustrious career spanning 23 years, Dr. L. Priya has been a stalwart in the field of Information Technology. Since 2009, she has served as a Professor in Information Technology at Rajalakshmi Engineering College (REC). Her dedication to teaching and research is evident in her significant contributions to the academic community.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Priya has made substantial contributions to the field of Computer Vision and Machine Vision. Her consultancy work, involving over 40 projects, focuses on enhancing the quality control processes using Machine Vision technologies. Noteworthy projects include advancements in areas like Smart Boat technology, tele radiology software for Private PACS, and quality inspection systems for automotive components and consumer products.

Her expertise extends to the editorial domain, where she holds positions in reputed publications, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge in the academic realm. Dr. Priya's research focus spans diverse areas such as image processing for timely detection of stemborer infection, digitally fusing traditional knowledge for promoting millets as a nutritious alternative, and various machine vision applications.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. L. Priya's significant impact in the Information Technology field has been acknowledged through numerous accolades. She has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding professional and research achievements by the Institute of Researchers, recognized by the Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India. Additionally, her Academic Excellence Award in the Aram Awards 2023 highlights her substantial contributions to industry-academia collaboration.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a recognized authority in her field, Dr. Priya has left a lasting legacy through her role as a Governing Council Body Member in the Federation of Industry and Management Association (FIMA) and as a Lifetime Member of the Indian Society for Technical Education. Her leadership in the MSME Business Incubation Center of REC has led to the successful establishment of an Incubation Center, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Looking forward, Dr. L. Priya continues to contribute to the academic and industrial landscape, with a focus on research, mentorship, and the application of cutting-edge technologies. Her commitment to excellence and innovation sets a benchmark for future generations in the field of Information Technology.

Notable Publication