Atiye Erbas | Virtual Realty Simulation Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Atiye Erbas | Virtual Realty Simulation Education | Best Researcher Award

Duzce University | Turkey

Dr. Atiye Erbaş is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Surgical Nursing at Düzce University, Türkiye, with extensive academic and clinical expertise. With over a decade of experience in higher education and clinical nursing, she has established herself as a dedicated educator, researcher, and innovator. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing nursing education through modern pedagogical methods, with a particular emphasis on simulation-based learning and immersive virtual reality. She has contributed to national and international projects that enhance both technical competence and interpersonal skills of nursing students. Her scholarly work includes research publications, book chapters, and an authored book focused on designing virtual reality simulation scenarios for nursing education. Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Erbaş is also engaged in exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare education, making her a pioneering figure in bridging nursing science with advanced technology-driven approaches.

Profile

Googlescholar

Education

Dr. Atiye Erbaş holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Sciences, strengthening her foundation as both a researcher and academic leader. She enhanced her expertise through international training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA, focusing on pre-licensure and graduate nursing didactic and clinical simulation. To support her pedagogical innovations, she has earned multiple professional certifications, including “SIM Educator I and II,” “Sim Connect: Using Think Aloud to Capture Clinical Reasoning During Clinical Simulation,” and “Designing Simulation Scenarios Certification” under Prof. Guillaume Alinier. She has also participated in international conferences such as SESAM’s Virtual Annual Meeting, highlighting her active role in global knowledge exchange. Alongside her advanced degrees, she has continually invested in professional development to keep pace with evolving trends in healthcare education, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. Her educational journey reflects her dedication to evidence-based teaching and lifelong learning as a cornerstone of academic excellence.

Experience

Dr. Atiye Erbaş brings a unique combination of 14 years of academic teaching and 13 years of clinical nursing practice. At Düzce University, she has been instrumental in developing and delivering innovative nursing curricula, emphasizing experiential learning and simulation-based methods. Her clinical expertise in surgical nursing enriches her teaching, allowing her to mentor students with both theoretical rigor and practical insight. She has led and participated in numerous funded projects, including immersive virtual reality applications for colorectal surgical nursing education and high-fidelity simulations for postoperative care. Additionally, she has supervised and provided consultancy for master’s theses, nurturing future scholars and practitioners. Dr. Erbaş’s work extends beyond the classroom through scholarly publications, international collaborations, and authorship of academic book chapters. Her career demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing nursing education, promoting safe patient care, and integrating emerging technologies such as AI and VR into healthcare training and research.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Atiye Erbaş has received recognition for her outstanding contributions to nursing education, simulation, and applied research. She has earned multiple academic certificates and international training credentials, including professional certifications in simulation-based education and scenario design, which underscore her specialized expertise. Her research projects funded by prestigious organizations such as TÜBİTAK have significantly advanced immersive learning methodologies in surgical nursing. She has authored a forthcoming book, Designing Virtual Reality Simulation Scenarios in Nursing, and contributed to five academic book chapters published by respected publishers. With a citation index reflecting growing global impact, including Web of Science citations and H-index achievements, Dr. Erbaş is gaining recognition within the international research community. Her active participation in international conferences, such as SESAM’s annual meetings, further demonstrates her commitment to excellence and innovation. These honors reflect her role as a transformative leader advancing evidence-based and technology-enhanced nursing education.

Research Focus

Dr. Atiye Erbaş’s research is centered on transforming nursing education through advanced simulation methods, immersive virtual reality, and emerging artificial intelligence applications. Her studies focus on evaluating how these innovations influence student learning, knowledge acquisition, clinical competence, and patient safety. She has conducted randomized controlled trials examining VR-based surgical nursing education, simulation-enhanced postoperative care, and web-based applications for life support training. Her research also emphasizes often-overlooked factors such as “sense of presence” and “cybersickness,” which are crucial for ensuring effective and sustainable VR use. By combining rigorous clinical knowledge with cutting-edge technology, she is developing frameworks that bridge the gap between traditional nursing practices and digital learning environments. Her recent work integrates AI to optimize simulation design, learner assessment, and adaptive teaching strategies, marking her as a pioneer in digital transformation of nursing education. Her research not only enhances local practices but also contributes to global educational innovations.

 

Publications

Title: Nursing professional pride scale: Turkish adaptation and psychometric properties

Conclusion

Dr. Atiye Erbaş is a visionary nursing scholar and educator whose pioneering work in simulation, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence bridges clinical expertise with innovative teaching strategies, advancing global standards in healthcare education and preparing the next generation of nurses for safe, effective, and patient-centered care.

Zhao Tianjiao | Design Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhao Tianjiao | Design Education | Best Researcher Award

Zhao Tianjiao is an Associate Professor in the Visual Art Department at Tianjin University and a Master’s Degree Supervisor in Industrial Design. He holds a Ph.D. in Design from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and has extensive experience in research on user experience, design thinking, and deep learning applications in design. His work focuses on emotion-embedded design, creative idea generation, and intelligent design tools. He has published numerous SCI/SSCI-indexed research papers and has led several national research projects in China. 🎨📚🔬

Profile

Education 🎓

Zhao Tianjiao completed his Bachelor’s (2009) and Master’s (2011) degrees in Mechatronics Engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology. He pursued his Ph.D. in Design (2015) from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He was also a Visiting Scholar (2013-2014) at National Taiwan University, where he explored interdisciplinary research in design and planning. His education provided a strong foundation in integrating engineering, design, and user experience methodologies. 🎓📖💡

Experience 👨‍🏫

Zhao Tianjiao began his academic career as a Lecturer (2016-2020) in the Visual Art Department at Tianjin University. He was later promoted to Associate Professor (2021-present) and has been a Master’s Degree Supervisor (2017-present) in Industrial Design. His teaching focuses on User Experience Design, Design Thinking, and Animation Derivative Design. Over the years, he has contributed to curriculum innovation and research-driven education. 🎭👨‍🏫📐

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Zhao Tianjiao has been recognized for his academic excellence and teaching contributions. He received the Tianjin University Elite Scholar Program Award, was selected for the Tianjin 131 Talent Project, and won Second Prize in the Tianjin University Youth Teacher Lecture Competition. Additionally, he was honored with the Excellent Guide Teacher Award at the National College Digital Art and Design Awards. 🏅🎨🎖️

Research Interests 🔬

His research explores emotion-driven design, deep learning applications in creative design, and user experience optimization. He investigates how AI can enhance design processes and has led multiple National Natural Science Foundation of China projects on design big data, creative education, and intelligent product development. His work bridges the gap between human emotions and AI-driven design methodologies. 🤖🎨

Publications 

1. Zhao T.J.,Jia J.Y., Zhu T.F.,Yang J.Y.(2023 Accept).Research on emotion-embedded design fow based on deeplearningtechnology. International Journal of Technology and Design Education. (SCI/SSCI)

2. Zhao T.J.,Zhang X.Y.,Zhang H.C.,Meng Y.F.(2023 Accept), A study on users’ attention distribution to product featuresunderdifferent emotions.Behaviour & Information Technology.(SCI/SSCI)

3. Zhao T.J.,Yang J.Y.，Zhang H.C.，Kin Wai Michael Siu (2019).Creative idea generation method based on deeplearning，International Journal of Technology and Design Education,2021,31, 421-440. (SCI/SSCI)

4. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2015). The needs of quality urban rail transit life in an Asian metropolitan city. Applied ResearchinQuality of Life, 10(4):647~665.(SSCI)

5. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2014). The Boundaries of Public Space: A Case Study of Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway.
International Journal of Design, 8(2), 43-60. (SCI/SSCI )

6. Zhao T.J., Zhang H.C., Yang J.Y. (2018). Research on theDesign Form Exploring Method from Daily Life: ExplorationandPractice on the Teaching of Form Design Course. ZHUANGSHI, 306(10), 104-107. (CSSCI)

7. Zhao T.J.,Chen M.J.,Liu W.F.(2022).Research on Image Retrieval Optimization Based on Eye Movement Experiment
Data,Journal of Education and Training Studies, 10(4).

8. Zhao T.J., Zhang H.C.,Pan L.(2021).The Teaching Reform of User Experience Design under the NewEngineeringBackground——”Multy Integration”Curriculum Model Practice,Creation and Design,2021(5):7.

9. Yang J.Y.,Zhao, T.J., Zhang H.C.(2020).Visual strategy boosts service design.Tsinghua Publishing.

10. Zhao, T.J., Zhu, T.F.(2019). Exploration of product design emotion based on three-level theory of emotional design, Advancesin Intelligent Systems and Computing, v 1018, p 169-175. (EI Conference)

11. Zhao T.J., Siu K W M, Sun H.(2017). Discovering subway design opportunities using social network data: Theimage-need-design opportunity model. International Conference on Social Computing and Social Media. Springer, Cham, 2017, 451-466. (EI Conference)

12. Zhao, T.J., and Kin Wai Michael Siu (2017). The Production of URT Public Space: People, Occupation, and PracticeintheHong Kong Mass Transit Railway. The International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, and Environmental Design .11(3): 35-48.

13. Zhao T. J, Gao K, Li X, et al(2017). Deep Learning based Design Image Management: Proceedings of the International
Conference on Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy,Ed.by ZhaoYang Dong[M]// ESSE 2017. 453-461.

14. Zhao, T.J., & Siu, K. W. M. (2014). Freedom and Control: A state of balance in public space. Facilities, 32(11/12), 606-623.

15. Zhao T. J., Siu K. W. M.(2012). The role of subway in the urban life: Case study in Hong Kong Mass Transit Railway. Humanities and Social Sciences Review, 2012.

Mark Munger | Co-Curricular Learning | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mark Munger | Co-Curricular Learning | Best Researcher Award

Mark A. Munger, Pharm.D., F.C.C.P., F.A.C.C., F.H.F.S.A., HF-Cert., is a distinguished pharmacologist specializing in cardiovascular therapeutics. He is a Professor of Pharmacotherapy at the University of Utah, with extensive experience in clinical pharmacology, education, and health policy. Dr. Munger has served on numerous advisory boards, contributed to health policy initiatives, and played a key role in pharmacy education. His work spans research, teaching, and leadership roles, shaping advancements in cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. He is widely recognized for his contributions to healthcare, education, and clinical practice.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Munger earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (1986) from the University of Illinois, a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (1983) from Oregon State University, and completed a Cardiovascular Pharmacology Research Fellowship (1986-87) at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland. His academic journey laid the foundation for his impactful career in cardiovascular research, clinical pharmacology, and pharmacy education.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Munger has held numerous leadership roles, including Associate Dean at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy (2003-2023), Director of Clinical Pharmacology at UTAH Heart Failure Prevention Program (2000-2012), and Chairperson of the Utah State Board of Pharmacy (2002-2004). His expertise has influenced health policies, clinical research, and pharmacy education. He has also served as a consultant and advisory board member for various healthcare and government organizations.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Munger’s research centers on cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, heart failure management, and drug safety. His work has contributed to advancements in pharmacological treatments for cardiovascular diseases, optimizing drug therapy for heart failure patients, and policy-making in healthcare. His studies integrate clinical trials, translational research, and healthcare innovations, enhancing patient outcomes and shaping pharmaceutical practices.

Dr. Munger has received numerous accolades, including Fellowships from the American College of Cardiology (2008), Heart Failure Society of America (2016), and American College of Clinical Pharmacy (1996). He was named University of Illinois College of Pharmacy Alumni of the Year (2008), earned multiple Teacher of the Year nominations, and received the Utah Society of Health-System Pharmacists Leadership Award (2009). His contributions to research and education have been recognized globally.

Publications 📚

  • Association of atrial fibrillation with lamotrigine: An observational cohort study

    Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy
    2025-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1002/phar.4633
    CONTRIBUTORS: Sodam Kim; Landon Welch; Bertha De Los Santos; Przemysław B. Radwański; Mark A. Munger; Kibum Kim

  • Riluzole is associated with reduced risk of heart failure

    European Journal of Neurology
    2025-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1111/ene.70033
    CONTRIBUTORS: Kibum Kim; Sodam Kim; Margaret Katana; Dmitry Terentyev; Przemysław B. Radwański; Mark A. Munger

  • Ivabradine and Atrial Fibrillation Incidence: A Nested Matching Study

    2025-01-12 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.1101/2025.01.10.25320367
    CONTRIBUTORS: Kibum Kim; Jasmeen Keur; Halie Anderson; Przemysław B. Radwański; Mark A. Munger

  • Association of Ventricular Arrhythmias with Lamotrigine: An Observational Cohort Study

    2024-09-24 | Preprint
    DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.10.24313446
    CONTRIBUTORS: Sodam Kim; Landon Welch; Bertha De Los Santos; Przemysław B. Radwański; Mark A. Munger; Kibum Kim

Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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

🔬 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. 💻 She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. 🏆 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. 📖 Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education 🎓

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 👨‍🏫

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 🔬

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 🏅

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 📚

  •  Supporting and understanding autistic children’s non-verbal interactions through OSMoSIS, a motion-based sonic system
    International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction
    2025-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcci.2025.100726
    CONTRIBUTORS: Grazia Ragone; Judith Good; 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 | Conference paper
    DOI: 10.1145/3628516.3661157

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

    Part ofISBN: 9798400704420
    CONTRIBUTORS: Ragone, G.; Ali, S.A.; Esposito, A.; Good, J.; Howland, K.; Presicce, C.

  • Designing Safe and Engaging AI Experiences for Children: Towards the Definition of Best Practices in UI/UX Design

    arXiv
    2024 | Other
    DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2404.14218

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

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

Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

📌 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. 🎓 Before joining PRME, she contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and held academic roles at the University of Limerick. 📚 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. 🚀

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 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. 🏛️ B.A. in Business & Management – Studied at renowned institutions with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical leadership. 📚 Meredith’s education blends business, education, and sustainability, enabling her to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. 🏆 She has received global recognition for her scholarly contributions, shaping the field of responsible management education. 🔬 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 👨‍🏫

💼 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. 🎓 University of Limerick (Kemmy Business School) – Developed curricula on responsible leadership. 📚 Key projects: LEGO Learning Through Play in Business Education, oikos LEAP Programme, Business Education for Sustainable Development. 🔍 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. 🏆 Her expertise spans pedagogical development, corporate sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and digital education strategies. 🚀

Research Interests 🔬

🔍 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. 📚 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. 💻 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. 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 PRME Leadership Excellence Award – Recognized for advancing sustainability in business education. 🌱 Global Responsible Management Education Innovator Award – Honored for pioneering curriculum strategies integrating SDGs. 📚 Best Research Paper Award (International Journal of Management Education) – Acknowledged for groundbreaking work on transformative pedagogy. 🎖️ 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. 🚀 Invited Speaker at Global Sustainability Summits – Shared insights on digital learning, ethics, and sustainability education.

Publications 📚