Angelica Vega | Psychology | Research for community Impact Award

Posted on 30/09/202430/09/2024 by Book of Award

Ms. Angelica Vega | Psychology | Research for community Impact Award

Fordham University | United States

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Angelica Vega's academic journey began at Bronx Community College, where she earned an Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, focusing on Psychology, with a GPA of 3.4. She continued her education at Hunter College (CUNY), where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor in Arts Degree in Psychology, specializing in Clinical Psychology and Studio Art, maintaining an impressive GPA of 3.7. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology at Fordham University, boasting a strong GPA of 3.8. Angelica’s academic path reflects her commitment to understanding human development and psychological well-being.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Ms. Vega’s research experience spans several prestigious labs, including the Youth Development, Diversity, and Disparities (3D) Lab at Fordham University and the Thinking Dog Center at Hunter College. At Fordham, she played a pivotal role in managing an advisory board and establishing a mentorship program within a project funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Her work at Hunter College involved complex behavioral studies on dogs, contributing to larger Big Team science projects. These roles not only highlight her analytical and leadership skills but also demonstrate her passion for interdisciplinary research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Angelica’s research primarily revolves around identifying the risk and protective factors affecting college students, particularly emerging adults and nontraditional students. Her focus on resilience and well-being aims to inform practices that enhance student success, which aligns with her broader commitment to supporting underrepresented groups. Notably, her contributions to the 3E Study and her work with peer support programs at Bronx Community College exemplify her dedication to promoting mental health and student success on campus.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic career, Ms. Vega has received numerous awards, including the Gerry Turkewitz Award from Hunter College and recognition in Bronx Community College's “Transforming Lives One Student at a Time” ad campaign, featured in New York City bus advertisements. Her scholarly excellence is further validated by her placement on the Dean's List at Hunter College and the President’s List at Bronx Community College. Additionally, she has been a recipient of several prestigious scholarships, including the Gerald Turkewitz Memorial Scholarship and the UNCF Pierre and Tana Matisse Scholarship.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Ms. Vega has consistently demonstrated her leadership in various roles, from serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Fordham University to assisting the program director of the Applied Developmental Psychology Ph.D. program. Her ability to mentor, advise, and guide undergraduate students showcases her influence on shaping future psychologists. She has also organized career readiness events, reinforcing her dedication to professional development and student empowerment.

💫 Legacy and Future Contributions

As she progresses in her Ph.D. program and builds upon her extensive research experience, Ms. Vega is poised to make a lasting impact on developmental psychology, student well-being, and higher education practices. Her contributions to mental health research, student resilience, and educational programming will likely influence future generations of students and academics. Angelica's future looks promising, with numerous opportunities to expand her research and mentorship, furthering her legacy as a leader in psychology.

Publications

📄 "Building and Patching a Pipeline: Establishing Viable Pathways from 2-Year Institutions to Graduate School for Aspiring Mental Health Professionals"

Authors: Emalinda Leilani McSpadden, Esther Alyse Levy, Angelica Vega, Rhaida Maldonado

Journal: Trends in Higher Education

Year: 2024

Kyriaki Myrissa | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 29/08/202429/08/2024 by Book of Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Kyriaki Myrissa | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

St Mary's University | United Kingdom

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Kyriaki Myrissa embarked on her academic journey at the University of Leeds, where she completed her BSc (Hons) in Psychology in 2009. Her early research focused on dietary interventions and their impact on health, which led to her Master’s by Research (MRes) in 2011, studying the effects of increased fiber intake on body composition and appetite control. This foundational work paved the way for her PhD in Psychology, completed in 2016, where she explored the complex interplay of affect, cognition, behavior, and motivation in weight loss and maintenance.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Myrissa's professional career is marked by her dedication to academia and research. She has held various positions at the University of Leeds, including Research Assistant, Practical Research Demonstrator, and Lecturer. In 2017, she joined St Mary’s University in Twickenham, London, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor in Nutrition, Health & Exercise Sciences. Her role also includes being the Postgraduate Subject Lead and Course Lead for MSc Chronic Disease Management. Her responsibilities extend to teaching, supervision of PhD students, and overseeing postgraduate programs.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Myrissa’s research contributions are both diverse and impactful. Her work primarily focuses on mental health, obesity, neurodevelopmental disorders, and the role of nutrition and physical activity in managing chronic diseases. She has been involved in various research projects, including dietary interventions for children with ADHD, the relationship between age-friendliness and quality of life in older adults, and the motor signature of autism. Her research has been published in numerous journals, contributing valuable insights to the fields of psychology, nutrition, and public health.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Myrissa’s excellence in teaching and research has been recognized through her Fellowships with the Higher Education Academy, including achieving Senior Fellow status in 2023. Her successful research grants and involvement in significant studies, such as the effects of kefir on children with ADHD and the medical events associated with parkrun in the UK, underscore her influence in her field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Myrissa’s work has had a significant impact on the academic and health communities. Her research on weight management, mental health, and neurodevelopmental disorders has contributed to better understanding and management of these conditions. Her role as an educator has influenced a generation of students in the fields of psychology, nutrition, and public health, fostering future leaders and researchers.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As Dr. Myrissa continues her work at St Mary’s University, her legacy is one of dedication to advancing knowledge in health and nutrition sciences. Her ongoing research and commitment to teaching ensure that she will continue to contribute to her fields, inspiring both her peers and students. Her future endeavors promise to further explore the intersections of mental health, behavior, and nutrition, driving forward the understanding and management of chronic diseases.

Publications

📄 Article: Cross-sectional study examining the association between diet quality and the prevalence of anxiety and depression in UK undergraduate students
Author: Myrissa, K., Court, C., Kelaiditi, E.
Journal: Nutrition Bulletin
Year: 2024

📄 Article: Randomised controlled trial of the effects of kefir on behaviour, sleep and the microbiome in children with ADHD: a study protocol
Author: Lawrence, K., Fibert, P., Hobbs, J., Cotter, P.D., Gregory, A.M.
Journal: BMJ Open
Year: 2023

📄 Article: Orthorexia Nervosa: Examining the reliability and validity of two self-report measures and the predictors of orthorexic symptoms in elite and recreational athletes
Author: Myrissa, K., Jackson, L., Kelaiditi, E.
Journal: Performance Enhancement and Health
Year: 2023

📄 Article: Public beliefs and willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccines among adults in South-Western Nigeria: A cross-sectional study
Author: Olaoye, I., Ekong, A., Samuel, A., Jacdonmi, T., Gboyega, F.
Journal: AIMS Public Health
Year: 2023

📄 Article: Health Workers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Reporting Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) in Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Author: Olaoye, I., Fatiregun, A.A., Myrissa, K., Gboyega, F., Stephen, F.
Journal: Journal of Health Research
Year: 2023

GÖZDE TOMRİS | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 03/07/202406/07/2024 by Book of Award

Assoc Prof Dr. GÖZDE TOMRİS | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Eskisehir Osmangazi University | Turkey

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Gözde Tomris began her academic career at Hacettepe University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences. Her early academic interests focused on the intersection of health and education, particularly in the context of special education. She continued her studies at Anadolu University, obtaining both a Master’s and a Doctoral degree in Educational Sciences. Her theses were centered on early intervention programs and the prevention of problem behaviors in children, specifically those with Down syndrome.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Tomris's professional journey has been marked by her dedication to special education. She has served as a Research Assistant at Anadolu University and Eskisehir Osmangazi University, where she contributed to various research projects and initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for children with mental disabilities. In 2020, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor at Eskisehir Osmangazi University, where she continues to work in the Department of Education for the Mentally Disabled.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Tomris's research primarily focuses on the development and implementation of educational interventions for children with special needs. Her work includes the design and evaluation of programs that support children with Down syndrome and other mental disabilities. She has published several short communications in educational journals, discussing topics such as child development monitoring and self-care skills for individuals with Down syndrome. Additionally, she has served as an editor for various academic publications, contributing to the field's body of knowledge.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Tomris has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to special education. These include the Barrier-Free Informatics Education Award from the Türkiye Barrier-Free Informatics Platform in 2018 and multiple performance incentive certificates from Anadolu University. Her achievements reflect her commitment to excellence in both research and teaching.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Tomris has had a significant impact on the field of special education through her research, teaching, and editorial work. Her studies on early intervention programs and problem behavior prevention have informed best practices and contributed to the development of effective educational strategies for children with special needs. Her role as an educator has also allowed her to influence the next generation of special education professionals.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Tomris's ongoing work continues to shape the field of special education. Her commitment to research and her dedication to improving educational outcomes for children with mental disabilities ensure that her contributions will have a lasting impact. Future projects and research initiatives are expected to further advance understanding and practices in special education, building on her legacy of innovation and excellence.

Notable Publications

A chain of interlocking rings”: Preschool teachers’ experiences regarding home-school collaboration with a focus on children with special needs and their parents in inclusive education 2024

Views of Parents of Children With Down Syndrome on Early Intervention Services in Turkey: Problems, Expectations, and Suggestions 2022 (1)

Early Intervention Services for Young Children with Down Syndrome and Their Families: Recent Trends in the World and Turkey 2020 (1)

Effectiveness of Teaching Café Waitering to Adults with Intellectual Disability through Audio-Visual Technologies 2017 (18)

Fekede Sileshi | Social Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Posted on 30/01/202430/01/2024 by Book of Award

Mr. Fekede Sileshi | Social Sciences | Editorial Board Member

Jimma University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Fekede Sileshi Fufa embarked on his academic journey by obtaining a BA Degree in History and Heritage Management from Wollega University. Building on this foundation, he pursued an MA Degree in History and Heritage Management at Jimma University. Currently, Fekede is dedicated to advancing his scholarly pursuits as a PhD Candidate in History Education at Jimma University.

Professional Endeavors

From 2007 to 2015, Fekede contributed to the field of education by teaching History at various institutions, including Limmu Preparatory School. Transitioning to a lecturer role, he served at Adola Teachers College, Fitche Teachers College, and Sebeta Special Needs Teachers' College from 2015 to 2020. Since 2021, he has been actively engaged in his PhD studies, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence.

Contributions and Research Focus

Beyond teaching, Fekede has made noteworthy contributions to academia. While holding a lecturer position, he authored and published five articles in international journals, showcasing his dedication to research and knowledge dissemination. His research focus lies in the realm of History Education, reflecting a passion for enhancing the understanding and pedagogy of historical subjects.

Accolades and Recognition

Fekede's commitment to quality education is evident in his participation in various training programs, including the School Improvement Program Training, Continuous Professional Development, and Civic and Ethical Education training. His active involvement as a coordinator in the Developmental Team Training Program and the role of Practicum Coordinator at Sebeta College of Teachers Education underline his recognized leadership and organizational skills.

Impact and Influence

Fekede's impact extends beyond the classroom. He played a pivotal role as a supervisor in the 2007 National Census Program and contributed significantly to the Sidama regional election as a coordinator, showcasing his commitment to civic duties and community engagement.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Fekede's legacy is marked by his dedication to education, research, and community service. As a PhD Candidate, his future contributions are poised to further enrich the field of History Education. Through a blend of teaching, research, and community involvement, he aims to leave a lasting imprint on the academic landscape and the communities he serves.

Notable Publications

Examining the challenges of using student-centred teaching strategies in secondary schools: A qualitative approach 2023 (1)