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 

 

Dana Shai – Psychology – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Dana Shai - Psychology - Best Researcher Award 

Academic College Tel Aviv Yaffo - Israel

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dana Shai began her academic journey in 1998 at Tel Aviv University, earning a B.A. in Psychology and Communications, graduating Summa cum Laude. She continued her education with an Advanced Studies program in Philosophy at Tel Aviv University in 2005, followed by a Dance Movement Therapy program at Seminar Ha’Kibutzim, Israel, in 2004-2005. Dr. Shai pursued her passion for psychology and developmental psychology, completing an M.Sc. in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology at The Anna Freud Centre/University College London, UK, in 2006, and later earning her Ph.D. in Psychology from Birkbeck University of London in 2011.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Shai has held various academic positions, starting as a Research Fellow at the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Hertzliya, from 2011 to 2015. She then progressed to become a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) at the same institution from 2015 to 2017, followed by her current position as Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) at the School of Psychology, The Academic College Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Israel, since 2017.

Academic Leadership and Administration

Throughout her career, Dr. Shai has taken on leadership roles in academic administration. Notable positions include being the RIPPLE Lab Director at The Academic College Tel Aviv-Yaffo since 2017, the Founding Director of SEED and faculty member at the School of Psychology from 2017 to 2022, and the Developmental Psychology Departmental Lab Director at the same institution from 2017 to 2021.

Scholarly Positions and Activities

Dr. Shai has actively contributed to the academic community through participation in steering committees and reviewer activities. She has been a part of the Mentalizing Based Therapy Steering Group for Children and Young People at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families since 2022. Additionally, her involvement in foundations and peer review journals, such as the Israel Science Foundation and Psychoanalytic Psychology, showcases her dedication to advancing scholarly research.

Memberships and Conference Participation

She is a member of prestigious organizations like The Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD) since 2014 and the World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH) since 2011. Dr. Shai has actively participated in numerous scholarly conferences, both in Israel and abroad, presenting on diverse topics related to parental embodied mentalizing, infant development, and mental health.

Research Grants and Contributions

Dr. Shai has been successful in securing research grants, including funding from The Academic College of Tel Aviv Yaffo's Internal Grant Fund and Yad Hanadiv. Her research focuses on diverse topics such as embodied processes in parent-infant feeding interactions and the longitudinal associations between parenting quality and academic functioning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accolades and Recognition

While specific accolades and recognition details are not provided, Dr. Dana Shai's extensive involvement in conferences, research projects, and leadership positions suggests a high level of recognition in her field.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Shai's work in parental embodied mentalizing, infant development, and mental health has had a significant impact, as evidenced by her active participation in international conferences, keynote lectures, and symposiums.

Legacy and Future Contributions

With her continued commitment to research, academic leadership, and contributions to the field, Dr. Dana Shai is poised to leave a lasting legacy. Her focus on embodied processes and developmental psychology positions her as a key figure in advancing our understanding of parent-infant relationships and mental health.

This comprehensive overview highlights Dr. Dana Shai's academic journey, contributions, and ongoing commitment to advancing knowledge in the field of psychology.

Notable  Publications