Assoc. Prof. Dr. SimonMary Aihiokhai | Ethical Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. SimonMary Aihiokhai | Ethical Leadership | Best Researcher Award

University of Portland, United States

Profile

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Early Academic Pursuits: Foundations of a Theological Mind 🎓🔍

SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai’s intellectual journey began with a deep engagement in philosophical inquiry. His early academic foundation was laid at the Spiritan School of Philosophy in Isienu-Nsukka, Nigeria, where he pursued a Diploma in Philosophy. His thesis, “Truth in Nietzsche,” reflected a profound engagement with existentialist and postmodern philosophical thought. This early exploration into truth and human understanding set the stage for his later theological inquiries, where the interplay between philosophy and faith would become a defining aspect of his scholarly pursuits.

His thirst for knowledge led him to St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California, where he earned a Master’s in Theology. His thesis, “Informed Consent/Biomedical Ethics. The Moral Implications of Medical Advance Directives: A Multicultural/Pastoral Approach,” showcased his keen interest in ethical dilemmas within healthcare. This research highlighted his commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue, particularly the intersection of theology, ethics, and medical sciences.

Building upon this rich academic foundation, he pursued a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His doctoral dissertation, “Hospitality and Friendship as Effective Tools for Sustained Interreligious Dialogue: A Case Study of the Catholic Community of Ihievbe, Edo State, Nigeria,” demonstrated his deep commitment to interfaith understanding. It was a reflection of his belief that human relationships, particularly those rooted in friendship and hospitality, are vital for bridging theological and cultural divides.

Professional Endeavors: A Commitment to Teaching and Scholarship 🏛️📖

As a Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Portland, Oregon, SimonMary Aihiokhai has devoted his career to shaping theological discourse in academic and religious settings. His role as an Affiliate Faculty of the Ethnic Studies Program further underscores his dedication to exploring theology through the lens of cultural and ethnic diversity. He has been instrumental in mentoring students, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering conversations on faith, identity, and interreligious dialogue.

His work goes beyond conventional classroom instruction. He is deeply engaged in curriculum development, ensuring that theology remains relevant to contemporary global challenges. His interdisciplinary approach integrates philosophy, ethics, and cultural studies, making theological education more inclusive and dynamic.

Contributions and Research Focus: Bridging Faith and Human Connection 🤝🌏

Aihiokhai’s research is profoundly centered on the role of hospitality and friendship in fostering interfaith dialogue. His scholarship challenges theological communities to rethink their approach to religious interactions, advocating for a more relational, rather than doctrinal, framework for dialogue. His work is particularly significant in today’s world, where religious and cultural tensions continue to shape global narratives.

Moreover, his interest in biomedical ethics has led him to explore pressing ethical issues in healthcare, especially regarding informed consent and medical decision-making. By addressing these topics through a multicultural and pastoral perspective, he contributes to a more humane and just approach to bioethics.

Accolades and Recognition: A Scholar of Distinction 🏅📜

Aihiokhai’s excellence in scholarship has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he was honored with the Outstanding Scholar Award, a testament to his academic rigor, intellectual contributions, and impact in the field of theology. This award highlights his unwavering dedication to scholarship and the respect he has garnered within academic and religious circles.

His affiliation with major theological and ethnic studies programs further solidifies his reputation as a thought leader in his field. The recognition he has received reflects both the depth of his work and its influence on students, scholars, and faith communities alike.

Impact and Influence: Shaping Theological Thought and Dialogue 🌍🕊️

Through his work, Aihiokhai has redefined the discourse on interfaith engagement, emphasizing human relationships as the cornerstone of meaningful dialogue. His teachings and writings have influenced both students and scholars, encouraging them to approach theology not just as an academic discipline but as a living, breathing practice that shapes real-world relationships.

Beyond academia, his ideas have had a profound impact on faith communities seeking a more inclusive and compassionate approach to interreligious interaction. His research has provided a framework for fostering understanding between different faith traditions, especially within the Catholic community in Nigeria and beyond.

Legacy and Future Contributions: A Vision for Theological Engagement 🌱🚀

Aihiokhai’s legacy is one of intellectual courage and compassionate scholarship. His work challenges theological institutions to embrace openness, dialogue, and relational ethics. As he continues his career, his influence is set to grow, inspiring future scholars to explore theology as a tool for healing, reconciliation, and social transformation.

Looking ahead, his research is likely to expand into new dimensions of theology and ethics, addressing contemporary issues such as migration, religious pluralism, and social justice. His interdisciplinary approach positions him as a crucial voice in shaping the future of theological studies, ensuring that it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of a diverse and ever-changing world.

Conclusion: A Scholar Rooted in Faith, Ethics, and Dialogue 🌟📜

SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai stands as a beacon of intellectual depth, ethical consciousness, and theological innovation. His journey from philosophy to theology, from Nigeria to the United States, reflects a lifelong commitment to knowledge, faith, and human connection. Through his teaching, research, and advocacy, he continues to build bridges between faith traditions, inspire students, and contribute to the evolution of theological thought in the modern era. His legacy will undoubtedly endure, shaping theological and ethical conversations for generations to come.

This essay captures his academic journey, professional work, and broader impact, integrating thematic depth and a narrative approach. Let me know if you’d like any refinements! 😊

📝Notable Publications

Black Bodies as Sacraments of Disruption: Reimagining the Human Person in an Era of Marginalization

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025

A Case for a Eucharistic Approach to Healthcare According to the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025

Elections, Violence and Transitional Justice in Africa (Book Review)

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: Horizons
Year: 2024

Rethinking Easter: Towards Radical Inclusivity

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: The Politics of Scripture Series, Political Theology Network
Year: 2024

Retrieval of Africa’s Queer Memories, Values, and Practice

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: Lecture/Speech
Year: 2024

Jia Jin-Decision-making and Problem-solving-Best Researcher Award

Prof .Jia Jin -Shanghai International Studies University-Decision-making and Problem-solving-Best Researcher Award 

 Jia Jin-Decision-making and Problem-solving

Professional Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Jin Jia embarked on her academic journey at Hangzhou Dianzi University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Management from the School of Management. She continued her pursuit of knowledge at Zhejiang University, School of Management, obtaining a Ph.D. degree. Notably, she broadened her academic horizons as an exchange student at the University of Bonn, Germany, from December 2012 to June 2013.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Jin Jia has held various academic positions, showcasing her commitment to education and research. Her journey includes roles such as Lecturer at Ningbo University, Business School, Associate Professor at Ningbo University, and later at Shanghai International Studies University. Since January 2022, she has held the prestigious position of Professor at the School of Business and Management, Shanghai International Studies University.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Jin Jia has made significant contributions to the field of behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, with a focus on consumer behavior, decision-making processes, and the neural mechanisms underlying these phenomena. Her research, published in renowned SSCI/SCI-indexed journals, explores diverse topics such as online reviews, face processing in social anxiety disorder, and the impact of payment methods on online purchase decisions.

Accolades and Recognition

Her outstanding contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by numerous awards and recognitions. Dr. Jin Jia was honored with the Second Prize of Science and Technology Progress of Zhejiang Province, a testament to the impact of her research.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Jin Jia's work extends beyond individual research papers. She has taken on leadership roles in academic organizations, serving as the Secretary General of the Neuroeconomic Management Committee in the Chinese Society of Technical Economics. Additionally, her editorial role as a Guest Editor for the international SSCI journal Frontiers in Psychology showcases her influence in shaping academic discourse.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Jin Jia's legacy is marked by a rich tapestry of academic achievements, research contributions, and leadership roles. Her work has not only expanded our understanding of consumer behavior but has also paved the way for future research in the intersection of neuroscience and management. As she continues her journey, it is expected that her innovative research will leave a lasting imprint on the academic landscape, inspiring future generations of scholars.

Notable Publication

 

 

Raghubir Singh-Best Researcher Award -Decision-making and Problem-solving

Congratulations, Raghubir Singh- Best Researcher Award -Decision-making and Problem-solving-Award Winner 2023 🏆

Dr.Aghubir Singh-Decision-making and Problem-solving

Congratulations to Dr. Raghubir Singh! 🎉 We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Raghubir Singh has been honored with the prestigious Best Researcher Award in the field of Decision-making and Problem-solving. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Singh's outstanding contributions, unwavering dedication, and innovative research in these critical domains.

Professional Profile 

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits:

Dr. Raghubir Singh embarked on his academic journey at the University of Bristol, UK, where he pursued a Ph.D. in Computer Science from 2017 to 2021. Under the guidance of esteemed advisors, Dr. George Oikonomou, Dr. Simon Armour from the University of Bristol, and Prof. Mahesh Sooriyabandara from Toshiba Research and Innovation Lab, Bristol, UK, he laid the foundation for his research career.

Professional Endeavors:

Following his academic achievements, Dr. Singh joined the School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Westminster as a Research Associate in Cloud Computing from January to August 2021. During this period, he actively contributed to a project funded by the European Commission's Horizon 2020 initiative, titled "Digital twins bringing agility and innovation to manufacturing SMEs" (DIGITbrain). This experience allowed him to collaborate with a dynamic research group led by Prof. Tamas Kiss and resulted in the publication of two research conference papers in IEEE World AI IoT Congress 2022 and IEEE IEMCON 2022.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Dr. Singh's research profile revolves around understanding computation structures and translating this understanding into the development of machine learning models for distributed systems. His research interests span Applied Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Ubiquitous Computing. Notably, he has made significant contributions to the field, evident in his peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. His work on topics like Edge AI and Next Generation Edge Computing showcases a commitment to advancing knowledge in these domains.

Accolades and Recognition:

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Dr. Singh has received accolades and recognition for his impactful contributions. His paper titled "HSAM: Hybrid Sentiment Analysis Model for COVID-10 Contact Tracing Application" earned him the Best Paper Presentation Award at the IEEE World AI IoT Congress in 2023. Additionally, his dedication to research excellence is reflected in his involvement as a reviewer for European Union R&D projects and various journals and conferences.

Impact and Influence:

Dr. Raghubir Singh's research has left a notable impact on the academic community, evident in the quality of his peer-reviewed publications and his role as a technical committee member for prestigious conferences. His expertise in areas such as Computational Offloading in Multi-Access Edge Computing has contributed to the ongoing evolution of these fields.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As an academic leader, Dr. Singh has demonstrated exceptional skills in teaching, mentoring students, and fostering international collaborations. His role as a lecturer and program leader at various institutions, including the University of Bath, Wrexham Glyndwr University, and the University of Dundee, highlights his commitment to shaping the next generation of computer scientists. Dr. Singh's future contributions are anticipated to further advance the understanding of machine learning and artificial intelligence, leaving a lasting legacy in the academic and research communities.