Kristine Hallisy | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristine Hallisy | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristine Hallisy | University of WI-Madison | United States

Dr. Kristine Marie (Kristi) Hallisy, PT, DSc, is an Associate Professor (CHS) in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. She plays a pivotal role in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, where she integrates clinical expertise with innovative teaching practices. Dr. Hallisy’s professional focus lies in advancing physical therapy education, promoting evidence-based practice, and fostering interprofessional collaboration. Her research interests include clinical education models, patient-centered care, and strategies for enhancing student learning and professional identity formation. With years of academic and clinical experience, she has contributed to shaping future healthcare professionals through mentorship and curriculum development. She is actively involved in institutional service and community outreach initiatives that strengthen health education and practice. Dr. Hallisy has presented her work at national and international conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals related to physical therapy and health sciences education. She emphasizes compassionate, ethical, and holistic approaches to healthcare delivery. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and educational quality. Known for her collaborative spirit, she bridges the gap between research and clinical practice. Dr. Hallisy continues to inspire excellence among students, educators, and practitioners alike.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Salihu, E. Y., Hallisy, K., Baidoo, S., Malta, J. S., Ferrill, C., Melgoza, F., Sandretto, R., Culotti, P. C., & Chewning, B. (2025). Feasibility and acceptability of a “Train the Leader” model for disseminating Tai Chi Prime with fidelity in African American/Black and Latinx communities: A pilot mixed-methods implementation study. Healthcare, 13(20), 2622. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202622

Sungyoung Yoon | Engineering Achievements | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sungyoung Yoon | Engineering Achievements | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sungyoung Yoon | Samsung Electronics | South Korea

Dr. Sungyoung Yoon is a distinguished plasma engineer specializing in the development of advanced plasma devices for semiconductor manufacturing. He currently serves as a Principal Engineer at Samsung Electronics, where he leads innovations in remote plasma sources (RPS), PECVD plasma uniformity control, and selective etching processes for next-generation V-NAND and 3D memory devices. He earned his Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering with a focus on plasma physics and engineering from Seoul National University, where his research explored hydroxyl radical generation mechanisms in electrolyte streamer discharges. His academic foundation and technical expertise have driven a prolific career bridging plasma diagnostics, numerical modeling, and applied plasma engineering. Before joining Samsung, Dr. Yoon worked as a Senior Researcher at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) and as a Postdoctoral Associate at Seoul National University, where he contributed to projects involving plasma chemistry, optical diagnostics, and radical generation for industrial and biomedical applications. Dr. Yoon has authored SCI-indexed publications in leading journals such as Plasma Sources Science and Technology, Scientific Reports, and Physical Review Plasmas, and holds over a dozen international patents across Korea, the U.S., Taiwan, and China. His recent research explores metamaterials for plasma control, phase-controlled etching, and dual-frequency plasma systems.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Yoon, S.-Y., Jeon, H., Yi, C., Park, S., Ryu, S., & Kim, S. B. (2018). Mutual interaction between plasma characteristics and liquid properties in AC-driven pin-to-liquid discharge. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 12037. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-30466-9

Kang, K. A., Ryu, Y. S., Piao, M. J., Shilnikova, K., Kang, H. K., Yi, J. M., Boulanger, M., … Yoon, S.-Y., … Hyun, J. W. (2018). DUOX2-mediated production of reactive oxygen species induces epithelial mesenchymal transition in 5-fluorouracil resistant human colon cancer cells. Redox Biology, 17, 224–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2018.04.008

Baek, K. H., Yong, H. I., Yoo, J. H., Kim, J. W., Byeon, Y. S., Lim, J., Yoon, S.-Y., Ryu, S., & Jo, C. (2020). Antimicrobial effects and mechanism of plasma activated fine droplets produced from arc discharge plasma on planktonic Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 53(12), 124002. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6463/ab6cb0

Lee, J. Y., Kim, K. H., Park, S. Y., Yoon, S.-Y., Kim, G. H., Lee, Y. M., Rhyu, I. C., & Seol, Y. J. (2019). The bactericidal effect of an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet on Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilms on sandblasted and acid-etched titanium discs. Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science, 49(5), 319–329. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2019.49.5.319

Kang, K. A., Piao, M. J., Eom, S., Yoon, S.-Y., Ryu, S., Kim, S. B., Yi, J. M., & Hyun, J. W. (2020). Non-thermal dielectric-barrier discharge plasma induces reactive oxygen species by epigenetically modifying the expression of NADPH oxidase family genes in keratinocytes. Redox Biology, 37, 101698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.redox.2020.101698

Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo | Istittuto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale G.Caporale | Italy

Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo is an accomplished veterinary researcher specializing in marine animal health, wildlife pathology, and aquaculture sustainability. With a career devoted to understanding the effects of emerging diseases, pollutants, and environmental stressors on aquatic species, she has made significant contributions to marine ecosystem monitoring and animal welfare. Currently serving as a Researcher at the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise “G. Caporale”, she brings extensive experience in diagnostics of wild and stranded marine animals, including necropsy, histology, parasitology, cytology, and molecular diagnostics. Her research also extends to microplastics detection and the assessment of their biological impacts on marine organisms. Dr. Di Renzo holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), a PhD in Veterinary Medical Sciences, Public Health, and Animal Welfare, along with postgraduate specializations in Laboratory Animal Science and Medicine and dual second-level master’s degrees in Aquaculture of the Future and Healthcare Management and Administration. Her interdisciplinary background bridges veterinary pathology, marine ecology, and environmental biotechnology, positioning her at the forefront of integrated marine health research. She is the author and co-author of over 35 peer-reviewed scientific publications featured in leading journals such as Pathogens, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Environmental Pollution, Animals, PLoS One, and Scientific Reports. Her impactful work on cetacean diseases, sea turtle health, microplastics contamination, and zoonotic pathogens has earned her international recognition, contributing to global marine conservation efforts. Beyond her research, Dr. Di Renzo actively participates in national scientific boards and committees on aquaculture and wildlife health, providing expert advisory input for policy and conservation strategies. She has delivered numerous presentations at international conferences including the European Cetacean Society, World Marine Mammal Conference, and International Sea Turtle Symposium, sharing insights into the health challenges facing marine wildlife. Fluent in Italian and English, with intermediate Portuguese proficiency gained through Erasmus experience at the University of Lisbon, she also dedicates her time to volunteer work with Centro Studi Cetacei Onlus and Sub Loto, supporting marine rescue and rehabilitation initiatives. Dr. Ludovica Di Renzo’s scholarly impact is reflected in 36 documents, 318 citations, and an h-index of 11, underscoring her sustained contributions to advancing veterinary and marine science globally.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Di Renzo, L., Mariani, G., Matiddi, M., Silvestri, C., Chiesa, S., Petochi, T., Marino, G., Pizzurro, F., Fazio, S., Rossi, E., et al. (2025, October 6). First survey on sea turtles’ interactions in mussel farms in Italy. Animals, 15(19), 2909. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15192909

Pizzurro, F., Nerone, E., Di Domenico, M., Ancora, M., Mincarelli, L. F., Salini, R., Di Renzo, L., Fazio, S., & Recchi, S. (2025, April 3). Realistic environmental exposure of microplastics in European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis: Evaluation of accumulation and depuration under controlled conditions and molecular assessment of a set of reference genes. Water, 17(7), 1063. https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071063

Di Febo, T., Di Francesco, G., Grattarola, C., Sonsini, L., Di Renzo, L., Lucifora, G., Puleio, R., Di Francesco, C. E., Smoglica, C., Di Guardo, G., et al. (2025, January 2). Serological diagnosis of Brucella infection in cetaceans by rapid serum agglutination test and competitive ELISA with Brucella abortus and Brucella ceti as antigens. Pathogens, 14(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14010026

Grattarola, C., Pietroluongo, G., Belluscio, D., Berio, E., Canonico, C., Centelleghe, C., Cocumelli, C., Crotti, S., Denurra, D., Di Donato, A., et al. (2024, September). Pathogen prevalence in cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline between 2015 and 2020. Pathogens, 13(9), 762. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens13090762

Di Renzo, L., De Angelis, M. E., Torresi, M., Mariani, G., Pizzurro, F., Mincarelli, L. F., Esposito, E., Oliviero, M., Iaccarino, D., & Di Nocera, F., et al. (2024, April 18). Genomic characterization of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species isolated from sea turtles. Microorganisms, 12(4), 817. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040817