Tang Qingjun | Scientific Breakthroughs | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Qingjun | Scientific Breakthroughs | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tang Qingjun | Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China

This research portfolio centers on advancing space thermal control and cryogenic refrigeration technologies, with significant emphasis on precision temperature management, lightweight system design, and enhanced performance for scientific payloads in orbit. The work covers key technological domains such as flexible heat transfer, thermal matching for low-temperature devices, insulation support structures, contamination control, and integrated thermal–mechanical engineering for spacecraft. A major focus of the research involves developing high-precision low-temperature control systems for space missions, enabling stable operation of sensitive optical payloads in complex orbital environments. Through comprehensive mastery of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetics, and automated temperature regulation, several critical engineering challenges were overcome. These include improving temperature stability, reducing micro-vibration output, and optimizing thermal interfaces for high-performance detection instruments. The resulting technologies enhanced the scientific capabilities of spaceborne payloads and earned recognition from international experts in spacecraft engineering. Another central contribution lies in the development of lightweight pulse tube cryocoolers for space applications. Under major scientific and engineering programs, extensive basic and applied studies were conducted to design and optimize compact refrigeration systems. A series of prototypes was successfully built, achieving significant reductions in mass while preserving cooling capacity, operational lifespan, and structural robustness. These innovations contribute to next-generation spacecraft refrigeration solutions, supporting advanced astronomical observations and deep-space scientific missions. The research integrates theoretical modeling, high-frequency performance analysis, experimental verification, and system-level optimization. Publications include studies on coaxial and single-stage pulse tube cryocoolers, micro-scale units capable of reaching extremely low temperatures, inertance tube phase-shifting characteristics, multi-cold-finger systems, and thermo-mechanical behavior of cryogenic components. The work has appeared in leading scientific journals and international conferences covering thermal engineering, cryogenics, refrigeration science, and astronomical instrumentation. Collectively, these contributions advance cutting-edge cryogenic and thermal control technologies essential to modern space science, supporting higher-accuracy payloads, more efficient cooling solutions, and improved performance of future spacecraft systems.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Liu, C., Tian, B., Ma, J., Niu, Y., Tang, Q., Ma, Y., & Cai, J. (2025). Experimental investigation of a single-stage micro pulse tube cryocooler operating at 59 Hz with liquid nitrogen precooling: Achieving 14.8 K under 5 W input power. International Journal of Refrigeration.

Tian, B., Liu, C., Ma, J., Niu, Y., Tang, Q., Ma, Y., & Cai, J. (2025). Investigation on a micro pulse tube cryocooler operating at 152 Hz. Cryogenics.

Sharon Youmans | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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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

Maria Pinelli | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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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

Kristine Hallisy | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristine Hallisy | Innovation Impact | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kristine Hallisy | University of WI-Madison | United States

Dr. Kristine Marie (Kristi) Hallisy, PT, DSc, is an Associate Professor (CHS) in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. She plays a pivotal role in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, where she integrates clinical expertise with innovative teaching practices. Dr. Hallisy’s professional focus lies in advancing physical therapy education, promoting evidence-based practice, and fostering interprofessional collaboration. Her research interests include clinical education models, patient-centered care, and strategies for enhancing student learning and professional identity formation. With years of academic and clinical experience, she has contributed to shaping future healthcare professionals through mentorship and curriculum development. She is actively involved in institutional service and community outreach initiatives that strengthen health education and practice. Dr. Hallisy has presented her work at national and international conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals related to physical therapy and health sciences education. She emphasizes compassionate, ethical, and holistic approaches to healthcare delivery. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to improving health outcomes and educational quality. Known for her collaborative spirit, she bridges the gap between research and clinical practice. Dr. Hallisy continues to inspire excellence among students, educators, and practitioners alike.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Salihu, E. Y., Hallisy, K., Baidoo, S., Malta, J. S., Ferrill, C., Melgoza, F., Sandretto, R., Culotti, P. C., & Chewning, B. (2025). Feasibility and acceptability of a “Train the Leader” model for disseminating Tai Chi Prime with fidelity in African American/Black and Latinx communities: A pilot mixed-methods implementation study. Healthcare, 13(20), 2622. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13202622

Ludovica Di Renzo | Research Excellence | Women Researcher Award

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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

Enrico Petretto | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Enrico Petretto | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Enrico Petretto | University Of Cagliari | Italy

Profiles:  Scopus |  Orcid

Featured Publications

Prof. Enrico Peiretti is an internationally recognized expert in Medical Retina and Vitreous-Retina surgery, with experience in clinical practice, teaching, and research. He has contributed significantly to the advancement of ophthalmology through his extensive scientific work, including more than 107 publications, which have been cited 1,698 times across 1,522 documents, reflecting a strong impact in the field (h-index 23). Prof. Peiretti’s expertise spans complex retinal surgeries, clinical trials, and innovative surgical techniques such as the pioneering “Dry Vitrectomy.” He has received numerous awards, including recognition for the best surgical video in vitreo-retina surgery (“Densiron bubbles under the retina in a recurrent retinal detachment,” GIVRE Society, Genova), and has been a principal investigator or co-investigator in multiple high-profile international studies sponsored by leading pharmaceutical companies. His work combines clinical excellence, academic mentorship, and impactful research, making him a leading authority in ophthalmology worldwide.

Profiles:  Scopus  | Orcid

Featured Publications

Tatti, F., Demarinis, G., Dore, S., Sacchi, M., Fossarello, M., Peiretti, E., & Giannaccare, G. (2025). Intrableb pigmentation following XEN implantation: A case series. European Journal of Ophthalmology. https://doi.org/10.1177/11206721241310267

Carta, V., Lixi, F., Loiudice, P., Frongia, F., Tatti, F., Delpiano, C., Cremonesi, P., & Peiretti, E. (2024). The usefulness of 55° wide-field spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in monitoring the features of peripheral subretinal fluid remnants after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery. Diagnostics, 14(13), 1385. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14131385

Tatti, F., Tronci, C., Lixi, F., Demarinis, G., Kuzmich, S., Peiretti, E., Fossarello, M., & Giannaccare, G. (2024). No changes in keratometry readings and anterior chamber depth after XEN gel implantation in patients with glaucoma. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(9), 2537. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13092537

Loiudice, P., Siotto Pintor, E., Tronci, C., Tatti, F., Casini, G., Figus, M., Demarinis, G., & Peiretti, E. (2023). Safety and efficacy of cryopexy during pars plana vitrectomy in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. European Journal of Ophthalmology. https://doi.org/10.1177/11206721231166976

Demarinis, G., Tatti, F., Taloni, A., Giugliano, A. V., Panthagani, J., Myerscough, J., Peiretti, E., & Giannaccare, G. (2023). Treatments for ocular diseases in pregnancy and breastfeeding: A narrative review. Pharmaceuticals, 16(10), 1433. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16101433

Sayak Chatterjee | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sayak Chatterjee | Research Excellence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sayak Chatterjee | University of Massachusetts | United States

Dr. Sayak Chatterjee is a distinguished Postdoctoral Research Scholar in the Department of Physics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA, specializing in experimental high-energy nuclear and particle physics. His research focuses on precision measurements, detector development, and high-rate data acquisition systems for frontier experiments such as MOLLER at Jefferson Lab and CBM at FAIR, Germany. With advanced expertise in Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM), Cherenkov detectors, and GEANT4-based simulations, he has contributed significantly to detector innovation and performance optimization. Dr. Chatterjee has an impressive academic record, authoring 44 research documents with 179 citations and an h-index of 7, reflecting the impact of his contributions to detector physics. His scholarly excellence has been recognized through multiple international honors, including the Ernest Rutherford Best Researcher Award and the Young Research Grant at the Pisa Meeting on Advanced Detectors, Italy. Beyond research, he serves on editorial boards, reviews for leading journals, and actively mentors students, embodying excellence in both scientific innovation and academic leadership.

Profiles:  ORCID | Scopus | Google Scholar | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Chatterjee, S. (2025). Characterization of Cherenkov detectors for the MOLLER experiment. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment.

Mandal, S., Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Gope, S., Dhani, S., Hegde, A. C., … (2024). Investigation of the stability in the performance of triple GEM detectors for High Energy Physics experiments. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Charging-up effect and uniformity study of a single mask triple GEM detector. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Chatterjee, S., Sen, A., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Effect of relative humidity on the long-term operation of a single mask triple GEM chamber. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Sen, A., Chatterjee, S., Das, S., & Biswas, S. (2023). Characterization of a new RPC prototype using conventional gas mixture. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A.

Mansour Amini | Research Excellence | Innovative Research Award

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Dr. Mansour Amini | University Sains Malaysia | Innovative Research Award 

Dr. Mansour Amini | University Sains | Malaysia

Dr. Mansour Amini is a distinguished academic, researcher, and translator whose expertise spans translation studies, applied linguistics, and English language teaching. He serves as a senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia, where he contributes actively to teaching, research, and postgraduate supervision. His professional journey includes leadership roles in higher education, where he has coordinated courses, guided research teams, and contributed to programme development and innovation. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Persian, Azerbaijani, and Turkish, with working knowledge of others, he brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to his scholarship. Dr. Amini’s research covers translation quality assessment, interpreting, language pedagogy, feedback practices, and the integration of artificial intelligence in translation studies. He has published widely in reputable international journals, with his body of work comprising more than forty scholarly documents that have collectively earned over 216 citations across more 152  academic sources, reflected in a citation index of 7. Beyond research, he has been recognized with awards for teaching excellence, academic leadership, and impactful scholarly contributions. His professional engagements also extend to international collaborations, visiting professorships, and fellowships, reflecting his global academic footprint. Dedicated to fostering academic growth, he continues to inspire students and colleagues through innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a passion for multilingual education.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Amini, M. (2025). Book review: AI revolution: Profitable opportunities in the age of artificial intelligence. Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences.

Amini, M., & Zahabi, A. (2025). Communicating across borders: Unveiling the pragmatic foundations in applied linguistics. International Review of Pragmatics.

Amini, M., Lee, K.-F., & Yiqiu, W., & Ravindran, L. (2025). Proposing a framework for ethical use of AI in academic writing based on a conceptual review: Implications for quality education. Interactive Learning Environments.

Amini, M., Wang, Q., Amini, D., Ravindran, L., Tan Ai Lin, D., Ganapathy, M., Singh, M. K. M., Bartsch, D. U. G., Cheng, L., & Ferreyra, H. A., et al. (2025). The significance of humanistic approach and moral development in English language classrooms. Discover Education.

Alavi, S., Amini, M., & Zahabi, A. (2025). Postgraduate TEFL students’ perceptions towards thesis supervision quality in Thailand: The role of expectations and negotiation in supervision quality. Reflections.

Yeoh, S. W., Amini, M., Lee, K.-F., & Oumeng, H. (2025). Analysing individual racism portrayal in Hanna Alkaf’s novel The weight of our sky. Cogent Arts & Humanities, 12(1).

Wu, S., Amini, M., & Mahfoodh, O. H. A. (2025). Unveiling certainty and doubt: A systemic functional exploration of epistemic modality in courtroom discourse. International Journal for the Semiotics of Law – Revue internationale de Sémiotique juridique.

Amini, M. (2025). Navigating health information in the age of artificial intelligence. Multimedia and Sensory Input for Augmented, Mixed, and Virtual Reality.

Amini, M. (2025). Cutting-edge approaches in translator education and pedagogy. Cutting-Edge Approaches in Translator Education and Pedagogy.

Zahra Amini | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Zahra Amini | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Zahra Amini | Sharif University of Technology | Iran

Dr. Zahra Amini is an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, specializing in intelligent transportation systems, sustainable mobility, and operations research for urban traffic management. She earned her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and has led impactful projects in Iran and the U.S., ranging from corridor management to urban traffic resilience. With several high-impact publications, awards, and ongoing research on data-driven and machine learning approaches to transportation systems, she is recognized for advancing reliable, sustainable, and intelligent urban mobility solutions.

Academic Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Zahra Amini completed her higher education in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, where she advanced her expertise in transportation systems and sustainable infrastructure. Alongside her major studies, she pursued minors in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, and City and Regional Planning, which provided her with a strong interdisciplinary foundation. Her doctoral thesis focused on data-driven approaches for developing robust signal plans in urban transportation networks, reflecting her commitment to integrating advanced analytical methods with practical engineering challenges. This academic background equipped her with the technical knowledge and research skills that now define her scholarly and professional contributions.

Professional Experience

Dr. Amini serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at Sharif University of Technology, where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses. Her teaching portfolio includes systems engineering, traffic engineering, and advanced transportation analysis, complemented by the design of a specialized course in Intelligent Transportation Systems. In addition to her academic role, she manages several research and development projects aimed at improving urban transportation and logistics planning. She has also gained international experience through her work at California Partners for Advanced Transportation Technology, contributing to projects focused on corridor management and traffic system optimization.

Research Interests

Dr. Amini’s research is centered on intelligent transportation systems, sustainable mobility solutions, and operations research applications in transportation system design. She focuses on integrating data-driven and machine learning methods to analyze and improve urban traffic flow, evaluate network resilience, and design reliable transport strategies. Her work also explores the operational sustainability of urban traffic networks and the role of intelligent systems in shaping resilient cities. By bridging theoretical models with applied research, she contributes innovative solutions to the pressing challenges of modern transportation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Amini has received recognition for her teaching and research contributions through multiple awards. She has been honored for designing innovative courses in Intelligent Transportation Systems and has secured research grants supporting the development of advanced mobility solutions. Her scholarly excellence has been acknowledged with distinctions such as best paper and best presentation awards at international conferences. Additionally, she has been awarded prestigious fellowships that supported her academic journey and research endeavors, reflecting her status as a promising leader in the field of transportation engineering.

Publications

Agent-Based Modeling for Sustainable Urban Passenger Vehicle Mobility: A Case of Tehran
Author: M.E. Doraki, A. Avami, M. Boroushaki, Z. Amini
Journal: Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
Year: 2024

Optimizing offsets in signalized traffic networks: A case study
Author: Z. Amini, S. Coogan, C. Flores, A. Skabardonis, P. Varaiya
Journal: IEEE Conference on Control Technology and Applications (CCTA)
Year: 2018

The Impact of Network Indices Integration on Traffic Flow Imputation Accuracy: A Machine Learning Approach
Author:  S. Sabzekar, A. Roudbari, A. Dehghani, A. Safaeiestalkhzir, Z. Amini
Journal: IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems
Year: 2025

Using neural network for predicting hourly origin-destination matrices from trip data and environmental information
Author: E. Hassanzadeh, Z. Amini
Journal: Scientia Iranica
Year: 2024

Unsupervised learning for topological classification of transportation networks
Author: S. Sabzekar, M.R.V. Malakshah, Z. Amini
Journal: arXiv preprint –
Year: 2023

Data-Driven Approaches for Robust Signal Plans in Urban Transportation Networks
Author: Z. Amini
Journal:  University of California, Berkeley (Thesis)
Year: 2018

Spatial network-wide traffic flow imputation with graph neural network
Author: S. Sabzekar, R. Bahmani, M. Ghasemi, Z. Amini
Journal:  International Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems Research
Year: 2025

Analyzing the impacts of gasoline price change on nationwide trip demand and drivers’ behavior using regression discontinuity design
Author: S. Saeidi, Z. Amini
Journal: Scientia Iranica
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Dr. Zahra Amini’s distinguished academic background, impactful research in intelligent and sustainable transportation systems, and recognized leadership in advancing innovative solutions firmly establish her as an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to bridging research, education, and real-world applications makes her not only deserving of this recognition but also a valuable contributor to the global scientific community.