Seema Irshad | Psychology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Seema Irshad | Psychology | Women Researcher Award

King Faisal University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Seema Irshad is an Assistant Professor of Psychology with more than a decade of experience in higher education, research, and clinical practice. She earned her PhD in Psychology from Aligarh Muslim University, developing a strong academic foundation in psychological theory, research methodology, and applied practice. Her academic career has been primarily associated with a leading public university in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where she has contributed extensively to undergraduate and graduate teaching, curriculum design, and academic coordination. Her teaching expertise spans abnormal psychology, cognitive processes, work motivation, and applied psychology, with a strong emphasis on student-centered and technology-enhanced learning. In parallel, she has been actively engaged in research through national and international collaborations, including earlier work as a research assistant and junior project fellow on large-scale public health and educational research projects. Her research interests focus on mental health, psychosocial interventions, psychometric assessment, systematic reviews, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in psychological practice. She has published more than 20 scholarly papers and has presented research at numerous academic conferences. Her contributions include successful involvement in competitive research grants and sustained mentorship of students and early-career researchers. Overall, her work reflects a strong commitment to advancing psychological science, improving mental health outcomes, and fostering academic excellence through teaching, research, and mentorship.

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Ruoyi Li | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Ruoyi Li | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Xiamen University | China

Ms. Ruoyi Li is a dedicated Ph.D. candidate in Public Administration at Xiamen University, focusing on government regulation, policy analysis, and sustainable development under the “Dual‑Carbon” goals. She holds dual Master’s degrees from the Australian National University in Digital Humanities & Public Culture and General & Applied Linguistics, and a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from Jiangxi Normal University, where she graduated with distinction and received multiple scholarships and awards. Her research expertise spans policy evaluation, environmental economics, cross‑strait regional development, and technological impacts on organizational structures. Ms. Li has participated in high-impact research projects, including field investigations and policy reports for local government integration initiatives in Pingtan, and has collaborated with institutions such as the Environmental Economics & Policy Lab (Peking University and University of Chicago), Global Environmental Institute, and major energy corporations. She has authored peer-reviewed articles in Finance Research Letters as first and corresponding author and contributed to numerous working papers on cultural heritage, digital humanities, and museum studies. Skilled in fieldwork, in-depth interviews, data analysis, and ontology engineering, she combines interdisciplinary knowledge with practical research application. Ms. Li’s work bridges public administration, environmental policy, and digital culture, contributing to evidence-based governance, sustainable development, and innovative knowledge representation.

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Rasha Fouad | Healthcare Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rasha Fouad | Healthcare Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

 Kind Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences | Saudi Arabia

Prof. Dr. Rasha Fouad is a distinguished nursing scholar with a PhD in Nursing, specializing in community and gerontological health nursing. She earned her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees from Alexandria University. With over 29 years of professional experience, she has held key academic and leadership roles, including Professor of Gerontological Nursing, Head of Gerontological Nursing Department, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Acting Dean. She has also contributed internationally as an Assistant Professor in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Prof. Fouad has taught a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including gerontological nursing, psychosocial aspects of aging, nursing administration, community health, and research methodology. Her research interests focus on gerontological nursing, psychosocial well-being of older adults, community health, and nursing education. She is an active reviewer for several international journals and has conducted numerous workshops on research methods, academic enhancement, and simulation-based learning. Her dedication to advancing nursing education and research has earned her recognition for excellence, inspiring future generations of nursing professionals through her teaching, mentorship, and scholarly contributions.

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Naveed Yasin | Entrepreneurship  | Innovative Research Award

Prof. Dr. Naveed Yasin | Entrepreneurship  | Innovative Research Award

Abu Dhabi School of Management | United Arab Emirates

Dr. Naveed Yasin is a Full Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management whose career spans academic leadership, research, innovation, and global entrepreneurship ecosystem development. He holds a Ph.D. in Cross-National Comparative Entrepreneurship from an AACSB-accredited university and advanced qualifications in higher education, leadership, and AI-enabled entrepreneurship education. With experience as Vice President of Academic Affairs, Executive Dean, Consulting Vice President, and Director of an academic business incubator, he has led institutional transformation, accreditation initiatives, and the creation of entrepreneurial learning ecosystems across the UAE, UK, Europe, and Asia. His research focuses on immigrant entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship education, AI applications in enterprise learning, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, supported by 422 citations across 288 documents, 51 publications, and an h-index of 13. He has published in ABDC A*, ABS 3*, and Scopus Q1 journals and contributed chapters to major publishers such as Palgrave Macmillan and Routledge. His achievements include the UAE & EIE Teaching Excellence Award, a Vice Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Research Thesis, and multiple international recognitions for innovation in education. As an educator, consultant, mentor, and ecosystem builder, Dr. Yasin continues to champion entrepreneurial leadership, global partnerships, and the advancement of universities as catalysts for economic and societal impact.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Green strategic intent, artificial intelligence capability and behavioral dynamics of achieving circular economy goals in the public sector (2025). Technological Forecasting and Social Change.

‘Imitate or Incubate?’ Evaluating the Current State of University-Based Business Incubators in the United Arab Emirates (2025). Fiib Business Review.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Development of Learning and Social Innovation Education for Entrepreneurs in Poverty: A Sustainable Entrepreneurial Approach (2025). [Book Chapter]

“Try to keep them dumb and under the thumb”: exploring the “darker side” of psychological contracts in “overly embedded” immigrant enterprises (2025). Employee Relations.

Natural capital productivity as a decoupler of energy and emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa (2025). Energy Economics.

 

Adrian Rodriguez | Educational Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Adrian Rodriguez | Educational Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

California State University, Fullerton | United States

Dr. Adrian Rodriguez is an Associate Professor of Human Services whose work centers on college student well-being, equity in higher education, and culturally responsive training. He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and has extensive experience teaching courses on counseling, substance use, conflict resolution, and case management across multiple institutions. His research examines perceived stress and graduate school aspirations, best practices for inclusive undergraduate research labs, graduate student mental health, and the impact of childhood trauma and attachment on students’ relationships and academic functioning. Dr. Rodriguez has published in journals such as Innovative Higher Education, Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, and the Journal of College Student Retention, and has presented widely at APA, APS, NOHS, and other national conferences. He has developed workshops for faculty on supporting graduate students’ mental health and creating inclusive research environments, while mentoring numerous undergraduate researchers, honors students, and McNair Scholars. His service includes curriculum development, accreditation work, and contributions to college and university committees focused on student success, equity, and community engagement. Recognized as an AAHHE Faculty Fellow and recipient of professional development and intramural research awards, he remains committed to advancing human services education through scholarship, mentorship, and culturally responsive practice.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Rodriguez, A.A., Norris, S., Arain, S., Ratanasiripong, P., & Garcia, J.A. (2025). “Graduate school intent: Stress resilience, early exposure to graduate environments, and self-efficacy.” Innovative Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10755-025-09857-2

Rodriguez, A.A., & Mallinckrodt, B. (2021). “Native American-identified students’ transition to college: A theoretical model of coping challenges and resources.” Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/1521025118799747

Elaheh Keshavarz | Acquired Communication Disorders | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Elaheh Keshavarz | Acquired Communication Disorders | Best Researcher Award

University of Manitoba | Canada

Elaheh Keshavarz is a rehabilitation sciences professional whose academic and clinical work focuses on communication disabilities, financial inclusion, and accessible service delivery. She completed her M.Sc. in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Manitoba with a strong research profile, building on her B.Sc. training in Speech-Language Pathology. Her graduate work examined the experiences of adults with post-stroke communication disabilities in financial environments, contributing meaningful insights into inclusion and accessibility, while her earlier research explored speech rate variations across age groups. She has published in respected journals such as the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and the Journal of Communication Disorders. With extensive experience as a Speech-Language Pathologist across clinical, educational, and community settings in Canada and Iran, she has supported children and adults with diverse developmental and acquired communication needs. Her roles have also included research assistantships and positions in child development centres, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary care. She has earned multiple academic scholarships recognizing her excellence and research potential. Her interests span communication accessibility, brain injury, financial literacy, and evidence-based rehabilitation. She remains dedicated to advancing inclusive practices and contributing to research that improves participation and quality of life for individuals with communication challenges.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publication

Should You Tell Others That You Live With Brain Injury? Things to Consider About Brain Injury and Disclosure, 2025

Skye Playsted | Educational Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Skye Playsted | Educational Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

The University of Queensland | Australia

Skye Playsted is an academic educator and researcher in TESOL and literacy education whose work integrates classroom experience, practitioner research, and reflective pedagogy. She holds qualifications including a PhD candidature, MEd, PGDipEd, BA, and Cert IV TAE, and has taught extensively across Australian universities such as the University of Queensland, University of New England, University of Wollongong, and the University of Southern Queensland. Her academic experience includes coordinating and teaching a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in English, TESOL, literacy, and curriculum studies, as well as contributing to preservice teacher development. As a research assistant, she has collaborated on projects examining education privatisation, co-teaching, and university student engagement. Her research focuses on pronunciation teaching, practitioner inquiry, LESLLA contexts, teacher professional learning, and translanguaging-informed pedagogies, with publications in leading journals and edited collections. She has served in numerous professional, volunteer, and peer-review roles and has delivered many national and international conference presentations. Recognised with multiple awards—including a Higher Education Academy Fellowship and several prestigious scholarships—she is committed to inclusive, evidence-based education. With 5 documents, 13 citations by 13 documents, and an h-index of 2, she continues to expand her scholarly contributions while supporting future educators.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Playsted, S., & Thomas, D. P. (2026). “Language teachers regaining a sense of praxis in pronunciation teaching and learning through Exploratory Practice as professional learning in Australia” in System.

Playsted, S., Fortier, V., & Beaulieu, S. (2025). “Classroom-based Research in LESLLA Contexts: Methodological Challenges and Affordances” in Proceedings of the 20th Anniversary LESLLA Symposium.

Playsted, S. (2025). “Planning with a model text to integrate speaking and listening into English language lessons” in English Australia Journal.

Playsted, S., Thomas, D. P., & Wilkinson, J. (2024). “Exploratory practice puzzling as praxis-oriented pronunciation teacher learning in Australian adult migrant EAL education” in Language Teaching Research.

Playsted, S. (2024). “Book review of Guskaroska, A., Zawadzki, Z., Levis, J., Challis, K., & Prikazchikov, M. (2024). Teaching pronunciation with confidence. Iowa State University.” in TESOL in Context.

Jani Grey Kasunda | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jani Grey Kasunda | Government and Public Policy Analysis | Best Researcher Award

 The Parliament Of Malawi | Malawi

Mr. Jani Grey Kasunda is a versatile, creative, and results-driven professional with over 13 years of extensive experience in journalism, communication, research, and program implementation across media, academia, and governance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Malawi and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in International Relations at Jinan University, China (expected 2027). His career spans roles as Reporter at Nation Publications Limited, Editor at Matindi FM, Lecturer at the Malawi Institute of Journalism, and currently Editor of Hansard at the Malawi National Assembly. He has made notable contributions to parliamentary communication strategies, public relations, policy document drafting, and information dissemination. His research and professional interests focus on communication strategies, media and governance, information management, public relations, and capacity building for journalists. Kasunda’s work has been recognized with the prestigious Dr. David Livingstone Memorial Awards (2008 and 2010). reflecting his impact in communication and media-related research. With a strong background in writing, editing, teaching, and mentoring, Kasunda continues to influence institutional communication, enhance media professionalism, and strengthen knowledge dissemination. He is committed to advancing impactful communication for development and governance transformation.

Profile : Orcid 

Featured Publication

“China’s global governance strategy and the revival of leftist ideologies in Africa: a constructivist analysis of norm diffusion and political alignment”

Bronwen Lichtenstein – Social Geography – Excellence in Research

Prof. Bronwen Lichtenstein - Social Geography - Excellence in Research

University of Alabama - United States

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. Bronwen Lichtenstein's academic journey commenced with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, in 1991. She continued her academic pursuit, graduating with Honors in Sociology in 1992. Her early interest in societal responses to health crises became evident during her undergraduate studies, leading to her thesis exploring organizational responses to HIV/AIDS in New Zealand. This foundational research laid the groundwork for her future contributions to the field.

Lichtenstein pursued her doctoral studies at the University of Canterbury, culminating in a Ph.D. in Sociology in 1996. Her doctoral thesis, titled "The Iconography of Eve: Epidemiologic Discourse in New Zealand’s Response to HIV/AIDS," delved into the epidemiological discourse surrounding HIV/AIDS in New Zealand. This research marked the beginning of her longstanding dedication to understanding the socio-cultural dimensions of health crises.

Professional Endeavors

Following her doctoral studies, Lichtenstein embarked on a distinguished academic career spanning multiple continents. She held various academic positions at esteemed institutions, including the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her roles ranged from Assistant Professor to Professor Emerita, showcasing her expertise and leadership within the academic community.

Throughout her tenure, Lichtenstein made significant contributions to teaching, research, and administration. She taught a diverse array of courses, covering topics such as sociology, criminology, health, and HIV/AIDS. Her interdisciplinary approach fostered critical thinking and engaged students in understanding complex social issues.

Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Lichtenstein's research agenda centered on the intersection of sociology, health, and social justice. Her pioneering work examined the socio-cultural factors influencing health outcomes, with a particular focus on HIV/AIDS, foreclosures, and aging. Through her publications, she illuminated the dynamics of stigma, race, gender, and socioeconomic status in shaping health disparities.

Her research on HIV/AIDS garnered international recognition, earning her prestigious awards such as the Career Contributions to the Sociology of HIV/AIDS Award from the American Sociological Association. Lichtenstein's scholarship advanced understanding of the social dimensions of infectious diseases, informing public health policies and interventions.

Accolades and Recognition

Prof. Lichtenstein's exceptional contributions to academia were recognized through numerous awards and accolades. From the Buford Peace Award for promoting social justice to the Distinguished Contribution to Scholarship Award for her impactful research, she received accolades that underscored the significance of her work.

Her dedication to teaching excellence was also acknowledged through nominations for teaching awards, highlighting her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars and practitioners.

Impact and Influence

Prof. Lichtenstein's influence extended beyond academia, as evidenced by her advisory roles for federal agencies and professional organizations. She served as a consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, shaping policies and initiatives addressing HIV/AIDS stigma and prevention.

Her editorial contributions to prestigious journals and her involvement in grant review panels underscored her role as a thought leader in the field of sociology and public health.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Bronwen Lichtenstein leaves behind a lasting legacy of scholarship, advocacy, and mentorship. Her interdisciplinary approach to research and her commitment to social justice continue to inspire scholars and practitioners globally. As she transitions into the next phase of her career, her future contributions are anticipated to further enrich our understanding of the complex interplay between society and health.

Citations

A total of 2862 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

Negusie Mengistu – social research – Editorial Board member

Mr. Negusie Mengistu - social research - Editorial Board member

Woldia University - Ethiopia 

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Negusie Mengistu embarked on his educational journey at Delgi Senior Secondary and Preparatory School, where he completed both his general secondary education and the Ethiopian University Entrance Exam Certificate. Following this foundational phase, Mengistu pursued higher education at Gondar University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension. His academic excellence was recognized early on when he graduated with very great distinction, attaining a cumulative GPA of 3.87. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his subsequent pursuits and interests in rural development and community-focused initiatives.

Professional Endeavors

Mr. Mengistu's professional journey is marked by a series of progressive roles that highlight his dedication to academic and community development. Starting as a Junior Instructor at Agarfa Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training College, he was involved in teaching and technology transformation initiatives. His career trajectory saw a significant advancement when he joined Woldia University, where he has held multiple roles. Starting as a Graduate Assistant and progressing to a Lecturer and Researcher, Mengistu has made substantial contributions to the academic community. In 2020, he was appointed the Head of the Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension at Woldia University, where he oversees teaching, research activities, and community service initiatives.

Contributions and Research Focus On social research

Mr. Mengistu’s research has predominantly focused on issues pertaining to rural development, food security, livelihood vulnerabilities, and agricultural extension, among others. His work is driven by a commitment to improving livelihoods through demand-driven research and practical interventions. Notable publications in Cogent Social Sciences, such as studies on livelihood vulnerabilities in Takusa Woreda and the role of livelihood diversification in household income, underscore his dedication to impactful research. These contributions not only add to the academic discourse but also provide practical insights and strategies for community development and poverty alleviation.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional career, Mengistu has been recognized for his achievements and contributions. His early accolade of graduating with very great distinction was followed by various certificates of participation and contribution in local and international conferences, reflecting his active engagement in the academic community. His role as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Agriculture and Food Security further highlights his commitment to maintaining rigorous academic standards and contributing to the scholarly community.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Mengistu’s impact extends beyond the classroom and academic publications. Through his roles at Woldia University, he has significantly influenced the academic and community development spheres. His initiatives in community services, such as promoting food and nutrition security and gender-sensitive interventions, have contributed to societal improvements in rural Ethiopia. Additionally, his efforts in fostering collaborations and sharing experiences with various universities and organizations amplify his influence, promoting knowledge exchange and capacity building across different sectors.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Negusie Mengistu is poised to continue his influential work in rural development and agricultural extension. His ongoing research and community engagement projects are likely to yield further innovative solutions to the challenges facing rural communities in Ethiopia and beyond. Mengistu's commitment to academic excellence and community service positions him to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of rural development and education, potentially inspiring future generations of researchers and practitioners to prioritize sustainable development and community-focused solutions.

Mr. Negusie Mengistu’s journey from a dedicated student to a key figure in academic and community development in Ethiopia exemplifies a profound commitment to improving lives through education, research, and direct community involvement. His future endeavors will undoubtedly continue to impact and shape the rural development landscape, making substantial contributions to both academic knowledge and practical community development outcomes.

Notable Publication