Gladys Wauk | Social Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Gladys Wauk | Social Science | Best Researcher Award

Gladys Wauk is a passionate educator, researcher, and consultant specializing in E-business, public management, and digital entrepreneurship. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Electronics Science and Technology of China (UESTC), where she also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Gladys combines academic rigor with practical experience, having worked extensively in teaching, research, consultancy, and entrepreneurship. She has contributed to multiple international publications and actively participated in various academic and community development projects. Her early teaching experiences at the University for Development Studies in Ghana, combined with her volunteer work and entrepreneurial ventures, demonstrate her versatility and commitment to fostering innovative learning environments. With strong analytical skills, cross-cultural communication abilities, and an extensive background in research, Gladys is committed to contributing meaningfully to the academic and creative development of students and institutions while promoting digital transformation and sustainable development in emerging economies.

Profile

πŸŽ“ Education

Gladys Wauk holds a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the University of Electronics Science and Technology of China (UESTC), where she has been enrolled since 2020. Prior to this, she earned her Master of Management in Public Management (Public Economics) from UESTC in 2018. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Development Studies, majoring in Economics and Entrepreneurship Studies, from the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale, Ghana, in 2014. Throughout her academic journey, Gladys has focused on integrating economics, entrepreneurship, and technology, preparing her to address the challenges of modern digital business ecosystems. Her education blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling her to conduct interdisciplinary research that bridges management, economics, public policy, and digital transformation, particularly in developing countries. She has also engaged in field practical programs and collaborative projects, enhancing her skills in data collection, analysis, and applied research methodologies.

πŸ§ͺ Experience

Gladys Wauk has amassed extensive teaching, research, and industry experience across multiple roles. She currently serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at UESTC, where she mentors undergraduates and supports academic administration. Previously, she was a Senior Teaching Assistant and Teaching Assistant at the University for Development Studies, Ghana, where she mentored students, prepared academic materials, and coordinated projects. Her research experience includes doctoral research at UESTC, research leadership at the Center for West Africa Studies, and data collection for IFPRI and Send Ghana. Additionally, Gladys has industry experience as an Administrative Support Officer and Academic Consultant, offering guidance on research projects, data collection, and scholarship applications. As an entrepreneur, she successfully managed Joy Tree Enterprise, developing consumer products and engaging in market research. These diverse experiences have equipped her with broad expertise in teaching, research, consultancy, entrepreneurship, and administrative coordination, making her a dynamic contributor to academic and professional settings.

πŸ… Awards and Honors

Gladys Wauk has received multiple awards recognizing her academic excellence, leadership, and volunteer contributions. She earned Second Prize in the UESTC Academic Achievement Scholarship Award (2021-2022; 2017-2018) for her outstanding research performance. She was awarded First Prize for Excellent Performance at UESTC (2017-2018) for active participation in school activities, arts, sports, and voluntary work. In 2018, she was named Most Outstanding Volunteer for her contributions to the Forum on China’s Reform and Africa’s Development. Her leadership abilities were acknowledged through the Most Outstanding Student Leader Award at UESTC (2017-2018). She also won First Prize medals in the ISU UESTC Summer Sports Women’s Football and received recognition as Outstanding Loan Ambassador (2017). Her academic and extracurricular achievements reflect her strong commitment to excellence, leadership, and service in both academic and community spheres, further strengthening her profile as a well-rounded scholar and educator.

πŸ”¬ Research Focus

Gladys Wauk’s research focuses on digital business transformation, public procurement, financial inclusion, and sustainable development, particularly within the context of emerging economies like Ghana. Her work integrates multidisciplinary approaches, employing methods such as AHP, PLS-SEM, and fuzzy multi-attribute decision-making models. She has conducted extensive research on blockchain applications in public procurement, mobile money adoption, digital financial inclusion, and the socio-economic impacts of renewable energy adoption. Through collaborations at UESTC and the Center for West Africa Studies, Gladys has contributed to significant cross-cultural studies assessing international industrial cooperation between China and Africa. Her research addresses real-world challenges by providing data-driven insights into policy formulation, business innovation, and sustainable development strategies. She continues to explore how emerging technologies can address corruption, promote transparency, and foster inclusive growth in developing nations, contributing to global conversations on sustainable digital economies.

βœ… Conclusion

Gladys Wauk is a dynamic educator, researcher, and entrepreneur whose multidisciplinary expertise in digital business transformation, public management, and sustainable development uniquely positions her to contribute to academic excellence, innovative research, and practical solutions addressing global economic challenges, particularly within emerging markets and cross-cultural collaborations between Africa and China.

Publications
  • Antecedents of Sustainable Usage Behaviors Through Mobile Payment Technology for Digital Financial Inclusion in Ghana

    Systems
    2025-06 |Β Journal articleΒ |Β Author
    CONTRIBUTORS:Β GLADYS WAUK;Β Junwu Chai;Β Gideon Adjorlolo;Β EDEM KOFFI AMOUZOU;Β Belinda Bonney;Β Benedict N-yanyi
  • Evaluating Corruption-Prone Public Procurement Stages for Blockchain Integration Using AHP Approach

    Systems
    2025-04 |Β Journal articleΒ |Β Author
    CONTRIBUTORS:Β Gideon Adjorlolo;Β Zhiwei Tang;Β GLADYS WAUK;Β Philip Adu Sarfo;Β Alhassan Baako Braimah;Β Richard Blankson Safo;Β Benedict N-yanyi

Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

πŸ”¬ Grazia Ragone is a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on autism and interactive systems. 🏫 She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex, UK, where she investigated social motor synchrony in autistic children through motion capture and sonification. 🎼 With a background in psychology, developmental science, and music therapy, she integrates interdisciplinary methods into assistive technology. πŸ’» She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. πŸ† Her research has been recognized with multiple international awards, including Microsoft Research’s Best Student Research Competition. 🌍 She actively contributes as a reviewer and associate chair for HCI conferences and journals. πŸ“– Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education πŸŽ“

She completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Sussex, UK, where her research focused on autism, motion capture, and social motor synchrony. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Psychological Methods from the University of Sussex in 2018, with a focus on autism and interactional features. She also holds an MPhil in Developmental Psychology from London Metropolitan University (2015), specializing in child development and interaction. In 2014, she completed her BSc in Developmental Psychology at London Metropolitan University, studying early cognitive and social development. She further enriched her expertise with a Master’s in Music & Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University in Rome (2006), where she focused on therapeutic interventions for individuals with special needs. Her academic journey began with a BA in Humanities from the University of Pavia, Italy (2004), where she studied philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Experience πŸ‘¨β€πŸ«

From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex, UK, where she taught Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), research methods, and professional skills. Prior to this, she served as a Research Assistant at the University of Sussex (2016-2018), focusing on technology designed for neurodiverse children. From 2014 to 2016, she conducted research on autism and interactive environments at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career, she was a Research Assistant at CNR-ISTI Pisa, Italy (2008-2014), where she contributed to the development of assistive software for autistic children. Her experience also includes working as a Music Therapist for the Rome City Council (2005-2010), providing therapeutic interventions for autistic children. Additionally, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Trainer and Consultant, conducting workshops and training programs for professionals in the field of autism.

Research Interests πŸ”¬

Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and autism, developing interactive systems to support neurodiverse individuals. She explores the role of music and sonification in enhancing motor and social skills through auditory feedback. Her work also includes investigating social motor synchrony using motion capture technology. She designs AI-powered assistive technology to support autistic children and applies user-centered design principles to create accessible interfaces for individuals with special needs.

Awards & Recognitions πŸ…

She has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to autism research and assistive technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Student Research Award by Microsoft Research at the ASSETS Conference. Her work was also recognized with the Best Work in Progress Award at the IDC Conference on autism research in 2020. In 2013, she received the Horizon Research Award from London Metropolitan University for outstanding research. Her contributions to autism research earned her a Massachusetts Senate Citation in 2012, and in 2011, she was honored with the Rotary Club Research Award from CNR Pisa for excellence in autism studies.

Publications πŸ“š

  • Β Supporting and understanding autistic children’s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 |Β Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS:Β Grazia Ragone;Β Judith Good;Β Kate Howland
  • Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
    2024 |Β Conference paper

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

    Part ofISBN:Β 9798400704420
    CONTRIBUTORS:Β Ragone, G.;Β Ali, S.A.;Β Esposito, A.;Β Good, J.;Β Howland, K.;Β Presicce, C.
  • Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design

    arXiv
    2024 |Β Other

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

    Part ofΒ ISSN:Β 23318422
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Buono, P.; Lanzilotti,

Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

πŸ“Œ Meredith Storey, Ph.D. is a Senior Manager at the UN Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), dedicated to advancing business education for sustainable development. 🌱 She has extensive experience in pedagogy, curriculum development, and lifelong learning, integrating play-based learning strategies into management education. πŸŽ“ Before joining PRME, she contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and held academic roles at the University of Limerick. πŸ“š Her work has been influential in shaping responsible management education (RME), emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 🌍 As a researcher, she has led interdisciplinary projects and collaborated with global institutions to drive innovation in education. ✨ Meredith actively contributes to policy discussions, global education initiatives, and industry collaborations, ensuring the next generation of business leaders is well-equipped for ethical and sustainable leadership. πŸš€

Profile

Education πŸŽ“

πŸŽ“ Ph.D. in Responsible Management Education & Sustainability – Focus on integrating SDGs into business curricula and experiential learning models. 🌍 M.A. in Educational Leadership – Specialized in pedagogical innovations and lifelong learning. πŸ›οΈ B.A. in Business & Management – Studied at renowned institutions with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical leadership. πŸ“š Meredith’s education blends business, education, and sustainability, enabling her to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. πŸ† She has received global recognition for her scholarly contributions, shaping the field of responsible management education. πŸ”¬ With training from institutions like Harvard Graduate School of Education, she remains at the forefront of education policy, curriculum development, and international collaboration in sustainability education. 🌱

Experience πŸ‘¨β€πŸ«

πŸ’Ό Senior Manager, PRME, UN Global Compact – Leading business education for sustainability initiatives. 🌍 Formerly at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, spearheading research on SDGs integration in education. πŸŽ“ University of Limerick (Kemmy Business School) – Developed curricula on responsible leadership. πŸ“š Key projects: LEGO Learning Through Play in Business Education, oikos LEAP Programme, Business Education for Sustainable Development. πŸ” Consultancy Experience: Worked with The LEGO Foundation, Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), Sulitest, and PRME Chapters worldwide. 🌱 Active in global forums, industry projects, and research collaborations, Meredith influences policy, curriculum innovation, and business education reform. πŸ† Her expertise spans pedagogical development, corporate sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and digital education strategies. πŸš€

Research Interests πŸ”¬

πŸ” Responsible Management Education (RME) & Curriculum Development – Innovating pedagogical models for sustainable business leadership. 🌱 Integration of SDGs in Higher Education – Designing curricula that foster ethical decision-making and corporate responsibility. πŸ“š Experiential Learning & Play-Based Pedagogy – Leveraging LEGO Learning Through Play in business education. 🌍 International Collaboration in Sustainability Education – Engaging with global institutions to shape educational policies. πŸ’» Digital Learning & Online Pedagogies – Exploring AI-driven education models for global business training. 🌟 Community Building & Stakeholder Engagement – Creating networks of educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. πŸš€

Awards & Recognitions πŸ…

πŸ† PRME Leadership Excellence Award – Recognized for advancing sustainability in business education. 🌱 Global Responsible Management Education Innovator Award – Honored for pioneering curriculum strategies integrating SDGs. πŸ“š Best Research Paper Award (International Journal of Management Education) – Acknowledged for groundbreaking work on transformative pedagogy. πŸŽ–οΈ LEGO Foundation Learning Through Play Recognition – Applauded for creative pedagogical approaches in management education. 🌍 Higher Education Sustainability Impact Award – Celebrated for influencing education policies worldwide. πŸš€ Invited Speaker at Global Sustainability Summits – Shared insights on digital learning, ethics, and sustainability education.

Publications πŸ“š