fraud analytics Archives - Research Data Analysis Awards

Dr. Mebarka Allaoui | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Paper Award

Bishop’s University | Canada

Dr. Mebarka Allaoui dedicated computer science researcher with a strong background in machine learning, manifold learning, and computer vision, this scholar holds a PhD in Computer Science focused on embedding techniques and their applications to visual data analysis. Their academic journey includes a master’s degree in industrial computer science and a bachelor’s degree in information systems, all completed with high distinction. Professionally, they have served as a Postdoctoral Fellow contributing to industry-funded research on anomaly detection, developing novel embedding, deep learning, and clustering methods to enhance the interpretability of latent representations and improve fraud detection in real-world financial datasets. Prior experience includes working as a computer engineer supporting system administration, software development, data analysis, and network configuration, alongside several teaching appointments delivering practical courses in software engineering, algorithmics, and web development. Their research contributions span dimensionality reduction, clustering, optimization, document analysis, and scientific information retrieval, with publications in reputable journals and conferences. Collaborative work further extends to studies on optimizers, object detection, and embedding initialization strategies. Recognized for high-quality academic performance and impactful research outputs, they continue to advance data-driven methodologies, aiming to bridge theoretical innovation with practical applications in intelligent systems and decision-support technologies.

Featured Publications

Allaoui, M., Kherfi, M. L., & Cheriet, A. (2020). “Considerably improving clustering algorithms using UMAP dimensionality reduction technique” in International Conference on Image and Signal Processing, 317–325.

Drid, K., Allaoui, M., & Kherfi, M. L. (2020). “Object detector combination for increasing accuracy and detecting more overlapping objects” in International Conference on Image and Signal Processing, 290–296.

Allaoui, M., Belhaouari, S. B., Hedjam, R., Bouanane, K., & Kherfi, M. L. (2025). “t-SNE-PSO: Optimizing t-SNE using particle swarm optimization” in Expert Systems with Applications, 269, 126398.

Allaoui, M., Kherfi, M. L., Cheriet, A., & Bouchachia, A. (2024). “Unified embedding and clustering” in Expert Systems with Applications, 238, 121923.

Allaoui, M., Kherfi, M. L., & Cheriet, A. (2020). “International Conference on Image and Signal Processing” in Springer.

Dr. Nada El Darra - Fraud Detection Award - Best Researcher

Beirut Arab University - Lebanon

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Nada El Darra began her academic journey with a strong focus on food chemistry and industrial process engineering. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Life and Earth Sciences from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon, followed by a Master's degree in Food Chemistry from the same institution. Her academic pursuits culminated in dual PhD degrees: one in Industrial Process Engineering and Sustainable Development from the University of Technology of Compiègne in France, and the other in Food Chemistry from Saint Joseph University.

During her doctoral studies, El Darra delved into research topics such as the qualitative potential of phenolic compounds in grapes and the development of emerging extraction processes. Her research was supervised by distinguished professors in the field, including Prof. Eugene Vorobiev and Prof. Richard Maroun.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. El Darra's professional journey has been marked by a progression from teaching assistant roles to her current position as Chairperson of the Nutrition and Dietetics department at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Beirut Arab University. Along the way, she held positions as an Assistant Professor and Associate Professor of Food Safety and Technology, where she contributed significantly to the development of academic programs and conducted research projects in food safety and processing.

Her expertise in food safety and technology led her to managerial roles in quality control and assurance at renowned companies such as Abido Spices and Conserves Modernes Chtaura in Lebanon. These experiences equipped her with practical insights into implementing food safety management systems and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Contributions and Research Focus On Fraud Detection Award

Dr. El Darra's research endeavors have been multifaceted, encompassing areas such as mycotoxin occurrence and risk assessment, pesticide residue analysis, and the development of innovative food processing technologies. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with her research contributing to the understanding of food safety challenges and solutions, both locally and globally.

Her collaborations with prestigious institutions and organizations worldwide have further enriched her research portfolio. Notable collaborations include projects with the University of Glasgow, the University of Sharjah, and the Institute of Sciences of Food Production (ISPA – CNR), resulting in impactful publications and advancements in the field of food science.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. El Darra's contributions to academia and the scientific community have been recognized through various accolades and memberships. She was elected as a Member of the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities (AGYA) and has served as a representative in prestigious conferences and committees, including COP27 Egypt and the Food Safety Committee of the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon.

Her grants and research funding underscore the significance of her work, with projects supported by organizations such as AGYA, the Lebanese Ministry of Industry, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

Impact and Influence

Dr. El Darra's impact extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her involvement in consultancy projects, public awareness campaigns, and media engagements focused on food safety and hygiene. Her efforts in supervising volunteering students and participating in governmental committees reflect a commitment to societal well-being and public health.

Through her research, teaching, and service to the scientific community, El Darra has made enduring contributions to the advancement of food science and safety, leaving a legacy of knowledge dissemination, innovation, and advocacy for a healthier, safer food environment.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As she continues her academic journey, El Darra remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in food science and technology. Her legacy lies in the countless students she has mentored, the impactful research she has conducted, and the positive changes she has catalyzed in food safety practices.

Looking ahead, El Darra's future contributions are poised to shape the field of food science, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration. Her vision encompasses furthering scientific understanding, nurturing future generations of researchers, and fostering partnerships to address emerging challenges in food safety and nutrition.