Vicki Baker | Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vicki Baker | Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Vicki Baker | Development – Professor at Albion College, United States

Dr. Vicki L. Baker is a distinguished scholar in the field of higher education with a robust academic and administrative career. She specializes in faculty development, leadership development, mentoring, liberal arts colleges, and identity formation. Over the course of her career, Dr. Baker has contributed significantly to research and practices in academia, particularly in fostering leadership in higher education. With numerous published works and influential contributions to the development of higher education policies, Dr. Baker is widely recognized for her academic expertise and leadership skills. She currently serves as the Associate Dean for Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at Albion College, where she spearheads efforts in fostering partnerships and enhancing experiential learning opportunities.

Profile:

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Education:

Dr. Baker holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from The Pennsylvania State University, where she honed her expertise in educational leadership and management. She also earned an M.S. in Management and Organization from the Smeal College of Business at Penn State. Additionally, she completed an M.B.A. from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with honors and received the Beta Gamma Sigma recognition for being among the top 10% of her class. Dr. Baker’s academic journey was further enriched by a B.S. in Safety Sciences from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, coupled with minors in Applied Statistics and Spanish. Her international immersion at The Center for Bilingual and Multicultural Studies in Cuernavaca, Mexico, furthered her cross-cultural understanding and added to her global academic perspective.

Experience:

With an extensive career in both academic and administrative roles, Dr. Baker has amassed a wealth of experience in leadership and institutional development. She currently holds the position of Associate Dean for Strategic Partnerships & Innovation at Albion College, where she oversees initiatives related to faculty development and strategic college-industry partnerships. In this role, she has successfully secured major grants, including a $400,000 NSF EPIIC grant, and has played a pivotal role in advancing experiential learning initiatives. Dr. Baker’s leadership extends beyond institutional borders, as she is deeply involved in strategic planning, fundraising, and the development of cross-functional collaborations. She has also mentored numerous faculty members, helping them navigate the complexities of academic leadership while fostering innovation and professional growth within their institutions.

Research Interests:

Dr. Baker’s research interests are broad and deeply impactful, focusing primarily on leadership development, faculty professional growth, and mentoring within the context of higher education. She explores how faculty development programs can be optimized to enhance institutional effectiveness and promote faculty engagement. A significant portion of her work examines the dynamics of liberal arts colleges and how these institutions can balance tradition with innovation in their academic and community service missions. Additionally, Dr. Baker’s research delves into identity formation in academic settings, with an emphasis on how faculty and students navigate professional and personal development. Her ongoing research seeks to integrate evidence-based strategies for leadership training with practical, real-world applications that can transform higher education institutions.

Awards:

Dr. Baker has received multiple recognitions for her excellence in research, leadership, and academic service. She was awarded the Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of higher education. Furthermore, her research has been continuously cited by scholars and practitioners, underscoring the influence and relevance of her work. She is a recognized leader in her field, and her efforts in advancing educational development and faculty mentorship have been integral to shaping the policies and practices in many academic institutions.

Publication:

Dr. Baker’s scholarly output is vast, with notable publications in top-tier journals. Here are some of her key publications:

  1. Baker, V.L. & Boland, L.M. (2023). “Harnessing the Power of the Sabbatical: Providing Strategic Guidance to Faculty Developers.” Journal of Faculty Development, 37(3), 48-53.
    Cited by: 45+ scholars in the field of academic leadership.
  2. Pifer, M.J., Tevis, T.L., & Baker, V.L. (2023). “Advancing the Institution and the Individual: Women’s Enactment of Equity-Minded Leadership in Colleges and Universities.” The Journal of Higher Education.
    Cited by: 50+ related studies on equity and leadership in higher education.
  3. Young, S.P., & Baker, V.L. (2024). “Developing Leaders Through Rotational Programs: What is the Cost to Followers?” Global Business & Organizational Excellence, 43, 72-88.
    Cited by: 30+ in leadership studies.
  4. Baker, V.L., & Walling, C. (2023). “Community Engaged Learning in Liberal Arts Colleges: Developing Engaged Citizens.” The Journal of Community Engagement and Higher Education, 15(1), 23-36.
    Cited by: 60+ in community engagement research.
  5. Austin, A.E., Singer, S.R., Grimm, A., Baker, V.L., & Shanks, L. (2024). “Organization Change Networks (OCNs): A Framework for Understanding Their Development and Functioning.” Innovative Higher Education.
    Cited by: 20+ in organizational development literature.
  6. Baker, V.L., & Pifer, M.J. (2023). “Colleagues, Culture, and Leadership: The Academic Department as a Location of Faculty Experiences in Liberal Arts Colleges.” Review of Higher Education, 42(2), 537-564.
    Cited by: 40+ in liberal arts and leadership studies.
  7. Baker, V.L., & Manning, C.E.N. (2022). “Fostering Professional Development through Undergraduate Research: Supporting Faculty Mentors and Student Researchers.” Mentoring & Tutoring Journal, 30(2), 216-234.
    Cited by: 35+ in mentoring research.

Conclusion:

Dr. Vicki L. Baker is a highly respected scholar and leader in higher education, with a distinguished record of impactful research, teaching, and service. Her work in faculty development, leadership, and mentoring has not only contributed to the academic community but also shaped institutional policies that foster student and faculty success. Through her role at Albion College and her extensive publications, Dr. Baker has consistently demonstrated her commitment to advancing the field of higher education. Her research is widely cited and has influenced practices across various domains of academia. As an educator, researcher, and administrator, Dr. Baker continues to make significant strides in improving faculty development and leadership, making her a worthy nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM | Education Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM | Education Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Phd | Çukurova University | Turkey

Research for Best Researcher Award: Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM

Strengths for the Award

Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher through her remarkable contributions to the field of educational sciences. Her research demonstrates a commitment to advancing educational methodologies and improving teaching practices. Key strengths include:

  1. Diverse Research Output: Her publications cover a broad spectrum of topics, including constructivist applications in learning, portfolio assessment, and teacher efficacy. This diversity highlights her ability to address various aspects of educational science.
  2. High-Impact Research: Articles published in reputable journals such as Interactive Learning Environments and Evaluation and Program Planning demonstrate the significance and relevance of her research in contemporary educational settings.
  3. Innovative Approach: YILDIRIM’s work integrates mixed-methods and meta-analytical techniques, reflecting a sophisticated approach to research that combines quantitative and qualitative data to provide comprehensive insights.
  4. Educational Leadership: Her role as a Deputy Principal and specialized teacher adds practical depth to her research, bridging the gap between theoretical research and real-world application. This leadership position allows her to implement and test educational theories in a practical environment.
  5. Recognition and Awards: Multiple certificates of achievement for diligence and hard work from various authoritative bodies attest to her dedication and impact in the educational sector.

Areas for Improvement

While Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM’s contributions are commendable, there are areas where further development could enhance her profile:

  1. Broader Publication Reach: Expanding her research to include more international collaborations and high-impact journals could increase the visibility and influence of her work on a global scale.
  2. Longitudinal Studies: Incorporating longitudinal studies into her research portfolio could provide deeper insights into the long-term effects of educational interventions and methodologies.
  3. Increased Research Grants: Securing larger research grants and funding could support more extensive and innovative projects, allowing for greater exploration and impact in her research area.
  4. Interdisciplinary Research: Exploring interdisciplinary approaches that combine educational sciences with other fields such as psychology or technology could yield new perspectives and innovative solutions.
  5. Public Engagement: Increasing engagement with the public and educational practitioners through workshops, seminars, and media could amplify the practical application and impact of her research findings.

Conclusion

Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM stands out as a leading figure in the field of educational sciences, marked by her extensive research contributions, innovative methodologies, and leadership roles. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to improving educational practices and methodologies. With targeted improvements in publication reach, research funding, and public engagement, she is well-positioned to further enhance her impact in the educational research community. Her dedication and achievements make her a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, reflecting both her scholarly excellence and her significant contributions to the field.

📖 Short Bio

Nazife Tuğba YILDIRIM, a PhD candidate in Classroom Teaching at Çukurova University, is a distinguished educational leader and researcher. With a strong background in primary education and educational sciences, she serves as an Assistant Director at Asiye Ziylan Primary School. Her research and practical experience reflect a commitment to advancing teaching methodologies and educational practices.

Profile

SCOPUS

🎓 Education

  • Undergraduate Degree (2008): Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Education, Department of Primary Education – Classroom Teaching
  • Master’s Degree (with Thesis, 2012): Gaziantep University, Institute of Social Sciences – Educational Sciences
  • PhD Candidate (2021 – ongoing): Çukurova University, Institute of Social Sciences – Classroom Teaching
  • Additional Studies: Istanbul University Auzef Undergraduate Program in Exercise and Sport Sciences, Anadolu University Open Education Faculty Literature Program

💼 Experience

  • Deputy Principal (2021 – present): Asiye Ziylan Primary School, Gaziantep/Şahinbey
  • Deputy Principal (2016 – 2021): Nesrin Mehmet Abar Primary School, Gaziantep/Şahinbey
  • Teacher (2010 – 2016): Various Primary Schools including Sarıt Primary School and Uzunyol Primary School

🔬 Research Interest

Nazife YILDIRIM’s research interests focus on the efficacy of constructivist teaching methods, portfolio assessment in primary education, and the relationship between teacher self-efficacy and educational practices. Her work integrates innovative approaches to improve permanent learning and instructional effectiveness.

🏆 Awards

  • Certificate of Achievement (2017): District Governorate for Diligence
  • Certificate of Excellence (2021): District Governorship for Outstanding Performance
  • Certificate of Achievement (2022): Ministry for Diligence

📚 Publications

  • Yildirim, N. T., Batdi, V., & Efendioğlu, A. (2024). A mixed-meta method on the efficacy and impact of constructivist applications on permanent learning. Interactive Learning Environments.
  • Doğan, Y., Yıldırım, N. T., & Batdı, V. (2024). Effectiveness of portfolio assessment in primary education: A multi-complementary research approach. Evaluation and Program Planning.
  • Yıldırım, N. T., & Efendioglu, A. (2023). Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Öz Yeterlik İnançları ile Okul Dışı Öğrenme Ortamlarına Gezi Düzenlemeye Yönelik Kaygı Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi. Journal of Medeniyet Eğitim Araştırmaları.
  • Bae, S., & Chong, K. L. (2024). Centering Cultural Knowledge in TPACK—Evidence From a Collaborative Online International Learning Collaboration. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning.
  • Deniz, S., & Yıldırım, N.T. (2023). Öğretmenlerin Perspektifinden; Alfa Kuşağı, Dijital Öğrenciler, Eğitim Teknolojileri ve Öğrenmenin Geleceği. Proceedings Book, INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CONGRESS 2023.
  • Yıldırım, N.T., Önderöz G. F., & Yurtal, F. (2023). Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Okul Zorbalığına İlişkin Tutumları. X. International Eurasian Educational Research Congress Proceedings.