Prof. Dr. Irene Govender | Programming | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Irene Govender, Professor at University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Professor Irene Govender is a full professor in Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) with a distinguished career marked by her contributions to computing and technology in academia. As an NRF-rated researcher, she has explored critical intersections between education, technology, and interdisciplinary research, with a focus on empowering students through innovative teaching methods and leveraging technology to improve educational outcomes. With over 90 publications in peer-reviewed journals and numerous contributions to international conferences, Professor Govender is recognized globally for her scholarly excellence and dedication to advancing research in IS&T. Her experience as an academic leader and extensive network of international collaborations highlight her commitment to promoting academic excellence and fostering partnerships that drive meaningful change in the field of Information Systems and beyond.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Professor Govender’s academic journey is rooted in a strong foundation of scientific and technological study, including a Ph.D. in Computing. Her education reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to understanding and advancing the fields of computer science and technology. She earned her MSc in Computer Science with a specialization in Artificial Intelligence, building on her BSc in Computer Science and Mathematics. Additionally, her early training included a Junior Secondary Education Diploma (JSED) in Mathematics and Physics, coupled with a teaching diploma that paved the way for her role in academia. Her education and professional qualifications are further complemented by her involvement with esteemed professional bodies, including SACLA, SAICSIT, ACM, IEEE, and ISI, where she has remained an active member, continually engaging with the latest research and development in her field.

Experience

Professor Govender has served in academia for several decades, most notably as an academic leader of IS&T from 2014 to 2020. During this tenure, she led numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing educational practices and research output within the department. She has taught a wide range of modules, including research methodology, systems design, networking and security, programming, and mobile application development, imparting critical knowledge and skills to students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. She has also contributed to global academic discussions by serving as a reviewer for various NRF committees, international journals, and conference proceedings. Her role as an external examiner and part of the institutional audit teams across different universities showcases her expertise and authority in IS&T. In her career, she has supervised and guided over 20 master’s and doctoral students, supporting them through research and professional development, thus contributing to the growth of future researchers in the field.

Research Interest

Professor Govender’s research interests span a wide range of interdisciplinary areas that bring together technology, education, and societal impact. Her primary areas of focus include Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Big Data Analytics, and ICT4D, with more recent explorations into robotics and coding for teachers. Her interest in technology for teaching and learning has driven her to develop innovative ways to use mobile and digital platforms for education, making her research both timely and highly impactful. Additionally, her work in computational thinking has involved developing resources and strategies for youth, helping them cultivate critical skills through mobile and digital platforms. This unique combination of educational technology and interdisciplinary research has positioned her as a thought leader in the IS&T community, with significant contributions to discussions on the role of technology in transforming education and supporting development in underserved communities.

Awards

Professor Govender’s contributions to IS&T have been recognized through several accolades, which underscore her dedication to research and academic service. She is an NRF-rated researcher, which highlights her standing as a scholar of high caliber within the South African research community. Her service as the Chief Examiner for the national senior certificate for IT, along with her role in academic audits and external examination panels, reflects her commitment to upholding standards of excellence in education. Additionally, her reputation as an invited speaker at international conferences and symposiums has earned her widespread respect among her peers and in the broader academic community. These recognitions serve as a testament to her contributions to academia and her role as an inspiring figure in the field of Information Systems and Technology.

Publications

Fostering Youth Wellbeing Through mHealth Apps: Embracing Physical Activity for a Healthier Lifestyle (2024) – Book chapter in Crossref, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-50192-0_35.

Enhancing Learning Engagement: A Study on Gamification’s Influence on Motivation and Cognitive Load (2024) – Education Sciences, DOI: 10.3390/educsci14101115.

UX/UI Design of Online Learning Platforms and Their Impact on Learning (2022) – International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science, DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v11i10.2236.

Digital Game-Based Learning for Information Technology (2022) – E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, DOI: 10.38159/ehass.20223137.

THE ROLE OF E-BOOKS IN ICT INTEGRATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SWAZILAND (2019) – Conference paper at University of Kwazulu Natal.

Students’ Views on the Use of Facebook as an Online Learning Management System (2019) – Conference paper at University of Kwazulu Natal.

Information Technology Policy Formulation for Socio-economic Growth (2019) – Conference paper at University of Kwazulu Natal.

Conclusion

Professor Irene Govender’s scholarly achievements and her contributions to IS&T reflect a deep commitment to advancing technology in education and interdisciplinary research. Her work spans teaching, research, and service to the academic community, demonstrating a broad and impactful career. Her dedication to mentoring students and fostering an environment of innovation in education is evident through her collaborations and wide-ranging research interests, which include OOP, Big Data, and ICT4D. Professor Govender’s reputation as a researcher and educator makes her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, as she continues to set high standards in her field while inspiring others to explore the transformative potential of technology in education and beyond.

Dr. Shams Al Ajrawi | Computer Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant professor at Alliant International University, United States

Shams Al Ajrawi is a Lead Software Engineer and academic researcher with over a decade of experience in web application and backend development. His expertise spans across full-stack development, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technologies. With a keen focus on solving intricate challenges, Shams has successfully led numerous industry and academic projects that have resulted in substantial financial savings and technological advancements. He has been actively involved in teaching, curriculum development, and research, playing a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of engineers and computer scientists. His work bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical implementation, contributing to both corporate innovation and academic progress.

Profile:

SCOPUS

Education:

Shams Al Ajrawi holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from a joint program between the University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University, where his research focused on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) applications. Prior to his Ph.D., he earned a Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the Technological University. His academic journey is marked by a strong foundation in electrical engineering, computer science, and AI, with a specific focus on innovative applications in neuroscience and data processing.

Experience:

Shams has held prominent roles in both industry and academia. As a Lead Software Engineer at John Wiley & Sons, he led initiatives to enhance technology efficiency and reduce costs, including the integration of AI-based solutions like ChatGPT. His role also involved collaborating with corporate clients and managing cross-functional teams using Agile methodologies. In academia, he has served as an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Manager at Alliant International University, where he developed curricula, conducted research, and managed grants. Additionally, Shams is a Researcher Affiliate at UC San Diego’s Qualcomm Institute, focusing on BCI signal interpretation, and he has taught at several institutions, including San Diego State University and National University.

Research Interest:

Shams Al Ajrawi’s primary research interests lie in Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, artificial intelligence, and signal processing. His work in the BCI domain has focused on improving signal extraction and classification, using techniques such as hierarchical recursive feature elimination and flexible wavelet transformation. His research aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of interpreting brain signals, particularly for applications related to assisting individuals with spinal cord injuries. Additionally, he explores the integration of AI and machine learning techniques in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics, striving to develop innovative solutions that merge computational efficiency with real-world applications.

Awards:

Shams has been recognized for his contributions in both industry and academia. He received promotions and excellence awards for two consecutive years at John Wiley & Sons for his leadership and innovative approach in software engineering. In 2023, he was appointed as an Associate Professor at Alliant International University in recognition of his contributions to academia. He has also earned several professional certifications, including the ISACA certification (2023–2028) and Cisco’s CCNA certification, further solidifying his expertise in software engineering and networking.

Publications:

Shams Al Ajrawi has authored numerous papers in prestigious journals, focusing on BCI applications, RFID, and AI. Some of his notable publications include:

“Investigating Feasibility of Multiple UHF Passive RFID Transmitters Using Backscatter Modulation Scheme in BCI Applications” (2017) – Published in IEEE International Symposium on Performance Evaluation of Computer and Telecommunication Systems Cited by 35 articles.

“Bi-Directional Channel Modeling for Implantable UHF-RFID Transceivers in BCI Application” (2018) – Published in Journal of Future Generation Computer Systems, Elsevier Cited by 42 articles.

“Efficient Balance Technique for Brain-Computer Interface Applications Based on I/Q Down Converter and Time Interleaved ADCs” (2019) – Published in Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, Elsevier Cited by 30 articles.

“Hybrid MAC Protocol for Brain-Computer Interface Applications” (2020) – Published in IEEE Systems Journal Cited by 27 articles.

“Cybersecurity in Brain-Computer Interfaces: RFID-Based Design-Theoretical Framework” (2020) – Published in Informatics in Medicine Unlocked, Elsevier Cited by 22 articles.

Conclusion:

Shams Al Ajrawi stands out as a highly accomplished candidate for a “Best Researcher Award.” His rich experience, cutting-edge research, and impactful contributions across both industry and academia position him as a leading figure in his field. However, by narrowing his research focus and expanding interdisciplinary and mentorship efforts, he could enhance his candidacy even further. Overall, he appears highly suitable for the award.

Irene Govender | Programming | Best Researcher Award