Jose Rishmawi | Financial Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Jose Rishmawi | Financial Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

University of Chicago | Chile

Mr. Jose Rishmawi is an emerging economist whose academic and professional journey reflects a strong dedication to advancing knowledge in macroeconomics, international economics, and trade policy. With a rich background in research and policy advisory roles, he has contributed to shaping economic perspectives in both academic and institutional contexts. His professional experience includes impactful roles at the Central Bank of Chile, where he worked on critical economic analyses and policy recommendations. Currently pursuing his doctoral studies at a prestigious U.S. institution, his work bridges advanced economic theory with real-world policy applications, positioning him as a promising researcher and advisor in the field of economics.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mr. Rishmawi has pursued a robust academic path in economics, starting with a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Applied Economics from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, where he graduated with honors and earned recognition for academic excellence. He later advanced his studies with a Ph.D. program in Economics at a leading U.S. university, focusing on advanced economic methodologies, international trade dynamics, and macroeconomic theory. His education reflects both a strong foundation in economic theory and a specialization in applying empirical tools to address real-world economic challenges.

Experience

His professional experience is marked by diverse and high-impact roles that combine economic research with policy implementation. At the Central Bank of Chile, he served as an Economic Research Analyst in the Big Data Analytics Department, contributing to data-driven analyses on firm delinquency, interest rate shocks, and exchange rate pass-through effects. Previously, he advised the Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Chile, where he provided strategic insights and contributed to policy briefs addressing critical economic shifts. His earlier roles as a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant further highlight his commitment to both advancing research and mentoring students in foundational economics, econometrics, and microeconomic theory.

Research Interest

Mr. Rishmawi’s research interests span macroeconomics, international economics, and international trade, with a strong emphasis on empirical and structural analysis. His work explores the transmission mechanisms of exchange rate fluctuations, the heterogeneity of interest rate shocks on firms, and the broader macroeconomic implications of policy changes. By employing advanced econometric techniques and integrating big data analytics, he aims to provide nuanced insights that inform monetary policy, trade strategies, and economic stability in emerging markets and global contexts.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Mr. Rishmawi has been recognized for his exceptional achievements and contributions to economics. He has received competitive fellowships and awards that underscore his academic excellence and research potential, including prestigious recognition at his doctoral institution and top honors during his master’s and undergraduate studies. His early recognition as the best student in his academic programs reflects a consistent track record of outstanding performance and intellectual dedication.

Publication

Impact of the access to Fogape-Covid program on firm delinquency: Evidence from commercial loans within the banking system, 2025

Conclusion

With a strong foundation in applied economics, extensive experience in policy-oriented research, and a commitment to advancing economic thought, Mr. Jose Rishmawi exemplifies the qualities of a future leader in economics. His interdisciplinary expertise, spanning macroeconomic modeling, international trade analysis, and big data applications, positions him to make significant contributions to both academic research and global economic policy development. As he continues his doctoral research and academic career, his work holds the potential to influence economic strategies at national and international levels.

Weliswa Matekenya | Quantitative Social Science Research | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Weliswa Matekenya | Quantitative Social Science Research | Best Researcher Award

Nelson Mandela University | South Africa

Dr. Weliswa Matekenya is a seasoned Senior Lecturer in Economics at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South Africa. With a profound dedication to research and academic excellence, she has established herself as a specialist in Maritime, Development, and Environmental Economics. Her scholarly contributions are evident in her extensive publication record, research consultancy experience, and active participation in national and international academic forums. Recognized as an emerging leader in economic research, Dr. Matekenya has garnered prestigious awards and research grants, reflecting her impact in shaping economic discourse in South Africa and beyond.

Professional Profile

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Education

Dr. Matekenya earned her PhD in Economics from Nelson Mandela University, where her doctoral thesis explored the macroeconomic impact of ocean economy financing in South Africa. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Fort Hare, where she researched the effect of oil price volatility on South Africa’s economic growth. Her academic journey also includes a Bachelor of Honours in Economics and a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management and Economics, both from the University of Fort Hare. Her educational background has laid a strong foundation for her multifaceted research and teaching interests in economics.

Professional Experience

Dr. Matekenya currently serves as a Senior Lecturer at NMU’s Department of Economics, a position she has held since 2018. In this role, she teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules including Environmental Economics, Development Economics, Econometrics, Public Economics, and Microeconomics. She has also served in several leadership capacities, such as Acting Head of Department and Chairperson of the Departmental Research Management Committee. She coordinates PhD and Master’s programs and actively contributes to curriculum development and ethics review panels.

Before joining NMU, she worked as a Research Consultant at Masutane Research Company, where she led data-driven projects, designed research methodologies, and conducted field studies. Her previous roles include lecturing positions at Educor and the University of Fort Hare, as well as serving as a Research Assistant in the Presidency of South Africa. Across these roles, she has gained valuable expertise in academic program coordination, research supervision, and policy analysis.

Research Interests

Dr. Matekenya’s research interests lie primarily in Maritime Economics, Development Economics, and Environmental Economics. She is particularly engaged in exploring the socio-economic dimensions of port infrastructure, ocean economy financing, and sustainable development strategies in coastal regions. Her recent projects include assessing the economic impact of seaports in South African regional economies and investigating the technical efficiency of ports in the SACU region using data envelopment analysis. She also focuses on topics such as climate change, foreign direct investment, financial inclusion, and SMME innovation.

Her involvement in international collaborative projects, such as those with UNU-WIDER under the SA-TIED initiative, has allowed her to explore transnational economic themes, including the role of Special Economic Zones in regional development. Her research integrates quantitative methodologies, including cointegration analysis and regression modeling, with policy-oriented perspectives, making her work both academically rigorous and practically relevant.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Matekenya has received several accolades that recognize her contributions to economic research and academic development. She was awarded the Emerging Researcher of the Year in 2022, affirming her position as a leading early-career researcher. She has also been a recipient of the Thuthuka Grant (2024–2026) for her project on the socio-economic impact of South African seaports. Additionally, she participated in the Black Academic Advancement Programme (BAAP) from 2020 to 2021, supporting the development of underrepresented scholars in academia.

Her active engagement in the academic community extends to international speaking engagements, such as the World Conference on Climate Change in Prague and panel discussions at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in India. Dr. Matekenya also serves as a peer reviewer for several journals, including the Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies and the Journal of Shipping and Trade, and she holds an editorial position with the latter.

In sum, Dr. Weliswa Matekenya exemplifies scholarly leadership through her teaching, research, and engagement with economic development at local, national, and global levels. Her academic journey, underpinned by a solid educational foundation and a commitment to impactful research, positions her as an influential voice in shaping Africa’s sustainable economic future.

Publications

Impact of financing aquaculture on selected economic indicators in South Africa: cointegration approach

Authors: Weliswa Matekenya; Ronney Ncwadi
Journal: Journal of Applied Aquaculture
Year: 2024

The impact of maritime transport financing on total trade in South Africa

Authors: W. Matekenya; R. Ncwadi
Journal: Journal of Shipping and Trade
Year: 2022

Innovation as a driver of SMME performance in South Africa: a quantile regression approach

Authors: Weliswa Matekenya; Clement Moyo
Journal: African Journal of Economic and Management Studies
Year: 2022

Financial inclusion and human development: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

Authors: Weliswa Matekenya; Clement Moyo; Leward Jeke
Journal: Development Southern Africa
Year: 2021

Firm and product survival analysis: Evidence from South African tax administrative and products data

Authors: Syden Mishi; Weliswa Matekenya; Leward Jeke; Ronney Ncwadi; Roseline Karambakuwa
Journal: WIDER Working Paper
Year: 2021

David Gillen – economic and logistics modelling – Excellence in Research 

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Prof Dr David Gillen - economic and logistics modelling - Excellence in Research 

University of British Columbia - Canada 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof Dr David W. Gillen holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Toronto, earned in 1975. His academic journey has been characterized by a focus on Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, Transportation, and Regulatory Economics.

Professional Endeavors

Over the course of his career, Prof Dr Gillen has held positions at various esteemed institutions. He has been associated with the University of Alberta, Wilfrid Laurier University, University of California (Berkeley), and currently serves as Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business. Notably, he has also held the Vancouver International Airport Chair in Transportation Policy and Management.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof Dr Gillen's contributions to academia are reflected in his diverse areas of research and expertise. His work spans Industrial Organization, Competition Policy, Transportation and Regulatory Economics, with a particular emphasis on Aviation and Air Transport Economics, Travel Demand Analysis, Choice Modeling, and Performance and Productivity Analysis. He has made significant contributions to the field of Transportation Economics, as acknowledged by the American Economic Association.

Accolades and Recognition

His dedication to teaching excellence and student involvement has been acknowledged with the Len Henricksson Award for Teaching Excellence and Student Involvement in 2016. Gillen's impact on the field of Transportation Economics is further evident in the Distinguished Member Award from the American Economic Association's Transportation & Public Utilities Group in 2016.

Impact and Influence

Prof Dr Gillen's influence extends beyond academia, as he has served as a consultant to various government bodies, including Transport Canada, Canadian National Railways, and the Governments of Ontario and Canada. His expertise has been sought by international entities, such as the Governments of Thailand, Ghana, Germany, and the UK, as well as private sector clients including Air Canada, British Airways, and WestJet.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof Dr Gillen's lasting legacy is evident in his directorship of the Centre for Transportation Studies at Sauder School of Business and his editorial roles in prestigious journals. His substantial research grant awards, including a $2.49 million SSHRC Partnership Grant for Green Shipping, reflect his ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing contemporary challenges in transportation economics. As he continues to contribute to the field, Gillen's legacy is marked by a multidimensional impact on academia, policy, and industry.

Notable Publication