Dr. Yanfen Wang | Motivation and Employee Engagement | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yanfen Wang | Motivation and Employee Engagement | Best Researcher Award

University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), China

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Yanfen Wang’s academic journey is marked by her unwavering commitment to understanding and advancing knowledge in the field of Business Administration. She began her formal higher education at Xi’an International Studies University in 2014, where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Her dedication and passion for business strategy and organizational behavior soon led her to enroll in a Master’s program in Business Administration at the same institution. During this time, she studied under Professor Zizhen Geng, who played a crucial role in shaping her early research direction, particularly in team dynamics and creativity within organizational contexts.

This foundation set the stage for her doctoral journey at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC)—one of China’s most prestigious research institutions—where she embarked on her Ph.D. in Business Administration in 2022 under the mentorship of Professor Qingxiong Weng. Her doctoral studies mark a significant transition into more rigorous and high-impact research, focusing on workplace psychology, employee behavior, and leadership dynamics.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Yanfen Wang’s professional journey as an academic has been heavily research-oriented, marked by her active involvement in both theoretical development and empirical investigation in the field of organizational behavior. Despite being a current Ph.D. candidate, she has already authored and co-authored several impactful papers in reputable international journals.

Her involvement in ongoing research collaborations—with both her former advisor, Professor Geng, and current mentor, Professor Weng—demonstrates her ability to bridge academic theory with practical implications. She has delved into pressing workplace issues such as leader-member exchange (LMX), paradoxical leadership, and team creativity, offering nuanced perspectives and empirical evidence that contribute meaningfully to business psychology literature.

Her growing portfolio of conference presentations at the Academy of Management (AOM) meetings further reflects her standing in the global academic community. Notably, she has presented three times at AOM (2021, 2023, and 2024), with one of her works being recognized with a Best Paper Notification in the OB Division—a testament to the quality and relevance of her research.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Yanfen’s research contributions explore the intricacies of employee behavior and workplace dynamics, particularly in the Chinese organizational context. A core theme running through her publications is how leadership behaviors, both constructive and paradoxical, influence employee outcomes—ranging from creativity and motivation to counterproductive behaviors.

One of her notable studies, “Catching up or putting them down?”, published in Personality and Individual Differences, investigates how employees react to highly conscientious coworkers—shedding light on social comparison mechanisms and interpersonal dynamics in workgroups. Her co-authored paper on “LMX ambivalence” in Applied Psychology dissects the dual-edge consequences of inconsistent leader behavior, identifying its potential to deplete relational energy and trigger counterproductive actions.

In her work in progress, she is tackling bold questions like “Cheating from dominating?”, where she examines how dominant leadership traits can inadvertently push employees toward unethical behaviors—highlighting her interest in the darker side of organizational psychology.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Though still early in her academic career, Yanfen has garnered impressive accolades. Her Best Paper Notification from the AOM’s Organizational Behavior Division is a significant early recognition that places her among promising young scholars in the field. Moreover, her role as corresponding author on several publications—an uncommon feat for a doctoral student—reflects the high level of trust and credibility she has earned from her collaborators.

Her Google Scholar profile further reinforces her academic impact, showcasing her citations and growing influence within the research community.

🌏 Impact and Influence

Yanfen Wang’s research resonates deeply in both academic and practical circles. Her focus on team dynamics, leadership styles, and employee behavior offers actionable insights for HR professionals, corporate leaders, and organizational consultants seeking to build more effective and ethical workplace cultures. Her empirical work, rooted in both Western theories and Chinese workplace realities, provides a culturally grounded perspective that enriches global organizational behavior scholarship.

Her multi-methodological expertise—ranging from SPSS and Stata to Mplus, Amos, and fsQCA—also showcases her versatility in tackling complex behavioral phenomena using robust analytical techniques. This skill set makes her well-positioned to produce rigorous and policy-relevant research in both academia and industry contexts.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Yanfen Wang is poised to become a thought leader in organizational psychology and business administration. Her research trajectory suggests a growing interest in the ethical and psychological implications of leadership, and her ability to interrogate both the motivational and adverse effects of workplace behaviors will continue to shape conversations in organizational studies.

Her evolving body of work contributes not only to theory development but also to practical frameworks that managers and organizational developers can use to create healthier, more transparent, and performance-enhancing workplaces.

If her early achievements are any indication, Yanfen is set to leave a lasting impact on the academic world, with a legacy rooted in intellectual curiosity, methodological rigor, and a deep commitment to advancing human potential in organizational settings. ✨

Motivation and hindrance: The mixed blessing of paradoxical leader behaviour for workplace creativity in China

Authors: Z. Geng, Y. Wang, Y. Fan, C. Shan
Journal: Asia Pacific Business Review
Year: 2023

Motivating R&D team creativity: the social cognitive effect of external developmental feedback and internal goal interdependence

Authors: Z. Geng, Y. Wang, J. Xue, H. Tang, H. Liu
Journal: R&D Management
Year: 2022

Diminished relational energy: How and when LMX ambivalence leads to leader‐directed counterproductive work behavior

Authors: L. Chen, Q. Weng, A. Popelnukha, H. Jiang, Y. Wang
Journal: Applied Psychology
Year: 2025

Catching up or putting them down? An investigation of employee divergent reactions to coworker conscientiousness

Authors: Q. Weng, Y. Wang, X. Wang, H. Qin
Journal: Personality and Individual Differences
Year: 2025

Navigating the Paradox of Originality and Usefulness: The Roles of Distinct Error Climates in Fostering Team Radical Creativity

Authors: Z. Geng, M. Xiao, H. Wang, J. Xue, Y. Wang
Journal: Creativity and Innovation Management
Year: 2025

Prof Yasir Jamil | Team Building and Team Management | Best Researcher Award

Prof Yasir Jamil | Team Building and Team Management | Best Researcher Award

Author Profile 

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yasir Jamil’s journey into the world of physics began with a stellar academic record that showcased his passion and natural aptitude for the sciences from an early age. Born on March 1, 1973, in Faisalabad, Punjab, he consistently demonstrated academic excellence. He completed his Matriculation in 1989 from the BISE Faisalabad with a First Division and was honored with a Silver Medal 🥈 for his outstanding performance in the Science Group. This early distinction laid a strong foundation for his future academic endeavors. In 1991, he again excelled in his Intermediate examinations in the Pre-Engineering Group, securing a First Division.

His undergraduate studies at Punjab University, Lahore, culminated in a B.Sc. in Physics and Mathematics in 1994 with a First Division. He then pursued his passion further with an M.Sc. in Physics at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad in 1997, where he graduated with a Gold Medal 🥇, signaling his emergence as one of the brightest minds in the field. Not resting on his laurels, he earned an M.Phil. in Physics in 2001 from the same institution, finishing with a top position. In 2009, he completed his Ph.D. in Physics from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, with a specialization in Laser Spectroscopy — a niche yet increasingly vital area of research.

👨‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Jamil’s professional career is deeply interwoven with the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, where he currently serves as a Professor (Tenured) and Chairman of the Department of Physics. In this leadership role, he not only mentors students and young researchers but also shapes the academic and strategic direction of the department. His administrative and academic stewardship has helped foster an environment that encourages curiosity-driven research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Over the years, Dr. Jamil has been actively involved in both teaching and high-impact research, solidifying his reputation as a versatile academic. With a keen interest in applied physics and laser technologies, he has successfully bridged the gap between theoretical understanding and practical applications — a hallmark of impactful scientific careers.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Jamil’s research centers around laser-matter interaction, exploring its diverse applications in fields like agriculture, nanomaterials, energy, and environmental science. His work in Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has yielded substantial advancements in pollutant detection and nanomaterials characterization. He has served as the Principal Investigator for seven research projects and as Co-Principal Investigator in eight others, some of which are internationally funded, including one under the COMSTECH TWAS Joint Research Grants Program.

His ongoing research reflects a dynamic portfolio: from spectrochemical analysis of pollutants to the synthesis of gold nanoparticles for biophysical applications, and even engineering innovations like the development of a portable solar umbrella ☂️ powered by sustainable energy. His innovative work has made tangible contributions to scientific knowledge and technological progress.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Yasir Jamil’s commitment to research excellence is reflected in his impressive publication record. With 153 research papers published in ISI and HEC-recognized journals, he boasts a total impact factor of 300.52, alongside 3214 citations, an h-index of 32, and an i10 index of 68. These metrics reflect the high quality and influence of his scholarly contributions 📚.

His accolades include top academic medals during his early career and several grants from prestigious organizations like the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and the Pakistan Science Foundation, which underscore the national and international trust in his research vision.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Jamil’s research has left a mark not only within Pakistan but across the global scientific community. His collaborative projects — particularly those involving spectroscopy and nanotechnology — contribute to pressing global challenges such as environmental monitoring, sustainable energy, and agricultural development 🌱. His work often merges fundamental physics with practical innovation, helping to solve real-world problems using cutting-edge science.

Through mentorship and institutional leadership, he has inspired a new generation of physicists and researchers, many of whom continue to carry his legacy of scientific excellence forward. His influence extends to policy and funding bodies, where his expertise is frequently sought for guiding research direction and priorities.

🧬 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Yasir Jamil is poised to further expand the boundaries of laser-based technologies and their real-world applications. His current projects hint at the integration of physics with biotechnology, energy systems, and environmental sciences, making his work increasingly interdisciplinary. His focus on practical innovation — such as the development of laser-assisted tools for agriculture or sustainable urban devices — shows his dedication to translating academic research into societal benefits 🌐.

In the years to come, Dr. Jamil’s legacy will be marked by not only his impressive body of research but also his role in building research capacity in Pakistan, mentoring young scientists, and contributing to technological self-reliance. His name is already well-regarded in physics and applied laser research circles, and his journey is a beacon for aspiring researchers aiming to merge excellence with impact. ✨

📝Notable Publications

 Rb quantum defects from millimeter-wave spectroscopy of cold Rydberg atoms

Author(s): J. Han, Y. Jamil, D.V.L. Norum, P.J. Tanner, T.F. Gallagher
Journal: Physical Review A – Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
Year: 2006

Measurement of electron density and temperature of a laser-induced zinc plasma

Author(s): N.M. Shaikh, B. Rashid, S. Hafeez, Y. Jamil, M.A. Baig
Journal: Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Year: 2006

Diode lasers: From laboratory to industry

Author(s): H. Nasim, Y. Jamil
Journal: Optics & Laser Technology
Year: 2014

Effect of presowing magnetic treatment on properties of pea

Author(s): M. Iqbal, Z.U. Haq, Y. Jamil, M.R. Ahmad
Journal: International Agrophysics
Year: 2012

Investigation of structural and magnetic properties of Ce³⁺-substituted nanosized Co–Cr ferrites for a variety of applications

Author(s): G. Mustafa, M.U. Islam, W. Zhang, Y. Jamil, A.W. Anwar, M. Hussain, M. Ahmad
Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds
Year: 2015

Laser light and magnetic field stimulation effect on biochemical, enzymes activities and chlorophyll contents in soybean seeds and seedlings during early growth stages

Author(s): T. Asghar, Y. Jamil, M. Iqbal, M. Abbas
Journal: Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Year:(Exact year not listed, but likely 2016 based on volume number)