Luyao Li | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luyao Li | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Peking University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

📚 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Luyao Li’s academic journey is a fusion of philosophy and interdisciplinary learning. She earned her Ph.D. in Philosophy from Nanyang Technological University in 2024, with a dissertation exploring the co-existence of harmony and freedom in the Zhuangzi. Prior to this, she pursued an M.A. in Philosophy at Tongji University, where she examined Zhuangzi’s Gongfu (工夫) theory through the lens of the Kun-Peng image. Her academic foundation also includes a B.A. in Engineering from the same institution, highlighting her diverse intellectual interests. Her scholarly endeavors took her beyond China, with a year as a visiting student at the University of Chicago, an experience that enriched her global philosophical perspective.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow at Peking University’s Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Dr. Li actively contributes to academic research and philosophical discourse. She has served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Chicago, co-teaching a course on "Star Wars and Religion," reflecting her ability to bridge classical thought with modern cultural narratives. Her role as a Research Assistant in projects at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, and the University of Chicago showcases her dedication to reconstructing Confucian and Daoist concepts in contemporary discourse.

✨ Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Li's research revolves around Chinese Philosophy, Daoism, and Comparative Philosophy. Her studies delve into harmony, freedom, and virtue in the Zhuangzi, exploring themes that resonate with both ancient wisdom and modern interpretations. Her academic contributions include multiple publications in renowned journals such as The Philosophical Forum, Religions, and Asian Philosophy. She has also engaged in translation work, making influential philosophical texts accessible to wider audiences. Beyond publications, she has presented her insights at prestigious conferences, including the International Society for Chinese Philosophy and the American Oriental Society, discussing decentralization in harmony, individual virtuosities, and Confucian positive freedom.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Li’s academic excellence has been recognized with numerous scholarships and awards. She received scholarships from the University of Chicago, including the Scholarship for International Students and a Conference Travel Grant. Additionally, the Kongzi Culture Fund honored her with the Tan Ean Kiam Chinese Philosophy Scholarship. Her early achievements include a Second Prize award from East China Normal University’s Doctoral Academic Seminar and multiple scholarships from Tongji University for her outstanding academic and social contributions.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Dr. Li’s work extends beyond traditional academia, influencing the broader landscape of Chinese philosophy in a globalized world. Her research fosters cross-cultural philosophical dialogues, bridging classical Chinese thought with contemporary interpretations. By engaging with international audiences through conferences, translations, and teaching, she contributes to the accessibility and appreciation of Daoist and Confucian philosophy. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates Eastern and Western perspectives, creating a dynamic space for philosophical discourse.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Li continues her postdoctoral research, her contributions to Chinese philosophy are poised to deepen and expand. Her focus on harmony and freedom in Daoism offers valuable insights for contemporary ethical and political thought. Her legacy lies in her ability to illuminate classical Chinese wisdom in a modern, global context. Whether through future publications, teaching, or interdisciplinary collaborations, Dr. Luyao Li is shaping the future of Chinese philosophy, ensuring its relevance for generations to come.

 

Publications


📜Responsive Harmony in the Zhuangzi
Author: Li, L.
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025


📜Harmonizing Virtuosities in the Zhuangzi
Author: Li, L.
Journal: Asian Philosophy
Year: 2024


📜 Dao Companion to the Philosophy of the Zhuangzi (Edited by Kim-chong Chong)
Author: Li, L.
Journal: Philosophy East and West
Year: 2024


 

Dawit Dibekulu | Psychology | Editorial Board Member

Dr. Dawit Dibekulu | Psychology | Editorial Board Member

Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Dawit Dibekulu’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Woldia University, Ethiopia, where he excelled as a student, being honored multiple times for his academic achievements. His passion for education and linguistics propelled him to further pursue a Master of Arts in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) at Debre Markos University. His dedication to the field culminated in a Ph.D. in Literature from Bahir Dar University, solidifying his expertise in literary theory, cultural studies, and language pedagogy.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Dawit’s career has been marked by a diverse range of roles, both academic and administrative. Beginning as an English teacher at Efoyeta Secondary School in Addis Ababa, he transitioned into higher education at Debre Markos University as an Assistant Lecturer. Later, he joined Mekdela Amba University as a Lecturer and took on multiple leadership roles, including Coordinator of the English Language Improvement Center (ELIC) and Director of University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer. His contributions extended to public relations, where he worked as a Public and International Relations Expert at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, showcasing his versatility and leadership in various fields.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Dawit’s research interests are expansive, ranging from language assessment and psychoanalysis to comparative literature, educational psychology, and Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL). He has published numerous articles in domestic and international journals, contributing to topics such as language teaching methods, reading comprehension, and literary criticism. His research also delves into the socio-cultural aspects of literature, examining themes of melancholy and postcolonial criticism, particularly in contemporary Amharic novels.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Dawit’s dedication to academia and his impactful research have earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Best Researcher Award at the 1st Edition of the International Phenomenological Research Awards. His achievements also include being recognized as the Best Lecturer by Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education and receiving honors throughout his academic career. As a member of the reviewer board for several international journals, he plays a critical role in shaping research in English language studies, psychology, and cultural analysis.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Dawit’s influence extends beyond his publications and academic presentations. As a mentor and educator, he has guided numerous students, advising them on research projects and academic endeavors. His work on language-learning strategies and CALL has influenced both curriculum design and teaching practices in Ethiopia and internationally. Through his research on literature and cultural studies, he offers new perspectives on the role of language and identity in the Ethiopian and global context.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

With a career that bridges literature, language education, and psychoanalysis, Dr. Dawit’s legacy is one of academic rigor and interdisciplinary exploration. His ongoing work, particularly in comparative literature and language-learning strategies, promises to continue shaping the fields of English literature and education. As a member of multiple editorial boards, his influence on the next generation of researchers is significant, ensuring that his contributions will resonate in the academic community for years to come.

 

Publications


📝 Mourning in Selected Contemporary Amharic Novel: A Meta-Psychological Perspective

  • Journal: European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation
  • Year: 2024
  • Authors: Dibekulu, Dawit; Dagnew, Tesfaye; Meskel, Tesfamaryam G.

📝Teddy Afro's Music: A Fusion of Nationalism, Humanism, and the Cry for Ethiopian Democracy

  • Journal: European Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Year: 2024-05-01
  • Author: Dawit Dibekulu

📝Melancholy in Selected Contemporary Amharic Novel Yaqinat Zar - "Zar of Jealousy"

  • Journal: Journal of Language and Cultural Education
  • Year: 2023
  • Authors: Dibekulu, Dawit; Dagnew, Tesfaye; Meskel, Tesfamaryam G.

📝 Practice of Teaching Reading Comprehension in Secondary Schools: A Case of Debre Markos Administrative Town

  • Journal: International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation (IJLLT)
  • Year: 2018-05-30
  • Author: Dawit Dibekulu

 

David Macdonald | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. David Macdonald | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

International Drugs and Development Advisor | United Kingdom

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

David Macdonald's academic journey is marked by a diverse engagement with various academic, governmental, and non-governmental organizations. His foray began with extensive work in research, rapid situational assessments, project management, and evaluation. He honed skills in institutional strengthening, capacity building, strategy development, and specialized in harm reduction, HIV/AIDS prevention, and international development.

Professional Endeavors

Over two decades, Macdonald garnered overseas experience in development, criminal justice, and drug-related issues across diverse regions including Africa, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and South/Southeast Asia. His work spanned engagement with marginalized social groups—maximum security prisoners, refugees, indigenous peoples, sex workers, and people who inject drugs (PWID).

Contributions and Research Focus

His expertise encompasses applying 'best practice' in project design and implementation, including project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation, gender analysis, and stakeholder engagement across various countries and institutional settings. Macdonald reviewed and appraised drug prevention, treatment, and aftercare programs, providing advisory services and technical support for harm reduction programs, particularly targeting PWID and HIV/AIDS prevention in Central Asia.

Accolades and Recognition

Macdonald boasts a rich portfolio of research, evaluation, and assessment skills, from questionnaire design to ethnographic research techniques and conducting focus group discussions and interviews. He's undertaken rapid situational assessments and action research on drug use/HIV/AIDS across multiple communities worldwide, including Afghanistan, Botswana, Comoros, Liberia, Maldives, Pakistan, Thailand, and Uganda.

Impact and Influence

Notably, Macdonald spent five years managing the UNODC's Demand Reduction Afghanistan program, overseeing significant budgets and national staff. He's facilitated and assessed training modules and workshops on drug demand reduction, harm reduction, criminal justice, and HIV/AIDS prevention, impacting healthcare, social work, criminal justice, and NGO sectors.

Legacy and Future Contributions

His extensive publication portfolio, encompassing books, journal articles, research, and consultancy reports on drug use, harm reduction, HIV/AIDS, crime, and corruption, underscores his contributions. Macdonald's presentations at international meetings, conferences, seminars, and workshops worldwide further attest to his influence and commitment to addressing critical issues in drug-related challenges, public health, and social justice. His legacy lies in the comprehensive impact on policy, practice, and community interventions aimed at mitigating the impacts of drug abuse and related issues globally.

Notable Publications

Blooming flowers and false prophets: the dynamics of opium cultivation and production in Afghanistan under the Taliban 2005 (8)

Six rapid assessments of alcohol and other substance use in populations displaced by conflict 2011 (126)

Opiate use, treatment, and harm reduction in Afghanistan: Recent changes and future directions 2012 (25)

 

 

Zulong Guo | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Zulong Guo | Best Researcher Award - Award Winner 2023

Zulong Guo | Social Sciences

Congratulations, Zulong Guo, on being honored with the prestigious Best Researcher Award! Your relentless pursuit of excellence in research at Jilin University has set an exemplary standard in academia. Your unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of innovation in your field is truly commendable.

Your contributions to the realm of research, particularly in areas that intersect technology, science, and innovation, have been nothing short of exceptional. Your dedication to unraveling complex challenges and your impactful findings have not only elevated the academic discourse but also paved the way for practical solutions with far-reaching implications. This award is a testament to your diligence, expertise, and unwavering passion for making meaningful contributions to the world of research. Here's to your outstanding achievements and the continued success that lies ahead as you shape the future of academia with your groundbreaking work!

Early Academic Pursuits:

Zulong Guo embarked on an academic journey at Jilin University, focusing on quantitative economics within the School of Business and Management. Throughout the formative years of academic exploration, Zulong demonstrated an early passion for technological innovation and transitions, which laid the foundation for his future research endeavors.

Professional Endeavors:

As a dedicated Ph.D. candidate at the Research Centre for Quantitative Economics, Zulong delves deep into the realms of technological innovation and technical transitions. His academic pursuits are marked by rigorous research methodologies and a profound commitment to understanding the intricate dynamics of innovation within economic frameworks.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Zulong's contributions span the elucidation of complex technological innovation phenomena and their implications on economic landscapes. His research probes into the nuances of technical transitions, exploring the intersection of innovation, economic growth, and societal impact. Through meticulous analyses and scholarly inquiries, he aims to unravel the mechanisms driving transformative technological shifts.

Accolades and Recognition:

Zulong Guo's academic rigor and insightful contributions have garnered recognition within the academic community, earning him commendation for his scholarly endeavors. His dedication to understanding the intricacies of technological innovation has been acknowledged through accolades and acknowledgments from peers and mentors alike.

Impact and Influence:

Zulong's work extends beyond scholarly exploration, resonating with peers and scholars in the field. His insights into technological transitions hold the potential to influence policy-making and shape the discourse surrounding innovation's role in economic evolution. His research findings contribute to a broader understanding of innovation's societal and economic implications.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

Zulong Guo's legacy lies in his profound commitment to unraveling the complexities of technological innovation and transitions. His future contributions are poised to further deepen the understanding of innovation's role in shaping economies and societies. As he progresses in his academic journey, Zulong is poised to leave an indelible mark through his scholarly pursuits and insights in technological innovation and its economic ramifications.

Notable Publication

Smooth sailing ahead? Policy options for China's new energy vehicle industry in the post-subsidy era  January 2024

Author Profile

ORCID