Sercan Karabulut | Psychiatry | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sercan Karabulut | Psychiatry | Best Academic Researcher Award

Akdeniz University School of Medicine | Turkey

Dr. Sercan Karabulut is a distinguished psychiatrist and academic with a strong educational background from İstanbul Medicine Faculty and earlier training at leading Turkish schools. He completed his residency in psychiatry at İstanbul Medicine Faculty and is fluent in English and German, which has supported his international academic presence. His professional career includes service at prominent state hospitals in Antalya and Van, with his current appointment at Akdeniz University School of Medicine. His research interests span schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, personality traits, psychopharmacology, and the cognitive and clinical aspects of addiction. He has published extensively in national and international journals, addressing key issues such as clozapine use in schizophrenia, cognitive impairments in methamphetamine users, psychiatric outcomes of encephalitis, and the interplay between trauma, empathy, and substance use. His research skills include clinical psychiatry, psychometric evaluation, statistical analysis, study design, and long-term patient follow-up. In addition, he has authored book chapters on addiction and psychiatric care and has actively contributed to scientific congresses through oral presentations, panels, and case reports. Recognized for his academic productivity and dedication, he has received honors in scientific meetings and has gained respect as both a clinician and researcher. Overall, Dr. Karabulut’s career demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing psychiatry through clinical practice, research, and education, making him a valuable contributor to the understanding and treatment of complex psychiatric and addiction-related disorders.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

John de Figueiredo | Loneliness and Demoralization | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. John de Figueiredo | Loneliness and Demoralization | Best Researcher Award

Yale University School of Medicine | United States

Prof. John de Figueiredo is a highly accomplished psychiatrist, educator, and researcher whose career bridges clinical excellence, academic leadership, and international recognition in psychiatry and public health. He earned his medical degree from the University of Bombay, followed by advanced training in mental health at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, and completed residency and fellowship training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine. His academic career at Yale University School of Medicine has spanned decades, progressing from assistant professor to clinical professor, where he has supervised and mentored fellows, residents, medical students, and multidisciplinary teams. His research interests focus on cultural psychiatry, psychopathology, psychosomatic medicine, psychiatric epidemiology, and geriatric psychiatry, contributing significantly to understanding the interaction between culture, mental health, and clinical practice. He is recognized for skills in teaching, supervision, curriculum design, and cross-cultural clinical care, complemented by leadership roles in global psychiatric associations. Prof. de Figueiredo has been honored with numerous national and international awards, including recognition by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychopathological Association, and the Royal Society of Medicine, among others. In conclusion, his career reflects a lifelong commitment to advancing psychiatry, medical education, and patient care through scholarship, mentorship, and global collaboration.

Profile: Google scholar

Featured Publications

Sonia Cherpe | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sonia Cherpe | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

University of Coimbra | portugal

Dr. Sónia Cherpe is a dedicated researcher whose work has focused extensively on adolescent depression, trauma, and cognitive-behavioural interventions, contributing significantly to the field of psychology and mental health. She pursued her academic career at the University of Coimbra, where she has been affiliated with the Centre for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioural Intervention. Her education and training positioned her to explore preventive approaches to depression in Portuguese adolescents, supported by funding from the Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia. Professionally, she has contributed to multiple national and international projects examining the role of trauma, shame, and emotion regulation in depressive symptomatology, and has been actively involved in psychometric validation of assessment tools adapted for Portuguese populations. Her research interests include adolescent mental health, preventive interventions for depression, cognitive and emotional regulation, and the development of culturally adapted assessment instruments. Skilled in research design, longitudinal analysis, psychometric evaluation, and evidence-based interventions, Cherpe has collaborated with esteemed colleagues both nationally and internationally. She has received recognition through funded projects, conference presentations, and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Overall, Sónia Cherpe’s career reflects a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in adolescent mental health, with a focus on prevention and intervention strategies that address psychological vulnerabilities and promote well-being.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Caroline Cecil Kaufman | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Caroline Cecil Kaufman | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Caroline C. Kaufman is an Assistant Psychologist at McLean Hospital and Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Memphis, with a specialization in the psychology of religion and spirituality. Her work lies at the intersection of spirituality, trauma, and mental health, particularly among underserved and marginalized populations. Dr. Kaufman has developed spiritually integrated psychotherapeutic interventions and conducted groundbreaking research on antisemitism, PTSD, and alcohol misuse. She has trained at leading institutions, including Yale School of Medicine, and currently leads multiple funded projects aimed at adapting clinical care to spiritual and religious diversity. Dr. Kaufman is widely recognized for her academic contributions and advocacy for inclusive behavioral health. Her professional mission centers on empowering vulnerable communities through evidence-based, spiritually inclusive mental health research and care. She is also a frequent speaker and active contributor to national and international psychology organizations.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Kaufman’s clinical and academic experience spans leading institutions in psychology and psychiatry. She currently serves as Assistant Psychologist at McLean Hospital and Instructor at Harvard Medical School. From 2021 to 2023, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Spirituality and Mental Health Program at McLean. Her internship was at Yale-New Haven Hospital, where she worked in child and adolescent intensive outpatient care and the Yale Gender Program. She has held clinical roles across diverse settings, including Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Daybreak Treatment Center, and Head Start programs. She also held supervisory roles, including at Yale and the University of Memphis. Dr. Kaufman has been actively engaged in research, professional service, and teaching throughout her career. Her expertise lies in integrating spirituality and trauma-focused therapies, and she serves as Principal Investigator on several funded research projects. She also advises diversity and inclusion initiatives across clinical psychology organizations.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Kaufman has received numerous accolades for her academic and clinical contributions. In 2024, she was awarded the Eleanor and Miles Shore Fellowship by McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She is a 2022 Livingston Fellow at Harvard Medical School and was selected for the prestigious Yale Program for Medicine, Spirituality, & Religion Fellowship in 2020. That same year, she received the Jewish Community Hero Award. Other honors include the International Research Network’s Early Career Researcher Award (2022), the Graduate Student Talk Award from the Tennessee Psychological Association (2018), and the Sigma Xi Undergraduate Research Award from Williams College (2015). Dr. Kaufman has been consistently recognized for her innovative research in spirituality and mental health, her leadership in DEI initiatives, and her commitment to advancing culturally sensitive clinical care. She also received multiple travel and presentation awards from the APA and other scholarly organizations throughout her academic training.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Kaufman has received numerous accolades for her academic and clinical contributions. In 2024, she was awarded the Eleanor and Miles Shore Fellowship by McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She is a 2022 Livingston Fellow at Harvard Medical School and was selected for the prestigious Yale Program for Medicine, Spirituality, & Religion Fellowship in 2020. That same year, she received the Jewish Community Hero Award. Other honors include the International Research Network’s Early Career Researcher Award (2022), the Graduate Student Talk Award from the Tennessee Psychological Association (2018), and the Sigma Xi Undergraduate Research Award from Williams College (2015). Dr. Kaufman has been consistently recognized for her innovative research in spirituality and mental health, her leadership in DEI initiatives, and her commitment to advancing culturally sensitive clinical care. She also received multiple travel and presentation awards from the APA and other scholarly organizations throughout her academic training.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Kaufman’s research focuses on the integration of spirituality, religiosity, and psychological science, particularly in the treatment of trauma, PTSD, and alcohol misuse. Her scholarship explores how spiritual identity and belief systems influence mental health outcomes, with a strong emphasis on marginalized and high-risk populations such as first responders and Jewish communities facing antisemitism. She leads several research projects, funded by organizations such as the John Templeton Foundation and Harvard Medical School, examining spiritually integrated psychotherapy, resilience among trauma survivors, and inclusion of religious diversity in behavioral health. She also investigates antisemitic prejudice and its psychological effects. Through both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, her work advances clinical science by developing culturally and spiritually sensitive interventions. Dr. Kaufman’s interdisciplinary research informs clinical practices and policy frameworks to promote inclusive, evidence-based care. She also collaborates across academic and community settings to ensure her research has practical, population-level impact.

✅ Conclusion

Publications

  • Mental Health Clinical Pastoral Education—A Specialized CPE Program

    Religions
    2025-07 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/rel16070886
    CONTRIBUTORS: Angelika A. Zollfrank; Caroline Cecil Kaufman; David H. Rosmarin

  • The scale matters: assessing body size with figure rating scales in a diverse sample of young adults

    Eating and Weight Disorders
    2022 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01166-9

  • Integrating Spirituality in Group Psychotherapy with First Responders: Addressing Trauma and Substance Misuse

    Religions
    2022-11 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/rel13121132
    CONTRIBUTORS: Caroline Cecil Kaufman; David Hillel Rosmarin; Hilary Connery

  • Parenting in matched pairs of women of color experiencing intimate partner violence and living with and without HIV

    Journal of Traumatic Stress
    2021 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1002/jts.22737
    EID: 2-s2.0-85116930252
    Part of ISSN: 15736598 08949867
    CONTRIBUTORS: Thurston, I.B.; Howell, K.H.; Kaufman, C.C.; Mandell, J.E.; Decker, K.M.

Yaira Hamama-Raz | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Yaira Hamama-Raz | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Yaira Hamama-Raz is a distinguished scholar and practitioner in psycho-oncology and social work, currently serving as a full professor at Ariel University’s School of Social Work. Her academic journey spans from a BA to a PhD at Tel Aviv University, with postdoctoral training at the Adler Research Center. With over three decades of clinical and academic experience, she has contributed extensively to understanding psychological resilience, adjustment to cancer, and trauma. Beyond teaching, she actively participates in institutional and national scientific committees, enhancing the academic and clinical landscape of social work and psycho-oncology in Israel. Prof. Hamama-Raz’s research is widely recognized through multiple grants and peer-reviewed publications. She has received repeated awards for excellence in both research and teaching. Her deep commitment to mental health, social well-being, and integrative care defines her contribution to both academia and practice, making her a leading voice in health-related social work research.

Profile

🎓 Education

Prof. Hamama-Raz completed her academic training at Tel Aviv University. She earned her BA between 1986 and 1989, followed by an MA from 1992 to 1996, during which she explored fear of personal death among physicians under the supervision of Professors Zahava Solomon and Abraham Ohari. Her doctoral research (1997–2003) examined psychological adjustment in melanoma survivors, focusing on gender, identity, cognitive appraisal, hardiness, and attachment style, again under Prof. Solomon’s guidance. She further enriched her academic foundation through a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship (2005–2007) at the Adler Research Center for Child Welfare and Protection. This thorough academic grounding formed the base of her psycho-oncological research and teaching, integrating clinical practice with theoretical depth. Her educational trajectory exemplifies a continuous commitment to psychological and social health, particularly in vulnerable populations facing illness and trauma.

🧪 Experience

Prof. Hamama-Raz has a distinguished career that bridges clinical social work and academia. She began as a mental health officer in the Israeli Defense Forces (1989–1990), later working with families and distressed youth in Ramat Gan’s Welfare Department. From 1995 to 2005, she served as a social worker in the Gyneco-Oncology Unit of Rabin Medical Center. Between 2006 and 2009, she led individual psychotherapy at “One in Nine,” an Israeli breast cancer support organization. Since 2009, she has provided psycho-oncological therapy in private practice. Parallel to clinical work, she has held academic roles at Ariel University since 2005, advancing from lecturer to full professor in 2019. She has led graduate programs, chaired committees, and served on institutional boards. Her roles demonstrate a lifelong dedication to mental health and education, with an emphasis on cancer survivorship, trauma care, and integrative psychosocial support.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Prof. Hamama-Raz has received consistent recognition for her excellence in teaching and research. From 2010 to 2014 and again from 2017 to 2023, Ariel University awarded her annual honors for academic excellence in teaching. In 2015, she received the university’s Reward for Excellence in Research Achievements. In 2016, she was honored by the Israel Cancer Association for outstanding psycho-oncological research. These accolades reflect her sustained commitment to quality education and impactful research. Her work not only advances academic knowledge but also improves clinical practices in social work and mental health care. These recognitions affirm her role as an influential educator and researcher whose work continues to inspire students, colleagues, and practitioners in Israel and internationally. Her ability to translate clinical insight into research findings and educational content is a hallmark of her professional excellence.

🔬 Research Focus

Prof. Yaira Hamama-Raz’s research lies at the intersection of psychology, oncology, and social work. She focuses on psychological adjustment among cancer survivors, with a particular interest in gender identity, cognitive appraisal, hardiness, and attachment styles. Her early research addressed fear of death among healthcare providers and psychological resilience in trauma survivors. Over the years, her studies have expanded to include kidney transplant patients, informal caregivers, disaster survivors, and populations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work is grounded in clinical experience, aiming to bridge empirical findings with therapeutic applications. She has led and collaborated on numerous funded projects, including grants from the Israel Cancer Association and Ariel University. Her recent interests include decision-making in elderly cancer patients, adherence among adolescent transplant recipients, and psychological coping mechanisms in response to climate change and global health crises. Her interdisciplinary approach positions her as a leader in psychosocial oncology and health-related social work.

✅ Conclusion

Prof. Yaira Hamama-Raz is a distinguished academic, clinician, and researcher whose lifelong dedication to psycho-oncology and social work has significantly impacted clinical practice, academic training, and research in health-related social sciences, earning her recognition through awards, grants, and institutional leadership.

Publications

  • Climate Change Anxiety Among Individuals with and Without Chronic Illnesses: The Roles of Exposure, Awareness, and Coping Strategies

    Sustainability
    2025-07-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/su17136034
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yaira Hamama-Raz; Shiri Shinan-Altman

  • Social acknowledgment and posttraumatic growth among bereaved adult sons and daughters of security forces personnel: The interplay with continuing bonds and complicated grief

    Death Studies
    2025-06-20 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2025.2521505
    CONTRIBUTORS: Yaira Hamama-Raz; Edit Solomon

  • The Interplay Between Climate Change Exposure, Awareness, Coping, and Anxiety Among Individuals with and Without a Chronic Illness

    Climate
    2025-06-11 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/cli13060124
    CONTRIBUTORS: Shiri Shinan-Altman; Yaira Hamama-Raz

  • Can the subjective perception of trauma effectively differentiate between International Classification of Diseases–11 PTSD and complex PTSD? The 2022 Russian invasion analysis.

    Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
    2025-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1037/tra0001801
    CONTRIBUTORS: Shir Mor-Ben-Ishai; Yaira Hamama-Raz; Elazar Leshem; Menachem Ben-Ezra; Yafit Levin

 

 

Marianne Rizk-Hildbrand | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Mrs. Marianne Rizk-Hildbrand | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

She is completing her PhD at KJPP Zürich, focusing on youth suicide prevention through the AdoASSIP project. Her professional experience spans various roles within KJPP Zürich, including emergency care, inpatient therapy, diagnostics, family counseling, and research. Earlier, she worked in diverse sectors such as aviation, hospitality, and legal assistance, demonstrating adaptability and strong interpersonal skills. Alongside her clinical and research commitments, she has been active in volunteer work, serving as a translator for refugee projects. Her multilingual proficiency in German, English, French, and Egyptian Arabic allows her to connect effectively with diverse populations. She is recognized as an AdoASSIP instructor, supervisor, and therapist, reflecting her advanced therapeutic competencies. She embodies a rare combination of academic rigor, clinical expertise, and cross-cultural sensitivity, preparing her for a leading role in adolescent mental health care and research.

Profile

🎓 Education

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2014-2018) from the University of Zürich, supplemented by an exchange semester at Humboldt University, Berlin (2019). She then pursued a Master of Science in Psychology at the University of Zürich (2018-2021), successfully completed in HS2020. Additionally, she earned multiple certifications in AdoASSIP therapy, including supervisor and instructor credentials between 2022 and 2024. In December 2024, she attained the title of federally recognized psychotherapist (IPKJ). Currently, she is finalizing her PhD (expected 2025), focusing on youth suicidality. Her earlier studies include the Gymnasium at Kantonsschule Hottingen (2006–2010), Bachelor of Law studies (incomplete, 2011–2014), and primary education in Opfikon. This strong educational background provides her with a solid foundation in both psychological theory and clinical practice, which she continuously enriches with ongoing training and research involvement, particularly in adolescent mental health, suicidality, and peer influence dynamics.

🧪 Experience

Her clinical experience is extensive, primarily at KJPP Zürich since 2020. As a doctoral student (2021-2024) and psychologist on youth wards (2023-2024), she conducted diagnostics, therapy, psychodiagnostic testing, family consultations, and managed clinical documentation. She contributed significantly to research, including master’s student supervision and publishing scholarly articles. Earlier roles include psychologist at the emergency centre KANT (2021-2023), where she handled acute psychiatric assessments and crisis interventions. She previously held positions in other sectors such as aviation (Swissport), hospitality (Migros Fitnesspark), legal assistance (Wenger Plattner), and customer service (Jelmoli), which enriched her communication and organizational skills. Additionally, she volunteered as a translator for refugees, showcasing her humanitarian commitment. Her interdisciplinary and multicultural experience enables her to work effectively with diverse patient populations, while her research roles highlight her commitment to advancing evidence-based interventions for youth at risk of suicide.

🏅 Awards and Honors

While no formal awards are explicitly mentioned, her series of professional certifications reflect significant achievements in her field. She became a certified AdoASSIP therapist (2022), supervisor (2023), and instructor (2024), underlining her deep specialization in evidence-based suicide prevention methods for adolescents. Her admission to the federally recognized psychotherapy program (IPKJ) and successful completion in December 2024 further demonstrate her recognized competence in clinical psychotherapy. The selection to pursue a PhD focused on adolescent suicidality at KJPP Zürich itself indicates academic merit and research potential. In addition, her consistent involvement in both clinical practice and cutting-edge research within one of Switzerland’s leading psychiatric institutions highlights her professional excellence. Her voluntary contributions to refugee support services reflect an ongoing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, qualities often acknowledged and respected in healthcare professionals and researchers alike.

🔬 Research Focus

Her research centers on adolescent suicidality, particularly within the AdoASSIP program, a specialized intervention for youth following suicide attempts. Her doctoral dissertation (to be defended in September 2025) investigates complex factors such as body shaming, violence, self-care, and the social contagion of suicidality among peers. This work contributes to a nuanced understanding of the psychosocial dynamics leading to youth suicide attempts. She is deeply involved in intervention research, combining clinical practice with empirical investigation, which allows her to test, refine, and implement effective therapeutic strategies. Her work also involves supervising master’s theses, publishing scientific papers, and contributing to ethical and methodological standards within clinical research. By integrating her practical experience with academic inquiry, she addresses pressing public health concerns and advances therapeutic techniques aimed at reducing youth suicidality. Her research holds significant potential to inform policy, clinical practice, and future studies in adolescent mental health.

✅ Conclusion

Through a combination of advanced clinical training, focused research on adolescent suicidality, and diverse professional experiences, she emerges as a highly competent psychologist and researcher poised to make impactful contributions to youth mental health care, suicide prevention, and evidence-based therapeutic interventions within multicultural contexts.

Publications

  • The Body as a Battleground: A Qualitative Study of the Impact of Violence, Body Shaming, and Self-Harm in Adolescents with a History of Suicide Attempts

    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    2025-05-30 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijerph22060859
    CONTRIBUTORS: Marianne Rizk-Hildbrand; Tara Semple; Martina Preisig; Isabelle Haeberling; Lukasz Smigielski; Dagmar Pauli; Susanne Walitza; Birgit Kleim; Gregor E. Berger

Fahri SEZER | Guidance and Psychological Counseling | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fahri SEZER | Guidance and Psychological Counseling | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Fahri Sezer is a distinguished academic and researcher at Balıkesir University Necatibey Faculty of Education 🇹🇷, specializing in psychological counseling, music therapy 🎵, career guidance 🧭, developmental and educational psychology 🧠📚; his work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing student well-being 💪, self-esteem 🌱, coping strategies 🧩, and resilience; he is known for mentoring young scholars 🧑‍🏫 and leading interdisciplinary mental health research 🤝, with a strong publication record in both national and international platforms 🏅📖.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Fahri Sezer holds advanced degrees in psychological counseling and developmental psychology 🎓🧠; his educational foundation includes robust training in educational sciences, guidance, and counseling 💡📚, providing him the expertise to design psycho-pedagogical models for enhancing emotional well-being and cognitive growth in diverse populations 🌍; his academic journey is marked by scholarly excellence, reflective inquiry, and continuous contribution to mental health education and teacher training programs 🎯🧑‍🏫.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Fahri Sezer serves as an Associate Professor at Balıkesir University’s Department of Guidance and Psychological Counseling 🏛️; he has led and collaborated on numerous research projects exploring student well-being, family dynamics, and teacher competencies 🧠👨‍🏫; his career highlights include national-level research on social skills, divorce effects, conflict resolution, and child psychology 💔➡️❤️, along with authoring educational materials for classroom management, counseling, and developmental psychology 📘✍️; he also provides academic mentoring and scientific editing 🧾🔬.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Fahri Sezer has earned wide recognition for his contributions to educational psychology 🧠🎖️; his research on self-esteem, life satisfaction, and student resilience has been featured in peer-reviewed journals and global conferences 🌐📢; his book chapters and co-authored volumes demonstrate academic leadership 📘👑; Sezer is admired for his impactful national projects addressing teacher training, family therapy, and psychosocial support frameworks 🧑‍🏫💡; his role as editor, author, and mentor enriches Turkey’s academic landscape 🇹🇷💫.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Fahri Sezer’s research revolves around psychological counseling 🧠💬, music therapy 🎵🧠, career guidance 🧭, educational resilience, developmental psychology 👶➡️🧓, social skill interventions 🤝, and student mental health 💖; he investigates how attitudes, coping mechanisms, and counseling practices affect life satisfaction and emotional growth 🌈📈; his focus also includes designing educational materials, studying teacher awareness, and exploring psychosocial dimensions of divorce and child development 🧸⚖️; blending research with community service and academic collaboration 🤗🔍.

Publications 

Karin N Westlund | Chronic Pain Relief | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Karin N Westlund | Chronic Pain Relief | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Karin N. Westlund High is a distinguished neuroscientist and physiologist, currently a Distinguished Professor at UNM School of Medicine and a Research Physiologist at NM VA Health Care. 🇺🇸 She is recognized for her groundbreaking work in pain mechanisms and translational neurobiology. 📚 Her leadership as Vice Chair for Research and longstanding academic contributions span over four decades, advancing the fields of anesthesiology, neuroscience, and chronic pain treatment. 🧠💉

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Westlund High earned a B.A. (Zoology) 🎓 from the University of Texas at Austin (1975), followed by an M.A. in Zoology (1976). She received her Ph.D. in Physiology & Biophysics from UTMB Galveston in 1981. 🧪 During her graduate and postdoctoral years, she developed strong expertise in pain pathways and biophysics. 🧬 Her education laid a solid foundation for her influential career in academic medicine and neuroscience research. 📖🧠

Experience 👨‍🏫

From 1982 to the present, Dr. Westlund High has held key roles: tenured professor at UTMB Galveston, University of Kentucky, and UNM. 🏫 She was also Vice Chair for Research at UNM Anesthesiology (2017–2024) and served in VA medical systems in KY & NM. 🏥🧪 She led cell biology graduate programs, taught extensively in medicine and dentistry, and contributed to national research ethics. 🧑‍🏫🧠

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Westlund High is the recipient of over 20 prestigious honors, including the Frederick W.L. Kerr Award (2008) 🏆, Innovator of the Year (2023), and multiple NIH awards. 💡 She’s been honored for teaching, research excellence, and innovation, including winning EQUALIZE Pitch Competition and a U.S. patent award (2025). 🇺🇸 She has served on editorial boards and grant panels globally, shaping pain research. 🌍🔬

Research Interests 🔬

Her research centers on pain neurobiology 🔍—investigating trigeminal nerve injury, chronic pain, neuroinflammation, and targeted therapeutic antibodies. 🧠💊 With deep NIH and VA support, she has led studies using translational animal models to discover novel pain relief methods. 🐭⚗️ Her work impacts both clinical and preclinical pain management, with over 40 years of translational insights and innovation. 💥📈

Publications 

  • Role of HDAC5 Epigenetics in Chronic Craniofacial Neuropathic Pain

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2024-06 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136889
    CONTRIBUTORS: Sifong Elise Hui; Karin N Westlund

  • Pluripotential GluN1 (NMDA NR1): Functional Significance in Cellular Nuclei in Pain/Nociception

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2023-08 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713196
    CONTRIBUTORS: Terry A. McNearney; Karin N Westlund

  • Rapid Generation and Molecular Docking Analysis of Single-Chain Fragment Variable (scFv) Antibody Selected by Ribosome Display Targeting Cholecystokinin B Receptor (CCK-BR) for Reduction of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences
    2023-07 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311035
    CONTRIBUTORS: Adinarayana Kunamneni; Marena A. Montera; Ravi Durvasula; Dr Sascha Alles; Sachin Goyal; Karin N Westlund

Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Gerd Fabian Volk | Cognitive Rehabilitation | Outstanding Scientist Award

apl. Prof. Dr. med. habil. Gerd Fabian Volk (👶1978, Wertheim am Main) is a leading German otolaryngologist 👨‍⚕️, currently serving as Senior Physician and Head of the Facial Nerve Center in Jena 🏥. With a deep commitment to clinical excellence, academic teaching 📚, and innovative research 🧪, he has significantly contributed to the fields of neurolaryngology, facial nerve disorders, and ultrasound diagnostics 🧠🗣️. His work bridges cutting-edge imaging 🖼️ and functional diagnostics for head-neck disorders. Living in Jena with his family 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧, he actively supports patient education through YouTube 📹, coordinates national workshops, and advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration 🤝. Volk is a respected speaker 🎤, faculty member at international dissection courses ✂️🧠, and an initiator of hybrid symposia. He balances leadership with education, translating research into real-world clinical impact 🌍💡.

Profile

Education 🎓

Studied human medicine at Westfälische Wilhelms Universität Münster (1999–2006) 🎓🩺, earning his state exam. In 2007, he completed his doctorate (Dr. med.) with a thesis on axonal regeneration in retinal ganglion cells in primates and rats 🧬🐒🐀. He achieved board certification in ENT (2012) 👂👃🧠 and earned his postdoctoral qualification (habilitation) in 2017 with pioneering research on quantitative imaging of facial muscles 🖼️💪. His venia legendi was granted by Friedrich Schiller University Jena in otorhinolaryngology 📜👨‍🏫. Further qualifications include DEGUM Level II (2018) for ultrasound, clinical trial leadership certification (2009), animal research leadership certification (2002), and interdisciplinary leadership training at UKJ 🏅📊. His broad educational background underpins his medical, scientific, and didactic work, combining clinical care, diagnostics, and teaching for the next generation of ENT specialists 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️👨‍🏫.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Since 2013, Dr. Volk leads the Facial Nerve Center in Jena and co-founded the Tinnitus Center 👨‍⚕️🔊. He is currently Senior Physician at the ENT Department, University Hospital Jena and member of the steering committee for the Center for Rare Diseases Jena (since 2024) 🧩🧬. He previously held rotational research fellowships in radiology and neurology (2008–2013) and has organized national ENT courses since 2009 🧠🎓. With consistent academic teaching since 2012, he has led cadaver dissection courses, neurolaryngology workshops, and ultrasound diagnostics trainings 🧑‍🏫💻. He is an active contributor to ethics commissions and rare disease networks 👥⚖️. His work merges clinical ENT practice, surgical skill, and educational outreach through digital platforms (e.g., YouTube, www.lemg.org) 🌐📹. A devoted mentor, he organizes monthly PhD symposia and integrates hybrid teaching formats, balancing high-level medical care with forward-thinking academic initiatives 📚🏥🎯.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Recipient of multiple national prizes, including the 1st Poster Prize by the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (2019) 🥇📊 for Parkinson-related facial muscle imaging, and the DEGUM Head-Neck Section Award for his habilitation research (2018) 🧠🏅. Awarded competitive IZKF research fellowships in neurology and radiology (2008–2013) 🧬🔬. Recognized leader in rare disease diagnostics and member of Germany’s CRANIO-Net for rare craniofacial disorders (since 2022) 🧩👶. Since 2020, he contributes to the Ethics Commission of the University Hospital Jena ⚖️. He is speaker for ENT indications in the Botulinumtoxin Working Group of the German Society of Neurology (since 2022) 💉🧠. Nominated for professorial posts in Bielefeld, Halle, and Charité Berlin between 2019–2023 🏛️📚. Volk’s sustained excellence across clinical care, diagnostics, research, and education has earned him national recognition and leadership roles in academic ENT medicine 🧠🏥✨.

Research Interests 🔬

Prof. Volk’s research centers on facial nerve diagnostics and therapy 🧠🧑‍⚕️, neurolaryngology, and ultrasound imaging of head-neck structures 🖼️. He specializes in quantitative imaging of facial muscles for conditions like facial paralysis and Parkinson’s disease 🤖🧠. His work combines clinical neurophysiology, MRI analysis, and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) 📈💬. He also pioneers educational innovations in hybrid learning, simulation-based teaching, and cadaver dissection techniques for ENT and neurology professionals 🧑‍🏫🧪. Through platforms like www.lemg.org and dedicated YouTube channels 📹, he disseminates knowledge on advanced diagnostics such as salivary duct endoscopy, voice disorders, and botulinum toxin use 💉. A strong advocate for interdisciplinary networks and rare disease research, he leads initiatives in patient-centered care, including organizing the “Fazialis-Nerv-Tag” and supporting patient education 🤝❤️. His translational research aims to enhance diagnostic precision and develop novel rehabilitation strategies for complex craniofacial disorders 🧬🔧.

Publications 

  • Electromyography as an Objective Outcome Measure for the Therapeutic Effect of Biofeedback Training to Reduce Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis

    Healthcare
    2025-03-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13050550
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

  • Evaluation of the Effects of an Electromyography-Based Bio-Feedback Training of Patients with Post-Paralytic Facial Synkinesis Using Electromyography Amplitudes as Objective Outcome Measure

    2024-12-16 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.20944/preprints202412.1326.v1
    CONTRIBUTORS: Isabell Hahnemann; Julia Fron; Jonas Ballmaier; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

  • Deceleration of denervated facial muscle atrophy through functional electrical stimulation: a sonographic quantification in patients with facial nerve paralysis

    European Journal of Translational Myology
    2024-11-13 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.4081/ejtm.2024.13162
    CONTRIBUTORS: Gabriel Meincke; Johannes Krauß; Maren Geitner; Anna-Maria Kuttenreich; Dirk Arnold; Jonas Ballmaier; Thomas Lehmann; Winfried Mayr; Orlando Guntinas-Lichius; Gerd Fabian Volk

Korchia Theo | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cognitive Scientist Awards

Dr. Korchia Theo | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Théo Korchia 🇫🇷 is a French psychiatrist specializing in early-onset schizophrenia 🧩, with a passion for innovation in mental health care 💡. Based at Aix-Marseille University and APHM 🏥, he completed a research fellowship at McGill University in Montreal 🇨🇦. His groundbreaking work emphasizes personalizing antipsychotic treatment using pharmacogenetics 🧬, improving patient adherence and quality of life ❤️. His notable contributions include addressing sexual dysfunction in schizophrenia treatment 💔, a topic often neglected. He published a major meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry 📘, shedding light on its prevalence. Winner of the Schizophrenia International Research Society award 🏆, Dr. Korchia advocates for a psychiatry that is humane, patient-centered, and scientifically rigorous 🔬. His work not only enhances clinical outcomes but also builds stronger therapeutic alliances through trust and transparency 🤝. Driven by compassion and innovation, he envisions a future where mental health care is personalized, inclusive, and profoundly impactful 🌍.

Profile

Education 🎓

Théo Korchia began his medical education in France 🎓, obtaining his degree in psychiatry with a focus on early-onset psychotic disorders 🧠. Supported by Aix-Marseille University and APHM 🏥, his academic journey was enriched by international exposure at McGill University 🇨🇦, where he deepened his expertise in psychiatric research and pharmacogenetics 🧬. His commitment to academic excellence led to extensive training in clinical practice, psychopharmacology, and patient-centered care 🩺. Throughout his studies, he explored the intersection of pharmacology, genetics, and psychiatry, aiming to personalize schizophrenia treatment for better efficacy and fewer side effects 🧪. His education was marked by a strong emphasis on translational research, ethics, and therapeutic alliance 🤝. Dr. Korchia continues to be involved in academic teaching and mentoring, sharing his knowledge with students and young professionals 📚. His education forms the bedrock of his mission: to evolve psychiatric care into a more compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized discipline 🌟.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Korchia’s clinical journey began in France 🇫🇷 at APHM and Aix-Marseille University 🏥, where he treated patients with early-onset schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders 🧠. His international experience includes a transformative year of research at McGill University 🇨🇦, focusing on pharmacogenetics and treatment personalization 🧬. In both hospital and research settings, he has contributed to improving psychiatric care through innovative approaches, especially regarding the management of antipsychotic side effects 🩻. With a hands-on approach, he integrates patient voices in treatment plans 🗣️, fostering therapeutic alliance and adherence 🤝. He has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, presented findings at international conferences 🌐, and published in high-impact journals like JAMA Psychiatry 📘. Passionate about breaking stigmas, Dr. Korchia also advocates for the recognition of sexual dysfunction in psychiatric care 💔. His experience bridges cutting-edge science and compassionate care, making him a leading voice in progressive psychiatry 💡.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Théo Korchia was honored by the Schizophrenia International Research Society 🏆 for his pioneering research in early-onset schizophrenia treatment 🧠. He was supported by Aix-Marseille University and the Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille 🎓🏥, which facilitated his international research fellowship at McGill University 🇨🇦. His impactful publication in JAMA Psychiatry 📘—a meta-analysis involving 21,000+ patients—highlighted sexual dysfunction prevalence in schizophrenia, earning him global recognition 🌍. His work addressing often-ignored dimensions of psychiatric care, such as sexual health 💔, has been lauded for its clinical relevance and humanistic perspective. Known for combining scientific rigor 🔬 with empathy ❤️, he is frequently invited to share insights at conferences and symposiums worldwide 🎤. These accolades reflect not only academic excellence but also his commitment to enhancing patient-centered care 🧩. Dr. Korchia’s recognition symbolizes a growing awareness of the holistic needs of individuals with mental illness 🌟.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Korchia’s research centers on early-onset schizophrenia 🧠, with a sharp focus on pharmacogenetics 🧬 to personalize antipsychotic treatments and minimize side effects. He addresses the often-overlooked issue of sexual dysfunction 💔 in schizophrenia, a side effect that significantly impacts quality of life and treatment adherence 📉. His landmark meta-analysis in JAMA Psychiatry 📘 quantified this burden, influencing clinical guidelines and public discourse. He explores how integrating patient perspectives and improving therapeutic alliances 🤝 can enhance outcomes. His work bridges biological psychiatry and patient-centered care 🩺, emphasizing that innovation is not just drug development, but rethinking care models to reflect human experience 🧠❤️. He champions the inclusion of sexual health in risk-benefit analysis of psychiatric medications 💡. Ultimately, Dr. Korchia’s goal is to evolve psychiatry into a more humane, personalized, and effective field—where each treatment plan respects the unique biology and lived experience of the individual 🌍.

Publications 

  • Impact of perceived side-effects of psychotropic treatments on quality of life in patients with severe mental illness

    Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience
    2025-12-31 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1080/19585969.2025.2463443
    CONTRIBUTORS: Théo Korchia; Mélanie Faugère; Vincent Achour; Eloïse Maakaron; Christelle Andrieu-Haller; Guillaume Fond; Christophe Lançon

  • Lifetime sexual violence experienced by women asylum seekers and refugees hosted in high-income countries: Literature review and meta-analysis

    Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
    2024-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102622
    CONTRIBUTORS: Laura Cayreyre; Théo Korchia; Anderson Loundou; Maeva Jego; Didier Théry; Julie Berbis; Gaëtan Gentile; Pascal Auquier; Jérémy Khouani

  • Sexual Dysfunction in Schizophrenia

    JAMA Psychiatry
    2023-11-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2696
    Part ofISSN: 2168-622X
    CONTRIBUTORS: Théo Korchia; Vincent Achour; Mélanie Faugere; Ali Albeash; Dong Keon Yon; Laurent Boyer; Guillaume Fond

  • Utilizing pharmacogenetics when treating first episode psychosis

    Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
    2023-01-03 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1503/jpn.220154
    Part of ISSN: 1180-4882
    CONTRIBUTORS: Theo Korchia; Ridha Joober; Raphaelle Richieri; Priyadharshini Sabesan; Lena Palaniyappan