Dr. Jiarun Wu | Adolescent mental health | Best Scholar Award

Dr. Jiarun Wu | Adolescent mental health | Best Scholar Award

Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiwan

Author Profile

Scopus 

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Wu Jiarun’s academic journey is rooted in a strong passion for human movement, sports performance, and physical wellness. He began his studies in 2010 at Hainan Normal University, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. During his undergraduate years, he immersed himself in learning the scientific principles of physical training, biomechanics, and the pedagogical foundations of sports education. This period ignited a deeper interest in understanding how the body functions under physical stress, as well as how physical activity can enhance both athletic performance and quality of life.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in 2014, Wu remained at Hainan Normal University to further his education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Movement Science. His graduate studies from 2014 to 2017 expanded his academic insight into applied physiology, rehabilitation science, and the biomechanics of movement. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on research, he developed a foundation in assessing physical performance, designing exercise interventions, and exploring the physiological mechanisms that support athletic performance and recovery. These formative academic years were instrumental in shaping his vision of integrating science and sport for the betterment of human health.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Upon completing his master’s degree, Wu Jiarun took on the role of Lecturer at the School of Physical Education and Health at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2017. Located in Guian New Area, Guiyang, this institution allowed Wu to contribute to the academic training of future sports educators and therapists while merging modern sports science with the holistic wellness principles of traditional Chinese medicine. His lectures have consistently emphasized the importance of evidence-based practices in physical education, with a keen focus on exercise rehabilitation and health optimization.

In 2021, while continuing his teaching career, Wu began pursuing his Ph.D. in Sports Science at Universiti Sains Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia’s most respected research institutions. His doctoral studies have provided a platform for advanced research into exercise physiology, fitness assessment, and the intersection of sports nutrition and rehabilitation. This dual engagement in academia and active research has positioned him as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of sports science.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Wu Jiarun’s scholarly contributions are concentrated in the areas of exercise physiology, physical fitness testing and assessment, and sports nutrition. He has shown a particular interest in the assessment of nutrient intake among athletes, exploring how dietary strategies impact physical performance and recovery. His research also delves deeply into exercise rehabilitation, aiming to design comprehensive rehabilitation protocols tailored to individual physiological needs.

His work addresses critical questions in the field: How can specific nutritional interventions enhance post-exercise recovery? What are the most effective ways to assess physical fitness across age groups? How can exercise be prescribed as a form of therapy in the context of chronic disease or injury? Wu’s ability to bridge research and application has significantly contributed to his institution’s growing reputation in sports and health sciences.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Wu Jiarun’s dedication and achievements have not gone unnoticed. Over the past five years, he has received multiple grants and awards that highlight both his academic excellence and research capability. He was honored with the China National Postgraduate Scholarship, a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding academic performance at the graduate level.

He has also secured institutional and national-level research funding, including a research project grant from Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Grant from the University of Guizhou, and research support from the Chinese Ministry of Education’s Education Philosophy and Social Science Program. In addition, he received a Special Project Grant under the Philosophy and Social Science Planning Initiative of Guizhou Province, which further underlines his work’s societal relevance.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Wu Jiarun’s work is making a tangible impact. His approach integrates the rigor of sports science with the philosophy of holistic health. As a lecturer and researcher, he is not only training the next generation of sports health professionals but also contributing to the development of community health programs and rehabilitation initiatives. His research on nutrient intake among athletes has practical implications for sports teams, nutritionists, and rehabilitation centers aiming to optimize health and performance outcomes.

His interdisciplinary approach—merging exercise science, nutrition, and rehabilitation—reflects a global trend toward integrative health practices. This makes his contributions not just relevant in China but also valuable to the international health and sports science communities.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Wu Jiarun is poised to become a leading academic voice in exercise rehabilitation and sports nutrition. With his Ph.D. nearing completion at Universiti Sains Malaysia, he is set to publish findings that will contribute to global knowledge in sports science. His future work is likely to focus on developing structured rehabilitation frameworks, advancing fitness testing technologies, and influencing sports health policy in China.

Moreover, Wu envisions expanding collaborative research networks between China and Southeast Asia, aiming to bring culturally contextualized but scientifically rigorous solutions to the challenges of health, rehabilitation, and sports performance. As both a scholar and educator, his legacy will rest on his ability to fuse tradition and innovation—helping to shape a future where physical health is nurtured through intelligent, individualized, and inclusive strategies.

📝Notable Publications

Factors associated with post-stroke fatigue among stroke survivors: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Dong Yuan Y., Tang Linxi L., Badrin Salwismawati Bt S.B., Badrin Salziyan Bt S.B., Wu Jiarun J.

Journal: PeerJ

Year: 2025

Ms. Elif Ezgi IŞIK | Speech and Language Therapy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Elif Ezgi IŞIK | Speech and Language Therapy | Best Researcher Award

University of Health Sciences, Turkey

Profile

Orchid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Elif Ezgi Işık’s academic journey began with a focused dedication to speech and language therapy, and her educational background reflects her passion for this field. She completed her undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy from Üsküdar University, where she studied under the guidance of esteemed faculty members and earned a 50% scholarship. Her foundational studies were enhanced by a master’s degree in Speech and Language Therapy, also from Üsküdar University, where she conducted research that deepened her understanding of vocal health and disorders.

In 2022, Işık attained her doctoral degree from Hacettepe University, within the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Speech and Language Therapy. This period marked a significant milestone in her academic career, laying the groundwork for her future work in voice disorders, vocal health, and speech therapy. Her academic journey was marked by a clear commitment to expanding knowledge in the realms of vocal health and speech-language pathology, which have become central to her professional endeavors.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Elif Ezgi Işık currently holds the position of Lecturer at the University of Health Sciences, Hamidiye Faculty of Health Sciences, where she imparts knowledge and expertise in speech and language therapy to the next generation of professionals. Her role as a lecturer is vital in shaping future practitioners who will go on to address voice disorders and related speech issues within clinical settings.

Beyond teaching, her involvement in research and clinical practice continues to enhance her professional stature. She is deeply engaged in research aimed at understanding and improving voice health, especially concerning those at high risk of vocal strain, such as teachers and performers. Her clinical work, especially in the domain of vocal fatigue and speech therapy, continues to help individuals with voice disorders regain functionality and improve their quality of life. Her active participation in numerous conferences and the publication of her research in well-regarded international journals adds to her professional profile.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Işık’s research contributions primarily center around vocal health, the physiological aspects of speech, and voice disorders, especially in vulnerable populations such as teachers, elderly individuals, and people with neurological conditions. A significant portion of her research investigates the links between voice use and related disorders, focusing on the impact of vocal fatigue, anxiety, and communication skills in various contexts, particularly during challenging periods like the pandemic.

One notable contribution is her study on the effects of mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, published in the Journal of Voice. Her research in this area explored the relationship between vocal fatigue, anxiety, and perceived communication skills among individuals who frequently used masks, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals in both professional and social communication.

Her ongoing research also delves into dysphagia, the difficulty in swallowing, particularly among individuals with multiple sclerosis. By examining voice parameters, she investigates whether these can serve as predictive tools for dysphagia in such patients, highlighting the intersection of speech therapy and medical conditions. These studies are an extension of her broader research agenda to improve speech therapy practices and the overall management of voice and swallowing disorders.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Işık’s work has not gone unnoticed in the academic community. She has authored numerous articles published in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, including DYSPHAGIA and Journal of Voice. Her research contributions have been presented at various prestigious international conferences, including the Voice İstanbul International Conference on Voice in All Aspects, and the 12th European Congress on Speech and Language Therapy.

In addition to her research accomplishments, Işık has contributed to the field through her writings, including a book chapter titled Evaluation of Voice Disorders, published in the scientific book Temel Larengoloji in 2022. Her participation in academic events and book chapters has solidified her as an emerging thought leader in her field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Işık’s work has had a tangible impact on the field of speech and language therapy, particularly in understanding and treating voice disorders. Her research on vocal fatigue and its relationship with anxiety levels during the pandemic has influenced the way voice therapists address challenges posed by long periods of speech, such as those experienced by frontline workers and educators. These findings have important implications for developing more targeted and effective therapy interventions for individuals who rely heavily on their voices.

Her work on dysphagia and its potential correlation with voice parameters in multiple sclerosis patients may also pave the way for earlier diagnosis and intervention in clinical practice, highlighting her commitment to improving quality of care for individuals with speech and swallowing difficulties.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking ahead, Elif Ezgi Işık is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of speech and language therapy. Her ongoing research, especially in areas such as voice health in vulnerable populations and the treatment of swallowing disorders, promises to further elevate the standards of care in speech therapy clinics.

As she advances in her career, her work is expected to inspire future generations of speech-language pathologists to pursue research that not only advances therapeutic techniques but also deepens the understanding of speech disorders from a physiological, psychological, and social perspective. Given her current trajectory, Işık is likely to become a prominent voice in the global academic community, with the potential to influence both practice and policy surrounding voice health and speech therapy.

Her legacy will likely center on her role in transforming the way vocal health is perceived and treated, especially in professional environments, and her pioneering work could lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between voice, health, and society.

📝Notable Publications

Can Voice Parameters Provide Cutoff Values to Predict Dysphagia in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis?

Author: Elif Ezgi IŞIK, Merve Sapmaz Atalar, Mehmet Emrah Cangi, Beyza Pehlivan Bozoğlu, Serpil Bulut
Journal: Dysphagia
Year: 2024

 Special Education Teachers’ Self-Assessed Voice Health Regarding Voice Use Habits

Author: Elif Ezgi IŞIK, Merve Sapmaz Atalar, Mehmet Emrah Cangi
Journal: Journal of Voice
Year: 2024