Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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

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.

Chien-Hung Yeh | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Chien-Hung Yeh | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Chien-Hung Yeh | Beijing Institute of Technology, China

Professor Chien-Hung Yeh, a tenured faculty member at Beijing Institute of Technology and a National High-Level Fellow, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in neuromodulation, cross-frequency coupling, and medical AI. With over 50 SCI publications, 15+ patents, and leadership in major national research projects, he has significantly advanced intelligent healthcare technologies. His collaborations span prestigious institutions like Harvard and Oxford, and his innovations influence clinical practices and brain-computer interface development. As a senior IEEE member and editorial board contributor, Professor Yeh exemplifies excellence in interdisciplinary biomedical engineering—making him a distinguished candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Academic Profile 

ORCID, Google Scholar

Education

Professor Chien-Hung Yeh holds a distinguished academic background, earning his doctoral degree through a joint supervision program between Harvard Medical School and National Central University. This unique cross-continental academic training provided him with a rich blend of cutting-edge biomedical knowledge and rigorous technological insight. His PhD research laid the groundwork for his later innovations in neuromodulation and cross-frequency coupling, with strong emphasis on translational science bridging engineering and clinical neuroscience. His academic journey reflects both depth and global perspective, equipping him with interdisciplinary tools essential for leadership in advanced healthcare technologies.

Experience

Professor Yeh currently serves as a tenured professor at Beijing Institute of Technology, one of China’s premier research universities. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience leading major national-level research projects, including initiatives funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), and the Beijing Municipal Health Commission. In addition to his academic role, he is actively engaged in consultancy and industry-academia collaborations, such as with Kao Corporation and Neuracle Technology Co., Ltd. He also chairs IEEE conferences and serves as a reviewer for various high-level funding agencies including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the National Science Foundation of China. His experience spans administration, research management, teaching, and policy advising, making him a key figure in biomedical innovation ecosystems.

Research Interests

Professor Yeh’s research is at the forefront of biomedical engineering, with core interests in cross-frequency coupling, neuromodulation, and artificial intelligence applications in medicine. He is internationally recognized for his pioneering work on dynamic brain signal processing, particularly in the development of algorithms for brain-computer interfaces and intelligent monitoring systems for neurological disorders. His contributions to waveform analysis and AI-driven health diagnostics have practical implications for epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, sleep disorders, and critical care. These interests are not only intellectually rigorous but also clinically transformative, aiming to close the gap between neuroscience theory and patient-centered innovation.

Awards

Throughout his career, Professor Yeh has received numerous prestigious recognitions. He has been honored as a National High-Level Fellow in China, a designation reserved for top-tier scientists making significant contributions to strategic research areas. His projects have received substantial support from national and municipal government bodies, reinforcing the value of his work to public health and innovation policy. He has also co-led a team that was named a runner-up in the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, a global competition to develop portable diagnostic devices capable of revolutionizing healthcare delivery. This accomplishment highlights the global applicability of his research. Furthermore, Professor Yeh’s editorial roles in leading journals, including Cyborg and Bionic Systems, Applied Sciences, and BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, along with his membership in key professional societies such as IEEE and the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering, reflect the academic community’s high regard for his expertise and leadership.

Publications

Amplitude modulation multiscale entropy characterizes complexity and brain states

Author: W Shi, H Feng, X Zhang, CH Yeh
Journal: Chaos, Solitons & Fractals
Year: 2023

A novel measure of cardiopulmonary coupling during sleep based on the synchrosqueezing transform algorithm 

Author: Y Wang, W Shi, CH Yeh
Journal: IEEE journal of biomedical and health informatics
Year: 2023

Waveform changes with the evolution of beta bursts in the human subthalamic nucleus

Author: CH Yeh, B Al-Fatly, AA Kuehn, AC Meidahl, G Tinkhauser, H Tan,
Journal: Clinical neurophysiology
Year: 2020

Generalized multiscale Lempel–Ziv complexity of cyclic alternating pattern during sleep

Author: CH Yeh, W Shi
Journal: Nonlinear Dynamics
Year: 2018

A comparison study on stages of sleep: Quantifying multiscale complexity using higher moments on coarse-graining

Author: W Shi, P Shang, Y Ma, S Sun, CH Yeh
Journal: Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation
Year: 2017

Quantifying spasticity with limited swinging cycles using pendulum test based on phase amplitude coupling

Author: CH Yeh, HWV Young, CY Wang, YH Wang, PL Lee, JH Kang, MT Lo
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering
Year: 2016

Spurious cross-frequency amplitude–amplitude coupling in nonstationary, nonlinear signals

Author: CH Yeh, MT Lo, K Hu
Journal: Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications
Year: 2016

On the computational complexity of the empirical mode decomposition algorithm 

Author: YH Wang, CH Yeh, HWV Young, K Hu, MT Lo
Journal: Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications
Year: 2014

Conclusion

Professor Chien-Hung Yeh exemplifies the ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award through his high-impact publications, transformative research, interdisciplinary expertise, and technological innovations. His leadership in both academic and applied research domains, coupled with international collaborations and continuous contributions to scientific advancement, makes him a deserving recipient of this recognition.

gülçin gacar | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. gülçin gacar | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. gülçin gacar | KOCAELI UNIVERSITY, Turkey

Dr. Gülçin Gacar is an Associate Professor at Kocaeli University, serving at the Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies within the Institute of Health Sciences. With a strong background in clinical microbiology, her research explores mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, and regenerative therapies. She actively leads and contributes to national scientific projects and serves as a mentor to graduate students. Her work bridges experimental research with clinical applications, advancing the field of stem cell biology through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Academic Profile 

ORCID, Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Gülçin Gacar pursued her academic training in medical and life sciences with a strong emphasis on clinical microbiology and cellular biology. Her foundational education equipped her with deep theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology, immunology, and biotechnology. Building upon this, she specialized in advanced studies of stem cells and regenerative medicine, laying the groundwork for her future research in cellular therapies and translational medicine. Her education has been a critical driver in shaping her academic vision and her interdisciplinary approach to complex biomedical challenges.

Professional Experience

Dr. Gacar currently holds the position of Associate Professor at Kocaeli University, where she is actively involved with the Center for Stem Cell and Gene Therapies. Over the years, she has gained extensive academic and research experience, having taught and mentored at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She plays a vital role in supervising graduate theses and guiding students in advanced biomedical research. Beyond her teaching responsibilities, she is also a principal investigator and research consultant on numerous scientific projects funded by national bodies such as TÜBİTAK. Her experience includes close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams working on cellular therapies, tissue engineering, and experimental models of disease. Her leadership in research has contributed significantly to the academic output of her department and to the scientific community at large.

Research Interests

Dr. Gacar’s research focuses on the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells, exosomes, and extracellular vesicles, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, cancer biology, and tissue regeneration. Her work integrates cellular and molecular techniques to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses in experimental models. She has conducted studies on the effects of stem-cell-derived exosomes in Alzheimer’s disease models, explored the anti-inflammatory potential of compounds in oxidative stress conditions, and examined the use of photodynamic therapy agents in cancer treatment. Dr. Gacar is particularly interested in how cell-to-cell communication via extracellular vesicles can be harnessed to develop new treatment modalities. Her scientific output reflects a strong commitment to translational research, bridging the gap between bench-side discoveries and clinical applications.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Gacar has earned recognition for her contributions to medical research and scientific innovation. She has been involved in several prestigious research projects funded by national agencies, notably TÜBİTAK, and by higher education institutions. Her collaborative work has resulted in multiple successful research grants and numerous scholarly publications in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Gacar has also contributed to the advancement of academic research infrastructure by mentoring emerging scholars and participating in advisory roles on national research panels. These accomplishments underscore her standing in the scientific community and highlight the broader impact of her research in the fields of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.

Publications

Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from rat bone marrow: ultrastructural properties, differentiation potential and immunophenotypic markers – Histochemistry and cell biology (2009)

Isolation and in vitro characterisation of dental pulp stem cells from natal teeth – Histochemistry and cell biology (2010)

Comparative analysis of apoptotic resistance of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from human bone marrow and adipose tissue – The Scientific World (2012)

The short-and long-term effects of estrogen deficiency on apoptosis in musculoskeletal tissues: an experimental animal model study – Archives of Iranian Medicine (2013)

In vitro protection of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells by erythropoietin – Acta histochemica (2014)

Protective effects of resveratrol on aging-induced cognitive impairment in rats – Neurobiology of learning and memory (2016)

Restorative effect of resveratrol on expression of endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cavernous tissues of chronic unpredictable mild stress-exposed rats: an – International Journal of Impotence Research (2018)