Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | University of Johannesburg | South Africa

A dedicated researcher and educator, this academic professional has established a strong interdisciplinary footprint in Physics Education, STEM/STEAM pedagogy, and curriculum innovation. Their work spans instructional strategy design, educational assessment, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems into science education, with a particular emphasis on decolonizing STEM pedagogy and advancing gender-responsive teaching aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4. With teaching and research experience across university and secondary school settings, they have contributed significantly to the development of physics education through innovative instructional approaches, classroom engagement research, and psychomotor domain advancement within STEAM frameworks. Their scholarly achievements include numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and conference proceedings covering topics such as cognitively guided instruction, contextualized physics pedagogy, assessment practices, student mental health, and gender-related barriers in STEM. Their research also explores comparative instructional models, students’ learning difficulties, cognitive development, and the role of science education in fostering social dimensions of scientific understanding. In addition to publishing in respected international journals, they serve as a peer reviewer for several academic outlets, demonstrating commitment to scholarly quality and academic leadership. The candidate’s professional experience includes university-level instruction, curriculum development, supervision of teaching practicums, and management of school-wide academic programmes. They possess expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, especially SPSS statistical analysis and thematic interpretation of qualitative data. Their contributions extend to professional development initiatives for educators and community-based engagement focused on social and environmental issues. They have presented research at international conferences and participated in capacity-building programmes and workshops dedicated to gender equity, African studies, and early-career research development. Their academic competencies span instructional design, assessment development, cross-cultural collaboration, and evidence-based teaching practices. As an active member of relevant professional bodies, they continue to contribute to the growth of science education through research, leadership, and transformative educational practice.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | LinkedIn| Research Gate

Featured Publications

Okeke, U. K., & Ramaila, S. (2025). Decolonizing secondary school science education through contextualized instruction: An exploration of the nature of science, adaptive expertise, instructional implications and pedagogical frameworks for knowledge integration. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 11, 101614. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101614

Okeke, U. K., & Ramaila, S. (2025). Reimagining the psychomotor domain: Pedagogical implications of STEAM education. Education Sciences, 15(11), 1497. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15111497

Okeke, U. K. (2025). Instructional design considerations: Cognitive development and physics comprehension in secondary education. International Journal of Studies in Psychology, 5(2), 1–4.

Okeke, U. K., & Ramaila, S. (2025, June 28). Teachers’ TPACK: Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of online assessment in K-12 science instruction. In Education and New Developments (END) 2025 Conference Proceedings (pp. 171–174).

Okeke, U. K., & Ramaila, S. (2025, June 28). The emergence of STEAM and its pedagogical implications: A re-evaluation of the psychomotor domain. In Education and New Developments (END) 2025 Conference Proceedings (pp. 151–155).

Adeduyigbe, A. M., Ukoh, E. E., & Okeke, U. K. (2025). Influence of gender on secondary school physics students’ learning difficulties in electricity. Physics Education, 60, 025017. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6552/adab5d

Jean-louis Vigneresse | Research Excellence | Excellence in Research

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Prof. Jean-louis Vigneresse | Research Excellence | Excellence in Research

Prof. Jean-louis Vigneresse | université de lorraine | France

Jean-Louis Vigneresse is a distinguished French geophysicist known for his pioneering research on granite emplacement, crustal deformation, and thermal modeling. With decades of academic and international experience, he has contributed significantly to understanding Earth’s structural dynamics. He played key roles in major geoscientific programs like ECORS and Géofrance 3D and collaborated globally across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. As a professor and scientific leader, he has mentored numerous students and developed innovative geophysical tools. His research has been widely published and cited in top-tier journals. He also held administrative roles, promoting education and international cooperation. His career blends theoretical insight with practical application. Vigneresse’s legacy continues to shape modern geosciences.

Academic Profile 

Google Scholar | Orcid

Education

Jean-Louis Vigneresse holds a strong academic background in geophysics and earth sciences, having pursued advanced studies in engineering, structural geology, and geophysical modeling. He began his academic journey with training in geophysics at a premier French institute, focusing on magnetic anomalies and structural interpretations. His early research dealt with aeromagnetic and gravimetric analysis of volcanic and granitic terrains, reflecting a foundation in both applied and theoretical geophysics. His academic progression led him to conduct in-depth doctoral research on the modeling of granitic massifs and their deformation, integrating geophysical data with structural geological concepts. Further studies deepened his understanding of crustal processes, culminating in a high-level dissertation exploring the emplacement of granitic plutons under regional tectonic constraints.

Experience

Vigneresse has extensive experience in academia, research, and international collaboration. He has held teaching and research positions in several French universities, culminating in a senior academic post at a leading geological school. In addition to his teaching and research duties, he took on multiple administrative roles, including academic program development, student supervision, and coordination of international partnerships. He contributed to the modernization of geoscience curricula, particularly in petroleum geology and structural analysis. He has also been instrumental in developing applied geophysical tools, modeling software, and training programs that bridge academia and industry. His global engagement includes cooperative projects with universities and research centers across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and North Africa.

Research Interests

His research spans a broad range of topics in geophysics, structural geology, petrology, and crustal dynamics. His work has addressed granite emplacement mechanisms, partial melting, melt migration, deformation modeling, and the thermal evolution of the Earth’s crust. He has a particular interest in the links between tectonics, magmatism, and ore deposit formation. He developed physical and numerical models to simulate crustal processes and contributed to major geoscientific initiatives. His studies are well recognized for providing insights into the thermomechanical behavior of the crust and the geodynamic settings of granite-related phenomena.

Awards and Recognition

Jean-Louis Vigneresse is internationally recognized for his scholarly contributions, scientific collaborations, and educational leadership. He has published numerous research articles in prestigious international journals and has contributed as a reviewer and advisor to several scientific publications. His work has had significant influence in both academic and applied geoscience fields. He has been invited as a guest professor and scientific advisor in multiple countries and has played a key role in European scientific programs. His distinction lies in his ability to combine theoretical research with practical applications and international cooperation.

Publications


Granite magma formation, transport and emplacement in the Earth’s crust.

Author: Petford, N., Cruden, A. R., McCaffrey, K. J. W., & Vigneresse, J.-L.
Journal; Nature,(2000)

Nb-Ta fractionation in peraluminous granites: A marker of the magmatic-hydrothermal transition.

Author: Ballouard, C., Poujol, M., Boulvais, P., Branquet, Y., Tartèse, R., & Vigneresse, J.-L.
Journal; Geology, (2016)

Rheological transitions during partial melting and crystallization with application to felsic magma segregation and transfer.

Author: Vigneresse, J.-L., Barbey, P., & Cuney, M.
Journal: Petrology,  (1996)

Transpressional kinematics and magmatic arcs.

Author: Blanquat, M. D. S., Tikoff, B., Teyssier, C., & Vigneresse, J.-L.
Journal: Geological Society, London, Special Publications, (1998)

The Mortagne granite pluton (France) emplaced by pull-apart along a shear zone: Structural and gravimetric arguments and regional implication.

Author: Guineberteau, B., Bouchez, J.-L., & Vigneresse, J.-L.
Journal: Geological Society of America Bulletin, (1987)

Conclusion

The Research Excellence Award stands as a prestigious recognition of intellectual brilliance, innovation, and impactful contribution across scientific, academic, and interdisciplinary domains. It not only honors individual achievement but also promotes a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and societal relevance. By celebrating researchers who push boundaries and solve real-world problems, the award contributes to the global advancement of knowledge and inspires the next generation of scholars and innovators. This is more than an accolade — it is a platform for leadership, visibility, and lasting influence in the world of research.