Ivis Garcia | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

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

Hector Galindo-Silva | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hector Galindo-Silva | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hector Galindo-Silva | Pontificia Universidad Javeriana | Colombia

Dr. Héctor Galindo-Silva is a distinguished scholar in economics whose research bridges political economy, institutional development, and conflict analysis. He completed his doctoral studies in Economics at Université de Montréal, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Universitat Pompeu Fabra’s Institute of Political Economy and Governance (IPEG). His academic journey reflects a deep interdisciplinary foundation, combining expertise in economics, philosophy, and the social sciences. Currently serving as an Associate Professor of Economics at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, he has previously taught at Université de Montréal and held teaching appointments in both economics and philosophy. His teaching portfolio includes courses on political economy, microeconomics, conflict economics, and the economic analysis of social interactions. Dr. Galindo-Silva’s research explores the intersection of political institutions, conflict dynamics, religion, and economic outcomes. His publications have appeared in leading international journals such as the Journal of Public Economics, Economics & Politics, European Journal of Political Economy, Journal of Comparative Economics, Journal of Population Economics, and Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. His recent work addresses themes such as ideological ambiguity, religious competition, education and gender norm transformation, and the political impact of climate change. In addition to his scholarly output, he has contributed to major research collaborations using big data and network theory, and his studies often integrate empirical and theoretical approaches to understand social and political processes. He serves as Associate Editor of Humanities and Social Sciences Communications and regularly reviews for high-impact journals in economics and political science. Throughout his career, Dr. Galindo-Silva has presented his research at numerous international conferences and academic institutions across Europe and the Americas, earning recognition for his analytical depth and interdisciplinary engagement in contemporary political economy.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Galindo, H., Restrepo, J., & Sánchez, F. (2009). Conflicto y pobreza en Colombia: Un enfoque institucionalista. In Guerra y violencias en Colombia: Herramientas e interpretaciones (pp. 315–351). Universidad Javeriana.

Galindo-Silva, H. (2015). New parties and policy outcomes: Evidence from Colombian local governments. Journal of Public Economics, 126, 86–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2015.04.004

Galindo-Silva, H., Some, N. H., & Tchuente, G. (2018). Fuzzy difference-in-discontinuities: Identification theory and application to the Affordable Care Act. arXiv preprint arXiv:1812.06537.

Galindo-Silva, H. (2021). Political openness and armed conflict: Evidence from local councils in Colombia. European Journal of Political Economy, 67, 101984. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpoleco.2020.101984

Galindo-Silva, H., & Tchuente, G. (2023). Armed conflict and early human capital accumulation: Evidence from Cameroon’s Anglophone conflict. arXiv preprint arXiv:2306.13070.

Evangelos Kourdis | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Prof. Dr. Evangelos Kourdis | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Evangelos Kourdis | Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Professor Evangelos Kourdis has established a distinguished academic presence in the interdisciplinary fields of translation semiotics, sociolinguistics, and cultural communication. He has authored 23 research documents, each contributing to the advancement of semiotic and translation theory. His works have been cited by 70 international publications, underscoring their scholarly reach and recognition. According to Scopus, his current h-index is 4, reflecting consistent and high-quality research output. His studies integrate semiotic methodologies with translation theory, bridging conceptual gaps between linguistic and cultural analysis. These contributions have positioned him as a key figure in modern semiotic scholarship. His publications in reputed journals such as Semiotica, Social Semiotics, and Signs and Society highlight his academic excellence. By fostering collaboration among European semiotic schools, he enriches global dialogue in meaning-making and communication. His research output reflects both depth in theoretical innovation and breadth in application. The increasing citations across major indexing platforms indicate international trust in his frameworks. Professor Kourdis’s scholarship demonstrates an enduring commitment to advancing semiotic research in translation and intercultural studies. These metrics collectively affirm his role as a globally recognized and influential scholar in his field.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kourdis, E. (2025). Multimodal, polysemiotic, multisemiotic: A necessary demarcation for semiotics and translation studies. Social Semiotics. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10350330.2025.2562390

Kourdis, E. (2024). Les orientations disciplinaires de la sémiotique: L’état de la question. Degres, 53(197–198), c1–c21.

Kourdis, E. (2024, December 30). Kristeva’s impact on translation and the interplay of intertextuality, transposition and intersemiosis. Acta Nova Humanistica: A Journal of Humanities Published by New Bulgarian University, 24(1), Article 9. https://doi.org/10.33919/anhnbu.24.1.9

Kourdis, E. (2024, December 2). Intersemiotic translations of Greek popular films in the film industry and media. Signs and Media, 2590(0323), Article 12340032. https://doi.org/10.1163/25900323-12340032

Yoka, L., & Kourdis, E. (2023). Introduction: Signs of Europe: Discourses, mythologies, politics of representation. In L. Yoka & E. Kourdis (Eds.), Signs of Europe: Discourses, mythologies, politics of representation (pp. 9–19). Thessaloniki: Hellenic Semiotic Society. https://doi.org/10.26262/FTMV-XR69

Urmila Shirke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Dr. Urmila Shirke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Urmila Shirke | Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved & Research Centre | India

Dr. Urmila Jijaba Shirke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga at Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Ayurved and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. She holds degrees in BAMS, MD in Swasthavritta and Yoga, and an MA in Sanskrit, and is currently pursuing her PhD from Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. With over sixteen years of academic experience, she has served as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor and Head of Department at leading Ayurvedic institutions. Her research interests span preventive and promotive health, yoga therapy, diet and lifestyle management, and Ayurvedic public health applications. Dr. Shirke has authored numerous research papers in national and international journals and has contributed to a book on Kayachikitsa and Mano Vigyan. She has participated in and organized many seminars, CME programs, and workshops on Ayurveda and Yoga across India and abroad. Her projects include both self-funded and externally funded research supported by MUHS and Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth. Actively involved in administrative and academic activities, she serves as IQAC Coordinator and NAAC Committee in-charge and has played a key role in developing curricula and health education initiatives. She is also a recognized PG guide and examiner for MUHS, mentoring students in research and clinical training. Dedicated to public health and community welfare, Dr. Shirke regularly conducts health camps, obesity awareness programs, and yoga training courses, promoting holistic living through Ayurveda and Yoga.

Li Yu | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Prof. Li Yu | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Li Yu | Oil Crops Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences | China

Dr. Yu Li is a distinguished Research Fellow at the Oil Crops Research Institute (OCRI), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), specializing in Food Science and Technology with a strong emphasis on mycotoxin prevention, detection, and safety assurance in agricultural products. Her research integrates advanced analytical techniques and immunological approaches to develop innovative detection systems for food contaminants. She has successfully led and participated in more  major national and provincial research projects, including those funded by the National Key R&D Program of China and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC). Her pivotal role in the award-winning project “Development of Targeted Antibodies and Ultrasensitive Detection Technologies for Aflatoxins in Agricultural Products” earned her team the Second-Class Prize of the National Technical Invention Award . Recognized for her excellence, Dr. Li has been selected for the Outstanding Young Talent Cultivation Program of OCRI-CAAS and the “Young Top Talent” Program of Hubei Province. Beyond her research, she contributes to scientific development as a Guest Editor for Molecules and as a member of the Science and Technology Expert Database of the Hubei Provincial Department of Science and Technology.

Profiles:  ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

Tang, F., Ma, F., Wang, D., Fang, M., Zhang, L., Li, P., & Yu, L. (2025). Highly efficient detoxification of aflatoxin B1 in peanut meals by attapulgite-supported laccase. Food Control, 164, 111759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2025.111759

Ma, F., He, Y., Tang, F., Fu, L., Zhang, L., Li, P., & Yu, L. (2025). In-situ stabilization of conjugated microporous polymer on sieve plates for multifunctional applications: Detection and removal of aflatoxins. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 478, 139457. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139457

Liu, M., Wang, X., Yang, Y., Tu, F., Yu, L., Ma, F., Wang, X., Jiang, X., Dou, X., Li, P., & others. (2025). Authentication of edible oil by real-time one class classification modeling. Foods, 14(7), 1235. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14071235

Dou, X., Tu, F., Yu, L., Yang, Y., Ma, F., Wang, X., Wang, D., Zhang, L., Jiang, X., & Li, P. (2024). Adulteration detection of edible oil by one-class classification and outlier detection. Food Frontiers, 5(1), Article e395. https://doi.org/10.1002/fft2.395

Huang, F., Liu, A., Fang, M., Wang, D., Yu, L., Ma, F., Wang, X., Zhang, L., & Li, P. (2024). Characteristic volatile flavors of high-oleic peanut oil and normal peanut oil. Microchemical Journal, 199, 110389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2024.110389

Charles Andre Nieves | Research Excellence | Young Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Mr. Charles Andre Nieves | Research Excellence | Young Researcher Award 

University Of The Immaculate Conception | Philippines

Charles Andre F. Nieves, LPT, MAEM, is a licensed professional teacher, researcher, and academic leader with a distinguished record of excellence in education, research, and international collaboration. A Cum Laude graduate of the University of the Immaculate Conception, he has earned a Master of Arts in Educational Management, pursued advanced studies in language teaching and research methodologies, and gained international exposure through programs in Malaysia and Indonesia. With teaching experience spanning basic education and higher education—including his current role as a College Linguist Professor and International Office Coordinator—he combines expertise in educational management, linguistics, and curriculum development. His contributions include published research on artificial intelligence in teaching, ongoing cross-linguistic studies, and leadership in student organizations, training workshops, and international academic events. Recognized with numerous awards for excellence, leadership, and service, he continues to advance innovations in teaching, research, and global education partnerships.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Nieves, C. A. F., Baldonado, C. C., Mamonong, V. H., Aytong, N. E., Muslim, A. B., & Ja’afar, S. B. (2025). Cognate relations of basic lexical inventory development among Filipino, Indonesian, and Malay languages. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 12(1), 2549404.

Yihang Zhong | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Mr. Yihang Zhong | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Chinese University of Hong Kong | China

Jimmy (Yihang Zhong) is an emerging scholar in linguistics and psycholinguistics whose research bridges theoretical inquiry and experimental practice. His work focuses on first and second language acquisition, morpho-syntactic and semantic processing, and the cognitive mechanisms underlying language in both typical and atypical populations. With publications in leading SSCI and Scopus-indexed journals, ongoing high-impact peer-reviewed submissions, and international conference presentations, he has already established a strong academic presence early in his career. His training across Hong Kong, Australia, and China, combined with hands-on experience in neurolinguistics and fMRI research at Shenzhen University, demonstrates his interdisciplinary expertise and global outlook. Complemented by technical proficiency, translation skills, and active science communication, Jimmy stands out as a promising researcher contributing meaningfully to the advancement of cognitive and linguistic sciences.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

“Asperger writers’ attention and awareness in written production”

“Aspect in telicity acquisition: Evidence from Mandarin children”

“Effects of syntactic role on L1 & L2 processing of pronoun resolution”

“From generative hierarchicality to parallel-dialogic syntax: Modeling typological protolanguage”

“L2 cognitive construal & morpho-syntactic acquisition of pseudo-passive construction”

“Aspect in telicity acquisition: Evidence from Mandarin children”

“Can the Galilean ideal of formal linguistics be sustained?”