Minu Ponnamma Mohan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Minu Ponnamma Mohan | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Minu P. Mohan is an accomplished clinician-researcher with an interdisciplinary background in dental surgery, prosthodontics, and public health. Currently serving as a Research Scientist at the University at Buffalo, she contributes significantly to multi-site studies on cystic fibrosis, cancer psycho-oncology, and health disparities. A recipient of multiple academic honors, she earned her BDS and MDS from the University of Kerala, India, and her MPH from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Mohan has held academic positions in India and Saudi Arabia and has managed NIH-funded public health research projects in the U.S. Her expertise spans clinical research management, big data analytics, oral oncology, and machine learning applications in healthcare. She has published extensively, presented at international conferences, and is known for her contributions to understanding health outcomes among vulnerable populations. Her multidisciplinary work reflects a commitment to integrating research and clinical excellence to advance health equity.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Minu P. Mohan holds three distinguished degrees. She completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2004 from the Government Dental College, Trivandrum, under the University of Kerala, India. She went on to pursue her Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) in Prosthodontics and Crown & Bridge at the same institution from 2007 to 2010. To expand her global healthcare insight, she earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Healthcare Management from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (2020–2021), where she also received a Graduate Assistantship, the Tri Alpha Honors, and a Provost’s Fellowship. Her education combines rigorous clinical training, academic excellence, and research-focused public health knowledge, enabling her to transition seamlessly between dentistry, public health, and clinical research. She also participated in training on health policy and implementation science, solidifying her reputation as a well-rounded healthcare professional bridging research, policy, and clinical care.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Mohan’s career spans clinical practice, academia, and research leadership across India, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. She currently works as a Research Scientist at the University at Buffalo on multi-institutional projects related to cystic fibrosis and psycho-oncology. Previously, she served as a Clinical Research Coordinator III at Boston Medical Center, managing liver and inflammatory bowel disease trials. Earlier, she held academic roles including Assistant Professor at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia (2015–2019), and Mar Baselios Dental College, India (2011–2015), teaching prosthodontics and coordinating implantology and education quality initiatives. Her public health research roles include Graduate Research Assistant, Research Analyst, and Policy Intern at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, contributing to HIV care equity and organizational readiness initiatives. Her unique blend of clinical, academic, and analytical skills enables her to lead complex, interdisciplinary research while maintaining a patient-centered approach to healthcare innovation and education.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Minu Mohan has received numerous accolades across academic, clinical, and research domains. In 2021, she was nominated for Best Poster Award at the 14th Annual Dissemination & Implementation Science Conference. Her MPH studies were supported by the Provost’s Graduate Fellowship, Graduate Assistantship, and Tri Alpha Honors from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. During her dental residency, she won Best Scientific Paper for her work on silicone digital prostheses and Best Poster for clinical prosthetic rehabilitation cases at the 42nd Kerala State Dental Conference in 2009. Her research has since been spotlighted in global conferences such as ASCO, MASCC, and the National Ryan White Conference. She has authored or co-authored over 35 peer-reviewed journal articles and multiple conference abstracts. Her interdisciplinary projects involving AI, psycho-oncology, and public health disparities have positioned her as an award-winning thought leader in translational healthcare research.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Mohan’s research bridges clinical dentistry, oncology, and public health, with a strong emphasis on healthcare disparities, psycho-oncology, and data-driven health analytics. Her current projects involve the use of machine learning (ML) and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to predict suicidal ideation and cachexia in cancer patients. She also investigates opioid dependence, mental health screening, and emerging treatment toxicities using big data in hospitalized cancer cohorts. Her earlier public health research at the University of Massachusetts focused on Black Women with HIV, contributing to policy briefs and NIH-funded interventions. Additionally, she has explored prosthodontics innovations, digital prostheses, and quality-of-life outcomes post maxillofacial rehabilitation. Dr. Mohan’s work exemplifies an integrated approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research, AI applications in health, and a commitment to vulnerable populations. Her projects regularly feature in high-impact journals and global oncology conferences, contributing to evidence-based strategies in both clinical and population health domains.

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Minu P. Mohan exemplifies a unique blend of clinical acumen, academic rigor, and research innovation, with a proven record in dental prosthetics, oncology-related public health, and AI-integrated healthcare analytics.

Publications

  • Counties with Low Employment and Education Status Are Associated with Higher Age-Adjusted Cancer Mortality

    Cancers
    2025-06-19 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/cancers17122051
    CONTRIBUTORS: Minu Ponnamma Mohan; Joel B. Epstein; Kapil S. Meleveedu; Roberto Pili; Poolakkad S. Satheeshkumar

  • Hospitalized Cancer Patients with Opioid Management for Chemo-Induced Ulcerative Mucositis Lessens the Patients’ Overall Burden of Illness

    Pharmaceuticals
    2025-04-06 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ph18040536
    CONTRIBUTORS: Minu Ponnamma Mohan; Joel B. Epstein; Kapil S. Meleveedu; Parikshit Padhi; Roberto Pili; Poolakkad S. Satheeshkumar

  • A CBCT based study evaluating the degenerative changes in TMJs among patients with loss of posterior tooth support visiting Qassim University Dental Clinics, KSA: A retrospective observational study.

    The Saudi dental journal
    2022-09-27 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2022.09.002
    PMID: 36570571
    PMC: PMC9767831
    CONTRIBUTORS: AlKhairAllah HA; Mohan MP; AlSagri MS

  • Association between palliative care referral and burden of illness among cancers of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx

    Supportive Care in Cancer
    2021-12-22 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06370-y
    CONTRIBUTORS: Poolakkad S. Satheeshkumar; Mohammed El-Dallal; Y. Raita; Minu P. Mohan; E. Adjei Boakye

  • Feature selection and predicting chemotherapy-induced ulcerative mucositis using machine learning methods

    International Journal of Medical Informatics
    2021-10 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2021.104563
    CONTRIBUTORS: Poolakkad S. Satheeshkumar; Mohammed El-Dallal; Minu P. Mohan

 

 

 

 

 

Nastaran Zamani | Exercise – Appetite – Obesity | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Nastaran Zamani | Exercise – Appetite – Obesity | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nastaran Zamani is a distinguished Iranian neuroscientist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Payame Noor University, Tehran. With a research career grounded in neurophysiology and Alzheimer’s disease models, she has made valuable contributions to understanding the effects of neuroprotective agents like memantine, vitamin D, folic acid, and DHA on cognitive function. Her expertise spans from electrophysiological recordings of hippocampal neurons to behavioral studies in rodent models. Dr. Zamani has actively collaborated with renowned researchers and co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals in neuroscience, physiology, and pharmacology. Her work bridges cellular neurobiology and therapeutic research, reflecting an interdisciplinary approach. Dr. Zamani is also known for her participation in national and international scientific congresses. Through her teaching and mentoring roles, she fosters academic growth and promotes scientific inquiry among students and young researchers in Iran. Her commitment to neuroscience research and education continues to inspire many in the field.

Professional Profile

Googlescholar

Education

Dr. Nastaran Zamani earned her Ph.D. in Animal Physiology from Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2019, with a doctoral thesis focused on the electrophysiological and behavioral effects of memantine and DHA on hippocampal CA1 neurons and spatial memory in Alzheimer’s disease rat models, under the supervision of Prof. Ahmad Ali Moazedi. She completed her MSc in Animal Physiology from Razi University, Kermanshah, in 2004, where her thesis explored the hematological effects of sodium nitrate in mice, co-supervised by Dr. Syrus Shamili and Dr. Syrus Ghobadi. Her academic foundation was built at the University of Isfahan, where she received her BSc in Biology with a focus on Animal Sciences in 1999. Her education reflects a consistent and deep interest in the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders, forming the basis of her current research in neuroscience and therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease and related neurological conditions.

Experience

Dr. Zamani began her academic career as a faculty instructor in the Department of Biology at Payame Noor University from 2011 to 2019. Since 2019, she has held the position of Assistant Professor in the same department. She has over a decade of teaching experience, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in physiology, neurobiology, and experimental research techniques. Her research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease models, involving electrophysiology, behavioral neuroscience, and pharmacological interventions. Dr. Zamani has presented her findings in more than ten national and international conferences and has authored over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles in neuroscience and physiology. In addition to teaching and research, she has participated in various academic development workshops on molecular biology, drug delivery, data analysis using MATLAB, and scientific writing. Her continuous contributions to neuroscience research and education have strengthened her role as a dedicated academic professional in the Iranian scientific community.

Research Interests

Dr. Zamani’s research centers on the neurophysiological and therapeutic mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease, with a primary focus on hippocampal CA1 neuron activity, memory, and learning. She explores the pharmacological effects of memantine, folic acid, vitamin B12, DHA, and vitamin D in rodent models of neurodegeneration, using electrophysiological recordings and behavioral assessments such as maze tests. Her investigations examine how these compounds influence spatial learning, memory deficits, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s models. She has expanded her research to include studies on motor coordination, depression, anxiety, and thermal dysregulation related to neurological disorders, as well as broader physiological effects of exercise and natural antioxidants. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates neuroscience, pharmacology, and physiology, supported by collaborations with international researchers and active engagement in congresses and workshops. By bridging cellular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, Dr. Zamani’s work contributes significantly to preclinical efforts targeting Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive disorders.

Awards

While formal award titles are not explicitly listed, Dr. Nastaran Zamani’s consistent scholarly productivity and academic recognition are evident through her extensive peer-reviewed publications, conference participations, and workshop invitations. She has been selected to present at prestigious neuroscience congresses, such as the Congress of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, and has contributed to multiple multidisciplinary international collaborations, demonstrating her recognition within the academic community. Her research contributions to Alzheimer’s disease models have earned her collaborative roles in high-impact studies published in journals like Frontiers in Physiology, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, and Cytotherapy. She has also participated in professional development programs hosted by Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Elsevier Research Academy, and the International Brain Research Organization, further reflecting her ongoing commitment to academic excellence. Dr. Zamani’s profile highlights the high regard she holds among peers and institutions for her active role in advancing neurophysiological research in Iran and beyond.

Conclusion:

Dr. Nastaran Zamani is a dedicated neuroscientist whose innovative research on neurodegeneration and therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer’s disease has significantly advanced our understanding of cognitive function, making her a valuable contributor to the global neuroscience community.

 

Top Noted Publications

Paula San Martín González | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Paula San Martín González | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Paula San Martín González, born in Salamanca, Spain, is a dedicated academic and healthcare professional currently serving as Profesora Ayudante Doctora at Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca. With a solid foundation in nursing, she has steadily advanced through both clinical and academic pathways. She holds a PhD in Human and Social Sciences and multiple master’s degrees in oncology, critical care, and emergency nursing, as well as in teaching secondary education. She has also earned postgraduate expertise in leadership, management, and ultrasound in nursing care. Since 2017, she has been deeply involved in higher education, delivering over 20 courses in nursing and health sciences. Recognized with the DOCENTIA award, her contributions span simulation-based teaching, innovation in health education, and interdisciplinary learning. Paula continues to enrich healthcare pedagogy through teaching, research, and curriculum development in simulation-based clinical practice.

Profile

🎓 Education

Paula San Martín González completed her Bachelor’s in Nursing at Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in 2014. She pursued specialized education with three official master’s degrees: one in Palliative Care for Oncology Patients (University of Salamanca, 2016), another in Critical and Emergency Nursing (University of León, 2017), and a third in Secondary and Vocational Education Teaching (UPSA). Additionally, she earned postgraduate qualifications in Leadership in Nursing Services (UDIMA, 2020) and Clinical Ultrasound for Nursing (Universidad Católica de Ávila, 2024). Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in Human and Social Sciences from Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in 2022. Notably, she also became an Instructor in Advanced Clinical Simulation (UCAM, 2020), further deepening her pedagogical capabilities. Her educational background reflects a harmonious blend of clinical, academic, and teaching excellence, equipping her to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and healthcare practice with precision and empathy.

🧪 Experience

Paula has accumulated diverse experience in clinical and academic settings. She began her career as a nurse at Fundación Hospital General de la Santísima Trinidad (2015–2016) and later worked at Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (2016–2017). In 2017, she transitioned to academia, joining Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca as a full-time Profesora Ayudante, later promoted to Profesora Ayudante Doctora in 2024. Her teaching portfolio spans over 25 university-level nursing and education courses, including mental health nursing, health alterations, community nursing, clinical practicums, and simulation-based learning. She also taught in collaborative programs like the University of Experience and courses at the University of Burgos. Alongside teaching, she has delivered workshops and seminars on simulation, leadership, and innovation in nursing education. Her consistent progression from bedside care to academic excellence highlights a commitment to training future nursing professionals through innovation, clinical insight, and dedication.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Paula San Martín González has been recognized for her exceptional teaching contributions with the DOCENTIA Award granted by Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca in 2024. This prestigious award acknowledges excellence in university teaching and reflects her high-quality performance in classroom instruction and academic mentorship. Her teaching activity from 2017 to 2021 was evaluated as Excellent by the ACSUCYL/ANECA accreditation bodies, affirming her effectiveness and impact as an educator. Additionally, she earned positive accreditation for the rank of Profesor Ayudante Doctor in 2024, further validating her professional competence and qualifications within Spain’s higher education system. Her commitment to innovative teaching methodologies, such as clinical simulation and patient-standardized training, has also contributed to her recognition as a leader in educational innovation. These accolades underscore her influence in the academic community and her drive to elevate the standards of nursing education.

🔬 Research Focus

Paula’s research centers on clinical simulation, educational innovation in nursing, leadership development, and digital health literacy. She is especially invested in exploring how simulation methodologies improve the practical training of nursing students. Her published work includes book chapters on simulation-based instruction using standardized patients, the integration of social media in health education, and strategies to foster entrepreneurial leadership among health sciences students. These contributions reflect her broader goal to blend academic rigor with technological advancements in pedagogy. She is a leading author in projects linked to educational transformation, particularly through simulation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, her research supports reflective, student-centered learning models that promote critical thinking, self-efficacy, and adaptive clinical decision-making. Her engagement with simulation-based projects aligns with current trends in nursing education and contributes to a deeper, evidence-based understanding of its efficacy in real-world preparedness for healthcare professionals.

✅ Conclusion

Paula San Martín González exemplifies a modern nursing educator whose blend of clinical expertise, academic excellence, and pedagogical innovation—particularly through simulation-based learning—positions her as a transformative force in healthcare education.

Publications

  • Promotion of Healthy Habits in Adolescents: An Interdisciplinary Study on Motivation Towards Physical Education, Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity

    Behavioral Sciences
    2025-06 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/bs15060778
    CONTRIBUTORS: Paula San Martín González; José Enrique Moral García; Mario Amatria Jiménez; Rubén Arroyo Del Bosque

  • Prevalence of burnout syndrome among veterinarians in SpainJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

    2023-02-07 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.09.0407
    Part ofISSN: 0003-1488
    CONTRIBUTORS: Álvaro San Martín González; Paula San Martín González; María-Prado Míguez-Santiyán; Francisco Soler Rodríguez; Marcos Pérez-López

  • Manejo del dolor en el paciente terminal oncológico

    Cuidados en salud en iberoamérica
    2022 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Paula San Martín González

Eva Stefankova | pediatric | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Eva Stefankova | pediatric | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eva Štefánková, PhD., is a Slovak clinical anthropologist with specialized expertise in pediatric anthropometry and craniofacial measurements. Currently serving at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, National Institute of Children’s Diseases in Bratislava, she has been instrumental in assessing growth patterns, body composition, and developmental anomalies in children. Eva completed her doctoral studies in pediatric surgery and anthropology at Comenius University, where her research focused on children with congenital CNS malformations. Her academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to interdisciplinary studies, combining biology, anthropology, and clinical applications. Eva is also a certified Ayurvedic nutrition consultant, and has completed multiple international workshops in traditional medicine and diagnostic techniques. Beyond her scientific pursuits, she is actively engaged in academic publishing and has presented research at both national and international conferences. Her work bridges modern clinical science and holistic approaches, offering valuable insights into child development and integrative care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Eva Štefánková earned her PhD in pediatric surgery from the Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava (2011–2015), with a dissertation on anthropometry in children with congenital CNS malformations. She holds an RNDr. degree (Doctor of Natural Sciences) in Anthropology and a Master’s degree (Mgr.) in Anthropology and Biology from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University. Her Master’s thesis focused on growth and development in Slovak patients with eating disorders. She also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Anthropology with a thesis on environmental impacts on congenital malformations. Eva attended the Albert Einstein Grammar School in Bratislava, where she excelled in biology and scientific activities. She furthered her education with international training in 3D anthropometry at Charles University and received certifications in Ayurvedic nutrition and diagnostics. Her education reflects a strong foundation in both scientific research and holistic medical disciplines.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Eva Štefánková has accumulated significant experience in clinical anthropology, primarily through her roles at the National Institute of Children’s Diseases in Bratislava. Since 2022, she has been working as a Clinical Anthropologist in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, focusing on craniofacial analysis, body measurements, and growth assessments in pediatric patients. She previously held the same position between 2015 and 2016. Her clinical experience is complemented by strong research involvement, scientific publication, interdisciplinary collaboration with medical departments, and educational engagement in Slovak and English. Between her appointments, she took two maternity leaves. During her postgraduate studies, she developed expertise in hospital information systems (TOMOCON, MEDEA) and anthropological software (WHO Anthro). Eva also engaged in outpatient care, patient communication, and teaching. Her clinical roles are enriched by certifications in nutrition and Ayurvedic diagnostics, enhancing her ability to approach pediatric care from a multidimensional perspective.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Eva Štefánková has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to clinical and anthropological research. She won the 3rd place Best Research Presentation Award at the 7th Kramáre Clinical Research Day in 2023, highlighting her commitment to translational research in pediatric surgery. As an early-career researcher, she received grants for young investigators in 2012 and 2013, and contributed as a co-investigator on Ministry of Health-funded projects. Eva has actively participated in national and international conferences, symposia, and scientific forums, including the Faculty Student Scientific Conference and Doctoral Scientific Conference, where her work was frequently recognized. Her international academic exposure includes a study stay at Charles University, Prague, focusing on 3D anthropometry. She has also been awarded multiple certificates for specialized training in nutrition, Ayurvedic medicine, and academic English, enhancing her interdisciplinary profile. Her accolades reflect excellence in research, collaboration, and professional development.

Research Interests 🔬

Eva Štefánková’s research centers on clinical anthropometry in pediatric populations, with a specific emphasis on children with congenital central nervous system (CNS) malformations. Her doctoral and postdoctoral work has involved craniofacial and whole-body measurements, analysis of body composition, and the monitoring of growth trends in children with developmental disorders and post-surgical conditions. Her interdisciplinary approach combines anthropological methodology with clinical data analytics using advanced statistical and imaging tools, including 3D anthropometry, WHO Anthro software, and diagnostic modeling. She is also deeply interested in the interface of traditional and modern medicine, applying insights from Ayurvedic phytotherapy and nutrition to holistic pediatric care. Her work contributes to improving diagnostic precision, surgical outcomes, and long-term health monitoring in children. She continues to present her research internationally and remains committed to collaborative projects that link biological anthropology, pediatrics, and integrative medicine for enhanced patient care.

Publications

  • Anthropometry of craniosynostosis

    E Štefánková, F Horn, E Neščáková… – Neurologia i …, 2015 – journals.viamedica.pl
    Background Anthropometry is becoming a popular method for diagnostics of various diseases
    in pediatric clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the growth changes in …

  • Assessment of Facial Asymmetry in Slovak Patients with Positional Deformity

    …, F Horn, P Slaná, A Plž, M Zarinshad, E Štefánková – Children, 2024 – mdpi.com
    Objectives: Positional deformity (PD), also known as deformational plagiocephaly or non-synostosis,
    is a primary cause of abnormal head shape and asymmetry in infants. The most …

  • The impact of body mass index on craniofacial parameters

    A Nádaždyová, E Štefánková, M Samohýl – Kontakt, 2016 – Elsevier
    The purpose of the study is to analyze BMI and the mean values of craniofacial parameters
    in the patients measured by directed anthropometry (PDAA) and by 3D scan (P3DAS).

Valeria Azevedo de Almeida | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Valeria Azevedo de Almeida | Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Valéria Azevedo de Almeida is a Brazilian physiotherapist and researcher with expertise in neuroengineering, maternal and child health, and neonatal care. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Physiotherapy at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), where she also completed her undergraduate studies. Valéria holds a Master’s in Neuroengineering from the Edmond and Lily Safra International Institute of Neurosciences and has extensive experience in hospital and academic settings. Her research contributions focus on neonatal neural activity and pediatric urological sequelae linked to congenital infections like Zika virus. She has served in both clinical and academic roles across various Brazilian institutions, including UFRN, ISD, HU-UFGD, and HRG. Fluent in Portuguese and proficient in English, she also acts as a journal referee and participates in numerous collaborative health projects. Valéria has earned distinctions for her dedication to education and contributions to neonatal physiotherapy research and care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Valéria Azevedo de Almeida is completing her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy (2021–2025) at UFRN, under Dr. Silvana Alves Pereira. She earned a Master’s in Neuroengineering (2018–2020) at the Edmond and Lily Safra Institute, supervised by Dr. Reginaldo Freitas Jr., with a CAPES scholarship. Previously, she completed a specialization in Maternal and Child Health through a multiprofessional residency at UFRN (2016–2018), also under Dr. Pereira. Her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy (2011–2015) was completed at UFRN with CNPq scholarship support. Complementary education includes over 20 short courses in areas like public health, intensive care, clinical pilates, neonatal care, and professional development, offered by institutions such as FIOCRUZ, CEDEP, UFMG, and the Albert Einstein Institute. These reflect her commitment to continuous learning and interdisciplinary training in health care and leadership. She also completed a 240-hour English language course and has participated in multiple training programs since 2009, enhancing her clinical and academic capacities.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Valéria has accumulated rich experience in public health, academic research, and clinical physiotherapy. Since 2022, she works at the University Hospital of Grande Dourados (HU-UFGD/Ebserh) as a government-employed physiotherapist. She has concurrently held research and academic roles at UFRN since 2021. Her past positions include clinical roles at Hospital Rio Grande, Hospital Municipal de Campanha, and UPA Esperança, and academic/research posts at Instituto Santos Dumont (ISD), where she contributed to projects on Zika-related pediatric sequelae. From 2016 to 2018, she was a research fellow at the Regional Hospital Dr. Mariano Coelho. Her early experience includes a scholarship-based position at Hospital Universitário Ana Bezerra. She’s also an active participant in ongoing projects at Instituto Fernandes Figueira and ISD. Valéria’s work combines hands-on physiotherapeutic care with clinical research, specializing in neonatal, neurological, and urological rehabilitation, making her a key contributor in multidisciplinary health teams.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Valéria received an Honorable Mention in 2018 from the Escola Multicampi de Ciências Médicas do RN for her contribution to the first class of the multiprofessional residency in maternal and child health. In 2015, she won first place in the area of Neonatal and Pediatric Physiotherapy at the III Northeastern Congress of Cardiorespiratory and Intensive Care Physiotherapy (CONEFIR), highlighting her excellence as a student-researcher. These awards recognize her early and continued dedication to improving clinical physiotherapy practice in neonatal and pediatric populations, as well as her commitment to rural health education and service delivery. Her leadership in education and practical training programs, especially in underserved areas, has been widely acknowledged. These honors underscore her impact on both the academic and practical dimensions of physiotherapy and affirm her growing reputation as a committed clinician, researcher, and mentor in Brazil’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Research Interests 🔬

Valéria’s research focuses on neonatal neurophysiology, pediatric rehabilitation, and health impacts of congenital infections such as the Zika virus. At UFRN, her Ph.D. work investigates the relationship between neural activity and visual processing in premature newborns. Through the Instituto Santos Dumont and Instituto Fernandes Figueira, she has contributed to long-term studies on urinary and intestinal dysfunctions in children with congenital Zika syndrome. She integrates neuroengineering principles into pediatric physiotherapy to enhance diagnostic and rehabilitative outcomes. Her interdisciplinary approach includes neurodevelopmental monitoring, urological sequelae analysis, and intervention design for affected children. In addition to field research, she is involved in designing care protocols, training health professionals, and evaluating public health strategies. Her work bridges neuroscience, physiotherapy, and maternal-child care, aiming to improve outcomes for vulnerable pediatric populations. She also serves as a peer reviewer, contributing to the advancement of evidence-based practices in neurorehabilitation and child health.

Publications