Margarita Kilili-Lesta | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Margarita Kilili-Lesta | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

European University Cyprus | Cyprus

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Margarita Kilili-Lesta's academic journey began at The Grammar School in Nicosia, where she laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to health sciences. Her pursuit of higher education took her from Cyprus College to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, where she double-majored in Communicative Disorders and Psychology with academic distinction, supported by a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. She advanced her specialization with a Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders: Speech-Language Pathology at San Diego State University, excelling in bilingual research and clinical application. Her scholarly path culminated in a Ph.D. in Public Health from European University Cyprus, where she undertook a nationally recognized study on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

With over two decades of professional experience across the U.S. and Cyprus, Dr. Kilili-Lesta has worked in both academic and clinical capacities. From being a Speech-Language Pathologist in San Diego to teaching Speech-Language Therapy at EUC, she has been a dynamic contributor in multiple roles—educator, clinical supervisor, researcher, and public health advocate. Her contributions at institutions like the Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth and AKTIdA Autism Support Centre underscore her commitment to inclusive education and community care.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kilili-Lesta’s research bridges the critical intersection of speech-language pathology, public health, and autism. Her doctoral work led to the development of a parent-report tool for identifying minimally verbal children with ASD—a pioneering initiative for Cyprus. Her scholarly output includes studies on gesture-based early prediction, language development in ASD, and the efficacy of augmentative communication systems. Additionally, she has actively explored the benefits of telepractice, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming therapy delivery and education.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Her excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and scholarships, including the Phi Beta Delta Scholarship, SDSU Memorial Scholarships, and the CASP Fulbright Grant. She has also served in leadership roles, such as Secretary of the Special Education Committee of Nicosia District, representing speech-language pathologists at the ministry level.

🌐 Impact and Influence

Dr. Kilili-Lesta’s influence spans multiple sectors: she trains future therapists, guides families of children with autism, and shapes national screening and intervention tools. Through her affiliation with international associations like ASHA and IALP, and her contribution to the iCommunicate Research Center, her work resonates globally. Her initiatives in telepractice and digital learning have set new standards for accessibility in therapy and education.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

With a growing list of high-impact publications and ongoing collaboration in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, Dr. Kilili-Lesta is paving the way for enhanced diagnostic accuracy and evidence-based interventions in ASD. Her future endeavors aim to further refine early screening tools, develop inclusive therapy protocols, and promote culturally relevant research methodologies. Her legacy is not only one of academic rigor but also of compassionate service to marginalized populations.

Publications

  • 📄 The Childhood Prevalence, Gender Ratio, and Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Cyprus Using School Report: A Cross-Sectional Study
    Authors: Margarita Kilili-Lesta, Konstantinos Giannakou, Louiza Voniati
    Journal: Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
    Year: 2025

  • 📄 Early Development Score as a Prognostic Factor in Nonverbal/Minimally Verbal Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Matched Case-Control Study in Cyprus
    Authors: Margarita Kilili-Lesta, Konstantinos Giannakou, Louiza Voniati
    Journal: Autism & Developmental Language Impairments
    Year: 2024

  • 📄 The Communication Patterns Between Speech–Language Therapists and Parents/Guardians of Children with Developmental Language Disorders in Private Speech–Language Therapy in Cyprus
    Authors: Louiza Voniati, Spyros Armostis, Margarita Kilili-Lesta, Dionysios Tafiadis, Konstantinos Giannakou
    Journal: Languages
    Year: 2023

  • 📄 Early Gesture as a Predictor of Later Language Outcome for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Systematic Literature Review
    Authors: Margarita Kilili-Lesta, Louiza Voniati, Konstantinos Giannakou
    Journal: Current Developmental Disorders Reports
    Year: 2022

  • 📄 Speech-Language Therapy Clinical Services, Student Education, and Practical Training in the Time of COVID-19: The Rise of Telepractice, Telesupervision, and Distance Learning in Cyprus
    Author: Margarita Kilili-Lesta
    Journal: Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups
    Year: 2021

 

Tatiana Romero Arias | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Tatiana Romero Arias | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

European University of the Canary Islands | Spain

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Tatiana Romero Arias began her academic journey in her native Spain, focusing on Speech Therapy at the University of La Laguna. She completed her Higher Degree in Speech Therapy in 2014, followed by a Master's in Cognitive Neuroscience and Specific Support Needs in 2015. She continued her academic pursuits with an additional Master's in Voice Rehabilitation from the Autonomous University of Barcelona in 2016. Her educational trajectory culminated in a doctoral degree in Psychology from the University of La Laguna in 2021.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Romero Arias' professional career is marked by significant contributions in research and academia. She served as Research Staff in Training at the University of La Laguna and later as Postdoctoral Research Staff at the Ministry of Science and Innovation. Currently, she holds the position of Assistant Professor Doctor at the Pontifical University of Salamanca, specializing in Speech Therapy within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Contributions and Research Focus

Her research focuses on various aspects of Speech Therapy and Cognitive Neuroscience, with notable contributions in voice rehabilitation, neurological disorders affecting speech, and educational practices in the field of speech therapy. She has led and participated in several research projects exploring these areas, including studies on vocal tract exercises and the rehabilitation of speech post-COVID-19.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Romero Arias has garnered recognition for her scholarly work, evidenced by her publications in reputable journals such as the Journal of Speech Therapy Research and Majorensis. Her contributions to the field have been acknowledged through invitations to speak at seminars and conferences, both nationally and internationally.

Impact and Influence

Her work has had a tangible impact on both academic discourse and clinical practice in Speech Therapy. By exploring innovative approaches to therapy and contributing to educational initiatives, she has shaped the way professionals approach speech rehabilitation and neurological disorders.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Romero Arias continues to expand her research agenda, aiming to further integrate technological advancements into clinical practice and educational frameworks. Her dedication to mentoring students and her involvement in international research collaborations underscore her commitment to advancing the field of Speech Therapy.

Notable publications

Clinical indicators of dysphagia in patients with Parkinson disease 2024

Voice assessment and intervention in patients with Sexually Transmitted Diseases: a systematic review 2024

Biomechanical Parameters of Voice in Parkinson’s Disease Patients 2024

Efficacy of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises in essential tremor: a case study 2023

Voice Sequelae Following Recovery From COVID-19 2022 (5)

 

 

International Research Excellence Awards-Book of Award | Award Winners

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Congratulations, Dr. Elisabetta Sforza’s, on Your Outstanding Achievement as the Best Researcher! 
Dr. ELISABETTA SFORZA -Neurosciences

Dr. Elisabetta Sforza’s achievement in receiving the Best Researcher Award at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy is a remarkable acknowledgment of her outstanding dedication and contributions to the field of research. Her commitment to advancing knowledge and making significant strides in various areas, notably in neurosciences, speech therapy, and rehabilitation sciences, has been instrumental in shaping advancements in these domains. Her extensive publications, active engagement in academic events, and exceptional academic journey have evidently set a high standard within the academic and research community. This award not only recognizes her achievements but also highlights her ongoing impact and commitment to excellence in research.

Professional Profiles:

Education:  

  • High School Diploma in Classical Studies (A), 2005-2010
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Therapy-1st class-honours180 ECTS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campobasso-Italy, 2010-2013
  • MSc in Deglutology -1st class-honours60 ECTS, Università degli studi di Torino- Italy, 2014
  • MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences -1st class-honours120 ECTS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma-Italy, 2017-2019

Professional Journey:

  • Speech and Language Therapist I.R.C.S.S. NEUROMED Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo ITALY, 16/09/2015 – 26/09/2019
  • Guest lecturer Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Campobasso ITALY, Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy, 2019- ongoing
  • PhD Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Roma ITALY, 01/11/2020 -ongoing

Honors & Awards:

Dr. Elisabetta Sforza's dedication and excellence in her work. This recognition specifically highlights her commitment to investigating and contributing to the field of ALS, showcasing her scholarly efforts and valuable research in understanding this neurological disorder. Such accolades underscore her significant contributions to the scientific community's understanding of ALS and its implications.The award received on 08/06/2015 for a thesis and research on ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, stands as a testament

Publications & Contributions:

Dr. Elisabetta Sforza has made significant contributions through her publications and citations during her tenure at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy. Her extensive body of work reflects her expertise in various domains including neurosciences, speech therapy, rehabilitation sciences, and related interdisciplinary areas. Some notable publications authored or co-authored by Dr. Sforza during this period include

Publications:

  • 14 documents indexed in Scopus

Citations:

A total of 23 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

Diversification & Impact Studies (2022 - Present)

From Feeding Challenges to Oral-Motor Dyspraxia: A Comprehensive Description of 10 New Cases with CTNNB1 Syndrome Sept 2023. Genes.Corresponding author

How pain affect real life of children and adults with achondroplasia: A systematic review. Sept 2023 Eur J Med Genet.Corresponding author

Metabolic Profile of Patients with Smith-Magenis Syndrome: An Observational Study with Literature Review.Aug 2023, Children. Co-author

Nasal polyposis in pediatric patients with Cornelia de Lange syndrome: endoscopic diagnosis, treatment and follow up in two case reports. Italian journal of pediatrics. July 2023. Co-author

Longitudinal “FEEDS (FEeding Eating Deglutition Skills)” Study of Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome, June 2023. European journal of pediatrics. Corresponding author

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Italian version of the Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale in a special healthcare needs population. International journal of language & communication disorders, Feb 2023 First and corresponding author

Predicting the clinical trajectory of feeding and swallowing abilities in CHARGE syndrome.European journal of pediatrics, Feb 2023 Corresponding author

The Impact of Blenderized Tube Feeding on Gastrointestinal Symptoms, a Scoping Review. Applied Sciences, Feb 2023 First author

What to Expect of Feeding Abilities and Nutritional Aspects in Achondroplasia Patients: A Narrative Review. Genes (Basel), Jan 2023. First author

Management of nutritional and gastrointestinal issues in RASopathies: A narrative review. American journal of medical genetics. Part C, Seminars in medical genetics, Dec 2022 Co-author

Quantitative acoustical analysis of genetic syndromes in the number listing task. Biomedical Signal Processing and Control, Oct 2022 Co-author

Drooling outcome measures in paediatric disability: a systematic review European Journal of Pediatrics, Apr 2022 First and corresponding author