Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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

Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award | 2537

Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Ehsan Esmaeeli | Sharif University of Technology | Iran

Ehsan Esmaeeli, a dedicated researcher in Maintenance and Reliability Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, exemplifies excellence in research, innovation, and professional expertise. His scholarly contributions span maintenance optimization, reliability modeling, and intelligent asset management systems, integrating AI and hybrid optimization techniques. With multiple publications in high-impact international journals such as IEEE Access and Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, his work has advanced the understanding of data-driven maintenance strategies and sustainable industrial operations. A Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP), Asset Management Assessor (CAMA), and Reliability Leader (CRL), Ehsan bridges academic research with industrial practice, fostering innovation that enhances system reliability and operational efficiency.

Profile: ScopusOrcid

Featured Publications

Esmaeeli, E., Collins, A. J., Varmazyar, M., & Khorshidnia, M. (2025). Agent-based modeling applications in maintenance systems: A systematic review. Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, 31(3), 325–349. https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-03-2024-0028

Vandi Dlama Kamaunji | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vandi Dlama Kamaunji | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vandi Dlama Kamaunji | Tyeeli New Energy Company Limited | Nigeria

Dr. Vandi Dlama Kamaunji is a geologist and geochemist with a strong background in mineral exploration, petrology, geochemistry, and geological mapping. His professional experience spans academic, industrial, and research roles, focusing on the geological evolution, petrogenesis, and mineralization of alkaline and peralkaline complexes in Nigeria and China. He has served as an Exploration/Resource Geologist at Wanrun Mining Company Limited, where he led geological field surveys, core logging, mineral resource estimations, and geophysical data interpretation to support mineral exploration and development projects. His work also included environmental impact assessments, data management, and regulatory compliance. Previously, as a Part-Time Lecturer at Adamawa State University, he delivered courses in ore deposits and geochemistry, supervised research projects, and contributed to curriculum development and academic mentorship. Earlier in his career, he held a leadership role as Head of Geology at L&T Hydrogeo-Engineering Company, where he conducted geophysical surveys, oversaw mineral exploration operations, and managed multidisciplinary geological teams. Dr. Kamaunji’s research contributions include multiple publications in high-impact international journals such as Lithos, International Geology Review, Geological Journal, and Journal of African Earth Sciences. His studies cover diverse topics such as tectonomagmatic processes, isotopic geochemistry, remote sensing applications, and mineral resource potential in Nigeria’s basement complexes and ring structures. His scientific expertise encompasses mineralogy, isotope and trace-element geochemistry, ore deposit modeling, and analytical techniques such as EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, ICP-MS, XRF, and SEM. He is actively engaged in international collaborations and professional organizations, including the International Association of Geochemistry, European Association of Geochemistry, Society of Economic Geologists, and the Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society. Dr. Kamaunji has received several academic and merit awards, including the Excellent Graduate Award (Ph.D.) and the Excellent Master’s Dissertation Award from the China University of Geosciences, as well as the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarships for both his Master’s and Doctoral studies.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Kamaunji, V. D., Wang, L. X., Ahmed, H. A., Zhu, Y. X., Vincent, V. I., & Girei, M. B. (2020). Coexisting A1 and A2 granites of Kudaru Complex: Implications for genetic and tectonic diversity of A-type granite in the Younger Granite Province, north-central Nigeria. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 109(2), 511–535. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-020-01818-8

Kamaunji, V. D., Wang, L. X., Ma, C. Q., Liu, J., & Zhu, Y. X. (2021). Petrogenesis and tectonic implication of the Permian–Triassic syenogranites from the eastern segment of the East Kunlun Orogen, China. Lithos, 402, 105932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2020.105932

Vincent, V. I., Wang, L. X., Zhu, Y. X., Kamaunji, V. D., Ahmed, H. A., Ntekim, E. E., & Cao, L. (2022). Onset of the anorogenic alkaline magmatism in the Nigerian Younger Granite Province: Constraints from the Daura and Dutse complexes. Lithos, 410, 106561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2021.106561

Vincent, V. I., Li, H., Girei, M. B., Förster, M. W., & Kamaunji, V. D. (2023). Tourmaline and zircon trace the nature and timing of magmatic-hydrothermal episodes in granite-related Sn mineralization: Insights from the Libata Sn ore field. American Mineralogist, 108(3), 552–571. https://doi.org/10.2138/am-2023-8334

Ahmed, H. A., Wang, L. X., Ma, C. Q., Abdallsamed, M. I. M., Girei, M. B., Zhu, Y. X., Vincent, V. I., & Kamaunji, V. D. (2021). Contrasting Neoproterozoic and Mesozoic granitoids in Zaranda Complex (Nigeria): Insights into the distinct origins, tectonic settings, and mineralization potential. International Journal of Earth Sciences, 110(4), 1389–1413. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-021-02021-z

 

Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award

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

Yan Tong Koh | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yan Tong Koh | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yan Tong Koh | Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National Healthcare Group | Singapore

Dr. Koh Yan Tong is an accomplished clinician-scientist whose research contributions have significantly advanced understanding in paediatric ophthalmology, adult strabismus, and ocular inflammation. Her published works span reputable international journals, addressing diverse topics such as retinal diseases, orbital trauma, and uveitis, with clinical implications for both adult and paediatric eye care. Her research has been cited in 11 scientific documents, reflecting her growing influence in ophthalmic literature, and she maintains an h-index of 1, demonstrating the emerging recognition of her early scholarly impact. In addition to her active research pursuits, Dr. Koh plays a pivotal role in clinical leadership, medical education, and translational ophthalmic studies, bridging clinical excellence with academic innovation across the National Healthcare Group and affiliated medical schools.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Koh, Y. T., Chee, S. P., Fong, K. C., Tan, C. S., & Lim, W. K. (2013). Characteristics and ophthalmic manifestations of the classic dengue fever epidemic in Singapore (2005–2006). Asia-Pacific Journal of Ophthalmology, 2(3), 175–179.

Urmila Shirke | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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.

Charles Andre Nieves | Research Excellence | Young Researcher Award

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.

Azim Paksa | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Azim Paksa | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Azim Paksa, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Dr. Azim Paksa holds a Ph.D. in Medical Entomology and Vector Control from Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with over 15 years of academic and field experience in vector biology, insecticide resistance, and mosquito ecology. He has led numerous research projects focused on disease vectors such as Anopheles, Aedes, and Blattella germanica, and has published extensively in peer-reviewed ISI and ISC journals. His work includes gene sequencing contributions to GenBank, active participation in national congresses, and involvement in public health initiatives across Iran. Dr. Paksa is a member of the Iranian Societies of Medical Entomology and Parasitology and is skilled in molecular biology techniques, data analysis (SPSS), and scientific publishing.

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. A. Paksa’s academic journey in the field of medical entomology began with a strong foundation at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, where he pursued and successfully completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Medical Entomology and Vector Control. His early academic years were marked by a deep interest in public health and vector-borne diseases, which naturally progressed into a lifelong dedication to research and fieldwork. His Master’s thesis focused on detecting resistance mechanisms to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in Blattella germanica (German cockroach) collected from Tehran hospitals. Later, during his Ph.D., he conducted an extensive study on the genetic diversity, Wolbachia infection, and ecological features of Aedes caspius and Aedes vexans, both of which are significant vectors for arboviruses in Iran. This early research demonstrated his capability in both laboratory and field settings, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to medical entomology and public health.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Paksa has served in multiple academic, research, and public health capacities, working closely with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, and Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, among others. As an executive director and principal collaborator, he has led and completed over a dozen major research projects addressing critical issues in entomology, such as insecticide resistance, vector identification, and ecological surveys of disease-carrying arthropods. In addition to field studies, Dr. Paksa has been an active member of organizing and scientific committees in several national conferences, including the Vector-Borne Diseases and Climate Change Congress and the Iranian National Congress on Medical Entomology, demonstrating his leadership in scientific community engagement.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Paksa’s contributions to medical entomology are vast and multifaceted. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed ISI and ISC publications, covering topics from mosquito larvicidal properties of essential oils to biochemical resistance mechanisms in disease vectors. His research often combines molecular biology, field ecology, and applied public health, making it both academically rigorous and practically applicable.  His work has been instrumental in identifying and combating insecticide resistance in Anopheles stephensi and Blattella germanica, two vectors of significant public health concern. He has also made critical gene sequence deposits in GenBank, contributing to the global scientific repository with data from Iranian vector species. Dr. Paksa’s dedication to natural product-based insect control is notable—his investigations into the larvicidal effects of Iranian indigenous plant essential oils have opened new avenues in eco-friendly vector control strategies.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Paksa has earned recognition for both the quality and breadth of his research. His presence in multiple national scientific conferences, both as a presenter and an organizing committee member, speaks to the high regard in which he is held by peers. He has served as a referee for the Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases and evaluated proposals and books for Zabol University of Medical Sciences, further reflecting his expertise and trustworthiness in scientific evaluation. Moreover, his active membership in the Iranian Society of Medical Entomology and Medical Parasitology for over a decade underscores his commitment to scientific collaboration and advancement within his specialty.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Paksa’s research has had a direct impact on vector control policies, hospital hygiene practices, and disease prevention strategies in Iran. His work on cockroach and mosquito resistance mechanisms has influenced how hospitals and municipalities approach pest control. Furthermore, his studies on head lice prevalence in schoolchildren and tick infestation in livestock have provided critical insights into zoonotic disease transmission and public health education. By combining field data with molecular insights, Dr. Paksa bridges the gap between lab-based science and real-world applications—making his work especially valuable to policy-makers, healthcare providers, and environmental health professionals.

🔬 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a solid foundation built on two decades of field experience, scientific research, and public health collaboration, Dr. Paksa is well-positioned to continue making influential contributions in the years ahead. His current projects focus on the molecular mechanisms of resistance in vector populations and the development of environmentally sustainable vector control strategies. In the future, Dr. Paksa aims to deepen international collaborations, contribute to global malaria and arboviral control efforts, and mentor the next generation of entomologists in Iran and beyond. His legacy will likely be remembered not only for his extensive publication record and field innovations but also for his dedication to improving public health through evidence-based research.

✍️Notable Publications

Contributors: Salehi-Vaziri, M.; Vatandoost, H.; Sanei-Dehkordi, A.; Fazlalipour, M.; Pouriayevali, M.H.; Jalali, T.; Mohammadi, T.; Tavakoli, M.; Paksa, A.; Abadi, Y.S.

Journal: Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Year:2020

Biodiversity of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) with emphasis on potential arbovirus vectors in East Azerbaijan province, northwestern Iran

ContributorsPaksa, A.; Sedaghat, M.M.; Vatandoost, H.; Yaghoobi-Ershadi, M.R.; Moosa-Kazemi, S.H.; Hazratian, T.; Sanei-Dehkordi, A.; Oshaghi, M.A.

Journal: Arthropod-Borne Diseases

Year: 2019
Contributors: Sanei-Dehkordi, A.; Soleimani-Ahmadi, M.; Abadi, Y.S.; Paksa, A.
Journal: Tropical Medicine
Year: 2019