Rodrigo Mendes | Physical Education and Sports Training | Young Scientist Award

Prof. Rodrigo Mendes | Physical Education and Sports Training | Young Scientist Award

Rodrigo Silva Mendes ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น, an Assistant Professor at the Higher Education School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, is a dynamic young researcher and educator in Sports Sciences ๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ“š. Starting his academic journey with a Degree in Sports Training and a MSc in Physical Education ๐ŸŽ“, Rodrigo entered scientific publishing at only 18 ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿ”ฌ, marking an early breakthrough in academia. At 20, he became one of Portugalโ€™s youngest university professors ๐ŸŽ“โšก. His commitment to research has led to 19 publications, numerous collaborations, and a robust research profile ๐Ÿงฌ๐ŸŒ. Currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Education ๐Ÿ†, Rodrigo is studying the visual behavior of Physical Education teachers, aiming to bridge cognitive and sports training gaps through innovative methodologies ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ‘๏ธโ€๐Ÿง . A dedicated scholar and active member of Applied Sports Sciences Research Unit, Rodrigo blends theory with practice, empowering the next generation of sports professionals and contributing significantly to cognitive and sports science fields ๐Ÿ…๐Ÿ“–.

Profile

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Rodrigo Silva Mendes holds a Degree in Sports Training ๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ from a Portuguese institution and a Masterโ€™s Degree in Physical Education ๐ŸŽ“, reflecting his commitment to both academic excellence and sports expertise ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ’ช. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Physical Education ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿ”ฌ, focusing on teacher visual behavior analysis, potentially becoming one of the youngest PhDs in Portugal and the first born in the 21st century ๐ŸŽฏ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น. His educational journey has blended academic rigor with hands-on coaching in tennis ๐ŸŽพ, demonstrating a rare fusion of practice and theory. From his teenage years, Rodrigo showed intellectual curiosity and brilliance ๐ŸŒŸ, publishing his first scientific paper at just 18 ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ“. As a lifelong learner, Rodrigo continues to expand his knowledge through research projects, scientific event organization, and collaboration with renowned institutions like the University of Coimbra ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ๐Ÿ“Š. His education highlights determination, vision, and passion for lifelong learning ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿš€.

Experience ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

Rodrigo Silva Mendes, with a dual passion for research and teaching, began his academic career remarkably early as a published author at 18 and a university professor by 20 ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ“ˆ. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Higher Education School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ, Rodrigo has balanced teaching and research seamlessly. His professional experiences also include working as a tennis coach ๐ŸŽพ๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿซ, reinforcing his practical sports background. Rodrigo has actively participated in 3 research projects ๐Ÿงช๐Ÿ”ฌ and co-organized 8 scientific events ๐ŸŽค๐Ÿ“‹. His interdisciplinary collaborations with the Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Coimbra ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿซ, showcase his commitment to advancing sports science knowledge. Besides publishing 19 scientific articles and 5 books ๐Ÿ“–โœ๏ธ, Rodrigoโ€™s teaching philosophy emphasizes innovation, cognitive engagement, and bridging research with real-world applications ๐ŸŽฏ๐Ÿ’ก. His professional timeline is marked by early achievement, research passion, and inspiring educational leadership โšก๐Ÿ….

Awards & Recognitions ๐Ÿ…

Rodrigo Silva Mendesโ€™s academic journey is defined by distinction, starting as one of the youngest scientific authors in Portugal at age 18 ๐Ÿ“„๐Ÿ†. His exceptional performance earned him early teaching roles, becoming a university professor at 20 ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ๐Ÿ’ซ. His ongoing PhD pursuit may soon make him one of Portugal’s youngest PhDs and the first 21st-century-born graduate ๐ŸŽ“๐ŸŽฏ. Rodrigo has been actively nominated for international recognitions like the Young Researcher Award, Young Scientist Award, Best Scholar Award, and Young Innovator Award ๐Ÿ…๐ŸŒ. As a researcher with 19 publications, 5 authored books ๐Ÿ“š, and key collaborations, Rodrigoโ€™s scholarly impact is widely acknowledged in sports and cognitive sciences ๐Ÿง โšฝ. His active role in organizing scientific events and shaping young minds through teaching has further established him as an emerging thought leader ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ”ฅ. Rodrigo embodies academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in sports science education ๐Ÿงฌ๐Ÿš€.

Research Interests ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Rodrigo Silva Mendesโ€™s research focuses on Physical Education and Sports Training ๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฌ, with a special interest in the cognitive and visual behavior of Physical Education teachers ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ๐Ÿง . His PhD explores how teachers’ visual attention patterns correlate with students’ individual characteristics, using a pioneering multidisciplinary approach ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“Š. Rodrigoโ€™s contributions aim to close key research gaps in the educational training of sports instructors and cognitive load theory application in real-life teaching environments ๐Ÿ’ก๐Ÿซ. With 3 ongoing/completed research projects, 19 publications, and 5 authored books ๐Ÿ“š, his work blends sports science, cognitive psychology, and pedagogy seamlessly ๐Ÿง โšฝ. His innovative research fosters a deeper understanding of perceptual-cognitive skills in education and sports performance, potentially redefining teaching strategies and training programs ๐ŸŽฏ๐Ÿ”. Through cross-institutional collaborations and international conferences, Rodrigoโ€™s research impact continues to grow, setting a high standard for young researchers in the sports and cognitive sciences communities ๐Ÿ…๐ŸŒ.

Publicationsย 
  • Analysis of Teachersโ€™ Visual Behaviour in Classes: A Systematic Review

    European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
    2025-04-05 |ย Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS:ย Rodrigo Mendes;ย Mรกrio Pereira;ย Paulo Nobre;ย Gonรงalo Dias
  • Analysis of teachers’ visual behaviour on student performance in classes: A systematic review

    2024-12-20 |ย Report
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rodrigo Mendes; Mรกrio Pereira; Paulo Nobre; Gonรงalo Dia

Neriman Temel Aksu | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitataion | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitataion | Best Researcher Award

Neriman Temel Aksu is an Assistant Professor and Doctor Physiotherapist at Akdeniz University Faculty of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey. She completed her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University. With seven years of clinical experience at Antalya Anadolu Hospital, she later pursued a masterโ€™s degree in Movement and Exercise Sciences at Akdeniz University. She further specialized in Pulmonary Rehabilitation during her second masterโ€™s degree and earned her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Sรผleyman Demirel University. Her research focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep quality in post-lung resection patients, and the effects of kinesiology taping and Qigong training. She has published numerous research articles and books and is an active member of various professional organizations, including TรœSAD, Tรผrk Toraks DerneฤŸi, and the European Respiratory Society. Dr. Aksu is recognized for her contributions to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, particularly in respiratory function and post-surgical patient care.

Profile

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Neriman Temel Aksu completed her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University. She pursued her first masterโ€™s degree in Movement and Exercise Sciences at Akdeniz University, where she explored innovative rehabilitation techniques. Recognizing the significance of respiratory physiotherapy, she completed her second masterโ€™s degree in Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Akdeniz University, deepening her expertise in respiratory function and post-surgical recovery. She then obtained her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Sรผleyman Demirel University, where she conducted advanced research on the effects of Qigong exercise training on patientsโ€™ shoulder and respiratory functions. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to evidence-based physiotherapy practices and patient-centered rehabilitation. Throughout her education, she integrated both clinical and research perspectives to enhance therapeutic outcomes, specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management, and exercise interventions for post-thoracic surgery patients. Her academic qualifications have significantly shaped her contributions to physiotherapy education and practice.

Experience ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu has extensive experience in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, combining clinical practice, research, and academia. She worked as a specialist physiotherapist at Antalya Anadolu Hospital for seven years, where she gained hands-on experience in patient rehabilitation and pain management. She later transitioned to academia as a Research Assistant at Akdeniz University Faculty of Health Sciences, contributing to physiotherapy education and clinical research. After completing her doctorate, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor at Akdeniz University, where she continues to teach and mentor students while conducting research in pulmonary rehabilitation. Her expertise includes evaluating the effects of exercise therapy, kinesiology taping, and relaxation techniques on respiratory function and post-operative recovery. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and authored several books on physiotherapy. Her academic and professional journey showcases her dedication to advancing physiotherapy practices and improving patient outcomes through innovative rehabilitation approaches.

Research Interests ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksuโ€™s research primarily focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory function improvement, and post-operative recovery strategies. Her studies have evaluated sleep quality in lung resection patients, highlighting the role of progressive muscle relaxation exercises. She has investigated the effects of kinesiology taping on pain and respiratory function in thoracotomy patients, contributing to non-invasive rehabilitation techniques. Her doctoral research on Qigong exercise training explored its impact on shoulder mobility and lung function, providing new insights into integrative therapy for post-surgical recovery. Additionally, she has analyzed the benefits of connective tissue massage on pain relief, quality of life, and hospital stay duration. With nine peer-reviewed journal publications and multiple research projects, her work significantly influences clinical rehabilitation protocols. She actively collaborates with national and international respiratory societies to enhance physiotherapy interventions. Her research aims to advance evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes in post-surgical and chronic respiratory conditions.

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu has received multiple accolades for her contributions to physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Her research in pulmonary rehabilitation and post-surgical recovery has earned her recognition in national and international physiotherapy forums. She has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award, highlighting her impactful work in respiratory physiotherapy. Additionally, her studies on sleep quality, kinesiology taping, and Qigong training have been acknowledged by professional organizations such as TรœSAD and Tรผrk Toraks DerneฤŸi. She has published seven books with ISBN, contributing significantly to physiotherapy education. Her publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals reflect the high caliber of her research. She is an esteemed member of the European Respiratory Society, where she actively participates in collaborative research. Through her dedication to evidence-based practice and continuous contributions to physiotherapy, she has established herself as a leading researcher in rehabilitation sciences, particularly in pulmonary and post-surgical patient care.

Publications ๐Ÿ“š

Albatool Alnojeidi | Rehabilitation Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi | Rehabilitation Science | Best Researcher Award

๐Ÿ“Œ Albatool Humod Alnojeidi is a board-licensed physical therapist and an Assistant Professor at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She holds an M.S. in Health (MSH) with a concentration in Chronic Disease and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science. Her research focuses on chronic low back pain (CLBP), exploring sociocultural and psychological factors affecting pain perception and treatment outcomes. Dr. Alnojeidi has contributed significantly to the field through research, teaching, and mentoring future healthcare professionals. Her work highlights the unique challenges of Arab-Americans with CLBP, addressing gaps in clinical practice and healthcare interventions. She has published multiple research papers in indexed journals and actively participates in professional organizations such as the International Association for the Study of Pain and the Saudi Physical Therapy Association. Her dedication to advancing rehabilitation science has earned her recognition in the academic and research community.

Profile

Education ๐ŸŽ“

๐ŸŽ“ Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi holds a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science, where her research focused on chronic low back pain and its sociocultural determinants. She earned a Master of Science in Health (MSH) with a concentration in Chronic Disease, equipping her with expertise in pain management, rehabilitation strategies, and public health. Her academic journey provided a strong foundation in clinical research, biomechanics, and patient-centered care approaches. Dr. Alnojeidi’s education blends clinical expertise with advanced research methodologies, allowing her to contribute effectively to the field of rehabilitation science. Through her studies, she developed a keen interest in understanding the interplay between physical activity, chronic pain, and sociocultural factors, shaping her research and academic career. She continues to leverage her education to improve healthcare practices and influence policy changes related to chronic pain management.

Experience ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿซ

๐Ÿ’ผ Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi is currently an Assistant Professor at Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, where she integrates clinical expertise and research to educate future healthcare professionals. She has extensive experience in rehabilitation science, chronic pain research, and patient care. Her work focuses on chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Arab and Arab-American populations, addressing the impact of sociocultural, psychological, and healthcare disparities. She has led multiple research projects exploring pain-related injustice appraisal, physical activity, and chronic pain experiences. In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Alnojeidi actively participates in academic collaborations, professional organizations, and mentoring students. She has presented her findings at international conferences and published her research in indexed journals. Her experience extends to working on policy recommendations for pain management and advancing rehabilitation interventions, making a significant impact in her field.

Research Interests ๐Ÿ”ฌ

๐Ÿ”ฌ Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi specializes in chronic low back pain (CLBP) research, with a particular emphasis on sociocultural, psychological, and physical activity-related factors. Her work investigates the experiences of Arab-Americans with CLBP, addressing healthcare disparities, pain-related injustice, and cultural influences on pain perception. She has published studies on the effects of discrimination, ethnic identity, and pain-related injustice on chronic pain outcomes. Her ongoing projects aim to characterize CLBP in Arab-American and Saudi populations, identifying key demographic, psychological, and healthcare determinants. Dr. Alnojeidi’s research is transforming clinical pain management, offering insights into tailored interventions for underrepresented groups. She has contributed to indexed journals, participated in global research collaborations, and received recognition for her innovative approaches. Her ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, improving pain management strategies for diverse patient populations through evidence-based rehabilitation.

Awards & Recognitions ๐Ÿ…

๐Ÿ† Dr. Albatool Alnojeidi has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to rehabilitation science and chronic pain research. She has received multiple nominations and awards, including the Best Researcher Award and Young Scientist Award, acknowledging her groundbreaking studies on chronic low back pain (CLBP) among Arab-American populations. Her research on pain-related injustice appraisal and sociocultural determinants of CLBP has been widely cited and has influenced clinical practices. Dr. Alnojeidi’s contributions to evidence-based rehabilitation and patient-centered care have earned her recognition from professional organizations, including the International Association for the Study of Pain and the Saudi Physical Therapy Association. Her scientific publications, mentorship, and advocacy for culturally informed pain management have positioned her as a leader in the field. Through her dedication to research, education, and clinical practice, she continues to receive accolades for her impact on healthcare and rehabilitation sciences.

Publications ๐Ÿ“š

Lichen Shi | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Lichen Shi | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

 

Profile

Education

Lichen Shi (also written as Shi Lichen) is a distinguished Chinese researcher specializing in intelligent measurement, equipment status monitoring, fault diagnosis, and electromechanical system modeling. He was born on June 28, 1972, and is currently affiliated with the School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Xiโ€™an University of Architecture and Technology (XAUAT), China.

With a strong academic and research background, Professor Shi has dedicated his career to advancing intelligent measurement techniques through deep learning, as well as improving the reliability of electromechanical systems through fault diagnosis and dynamic analysis.

Academic Contributions

Professor Shi has published extensively in prestigious international journals, particularly in IEEE Sensors Journal, Measurement, and Computer Engineering & Applications. His notable works focus on deep learning-based fault diagnosis, graph neural networks, and AI-driven predictive modeling for mechanical systems.

Some of his key contributions include:

  • Developing an AI-based method for reading pointer meters using human-like reading sequences.
  • Proposing a graph neural network and Markov transform fields approach for gearbox fault diagnosis.
  • Introducing CBAM-ResNet-GCN methods for unbalance fault detection in rotating machinery.
  • Advancing domain transfer learning techniques for mixed-data gearbox fault diagnosis.
  • Pioneering a lightweight low-light object detection algorithm (CDD-YOLO) for enhanced industrial applications.

His research findings have contributed significantly to the optimization of industrial machinery, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven automation in electromechanical systems. Many of his publications are frequently cited, underlining their impact on the field.

Research Interests

Professor Shi’s research spans multiple cutting-edge areas, including:

  • Intelligent Measurement with Deep Learning
  • Equipment Status Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis
  • Electromechanical System Modeling and Dynamic Analysis

Professional Impact

As a leading expert in intelligent diagnostics and mechanical system optimization, Professor Shi has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between artificial intelligence and industrial engineering. His contributions have aided in the development of more efficient, predictive, and adaptive electromechanical systems, helping industries reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency.

Publication

  • [1] Qi Liu, Lichen Shi*. A pointer meter reading method based on human-like readingsequence and keypoint detection[J]. Measurement, 2025(248): 116994. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2025.116994
  • [2] Haitao Wang, Zelin. Liu, Mingjun Li, Xiyang Dai, Ruihua Wang and LichenShi*. AGearbox Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Graph Neural Networks and MarkovTransform Fields[J]. IEEE Sensors Journal, 2024, 24(15) ๏ผš25186-25196. doi:
    10.1109/JSEN.2024.3417231
  • [3] Haitao Wang, Xiyang Dai, Lichen Shi*, Mingjun Li, Zelin Liu, Ruihua Wang , XiaohuaXia. Data-Augmentation Based CBAM-ResNet-GCN Method for Unbalance Fault
    Diagnosis of Rotating Machinery[J]. IEEE Sensors Journal, 2024,12:34785-34799. DOI:
    10.1109/access.2024.3368755.
  • 4] Haitao Wang, Mingjun Li, Zelin Liu, Xiyang Dai, Ruihua Wang and Lichen Shi*. RotaryMachinery Fault Diagnosis Based on Split Attention MechanismandGraphConvolutional Domain Adaptive Adversarial Network[J]. IEEE Sensors Journal, 2024,
    24(4) :5399-5413. doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2023.3348597.
  • [5] Haitao Wang, Xiyang Dai, Lichen Shi*. Gearbox Fault Diagnosis Based onMixedData-Assisted Multi-Source Domain Transfer Learning under Unbalanced Data[J]. IEEESensors Journal. doi: 10.1109/JSEN.2024.3477929