Hannaneh Beheshti | Psychology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Hannaneh Beheshti | Psychology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Hannaneh Beheshti | Psychology – Phd student in Curriculum Development at University of Tabriz, Iran

The candidate is a distinguished individual in the field of education, with a unique blend of academic achievements and practical teaching experience. As a current Ph.D. student in Curriculum Planning, they have demonstrated exceptional skills in both research and teaching. Their contributions to the academic community are reflected in their numerous publications, innovative teaching methods, and leadership in various educational initiatives. With a deep commitment to improving education, their academic journey is marked by hard work, determination, and a passion for contributing to the field of curriculum planning and development. Through their research and practical experiences, they have shown great potential to significantly impact the educational landscape.

Profile:

Orcid

Education:

The individual has an impressive educational background, beginning with their academic journey in the field of Curriculum Planning. Their Ph.D. studies at a renowned university reflect not only their academic abilities but also their deep commitment to advancing knowledge in this area. Their excellence is evident in their ranking as the 4th highest in the national entrance exam for Ph.D. in Curriculum Planning. Additionally, their exceptional performance earned them the title of “Exceptional Talent” in their program. With a GPA of 19.96, they have excelled in their coursework and research, establishing a strong foundation for their future academic endeavors.

Experience:

With extensive teaching experience in elementary education, the candidate has made significant contributions in the classroom. Their role as an elementary school teacher has provided them with invaluable insights into the practical aspects of teaching and curriculum planning. This experience has allowed them to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, ensuring their work remains relevant and impactful. Additionally, their experience in the field has been recognized through awards and recognition at both the regional and national levels, further solidifying their expertise in the educational sector. This combination of academic study and practical application enhances their overall professional profile.

Research Interests:

The candidate’s research interests primarily lie in the areas of curriculum planning, child education, and the intersection of education with societal factors. Their current research focuses on understanding the attitudes of medical sciences students toward research and the development of medical education. This interest in research education aims to contribute to improving both the structure of curriculum and the attitudes of students toward research methodologies. Additionally, their academic curiosity extends to the influence of family, society, school, and religion on child education, offering a holistic perspective on how external factors shape the educational experience. Their work in these areas aligns with a growing body of literature that emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse factors into educational planning.

Awards:

The individual has been consistently recognized for their academic excellence and contributions to the field of education. Their first major recognition came in the form of the “Exceptional Talent” award in Curriculum Planning, awarded by their university due to their high GPA of 19.96. They have also been acknowledged for their exceptional performance as a teacher, earning the title of exemplary teacher at both the school and regional levels in 2024. Moreover, their leadership in educational initiatives was demonstrated by their victories in regional Lesson Study Festivals, where they achieved both first and second-place awards in consecutive years (2023-2025). These accolades not only highlight their teaching skills but also their commitment to improving education within their community.

Publications:

  1. Survey of the Medical Sciences Students’ Attitude Towards Research (2024)
    Published in Strides in Development of Medical Education 📰.
    DOI: 10.22062/sdme.2024.199683.1368
    Cited by: This article explores medical students’ perspectives on research, contributing to the understanding of how research attitudes can shape educational outcomes.
  2. The Role of Family, Society, School, and Religion in Child Education (2024)
    Published by Academic Research Publications 📚.
    Cited by: This book offers an in-depth analysis of the various external factors that influence children’s educational development, providing essential insights for curriculum planners.
  3. Persian Workbook for First Grade (Gamino) (2024)
    Published by Arshadan 📖.
    Cited by: A key resource for first-grade students, this workbook aids in the development of fundamental language skills, tailored for Persian-speaking children.

Conclusion:

The candidate’s blend of academic excellence, teaching experience, and research dedication makes them a strong contender for the award nomination. Their consistent achievement in both the academic and practical realms of education demonstrates their potential to make a significant impact on the field of curriculum planning. Their work continues to bridge the gap between research and classroom teaching, showing a commitment to enhancing educational practices. With a strong foundation in both research and teaching, they are poised to contribute even further to the development of educational systems globally. Their extensive publications and ongoing research demonstrate their leadership in shaping the future of education.

Erin Orlins | Mental Health | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Erin Orlins | Mental Health | Best Researcher Award 

Postdoctoral Scientist |  Nationwide Children’s Hospital | United States

Research for Best Researcher Award: Erin R. Orlins, PhD, MPH, CHES

Strengths for the Award

Erin R. Orlins is a standout candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to several notable strengths:

  1. Innovative Research Focus: Dr. Orlins’ research on adolescent suicide prevention is both timely and critical. Her dissertation on trends and perceptions related to adolescent suicide and the effectiveness of school-based prevention programs reflects her commitment to addressing significant public health issues.
  2. Diverse Experience: Her extensive research experience spans across various roles, including post-doctoral scientist, consultant, and research assistant. This breadth of experience highlights her versatility and deep understanding of public health and suicide prevention.
  3. Impactful Publications: Dr. Orlins has a robust publication record, including articles in reputable journals such as the Journal of American College Health and Aging & Mental Health. Her work on suicide and suicidality among different populations demonstrates her ability to contribute valuable insights to the field.
  4. Leadership and Community Involvement: Beyond her research, Dr. Orlins has shown leadership through her roles with LifeAct, the Society for Public Health Education, and other organizations. Her involvement in mentoring and community service further underscores her dedication to public health.
  5. Awards and Recognition: Dr. Orlins has received several prestigious awards, including the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) New Investigator Research Award and recognition in Kent State University’s Three Minute Thesis Competition. These accolades reflect her research excellence and scholarly impact.

Areas for Improvement

While Dr. Orlins exhibits a remarkable profile, there are areas that could further enhance her research and professional trajectory:

  1. Broader Research Scope: Expanding her research beyond suicide prevention to include other pressing public health issues could provide a more holistic view of the factors affecting mental health and well-being.
  2. Increased Collaboration: Although Dr. Orlins has collaborated with various professionals, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with experts from different fields, such as technology and policy-making, could lead to innovative approaches in her research.
  3. Public Engagement: Strengthening efforts to communicate research findings to the general public and policy-makers could enhance the impact of her work. Developing more outreach programs or public health campaigns based on her research could bridge the gap between academia and community practice.
  4. Funding Opportunities: Securing additional funding from diverse sources could support further research initiatives and the expansion of existing projects. Exploring grants from new agencies or private sectors may provide additional resources for her work.
  5. Research Methodology Enhancement: Incorporating advanced methodologies or innovative tools, such as big data analytics or machine learning, could offer new insights and improve the precision of her research outcomes.

Conclusion

Dr. Erin R. Orlins exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in public health. Her focused research on suicide prevention, coupled with her extensive experience, impactful publications, and leadership roles, make her a deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. By addressing the identified areas for improvement, Dr. Orlins can continue to advance her contributions to public health, enhance her research impact, and drive meaningful change in mental health prevention and intervention.

Biography

Dr. Erin R. Orlins is a Post-Doctoral Scientist at the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. With a PhD in Public Health specializing in Prevention Science, Erin focuses on adolescent suicide prevention and mental health research. Her work integrates her extensive background in public health education and neuroscience to address critical issues in youth mental health.

Profile

SCOPUS

🎓 Education

  • PhD in Public Health – Prevention Science
    Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
    May 2023
    Dissertation: “Exploring adolescent suicide in Ohio: Trends, perceptions, and the effectiveness of a school-based suicide prevention program” 🎓
  • Master of Public Health – Health Promotion and Education
    Wright State University, Kettering, Ohio
    May 2015
    Thesis: “The accuracy and feasibility of production records to measure food selection in school cafeterias” 📚
  • Bachelor of Science – Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
    University of Mount Union, Alliance, Ohio
    Summa Cum Laude, May 2013 🏅

💼 Experience

  • Post-Doctoral Scientist
    Center for Suicide Prevention and Research, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    Columbus, Ohio, October 2023 – Present 🧪
  • Consultant
    LifeAct, Chagrin Falls, Ohio
    April 2020 – Present 🩺
  • Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant
    Kent State University, College of Public Health
    August 2018 – May 2023 🎓
  • Program Manager
    OhioHealth Research and Innovation Institute, Columbus, Ohio
    March 2016 – June 2018 📈
  • Graduate Research Assistant
    Wright State University, Master of Public Health Program
    July 2014 – May 2015 🔬
  • Undergraduate Research Assistant
    University of Mount Union, Psychology Department
    August 2011 – May 2013 🧠

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Orlins’ research interests center around adolescent mental health, particularly suicide prevention. Her work examines the effectiveness of school-based prevention programs and the impact of interpersonal conflicts and technology on youth suicidality. She aims to develop and implement evidence-based strategies to mitigate suicide risks among adolescents. 🧠💔

🏆 Awards

  • National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) New Investigator Research Award
    March 2024 🏆
  • Kent State University’s Three Minute Thesis Competition, Third Place
    October 2020 🥉
  • Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health, Gamma Alpha Chapter
    May 2015 🎖️
  • Ohio Society for Public Health Education, Karen H. Evans Scholarship Recipient
    September 2014 💰
  • Featured Alumni for the University of Mount Union
    September 2014 🌟
  • Featured Student for the University of Mount Union
    January 2012 🎓
  • National Cabinet of Women’s Scholarship Recipient
    May 2012 🏅
  • American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award
    November 2010 🏐
  • Psi Chi Honorary
    October 2010 🎓
  • Alpha Lambda Delta Honorary
    August 2009 🌟

📚 Publications

  • Orlins, E.R., Slack, A.J., Essel, B., & Chatfield, S.L. (2024). Suicide and suicidality among collegiate student-athletes: A scoping review. Journal of American College Health. Advance online publication. Read More 🏅
  • DeBois, K.A., Chatfield, S.L., Evans, S.D., Essel, B., Bista, S., & Orlins, E.R. (2024). Patterns of suicide intent disclosures among older adult decedents, 2016-2018: A qualitative analysis. Aging & Mental Health. Advance online publication. Read More 📊
  • Orlins, E., DeBois, K., & Chatfield, S.L. (2021). Characteristics of interpersonal conflicts precipitating youth suicide: Analysis of data from the 2017 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS). Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 26(3), 201-210. Read More 🔍
  • Chatfield, S.L., DeBois, K.A., & Orlins, E. (2021). Reflections on trauma: A phenomenological qualitative secondary analysis of interviews about adolescent experiences during the May 4, 1970 Kent State Vietnam War protest student shootings. The Qualitative Report, 26(11), 3563-3574. Read More 📝
  • Orlowski, M., Lee, M., Spears, W., Narayan, R., Pobocik, R., Kennel, J., Krafka, E., & Patton, S. (2017). Patterns in vegetable consumption: Implications for tailored school meal interventions. Journal of School Health, 87(5), 346-352. Read More 🥦

 

Ziv Williams | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ziv Williams | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Harvard Medical School | United States

Dr. Ziv Williams is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, where he also serves as faculty in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program and the Program in Neuroscience. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Williams completed postdoctoral fellowships in Neurobiology and Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School.

His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying complex behaviors such as social cognition, language processing, and motor control. Utilizing advanced techniques including single-neuronal recordings and optogenetics, Dr. Williams aims to bridge basic neurophysiology with clinical applications to develop innovative treatments for neurological disorders. His work has been published in leading scientific journals and recognized with numerous awards, including the Presidential Early Career Award and honors from major neurological associations.

Dr. Williams is dedicated to advancing neuroscience through research, teaching, and clinical practice, contributing significantly to both academic scholarship and practical applications in neurosurgery and neurology.

Profile:

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Ziv Williams has pursued a comprehensive academic journey that underscores his multidisciplinary expertise in biochemistry, medicine, neurobiology, and neurosurgery. He began his educational pursuits with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego, where from 1991 to 1994, he laid the groundwork for his understanding of molecular biology and biochemical processes. This foundational training provided him with essential insights into the fundamental building blocks of life at the cellular level.

Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Williams continued his academic trajectory at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from 1994 to 1999. During this time, he delved into the intricacies of medical science, gaining a comprehensive understanding of clinical practice and patient care. His medical training equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to approach healthcare challenges with a holistic and evidence-based perspective.

Dr. Williams further honed his expertise through specialized postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard Medical School. From 2000 to 2004, he engaged in rigorous research and study in Neurobiology, exploring advanced techniques and methodologies in understanding the nervous system at a molecular and cellular level. Concurrently, he pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in Neurosurgery from 1999 to 2006, gaining hands-on experience in surgical interventions and treatments for neurological disorders.

This combined educational background has uniquely positioned Dr. Williams as a leader in the field of neuroscience and neurosurgery. His academic journey—from biochemistry to neurosurgery—reflects a commitment to integrating diverse disciplines to advance scientific understanding and improve clinical outcomes in neurological care.

Experience:

Dr. Ziv Williams boasts a rich and diverse professional experience that spans academia, research, and clinical practice. He has served as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School since 2014, where he holds joint appointments in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program and the Program in Neuroscience. Prior to his current position, Dr. Williams completed rigorous training as a resident in Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, followed by roles as an Instructor and Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery.

Throughout his career, Dr. Williams has been actively involved in cutting-edge research aimed at unraveling the complexities of neural circuitry underlying cognitive functions and behavior. His expertise in single-neuronal recordings, optogenetics, and neuro-modulatory techniques has been instrumental in advancing understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. Dr. Williams’ contributions to neuroscience have been recognized with prestigious awards and honors, underscoring his significant impact on the field and dedication to improving patient care through innovative research and clinical practice.

Research:

Dr. Ziv Williams is renowned for his pioneering research in neuroscience, focusing on the neural mechanisms that underpin complex behaviors such as social cognition and language processing. Utilizing advanced techniques like single-neuronal recordings and optogenetics, his work aims to elucidate how neural circuits encode and influence behavior, with implications for treating neurological disorders.

His research contributions have been published in high-impact journals and have garnered widespread acclaim, including awards such as the Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) and recognition at the Falling Walls Science Summit. Dr. Williams’ innovative approach bridges basic science with clinical applications, positioning him as a leader in advancing neuroscientific understanding and therapeutic interventions. His commitment to excellence in research and its translation into clinical practice underscores his impact and influence in the field of neuroscience.

Publications:

Dr. Williams’ contributions to scientific literature are extensive and impactful. His research publications include:

  • Jamali M, Grannan BL, Fedorenko E, Saxe R, Báez-Mendoza R, Williams Z. Single-neuronal predictions of others’ beliefs in humans. Nature. 2021;591:610–614.
  • Báez-Mendoza R, Mastrobattista EP, Wang AJ, Williams Z. Social agent identity cells in the prefrontal cortex of interacting groups of primates. Science. 2021;374:6566.
  • Li SW, Zeliger O, Strahs L, Báez-Mendoza R, Johnson LM, McDonald Wojciechowski A, Williams Z. Frontal neurons driving competitive behaviour and ecology of social groups. Nature. 2022;603(7902):661-666.
  • Khanna AR, Muñoz W, Kim YJ, Kfir Y, Paulk AC, Jamali M, Cai J, Mustroph ML, Caprara I, Hardstone R, Mejdell M, Meszéna D, Zuckerman A, Schweitzer J, Cash S, Williams Z. Single-neuronal elements of speech production in humans. Nature. 2024;626(7999):603-610.