Natalia Schwien | Cognitive Anthropology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Natalia Schwien | Cognitive Anthropology | Best Researcher Award

Harvard University | United States

Natalia Schwien Scott (she/they) is a multidisciplinary scholar, herbalist, and wildlife rehabilitation apprentice currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Study of Religion at Harvard University. Her work bridges ecology, spirituality, and relational ontologies, exploring the interconnection between the human and more-than-human worlds. She holds a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School with a concentration in ecology and spiritual practice, and an M.A. in English Literature from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School, focusing on science fiction and fantasy. Natalia integrates her academic research with over two decades of herbalist practice and hands-on wildlife care. She is the Associate Director of Harvard’s Program for the Evolution of Spirituality and leads “Interspecies Dialogues,” a transdisciplinary forum on animism and posthumanism. Natalia’s research, essays, and interviews have been published in peer-reviewed journals and featured in prominent media. She also releases music under the moniker Ellayo and curates multimedia content at selkieprojects.com

Profile

ORCID

Education

Natalia’s educational journey reflects her deep engagement with interdisciplinary study. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in the Study of Religion at Harvard University, focusing on comparative religion and science, with a secondary emphasis in Celtic Languages and Literatures. She also holds a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School, where she concentrated on ecology and spiritual practice. Complementing this, she earned a Master of Arts from Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf School of English with a literary focus on science fiction and fantasy. Natalia has studied at Oxford University’s Lincoln College and completed a graduate summer program at the University of Amsterdam. Her undergraduate degree is a B.F.A. from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. She possesses translation competence in Old Irish, German, French, and Latin, alongside elementary proficiency in contemporary Irish—skills that enhance her exploration of myth, folklore, and scientific discourse in both historical and modern contexts.

Experience

Natalia’s professional experience spans academia, environmental sustainability, and interspecies advocacy. At Harvard University, she serves as Associate Director of the Program for the Evolution of Spirituality and Associate Editor of the Thinking with Plants & Fungi initiative. She facilitates interdisciplinary dialogues through “Interspecies Dialogues,” featuring scholars and practitioners on animism and posthumanism. She has held multiple Teaching Fellow roles across departments, including Anthropology, Celtic Studies, and Divinity. Formerly, Natalia worked as a Sustainability Specialist at Middlebury College’s Franklin Environmental Center. Her ecological advocacy includes wildlife rehabilitation apprenticeships in Vermont and Massachusetts, where she worked with Wild on Blissville, ParkHill Wildlife Rehab, and Newhouse Wildlife Rescue. She has over 20 years of herbalist practice, including a three-year apprenticeship with Vanessa Chakour. Natalia’s teaching, organizing, and publishing reflect her commitment to relational ethics, ecological justice, and knowledge pluralism that spans academic, artistic, and indigenous traditions.

Awards and Honors

Natalia has garnered recognition for her interdisciplinary excellence, spiritual-ecological scholarship, and public engagement. While specific named awards are not listed, her selection as Associate Director of Harvard’s Program for the Evolution of Spirituality reflects institutional recognition of her leadership and innovation. Her editorial role with Harvard University Press’s forthcoming Thinking with Plants & Fungi volume further underscores her scholarly merit. Her academic work has been published in peer-reviewed journals like Pomegranate and Museum Anthropology, and her thought leadership has been featured in public-facing platforms including The New Yorker, New York Magazine, Vice, and For The Wild. Her appointment as co-facilitator and organizer of multiple Harvard-based workshops and reading groups evidences peer and faculty trust. Additionally, her music project Ellayo and writing projects reflect an ability to bridge intellectual work with artistic and spiritual communities—an integrative approach increasingly recognized in cutting-edge religious and ecological studies

Research Focus

Natalia’s research explores relational ontologies, posthuman ethics, and plant consciousness through the lens of religious studies and Celtic literature. Her work interrogates scientific and theological conceptions of personhood, particularly regarding plants, animals, and other nonhuman entities. She examines how premodern and indigenous cosmologies intersect with contemporary ecological crises and philosophical discourse, often engaging animism, myth, and folklore to decenter anthropocentric narratives. Her doctoral research at Harvard weaves together religious thought, Old Irish mythology, and scientific language to address how societies conceptualize interspecies relationships. Her peer-reviewed articles explore themes like plant personhood and the role of nonhuman remains in natural history museums. She also co-edits the forthcoming volume Thinking with Plants & Fungi, engaging scholars across disciplines. Her academic contributions are complemented by field practices in herbalism and wildlife care, positioning her as a researcher deeply grounded in embodied ecological practice and interspecies relationality.

 

Publications

The Relics of Science: Nonhuman Bodies in Natural History and Zoological Museum
Year: 2025

The Plant Delighteth: Plant Personhood in the Study of Western Esotericism
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Natalia Schwien Scott is a dynamic scholar-practitioner whose interdisciplinary work at the intersection of ecology, religion, and posthuman studies advances both academic inquiry and real-world interspecies care through research, teaching, and community engagement.

Mariana Pinho | Social Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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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)

 

Grazia Ragone | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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

🔬 Grazia Ragone is a researcher in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a focus on autism and interactive systems. 🏫 She earned her PhD from the University of Sussex, UK, where she investigated social motor synchrony in autistic children through motion capture and sonification. 🎼 With a background in psychology, developmental science, and music therapy, she integrates interdisciplinary methods into assistive technology. 💻 She has extensive teaching experience in research methods, cognitive science, and HCI at the University of Sussex. 🏆 Her research has been recognized with multiple international awards, including Microsoft Research’s Best Student Research Competition. 🌍 She actively contributes as a reviewer and associate chair for HCI conferences and journals. 📖 Her work bridges psychology, technology, and education, aiming to enhance accessibility and interaction for neurodiverse individuals.

Profile

Education 🎓

She completed her PhD in 2023 at the University of Sussex, UK, where her research focused on autism, motion capture, and social motor synchrony. Prior to this, she earned an MSc in Psychological Methods from the University of Sussex in 2018, with a focus on autism and interactional features. She also holds an MPhil in Developmental Psychology from London Metropolitan University (2015), specializing in child development and interaction. In 2014, she completed her BSc in Developmental Psychology at London Metropolitan University, studying early cognitive and social development. She further enriched her expertise with a Master’s in Music & Art Therapy from Tor Vergata University in Rome (2006), where she focused on therapeutic interventions for individuals with special needs. Her academic journey began with a BA in Humanities from the University of Pavia, Italy (2004), where she studied philosophy, linguistics, and cultural studies.

Experience 👨‍🏫

From 2019 to 2023, she worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Sussex, UK, where she taught Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), research methods, and professional skills. Prior to this, she served as a Research Assistant at the University of Sussex (2016-2018), focusing on technology designed for neurodiverse children. From 2014 to 2016, she conducted research on autism and interactive environments at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career, she was a Research Assistant at CNR-ISTI Pisa, Italy (2008-2014), where she contributed to the development of assistive software for autistic children. Her experience also includes working as a Music Therapist for the Rome City Council (2005-2010), providing therapeutic interventions for autistic children. Additionally, from 2010 to 2019, she worked as a Trainer and Consultant, conducting workshops and training programs for professionals in the field of autism.

Research Interests 🔬

Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and autism, developing interactive systems to support neurodiverse individuals. She explores the role of music and sonification in enhancing motor and social skills through auditory feedback. Her work also includes investigating social motor synchrony using motion capture technology. She designs AI-powered assistive technology to support autistic children and applies user-centered design principles to create accessible interfaces for individuals with special needs.

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

She has received several prestigious awards and honors for her contributions to autism research and assistive technology. In 2021, she was awarded the Best Student Research Award by Microsoft Research at the ASSETS Conference. Her work was also recognized with the Best Work in Progress Award at the IDC Conference on autism research in 2020. In 2013, she received the Horizon Research Award from London Metropolitan University for outstanding research. Her contributions to autism research earned her a Massachusetts Senate Citation in 2012, and in 2011, she was honored with the Rotary Club Research Award from CNR Pisa for excellence in autism studies.

Publications 📚

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

  • Child-Centered AI for Empowering Creative and Inclusive Learning Experiences

    Proceedings of ACM Interaction Design and Children Conference: Inclusive Happiness, IDC 2024
    2024 | Conference paper
    DOI: 10.1145/3628516.3661157

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85197894406

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

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

    arXiv
    2024 | Other
    DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2404.14218

    EID:

    2-s2.0-85192517180

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

Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Meredith Storey | Pedagogy | Best Researcher Award

📌 Meredith Storey, Ph.D. is a Senior Manager at the UN Global Compact’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), dedicated to advancing business education for sustainable development. 🌱 She has extensive experience in pedagogy, curriculum development, and lifelong learning, integrating play-based learning strategies into management education. 🎓 Before joining PRME, she contributed to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and held academic roles at the University of Limerick. 📚 Her work has been influential in shaping responsible management education (RME), emphasizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 🌍 As a researcher, she has led interdisciplinary projects and collaborated with global institutions to drive innovation in education. ✨ Meredith actively contributes to policy discussions, global education initiatives, and industry collaborations, ensuring the next generation of business leaders is well-equipped for ethical and sustainable leadership. 🚀

Profile

Education 🎓

🎓 Ph.D. in Responsible Management Education & Sustainability – Focus on integrating SDGs into business curricula and experiential learning models. 🌍 M.A. in Educational Leadership – Specialized in pedagogical innovations and lifelong learning. 🏛️ B.A. in Business & Management – Studied at renowned institutions with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical leadership. 📚 Meredith’s education blends business, education, and sustainability, enabling her to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications. 🏆 She has received global recognition for her scholarly contributions, shaping the field of responsible management education. 🔬 With training from institutions like Harvard Graduate School of Education, she remains at the forefront of education policy, curriculum development, and international collaboration in sustainability education. 🌱

Experience 👨‍🏫

💼 Senior Manager, PRME, UN Global Compact – Leading business education for sustainability initiatives. 🌍 Formerly at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, spearheading research on SDGs integration in education. 🎓 University of Limerick (Kemmy Business School) – Developed curricula on responsible leadership. 📚 Key projects: LEGO Learning Through Play in Business Education, oikos LEAP Programme, Business Education for Sustainable Development. 🔍 Consultancy Experience: Worked with The LEGO Foundation, Higher Education Sustainability Initiative (HESI), Sulitest, and PRME Chapters worldwide. 🌱 Active in global forums, industry projects, and research collaborations, Meredith influences policy, curriculum innovation, and business education reform. 🏆 Her expertise spans pedagogical development, corporate sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and digital education strategies. 🚀

Research Interests 🔬

🔍 Responsible Management Education (RME) & Curriculum Development – Innovating pedagogical models for sustainable business leadership. 🌱 Integration of SDGs in Higher Education – Designing curricula that foster ethical decision-making and corporate responsibility. 📚 Experiential Learning & Play-Based Pedagogy – Leveraging LEGO Learning Through Play in business education. 🌍 International Collaboration in Sustainability Education – Engaging with global institutions to shape educational policies. 💻 Digital Learning & Online Pedagogies – Exploring AI-driven education models for global business training. 🌟 Community Building & Stakeholder Engagement – Creating networks of educators, policymakers, and industry leaders. 🚀

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

🏆 PRME Leadership Excellence Award – Recognized for advancing sustainability in business education. 🌱 Global Responsible Management Education Innovator Award – Honored for pioneering curriculum strategies integrating SDGs. 📚 Best Research Paper Award (International Journal of Management Education) – Acknowledged for groundbreaking work on transformative pedagogy. 🎖️ LEGO Foundation Learning Through Play Recognition – Applauded for creative pedagogical approaches in management education. 🌍 Higher Education Sustainability Impact Award – Celebrated for influencing education policies worldwide. 🚀 Invited Speaker at Global Sustainability Summits – Shared insights on digital learning, ethics, and sustainability education.

Publications 📚