Irene Govender | Programming | Best Researcher Award

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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.

 

Jamiu Badmus | International Trade and Development Economics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Jamiu Badmus | International Trade and Development Economics | Best Researcher Award

Erasmus Mundus Scholar at University of Bari, Italy

Jamiu Olamilekan Badmus is a dynamic and highly accomplished scholar specializing in International Trade and Development Economics. As an Erasmus Mundus Scholar, he is engaged in research that explores the intersection of regional economic integration and policy development, with a particular focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. With a strong foundation in empirical research and econometric modeling, Jamiu’s work has gained recognition in academic circles, particularly for its practical applications in trade and development. He has been actively involved in various research projects and teaching roles, further enhancing his expertise in the field of economics.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Jamiu holds an impressive academic background, starting with his ongoing Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) in Economics of Globalisation and European Integration (2023–2025). This program, a collaboration between Université de Lille, Ghent University, and the University of Bari, focuses on the impact of regional integration on African economies, particularly through his dissertation on the AfCFTA. He also holds a Master’s of Science in Economics from Tai Solarin University of Education, where he graduated with distinction (4.80/5.00) in 2023. His earlier academic achievements include a First-Class Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the same institution, where his project explored global free trade and income inequality in Nigeria.

Experience

Jamiu’s professional journey includes a mix of academic and practical experiences. From August to October 2023, he served as a Statistical Consulting Intern at Dataville Research LLC in Abuja, where he coordinated data collection, developed mobile data tools, and performed statistical analyses. Before that, he worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Tai Solarin University from 2021 to 2023, where he developed teaching materials for economics courses and conducted training sessions in econometrics using software such as R and Stata. His role as a Fellow in Development Research at Dataville Research (2023) further solidified his skills in research, data analysis, and report drafting, focusing on global development issues like poverty and trade.

Research Interests

Jamiu’s research interests lie in International Trade, Development Economics, and Regional Integration. His work primarily revolves around understanding how trade policies and global economic forces impact developing economies, with a particular focus on Africa. His dissertation on the AfCFTA exemplifies his dedication to investigating regional economic frameworks. Jamiu is also passionate about exploring the financial development-export nexus, green investments, and the impact of geopolitical risks on economic development. His technical proficiency in econometric modeling, particularly with software like R, Stata, and MATLAB, enables him to apply advanced quantitative techniques to his research endeavors.

Awards

Jamiu has received numerous accolades throughout his academic career. In 2023, he was awarded the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (worth €47,000) by the European Commission for his Master’s studies. That same year, he earned the Professor Momoh Best Paper Award Prize for the Best Graduate Student Paper at the 5th Lagos State University International Conference. In addition to these honors, he was granted the Impact Scholarship ($6,680) by the Leaders of Africa Institute’s Research Methods Program in 2024. These awards reflect Jamiu’s dedication to excellence in research and his potential to contribute meaningfully to the field of economics.

Publications

Badmus, J. O., Bisiriyu, S. O., & Alawode, O. S. (2023). “Modeling Oil Shocks–Green Investments Nexus: A Global Evidence Based on Wavelet Coherence Technique.” Energy Research Letters, 4(2), 1-5. Link. Cited by 25 articles.
Badmus, J. O., Osinusi, K. B. (2022). “Time–and–frequency Domain Analysis of Global Oil Shocks and the Nigerian Exchange Rates.” Energy Research Letters (Forthcoming). Link. Cited by 10 articles.
Badmus, J. O., Alawode, O. S., & Bisiriyu, S. O. (2024). “Green Investments and Inclusive Growth: The Case of the BRICS Economies.” Development and Sustainability in Economics and Finance, 2-4(2024), 100019. Link. Cited by 8 articles.
Badmus, J. O., Bisiriyu, S. O., & Alawode, O. S. (2022). “Does COVID-19 Shock Endanger the Flows of FDI in OECD? Empirical Evidence Based on AMG Panel Estimator.” Future Business Journal, 8(19), 1-14. Link. Cited by 15 articles.
Badmus, J. O., Ojelade, I. M. (2022). “COVID-19 Vaccination and Stock Markets Performance: Empirical Evidence from African Countries.” International Journal of Business and Economics Research, 11(5), 264-275. Link. Cited by 5 articles.

Conclusion

Jamiu Olamilekan Badmus is an emerging scholar whose contributions to the fields of International Trade and Development Economics are rapidly gaining recognition. With a strong educational background, practical experience in statistical analysis, and a growing body of peer-reviewed publications, he is well-positioned to continue making significant strides in his research. His commitment to understanding the complexities of trade, globalization, and economic development, particularly within the African context, makes him a valuable asset to the academic community and a deserving candidate for this award nomination.