Prof Keun-Ah Cheon | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Keun-Ah Cheon | Innovative Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Yonsei University College of Medicine, Severance Hospital, Seoul, South Korea

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Keun-Ah Cheon’s academic journey began at Yonsei University College of Medicine, one of South Korea’s most prestigious medical schools. She earned her Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1994 after completing her six-year program, laying the foundation for her career in psychiatry. She pursued a Master’s degree in Medical Science from the same institution between 1996 and 1999. Her master’s thesis, titled “The Effect of Haloperidol on Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Assessed with 99m-Tc-ECD SPECT in Schizophrenic Patients,” reflected her early interest in understanding the neurological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Cheon’s academic journey continued with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, also from Yonsei University, where she developed a diagnostic instrument for Korean children with ADHD and explored the genetic links between ADHD and the Dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4). This work was pivotal in expanding the understanding of ADHD in the South Korean context, aligning her research with both clinical practice and genetic psychiatry.

Professional Endeavors 🩺

Dr. Cheon’s professional career took off at Kwandong University College of Medicine, where she served as Assistant Professor and Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from 2003 to 2008. Her leadership in this role set a strong foundation for her future endeavors. During this period, Dr. Cheon not only contributed to the academic community but also gained hands-on experience as the Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, solidifying her reputation as a leading expert in the field.

In 2009, Dr. Cheon expanded her horizons with a year-long visiting scholar position at the Developmental Neuroimaging Laboratory in the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, part of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. This experience exposed her to cutting-edge research in developmental neuroimaging, enabling her to apply advanced techniques and global perspectives to her work in South Korea.

Upon returning to Yonsei University College of Medicine, Dr. Cheon was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010, continuing to direct the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In 2017, she was promoted to Professor, a position she continues to hold, making substantial contributions to psychiatric education and research.

Contributions and Research Focus 🧠

Dr. Cheon’s research interests span several critical areas of child and adolescent psychiatry, with a particular focus on developmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. Her early research centered on understanding the genetic foundations of ADHD, specifically investigating the association between ADHD and the Dopamine D4 receptor gene (DRD4). This focus on neurobiological mechanisms highlighted her commitment to bridging clinical psychiatry with molecular science.

As Director of the Severance Autism and Developmental Disorder Center since 2023, Dr. Cheon has expanded her research into autism spectrum disorders. Under her leadership, the center has become a hub for innovative research and treatment strategies, designated by South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare. This role also underscores her ability to translate research findings into real-world therapeutic interventions for children with developmental disorders.

Her contributions are not limited to clinical psychiatry and research; Dr. Cheon is actively involved in the development of diagnostic tools tailored to the South Korean population, reflecting her focus on culturally sensitive psychiatric care. She has made significant strides in improving the understanding of child and adolescent mental health issues in the local context, contributing to a body of work that has influenced national policies and practices.

Accolades and Recognition 🏅

Dr. Cheon’s dedication to the field has earned her numerous accolades. Since March 2024, she has been serving as the President of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (KACAP), a prestigious role that recognizes her leadership and expertise in the field. Her election to this position is a testament to her influence and the respect she commands within the psychiatric community in South Korea.

Additionally, her leadership roles at Yonsei University and beyond have further solidified her reputation as a key figure in psychiatric research and education. As Deputy Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Cheon plays a crucial role in shaping psychiatric research and clinical practice.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Cheon’s influence extends beyond South Korea. Her work in neuroimaging, autism, and ADHD has earned international recognition, particularly her collaboration with the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This experience allowed her to integrate global best practices into her research and clinical work, contributing to improved diagnostic and treatment methodologies in South Korea.

As an educator, Dr. Cheon has mentored countless students, residents, and fellows in psychiatry, shaping the next generation of child and adolescent psychiatrists. Her role as a professor at Yonsei University has provided her with a platform to share her expertise and knowledge, influencing both clinical practice and psychiatric education.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Looking forward, Dr. Cheon’s contributions are poised to leave a lasting legacy in child and adolescent psychiatry. Her leadership at the Severance Autism and Developmental Disorder Center and her presidency at KACAP indicate that she will continue to be a driving force in shaping the future of psychiatric care and research in South Korea.

Her ongoing work in understanding the genetic basis of psychiatric disorders, combined with her commitment to improving diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions, will likely lead to groundbreaking advancements in the field. As a trailblazer in child and adolescent psychiatry, Dr. Cheon’s influence will undoubtedly continue to grow, ensuring her legacy as a leader in both South Korean and global psychiatry.

Conclusion 🔍

Dr. Keun-Ah Cheon’s career exemplifies a dedication to improving the understanding and treatment of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents. From her early academic pursuits at Yonsei University to her current leadership roles, her contributions to psychiatry have had a profound impact both nationally and internationally. Through her research, clinical work, and mentorship, Dr. Cheon has cemented her place as a pivotal figure in child and adolescent mental health, and her legacy will continue to shape the field for years to come.

📝Notable Publications

Prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in a total population sample

Authors: Y.S. Kim, B.L. Leventhal, Y.J. Koh, E. Fombonne, E. Laska, E.C. Lim, K.A. Cheon, et al.
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry
Volume: 168
Issue: 9
Pages: 904-912
Year: 2011

Genomic relationships, novel loci, and pleiotropic mechanisms across eight psychiatric disorders

Authors: P.H. Lee, V. Anttila, H. Won, Y.C.A. Feng, J. Rosenthal, Z. Zhu, E.M. Tucker-Drob, et al.
Journal: Cell
Volume: 179
Issue: 7
Pages: 1469-1482.e11
Year: 2019

The reliability and validity of kiddie-schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia-present and lifetime version-Korean version (K-SADS-PL-K)

Authors: Y.S. Kim, K.A. Cheon, B.N. Kim, S.A. Chang, H.J. Yoo, J.W. Kim, S.C. Cho, et al.
Journal: Yonsei Medical Journal
Volume: 45
Issue: 1
Pages: 81-89
Year: 2004

Characteristics of brains in autism spectrum disorder: structure, function and connectivity across the lifespan

Authors: S. Ha, I.J. Sohn, N. Kim, H.J. Sim, K.A. Cheon
Journal: Experimental Neurobiology
Volume: 24
Issue: 4
Pages: 273
Year: 2015

A comparison of DSM-IV pervasive developmental disorder and DSM-5 autism spectrum disorder prevalence in an epidemiologic sample

Authors: Y.S. Kim, E. Fombonne, Y.J. Koh, S.J. Kim, K.A. Cheon, B.L. Leventhal
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume: 53
Issue: 5
Pages: 500-508
Year: 2014

Ashraful Alam-Change Management-Excellence in Research

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Dr. Ashraful Alam-Change Management-Excellence in Research

University of Salford-United Kingdom

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ashraful Alam embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree specializing in Accounting & Information Systems (AIS) from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. He furthered his education with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the same institution. This strong foundation in business and information systems laid the groundwork for his subsequent academic and professional achievements.

His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance from The York Management School at the University of York, UK. This interdisciplinary background equipped Dr. Alam with a comprehensive understanding of financial systems, information technology, and business management, shaping his future research and teaching endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Alam's professional journey spans various roles and institutions, reflecting his dedication to academia and research. He has held teaching positions at prestigious universities such as the University of Salford, Leeds Beckett University, and the University of Dhaka, where he contributed significantly to the fields of Accounting, Finance, and Management Information Systems.

His leadership roles, including Programme Leader for MSc Finance and MSc International Corporate Finance at Salford Business School, demonstrate his commitment to fostering academic excellence and guiding students towards successful careers in finance and business management. Dr. Alam's expertise extends to ethics committee membership, conference organization, and involvement in accreditation processes, showcasing his multifaceted contributions to higher education.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Alam's research interests lie at the intersection of fintech, sustainability, innovation, and governance, with a particular focus on emerging markets. He has made notable contributions to understanding digital sustainability for achieving Net Zero targets, gender issues in climate reporting, and strategies for SMEs to enhance climate resilience. His publications in esteemed journals such as the Journal of Environmental Management and Energy Economics underscore his impactful research contributions.

Furthermore, Dr. Alam's involvement in research grants and collaborations, including projects on sustainable community development, empowering ethnic minority women, and the role of fintech in SME sustainability, highlights his dedication to addressing pressing societal and environmental challenges through rigorous academic inquiry.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Alam's academic and professional achievements have been recognized through various accolades and roles, including Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), professional qualifications in fintech, and leadership positions as Programme Leader and ethics committee member. His role as a panel member for appointing lecturers and university research fellows reflects his standing as a trusted expert in his field.

Moreover, his contributions to PhD supervision and examination, along with successful completions by his students, signify his mentorship and guidance in shaping the next generation of scholars and researchers. Dr. Alam's external examiner roles for universities and participation in programme validations demonstrate his impact beyond his immediate academic community.

Impact and Influence on Change management 

Dr. Alam's research and teaching activities have had a significant impact on the academic community, industry practices, and policy discourse. His work on climate change, ESG readiness, corporate governance, and fintech's role in sustainability has contributed valuable insights to scholarly debates and informed decision-making in the business and financial sectors.

Furthermore, his collaborations with international partners, participation in conferences, and publications in reputable journals have expanded the reach and influence of his research, fostering dialogue and innovation in critical areas of global concern.

A key aspect of change management is understanding and addressing the human side of change. This involves recognizing that individuals may react differently to change, managing emotions and expectations, providing support and training, and fostering a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement. Successful change management requires strong leadership, clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on building resilience and agility within the organization to navigate and thrive in an ever-evolving business environment.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Ashraful Alam's legacy lies in his dedication to advancing knowledge, fostering academic excellence, and addressing societal challenges through interdisciplinary research and education. His commitment to sustainability, innovation, and governance in emerging markets serves as a beacon for future scholars and practitioners seeking to make meaningful contributions to the fields of finance, accounting, and business management.

Looking ahead, Dr. Alam's continued research endeavors, mentorship of students and early-career researchers, and engagement with industry stakeholders are poised to leave a lasting impact on academia, policy, and practice, shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for generations to come.

Change management is a structured approach to transitioning individuals, teams, and organizations from their current state to a desired future state. It involves planning, implementing, and sustaining change initiatives to achieve strategic objectives and improve performance. Effective change management encompasses a range of activities, including assessing the need for change, developing change strategies, communicating with stakeholders, managing resistance, and evaluating outcomes.

Notable publications