Hassan Aljaberi | Research Excellence | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Scientist Day

Dr. Hassan Aljaberi | Research Excellence | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Hassan Aljaberi | Optical Techniques Department, College of Health and Medical Techniques | Iraq

Hasan Abdulhadi Al-Jabri, 38, is an Assistant Lecturer specializing in Optical Techniques at the Department of Optical Techniques, Al-Mustaqbal University, Babylon, Iraq. With a strong academic foundation, including a BSc in Optical Techniques and an MSc in Engineering, he has built an active career in both teaching and research. His academic work is reflected in 12 published documents, 35 citing documents, and an h-index of 4, demonstrating a growing impact within the fields of optometry, biosensing, and optical materials. In his academic role, Al-Jabri teaches key courses in optical techniques and supervises undergraduate graduation projects, contributing to the development of future professionals in optical sciences. His research portfolio spans critical areas such as corneal physiology, refractive error assessment, biosensing materials, and photocatalytic nanocomposites. His notable publications include investigations into the effects of soft contact lenses on corneal endothelial cells, advancements in porphyrin-MOF-based biosensing of chemical contaminants, and a comprehensive meta-analysis on refractive errors among Iraqi school students. He has also explored advanced functional materials, such as Pt-decorated tetragonal graphene for anticancer drug detection and S-Scheme nanocomposite photocatalysts for efficient degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. Beyond research papers, Al-Jabri has contributed scientific articles, including a 2025 review on modern keratoconus treatment approaches. He has also demonstrated active scientific engagement through participation in the Arab Health Exhibition 2024 in Dubai, gaining exposure to cutting-edge diagnostic technologies in ophthalmology. His skills encompass scientific writing, operation of optical and diagnostic devices, and data analysis. His research interests include the impact of contact lenses on corneal health, biosensing technologies, and refractive error epidemiology. Through teaching, research, and scientific participation, Hasan Abdulhadi Al-Jabri continues to advance optical science and contribute valuable insights to both academic and clinical communities.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar | Research Gate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Elzahra, Z. A., Aljaberi, H. A., Al-Robayi, E. M., & Amer, S. (2025). Investigation of optoelectronic properties using single-molecule laser active media. Opto-Electronics Review. https://doi.org/10.24425/OPELRE.2025.155865

Yaqoubi, M., Ghanbari, M., Maya, R. W., Jasim, H. A., & Salavati-Niasari, M. (2025). Synthesis and characterization of S-Scheme NiMn₂O₄/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites heterojunction photocatalyst for effective degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. Results in Engineering, Article 104037. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.104037

Rusho, M. A., Ahmed, A. T., Kanjariya, P., Ballal, S., Singh, A., Supriya, S., Ray, S., Sultan, M. K., Jasim, H. A., & Alkahtani, H. M. (2025). Unveiling a new type of boron-doped carbon sheets as an anode for calcium-ion batteries. Ionics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-025-06423-w

Flayyih, R. A., Alwan, K. J., & Aljaberi, H. A. (2025, December). Comparative heat transfer analysis of helical coil and straight tube heat exchangers. Case Studies in Thermal Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2025.107386

Aljaberi, H. A., Rahmani, S., & Muhammad, G. A. (2025, October). Effect of soft contact lens wear on corneal endothelial cell characteristics. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2025.102441

Xiaoping Ren | Scientific Breakthroughs | Distinguished Scientist Award

Published on by Scientist Day

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.

Uchenna Kingsley Okeke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

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

Decheng Li | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Mr. Decheng Li | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Decheng Li | Lanzhou University of Technology | China

Dr. Decheng Li, a distinguished scholar at the School of Automation and Electrical Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, has made substantial contributions to intelligent control systems, robotics, optimization algorithms, and renewable energy integration. His research consistently bridges theoretical innovation with real-world engineering needs, and his recent work on high-precision optical measurement systems exemplifies this commitment to impactful technological advancement. In the 2025 journal article “Robust hybrid decentralized controller design for Voice Coil Actuator–Fast Steering Mirror (VCA–FSM) system in high-precision optical measurements”, co-authored by Jiabin Liu and Hui Chen and published in Measurement, Dr. Li presents a novel control solution for improving accuracy and stability in fast optical beam steering applications. VCA–FSM systems are critical components in laser communication, adaptive optics, precision imaging, and spaceborne measurement instruments, where rapid response and minimal error are essential. However, these systems often encounter challenges such as parameter uncertainties, external disturbances, nonlinear coupling between axes, and stringent precision requirements. The study introduces a hybrid decentralized control strategy that integrates robust control principles with intelligent algorithmic tuning. This decentralized architecture allows each axis of the FSM to be controlled independently while mitigating cross-axis interference. The hybrid approach combines model-based design with adaptive mechanisms to enhance disturbance rejection and maintain system stability under uncertain conditions. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed controller significantly improves tracking accuracy, dynamic response, and robustness compared to conventional centralized or purely model-based controllers. Dr. Li’s contribution not only advances the performance of VCA–FSM platforms but also offers a generalizable framework for other high-precision mechatronic systems. His ongoing work continues to strengthen the integration of automation, intelligent control, and advanced signal processing to achieve next-generation smart engineering solutions.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publication

Liu, J., Li, D., & Chen, H. (2025). “Robust hybrid decentralized controller design for Voice Coil Actuator-Fast Steering Mirror system in high-precision optical measurements.

Kenju Otsuka | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Dr. Kenju Otsuka | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kenju Otsuka | TS3L Research | Japan

The nomination highlights an accomplished researcher whose work spans laser physics, quantum electronics, self-mixing laser metrology, and nonlinear optical dynamics. Their academic background reflects decades of contributions to the development of advanced solid-state laser systems and the fundamental understanding of dynamic behavior in optical environments. The researcher has completed significant investigations, including the invention of stoichiometric laser crystals enabling highly efficient microchip lasers, as well as pioneering methods for controlling transverse laser modes through pump-beam modulation. Their studies on nonlinear dynamics—such as antiphase behavior, clustering phenomena, and chaotic itinerancy—have shaped theoretical and experimental approaches in optical complex systems. Current research focuses on advancing self-mixing metrology using thin-slice solid-state lasers with ultra-high sensitivity for measuring non-cooperative objects. This includes groundbreaking progress on laser-diode-pumped ruby lasers designed for extreme-precision sensing applications. The researcher has led several major projects in this domain, including development of thin-slice Cr:Al₂O₃ lasers aimed at pushing the limits of metrological sensitivity. Their scholarly output is extensive, with thousands of citations, numerous indexed journal publications, authored book chapters, and a monograph on nonlinear optical dynamics. They also hold multiple patents related to laser technologies, reflecting a strong innovation portfolio. The researcher has maintained active collaborations with leading scientists and institutions, contributing significantly to the global optics and photonics community. In addition to research achievements, they have served in editorial roles and hold prestigious fellowships in internationally recognized scientific societies, acknowledging their influence in laser science, photonic device engineering, and nonlinear dynamics. Their contributions to self-mixing laser metrology, laser mode manipulation, and the exploration of complex optical behaviors continue to advance precision measurement and optical system design.

Profiles:  Orcid | Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2025). Harmonics-assisted 50-fold optical phase amplification with a self-mixing thin-slice Nd:GdVO₄ laser with wide-aperture laser-diode pumping. Photonics, 12(11), Article 1098. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12111098

Sudo, S., & Otsuka, K. (2025). Evaluation of thermal expansion of elastomer using self-mixing vibrometry with thin-slice solid laser. Journal of Applied Physics, 138(4), Article 0281888. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0281888

Sudo, S., & Otsuka, K. (2024). Self-mixing thinly sliced ruby laser for laser Doppler velocimetry with high optical sensitivity. Optics Continuum, 3(11), Article 532807. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTCON.532807

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2023). Spiking ruby revisited: Self-induced periodic spiking oscillations leading to chaotic state in a Cr:Al₂O₃ laser with cw 532-nm pumping. Optics Continuum, 2(9), Article 497640. https://doi.org/10.1364/OPTCON.497640

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2023). Erratum: Nonlinear dynamics of a self-mixing thin-slice solid-state laser subjected to Doppler-shifted optical feedback [Phys. Rev. E, 104, 044203 (2021)]. Physical Review E, 108(3), 039901. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.108.039901

Otsuka, K., & Sudo, S. (2022). Self-mixing interference in a thin-slice solid-state laser with few feedback photons per observation period. Physical Review A, 106(5), 053504. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.106.053504

Dr. Nuno Almeida | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award | 2598

Published on by Scientist Day

Dr. Nuno Almeida | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nuno Almeida | Universidade do Algarve | Portugal

Dr. Nuno Miguel Forra Almeida is an academic and professional psychologist specializing in Work, Social, and Organizational Psychology. He serves as an Assistant Guest Lecturer at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences of the University of Algarve (FCHS-UAlg) and holds specialist recognition from the Portuguese Psychologists Association (OPP) as well as EuroPsy qualification from the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA). He is also affiliated with FAROTESTE – Psychological Assessment.Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Algarve, his research focuses on electoral abstention among young people, integrating psychological, behavioral, political, and communicational dimensions. He is actively involved as a Collaborating Researcher in two research centers: the Center for Research in Psychology (CIP) at Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa and the University Center for Psychological Research (CUIP) at the University of Algarve. In addition, he contributes to the OPP’s pool of psychologists for crisis and catastrophe intervention. Dr. Almeida has a robust academic background, holding a Master’s degree in Social and Organizational Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Algarve. His professional development includes extensive specialized training across diverse domains such as ergonomics, psychological evaluation, neuro-linguistic programming, information security, artificial intelligence workflows, and intervention with vulnerable populations including refugees and LGBTQ individuals. His teaching and research are complemented by practical involvement in supervision of academic and professional internships, psychometric testing, and consultancy in work and organizational settings. Through his academic and professional trajectory, he demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, innovation in psychological assessment, and the integration of digital tools in psychological research and education. His scholarly and professional interests converge on understanding human behavior in social and organizational contexts, promoting psychological well-being in workplaces, and exploring the psychological underpinnings of civic engagement and political participation among youth.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Almeida, N., & Giger, J.-C. (2025). Unraveling the heterogeneity of electoral abstention: Profiles, motivations, and paths to a more inclusive democracy in Portugal. Social Sciences, 14(10), 601.

Giger, J.-C., Piçarra, N., Pochwatko, G., Almeida, N., & Almeida, A. S. (2025). Intention to work with social robots: The role of perceived robot use self-efficacy, attitudes towards robots, and beliefs in human nature uniqueness. Multimodal Technologies and Interaction, 9(2), 9.

Giger, J.-C., Piçarra, N., Pochwatko, G., Almeida, N., Almeida, A. S., Costa, N., & Duradoni, M. (2024). Development of the Beliefs in Human Nature Uniqueness Scale and its associations with perception of social robots. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, Article ID 5569587.

Gonçalves, G., Sousa, C., Fernandes, M. J., Almeida, N., & Sousa, A. (2023). Restorative effects of biophilic workplace and nature exposure during working time: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(21), 6986.

Almeida, N., & Giger, J.-C. (2025, January 23). The absent vote: Unraveling social representations of electoral abstention among students and non-student voters. In X Jornadas Internacionais de Iniciação à Investigação Científica em Psicologia (J3ICP).

 

Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Dr. Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sharon Youmans | University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy | United States 

Dr. Sharon Lynn Youmans is a distinguished leader in pharmacy education, health literacy, and diversity advancement within academic health sciences. With a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master’s in Public Health, she has built an influential career integrating clinical pharmacy practice, education, and leadership. Over the past three decades, she has held progressive academic and administrative positions at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Pharmacy, where she currently serves as Executive Vice Dean and Professor of Clinical Pharmacy. Her leadership extends to the UCSF School of Dentistry as Associate Dean for Community Engagement, demonstrating her broad impact on interprofessional collaboration and community health outreach. Her scholarly and service contributions focus on health communication, health disparities, diversity, equity, inclusion, and global health. Dr. Youmans has played an instrumental role in shaping pharmacy education through curriculum transformation, experiential learning innovations, and national leadership in accreditation and professional organizations such as AACP, ACPE, and ASHP. She has served as an evaluator and consultant on pharmacy education programs worldwide, contributing to global standards in health science education. An accomplished educator, she has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple UCSF Apple Awards for Teaching, the UCSF Chancellor’s Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award, and induction into the Haile T. Debas Academy of Medical Educators. Her leadership in promoting diversity and addressing health disparities has earned national recognition from professional pharmacy associations. Through her extensive invited lectures and scholarly activities, Dr. Youmans has advanced dialogue on cultural competence, health equity, curriculum reform, and workforce development in pharmacy. Her ongoing work continues to inspire innovation in pharmacy education, advocate for equitable healthcare delivery, and strengthen academic excellence and community impact across the health professions.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn 

Featured Publications 

Schillinger, D., Hammer, H., Wang, F., Palacios, J., McLean, I., Tang, A., & Youmans, S. L. (2008). Seeing in 3-D: Examining the reach of diabetes self-management support strategies in a public health care system. Health Education & Behavior, 35(5), 664–682. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198107303316

Youmans, S. L., & Schillinger, D. (2003). Functional health literacy and medication use: The pharmacist’s role. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 37(11), 1726–1729. https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1D166

Robles, J. R., Youmans, S. L., Byrd, D. C., & Polk, R. E. (2009). Perceived barriers to scholarship and research among pharmacy practice faculty: Survey report from the AACP Scholarship/Research Faculty Development Task Force. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(1), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj730117

Nkansah, N. T., Youmans, S. L., Agness, C. F., & Assemi, M. (2009). Fostering and managing diversity in schools of pharmacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 73(8), Article 152. https://doi.org/10.5688/aj7308152

Mandap, M., Carrillo, S., & Youmans, S. L. (2014). An evaluation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health education in pharmacy school curricula. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 6(6), 752–758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2014.06.011

Bautista, C. A., Huang, I., Stebbins, M., Floren, L. C., Wamsley, M., Youmans, S. L., & others. (2020). Development of an interprofessional rotation for pharmacy and medical students to perform telehealth outreach to vulnerable patients in the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 34(5), 694–697. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2020.1810253

JeanMarie Farrow | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Dr. JeanMarie Farrow | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. JeanMarie Farrow | Georgia State University | United States

Dr. JeanMarie Farrow’s research centers on understanding and improving the factors within early childhood education that influence children’s language and literacy development, particularly in high-need settings. Her work systematically examines how teacher–child interactions and classroom practices contribute to oral language growth and early writing skills. Through both small- and large-scale empirical studies, she investigates effective models of professional development that enhance teachers’ capacity to implement evidence-based, language-rich instruction. Her research integrates theoretical and applied perspectives to identify feasible, sustainable approaches for strengthening early literacy and composing skills. A major strand of her scholarship explores the mechanisms underlying children’s oral language development, highlighting how teachers’ feedback, syntax, and conversational features shape vocabulary acquisition. Another line of inquiry focuses on early writing instruction as a pathway for language development, illustrating how structured composing activities and high-quality teaching strategies can foster creative and linguistic growth. In addition, she has contributed to advancing teacher professional learning by examining innovative approaches, including the role of project-based learning, coaching, and professional inquiry in supporting instructional improvement. Her studies, published in leading journals such as Journal of Child Language, Reading & Writing Quarterly, Early Childhood Education Journal, and Teaching and Teacher Education, contribute to the evidence base for designing effective professional development that bridges research and classroom practice. By connecting instructional theory, empirical findings, and practical application, her work provides actionable insights for educators, researchers, and policymakers seeking to promote equitable literacy outcomes. Supported by national research grants, her scholarship advances the understanding of how early education environments can be optimized to nurture children’s oral and written language development while equipping teachers with sustainable, research-informed pedagogical tools.

Profiles: Google Scholar | LinkedIn | Research Gate

Featured Publications 

Farrow, J. M., Wasik, B. A., & Hindman, A. H. (2020). Exploring the unique contributions of teachers’ syntax to preschoolers’ and kindergarteners’ vocabulary learning. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 51, 178–190.

Farrow, M. J., & Farrow, J. M. (2019). Recognizing intergenerational assets within religious communities of colour. Journal of Childhood Studies, 71–84.

Hindman, A. H., Farrow, J. M., & Wasik, B. A. (2021). Understanding child-directed speech around book reading in toddler classrooms: Evidence from early head start programs. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 719783.

Hindman, A. H., Farrow, J. M., & Wasik, B. A. (2022). Teacher–child conversations in preschool: Insights into how teacher feedback supports language development. Topics in Language Disorders, 42(4), 336–359.

Wasik, B. A., Farrow, J. M., & Hindman, A. H. (2022). More than “Good job!”: The critical role of teacher feedback in classroom discourse and language development. The Reading Teacher, 75(6), 733–738.

Farrow, J. M., Schneider Kavanagh, S., & Samudra, P. (2022). Exploring relationships between professional development and teachers’ enactments of project-based learning. Education Sciences, 12(4), 282.

Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

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

Jyoti Srivastava | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Scientist Day

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava | Moffitt Cancer Center | United States

Dr. Jyoti Srivastava, Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis at Moffitt Cancer Center, is an accomplished molecular biologist with over 18 years of pioneering experience spanning cancer biology, immuno-oncology, and therapeutic discovery. Her multidisciplinary research integrates molecular genetics, pharmacology, redox biology, and genomics to uncover mechanisms driving tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. At Moffitt, Dr. Srivastava has made groundbreaking discoveries in melanoma, elucidating how redox and nitrosylation signaling pathways modulate immune evasion and therapeutic resistance in NRAS-driven cancers. Her work has identified actionable targets and led to the development of innovative RNAi-, PROTAC-, and small-molecule–based therapeutics that have advanced toward preclinical and clinical evaluation. Previously at Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals and Yale University, she spearheaded translational research programs that delivered clinical candidates for lung diseases and cancer, while uncovering novel oncogenic pathways such as AEG-1/MTDH in hepatocellular carcinoma and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Dr. Srivastava’s contributions—reflected in over 30 peer-reviewed publications, invited talks at major international conferences, and successful therapeutic innovations—underscore her leadership in bridging fundamental discoveries with clinical application, advancing next-generation strategies to combat cancer and chronic diseases.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Yoo, B. K., Santhekadur, P. K., Gredler, R., Chen, D., Emdad, L., Bhutia, S., … & Fisher, P. B. (2011). Increased RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) activity contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology, 53(5), 1538–1548. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.24221

Santhekadur, P. K., Das, S. K., Gredler, R., Chen, D., Srivastava, J., Robertson, C., … & Fisher, P. B. (2012). Multifunction protein staphylococcal nuclease domain containing 1 (SND1) promotes tumor angiogenesis in human hepatocellular carcinoma through a novel pathway involving NF-κB and miR-221. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 287(17), 13952–13958. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.M111.323899

Sarkar, D., & Fisher, P. B. (2013). AEG-1/MTDH/Lyric: Clinical significance. Advances in Cancer Research, 120, 39–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-401676-7.00002-0

Srivastava, J., Siddiq, A., Emdad, L., Santhekadur, P. K., Chen, D., Gredler, R., … & Fisher, P. B. (2012). Astrocyte elevated gene-1 promotes hepatocarcinogenesis: Novel insights from a mouse model. Hepatology, 56(5), 1782–1791. https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.25841

Santhekadur, P. K., Akiel, M., Emdad, L., Gredler, R., Srivastava, J., … & Fisher, P. B. (2014). Staphylococcal nuclease domain containing-1 (SND1) promotes migration and invasion via angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and TGF-β signaling. FEBS Open Bio, 4, 353–361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fob.2014.03.001