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

 

 

 

 

 

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

Milena Živković | Artificial Intelligence in Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Milena Živković | Artificial Intelligence in Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Research Associate| University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia

Milena Živković is a Research Associate at the University of Kragujevac, Faculty of Science, Serbia, with a background in physics and a research focus on the integration of artificial intelligence into medical physics and science education. Her expertise lies in AI-supported educational systems, Monte Carlo simulations in radiotherapy, and environmental radioactivity. With over 38 published papers, her work bridges physics, machine learning, and curriculum innovation. Milena is recognized for her mentorship of gifted students, contribution to interdisciplinary AI-based learning models, and international collaborations with researchers in Europe and the Middle East. She has co-authored dosimetric simulation software for cancer treatment optimization and earned accolades such as Best Oral Presentation Awards at international conferences. As an active member of the Serbian and German Physical Societies, she fosters science communication through national outreach projects and educational initiatives. Her contributions span both academic excellence and impactful community-based science promotion efforts.

Profile

🎓 Education

Milena Živković earned her formal education in physics, culminating in specialized research focused on medical physics, radiation dosimetry, and educational technology. She has completed advanced academic training in English for Academic Communication and Python programming, including Stanford’s “Code in Place.” She holds a Cambridge English Certificate and multiple certificates from the University of Kragujevac in academic writing and pedagogy. Her achievements during her student years include receiving the Annual Award for Best Student from 2015 to 2019, reflecting both academic excellence and extracurricular engagement. Additionally, she has participated in numerous interdisciplinary workshops, competitions, and science communication events, contributing to both her intellectual and pedagogical growth. With a strong foundation in applied physics, her academic journey has been characterized by the seamless integration of theoretical knowledge and practical research, which she continues to expand through post-academic training, conference participation, and interdisciplinary research collaboration with clinical and educational institutions.

🧪 Experience

Milena Živković has significant experience as a Research Associate at the University of Kragujevac, where she combines artificial intelligence with physics education and medical applications. Her research includes machine learning models for radiation dosimetry, classification systems in physics education, and anomaly detection in environmental radioactivity. She serves as a section editor and reviewer for journals like Imaging and Radiation Research and Radiation Science and Technology. Milena is also a contributor to national gifted education programs, curriculum development initiatives, and AI-assisted learning models. She has collaborated with international institutions, including projects with the Clinical Center Kragujevac and partners from Iraq, enhancing the practical application of her research. She has guided STEM projects for youth and mentored students in high school competitions. Her book on Monte Carlo simulations is used in academic and clinical contexts. Her scientific outreach projects further amplify her impact across the academic, educational, and public spheres.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Milena Živković has been the recipient of numerous awards recognizing both academic and community contributions. She received the Best Researcher Award at the University of Kragujevac in 2023 and multiple Best Oral Presentation Awards at international conferences in gynecology, women’s health, and ophthalmology. She also won the Bridge of Mathematics First Place Projects (2023, 2024), highlighting innovative physics education. From 2015 to 2019, she was honored with the Annual Best Student Award and continues to receive high praise for promoting science through projects funded by Serbia’s Center for the Promotion of Science. These include thematic campaigns like Brian May and the Queen of Physics, Our Air = Our Health, and Work + Active = Radioactive. Additionally, she holds advanced training certifications in pedagogy, communication, academic writing, and programming. Her dedication to science communication, youth mentorship, and educational innovation has made her a strong contender for the Young Scientist or Best Researcher Award.

🔬 Research Focus

Milena Živković’s research sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, medical physics, and education technology. She focuses on developing machine learning-based models for radiation dose analysis, anomaly detection in environmental radioactivity, and AI-assisted problem classification in physics education. Her contributions to the FOTELP-VOX Monte Carlo platform enable precision 3D dose distribution modeling, now applied in clinical settings. She also investigates the ecological effects of radionuclide transfer and food safety. Milena’s interdisciplinary work includes collaborations with philosophers, clinicians, educators, and AI developers to improve curriculum delivery and treatment outcomes. She actively integrates AI into educational strategies to support gifted students and has co-authored software tools used in radiotherapy optimization. Her studies are not only technical but are aimed at real-world impact—ensuring safer radiation practices, informed public health strategies, and accessible science education. Her research promotes knowledge translation, making complex physics applicable to both education and healthcare.

✅ Conclusion

Milena Živković exemplifies a new generation of researchers merging artificial intelligence with applied physics to transform education, healthcare, and science communication. Through interdisciplinary projects, academic excellence, and outreach initiatives, she continues to redefine how science serves society while mentoring future innovators and advancing clinical safety and educational equity.

Publications

  • FOTELP-VOX-OA: Enhancing radiotherapy planning precision with particle transport simulations and Optimization Algorithms

    Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine
    2025-08 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2025.108838
    CONTRIBUTORS: Milena Zivkovic; Filip Andric; Marina Svicevic; Dragana Krstic; Lazar Krstic; Bogdan Pirkovic; Tatjana Miladinovic; Mohamed El Amin Aichouche

  • FOTELP-VOX 2024: Comprehensive overview of its capabilities and applications

    Nuclear Technology and Radiation Protection
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.2298/NTRP2403212Z
    CONTRIBUTORS: Milena Zivkovic, P.; Tatjana Miladinovic, B.; Zeljko Cimbaljevic, M.; Mohamed Aichouche, E.A.; Bogdan Pirkovic, A.; Dragana Krstic, Z.

  • Radionuclide contamination in agricultural and urban ecosystems: A study of soil, plant, and milk samples

    Kragujevac Journal of Science
    2024 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.5937/KgJSci2400011A
    CONTRIBUTORS: Mohamed Aichouche, E.A.; Mihajlo Petrović, V.; Milena Živković, P.; Dragana Krstić, Ž.; Snežana Branković, R.

  • Development of DynamicMC for PHITS Monte Carlo package

    Radiation Protection Dosimetry
    2023-11-13 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncad278
    Part of ISSN: 0144-8420
    Part of ISSN: 1742-3406
    CONTRIBUTORS: Hiroshi Watabe; Tatsuhiko Sato; Kwan Ngok Yu; Milena Zivkovic; Dragana Krstic; Dragoslav Nikezic; Kyeong Min Kim; Taiga Yamaya; Naoki Kawachi; Hiroki Tanaka et al.

Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu | Precision medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu | Precision medicine | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu is a professor at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, and an adjunct professor in several prestigious institutions. With a PhD in Life Science from National Tsing-Hua University, his academic and industrial experiences span cancer genetics, precision medicine, and biopharmaceuticals. He has held positions at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions and Development Center for Biotechnology. His research explores molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer and endometriosis, employing genome-wide technologies to identify biomarkers and drug targets. He actively contributes to biomedical innovation, translational medicine, and mentorship. Dr. Sheu has received numerous national and international awards, including the Wu-Da-You Memorial Award and Sigma Xi membership. He is also an ambassador for the European Association for Cancer Research. As a prolific researcher and reviewer, he plays key roles in research councils and institutional review boards, helping shape scientific policy and translational biomedical advancements in Taiwan and beyond.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Sheu earned his Ph.D. in Life Science from National Tsing-Hua University, Taiwan, in 2002, where he focused on advanced molecular biology, gene expression regulation, and biomedical research. His doctoral training provided a strong foundation in cancer genetics and systems biology. Earlier, he completed his B.S. in Biology (now Life Science) from Fu-Jen University in 1994, building core competencies in biological sciences and cellular mechanisms. These educational milestones equipped him with theoretical knowledge and technical skills in genomics, proteomics, and cellular signaling, which are now reflected in his research on chromatin remodeling, cancer biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. Through rigorous academic mentorship, Dr. Sheu gained early exposure to multidisciplinary research and critical analysis, fostering his interest in precision medicine. His academic background laid the groundwork for his contributions to biomedical research, drug development, and translational science. These formative years in Taiwan’s top universities underpin his long-standing excellence in scientific discovery and innovation.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Sheu’s professional experience includes faculty roles and research leadership across academia and industry. He has served as a Professor at National Sun Yat-sen University since 2014 and previously held faculty roles at China Medical University. Internationally, he was a Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions (2004–2006). Between 2003–2004, he worked in various leadership positions at the Development Center for Biotechnology, including Director of Protein Drugs Division and Project Leader. His postdoctoral and early research roles included work with Dr. Tse-Wen Chang and Dr. Carmay Lim at Academia Sinica. His academic leadership includes roles such as Associate VP of R&D, Chair of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Director of Research Resources at NSYSU. He has reviewed research proposals for numerous hospitals and institutions, served on IRBs, and guided government research policy. His diverse experience bridges basic science, translational research, and biomedical entrepreneurship with national and global impact.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Sheu has received over 30 prestigious awards. In 2023 alone, he earned the Tien-Te Lee Award, NSYSU Outstanding Faculty Award, and top honors at the 37th Joint Biomedical Conference. He previously received the Prof. Chii-Ruey Tzeng Award, Sigma Xi membership (2021), and EACR Ambassador role (2020). His innovation was recognized by Future Tech Award and the 2020 Smart Life Innovation Competition. His studies were featured as Taiwan Research Highlights and F1000Prime recommendations. He was the 2014 recipient of the Wu-Da-You Memorial Award and the IBC Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award. He received the Medical Young Investigator Award in 2009 and the Best Basic Science Award at Johns Hopkins in 2005. As a government-financed scholar to the U.S., his academic excellence has been internationally recognized. He consistently ranks among Taiwan’s top biomedical researchers, illustrating his impact through award-winning research in endometriosis, cancer stemness, diagnostics, and therapeutic innovation.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Sheu’s research focuses on cancer genetics and genomics, endometriosis, precision medicine, chromatin remodeling, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell adhesion and invasion, and mechanotransduction. His lab investigates how abnormalities in gene expression and chromatin structure drive disease progression, especially in gynecologic cancers and endometriosis. By applying genome-wide analysis and bioinformatics, his team identifies disease-driving genes and develops novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. A key interest is the tumor microenvironment and how cytoskeletal networks and nuclear architecture influence cancer stemness and metastasis. His group explores traditional Chinese medicine compounds and stem cell therapies, advancing integrative approaches to medicine. Antibody and vaccine engineering are also integral to his translational pipeline. Funded by NSTC Taiwan and other institutions, his projects target non-invasive diagnostics and biomarker-based interventions. His long-term vision involves bridging molecular biology, clinical application, and therapeutic innovation to impact patient care and global health through interdisciplinary and precision-driven biomedical science.

Publications

Haleh Ayatollahi | Health Informatics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi | Health Informatics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi is a professor of Medical Informatics at Iran University of Medical Sciences, specializing in health information management and digital health innovations. With a PhD in Health Informatics from the University of Sheffield, UK, she has extensive experience in academia and research. She currently serves as the Director of Deputy of Research and Technology at the School of Health Management and Information Sciences and the Health Management and Economics Research Centre. A key member of the Medical Informatics Evaluation and Examination Board, Dr. Ayatollahi has contributed significantly to the fields of eHealth, telemedicine, and health information systems. She has received multiple awards for her research, including the Best Researcher Award and the Khayam Award for a selected PhD thesis. Her work focuses on advancing digital healthcare solutions through innovative research and system evaluation. She actively mentors students and contributes to the global medical informatics community. 📚

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi holds a PhD in Health Informatics from the University of Sheffield, UK (2006-2010) 🎓. She earned her M.Sc. in Medical Records Education from Iran University of Medical Sciences (2000-2002) 📖, where she also completed her B.Sc. in Medical Records (1996-1998) and an Associate Degree in Medical Records (1994-1996) 🏥. Her academic journey has been marked by a strong focus on medical records, health informatics, and digital healthcare solutions. Through her education, she has gained expertise in health information systems, user-centered system design, and IT adoption in healthcare. Her advanced training has enabled her to contribute to numerous research projects, systematic reviews, and digital health innovations. With her extensive background in health informatics, she has played a key role in the development of medical information systems and telemedicine initiatives, making significant contributions to the field of healthcare technology. 🔬📊

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi has held multiple leadership and academic roles in medical informatics and health information management. She is currently the Director of Deputy of Research and Technology at the School of Health Management and Information Sciences and the Health Management and Economics Research Centre at Iran University of Medical Sciences (2023-present) 🏥📊. She also serves as a member of the Medical Informatics Evaluation and Examination Board. Previously, she was the Postgraduate and Education Office Administrator (2014-2016) and a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sheffield (2009) 🎓. Her experience includes lecturing at Kashan University of Medical Sciences (2003-2005). She has played a key role in developing health informatics education, IT adoption strategies, and evaluating health information systems. With extensive contributions to academia and research, Dr. Ayatollahi continues to shape the future of digital healthcare through her leadership and innovative research. 💻📡

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi’s research focuses on health data science, telemedicine, telehealth, mHealth, and eHealth 📊📡. She specializes in designing and evaluating health information systems, emphasizing user-centered approaches to improve digital healthcare solutions. Her work explores IT adoption and change management in healthcare, aiming to enhance system usability and efficiency. She is actively involved in systematic reviews and research on the integration of digital health technologies into clinical practice. Her studies contribute to improving electronic health records, decision support systems, and remote healthcare solutions. Through her expertise, she has advanced telehealth applications, ensuring seamless integration into medical practices. Her research has been widely published and presented at international conferences, making her a leading voice in health informatics. By combining technology and healthcare, she continues to shape the future of digital health and improve patient outcomes. 💡📚

Dr. Haleh Ayatollahi has received numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to health informatics. In 2025, she was honored with the Best Researcher Award at the International AI Data Scientist Awards 🏅. She has also won multiple thesis awards, including Best Thesis in Education and Research at the Vosough Festival (2023) 📖. She has been recognized with the Best Paper Presentation Award at various conferences, including the 9th National Burn Congress (2020) and the 5th IT Managers National Conference (2017) 🏆. Her research excellence was acknowledged with the Khayam Award (2019) and the Future Day Festival Award for a selected PhD thesis (2017). She received a full-time PhD scholarship from the Iranian Ministry of Health (2005) and a Research Excellence Grant from the University of Sheffield (2008) 🎓. Her accolades highlight her dedication to advancing digital health and medical informatics. 🔬📡

Publications 📚

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,