Kyriaki Myrissa | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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

St Mary's University | United Kingdom

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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 đź’Ľ

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 đź”®

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

đź“„ 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

đź“„ 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

đź“„ 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

đź“„ 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

 

Fung Kuen Koo | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fung Kuen Koo | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Western Sydney University | Australia

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đź“š Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Fung Kuen Koo’s academic journey is marked by distinguished qualifications in health and education. She earned her Ph.D. in 2005 from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Education & Social Work, presenting a thesis on the health beliefs and behaviors of older Hong Kong Chinese people in Australia. Prior to this, she completed a Master of Education in Health Education at the same institution in 1999, investigating barriers to health promotion participation among older Chinese-speaking individuals in New South Wales. She also holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Wollongong (1997), a Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing from the University of Western Sydney (1995), and a Diploma of General Nursing from Caritas Medical Centre in Hong Kong (1993).

đź’Ľ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Koo’s professional career is extensive and impactful. She is currently a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus since July 2022. Before this, she held various significant positions, including Senior Lecturer/Lead for Pre-Registration Master in Nursing at Charles Darwin University, and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. Her earlier roles include Lecturer at the University of Sydney, Clinical Instructor at the University of Hong Kong, and Registered Nurse at multiple prestigious institutions including Royal North Shore Hospital and Mater Hospital in Sydney.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Koo’s research contributions are vast and varied. Her work spans several critical areas, including preventive health, health education, and the integration of cultural perspectives into healthcare. Notable projects include the development of community cancer screening programs for Chinese-Australian women and studies on the willingness of young adults to provide dementia care. Her research on cultural influences and vitamin D status among South East Asian women highlights her commitment to addressing health disparities through culturally informed interventions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Koo’s excellence in research and education has been recognized through various grants and awards. She has received funding from esteemed organizations like the Australian Association of Gerontology, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and the Cancer Institute NSW. Her projects have been pivotal in advancing community health initiatives and educational programs, earning her a reputable position in the field of health education.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Dr. Koo’s impact on the field of nursing and health education is profound. Her work has influenced health promotion practices, particularly among Chinese-speaking communities in Australia. Through her innovative research and dedicated teaching, she has shaped the perspectives of countless students and healthcare professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of culturally competent care.

🏅 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Koo’s legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and cultural sensitivity in healthcare. She continues to inspire future generations of nurses and educators with her pioneering research and commitment to community health. Her ongoing projects and future endeavors promise to further enhance the integration of cultural perspectives into health education and practice, ensuring her lasting influence on the field.

 

Publications 🖋️ 

đź“ťEvaluating pre-and post-oral health literacy of undergraduate nursing students on an oral-systemic health learning intervention
Authors: Fung Kuen Koo BHS(Nsg), MPH, MEd, PhD, Rebecca Chen BOH, MIntPH, Judith Fethney BA (Hons), BTeach, Jay Balante BSN, MAN (Adult Health Nsg), GradCertClinEd, MACN, Grace Wong RDT, BHM, BTrngDev, MHlthProm, GradCert, HPEd, PhD
Journal: Journal of Dental Education
Year: 2024

đź“ťNursing students' experiences of using flipcharts as a learning tool during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Balante, J., Candelaria, D., Perez, D., Koo, F.
Journal: Nurse Education Today
Year: 2023

đź“ťA systematic review of quantitative and qualitative literature on health professionals' experiences communicating with Chinese immigrants
Authors: Li, J., Lowres, N., Koo, F.K., Gallagher, R.
Journal: International Journal of Nursing Practice
Year: 2021

đź“ťAssessing oral health literacy of university nursing students: A cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Wong, G., Koo, T.F., Fethney, J., Chen, R.
Journal: Nurse Education in Practice
Year: 2021

đź“ťUnderstanding Prevention and Management of Coronary Heart Disease Among Chinese Immigrants and Their Family Carers: A Socioecological Approach
Authors: Jin, K., Neubeck, L., Koo, F., Ding, D., Gullick, J.
Journal: Journal of Transcultural Nursing
Year: 2020

 

Sarka Lisonkova | Health Professions | Women Research Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Sarka Lisonkova | Health Professions | Women Research Award

The University of British Columbia | Canada

Author Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Sarka Lisonkova's academic journey began at Palacky University in Olomouc, Czech Republic, where she earned her MD degree in 1994. She then pursued a Master's degree in Epidemiology at the State University of New York, USA, completing it in 1999. Her academic excellence continued at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada, where she obtained her PhD in Epidemiology in 2009. Following her PhD, Dr. Lisonkova undertook post-doctoral research at UBC, focusing on epidemiological studies from 2009 to 2012.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Lisonkova’s professional career is marked by significant roles both before and during her tenure at UBC. Before joining UBC, she was an Assistant Professor at Palacky University and a Visiting Researcher at the Scientific Institute of Public Health Louis Pasteur in Brussels, Belgium. At UBC, she has held various positions, starting as a Social Science Researcher from 2000 to 2007, advancing to a Research Associate, and then to an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology from 2014 to 2019. She has been an Associate Professor in the same department since 2019 and is also an associate member of the School of Population and Public Health since 2015.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lisonkova has made substantial contributions to the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology, particularly in reproductive and child health sciences. She developed OBST 504, a course that emphasizes the critical appraisal of research in reproductive and children's health sciences, which has been incorporated into UBC’s curriculum. Her research interests include maternal and perinatal epidemiology, with a focus on understanding the factors underlying maternal and neonatal health outcomes. She is also actively involved in international collaborations aimed at preventing preterm births and improving neonatal health.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Lisonkova has received numerous awards and distinctions. Some notable recognitions include the Harold A. Kaminetzky Prize Paper award in 2018 for her co-authored paper on maternal mortality in the United States and the Highly Cited Research Award from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2016. Additionally, she has received various scholarships and fellowships, such as the Senior Graduate Scholarship from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and the Graduate Scholarship from the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Lisonkova's impact extends beyond her research contributions. She has been actively involved in shaping future research agendas through her participation in national and international workshops and committees. Notably, she was invited to the Core Stillbirth Estimation Group by the United Nations and has contributed to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada’s workshop on maternal mortality and morbidity. Her leadership in the New Vulnerable Newborn Measurement collaboration highlights her influence in neonatal health research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Lisonkova's legacy in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology is characterized by her dedication to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes through rigorous research and international collaboration. Looking forward, her ongoing work with the PREBIC collaboration and other international initiatives positions her to continue making significant contributions to the field. Her commitment to education and mentorship also ensures that her influence will be felt by future generations of researchers and healthcare professionals.

 

Notable Publications

Racial/Ethnic Disparity in Severe Maternal Morbidity Among Women Who Conceived by In-vitro Fertilization 2024

A history of recurrent pregnancy loss is associated with increased perinatal complications, but not necessarily a longer birth interval: a population study spanning 18 years 2024

Variation in Episiotomy Use Among Nulliparous Individuals by Maternity Care Provider and Associated Rates of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injury 2024

Severe Maternal Morbidity and Mental Health Hospitalizations or Emergency Department Visits 2024

Maternal mortality in the United States: are the high and rising rates due to changes in obstetrical factors, maternal medical conditions, or maternal mortality surveillance? 2024 (6)