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

St Mary's University | United Kingdom

Author Profile

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

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Venkatesan | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Regenerative Research Sciences Private Limited | India

Author profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Venkatesan began her academic journey with a B.Sc. in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry, achieving First Class with Distinction. She pursued her passion further with an M.Sc. in Biochemistry, securing the second rank in the university. Her academic pursuit culminated in a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the National Institute of Nutrition/Osmania University. Following this, she engaged in postdoctoral research at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Venkatesan's professional journey has been marked by significant roles in academia and research. She served as the Director-Grade Scientist and Head of Cell & Molecular Biology and Stem Cell Research at the National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad. Currently, she holds the position of Director-Research at Movva Health Care LLP, RegenOrthoSport, where she continues to contribute to cutting-edge research in biochemistry and stem cell research.

Contributions and Research Focus

Her research focuses on regenerative medicine, particularly in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, obesity, and knee osteoarthritis. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Venkatesan's work involves understanding the pathophysiology of these diseases at the cellular and molecular levels. She has made significant strides in the isolation, characterization, and therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from various sources, including placenta and bone marrow. Additionally, her research explores the potential of nutraceuticals in managing these conditions, highlighting the beneficial effects of compounds like stigmasterol, gingerol, and shogaol.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Venkatesan's contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. She has been felicitated with awards such as the Woman of Excellence Award, Venus International Award for Excellence in Biochemistry and Stem Cell Research, and the Dr. S.N. Acharya Felicitation Award. Her expertise has also earned her fellowship status in prestigious organizations like the National Academy of Medical Sciences and the Telangana Academy of Sciences.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Venkatesan's research has left a significant impact on both academia and clinical practice. Her findings have been published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with over 100 scientific articles and several book chapters to her credit. She has also been granted multiple patents for her innovative research in liver cell therapy and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Moreover, she actively participates in various professional societies and serves on the editorial boards of esteemed journals in the field.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Vijayalakshmi Venkatesan's legacy lies in her pioneering work at the intersection of biochemistry, genetics, and regenerative medicine. Her ongoing efforts in translational research aim to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, with a focus on improving healthcare outcomes for patients with metabolic disorders and musculoskeletal conditions. As she continues to lead research initiatives and mentor future scientists, her contributions are poised to shape the future of regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare.

Notable Publications

The role of Lp-PLA₂ and biochemistry parameters as potential biomarkers of coronary artery disease in Asian South-Indians: a case-control study 2017 (10)

Kyriaki Myrissa | Psychology | Best Researcher Award