Khadija Juma-Elflow | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Khadija Juma-Elflow | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Elmergib University | Libya

Mrs. Khadija Juma-Elflow is an accomplished educator and researcher in English Language Teaching (ELT), Applied Linguistics, and Teacher Education, currently pursuing a PhD in ELT at Eastern Mediterranean University, Cyprus. With extensive academic training including an MA in ELT from the University of Reading, a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics, a CELTA certification, and multiple professional teacher training credentials, she has built a strong foundation in language teaching, curriculum design, and pedagogical research. Since 2011, she has served as a lecturer at the University of El-Mergib, Libya, instructing both English language and non-English major students while mentoring pre-service teachers during their teaching practice and supervising research projects. Her professional development includes training primary and secondary school teachers, leading workshops, and participating in international conferences such as AAAL, NileTESOL, and FEST. She has also engaged in specialized online training in technology transfer, academic research tools, quality assurance, action research, and digital tools for language instruction. Proficient in Arabic, English, and basic Spanish, with strong computing skills and experience using web-based teaching tools, her work integrates innovative pedagogical approaches, technology-enhanced learning, and evidence-based research to enhance language acquisition. Her contributions have significantly advanced the professional preparation of teachers and the development of effective ELT practices in higher education and beyond.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Juma-Elflow, K., & Osam, U. V. (2025). Intersectional conflicts and strategic agency: Female English teachers in post-conflict Libya. International Journal of Educational Research, 125, 102756.

Juma-Elflow, K. (2025, March 22). Exploring female EFL language teachers' emotions in relation to power and agency. Paper presented at the American Association of Applied Linguistics (AAAL) Conference, Denver, CO, USA.

Juma-Elflow, K., & Tonkyn, A. (2025). The effects of different amounts of planning time on accuracy of producing certain grammatical items in an oral narrative task. In Conference Proceedings

Shaikah Al-Taneiji | Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shaikah Al-Taneiji | Education | Best Researcher Award

UAE University | United Arab Emirates

Author Profile

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Orcid

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Shaikah Al-Taneiji’s academic journey is deeply rooted in her passion for educational leadership and innovation. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Innovation from the University of Colorado at Denver, following an M.Sc. in Educational Administration from Oklahoma State University. Her academic foundation was laid at the United Arab Emirates University, where she completed her B.A. in Public Administration. These milestones shaped her philosophy of nurturing leadership and lifelong learning in diverse educational landscapes.

💼 Professional Endeavors

With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Al-Taneiji has held pivotal academic and administrative roles. She served as Director of both the Academic Personnel Office and the National Faculty Recruitment and Development Office. Her leadership extended to chairing the Department of Foundations of Education across multiple terms, and earlier, serving as Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. From 2019 to 2023, she brought her expertise into the political sphere as a member of the Federal National Council of the UAE, contributing to national education policy discourse.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Al-Taneiji’s scholarship is anchored in leadership development, teacher well-being, learning communities, and expatriate teacher experiences. Her research delves into the nuances of teacher satisfaction, ethical leadership, and educational leadership practices in the UAE. Noteworthy publications include studies on expatriate educators, transcendental leadership, and roadblocks to teacher leadership. She has presented at major international conferences in Tokyo and Barcelona, sharing insights into the evolving dynamics of education in the UAE.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Her work has garnered both regional and international acclaim. Dr. Al-Taneiji was honored by the Arab Women Forum in 2020 for her innovative contributions to educational leadership. In 2023, she was recognized as an Emirati Women Achiever by startAD and Tamkeen, a testament to her influence in shaping education policy and practice.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Al-Taneiji’s influence transcends academia through extensive community and professional service. She has actively contributed to national awards such as the Khalifa Award for Education and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences. As a trainer in the Leadership Upskilling Project, she has helped prepare school leaders for licensure. Her role as a manuscript reviewer and peer reviewer for esteemed journals and conferences highlights her standing in the academic community.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Shaikah Al-Taneiji is poised to continue shaping educational leadership in the UAE and beyond. Through her teaching at UAE University and Abu Dhabi University, she equips future educators and administrators with critical thinking and cultural understanding. Her ongoing research and advisory roles ensure that her legacy as a scholar, mentor, and policymaker will remain impactful for generations to come.

Publications

📄 Schools across borders: Expatriate teachers in the United Arab Emirates: Navigating personal, school, and external factors

Author:
Shaikah Al-Taneiji

Journal:
International Journal of Educational Research

Year:
2025

📄 Transcendental Leadership Among Academic Department Heads and Its Relationship with Faculty Members' Self-Management Level

Authors:
Bataineh, O., Al-Zoubi, Z., Bany Issa, H., Al-Alwan, A., Qablan, A., Alkaabi, A., Al-Taneiji, S., & Alhosani, M.

Journal:
Educational Process: International Journal

Year:
2025

📄 Teacher satisfaction in Abu Dhabi public schools: What the numbers did not say

Authors:
Ibrahim, A., & Al-Taneiji, S.

Journal:
Issues in Educational Research

Year:
2019

📄 Practices of and roadblocks to teacher leadership in the United Arab Emirates’ schools

Authors:
Al-Taneiji, S., & Ibrahim, A.

Journal:
International Education Studies

Year:
2017

João Pedro Da Ponte | Social Sciences | Lifetime Achievement Award

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Prof. Dr. João Pedro Da Ponte | Social Sciences | Lifetime Achievement Award

Institute of Education of the University of Lisbon | Portugal

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Prof. João Pedro da Ponte embarked on his academic journey with a Licenciatura in Mathematics from the University of Lisbon in 1979. He later earned a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Georgia, USA, in 1984, graduating with a perfect GPA of 4.0. His academic career was further solidified with the title of Professor Agregado in Education in 1995 at the University of Lisbon.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Prof. da Ponte has had a long and distinguished teaching career. Starting as a high school math teacher in 1975, he moved into academia, serving in various roles at the University of Lisbon:

  •  ➤ Full Professor (2002–2023) at the Faculty of Sciences and later at the Institute of Education.

  •  ➤ Emeritus Professor (2023–Present) at the Institute of Education, University of Lisbon.

He was also a visiting professor at several prestigious universities, including UNICAMP, UFMG, UFPR (Brazil), the University of Granada and Badajoz (Spain), and the University of Georgia (USA).

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. da Ponte’s academic focus revolves around mathematics education, teacher training, and lesson study methodologies. His research has deeply explored:

  •  ➤ Mathematical reasoning

  •  ➤ Didactics of mathematics

  •  ➤ Teacher professional development

  •  ➤ Collaborative learning and lesson study

He has coordinated and participated in over a dozen national and international research projects, including ERASMUS+ LIFT, REASON, and EDUCATE, contributing substantially to European education reform and innovation in teaching practices.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Prof. da Ponte's outstanding work has been widely recognized:

  •  ➤ Scientific Award from the University of Lisbon in Education Sciences (2019)

  •  ➤ Fulbright Fellowship (1991) for postdoctoral research

  •  ➤ JNICT Fellowship (1982–84) for his doctoral studies in the United States

His influence extends into editorial roles for journals such as:

  •  ➤ Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education

  •  ➤ Quadrante

  •  ➤ Zetetiké

  •  ➤ BOLEMA

He is also a prolific author with dozens of peer-reviewed publications and book chapters to his name.

🌍 Impact and Influence

His leadership shaped the academic direction of the University of Lisbon’s Institute of Education, where he served as Director, President of the Scientific Council, and coordinator of research and master’s programs. Internationally, he played a vital role in shaping mathematics education policies and teacher training standards across Europe and Latin America. Prof. da Ponte has mentored countless educators and researchers, establishing a legacy of scholarly excellence and collaborative learning culture.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. João Pedro da Ponte’s lifelong dedication continues through his emeritus position and ongoing involvement in EU-funded education projects. His innovative work on lesson study, teacher reflection, and mathematics didactics continues to inspire a new generation of educators and researchers. With his contributions bridging research and classroom practice, he remains a guiding light in transforming education for the 21st century.

Publications

📝  Introducing Exploratory Teaching in Preservice Teacher Education Through Lesson Study

Authors: Nicole Duarte, João Pedro da Ponte, Filipa Faria
Journal: Education Sciences
Year: 2025

📝  Building Didactic Knowledge from Reflection in Lesson Studies

Authors: Gorete Fonseca, João Pedro da Ponte
Journal: International Journal for Lesson & Learning Studies
Year: 2025

📝  From Teacher Surplus to Teacher Shortage and Its Effects on Teacher Education: The Portuguese Case

Authors: Maria Assunção Flores, Hélia Oliveira, João Pedro da Ponte
Journal: European Journal of Teacher Education
Year: 2025

📝  “É só aplicar a fórmula: Δ = b² - 4ac”

Authors: Klinger Teodoro Ciríaco, Maria Raquel Miotto Morelatti, João Pedro da Ponte
Journal: Revista e-Curriculum
Year: 2024

📝  Uso da Linguagem Algébrica com Compreensão: Uma Experiência de Ensino Baseada no Raciocínio Matemático

Authors: Kelly Aguiar, João Pedro da Ponte, Marisa Quaresma
Journal: Educación Matemática
Year: 2024

Xiaohua Jiang | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Xiaohua Jiang  | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Shanghai International Studies University | China

Author Profille

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xiaohua Jiang's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in English from Nan Chang University in 2010, where she explored comparative classroom teaching modes in Chinese and U.S. universities. She then pursued a Master's degree in Higher Education at East China Normal University, focusing on faculty morale under promotion review in China and the U.S. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2019. Her dissertation examined the transformation of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne from the German to the American model between 2000 and 2016.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Jiang began her professional career at Shanghai International Studies University as an Assistant Professor in October 2019. In January 2023, she was promoted to Associate Professor, continuing her academic contributions to the institution. Additionally, she gained international experience as a visiting scholar at Seton Hall University, USA, and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland, enriching her research perspective.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Jiang's research interests lie in comparative education, university transformation, and academic evaluation. She has authored numerous journal articles, books, and translations that have significantly contributed to understanding higher education systems. Her work has been published in prominent journals such as Research Evaluation, Studies in Higher Education, and Learned Publishing. Her research highlights the impact of academic socialization, editorial bias, and the challenges faced by Chinese scholars in the global academic arena.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Jiang has received several awards and honors, including the 2022 Teaching Innovation Award and multiple prizes for outstanding teaching at Shanghai International Studies University. Her contributions have been recognized through her leadership roles, such as serving as the Director of the Office of the International Collaborations Committee for the Chinese Society for Technical and Vocational Education.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Jiang's work has had a profound impact on the field of higher education, particularly in understanding the dynamics of university transformation and the challenges faced by academics in a global context. Her research on academic evaluation and the influence of internationalization strategies has provided valuable insights into the development of world-class universities. Her contributions have also extended to public discourse through newspaper articles and conference speeches, influencing both academic and public understanding of higher education challenges.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Jiang's legacy lies in her pioneering research on higher education transformation and her dedication to improving academic practices. As she continues her academic career, her future contributions are expected to further shape the field of higher education, particularly in areas related to academic evaluation and international collaboration. Her ongoing research and professional service ensure her continued influence in the academic community.

 

Publications

  • Navigating challenges in social science research: the impact of halo effect and inadequate academic socialization on Chinese young researchers
    Author: Xiaohua Jiang
    Journal: Studies in Higher Education
    Year: 2024
  •  Enhancing journal reputation and academic socialization: Review feedback matters beyond its gatekeeping function
    Authors: Xiaohua Jiang, Di Wang
    Journal: Learned Publishing
    Year: 2023
  •   Aspiration for cosmopolitan capital and ambiguous loss: Chinese exchange students’ experiences in U.S. higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic
    Authors: Benjamin Nam, Xiaohua Jiang
    Journal: Asia Pacific Journal of Education
    Year: 2023
  • “Why universities need to actively combat Sinophobia”: racially-traumatic experiences of Chinese international students in the United States during COVID-19
    Authors: Benjamin H. Nam, Rachael C. Marshall, Xiaoyong Tian, Xiaohua Jiang
    Journal: British Journal of Guidance & Counselling
    Year: 2023
  • How to Cope With Emergency Remote Teaching for University Academics: The Case of a High-Profile Language University in China
    Authors: Xiaohua Jiang, Benjamin H. Nam, Xiaoyong Tian, Hui Jin
    Journal: SAGE Open
    Year: 2023

 

Casey Mainsbridge | Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Casey Mainsbridge | Education | Best Researcher Award

University of New England | Australia

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Casey Mainsbridge embarked on his academic journey at the University of Tasmania, where he earned a Bachelor of Human Movement Studies in 1999. His passion for education led him to pursue a Bachelor of Education (In-Service with Honours), which he completed in 2005. Demonstrating a commitment to advancing his expertise, Dr. Mainsbridge achieved his PhD in December 2016, focusing on the effects of workplace interventions on the health of desk-based employees. This strong foundation in both human movement and education has been pivotal in shaping his multifaceted career.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Mainsbridge's professional career is marked by his extensive roles in academia and sports coaching. Since 2022, he has been serving as a Senior Lecturer in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education at the University of New England. Prior to this, he dedicated over 17 years to the University of Tasmania, where he played a key role in delivering and coordinating various education programs. Beyond academia, Dr. Mainsbridge has made significant contributions to the sports community as a Fitness and Strength Conditioning Trainer for the Launceston Football Club and as an Accredited Triathlon Australia Coach. His leadership extended to managing the Ross Marathons and serving as President of Triathlon Tasmania, showcasing his ability to blend education with practical sports management.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Mainsbridge has a prolific research portfolio, with numerous publications spanning topics from workplace health interventions to health literacy in education. His work explores the intersection of physical activity, health education, and behavioral science, aiming to improve both individual health outcomes and educational practices. He has successfully secured over $735,000 in grants, supporting projects that range from promoting health literacy in primary schools to developing e-health solutions. Additionally, Dr. Mainsbridge actively supervises PhD candidates, guiding research on topics such as wearable devices in adolescent athletes and the impact of online practicals in education.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Mainsbridge’s dedication and excellence have been recognized through numerous awards. He received the Faculty of Education Research Merit Certificate for Outstanding Contribution to Research multiple times between 2014 and 2016. In 2016, he was honored with the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) Certificate of Excellence in Educational Leadership and the Tasmanian University Union Societies Council Staff Award for exceptional service. His consistent recognition for teaching excellence includes multiple Teaching Merit Certificates from the University of Tasmania, reflecting his unwavering commitment to education and student success.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Mainsbridge has significantly impacted both the academic and athletic communities. As the Director of Student Engagement at the University of New England, he has spearheaded initiatives to enhance student participation and retention, ensuring a supportive and engaging learning environment. His involvement in various committees, such as the Tasmanian Active Living Coalition and Sport Integrity Australia, underscores his influence in shaping health and physical education policies. Through his extensive teaching, he has mentored countless students, fostering their academic and professional growth while promoting health and physical activity as integral components of education.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Mainsbridge is poised to continue his influential work in both education and health promotion. His ongoing research projects, supported by substantial grants, aim to further explore the benefits of physical activity interventions and health literacy programs. As he takes on new roles such as the Impact and Engagement Coordinator, he will continue to develop strategies that enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes. Dr. Mainsbridge’s legacy is one of dedication to improving public health through education, inspiring future educators and health professionals to adopt innovative practices that promote well-being and active lifestyles.

 

Publications

  • 📝 Article: "Is there education in physical education? A narrative systematic review of research in physical education and learning"
    Authors: Mainsbridge, C.P., Iannucci, C., Pill, S., Williams, J.
    Journal: Sport in Society
    Year: 2024
  • 📝 Article: "Becoming and being a masters athlete: Class, gender, place and the embodied formation of (anti)-ageing moral identities"
    Authors: Hookway, N., Palmer, C., Dwyer, Z., Mainsbridge, C.
    Journal: International Review for the Sociology of Sport
    Year: 2024
  • 📝 Article: "Primary school Physical Education (PE) specialist teachers’ experiences of teaching Health Education and Physical Education"
    Authors: Cruickshank, V., Pill, S., Williams, J., Mainsbridge, C., Nash, R.
    Journal: Curriculum Perspectives
    Year: 2024
  • 📝 Article: "Supporting engagement and retention of online and blended-learning students: A qualitative study from an Australian University"
    Authors: Fan, S., Trimble, A., Kember, D., Masters, J., Mainsbridge, C.
    Journal: Australian Educational Researcher
    Year: 2024
  • 📝 Article: "Breaking the Habit? Identifying Discrete Dimensions of Sitting Automaticity and Their Responsiveness to a Sitting-Reduction Intervention"
    Authors: Gardner, B., Mainsbridge, C.P., Rebar, A.L., O’Brien, J., Pedersen, S.J.
    Journal: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
    Year: 2024
  • 📝 Article: "Influence of short bouts of stair climbing on young adults during prolonged sitting on posture, discomfort, and musculoskeletal performance outcomes: a counterbalanced pilot randomised crossover trial"
    Authors: Raj, A.K., Pedersen, S.J., Mainsbridge, C., Roy, S., Chandrasekaran, B.
    Journal: Ergonomics
    Year: 2024