Gladys Wauk | Social Science | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Gladys Wauk | Social Science | Best Researcher Award

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

Profile

🎓 Education

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

🧪 Experience

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

🏅 Awards and Honors

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

🔬 Research Focus

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Mariana Pinho | Social Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mariana Pinho | Social Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher| University of Aveiro, Portugal

Dr. Mariana Lobo Pinho is an accomplished psychologist and researcher currently serving as an Auxiliary Researcher at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, and a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln, UK. With a PhD in Psychology from the University of Lincoln, she has established a rich academic and professional career focused on equality, diversity, inclusion, and gender studies. Her multidisciplinary work bridges psychology, policy, and social justice, contributing to numerous EU-funded and national projects. Dr. Pinho has collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the European Institute for Gender Equality and the Royal Society of Chemistry. She is the Principal Investigator of a major study on climate anxiety funded by La Caixa Foundation and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on family roles, identity, and environmental psychology. Her expertise spans both qualitative and quantitative research, making her a leading voice in the study of gender, work, and social transformation.

Profile

🎓 Education

Dr. Mariana Pinho has a comprehensive academic background rooted in psychology. She began her studies with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Porto (2007–2010), followed by a Master of Science in Clinical and Health Psychology at the same institution (2010–2012). These formative years built her expertise in clinical approaches, mental health, and human behavior. She then pursued her doctoral studies in the UK, earning a PhD in Psychology from the University of Lincoln (2013–2017). During her PhD, she conducted extensive research on gender identity, work-family dynamics, and social norms, supported by a faculty bursary. Her academic training reflects a deep integration of psychological theory, applied research, and cross-cultural analysis, enabling her to lead studies that intersect clinical psychology with broader societal challenges. This rich educational trajectory laid the foundation for her international career in research, education, and policy consultation.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Mariana Pinho’s professional journey spans academic research, consultancy, and public policy across Europe. Since 2023, she has worked as an Auxiliary Researcher at CESAM, University of Aveiro, and as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Eleanor Glanville Institute, University of Lincoln. Previously, she held roles as Senior and Research Fellow at the same institute (2019–2023), where she led pioneering studies on equality and climate psychology. She has served as a consultant and national expert for the European Institute for Gender Equality, and conducted policy and evaluation research for various EU bodies. Earlier, she held research positions in Lithuania, including at Mykolas Romeris University and the Public Policy and Management Institute. Mariana has also worked in industry (Western Union) and provided psychology internships in Portugal’s National Health Service. Her multifaceted experience demonstrates her ability to translate academic insight into impactful, real-world applications in equality, inclusion, and environmental resilience.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Mariana Pinho has received notable recognition throughout her academic and professional career. Early on, she was awarded an Integrated Master’s Scholarship from the Portuguese Government, recognizing her as one of the top 10 students in her cohort. During her doctoral studies, she earned a competitive PhD Scholarship Faculty Bursary from the University of Lincoln. Her contributions to psychology and social research have earned her nominations for prestigious international awards such as the International Cognitive Scientist Awards. In 2023, her leadership in socially impactful research led to several high-profile projects, including funding from La Caixa Foundation and the Royal Society of Chemistry. Her reputation as a gender and inclusion expert has led to consultancy roles for the European Commission and recognition by the British Psychological Society. These accolades highlight her sustained excellence and influence in the fields of gender equality, environmental psychology, and inclusive policy development.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Mariana Pinho’s research centers on the intersection of social psychology, gender, family dynamics, and environmental behavior. She explores how identities—such as parental and work roles—shape and are shaped by social norms, particularly in contexts of gender non-conformity and role reversal. Her recent studies delve into climate change anxiety and its influence on pro-environmental behavior, with a focus on psychological gender disparities. She also investigates perceptions of fairness, inclusion, and psychological safety in academic and professional settings. Her research utilizes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, bridging individual experience with structural analysis. Through projects funded by the European Commission, Royal Society of Chemistry, and La Caixa Foundation, she has contributed to key discourses on gender equality, caregiving roles, and emotional responses to environmental crises. Her work not only advances theoretical understanding but also informs inclusive policies and practices in higher education, research environments, and public health.

Conclusion

Dr. Mariana Pinho exemplifies the integration of academic rigor and societal impact through her work on gender, inclusion, and environmental psychology. Her cross-disciplinary approach enables her to address pressing global challenges with nuanced, evidence-based insights.

Publications
  • Climate Anxiety: a mechanism for change?

    2024-01 to present | Grant
    ‘la Caixa’ Foundation (Barcelona, ES)
    GRANT_NUMBER:
  • BARRIERS WITHIN BARRIERS − MINORITIES WITHIN MINORITIES: the challenges for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the UK-US STEM landscape through an intersectional lens

    2023 to 2023 | Grant
    Royal Society of Chemistry (Lincoln, GB)
  • Building Networks and Partnerships to Enable Transformational Change in Inclusive Policy and Practice Across Businesses, Organisations and Government

    2023 to 2023 | Grant
    Research England (Lincoln, GB)
  • Post-graduate Psychology Trainee Experiences of Racism

    2023 to 2023 | Grant
    British Psychological Society (Lincoln, GB)

 

Lisa Stolzenberg | Criminology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lisa Stolzenberg | Criminology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Lisa Stolzenberg is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida International University (FIU). With expertise in criminology, sentencing, and law enforcement policies, she has authored numerous books and research reports. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding crime patterns, policing, and the criminal justice system. She has been recognized for her teaching excellence and research contributions. 📚🎓🔍

Profile

Education 🎓

Ph.D. in Criminology, Florida State University (1993) 🎓
M.S. in Criminology, Florida State University (1986) 📖
B.A. in Criminal Justice, University of Florida (1985) 🎓

Experience 👨‍🏫

Dr. Lisa Stolzenberg has extensive experience in criminology and criminal justice, currently serving as a Professor and Chair at Florida International University (FIU) since 2008. Prior to this, she was an Associate Professor and Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at FIU from 2002 to 2008 and an Assistant Professor from 1996 to 2002. Before joining FIU, she worked as an Assistant Professor at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, from 1993 to 1996. Her research background includes serving as a Senior Research Associate at the Justice Research and Statistics Association (1992-93) and as a Social Science Analyst at Westat Inc. (1990-91). She also contributed to public sector research as a Program Evaluator at the Florida Department of Health (1988-90) and a Research Analyst at the Florida Department of Corrections (1986-88). Her academic journey began as a Research Assistant at the School of Criminology, Florida State University (1985-86).

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Stolzenberg’s research explores crime prevention, sentencing disparities, policing strategies, and justice system policies. She examines the impact of technology on crime control and has contributed to studies on body-worn cameras, firearm violence, and drug-related offenses. Her work influences law enforcement policies and criminal justice reforms. 🚔📊📖

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Dr. Lisa Stolzenberg has received numerous awards and honors throughout her distinguished academic career. In 2023, she was recognized as an FIU Notable Global Learning Faculty, highlighting her contributions to global education. She received the FIU Online 2.0 Program Founder Award in 2014 for her role in advancing online education. In 2013, she was honored by Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez for her contributions to the FIU Department of Criminal Justice Internship Program. Her commitment to teaching excellence was acknowledged with the Teaching Incentive Program (TIP) Award at FIU in 2002 and the Outstanding Teaching Award from Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, in 1996. She also received the Matriculation Merit Award from FIU in 2001. Her research achievements were recognized with a grant from the NIJ Data Resources Program Workshop in 1999. Additionally, she secured second place in the Gene Carte National Student Paper Competition in 1988 and is a member of prestigious honor societies, including Alpha Phi Sigma (1986), Golden Key (1985), and Phi Kappa Phi (1984).

Publications 📚

  • The effect of cannabis legislation on opioid and benzodiazepine use among aging Americans

    AIMS Medical Science
    2024 | Journal article
    SOURCE-WORK-ID:
  • The impact of cannabis legislation on benzodiazepine and opioid use and misuse

    AIMS Medical Science
    2024 | Journal article
    SOURCE-WORK-ID:
  • Changes in Prosecutorial Decision-Making in Response to a High-Profile Mass Shooting

    American Journal of Criminal Justice
    2024-12 | Journal article

    SOURCE-WORK-ID: