Assoc Prof Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Academic Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Assoc Prof Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Academic Researcher Award

Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

Author Profile

Google Scholar 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi’s academic journey began with a profound curiosity about the natural world and the unseen microbial forces that influence health, agriculture, and biotechnology. She pursued her Master of Science in Microbiology from 1999 to 2002, laying a solid foundation in microbial research techniques and plant-based bioactivity studies. However, it was during her doctoral studies from 2006 to 2011 at the University of Isfahan—one of Iran’s most prestigious institutions—that her academic pursuits took a distinctive direction. Selected through a talent-based acceptance program by Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, she joined the Ph.D. program with high academic merit.

Her doctoral thesis, entitled “Investigation of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of plant peptides and extracts,” marked a critical phase in her scientific formation. Throughout her five-year, full-time Ph.D. program, she delved deeply into the bioactive potential of over 20 plant species. By mastering sophisticated analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), and various bioassays, she became an expert in isolating and characterizing antimicrobial peptides and phytochemicals. Her research was not only academically rigorous but also practically innovative, yielding peer-reviewed publications and multiple international conference presentations.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator based in Evin, Tehran, Iran, Dr. Aliahmadi holds an academic appointment at Shahid Beheshti University. Her career has blended academic scholarship with applied research. Notably, she was awarded a scholarship and appointed a lecturer at the Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute during her Ph.D., underscoring her early recognition as a promising scientist.

In her role as principal investigator, she has led interdisciplinary projects that integrate microbiology, phytochemistry, and biotechnology. She focuses on harnessing plant and microbial natural products, both primary and secondary metabolites, for applications ranging from food safety to pharmaceuticals. Her research translates laboratory findings into real-world applications such as essential oil-based nano-emulsions for the food and healthcare industries, and plasma, ozone, and microwave decontamination technologies for edible products including spices, vegetables, and saffron.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Aliahmadi’s research portfolio is impressively broad yet interconnected by a central theme: the discovery and utilization of bioactive natural compounds for health and industrial benefits. She has made significant strides in the areas of antimicrobial and anti-biofilm compound identification, specifically targeting the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. One of her notable scientific pursuits involves elucidating the mechanisms of natural antibacterial agents using advanced analytical tools, particularly in discovering inhibitors of bacterial efflux pumps—key mechanisms by which bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.

Her interest in nanotechnology is equally groundbreaking. She has developed essential oil-based nano-emulsions that enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of plant compounds, particularly in food preservation and medical applications. Furthermore, she has expanded her work to the field of recombinant protein development, contributing to diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Aliahmadi’s academic excellence and innovative research have not gone unnoticed. Her talent-based admission into a competitive Ph.D. program and subsequent scholarship from Shahid Beheshti University reflect early and sustained recognition of her potential. During her Ph.D. candidacy, her contributions to both research and academia were rewarded with a lecturing position, a rare accomplishment that attests to her capabilities and dedication.

Her academic output—comprising peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations—has bolstered her reputation as a thought leader in natural product microbiology and applied biotechnology. Her work stands at the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science, a niche that commands growing relevance in today’s healthcare and environmental contexts.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond publications and projects, Dr. Aliahmadi’s work has practical implications that resonate globally. With antibiotic resistance rising as a global health crisis, her investigations into plant-derived efflux pump inhibitors provide valuable alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Her decontamination methods using plasma radiation, ozone, and microwave technologies have direct applications in improving food safety, an essential issue for public health in both developing and developed nations.

Moreover, her nanotechnology research has opened new frontiers in natural product delivery systems, influencing food science, nutraceuticals, and drug development. As a mentor and principal investigator, she also shapes the next generation of researchers through training, supervision, and academic guidance.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Aliahmadi’s legacy is likely to be marked by the continued integration of nature and technology to solve pressing health and industrial problems. She is poised to further contribute to sustainable healthcare through plant-based innovations and environmentally friendly food processing technologies. With the increasing demand for safe, effective, and natural alternatives in pharmaceuticals and food industries, her multidisciplinary expertise will remain crucial.

Her future endeavors may include collaborative international projects, patentable innovations in natural antimicrobial agents, and possibly the commercial scaling of some of her decontamination and nano-emulsion technologies. Dr. Aliahmadi’s career exemplifies how deeply rooted academic inquiry, when paired with a visionary application, can yield both scientific progress and societal benefit.

Notable Publications

Superior antibacterial activity of nanoemulsion of Thymus daenensis essential oil against E. coli

Authors: R. Moghimi, L. Ghaderi, H. Rafati, A. Aliahmadi, D.J. McClements
Journal: Food Chemistry
Year: 2016

Antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus

Authors: F. Mirzajani, A. Ghassempour, A. Aliahmadi, M.A. Esmaeili
Journal: Research in Microbiology
Year: 2011

Antibacterial hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose edible films containing nanoemulsions of Thymus daenensis essential oil for food packaging

Authors: R. Moghimi, A. Aliahmadi, H. Rafati
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
Year: 2017

Alteration of hepatic cells glucose metabolism as a non-cholinergic detoxication mechanism in counteracting diazinon-induced oxidative stress

Authors: F. Teimouri, N. Amirkabirian, H. Esmaily, A. Mohammadirad, A. Aliahmadi, et al.
Journal: Human & Experimental Toxicology
Year: 2006

Investigations of the effectiveness of nanoemulsions from sage oil as antibacterial agents on some food borne pathogens

Authors: R. Moghimi, A. Aliahmadi, D.J. McClements, H. Rafati
Journal: LWT – Food Science and Technology
Year: 2016

Mr. Hani Tarabichi | Change Management | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Mr. Hani Tarabichi | Change Management | Best Researcher Award

Aalto University, Finland

Author profile

Scopus

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Hani Tarabichi’s academic journey is rooted in a multidisciplinary foundation that has shaped his unique perspective on global development and innovation. He earned his Bachelor of Computer Science from Eastern Michigan University in April 1991, providing him with a solid technical base. Recognizing the intertwined nature of technology, economics, and global affairs, he went on to complete a Master of Economics in Trade, Development, and Planning from the same institution in June 1994. These formative academic experiences fostered in him a deep appreciation for systems thinking, problem-solving, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Currently, Hani is pursuing a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering & Management at Aalto University, expected to be completed by December 2025. His doctoral journey reflects his continued passion for integrating strategic planning with human-centered approaches, particularly in the context of humanitarian and international development initiatives. Aalto University, known for its interdisciplinary innovation and research excellence, offers a fitting environment for his intellectually ambitious and socially impactful goals.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Hani Tarabichi has built a distinguished professional path characterized by strategic leadership, educational innovation, and international collaboration. As the Strategy Lead at WiTLAB (World in Transition LAB) at Aalto University since December 2023, Hani has been at the forefront of shaping the lab’s vision and impact. WiTLAB, an interdisciplinary program focusing on humanitarian architecture and life-wide learning, benefits significantly from his strategic foresight. He successfully crafted a roadmap for growth and internationalization, strengthened stakeholder networks, and facilitated memorandums of understanding with international NGOs and universities in the Global South.

Prior to this, from October 2022 to November 2023, Hani served as a Lecturer and Mentor in the IDBM (International Design & Business Management) program at Aalto University. Here, his role encompassed co-lecturing in courses like Business Model Design and Advanced Topics in IDBM. His contributions helped elevate student satisfaction scores, enhance curriculum relevance, and introduce critical perspectives on decolonizing peace and global development. Moreover, his mentorship notably increased thesis completion rates, a testament to his ability to guide and inspire future professionals.

Earlier roles, including his time as a Program Manager (details of which were partially provided), also reflect his extensive experience in orchestrating academic and capacity-building initiatives.

🌍 Contributions and Research Focus

Hani Tarabichi’s work sits at the intersection of strategy, education, and social impact. His contributions span strategic planning, interdisciplinary education, and the cultivation of global learning communities. At WiTLAB, he leverages research to promote life-wide learning, humanitarian responses, and sustainable development. His focus is not only on addressing immediate educational needs but also on building long-term capacity in marginalized or transitional communities through inclusive and participatory approaches.

In the IDBM program, his efforts brought a critical global lens to design and business pedagogy, challenging conventional narratives and introducing topics such as the decolonization of peace-building efforts. His research and programmatic focus emphasize collaborative problem-solving, integrating insights from business, design, and technology to create solutions for complex global challenges.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

While Hani’s professional style leans toward collaboration over personal accolades, his impact is nonetheless recognized through tangible outcomes. Under his leadership at WiTLAB, stakeholder engagement increased by 28%, and digital outreach saw significant growth—with viewership up by 38% and social media followers rising by 32%. His teaching in IDBM earned him student evaluation scores of 4.6 out of 5, and his content development efforts led to an 18% increase in participant satisfaction.

Moreover, his success in securing new organizations as case study partners enriched the program’s diversity and relevance. These metrics are reflective of both peer and institutional recognition for his contributions to academic innovation and engagement.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Hani’s influence extends well beyond the classroom or boardroom. Through his work at Aalto University, he is shaping a new generation of changemakers equipped with the skills, empathy, and systems-thinking mindset necessary for global problem-solving. His emphasis on humanitarian architecture and life-wide learning speaks to his belief in education as a tool not just for employment, but for empowerment and societal transformation.

By fostering inclusive collaborations between Northern institutions and Global South partners, Hani is actively contributing to a more equitable academic and development landscape. His model encourages reciprocity, shared learning, and sustainable partnerships.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Hani Tarabichi is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the domains of strategic educational reform, interdisciplinary program development, and global south-north partnerships. His Ph.D. research is expected to deepen his insights into how strategic planning and design thinking can be applied in humanitarian contexts, potentially influencing both academic literature and on-the-ground practices.

Hani’s legacy will likely be felt in the programs he develops, the students he mentors, and the cross-cultural dialogues he facilitates. His career reflects a commitment to bridging theory and practice, always grounded in the belief that innovation, when driven by empathy and strategy, can truly transform the world.

Notable publications 

Public sector innovation through nested experimental spaces: Reinventing the immigrant integration system

  • Authors: Hani H. Tarabichi, Henri A. Schildt, Farah F. Kodeih

  • Journal: Research Policy

  • Year: 2025

Assoc Prof Dr. Chunzhu WEI | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Assoc Prof Dr. Chunzhu WEI | Risk Management | Best Researcher Award

Sun Yat-Sen University, China

Author Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Chunzhu Wei is a distinguished Chinese geographer whose academic journey reflects a seamless blend of dedication, technical proficiency, and interdisciplinary exploration. His foundation in science began at Northwest University in Xi’an, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Resource Science (2006–2010). During this period, his early curiosity in geoinformatics and spatial data analysis sparked the design of a population evacuation simulation model, laying the groundwork for his future focus on GIS and remote sensing applications in environmental and urban contexts.

He pursued his Master’s degree in Automation from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China in Chengdu (2010–2013), where he sharpened his skills in data analysis, spatial modeling, and systems engineering. These competencies matured into a deeper academic engagement during his Ph.D. studies in Geoinformatics at the University of Salzburg, Austria (2013–2017). There, he expanded his research on urban and environmental analytics with a global lens, engaging with European and Asian institutions in collaborative international science projects.

🧑‍💼 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Dr. Wei has positioned himself at the forefront of research and teaching in geospatial analytics, urban resilience, and global trade network simulation. His academic home, nestled within one of China’s leading research universities, provides a vibrant environment for interdisciplinary exploration and innovation.

Dr. Wei has helmed and collaborated on a multitude of prestigious projects over the last 15 years. Notably, he leads a major project (2025–2028) on global shipping network resilience under extreme events using AIS data and agent-based modeling, reflecting his expertise in simulating dynamic systems. Another significant project (2021–2023) investigates port-proximate area evolution in the South China Sea Rim across scales—global to local—offering practical insights for economic and environmental planning.

His earlier professional contributions span a range of impactful domains: from urban heat island estimation in international research programs between China and Hungary to coastal risk assessments in Portugal under the Copernicus EMS Risk and Recovery Mapping. These experiences have enriched his technical palette in satellite image processing, vulnerability assessment, and spatial-statistical integration.

🛰️ Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Wei’s research orbits around several interlinked cores: multi-source satellite imagery, urban and trade network resilience, and geospatial statistical methods. His work merges physical and social dimensions of geography, enabling him to tackle climate stress, urban inequality, and global logistics with scientific rigor and data-driven strategies.

A prolific author, his scholarly contributions include recent publications in high-impact journals:

  • In Resources, Conservation and Recycling (2025), he analyzed post-pandemic grain trade resilience, offering a novel port-centric view of global food security.

  • His work in Marine Pollution Bulletin (2025) highlights increased marine and terrestrial heatwave events in China’s coastal zones—an urgent environmental challenge.

  • Published in Transportation Research Part D (2024), he advanced port cluster resilience assessment using hypergraph and agent-based modeling—a cutting-edge methodological innovation.

  • He has also addressed urban deprivation, land surface temperature, and unplanned settlement mapping using super-resolution GANs, as seen in the International Journal of Digital Earth (2023).

Each study reveals Dr. Wei’s commitment to integrating advanced computation, spatial science, and policy relevance in tackling some of today’s most pressing geographic issues.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While specific awards are not detailed in the provided record, Dr. Wei’s sustained leadership in major national and international research programs and his publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals signify substantial recognition in the academic and professional geospatial communities. His international collaborations—especially across Europe and Asia—demonstrate his esteem and reach within global research networks.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Wei’s influence resonates through both scholarly and practical domains. His insights on urban morphology, climate risk, and trade system fragility are increasingly relevant as cities grapple with environmental stress, shifting demographics, and geopolitical uncertainties. His work on coastal aquaculture, port accessibility, and urban vulnerability informs sustainable planning and policy adaptation.

Furthermore, his research informs decision-makers, urban planners, and logistics experts on how to design robust, equitable, and climate-resilient infrastructures. By quantifying and modeling the interdependencies within urban and trade systems, he provides tools for managing shocks—natural or socio-economic—in a rapidly changing world.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Wei is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping resilient urban and trade systems through AI-integrated spatial modeling, remote sensing innovations, and cross-scale analytics. His leadership in longitudinal satellite analysis and agent-based simulations positions him as a thought leader in designing adaptive systems for complex, multi-layered geographic phenomena.

With his roots in field-based inquiry and his eyes on satellite-based surveillance of Earth systems, Dr. Wei bridges local concerns with global strategies. His career thus far suggests a future rich in cross-disciplinary breakthroughs, particularly at the intersections of climate science, urban resilience, and technological foresight.

Understanding the effects of 2D/3D urban morphology on land surface temperature based on local climate zones

Authors: L Zhou, B Yuan, F Hu, C Wei, X Dang, D Sun
Journal: Building and Environment
Year: 2022

Measuring urban agglomeration using a city-scale dasymetric population map: A study in the Pearl River Delta, China

Authors: C Wei, H Taubenböck, T Blaschke
Journal: Habitat International
Year: 2017

Assessment of coastal aquaculture for India from Sentinel-1 SAR time series

Authors: KA Prasad, M Ottinger, C Wei, P Leinenkugel
Journal: Remote Sensing
Year: 2019

Relationship between urban landscape structure and land surface temperature: Spatial hierarchy and interaction effects

Authors: L Zhou, F Hu, B Wang, C Wei, D Sun, S Wang
Journal: Sustainable Cities and Society
Year: 2022

Multiscale evaluation of an urban deprivation index: Implications for quality of life and healthcare accessibility planning

Authors: P Cabrera-Barona, C Wei, M Hagenlocher
Journal: Applied Geography
Year: 2016

Dr. Haixia (Helen) Hu | Management | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by ScienceFather

Dr. Haixia (Helen) Hu | Management | Best Researcher Award

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), United Kingdom

Profile

Google Scholar 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Haixia (Helen) Hu embarked on her academic journey with a keen interest in international business and economic geography. She pursued her Master of Science (MSc) in International Business at the University of Birmingham in 2017, a foundational experience that set the stage for her advanced studies. Recognizing her passion for exploring global business dynamics, she continued her academic journey by enrolling in a Ph.D. program at the University of Birmingham. Her doctoral research delved deep into the internationalization of British independent schools, a study that examined the economic and non-economic transactions between developed and emerging economies. This research provided a critical understanding of how educational institutions expand beyond national borders, engaging with new markets and cultural environments.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Hu’s professional career reflects her commitment to academic excellence and teaching. Before joining the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), she served as a Teaching Fellow at the University of Warwick and the University of Birmingham. In these roles, she was instrumental in educating students on various aspects of international business strategy and economic geography. Her teaching methodologies emphasize qualitative research, case studies, and real-world applications, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical insights. Her transition to LSE as a Fellow in Management marks a significant step in her career, positioning her at one of the world’s leading institutions for business and management education.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔄

Dr. Hu’s research is at the intersection of international business and economic geography, focusing on how institutions navigate globalization. Her doctoral research on the internationalization of British independent schools employed a qualitative approach, incorporating 98 semi-structured interviews to gain an in-depth understanding of the subject. By analyzing the economic and non-economic exchanges between developed and emerging economies, her work contributes valuable insights into global education markets. Beyond her doctoral research, she continues to explore themes of business expansion, institutional strategies in international markets, and the role of geography in economic transactions.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Hu’s research achievements have been recognized at esteemed academic forums. Notably, her work on the internationalization of British independent schools earned the Best Paper Award at the 17th Vaasa International Business Conference. This prestigious accolade highlights the academic rigor and innovative perspectives she brings to the field. Her recognition at international conferences underscores her growing influence in the academic community and her ability to contribute novel insights to ongoing debates in international business and economic geography.

Impact and Influence 🌎

Dr. Hu’s work has significant implications for both academia and industry. Her research provides policymakers and educational institutions with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in global education expansion. By shedding light on economic and non-economic transactions between countries, her studies assist educational institutions in making informed decisions about international partnerships, market entry strategies, and cultural integration. Additionally, her role as an educator allows her to influence the next generation of business leaders and researchers, shaping their understanding of global business dynamics and economic geography.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking ahead, Dr. Hu is poised to make further contributions to her field. As a Fellow in Management at LSE, she is in a prime position to advance her research and continue mentoring students in international business and economic geography. Her future work is expected to delve deeper into institutional internationalization strategies, the evolving role of geography in global business operations, and the implications of cross-border educational exchanges. With a strong foundation in research, teaching, and academic service, Dr. Hu’s influence will continue to expand, reinforcing her role as a thought leader in international business and economic geography.

Through her academic pursuits, professional endeavors, and research contributions, Dr. Haixia (Helen) Hu has established herself as a prominent figure in her field. Her dedication to exploring the complexities of global business transactions and institutional internationalization ensures that her work remains relevant and impactful for years to come.

📝Notable Publications

Labour’s high tax plan may not mean economic growth

What International Car Companies Seeking Success In China Need To Know

Triple-loop springboarding and simulacrum enterprises: Financialization and new forms of emerging economy educational international businesses

Understanding the uniqueness of emerging markets and their firms: institutional voids-based dynamic capabilities in the Chinese automotive sector