Maria Bougiesi | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Published on 18/07/202519/07/2025 by Book of Award

Dr. Maria Bougiesi | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

University of Thessaly | Greece

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Maria Bougiesi began her academic journey at the University of Thessaly, Greece, earning a Bachelor’s degree from the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science. Her passion for understanding the mind-body connection led her to pursue a double Master’s degree in Sport Psychology, deepening her knowledge in behavioral sciences and physical activity. This solid foundation laid the groundwork for her pioneering doctoral research on mental health differences across age groups participating in dance and group exercise programs.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Maria’s academic insights are complemented by a strong practical background. She has taught Greek traditional dance to people of all ages, skillfully merging cultural heritage with scientific methodology. Her teaching style reflects her belief in the therapeutic and developmental power of movement. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Bougiesi has actively contributed to research projects, international conferences, and serves as a peer reviewer for academic journals, marking her presence in the global academic community.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bougiesi’s research bridges psychology, neuroscience, and physical activity, with a specific focus on how dance and exercise influence cognitive function and mental well-being. Her PhD internship at Otto von Guericke University in Germany provided her with exposure to cutting-edge studies in neurosciences and mental health, while her Master's studies also included enriching experiences at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland and an intensive academic course in Belgium. Her work is notable for exploring the psychological effects of dance across diverse age groups.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Maria’s interdisciplinary expertise and dynamic approach have gained recognition in the form of academic collaborations, teaching invitations, and conference presentations. She is admired for her dedication, creativity, and empathy, and her work continues to attract interest from both the academic and wellness communities.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Bougiesi’s mission is clear: to promote global well-being through dance. Her influence extends beyond academia into the lives of individuals and communities who benefit from her programs. Whether working with youth or seniors, she emphasizes inclusivity, self-expression, and mental wellness, making her research truly impactful on a human and societal level.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Bougiesi aspires to expand her international collaborations and create accessible dance-based wellness interventions tailored for different age groups. Her goal is to make dance a universally acknowledged tool for mental health, blending culture, science, and joy. As she continues her journey, her legacy will be defined by her unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary education, health promotion, and the empowerment of all through movement.

Publications

📄 The Level of Quality of Life Experienced by Young Adults Practicing Greek Traditional Dance, Latin Dance and Group Exercise Programs
Authors: M. Bougiesi, V. Zisi
Journal: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Year: 2025

📄 Rhythmic cueing, dance, resistance training, and Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: C.C. Karpodini, P.C. Dinas, E. Angelopoulou, M.A. Wyon, A.N. Haas, ...
Journal: Frontiers in Neurology
Year: 2022

📄 Emotional Intelligence Levels of Adult Hellenic Traditional Dancers and Group Exercisers
Authors: M. Bougiesi, P. Dinas, V. Zisi, E. Pollatou, Y. Theodorakis
Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
Year: 2021

📄 Systematic Participation in Folk Dance or Physical Activity? Effects in Quality of Life in the Elderly
Authors: Β. Ζήση, Α. Γιάννη, Μ. Μπουγιέση, E. Πολλάτου, M. Μιχαλοπούλου
Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
Year: 2014

📄 Quality of Life and Dance in Middle Aged and Older Adults: A Literature Review
Authors: M. Bougiesi, A. Gianni, V. Zisi
Journal: Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education
Year: 2014

Angelica Vega | Psychology | Research for community Impact Award

Published 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

Orcid

🎓 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

Mohammadreza Kordbagheri | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 15/06/202415/06/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Mohammadreza Kordbagheri | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Shahid Beheshti University | Iran

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Mohammadreza Kordbagheri's journey into the realm of data analysis and statistical expertise began with his impressive academic achievements. He completed his PhD in Science, specializing in statistics and psychometrics, from Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, in 2023. Dr. Kordbagheri's academic prowess was evident early on as he ranked seventh in the senior entrance exam and graduated as the top student in his course with a GPA of 4.0.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout his career, Dr. Kordbagheri has held various consultancy roles, contributing his statistical expertise to several institutions. From 2018 to 2019, he served as a Statistics Consultant at Shahid Beheshti University and at the Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery at both Tehran University and Babol University. His role extended to being a Statistical Assistant at the Data Machin Institute in Tehran from 2019 to 2023. These roles have solidified his reputation as a proficient data analyst capable of transforming raw data into insightful reports and presentations that aid academic decision-making.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kordbagheri has a robust research portfolio with numerous published papers. His research spans a wide array of topics, including psychological well-being, treatment adherence in diabetes patients, personality traits, parental blame among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, and psychometric evaluations. Notably, his work often employs advanced statistical techniques such as structural equation modeling, network analysis, and meta-analysis, showcasing his technical proficiency and innovative approach to data analysis.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Kordbagheri's expertise in statistical analysis and psychometrics has earned him recognition in the academic community. His ability to design specialized scales and perform complex actuarial calculations, along with his proficiency in various statistical software like R and MPLUS, has distinguished him as an expert in his field. His skills in responding to reviewer comments for ISI articles and developing creative solutions to improve efficiency are particularly noteworthy.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kordbagheri's work has had a significant impact on the fields of statistics and psychometrics, particularly in healthcare and psychological research. His contributions to understanding the psychological factors affecting health behaviors and the development of psychometric tools have provided valuable insights and methodologies for future research. His published papers are widely cited, reflecting the influence and importance of his work in these areas.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Kordbagheri continues to advance in his career, his legacy as a skilled data analyst and researcher is firmly established. His comprehensive skill set, which includes advanced statistical modeling, machine learning implementation, and psychometric assessment, positions him to continue making significant contributions to his field. His commitment to improving efficiency and streamlining processes through creative solutions suggests that his future work will continue to shape and innovate the landscape of statistical analysis and research methodologies.

Notable Publications

📄 Article: The mediating role of psychological well-being in the relationship between the light triad of personality and sense of concordance with treatment adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes: A network analysis and structural equation modeling study

Authors: Mohammadreza Kordbagheri, Seyedeh Masoumeh Bagheri, Nasrin Jalali Heris, Parisa Matbouraftar, Mozhdeh Azarian, Seyedeh Maryam Mousavi
Year of Publication: 2024
Citations: 0

📄 Article: Evaluation of the psychometric indicators of the Comprehensive Autistic Trait Inventory in Iranian adults

Authors: Kordbagheri, M., Kordbagheri, A., Tayim, N., Davoudi, M.
Year of Publication: 2024
Citations: 2

📄 Article: Validation of the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4) in Persian: Assessment of Its Structure and Nomological Network

Authors: Qaderi Bagajan, K., Ziegler, M., Soleimani, M., Hoseini, S., Bagajan, H. Q.
Year of Publication: 2024
Citations: 1

📄 Article: The mediating role of rumination in the relationship between pathological personality traits and Self‐ and other‐blame among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)

Authors: Hashemi, H., Salekfard, S. V., Khodadadi, N., Nemati, F., Kordbagheri, M.
Year of Publication: 2023
Citations: 1

📄 Article: The relationship between perceived stress and pregnancy distress with self-care of pregnant women: The mediating role of social support—A cross-sectional study

Authors: Bahrami-Samani, S., Omidvar, S., Mohsenzadeh-Ledari, F., Ashrafpour, M., Kordbagheri, M.
Year of Publication: 2023
Citations: 0

Tamsin Greene Barker | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 04/04/202404/04/2024 by Book of Award

Ms. Tamsin Greene Barker | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

University of Oxford | United Kingdom

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Ms. Tamsin Greene Barker embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, and Sociology from Trinity College Dublin. She furthered her studies with a Master of Science in Psychological Sciences from University College London and a subsequent M.Sc. in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation from the University of Oxford. Currently pursuing a DPhil in Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation at St Cross College, University of Oxford, Ms. Barker's academic pursuits reflect a multidisciplinary approach aimed at understanding and addressing societal challenges.

Professional Endeavors

Ms. Barker's professional trajectory encompasses diverse roles ranging from economist and policy analyst at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Dublin to a research assistant at the University of Oxford. Her experience spans across academia, government institutions, and non-profit organizations, showcasing a versatile skill set and a commitment to societal impact.

Contributions and Research Focus

As a researcher, Ms. Barker's focus lies in co-designing community-based interventions with adolescents for the prevention of mental ill-health. Her work, supervised by Prof. Peter Fonagy and Prof. Frances Gardner at the University of Oxford, aims to bridge the gap between research and practice, contributing to evidence-based policy formulation in mental health intervention strategies.

Accolades and Recognition

Ms. Barker's academic excellence has been recognized through various awards and scholarships, including the prestigious Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Grand Union Doctoral Training Studentship. She has also received accolades such as the Dean’s List at University College London and the Whateley Memorial Award at Trinity College Dublin, underscoring her outstanding academic achievements.

Impact and Influence

Ms. Barker's contributions extend beyond academia, as evidenced by her involvement in volunteer and extracurricular activities. From facilitating peer support training to volunteering for crisis support services, she has demonstrated a commitment to mental health advocacy and community welfare. Her engagements as a guest speaker and panelist further attest to her influence in shaping discourse on education and youth empowerment.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Ms. Barker's interdisciplinary research, coupled with her diverse professional experiences and active involvement in community initiatives, positions her as a catalyst for positive change. Her endeavors exemplify a holistic approach to addressing societal challenges, and her future contributions are poised to leave a lasting legacy in the realms of mental health intervention and social policy evaluation.

Notable Publication

Xiaoqin Wang | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Published on 12/03/202412/03/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Xiaoqin Wang | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Zhejiang Normal University | China

Author Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Xiaoqin Wang's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Pedagogy from Hunan Normal University, followed by a Master's and Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on Cognitive Science, particularly affective neuroscience and emotion regulation, from Southwest University.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Wang's professional career spans from being a primary school teacher in Hunan province to her current role as an Assistant Professor at the School of Psychology, Zhejiang Normal University. She has significantly contributed to various research projects as a Principal Investigator, focusing on emotion regulation, cognitive flexibility, and mental health.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wang's research primarily revolves around understanding the neural mechanisms underlying emotion regulation, coping flexibility, and mental health. Her work has been published in reputable journals and has received funding from prestigious institutions. She explores topics such as the effects of cognitive control on emotion regulation flexibility and the training effects of interoceptive attention on emotion regulation in different populations.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Wang has received recognition for her contributions to the field of psychology, including being awarded research grants from organizations like the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Zhejiang Federation of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her publications in esteemed journals attest to her expertise and impact in the field.

Impact and Influence

Through her research, Dr. Wang has made significant contributions to advancing knowledge in cognitive science and psychology, particularly in understanding emotion regulation processes. Her findings have implications for mental health interventions and contribute to the broader understanding of human behavior and cognition.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Wang's legacy lies in her commitment to advancing research in emotion regulation and cognitive science. Her mentorship of students and dedication to teaching further contribute to nurturing the next generation of psychologists. Her future contributions are anticipated to continue shaping the field and providing insights into the complexities of human emotions and cognition.

Notable Publications

Contributions of coping flexibility and associated functional brain connectivity to resilient trajectories of negative affect during the COVID-19 Pandemic 2022