Sisay Alamneh | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Sisay Alamneh | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award 

Ethiopian Public Health Institute – EPHI | Ethiopia 

Sisay Tadele Alamneh is a dedicated PhD fellow and researcher specializing in molecular epidemiology, with a strong focus on human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and sexually transmitted infections. With extensive experience in public health, clinical laboratory science, and infectious disease research, he has developed expertise in advanced molecular techniques such as PCR and sequencing. He plays a key role in national surveillance programs, laboratory diagnostics, and outbreak response, including COVID-19 and Mpox. He is actively involved in research, training, and scientific publication, contributing to improved public health strategies and disease control initiatives in Ethiopia.

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Featured Publications

Doaa Badran | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Doaa Badran | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award 

University of King Khalid | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Doaa Mohamed Ibrahim Badran is a distinguished Professor of Public Law with extensive academic and administrative experience in leading universities across Saudi Arabia. She specializes in constitutional law, administrative law, environmental legislation, and emerging legal issues related to technology and artificial intelligence. Her research portfolio includes numerous publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, along with several authored legal books. She has held key leadership roles, contributed to academic quality and accreditation, and secured multiple research grants and awards. Her teaching spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering diverse areas such as public law, cybercrime, and international law.

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Noura Bakr | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noura Bakr | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award 

Agricultural and Biological Research Institute/National Research Centre | Egypt

Dr. Noura Elsayed Hebashi Bakr is an Associate Professor specializing in soil and water sciences with strong expertise in GIS and remote sensing for sustainable land and resource management. Her research addresses soil classification, land evaluation, carbon sequestration, and climate change mitigation in arid regions. She has contributed to numerous national and international projects and published 38 indexed documents. Her research impact is reflected by 1,446 citations across 1,181 documents and an h-index of 18. With active global collaborations and editorial roles, her work supports sustainable agriculture, environmental monitoring, and informed land use planning.

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M. Mottakin | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. M. Mottakin | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr M. Mottakin | Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Bangladesh | Bangladesh

Dr. Mottakin is an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Gopalganj Science and Technology University, Bangladesh, with a strong focus on advancing research and education in chemical sciences. His career is driven by a commitment to innovation and knowledge creation, aiming to develop practical solutions that address both national and global challenges. He holds a PhD in Solar Energy from the National University of Malaysia, building on a solid academic foundation with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Technology from the University of Rajshahi. Throughout his academic journey, he has consistently excelled, earning top positions in his department and demonstrating exceptional scholarly performance. Dr. Mottakin has contributed extensively to high-impact research in areas including solar energy, electrocatalysis, energy storage, and environmentally sustainable chemical processes. He has authored numerous publications in internationally recognized journals, covering topics such as perovskite solar cells, water splitting electrocatalysts, and eco-friendly energy materials. His research combines experimental and numerical approaches, emphasizing both innovation and practical applicability. In addition to his research, Dr. Mottakin actively participates in national and international conferences, sharing his expertise and fostering collaborations. He has received multiple awards and scholarships in recognition of his academic excellence and research contributions. He is fluent in both English and Bangla and demonstrates a strong ability to communicate complex scientific concepts effectively. Dr. Mottakin’s professional philosophy centers on integrating teaching, research, and community engagement, mentoring the next generation of scientists while contributing to sustainable technological advancements. With a proven track record in research, teaching, and international collaboration, Dr. Mottakin continues to drive innovation in applied chemistry and chemical engineering, aiming to create impactful solutions that benefit society and the scientific community.

Profile: Orcid | Scopus

Featured Publications

Patwary, M. A., Shafin, A. A., Alam, M. M., Singh Durjoy, R. K., Ludin, N. A., Su’ait, M. S., Akhtaruzzaman, M., & Mottakin, M. (2025). Optoelectronic properties and device simulation of ZnS polymorphs as buffer layers for CZTSSe solar cells. RSC Advances. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5RA07195J

Sultana, S., Sonia, Z. A., Mahmud, M., Mottakin, M., Haider, J. B., Ahmed, S., & Hossen, M. M. (2024). An investigation of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin co-extraction from water hyacinth. Advanced Journal of Chemistry, Section A. https://doi.org/10.48309/ajca.2024.412642.1402

Mottakin, M., Su’Ait, M. S., Chelvanathan, P., Islam, M. A., Shahiduzzaman, M., Ibrahim, M. A., Muhammad, G., & Akhtaruzzaman, M. (2024). Correlation between defect properties and the performance of eco-friendly CsSnI₃-based perovskite solar cells. Semiconductor Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6641/ad208b

Mottakin, M., Su’ait, M. S., Selvanathan, V., Chelvanathan, P., Ibrahim, M. A., & Akhtaruzzaman, M. (2024). Effect of sulfidation on ethaline-assisted electrodeposited iron sulfide-based electrocatalyst for efficient saline water splitting. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.06.181

Mottakin, M., Selvanathan, V., Su’ait, M. S., Razali, S. A., Islam, M. A., Ibrahim, M. A., Muhammad, G., & Akhtaruzzaman, M. (2024). Enhancing pseudocapacitive energy storage system performance with electrodeposited CuSₓ and CoSₓ biphasic transitional metal sulfide (TMS) based nanostructured electrode on nickel foam. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 186, 111795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2023.111795

Mottakin, M., Su’ait, M. S., Chelvanathan, P., Ibrahim, M. A., Ludin, N. A., Abdullah, H., Almohamadi, H., & Akhtaruzzaman, M. (2024). Facile electrodeposited sandwich-like CuSₓ/MnSₓ electrocatalyst for efficient hydrogen evolution in seawater splitting. Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 339, 124913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssc.2024.124913

Gabriele Sirtori | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Gabriele Sirtori | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Gabriele Sirtori | ISAE Supaero | France

Gabriele Sirtori is an aerospace engineer and researcher specializing in sustainable aviation, hydrogen-powered aircraft design, and environmentally optimized flight operations. With advanced academic training culminating in a research doctorate in aerospace engineering from Politecnico di Milano, his work focuses on the integration of emerging propulsion technologies, environmental impact assessment, and the future evolution of air transport systems. His doctoral research explored hydrogen-powered aviation with an emphasis on aircraft design innovation and operational scenario development, earning top academic recognition. He also holds a master’s degree in aeronautical engineering with a thesis dedicated to evaluating the environmental benefits of hybrid propulsion for regional aircraft. International academic exposure includes studies at ENAC in Toulouse and an early exchange program in the United States, strengthening his multicultural competence and broadening his understanding of global aviation ecosystems. Gabriele currently serves as a postdoctoral researcher at ISAE Supaero in Toulouse, contributing to studies on air traffic management inefficiencies and assessing mitigation strategies to reduce climate impacts through optimized flight operations. His experience also includes leadership and community engagement through active roles in Rotaract, where he served as vice president and contributed to social and service-oriented initiatives. He has authored numerous scientific publications spanning hydrogen propulsion, hybrid-electric aircraft concepts, environmental benefits of advanced technologies, and infrastructure requirements for future sustainable fleets. His work appears in peer-reviewed journals, major international conferences, and multidisciplinary aerospace research platforms. Gabriele’s technical competencies include advanced programming in MATLAB and Python, strong proficiency in word processing and scientific documentation tools, and solid analytical abilities in data handling and modeling. He is fluent in English and French, with additional proficiency in Spanish, enabling effective collaboration in international research environments. Driven by a commitment to sustainable aviation, he aims to contribute to the transition toward cleaner, more efficient air transport through rigorous research, innovative design methodologies, and future-oriented technological analysis.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Aigner, B., Garcia Garriga, A., Sirtori, G., Riboldi, C. E. D., Trainelli, L., Mariani, C., … (2022). Overview and preliminary results of the scalability investigation of hybrid electric concepts for next-generation aircraft (SIENA) project. In 12th EASN Conference.

Trainelli, L., Riboldi, C. E. D., & Sirtori, G. (2024). Methodologies for the preliminary sizing of hydrogen-powered aircraft and supporting airport infrastructures. ICAS Proceedings, 1–12.

Aigner, B., Wehrle, E., Struiwig, W., Sirtori, G., Riboldi, C., & Trainelli, L. (2023). Consideration of technology scalability in the design of electric propulsion system architectures. In Aerospace Europe Conference 2023—Joint 10th EUCASS–9th CEAS Conference (pp. 1–11).

Sirtori, G., Aigner, B., Wehrle, E., Riboldi, C. E. D., & Trainelli, L. (2025). Innovative aircraft propulsive configurations: Technology evaluation and operations in the SIENA project. Aerospace, 12(3), 240.

Sirtori, G., Trainelli, L., & Lahmam, Z. (2024). Hydrogen tankering: Tools for economic and environmental impact scenario studies. ICAS Proceedings, 1–13.

Sirtori, G., & Trainelli, L. (2025). Transient in operations: From jet-fuel to hydrogen-powered aircraft. In Towards Sustainable Aviation Summit (TSAS 2025) (pp. 1–8).

Sirtori, G., Trainelli, L., & Riboldi, C. E. D. (2024). Prediction of environmental benefits introducing hybrid-electric propulsion on regional aircraft. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2716(1), 012015.

Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashan | University of Birjand | Iran

Dr. Seyyed Javad Hosseini-Vashanis an Associate Professor of Animal Science at the University of Birjand, specializing in Poultry Science and Poultry Nutrition. With an academic path beginning with a diploma in Natural Sciences and progressing through B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Animal and Poultry Science from the University of Birjand, followed by a Ph.D. in Poultry Science from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, he has built a strong research portfolio in poultry nutrition, antioxidant strategies, heat-stress mitigation, feed additives, and improvement of poultry performance, immunity, lipid metabolism, skeletal health, intestinal morphology, and meat quality. His M.Sc. and Ph.D. dissertations focused on enriching egg yolk n-3 fatty acids and evaluating natural antioxidants in diets containing vegetable oils and tallow under heat stress in Arian broilers. Since joining academia in , Dr. Hosseini-Vashan has held key administrative roles as Head of the Animal Science Department and Head of the Animal Science Research Laboratory, and has served as Secretary of the First National Congress on Advances in Animal Sciences. He is an active member of several professional bodies including WPSA and the Iran Genetics Association. His teaching portfolio spans Poultry Production, Poultry Health, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Physiology, Diet Formulation, and Advanced Bioenergetics. He has authored numerous conference papers and peer-reviewed journal publications in prestigious Iranian and international journals, addressing nutritional interventions such as pomegranate peel, tomato pomace, turmeric, grape pomace, hempseed, nanoselenium, saffron petal extract, and functional feed additives in poultry and ostrich production systems. His research consistently emphasizes enhancing animal health and productivity under challenging environmental conditions, especially heat stress, and exploring natural, cost-effective, and sustainable dietary solutions for the modern poultry industry.

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Featured Publications

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Golian, A., & Yaghobfar, A. (2016). Growth, immune, antioxidant, and bone responses of heat stress-exposed broilers fed diets supplemented with tomato pomace. International Journal of Biometeorology, 60(8), 1183–1192.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Golian, A., Yaghobfar, A., Zarban, A., Afzali, N., & … (2012). Antioxidant status, immune system, blood metabolites and carcass characteristic of broiler chickens fed turmeric rhizome powder under heat stress. African Journal of Biotechnology, 11(94), 16118–16125.

Safdari-Rostamabad, M., Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Perai, A. H., & Sarir, H. (2017). Nanoselenium supplementation of heat-stressed broilers: Effects on performance, carcass characteristics, blood metabolites, immune response, antioxidant status, and jejunal morphology. Biological Trace Element Research, 178(1), 105–116.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Safdari-Rostamabad, M., Piray, A. H., & Sarir, H. (2020). The growth performance, plasma biochemistry indices, immune system, antioxidant status, and intestinal morphology of heat-stressed broiler chickens fed grape (Vitis vinifera) pomace. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 259, 114343.

Sharifian, M., Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., Nasri, M. H. F., & Perai, A. H. (2019). Pomegranate peel extract for broiler chickens under heat stress: Its influence on growth performance, carcass traits, blood metabolites, immunity, jejunal morphology, and meat quality. Livestock Science, 227, 22–28.

Hosseini-Vashan, S. J., & Raei-Moghadam, M. S. (2019). Antioxidant and immune system status, plasma lipid, abdominal fat, and growth performance of broilers exposed to heat stress and fed diets supplemented with pomegranate pulp. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 47(1), 521–531.

Ouafaa Morjani | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Ouafaa Morjani | Research Excellence | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ouafaa Morjani | Hassan II University of Casablanca | Morocco

Dr. Ouafaa Morjani is a dedicated researcher in Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioinformatics, holding a Ph.D. from Hassan II University of Casablanca, Morocco. Affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and Technics of Mohammedia, her work is rooted in the Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment, and New Energies. Her research primarily focuses on thoracic oncology, particularly Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), where she integrates molecular profiling, genetic variants, biomarkers, and advanced diagnostic technologies to improve early detection and precision medicine. Dr. Morjani has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications addressing clinical, anatomical, and molecular dimensions of lung cancer. Her work includes exploring GWAS-derived genetic variants in NSCLC, investigating interleukin-based blood biomarkers, analyzing metastasis patterns, and assessing the impact of smoking on lung cancer mechanisms. She has also presented extensively at prestigious international conferences in Morocco, France, and Saudi Arabia, contributing to discussions on NGS applications, ROS1 rearrangement detection, and molecular pathology. Her scientific expertise is strengthened by advanced training in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) at renowned institutions in France, along with hands-on experience in sequencing platforms such as Ion Torrent and Illumina. She is proficient in NGS library preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and bioinformatics analysis involving FastQ, BAM, and SAM files. Her competencies extend to R programming, statistical analysis, and functional genomics. She has participated in major workshops, including the African BioGenome Project Fellowship, enhancing her mastery of genome assembly, annotation, and biodiversity genomics. Dr. Morjani has additional experience in molecular diagnostics, including RT-qPCR detection of foodborne viruses and breast cancer biomarker analysis through IHC and FISH. She is also actively involved in teaching, mentoring, quality assurance, COVID-19 testing, and regulatory compliance. A member of multiple national and international scientific societies, she is recognized for her adaptability, teamwork, communication skills, and strong commitment to advancing cancer genomics and molecular oncology.

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Featured Publications

Morjani, O., Benkirane, N., Errihani, H., Elfahime, E. M., & Lakhiari, H. (2024). Molecular analysis of genetic mutations in non-small cell lung cancer in Morocco. Pan African Medical Journal, 47(1).

Morjani, O., Benlhachemi, S., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E., & Lakhiari, H. (n.d.). Epidemiological, clinical, anatomopathological and molecular profiles of lung cancer in patients at the oncology center of the Cheikh Zaid International University Hospital in Rabat. [Journal information incomplete].

Morjani, O., Yang, Y.-W., Lahlil, R., Lakhiari, H., & Alaoui, H. (2025). Hematological biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer: Evaluating the diagnostic potential of circulating interleukin levels. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(22), 11014.

Morjani, O., Mounaji, N., Ghaouti, M., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E., & Lakhiari, H. (2024). Next generation sequencing and genomic mapping: Towards precision molecular diagnosis of lung cancer in Morocco. Pan African Medical Journal, 49, 75.

Morjani, O., Karimoune, M. A. S., Errihani, H., El Fahime, E. M., & Lakhiari, H. (2023). Comparative study of molecular techniques for detecting ROS1 rearrangement in non-small cell lung cancer: Implications for diagnostic precision. Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, 26(6), S5–S6.

Xiaoping Ren | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

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Prof. Dr. Xiaoping Ren | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

Prof. Dr. Xiaoping Ren | Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University | China

Dr. Xiaoping Ren is an internationally recognized surgeon and scientist known for pioneering breakthroughs in hand transplantation, spinal cord fusion, and head transplantation research. He designed the world’s first clinical hand allotransplantation model, contributed to the United States’ first hand transplant, and discovered key mechanisms such as RPCT and RCI. He led landmark achievements including the first mouse head transplant, the first human head-transplant surgical model, and multiple world-first advances in spinal cord fusion that restored neural continuity in animal studies. His work established him as a global leader in paralysis treatment and regenerative reconstruction. Dr. Ren has earned major international honors, including election to the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, fellowship of the International College of Surgeons, and leadership roles such as Chief Scientist of the GICUP Alliance, supported by an extensive publication record across microsurgery, neurology, cardiology, and regenerative medicine.

Profiles: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Ren, X., et al. (2025). Establishment of a canine model of vascularized allogeneic spinal cord transplantation and preliminary study on spinal cord continuity reconstruction. Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery.

Ren, X., et al. (2024). Recovery of independent ambulation after complete spinal cord transection in the presence of the neuroprotectant polyethylene glycol in monkeys. IBRO Neuroscience Reports.

Ren, X., et al. (2024). A novel strategy for spinal cord reconstruction via vascularized allogeneic spinal cord transplantation combined with spinal cord fusion. CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics.

Ren, X., et al. (2024). Developing preclinical dog models for reconstructive severed spinal cord continuity via spinal cord fusion technique. IBRO Neuroscience Reports.

Ren, X., et al. (2023). Effect of vascularized lymph node transplantation combined with lymphatico-venous anastomosis in the treatment of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery.

Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maria Pinelli | Radboud University Medical Center | Italy

Dr. Maria Pinelli is an Assistant Professor Junior (RTDa) at the Politecnico di Milano (Italy) in the Department of Management, Economics, and Industrial Engineering (ING-IND/35). Her academic and research work focuses on technological innovation in healthcare, with particular attention to Health Technology Assessment (HTA), innovation management in hospitals, and the integration of scanning and assessment processes to enhance healthcare value creation. She earned her Ph.D. from Politecnico di Milano in 2025 with a thesis titled “MedTech Innovation in Hospitals: Re-Framing the Integration between Scanning and Assessment and the Determinants of Value.” During her doctoral studies, she was a Visiting Ph.D. Student at Radboud University (Netherlands), collaborating on international research exploring hospital technology strategies. Her academic background also includes a Master’s Degree in Management Engineering with specialization in Sustainable Operations Management and Social Innovation and a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering, both completed with honors. Dr. Pinelli has published extensively in high-impact international journals such as Health Policy, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, PLOS ONE, IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, and IJERPH. Her works contribute to understanding the strategic, clinical, and socio-economic evaluation of medical technologies and the role of digital transformation and sustainability in healthcare systems. She has been actively involved in teaching and coordinating courses such as Innovation in Health and Social Care, Healthcare Management, and Economia e Organizzazione Aziendale at Politecnico di Milano and Humanitas University. Her contributions extend to international conferences, including EURAM, ISPOR, IPDMC, and Health Technology Assessment International, where she presented cutting-edge research on hospital innovation, inclusive healthcare technologies, and decision-making frameworks. Dr. Pinelli also serves as a reviewer for several leading journals, including the Journal of Medical Internet Research and Health Services Management Research. Beyond academia, she has contributed to practitioner conferences addressing the impact of AI and MedTech innovation in healthcare. Through her multidisciplinary expertise, international collaboration, and commitment to advancing healthcare innovation, Dr. Maria Pinelli represents a new generation of scholars bridging management engineering and medical technology for sustainable, patient-centered care.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Pinelli, M., Moglia, A., Marsilio, L., Rossi, M., Lettieri, E., Mainardi, L., & Manzotti, A. (2023). Mixed reality and artificial intelligence: A holistic approach to multimodal visualization and extended interaction in knee osteotomy. IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine, 10. https://doi.org/10.1109/JTEHM.2023.3335608

Pinelli, M., Manetti, S., & Lettieri, E. (2023). Assessing the social and environmental impact of healthcare technologies: Towards an extended social return on investment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(6), 5224. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065224

Di Francesco, A., Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Toletti, G., & Galli, M. (2023). Towards a more inclusive society: The social return on investment (SROI) of an innovative ankle–foot orthosis for hemiplegic children. Sustainability, 15(5), 4361. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054361

Pinelli, M., Gerardi, C., Lettieri, E., Maioru, M., Marone, L., Bertoldi, L., Navanteri, G., Costantini, M., Botti, C., & Pellini, F. (2024). Comparison of indocyanine green with conventional tracers for sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer: A multidisciplinary evaluation of clinical effectiveness, safety, organizational and economic impact. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0309336. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309336

Pinelli, M., Lettieri, E., Boaretto, A., Casile, C., Citro, G., Zazzaro, B., & Ravazzoni, A. (2022). Glucometer usability for 65+ type 2 diabetes patients: Insights on physical and cognitive issues. Sensors, 22(16), 6202. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22166202

Ivis Garcia | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ivis Garcia | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ivis Garcia | Texas A&M University | United States

Dr. Ivis García, Ph.D., AICP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning at Texas A&M University, with a distinguished record of scholarship, teaching, and community engagement in housing, urban policy, and social equity. Her research is grounded in the principles of community development, participatory planning, and social justice, with a particular emphasis on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within urban systems. Dr. García’s work focuses on asset-based community development (ABCD) approaches that empower marginalized populations to build capacity and resilience through locally driven solutions. She explores the intersections of housing policy, disaster recovery, gentrification, and displacement, particularly within Latino and Puerto Rican communities in the United States and the Caribbean. Her doctoral dissertation, “The Puerto Rican Identity: Reconstructing Ownership in the Face of Change,” set the foundation for a research agenda that bridges cultural identity with community-based planning and equitable housing strategies. Through her collaborations with organizations such as the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, Texas Appleseed, and Foundation for Puerto Rico, Dr. García integrates academic research with real-world impact, informing equitable policy design and participatory decision-making. She has been a Ford Foundation Fellow, Emerging Poverty Scholar, and recipient of numerous professional awards, including theTexas APA Student Project Award and the  Curriculum Innovation Award from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. Her research has contributed to national dialogues on resilient housing, participatory governance, and social vulnerability in urban environments, often linking theory to applied planning practice. By engaging communities directly in the research process, Dr. García exemplifies the model of a scholar-activist—translating knowledge into meaningful action that promotes inclusive, just, and sustainable urban futures. Her work continues to inspire transformative practices in housing equity and community resilience across diverse urban landscapes.

Profiles: Orcid

Featured Publications 

García, I. (2025). Earthship architecture as a pathway to post-hurricane resilience and energy independence: A case study analysis in Puerto Rico. Urban Science, 9(11), 446. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9110446

Kim, M., García, I., Goetz, E., Hanlon, B., Monkkonen, P., Pendall, R., Pfeiffer, D., Reece, J., & Whittemore, A. (2025). Bring zoning back into the planning curricula. Journal of the American Planning Association. https://doi.org/10.1080/01944363.2025.2455162

García, I. (2025). Residential green infrastructure: Unpacking motivations and obstacles to single-family-home tree planting in diverse, low-income urban neighborhoods. Sustainability, 17(16), 7412. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167412

García, I. (2025). When the map does not tell the whole story: Integrating community voices into GIS gentrification analysis. Land, 14(8), 1510. https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081510

García, I., Jackson, A., Lee, C. A., Chrisinger, B., & Greenlee, A. J. (2025). On the outside looking in: Latina/o/x and African American student perspectives on community-engaged courses. Journal of Planning Education and Research. https://doi.org/10.1177/0739456X251339979

García, I. (2025). The poorer the neighborhood, the harder it is to reach the park: A GIS equity analysis from Salt Lake City. Sustainability, 17(9), 3774. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17093774