Rodrigo Mendes | Physical Education and Sports Training | Young Scientist Award

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Prof. Rodrigo Mendes | Physical Education and Sports Training | Young Scientist Award

Rodrigo Silva Mendes 🇵🇹, an Assistant Professor at the Higher Education School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, is a dynamic young researcher and educator in Sports Sciences 🏋️‍♂️📚. Starting his academic journey with a Degree in Sports Training and a MSc in Physical Education 🎓, Rodrigo entered scientific publishing at only 18 🧑‍🔬, marking an early breakthrough in academia. At 20, he became one of Portugal’s youngest university professors 🎓⚡. His commitment to research has led to 19 publications, numerous collaborations, and a robust research profile 🧬🌍. Currently pursuing a PhD in Physical Education 🏆, Rodrigo is studying the visual behavior of Physical Education teachers, aiming to bridge cognitive and sports training gaps through innovative methodologies 🔬👁️‍🧠. A dedicated scholar and active member of Applied Sports Sciences Research Unit, Rodrigo blends theory with practice, empowering the next generation of sports professionals and contributing significantly to cognitive and sports science fields 🏅📖.

Profile

Education 🎓

Rodrigo Silva Mendes holds a Degree in Sports Training 🏋️‍♂️ from a Portuguese institution and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education 🎓, reflecting his commitment to both academic excellence and sports expertise 🏆💪. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Physical Education 📖🔬, focusing on teacher visual behavior analysis, potentially becoming one of the youngest PhDs in Portugal and the first born in the 21st century 🎯🇵🇹. His educational journey has blended academic rigor with hands-on coaching in tennis 🎾, demonstrating a rare fusion of practice and theory. From his teenage years, Rodrigo showed intellectual curiosity and brilliance 🌟, publishing his first scientific paper at just 18 🧠📝. As a lifelong learner, Rodrigo continues to expand his knowledge through research projects, scientific event organization, and collaboration with renowned institutions like the University of Coimbra 🧑‍🏫📊. His education highlights determination, vision, and passion for lifelong learning 📚🚀.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Rodrigo Silva Mendes, with a dual passion for research and teaching, began his academic career remarkably early as a published author at 18 and a university professor by 20 🧠📈. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the Higher Education School, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra 👨‍🏫, Rodrigo has balanced teaching and research seamlessly. His professional experiences also include working as a tennis coach 🎾🧑‍🏫, reinforcing his practical sports background. Rodrigo has actively participated in 3 research projects 🧪🔬 and co-organized 8 scientific events 🎤📋. His interdisciplinary collaborations with the Faculty of Sports Sciences, University of Coimbra 🌍🏫, showcase his commitment to advancing sports science knowledge. Besides publishing 19 scientific articles and 5 books 📖✍️, Rodrigo’s teaching philosophy emphasizes innovation, cognitive engagement, and bridging research with real-world applications 🎯💡. His professional timeline is marked by early achievement, research passion, and inspiring educational leadership ⚡🏅.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Rodrigo Silva Mendes’s academic journey is defined by distinction, starting as one of the youngest scientific authors in Portugal at age 18 📄🏆. His exceptional performance earned him early teaching roles, becoming a university professor at 20 👨‍🏫💫. His ongoing PhD pursuit may soon make him one of Portugal’s youngest PhDs and the first 21st-century-born graduate 🎓🎯. Rodrigo has been actively nominated for international recognitions like the Young Researcher Award, Young Scientist Award, Best Scholar Award, and Young Innovator Award 🏅🌍. As a researcher with 19 publications, 5 authored books 📚, and key collaborations, Rodrigo’s scholarly impact is widely acknowledged in sports and cognitive sciences 🧠⚽. His active role in organizing scientific events and shaping young minds through teaching has further established him as an emerging thought leader 🏆🔥. Rodrigo embodies academic excellence, innovation, and leadership in sports science education 🧬🚀.

Research Interests 🔬

Rodrigo Silva Mendes’s research focuses on Physical Education and Sports Training 🏋️‍♂️🔬, with a special interest in the cognitive and visual behavior of Physical Education teachers 👁️🧠. His PhD explores how teachers’ visual attention patterns correlate with students’ individual characteristics, using a pioneering multidisciplinary approach 🌐📊. Rodrigo’s contributions aim to close key research gaps in the educational training of sports instructors and cognitive load theory application in real-life teaching environments 💡🏫. With 3 ongoing/completed research projects, 19 publications, and 5 authored books 📚, his work blends sports science, cognitive psychology, and pedagogy seamlessly 🧠⚽. His innovative research fosters a deeper understanding of perceptual-cognitive skills in education and sports performance, potentially redefining teaching strategies and training programs 🎯🔍. Through cross-institutional collaborations and international conferences, Rodrigo’s research impact continues to grow, setting a high standard for young researchers in the sports and cognitive sciences communities 🏅🌍.

Publications 

  • Analysis of Teachers’ Visual Behaviour in Classes: A Systematic Review

    European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education
    2025-04-05 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe15040054
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rodrigo Mendes; Mário Pereira; Paulo Nobre; Gonçalo Dias

  • Analysis of teachers’ visual behaviour on student performance in classes: A systematic review

    2024-12-20 | Report
    DOI: 10.37766/inplasy2024.12.0086
    CONTRIBUTORS: Rodrigo Mendes; Mário Pereira; Paulo Nobre; Gonçalo Dia

Anna Zwierzchowska | Adapted physical activity | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Anna Zwierzchowska | Adapted physical activity | Women Researcher Award

Prof. Anna Zwierzchowska is a distinguished researcher at The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Poland. Her work focuses on developmental issues in children with hearing impairments, the quality of life of aging individuals and those with disabilities, and adaptive sports. She has authored numerous high-impact publications in prestigious journals, contributing significantly to auxology, postural stability, and sports science. Her interdisciplinary approach combines health sciences, rehabilitation, and sports physiology to improve the well-being of vulnerable populations. 🏅📚🔬

Profile

Education 🎓

Prof. Zwierzchowska holds advanced degrees in physical education and rehabilitation sciences. She specializes in developmental issues, disability studies, and sports medicine. Her academic training equipped her with expertise in auxology, postural health, and adaptive physical activity. Through continuous learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, she integrates biomechanics, physiology, and neuroscience to address challenges in physical education and rehabilitation. 🎓📖

Experience 👨‍🏫

With extensive teaching and research experience, Prof. Zwierzchowska has worked in academia, conducting groundbreaking studies on postural balance, motor development, and disability sports. She has led numerous interdisciplinary projects and collaborated internationally to advance knowledge in physical rehabilitation. Her work spans experimental research, clinical assessments, and policy recommendations for sports and healthcare professionals. 🏫🧑‍🏫🔬

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Prof. Zwierzchowska has received multiple awards for her contributions to sports science and disability research. Her work on postural stability, hearing impairments, and adaptive sports has been recognized by international organizations. She has also earned grants for pioneering studies in rehabilitation and inclusive physical education. 🏆🎖️📜

Research Interests 🔬

Her primary research explores child development in hearing-impaired populations, auxology, and aging-related postural changes. She also investigates sports adaptations for individuals with disabilities, focusing on spinal cord injuries and amputations. Her studies aim to enhance mobility, prevent musculoskeletal issues, and improve life quality in vulnerable groups. ⚕️🏃‍♂️

Publications 

Zhenxing Cheng | Motor drive | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhenxing Cheng | Motor drive | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zhenxing Cheng is a dedicated researcher in electrical engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology, China. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Shandong University in 2017 and 2020, respectively. His expertise lies in parameter identification, robust control, and model predictive control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM). With a strong research background, he has contributed significantly to high-speed PMSM drive control technology, focusing on harmonic suppression, startup stability, and high-performance voltage regulation. His work has been validated through national and provincial-level research projects. Dr. Cheng has published numerous SCI-indexed journal papers and holds a patent in his research domain. His collaborations include contributions to The National Key R&D Plan and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory projects. As an active member of the research community, he continues to push the boundaries of electrical engineering, driving advancements in PMSM control technology.

Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Zhenxing Cheng obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Electrical Engineering from Shandong University, China, in 2017 and 2020, respectively. His academic journey has been marked by a strong foundation in electrical engineering principles, control systems, and power electronics. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), where his research focuses on advanced motor control techniques, parameter identification, and model predictive control for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM). His education has equipped him with extensive knowledge of LCL filters, active damping, and discrete methods for current control. Dr. Cheng has actively contributed to research projects funded under The National Key R&D Plan and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory. His rigorous academic training and research experiences have positioned him as a promising scholar in the field of electrical engineering.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Zhenxing Cheng has extensive research experience in motor control and power electronics. He has worked on multiple national and provincial-level research projects, including The National Key R&D Plan and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory grants. His expertise spans harmonic suppression, robust startup, and steady-state error minimization in high-speed PMSM applications. As a Ph.D. researcher, he has collaborated with leading scientists to propose improved control strategies for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Starter-Generators. His work has resulted in 12 journal publications, including SCI and Scopus-indexed papers. He has also contributed to four industry-sponsored consultancy projects and has one patent in process. Dr. Cheng is actively engaged in developing novel bilinear methods for current control and reducing back electromotive force effects in PMSM systems. His contributions continue to enhance the efficiency and reliability of motor control technologies.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Zhenxing Cheng’s research revolves around advanced control strategies for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM). His work focuses on parameter identification, robust control, and model predictive control techniques to enhance motor performance. He specializes in harmonic suppression, active damping, steady-state error minimization, and bilinear methods for current control. His research contributions have been validated in national and provincial-level projects, particularly in high-speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Starter-Generator (PMS-SG) drive control. He has also explored LCL filter optimization, discrete control methods, and current harmonic reduction techniques to improve the efficiency of power systems. Dr. Cheng has published 12 journal papers and holds a patent for his innovative motor control methodologies. His research aims to develop high-performance, energy-efficient PMSM control systems, benefiting industries such as renewable energy, automotive, and aerospace. His ongoing projects continue to shape the future of motor control and power electronics.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Zhenxing Cheng has received recognition for his contributions to electrical engineering research. His notable honors include funding under The National Key R&D Plan and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory grants for his work on PMSM drive control systems. He has been acknowledged for his outstanding publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, with 12 journal articles demonstrating his expertise in motor control, parameter identification, and robust control techniques. His research on harmonic suppression and high-performance voltage regulation has earned him industry collaborations and consultancy projects. He has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award for his innovative work in LCL filter optimization, active damping techniques, and model predictive control. His patent further solidifies his reputation as an emerging leader in the field. Dr. Cheng continues to push the boundaries of electrical engineering, aiming for excellence in research and technological advancements.

Publications 📚

Neriman Temel Aksu | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitataion | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu | Physiotherapy and Rehabilitataion | Best Researcher Award

Neriman Temel Aksu is an Assistant Professor and Doctor Physiotherapist at Akdeniz University Faculty of Health Sciences, Antalya, Turkey. She completed her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University. With seven years of clinical experience at Antalya Anadolu Hospital, she later pursued a master’s degree in Movement and Exercise Sciences at Akdeniz University. She further specialized in Pulmonary Rehabilitation during her second master’s degree and earned her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Süleyman Demirel University. Her research focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep quality in post-lung resection patients, and the effects of kinesiology taping and Qigong training. She has published numerous research articles and books and is an active member of various professional organizations, including TÜSAD, Türk Toraks Derneği, and the European Respiratory Society. Dr. Aksu is recognized for her contributions to physiotherapy and rehabilitation, particularly in respiratory function and post-surgical patient care.

Profile

Education 🎓

Neriman Temel Aksu completed her undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul University. She pursued her first master’s degree in Movement and Exercise Sciences at Akdeniz University, where she explored innovative rehabilitation techniques. Recognizing the significance of respiratory physiotherapy, she completed her second master’s degree in Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Akdeniz University, deepening her expertise in respiratory function and post-surgical recovery. She then obtained her Ph.D. in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Süleyman Demirel University, where she conducted advanced research on the effects of Qigong exercise training on patients’ shoulder and respiratory functions. Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to evidence-based physiotherapy practices and patient-centered rehabilitation. Throughout her education, she integrated both clinical and research perspectives to enhance therapeutic outcomes, specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation, pain management, and exercise interventions for post-thoracic surgery patients. Her academic qualifications have significantly shaped her contributions to physiotherapy education and practice.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu has extensive experience in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, combining clinical practice, research, and academia. She worked as a specialist physiotherapist at Antalya Anadolu Hospital for seven years, where she gained hands-on experience in patient rehabilitation and pain management. She later transitioned to academia as a Research Assistant at Akdeniz University Faculty of Health Sciences, contributing to physiotherapy education and clinical research. After completing her doctorate, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor at Akdeniz University, where she continues to teach and mentor students while conducting research in pulmonary rehabilitation. Her expertise includes evaluating the effects of exercise therapy, kinesiology taping, and relaxation techniques on respiratory function and post-operative recovery. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and authored several books on physiotherapy. Her academic and professional journey showcases her dedication to advancing physiotherapy practices and improving patient outcomes through innovative rehabilitation approaches.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu’s research primarily focuses on pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory function improvement, and post-operative recovery strategies. Her studies have evaluated sleep quality in lung resection patients, highlighting the role of progressive muscle relaxation exercises. She has investigated the effects of kinesiology taping on pain and respiratory function in thoracotomy patients, contributing to non-invasive rehabilitation techniques. Her doctoral research on Qigong exercise training explored its impact on shoulder mobility and lung function, providing new insights into integrative therapy for post-surgical recovery. Additionally, she has analyzed the benefits of connective tissue massage on pain relief, quality of life, and hospital stay duration. With nine peer-reviewed journal publications and multiple research projects, her work significantly influences clinical rehabilitation protocols. She actively collaborates with national and international respiratory societies to enhance physiotherapy interventions. Her research aims to advance evidence-based practices that improve patient outcomes in post-surgical and chronic respiratory conditions.

Dr. Neriman Temel Aksu has received multiple accolades for her contributions to physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Her research in pulmonary rehabilitation and post-surgical recovery has earned her recognition in national and international physiotherapy forums. She has been nominated for the Best Researcher Award, highlighting her impactful work in respiratory physiotherapy. Additionally, her studies on sleep quality, kinesiology taping, and Qigong training have been acknowledged by professional organizations such as TÜSAD and Türk Toraks Derneği. She has published seven books with ISBN, contributing significantly to physiotherapy education. Her publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals reflect the high caliber of her research. She is an esteemed member of the European Respiratory Society, where she actively participates in collaborative research. Through her dedication to evidence-based practice and continuous contributions to physiotherapy, she has established herself as a leading researcher in rehabilitation sciences, particularly in pulmonary and post-surgical patient care.

Publications 📚

Nuray Alaca | Motor İmagery | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. Nuray Alaca | Motor İmagery | Best Researcher Award

 

Profile

Education

She completed her Doctorate in Physiology at Marmara University, Institute of Health Sciences, Turkey, from 2011 to 2015. Prior to that, she earned her Postgraduate degree in Orthopedic Rehabilitation from the same institute between 1999 and 2002. Her academic journey began with an Undergraduate degree in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from Istanbul University, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, where she studied from 1995 to 1999.

Research 

Her research focuses on physiotherapy and rehabilitation, with a strong academic background in the field. She has been serving as an Associate Professor at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, since 2021. Prior to this, she worked as an Assistant Professor from 2016 to 2021 and as a Lecturer from 2011 to 2015 at the same institution.

She has been actively involved in various research projects in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, supervising both postgraduate and doctoral students. Her ongoing research includes a randomized controlled trial on graded motor imagery as an adjunct to physiotherapy in chronic rotator cuff-related pain and an investigation into the sensorimotor representation of body schema in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to healthy individuals. In 2024, she supervised a postgraduate study on the effect of manual lymph drainage in treating breast edema in patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy. Additionally, she is leading a doctoral study examining the effects of tactile stimulation, swimming exercise, or their combination on oxidative stress, inflammation, amyloid beta, neurogenesis, neurotrophic factors, and molecular signaling in an Alzheimer’s model. Her recent research includes a 2023 retrospective study on the effects of tumor type and treatments on lymphedema levels in breast cancer patients undergoing complex decongestive lymphedema therapy. She also supervised a 2021 postgraduate study exploring the effects of swimming exercise, low-level laser, or their combination on degeneration, inflammation, oxidative stress, utrophin protein, and irisin peptide in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (MDX) mice.

Publication

  • Comparison of Pressure Feedback Biofeedback Training with Conventional Lumbar Dynamic Strength Exercises for Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

    Alternative therapies in health and medicine
    2024-11-18 | Journal article
    PMID: 39565706
    CONTRIBUTORS: Öztürk Ü; Çörekçi AA; Alaca N; Subaşı F

  • Comparison of static balance and pressure distribution in individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation: The role of barefoot, heel support, and vision.

    Prosthetics and orthotics international
    2024-11-08 | Journal article | Author
    DOI: 10.1097/pxr.0000000000000403
    PMID: 39514704
    CONTRIBUTORS: Tatar Y; Nilüfer Kablan; Nejla Gercek; Nuray Alaca

  • Kinesiophobia, physical activity levels and barriers in breast cancer patients, survivors, and healthy controls: A case-control analysis.

    JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
    2024-08-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.47391/jpma.10558
    PMID: 39160708
    CONTRIBUTORS: Alaca N; Karayazi KT; Arslan DC; Karakus MB; Uras C

  • The immediate effect of thoracolumbar fascia taping on biomechanical properties, low back pain and balance in individuals with transfemoral amputation.

    Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
    2024-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3233/bmr-230314
    PMID: 38517772
    CONTRIBUTORS: Çalışkan Z; Alaca N; Kablan N

said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

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Dr. said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

 

Profile

  • Googlescholar
  • Researchgate

Education

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology in 1993 from The American University in Washington, D.C., where he also completed his Master of Arts in Psychology in 1990. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Distributive Science from the same institution, which he obtained in 1986. Fluent in English and German, he also has familiarity with French. He can be reached via email at spournaghash@yahoo.com or by telephone at 011-98-09122074388.

Work experience
  • Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has extensive academic and research experience in psychology. He served as a Research Associate in 2001 at the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Loyola University’s Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. In 2002, he took a sabbatical as a researcher at the Department of Psychology, Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, focusing on cross-cultural studies related to Iranian attitudes towards the West. Since 2002, he has been an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Tehran University, having previously held the same position at Azzahra University in Tehran from 1996 to 2001. Additionally, he was a member of the Scientific Council on Energy and Economic Studies at the Institute for International and Political Studies (IPIS) from 1998 to 2000, where he also worked as a political researcher. His early academic career included serving as a Teaching and Research Assistant at The American University’s Department of Psychology from 1987 to 1990, where he contributed to courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Neuroscience Seminar, Psychopharmacology, Neuropsychology, Biological Basis of Behavior, and Learning and Behavior.

Books

–Fundamentals of Clinical Psychopharmacology, (2007); Samt Publications
-Drugs and Behavior, (2004); Samt Publications.
-Physiological Psychology, Tehran University Publication.
-Intimacy; Alzahra University Publication.
-Theories of Addiction, Alzahra University Publication.

Conference Presentations

Said Pournaghash-Tehrani has contributed extensively to neuroscience and psychology research, presenting his findings at prestigious conferences such as the Society for Neuroscience and the Eastern Psychological Association. His work has focused on drug discrimination learning, conditioned taste aversion, and the effects of opioids and their antagonists. In 1987, he co-authored studies assessing the discriminative stimulus properties of naloxone and the failure of cholecystokinin to counteract morphine sulfate’s effects. His later research explored the antagonism of morphine stimuli, the role of buprenorphine in opiate-naive and dependent animals, and the impact of RO15-4513 on ethanol-induced taste aversion. He has collaborated with notable researchers, including A.L. Riley, contributing to investigations on diazepam exposure and behavioral toxicology. His presentations in New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Boston, and other major research venues highlight his significant role in advancing psychopharmacology and behavioral neuroscience.

Publication