Xiuwei Zhang | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Xiuwei Zhang | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Xiuwei Zhang, PhD, is a researcher at Hefei University of Technology, specializing in traffic behavior and psychology. She holds a doctoral degree from Hefei University of Technology, where her work focuses on improving traffic safety through behavioral psychology methods. Zhang’s research addresses critical issues such as driver behavioral changes and children’s perception of street crossing hazards. She is deeply involved in advancing traffic safety by understanding how people interact with traffic environments, with an emphasis on psychological cognition. Zhang has also contributed significantly to the field through several published papers and patents, aiming to enhance both driver and pedestrian safety. With an established academic career and passion for traffic psychology, Zhang aims to provide actionable solutions to improve road safety globally.

Profile

Education 🎓

Xiuwei Zhang completed her undergraduate studies at Qingdao University of Science and Technology. She pursued her master’s and doctoral degrees at Hefei University of Technology, where she focused on traffic behavior and psychology. During her time at Hefei, Zhang developed a deep understanding of how psychological factors influence road safety, particularly in the context of driver behavior and children’s traffic hazard perception. Her academic training has allowed her to integrate cognitive psychology with transportation safety, paving the way for innovative solutions to reduce traffic-related accidents. Zhang’s educational background in this interdisciplinary field has made her a strong proponent of using behavioral psychology to improve urban traffic environments, with her research significantly contributing to traffic safety science.

Experience 👨‍🏫

Xiuwei Zhang has experience conducting impactful research on traffic psychology at Hefei University of Technology, where she has worked on driver behavior, risk perception, and children’s safety while crossing streets. She contributed to multiple key projects, such as the optimization of urban road intersections using intelligent detection and the evolution of driver’s risk perception in co-driving vehicles. Zhang participated in developing local and national standards, such as the “Evaluation Standard for Driver Takeover Ability of Autonomous Vehicles.” Her patents include solutions for assessing and preventing conflicts between human-vehicle interactions in signal intersections. Additionally, Zhang’s academic role extends to reviewing papers for Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behavior. She is an active participant in cutting-edge research projects, such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Anhui Province’s housing and urban development projects, focusing on making roads safer through innovative traffic designs and behavioral analysis.

Research Interests 🔬

Xiuwei Zhang’s research focuses on traffic behavior and psychology, with particular attention to driver behavior, children’s traffic safety, and cognitive biases in road environments. Her work aims to enhance the perception of road hazards, particularly among children, and to improve road safety through behavioral psychology techniques. One of her significant contributions is the study of children’s perception of street-crossing risks under visually occluded conditions, providing valuable insights into how environmental factors impact traffic behavior. Zhang’s research on driver behavior changes, particularly in co-driving scenarios with automated vehicles, seeks to develop better risk perception strategies to improve safety on the roads. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates traffic safety with cognitive science, making her work influential in both the practical and theoretical aspects of traffic safety. Zhang’s innovations also extend to the design of intelligent traffic systems and road intersections, contributing to the future of urban road safety in smart cities.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Xiuwei Zhang has received several prestigious awards and honors during her academic career, including the “Outstanding Graduate of the School Class of 2024” and multiple scholarships, such as the School Second Class Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Her excellence as a volunteer was recognized when she was named the “Outstanding Red Cross Volunteer” of Qingdao West Coast New District in 2018. Zhang’s consistent academic achievements are highlighted by her scholarships across multiple years and her significant contributions as a member of the Auto Traffic College Institute Graduate Student Association. These accolades reflect her dedication to research, teaching, and community service. Zhang’s awards demonstrate her potential as a leader in traffic safety research and behavioral psychology, highlighting her academic excellence and contributions to improving road safety.

Publications 📚

Jeevitha Gowda R | Cognitive impairment | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jeevitha Gowda R | Cognitive impairment | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Alliance University, United Kingdom

🧠 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R is a dedicated research scholar specializing in cognitive neuroscience and public health, with a strong focus on dementia prevention. She has expertise in developing cognitive screening tools, conducting neuropsychological assessments, and designing neuroscience-based interventions to enhance brain health. Currently serving as a Guest Faculty and Research Associate, she is passionate about bridging research with real-world applications. With proficiency in EEG, ERP, and data analysis, her work emphasizes cognitive aging, behavioral psychology, and mental well-being. Her research contributions include multiple conference presentations, publications, and cognitive training programs. She has received prestigious recognitions, including Best Paper Awards and research fellowships. Her commitment extends to community mental health programs, where she collaborates with NGOs and research institutions. Through her work, she aims to advance cognitive neuroscience and improve public health outcomes. 📚🔬

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience and Public Health from Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bengaluru (Thesis Submitted), focusing on developing cognitive tools for early dementia detection in primary healthcare settings. She earned a Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience from JSS Academy of Higher Education, Mysuru (2018), ranking among the top 3 students, with coursework in neural cognition, psychological assessment, and clinical interventions. Her dissertation explored mental fatigue due to sleep deprivation using EEG and ERP. She completed her Bachelor’s in Life Sciences from JSS College for Women, Mysuru (2016), excelling in biochemistry, microbiology, and environmental psychology. Additionally, she trained at the Defence Institute of Psychological Studies (DRDO) and Narayana Health, Bengaluru, gaining hands-on experience in EEG, neuropsychological assessments, and cognitive therapy. Her interdisciplinary education combines neuroscience, psychology, and public health, preparing her for impactful research and innovation in brain health. 🧠📖

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R has extensive experience as a Research Associate at the Centre for Integrative Health and Well-Being (2020–Present), where she develops neuropsychological intervention tools and conducts cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs. She also serves as a Senior Research Associate at Brighter Minds, focusing on cognitive enhancement and neuroscience-based training programs. As a Guest Lecturer at Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (2021–Present), she teaches biostatistics, neurophysiology, and psychology. Her past clinical internships at DRDO and Narayana Health provided her with hands-on expertise in EEG, ERP, and neuropsychological assessments. She has conducted research on cognitive impairment, dementia screening, and sleep deprivation’s effects on cognition. Additionally, she has authored 50+ neuroscience articles, presented at international conferences, and collaborated with NGOs for mental health awareness. Her diverse experience integrates academic, clinical, and research-based expertise to advance cognitive neuroscience and public health. 🏥📊

Research Interests 🔬

🔬 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R’s research bridges cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and public health, focusing on early dementia detection, cognitive aging, and neuropsychological interventions. She specializes in developing culturally relevant cognitive screening tools for primary healthcare, improving accessibility to dementia diagnostics. Her work explores neuropsychological assessments, EEG-based cognitive analysis, and behavioral interventions for enhancing mental well-being. She has conducted studies on sleep deprivation, cognitive impairment, and neurofeedback therapy. She collaborates with institutions like DRDO, Narayana Health, and Brighter Minds to implement neuroscience-driven programs. Her research extends to the psychological well-being of dementia caregivers, neurocognitive training for brain health, and integrating technology into mental health solutions. Through interdisciplinary studies and global research collaborations, she aims to advance early dementia detection methods and improve cognitive health strategies. Her work contributes to policy-making, clinical psychology, and public health initiatives. 🏥📊

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 Dr. Jeevitha Gowda R has received multiple accolades for her contributions to cognitive neuroscience and public health research. She won the Best Paper Award at the Epidemiology Foundation of India Conference (2023, Goa) for her groundbreaking work on dementia screening. Her research paper on cognitive tool validation earned a Special Mention at the International Dementia Conference (DEMCON-2024, IISC Bangalore). During her master’s, she ranked among the top 3 dissertations at JSS Academy of Higher Education. She was awarded the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) by Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (2022–2024) for her Ph.D. research. She has also secured research grants for projects on dementia detection and cognitive enhancement. Recognized for her impactful contributions, she collaborates with prestigious institutions, including DRDO and Narayana Health, to advance neuropsychological research. Her work continues to shape innovations in mental health and aging. 🎖️🧠

Publications 📚

  • Jeevitha Gowda R, Anish Mehta, Krishnamurthy Jayanna. (2025).
    Dementia: A Public Health Challenge in India. South Eastern European
    Journal of Public Health, 29–43. Retrieved from
    hps://www.seejph.com/index.php/seejph/article/view/3295 (Scopus)

  • Jeevitha Gowda R. The Impact of Cultural Beliefs and Stigma on
    Dementia Care and Diagnosis: A Scoping Review, 25 November 2024,
    PREPRINT (Version 1) available at Research Square
    hps://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5519592/v1
  • Jeevitha Ramesh, Parimala Guruprasad (2024) Factors Affecting the
    Psychological Well-Being of Caregivers of Dementia Patients: A
    Thematic Review. Journal of Neurology Research Reviews & Reports.
    SRC/JNRRR-260
  • Development and Validation of Cognitive Screening Tools for
    Dementia Detection in Primary Care Seings: An Exploratory Pilot
    Study – Under review at International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.
    (Corresponding Author)
  • Burden of Cognitive Impairment Including Dementia, and Associated
    Risk Factors Among the Rural Population of South Karnataka, India –
    Under review at Journal of Public Health Research. (Corresponding
    Author)
  • Impact of Training Module on Lifestyle and Healthy Behaviours: An
    Exploratory Pilot in India – Under review at Journal Explore.
    (Co-Author)

Siamak Khodarahimi | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Siamak Khodarahimi | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Profile

Education

Dr. S. Khodarahimi holds multiple academic degrees in psychology, including a B.A. in Clinical Psychology from Shiraz University, Iran (1987), and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Meshed Ferdowsi University, Iran (1994), where he achieved a GPA of 18.93. He earned his first PhD in Clinical Psychology from Atlantic International University, USA, in 2005, with a GPA of 3.76. Further advancing his expertise, he completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Clinical Psychology at Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2010, receiving an “Excellent” rating. In 2020, he obtained a second PhD in Psychology from Lorestan University, achieving a remarkable GPA of 19.61. His research has focused on various aspects of psychology, including psychotherapy, personality structures, workplace stress, and sleep and dream quality in individuals with anxiety disorders.

Work experience

Dr. S. Khodarahimi has held several academic and administrative positions throughout his career. From 2000 to 2022, he served as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Islamic Azad University, Eghlid Branch. Additionally, between 2000 and 2006, he held the role of Vice President for Research at the same institution and was a member of the Research Council for the First Zone of Islamic Azad University.

His earlier academic roles include serving as a contractual faculty staff member in the Psychology Department at Bavanat Payam Nour University, Fars, Iran (1999–2002), and as a faculty staff member of the Research Group for Behavioral Sciences at the Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR), Shiraz (1998–1999). Prior to that, from 1994 to 1997, he was a contractual faculty member in the Psychology Department at Chamran Ahwaz University, Ahwaz, and contributed to the Research Group for Social Psychology at ACECR, Ahwaz.

Dr. Khodarahimi’s leadership experience includes serving as the Dean of the Research Center for Psychological Services in Shiraz, Fars, from 1990 to 1992, highlighting his longstanding commitment to psychological research and education.

Teaching Experience

Dr. S. Khodarahimi has an extensive teaching and training background, spanning multiple universities and covering a wide range of psychology courses.

From 1993 to 1997, at Chamran Ahwaz University, he taught courses such as Mental Health, Personality Theories, Principles of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology (1), Theories of Psychotherapy, and Introduction to Diagnostic and Therapeutic Methods.

Between 1999 and 2002, at Payam Nour University – Bavanat Center, his teaching portfolio included Psychology of Development (1 & 2), Psychology of Personality, Social Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Individual Research Projects in Psychology, Introduction to Neuropsychology, Abnormal Psychology, Psychology Texts in English (1 & 2), Research Method in Psychology, and Psychology of Work.

From 2000 to 2022, at Islamic Azad University – Eghlid Branch, he instructed courses such as Introduction to Psychology, Educational Psychology, Social Psychology for Nursing, Psychology of Learning, Developmental Psychology (1 & 2), Counseling Methods and Outlines, Child Counseling, Exceptional Psychology, and Introduction to Practical Research.

Dr. Khodarahimi’s diverse teaching experience reflects his expertise in various psychological disciplines, ranging from clinical and developmental psychology to research methodology and neuropsychology.

Research interests

1. Positive Psychology, Mental Health, Cross Cultural, Psychotherap and
Interdiciplinary Reaserch.
2. Investigation in psychosocial interventions and psychopathological issues
among adolescents, youth, adults and women.
3. Research in anxiety disordres, worry, emotions, and high risk behaviors with
focus on psychological interventions at individual and collective levels.

Publication

Mojtaba Rahimian Bougar | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Mojtaba Rahimian Bougar | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

 

 

Profile

Education

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology from Payame Noor University of Abadeh Center in 2014, where he conducted a research project titled Comparison of Early Maladaptive Schemas Among Three Groups of Men Dependent on Opium, Under Treatment, and Non-Dependent Over 15 Years of Age in Shiraz City. In 2023, he completed his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at the Islamic Azad University, Kish International Branch. His master’s research focused on The Structural Model of Suicidal Tendency Prediction Based on Psychological Needs, Mental Pain, and Object Relations with the Moderating Roles of Defense Mechanisms and Ego-Strength.

Work experience

He is currently working as a Clinical Psychologist with an MA in Clinical Psychology. Previously, from 2013 to 2016, he served as an Expert in Charge and Research Consultant at Larestan University of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran. From 2019 to 2024, he worked as a Psychologist at the Social Emergency Center under the Welfare General Bureau of Fars Province in Shiraz, Iran. During the same period, he was an active member of various working groups, including the Working Group on Preventing Drug Misuse and Addiction, the Association for the Protection of Child Labourers under the Governorship & Welfare General Bureau, and the Suicide Prevention initiative within the Mental Health Unit of the Health & Care Professional Network in Eqlid City, Iran.

From 2013 to 2016, he worked as an Expert and Consultant at the Vice-Chancellor for Research and Technology at Larestan School of Medical Sciences, Larestan, Iran. From 2019 to 2024, he served as a Psychologist at the Eghlid Social Emergency Center under the Welfare General Bureau of Fars Province in Shiraz, Iran. Since 2019, he has been an active member of the Suicide Management and Prevention Working Group, as well as the Social Damage Prevention Working Group in Eqlid City, Fars Province. In 2023, he took on the role of Social Service Specialist at the Welfare Organization in Fars Province, Eqlid City, where he continues to contribute to social welfare initiatives.

National and international presentations and conferences

Farmani, A., Faramarzi, H., Rahimian Bougar, M., Sadeghi, M., & Aminian, M. (2021). Psychosocial
trauma screening during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In the 3rd International
Conference on Psychology, Counseling and Education, 11 February 2021, Mashhad, Iran.
Rahimian Bougar, M., Farmani, A., Ahmadi, S., & Rahiminejad, S. (2021). Comparison of Early
Maladaptive Schemas in Opioid Abusers and Healthy Individuals. In the 3rd International Conference
on Psychology, Counseling and Education, 11 February 2021, Mashhad, Iran.
Farmani, A., Farahmand, H., Sadeghi, M., & Rahimian Bougar, M. (2021). Prediction of Marital
Conflict Management Styles on the Basis of the Big Five Factors of Personality with the Mediating Role
of Patience Components among Young Females. In the 9th International Conference of Modern
Research in Psychology,Counseling,and Educational Sciences, 22 July 2021, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Rahimian Bougar, M. (2016). The study of effectiveness of progressive muscle relaxation to reduce
symptoms in patients with migraine headache. The 5th Symposium of World Federation of
Neurosurgical Societies & The 7th International Neurosurgery Congress & The 1st International
Neuroscience Confederation Congress, 17-22 Apr 2016, Tehran, Iran.
Rahimian Bougar, M. (2016). The study of the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its relationship to
quality of life and mental health of cancer patients. The 5th Symposium of World Federation of
Neurosurgical Societies & The 7th International Neurosurgery Congress & The 1st International
Neuroscience Confederation Congress, 17-22 Apr 2016, Tehran, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Rahimian Bougar, M., Bostani, S., & Saem, J. (2016). Investigating the Individual and
Effective Protection Factors of Appropriate and Inappropriate Cesarean Section in Pregnant Women
Referred to Larestan Imam Reza Hospital. International Congress on Social Studies on Health For
Students, 21-23 December 2016, Shiraz, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Rahimian Bougar, M., Bostani, S., & Raeisi, Z. (2016). An Explanation on the Prevalence
of Learning Disorders in Terms of Socioeconomic Factors of Health among the Elementary School
Students in Larestan City during Year 2014. International Congress on Social Studies on Health For
Students, 21-23 December 2016, Shiraz, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Rahimian Bougar, M., Raeisi, Z., Bostani, S., & Sarafraz, N. (2016). THE PREVALENCE
OF SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR AND PROGNOSIS OF HIV INFECTION IN ADOLESCENTS AND
YOUNG ADULTS IN LARESTAN CITY. At the 17th International & Iranian Congress of Microbiology,
23-25 August 2016, Tehran, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Neydavodi, M., Rahimian Bougar, M., Abedi, K., Mohammadi, Z., Raeisi, Z. (2016).
PREVALENCE OF PEDICULOSIS IN STUDENTS OF LARESTAN CITY IN 2015. At the 17th
International & Iranian Congress of Microbiology, 23-25 August 2016, Tehran, Iran.
Sekhavati, E., Rahimian Bougar, M., Bostani, S., & Alaie Nejad, M. (2016). Investigating the effects of
common atmospheric and air pollutants on cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders: A
review study: with an emphasis on the pathology of atmospheric elements and air pollution in Iran. The
2nd International Conference on Environmental sciences, 25 & 26 May 2016, Tehran, Iran.

Publication

said Pournaghash-tehrani | Neuroscience | Best Faculty Award

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

Marcelo Luis Berthier | Neuroscience| Best Researcher Award

Prof. Marcelo Luis Berthier | Neuroscience| Best Researcher Award

 

Unversidad de Málaga, Spain

Profile

Education

Marcelo Luis Berthier obtained his degree in Medicine (1972-1976) and completed residency training in Neurosurgery (1977-1980), later specializing in Neurology (1980). He served as a staff neurologist at the Institute of Neurological Research, FLENI, Buenos Aires, Argentina (1980-1989), before becoming a research fellow in the Department of Neurology at Clinic Hospital of Barcelona, Spain (1989-1990). From 1991 to 2000, he was a staff neurologist and physician in charge of the Behavioural Neurology Unit at the Clinic University Hospital of Malaga. He earned a PhD in Neuroscience (cum laude) from the University of Malaga and coordinated the Group of Behavioural Neurology and Dementia of the Spanish Neurological Society (2004-2006). In 2004, he founded and directed the Unit of Cognitive Neurology and Aphasia at the Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias, University of Malaga, leading it until 2023. Additionally, he served as the director of the Consolidated Research Group on Cognitive Neuroscience: Aphasia and Related Disorders (UNCA, C-12) at the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA – Plataforma BIONAND).

Work experience

Dr. Marcelo L. Berthier Torres has led and contributed to several groundbreaking research projects in cognitive neurology and aphasia. As a co-investigator, he participated in the Telerehabilitation in Aphasia project (2021-2023), which evaluated the effectiveness of telerehabilitation compared to face-to-face therapy and identified predictive biomarkers of response, funded by the Junta de Andalucía. He also served as the principal investigator for a study on the efficacy of combined treatment with donepezil, intensive rehabilitation, and transcranial direct current stimulation in chronic post-stroke aphasia (2016-2019), funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. Additionally, he has contributed to the Proyectos de Generación de Conocimiento “Frontera”, an initiative under the FEDER Andalucía 2014-2020 program, which investigates brain biomarkers for individualized treatment approaches in chronic post-stroke aphasia

Areas of Research

Dr. Marcelo L. Berthier Torres has made significant contributions to the treatment of post-stroke aphasia and speech-language disorders. He conducted the first open-label and randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials investigating the use of cognitive-enhancing drugs (donepezil and memantine) alone and in combination with standard aphasia therapy or intensive language-action therapy (ILAT) in chronic post-stroke aphasia. His pioneering studies stimulated international research on aphasia pharmacotherapy, leading to clinical translation. Today, donepezil and memantine, alone or combined with therapy, are widely used off-label for post-stroke aphasia and language disturbances associated with neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and primary progressive aphasia.

Publication

  • Revisiting the boundaries of different altered accents profiles

    Cortex
    2025-03 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Marcelo L. Berthier; Ignacio Moreno-Torres; Jo Verhoeven; Guadalupe Dávila
  • Turning the Spotlight to Cholinergic Pharmacotherapy of the Human Language System

    CNS Drugs
    2023-07 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Guadalupe Dávila; María José Torres-Prioris; Diana López-Barroso; Marcelo L. Berthier
  • Pharmacotherapy for post-stroke aphasia: what are the options?

    Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
    2023-07-24 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Marcelo L. Berthier; Guadalupe Dávila
  • Brain structural and functional correlates of the heterogenous progression of mixed transcortical aphasia

    Brain Structure and Function
    2023-05-31 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Diana López-Barroso; José Paredes-Pacheco; María José Torres-Prioris; Guadalupe Dávila; Marcelo L. Berthier
  • Controlling the past, owning the present, and future: cholinergic modulation decreases semantic perseverations in a person with post-stroke aphasia

    Aphasiology
    2022-11-02 | Journal article
    CONTRIBUTORS: Marcelo L. Berthier; Daniel Santana-Moreno; Álvaro Beltrán-Corbellini; Juan C. Criado-Álamo; Lisa Edelkraut; Diana López-Barroso; Guadalupe Dávila; María José Torres-Prioris

Wei Jiang | Cognitive and neuropathology | Women Researcher Award

 Dr. Wei Jiang | Cognitive and neuropathology | Women Researcher Award

Medical University of South Carolina , United States

Her academic focus includes microbiome, B cell/autoantibody interactions, and disease pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on HIV, addictive drugs, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). She is involved in several clinical and translational research projects, including R01DA059854 (Jiang & Sheng), investigating the impacts of drug abuse on autoantibodies and immune reconstitution in HIV. She also works on CSRD Merit I01 CX002422, exploring B cell-mediated immunological failure in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy. Additionally, she contributes to NIDA-funded studies, such as R01DA055523, examining the oral microbiome’s effect on cognition in HIV-infected cannabis users, and R01DA059538, investigating HIV persistence in cocaine users. Furthermore, she collaborates on a Translational Science Award project exploring the oral microbiome’s impact on cognition in Alzheimer’s disease.

 

 

Profile

Education:

She earned her M.S. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Case Western Reserve University, Medical School, Cleveland, USA, in 2012. Prior to that, she completed a Postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University, Medical School, Cleveland, USA, in 2008. She holds an M.S. in Immunology from Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, which she completed in 2001. She also received her M.D. in Internal Medicine from Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, in 1997.

BRIEF RESEARCH INTEREST STATEMENT:

She has 8 years of clinical experience in infectious diseases and 22 years of translational research experience in disease immunopathogenesis. As a corresponding author, she has published 52 peer-reviewed articles on microbiome and disease immunopathogenesis in high-profile journals like Microbiome, Arthritis & Rheumatology, J Autoimmunity, and EbioMedicine, bringing her total number of peer-reviewed publications to 101. As a physician-scientist, she has served as Principal Investigator on five R01 grants from NIAID or NIDA, along with a VA clinical merit grant, focusing on microbiomes, drug abuse, autoimmunity, and HIV immunopathogenesis. Her research primarily focuses on two major areas. The first is understanding the role of B cell perturbation and autoantibodies in disease pathogenesis, particularly in HIV and SLE. In 2017, her team first determined that autoimmunity impacts antiretroviral therapy outcomes in HIV without inducing autoimmune disease. This concept was later corroborated in studies on COVID-19. Her team is currently developing monoclonal autoantibodies and inhibitors to prevent anti-CD4 autoantibody binding, aiming to improve CD4+ T cell recovery and reduce morbidity in HIV patients. The second area of focus is the role of microbiomes in disease pathogenesis, including HIV, SLE, and drug abuse. She has identified the impact of disease-associated pathobionts on immune perturbations and disease progression, with findings validated in animal models. Her microbiome research is supported by R01DA055523.

TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

She currently serves on the Appointment, Promotion & Tenure (APT) committee in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, a position she has held since 2024. She was promoted to Full Professor with tenure in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine at the same institution in 2023. She has been a Faculty Senator for the College of Medicine and a Research Health Scientist at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center since 2022. Additionally, she is a member of the Translational Science Laboratory IAC (2020-2022) and the MUSC College’s Curriculum Committee (2019-Present). She has held various positions at MUSC, including Associate Professor (2018-2022) and Assistant Professor (2012-2018) in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Since 2018, she has been a member of the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC and has served on the award committee for the Advancement, Recruitment, and Retention of Women in Science. Her academic career began as an Instructor (2008-2012) and Research Associate (2002-2008) at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.

AWARDS

She received her Chinese Board of Internal Medicine certification in Infectious Diseases in July 1997 and was certified as an Attending Medical Doctor in Infectious Diseases in November 1999 (No: 10203C089758). In July 1997, she also earned a Teacher Qualification from the Educational Institute, National Educational Committee in China (No: 971100071069382). Her licensure is from Beijing, China.

She has received several awards throughout her career, including the Laboratory Travel Grant from the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) in 2019, the MUSC High Impact Research Publication Award in 2019, and multiple travel grants from AAI for various international immunology congresses. She was awarded the Early Career Faculty Travel Grant by AAI and ECI in 2018 and 2017, and received the Travel Award and HIV Section Chair recognition at the 2016 International Congress of Immunology. In 2015, she was honored with the MUSC Foundation Developing Scholar Award and an Early Career Faculty Travel Grant from AAI. Her earlier achievements include multiple Young Investigator Awards from the 13th and 15th Conferences on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (2006, 2008) and the Keystone Meeting on HIV Pathogenesis (2006, 2008). Additionally, she was recognized as an Outstanding Student Leader for five consecutive years during her medical school years from 1986 to 1991.

OTHER EXPERIENCE AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

She has held several key professional roles and memberships throughout her career. Since 2024, she has been serving as a mentor for the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Future Leaders Mentorship Fellowship (FLMF) Program. She is a member of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology 2024 committee and has been a Treasurer Elect for the Association of Chinese Virologists in America from 2022 to 2024. She has been a member of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) since 2021 and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) since 2020. She has also been serving on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology since 2019 and is a member of the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology. Additionally, she has been part of the Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America (SCBA) and the American College of Rheumatology since 2018. She has contributed as an award committee member for the Advancement, Recruitment, and Retention of Women in Science at the Medical University of South Carolina since 2017 and is an associate member of the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC.

She is also an active member of the MUSC Oral Health Center, College of Dental Medicine, and the Medical University of South Carolina College of Graduate Studies. Her previous memberships include being part of the American Association of Immunologists from 2011 to 2021, the Center for AIDS Research from 2008 to 2012, and the AIDS Clinic Trial Group since 2008. Her certification in Chinese Board of Internal Medicine in Infectious Diseases dates back to 1997, along with her teacher qualification from the Educational Institute, National Educational Committee, China.

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

She is currently leading several impactful research projects. As the Principal Investigator (PI) on R01DA059854 (9/30/2024-5/31/2029), funded by NIDA with a total of $3,924,302, she is studying the impacts of drug abuse-mediated inflammatory perturbations on affinity maturation of anti-CD4 autoantibodies and poor immune reconstitution from ART in HIV. This project aims to understand the role of cocaine in autoimmunity and immune recovery in HIV patients. Her role in this project is as PI (25% effort).

She is also a multiPI on R01DA059538 (9/30/2023-7/31/2028), with a total of $1,724,585 from NIDA, investigating host gene isoforms contributing to HIV persistence in cocaine users. The study focuses on identifying gene isoforms associated with HIV infection in elite controllers and its implications for cocaine users. Her role is PI (25% effort).

In addition, she is the PI on I01CX002422 (3/1/2022-2/28/2026), funded by the VA Medical Center CSRD Merit with a total of $1,195,899. This project examines the mechanism of autoreactive B cell-mediated immunological failure in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy despite virologic suppression. She is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of anti-CD4 IgG-producing B cells and the pathologic effects of anti-CD4 autoantibodies. Her role is PI with 62.5% effort.

Additionally, she is involved as multiPI on R01DA055523 (9/30/2022-7/31/2027), with a total funding of $1,731,992, where she is working alongside Fitting to investigate the effects of microbiome-related mechanisms on H

 Publication

Ling Mei | Cognitive Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ling Mei | Cognitive Science | Best Researcher Award

Doctorate at Wuhan University of Science and Technology, China

Dr. Ling Mei is an accomplished researcher in artificial intelligence and cognitive science, with a robust academic and professional background. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Sun Yat-sen University, one of China’s top universities, and completed a prestigious visiting scholar program at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Currently serving as a tenured faculty and master’s supervisor, Dr. Mei has published 16 papers, including 7 in SCI-indexed journals, contributed to nine books, and has three national invention patents granted. Recognized as a Provincial Research Talent of China in 2024, he work integrates advanced computational models with societal needs, such as urban planning and public safety. Dr. Mei has collaborated internationally with top-tier institutions like UBC and Carnegie Mellon University, cementing he reputation as a leader in he field.

Profile

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education 🎓

Dr. Mei earned he Ph.D. in Engineering from Sun Yat-sen University in 2021, a prestigious institution ranked among China’s top 10 universities. He academic journey also includes a year-long visiting scholar program at the Department of Computer Science, UBC, as part of the National Outstanding Young Researchers Program. This international exposure provided he with cutting-edge knowledge and interdisciplinary skills, enabling he to excel in artificial intelligence and cognitive science.

Work Experience 💼

Currently, Dr. Mei is a tenured faculty member and master’s supervisor at a leading Chinese university. He experience includes overseeing multiple research projects, consulting on seven industry-sponsored projects, and serving as a reviewer for the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS FOR VIDEO TECHNOLOGY. He has also been instrumental in fostering international collaborations with institutions like UBC and CMU, contributing to impactful research publications and patents.

Awards and Honors

In 2024, Dr. Mei was recognized as a Provincial Research Talent of China, highlighting he exceptional contributions to science and technology. He has also earned accolades through he impactful patents and high-quality publications.

Research Interests

Dr. Mei’s research focuses on artificial intelligence, pedestrian trajectory prediction, and public safety strategies. He innovations include the LSN-GTDA framework, which integrates behavioral and stochastic factors for better uncertainty management. He interdisciplinary approach bridges cognitive science, computational models, and societal applications, ensuring he work’s relevance and impact.

Research Skills

Dr. Mei possesses advanced skills in AI modeling, thermal diffusion processes, and signal and system theory. He expertise includes patent development, SCI journal publications, and interdisciplinary collaborations. He is adept at integrating computational techniques with practical applications, as seen in he trajectory prediction research.

📚 Publications

Crowd Density Estimation via Global Crowd Collectiveness Metric

  • Journal: Drones
  • Date: 2024-10-28
  • DOI: 10.3390/drones8110616
  • Contributors: Ling Mei, Mingyu Yu, Lvxiang Jia, Mingyu Fu

More Quickly-RRT: Improved Quick Rapidly-Exploring Random Tree Star Algorithm Based on Optimized Sampling Point with Better Initial Solution and Convergence Rate*

  • Journal: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence
  • Date: 2024-07
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.engappai.2024.108246
  • Contributors: Xining Cui, Caiqi Wang, Yi Xiong, Ling Mei, Shiqian Wu

Learning Domain-Adaptive Landmark Detection-Based Self-Supervised Video Synchronization for Remote Sensing Panorama

  • Journal: Remote Sensing
  • Date: 2023-02-09
  • DOI: 10.3390/rs15040953
  • Contributors: Ling Mei, Yizhuo He, Farnoosh Fishani, Yaowen Yu, Lijun Zhang, Helge Rhodin

Illumination-Invariance Optical Flow Estimation Using Weighted Regularization Transform

  • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology
  • Date: 2020-02
  • DOI: 10.1109/TCSVT.2019.2890861
  • Contributors: Ling Mei, Jianhuang Lai, Xiaohua Xie, Junyong Zhu, Jun Chen

Feature Visualization Based Stacked Convolutional Neural Network for Human Body Detection in a Depth Image

  • Type: Book Chapter
  • Year: 2018
  • DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-03335-4_8
  • Contributors: Xiao Liu, Ling Mei, Dakun Yang, Jianhuang Lai, Xiaohua Xie

Conclusion 

Dr. Ling Mei is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award due to he robust academic background, impactful research, and significant contributions to AI and cognitive science. To further enhance he candidacy, increasing citation influence and emphasizing community impact would solidify he position as an exemplary researcher deserving of recognition. 🌟