Kersti Karu – Educational Data Analysis – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kersti Karu - Educational Data Analysis - Best Researcher Award

University College London - United Kingdom

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Kersti Karu embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering, earning her Bachelor of Science degree from Tallinn Technical University. Building upon this, she pursued her passion for analytical chemistry by obtaining a Master of Science degree in Analytical Chemistry from UCL Birkbeck College. These formative years laid the groundwork for her illustrious career in research and academia.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Karu's professional journey commenced in 2001 at UCL School of Pharmacy, where she began her research as a mass spectrometrist. Over the years, she honed her expertise in mass spectrometry analysis, delving into various applications spanning small molecules, proteins, peptides, DNA, and RNA. Her dedication and commitment led her to complete her Ph.D. in Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) methods tailored for sterol analysis, under the guidance of Professor William J Griffiths.

Transitioning to Imperial College London, Dr. Karu expanded her research horizons, focusing on identifying pain-related proteins in the brain using proteomics techniques. This period marked her foray into interdisciplinary research, blending mass spectrometry with neuroscience to unravel complex biological phenomena.

Joining UCL Chemistry Department in 2013 as the Mass Spectrometry Manager showcased Dr. Karu's leadership capabilities as she spearheaded various projects, ranging from small molecule identification to antibody-conjugate analysis. Additionally, her role in supervising MSc projects underscores her commitment to nurturing the next generation of analytical chemists.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Karu's research revolves around the biosynthesis and metabolism of phytosterols and cholesterol, exploring their implications for human health. Noteworthy is her collaboration with UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, where she established analytical methods for analyzing bile acids and sterols in biological samples, contributing to the understanding of neurological disorders. Furthermore, her partnership with UCL Bloomsbury Institute of Intensive Care Medicine shed light on the involvement of cholesterol and its metabolites in sepsis, highlighting the broader impact of her research on critical care medicine.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Karu's contributions to the field of analytical chemistry have garnered significant recognition, reflected in her authorship of 40 peer-reviewed papers with over 1053 citations. Her impressive h-index of 16 underscores the influence of her research within the scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Karu's multidisciplinary approach to research, bridging chemistry with neuroscience and medicine, has paved the way for groundbreaking discoveries. Her innovative methods for mass spectrometry analysis have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also found practical applications in diverse fields, from pharmaceuticals to environmental monitoring.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Karu's legacy lies in her unwavering dedication to advancing analytical chemistry and its applications in understanding complex biological systems. As she continues her academic journey, her future contributions are poised to shape the landscape of mass spectrometry and its role in addressing pressing healthcare challenges.

In conclusion, Dr. Kersti Karu's remarkable academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and impactful research underscore her as a trailblazer in the field of analytical chemistry. Her interdisciplinary approach, coupled with her commitment to mentorship and collaboration, positions her as a beacon of innovation and excellence in academia.

Notable Publication

Yehudith Weinberger – Educational Leadership – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yehudith Weinberger - Educational Leadership - Best Researcher Award

David Yellin Academic College, Jerusalem - Israel

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Yehudith Weinberger's academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Faculty of Life Sciences at Tel Aviv University in 1985. Her interest in science education led her to pursue further studies, culminating in a Master of Arts in Science Education from the Faculty of Humanities at Tel Aviv University, which she completed with distinction (Cum Laude) in 1992. Driven by a passion for advancing educational practices, she then earned her Ph.D. in Science Education from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1999.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout her career, Prof. Weinberger has held various teaching and administrative positions in institutes of higher education. She started her academic journey as a lecturer in the Science Education Department at Kibbutzim College of Education (KCE) and progressed to become a senior lecturer and eventually an associate professor. She also served in numerous administrative roles, including head of the School of Education and Dean of the Faculty of Education at KCE. Notably, she currently holds the position of College President's Consultant and Lecturer at David Yellin Academic College in Education, showcasing her continued dedication to shaping educational policies and practices.

Contributions and Research Focus On Educational Leadership

Prof. Weinberger's research and scholarly activities have spanned various domains within science education. Her involvement in projects such as the "Thinking in Science" project at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem and her coordination of the LAMNDA program at Tel Aviv University exemplify her commitment to advancing pedagogical practices and teacher education. Her research interests include the development of higher-order thinking skills, the integration of portfolios in teacher education, and the promotion of empathy in educational settings.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Weinberger's contributions to the field of education have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally. Her active participation in academic committees for the Ministry of Education and the Council of Higher Education reflects her influence in shaping educational policies at a systemic level. Additionally, her roles as an ad-hoc reviewer for numerous scientific journals and as an associate editor for reputable journals underscore her expertise and standing within the academic community.

The Educational Leadership Award celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the field of education, with a focus on excellence in education, leadership in learning, educational innovation, and inspiring educational leadership.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Weinberger's impact extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her involvement in steering committees for curriculum development and her consultation for the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology in Israel. Her research outputs, including publications in esteemed journals and presentations at conferences worldwide, have contributed significantly to advancing knowledge in science education and pedagogy.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Yehudith Weinberger's legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to science education, pedagogical research, and academic administration. Her dedication to improving teaching practices and fostering critical thinking skills among educators and students alike has left a lasting impact on the field. As she continues to engage in scholarly activities and mentor the next generation of educators, her influence is poised to endure, shaping the landscape of education for years to come.

Notable Publication

Jennifer Turner – educational leadership – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Jennifer Turner - educational leadership - Best Researcher Award 

University of Calgary - Canada

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jennifer Turner's academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a dedication to advancing educational leadership and mental health promotion. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (K-12) from the University of Calgary, with a dissertation focusing on district leadership in mental health promotion within a British Columbia school district. Complementing her doctoral studies, she has pursued various certifications and advanced clinical certificates, including Business Intelligence Analytics, School Leader Qualification Standard, and Superintendent Leadership Qualification.

Professional Endeavors

  • Dr. Turner's professional trajectory is distinguished by her leadership roles and extensive service in the field of education, particularly in Alberta and British Columbia. She currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Wellbeing in Education at the Werklund School of Education, Calgary, where she spearheads initiatives to promote mental health and wellbeing in educational settings. Prior to this, she held pivotal positions such as Superintendent of Schools at Fort McMurray Public Schools, Assistant Superintendent at Rocky Mountain School District 6, and District Principal at Boundary School District 51, among others. These roles underscore her breadth of experience in educational leadership, governance, policy development, and program implementation.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Turner's scholarly pursuits revolve around leveraging research and theory to inform educational leadership practices aimed at enhancing teaching, learning, and student wellbeing. Her research interests encompass K-12 leadership, governance, mental health promotion, and early intervention. Noteworthy contributions include authored research reports, peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and presentations at international, national, and regional conferences. Her seminal work in mapping education leadership of mental health promotion exemplifies her commitment to bridging research and practice to address critical issues in education.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Turner has garnered numerous accolades and achievements, highlighting her significant contributions to the field of education. Awards such as the Outstanding Women of the Boundary Award and her roles in various professional organizations underscore her leadership, expertise, and dedication to advancing educational practices and policies.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Turner's influence extends beyond her professional roles, shaping educational practices and policies at the provincial and district levels. Her leadership in mental health promotion, collaborative initiatives, and engagement with diverse stakeholders have contributed to the development of a critical knowledge base within the educational landscape. Through her research, advocacy, and strategic leadership, she has played a pivotal role in fostering positive school environments and supporting the holistic wellbeing of students and educators alike.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Turner's legacy lies in her ongoing commitment to advancing educational leadership, mental health promotion, and student wellbeing. Her multifaceted expertise, scholarly contributions, and collaborative endeavors position her as a driving force for positive change in educational practices and policies. With a keen focus on research-informed practices and strategic leadership, she continues to shape the future of education, leaving an indelible mark on the field and inspiring future generations of educational leaders.

Notable Publication

Francesco Scala – Active Learning – International Data Evolution Achievement Award 

Dr. Francesco Scala - Active Learning - International Data Evolution Achievement Award 

Unical University  - Italy

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr Francesco Scala, born on September 14, 1991, in Cirò, Italy, embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in engineering. He obtained his Laurea Magistrale in Ingegneria Informatica (Master's in Computer Engineering) from the University of Calabria in April 2018, showcasing proficiency in various fields, including agent-based programming, video game development, artificial intelligence, and embedded systems.

His academic journey continued with a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Technologies at the same institution, focusing on machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), with a particular emphasis on active learning. Francesco's research during his Ph.D. involved developing models and algorithms to optimize office processes, demonstrating his commitment to practical applications of his academic pursuits.

Professional Endeavors

Dr Francesco's professional career is marked by a diverse range of experiences, spanning academia and industry. Notably, he served as a Borsista di Ricerca (Research Fellow) at the University of Calabria, actively contributing to a startup-focused research project aimed at modeling and optimizing office processes.

His roles as a Ph.D. student, Professor, and Assegnista di Ricerca (Research Fellow) showcased his versatility. Francesco's contributions extended to the European energy market, where he played a key role in developing predictive models for electricity markets. His work included forecasting prices, consumption, and market coupling flow based on meticulous research.

In the corporate sector, Francesco demonstrated his skills as a Mobile App Developer and Web Platform Designer, contributing to projects involving Unity, iOS development, and web application creation. His involvement with various technologies and frameworks underscores his proficiency in the software development landscape.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr Francesco's academic contributions extend beyond his roles. His research papers, conference papers, and articles have been featured in renowned publications and conferences, showcasing his expertise in areas like probabilistic argumentation frameworks, active learning, and forecasting energy production with uncertainty quantification.

His research focus also extends to the development of machine learning tools and frameworks, including Keras, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn. His deep understanding of these tools is complemented by his practical experience in implementing algorithms, as evidenced by his work on the ABOD algorithm in C and Assembly.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr Francesco's academic and professional achievements are reflected in accolades such as an H-index of 2 in Scopus and an ORCID iD (0009-0007-5224-0910). These metrics underscore the impact of his research and scholarly contributions.

Impact and Influence

Dr Francesco's influence is not limited to academia. His development of various mobile apps, web platforms, and video games has left a mark on the industry. The SmartGlasses project, iOS apps, and participation in Global Game Jams showcase his innovative approach to technology.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As of February 2024, Francesco Scala continues to make strides in academia and industry. His legacy includes a wealth of knowledge in machine learning, active learning, and software development. Looking ahead, Francesco is poised to contribute further to these fields, potentially leaving a lasting impact on the intersection of technology and human experiences.

In conclusion, Francesco Scala's journey from early academic pursuits to his current professional endeavors reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and the practical application of cutting-edge technologies. His impact on the fields of machine learning, active learning, and software development is evident in his extensive body of work and contributions to both academia and industry.

Notable  Publications 

 

Prity Rani – Blockchain in the Applications of Education Sector – Best Researcher Award 

Mrs. Prity Rani - Blockchain in the Applications of Education Sector - Best Researcher Award 

Bennett University - India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

She embarked on her academic journey with a Diploma in Computer Science and Engineering from Government Women’s Polytechnic, Jamshedpur. She later pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from Ranchi University, showcasing her commitment to advancing her skills in the field.

Professional Endeavors

While pursuing her Ph.D. in Computer Science Engineering and Technology at Bennett University, Prity Rani engaged in part-time professional roles. She served as a Computer Science Tutor at TutorEye Platform (Online Mode) from 2021 to 2023. Her dedication to both academic pursuits and practical applications demonstrates a holistic approach to learning.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prity Rani's primary focus lies in the realm of Blockchain, particularly in the Applications of the Education Sector. She has delved into Blockchain Architecture and Consensus Algorithm, exploring its potential in transforming educational processes. Notably, her research has resulted in publications in reputable journals such as 'Computing' and 'Procedia Computer Science.'

Accolades and Recognition

Prity Rani's academic prowess is underscored by her qualification in the GATE Examination in Computer Science Paper in 2019. Additionally, she has completed relevant certifications, including 'The Complete Blockchain Professional Course' and 'Certified Blockchain Solutions Architect (CBSA) Bootcamp' from Udemy in 2022.

Impact and Influence

Prity Rani's research has made a mark with publications that delve into topics such as blockchain technology in education and academic payment tokenization. Her work aims to provide a systematic understanding of blockchain's applications, benefits, challenges, and research directions in the education sector.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As a Research Scholar at Bennett University, Prity Rani is poised to make significant contributions to the field of Blockchain. Her ongoing projects, including 'EduCert-Chain' and 'Innovative Consensus Mechanism for Notarizing and Verifying Educational Certificates,' reflect her commitment to advancing secure and innovative solutions in the education domain.

Notable Publication