Mukovhe Rammela | Nursing and Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Mukovhe Rammela | Nursing and Health Professions | Young Scientist Award

PhD student in Public Health at University of Venda, South Africa

Mukovhe Rammela is an experienced and strategic health professional with over 8 years of expertise in health system strengthening, program coordination, mentoring, and quality improvement. She has led diverse teams in various roles, including Nurse Mentor, District Nurse Coordinator, and currently serves as the District TB Quality Improvement Officer at IHPS in Johannesburg. Mukovhe’s extensive work includes facilitating quality improvement initiatives, mentoring healthcare staff, and ensuring high-quality care across multiple health districts. Her passion lies in improving healthcare services, especially in TB/HIV, STI, and key population care.

Profile

ORCID

Education🎓📚

Mukovhe holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Management College of South Africa (MANCOSA) and a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Venda. She also earned her Bachelor’s in Nursing Sciences (BCURP) from the University of Venda and has pursued various advanced certifications in Monitoring and Evaluation, Health Care Management, and Systematic Reviews. She is currently working towards a Post Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Management, with a focus on Quality Improvement and Project Management at Stellenbosch University.

Experience👩‍⚕️💼

Mukovhe’s career has spanned multiple roles focused on health systems and quality improvement. As a Quality Improvement Officer at Johannesburg Health District (2023-present), she collaborates with sub-district teams to monitor and improve healthcare services. Her previous roles included leading the Key Population Program as a District Nurse Coordinator and mentoring staff in the APACE project at Anova Health Institute. Mukovhe has also managed clinical practices at Magalies Hills Center and Elim Clinic, focusing on integrated care and capacity building in TB, HIV, and STI services.

Research Interest🔬📊

Mukovhe’s research interests are centered around health system strengthening, quality improvement, and HIV/TB care integration. She is passionate about developing evidence-based solutions to improve healthcare delivery, especially for vulnerable populations like sex workers and youth. Her work also focuses on monitoring and evaluation and using data to improve healthcare outcomes.

Award🏆🎖️

Mukovhe has received several prestigious awards, recognizing her contributions to healthcare and research. These include the National Research Foundation Doctoral Scholarship in 2022, the Sustainable Academic Capacity Building for Excellence through Research and Training Programme (SACERT) Scholarship, and the Cochrane South Africa Bursary Award in 2021. Her commitment to research and healthcare improvement has also been acknowledged by the National Research Foundation Masters Scholarship Award in 2018.

Publication📑🌍

Mukovhe has contributed to important research in public health, including her research article titled “An Integrated Approach to HIV, STI, and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Services in Africa” presented at the University of Venda Research Symposium in 2021. This publication was a comprehensive literature review aimed at improving health services in Africa. Her research proposal on Integrated HIV and STI Prevention was also presented at the Department of Health Provincial Office Research Day in 2021.
For more details on the publications, visit:

Evaluating the Implementation of Adolescent- and Youth-Friendly Services in the Selected Primary Healthcare Facilities in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province

  • Published: November 21, 2024
    Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
    DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21121543
    Authors: Mukovhe Rammela,

The article evaluates adolescent- and youth-friendly services (AYFS) in Vhembe District, South Africa, highlighting successes and gaps based on WHO standards​

Epilepsy in rural South Africa: Patient experiences and healthcare challenges

  • Published: August 2024
    Journal: Epilepsia Open
    DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12999
    Authors: Mukovhe Rammela

This study explores patient experiences with epilepsy and the healthcare challenges they face in rural South Africa

Conclusion🌟💪

Mukovhe Rammela’s combination of professional experience in public health, research achievements, educational qualifications, and leadership abilities makes her a strong and highly suitable candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her commitment to improving health outcomes and her ongoing pursuit of knowledge through research are qualities that align well with the values of the award.

Fidanka Vasileva | Exercise | Best Researcher Award

Ms Fidanka Vasileva | Exercise | Best Researcher Award

Ms Fidanka Vasileva , Biomedical Research Institute of Girona  , Spain

Fidanka Vasileva, born on July 10, 1993, in Kavadarci, North Macedonia, is a distinguished researcher and educator specializing in kinesiology and sports science. With a rich background in physical education, Vasileva has made significant contributions to the fields of exercise physiology, sports medicine, and genetics. She holds an MSc in Kinesiology from the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, and is currently pursuing a PhD with a focus on epigenetic modifications due to physical exercise. Her work spans international borders, reflecting her commitment to advancing knowledge and practice in her field.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Excellence and Background:
    • Education: Fidanka Vasileva has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement with an MSc in Kinesiology with a perfect average grade of 10.00 from the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, Macedonia. Her doctoral research is supported by prestigious fellowships from the Government of Catalonia and the European Social Fund, reflecting her strong academic credentials and research potential.
  2. Diverse Research Interests:
    • Her research covers a wide range of topics within kinesiology, including epigenetic modifications due to physical exercise, sports genetics, exercise physiology, and sports medicine. This breadth of interest showcases her versatility and the potential impact of her work on various aspects of physical health and sport science.
  3. Research Impact and Publications:
    • Vasileva has published extensively in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals, including Frontiers in Physiology, Frontiers in Public Health, and the Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology. Her research has contributed valuable insights into physical exercise, its impact on epigenetics, and its relationship with various health markers.
    • Her work on topics like DNA methylation, salivary biomarkers, and the impact of physical activity on cardiometabolic health is highly relevant and contributes to both theoretical and practical knowledge in her field.
  4. Professional Experience and Roles:
    • Vasileva’s professional experience spans across various roles, including pre-doctoral researcher, coach, teacher, and fitness advisor. Her involvement in both academic and practical aspects of sports science enhances her research perspective and application.
    • Her roles as editor-in-chief and associate editor for international scientific journals, as well as her experience as a reviewer, indicate a significant level of engagement and influence within the academic community.
  5. Conference Presentations and Invited Communications:
    • She has actively participated in and presented at numerous international conferences and congresses, showcasing her ability to communicate and disseminate research findings effectively. Her involvement in organizing committees and chairing sessions highlights her leadership and organizational skills in the research community.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Dissemination of Research:
    • While Vasileva’s research is published in high-impact journals, increasing the visibility of her work through interdisciplinary collaborations and outreach to broader audiences could enhance its impact.
  2. Funding and Grant Acquisition:
    • Seeking additional funding opportunities and grants could further support and expand her research activities, allowing for larger-scale studies and broader research initiatives.
  3. Collaborative Research:
    • Engaging in collaborative research with institutions or researchers outside her current field could introduce new perspectives and methodologies, potentially leading to innovative findings and applications.
  4. Mentorship and Training:
    • As an accomplished researcher, Vasileva could consider mentoring emerging scholars and students in her field. This would not only contribute to their development but also foster a new generation of researchers in kinesiology and sports science.

Education

Fidanka Vasileva earned her undergraduate degree in Physical and Health Education from the University Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, with an impressive average grade of 10.00. She continued her academic journey by completing an MSc in Kinesiology at the same institution. Her doctoral studies, supported by a fellowship from the Government of Catalonia and the European Social Fund, are being conducted at the Biomedical Research Institute Dr. Josep Trueta in Girona, Spain, focusing on the impact of physical exercise on epigenetic modifications.

Experience

Vasileva’s diverse professional experience includes roles as a pre-doctoral researcher at the Biomedical Research Institute Dr. Josep Trueta in Girona, Spain (2021-2024), and a coach for Volleyball Club AVAP in Girona (2022-2023). She has also served as a Bioethics teacher at the University School of Health and Sport in Girona (2022-2023). In North Macedonia, her roles ranged from physical education teacher to fitness coach and personal trainer, showcasing her extensive background in both educational and practical aspects of sports and health.

 

Research Focus

Vasileva’s research primarily investigates the epigenetic effects of physical exercise, including how exercise-induced DNA methylation influences health and performance. Her work extends to the study of genetics in sport, exercise physiology, and sports medicine. She is also interested in motor development in children, neuronal plasticity, and biomechanical analysis. Her research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in sports and health.

Publications Top Notes

  • DNA methylation reorganization of skeletal muscle-specific genes in response to gestational obesity 🧬
  • BMI and Nutritional Status in Physical Active Population Involved in Recreational Sport 🥗
  • Impact of residential status on sports activity, anthropometric characteristics and motor abilities of adolescents 🏋️‍♀️
  • Speed, agility and explosive leg power in female junior volleyball players: A comparative study 🏐
  • Integrated neuromuscular training intervention applied in schools induces a higher increase in salivary high molecular weight adiponectin and a more favorable body mass index 📈
  • Salivary cardiac-enriched FHL2-interacting protein is associated with higher diastolic-to-systolic-blood pressure ratio, sedentary time and center of pressure displacement in … 💉
  • Face-to-face versus online physical education classes: A comparative study 💻
  • Explosive Strength, Arm Swing Jump Contribution And Eccentric Utilization Ratio In Youth And Junior Female Volleyball Players 🏆
  • COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MOTOR ABILITIES BETWEEN PLAYERS OF YOUTH AND JUNIOR NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAMS IN MACEDONIA 🏐
  • THE HEREDITY OF MOTOR ENGRAMS IN VOLLEYBALL 🤾‍♀️
  • Increased Salivary BDNF and Improved Fundamental Motor Skills in Children Following a 3-Month Integrated Neuromuscular Training in Primary School 👶
  • Lifestyle as a Modulator of the Effects on Fitness of an Integrated Neuromuscular Training in Primary Education 🏃‍♂️
  • Insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, diastolic to systolic blood pressure ratio and epicardial fat are related to sedentary time, and inversely related to physical activity … 💪
  • Higher levels of liver enzymes are associated with increased left ventricular mass in apparently healthy children. Potential role of HMW-adiponectin and epicardial fat ❤️
  • Epicardial fat, interventricular septal and leftventricular posterior wall thicknesses are associated with cardiometabolic risk markers and physical activity in apparently … 🧠
  • Physical Exercise–Induced DNA Methylation in Disease-Related Genes in Healthy Adults—A Systematic Review With Bioinformatic Analysis 📊
  • Anthropometric characteristics of female junior national team volleyball players: A comparative study 📏
  • Motor skills in female junior volleyball players from Macedonia and players from other countries: A comparative study 🌍
  • Explosive leg power and flexibility in school children aged 6-8 years 🧩

Conclusion

Fidanka Vasileva is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her exceptional academic background, diverse research interests, extensive publication record, and active involvement in the academic community are commendable. Her contributions to understanding the epigenetic and physiological effects of physical exercise are significant and impactful. With continued focus on broadening her research dissemination and collaborative efforts, she is well-positioned to make further advancements in her field. Her dedication to both research and practical applications underscores her suitability for this prestigious award.