Álvaro Torres-Martos | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr . Álvaro Torres-Martos | Bioinformatics | Best Researcher Award 

PhD student , University of Granada , Spain

Álvaro Torres-Martos is a dedicated Pre-Doctoral Fellow at the Center of Biomedical Research and “José Mataix Verdú” Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA), University of Granada. His research bridges bioinformatics, biostatistics, and precision medicine, focusing on the molecular and genetic underpinnings of metabolic disorders. Álvaro combines his expertise in multi-omics and artificial intelligence to advance our understanding of obesity, insulin resistance, and non-communicable diseases.

Profile

ORCiD

Strengths for the Award

  1. Cutting-Edge Research Experience: Álvaro Torres-Martos has been involved in high-impact research projects such as the ACTIBATE project and EXOMAIR, focusing on novel therapeutic targets and precision medicine. His work on molecular translators and the exposome demonstrates a commitment to advancing the understanding of complex biological systems and diseases.
  2. Academic Background and Progression: With a solid foundation in Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, Álvaro’s transition from a Bachelor’s degree to a Master’s and then to a Pre-doctoral Researcher shows a strong academic trajectory. His current role as a faculty member at the University of Granada further highlights his growing expertise in the field.
  3. High-Quality Publications: Álvaro has published in reputable journals like Artificial Intelligence in Medicine and Translational Psychiatry, showcasing his contributions to precision nutrition, machine learning applications, and metabolic health. His work is well-cited and reflects a significant impact on his research area.
  4. Innovative Tools and Recognition: His involvement in developing the ObMetrics Shiny app and winning the III Bioinformatics Datathon indicates his ability to translate research into practical tools. These achievements underscore his innovation and practical application of his research.
  5. Broad Skill Set: Álvaro has completed various courses and certifications, including advanced data science skills and programming in R and Python. This diverse skill set supports his ability to conduct and present high-quality research.

Areas for Improvement 

  1. Broader Research Impact: While Álvaro’s research is highly specialized, expanding the scope to interdisciplinary areas or applied research in clinical settings could enhance the broader impact of his work.
  2. Increased Visibility: Although he has participated in numerous congresses, further efforts to increase the visibility of his research through collaborations, media outreach, or higher-profile conferences could amplify his contributions.
  3. Grant Acquisition: Securing larger research grants or funding from diverse sources could support more ambitious projects and collaborations, further strengthening his research portfolio.

    Education 

    Álvaro earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Granada (UGR) in 2020. He then pursued a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Biostatistics at the Open University of Catalonia (UOC) from 2021 to 2022. Currently, he is a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II at the University of Granada, where he continues his research and academic contributions.

    Experience 

    • 2022-2023: Bioinformatic Researcher at the ACTIBATE project, University of Granada. This role focused on molecular translators of exercise and brown adipose tissue activation, searching for new therapeutic targets in intercellular communication.
    • 2023-2026: Pre-doctoral Researcher for EXOMAIR, University of Granada. This project aims to analyze the exposome and omics using artificial intelligence to study their impact on obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic health.
    • 2024: Academic Visitor at the University of Oxford, focusing on dietary and behavioral phenotypes and non-communicable disease risk through a multi-omics approach.

    Research Interests 

    Álvaro’s research interests include the application of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in precision medicine, with a particular focus on metabolic disorders such as obesity and insulin resistance. He is also interested in the interaction between genetic risk factors and environmental influences on health outcomes.

    Awards 

    • Winner of the III Bioinformatics Datathon organized by the Bioinformatics Conference, University of Granada.
    • Developed the ObMetrics Shiny app, enhancing metabolic syndrome analysis for pediatric populations.

    Publications 

Ghazal Zandkarimi | PsychopatHology and Therapy | Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Assoc Prof. Dr. Ghazal Zandkarimi | Psychopathology and Therapy | Outstanding Academic Achievement Award 

Psychology | Refah Unievrsity College | Iran

Dr. Ghazal Zandkarimi is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. Her extensive background in psychology, coupled with a rich history of research, publication, and academic leadership, supports her candidacy. Here’s a breakdown of her strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion based on the information provided:

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Academic and Professional Background:
    • Degrees and Certifications: Dr. Zandkarimi holds a PhD in Cognitive-Clinical Psychology and has pursued international courses in various therapeutic approaches, including CBT, MCT, NVC, and neuro-feedback therapy. These credentials reflect her commitment to advanced and diverse psychological practices.
  2. Research Contributions:
    • Publications: Her body of work includes numerous articles in reputable journals covering a wide range of topics such as stress, cognitive functions, and therapy outcomes. Notably, her research has been featured in journals like the International Journal of Psychology and Brain and the Journal of Behavioral Research.
    • Books: Dr. Zandkarimi has authored books on stress management, self-discipline, and emotional control, showcasing her expertise and contribution to practical psychological resources.
  3. Educational and Work Experience:
    • Teaching and Supervision: Her roles as a faculty member at multiple universities and as a supervisor of numerous MA theses indicate her significant contribution to the academic community and mentorship of future psychologists.
    • Clinical and Administrative Roles: Her experience as a clinical psychologist, head of the Psychology Department at Refah University, and involvement in designing psychological laboratories and e-learning systems highlight her leadership and practical application of psychological knowledge.
  4. Conference Participation and Recognition:
    • Conferences: Dr. Zandkarimi has presented at various national and international conferences, receiving accolades such as the PhD Scholar Award and letters of appreciation. Her active participation in conferences underscores her engagement with the global academic community.
  5. Awards and Honors:
    • Recognition: Being a top researcher at Alzahra University and a member of the National Elites Foundation are significant honors that reflect her impact and prominence in her field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Dissemination of Research:
    • While Dr. Zandkarimi has a substantial number of publications, increasing the visibility and impact of her research through collaborations with international researchers or publishing in higher-impact journals could further enhance her academic profile.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research:
    • Expanding her research into interdisciplinary areas could provide new insights and applications. For example, exploring connections between psychological theories and emerging fields like artificial intelligence or environmental psychology could offer innovative contributions.
  3. Research Grants and Funding:
    • Securing more research grants and funding could enable larger-scale studies or longitudinal research projects, potentially leading to more significant findings and contributions to the field.

Conclusion

Dr. Ghazal Zandkarimi’s impressive qualifications, extensive research, and substantial contributions to the field of psychology make her a strong candidate for the Research for Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. Her dedication to advancing psychological science through teaching, clinical practice, and research is evident. By addressing the areas for improvement, particularly in expanding the dissemination and scope of her research, she could further elevate her impact and recognition in the academic community.

Short Biography 📚

Dr. Ghazal Zandkarimi is an esteemed Assistant Professor at Refah University, specializing in Cognitive-Clinical Psychology. With a rich academic background and extensive experience in both research and clinical settings, she is recognized for her significant contributions to the field of psychology. Her expertise spans various therapeutic approaches, including CBT, NVC, and neuro-feedback therapy, reflecting her commitment to advancing psychological science and practice.

Profile

SCOPUS

Education 🎓

Dr. Zandkarimi earned her MA in General Psychology in 2008 and a PhD in Cognitive-Clinical Psychology in 2014. She has furthered her education through international and national courses in advanced therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Meta-Cognition Therapy (MCT), Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and neuro-feedback therapy. Her educational foundation is bolstered by professional psychology courses from Alzahra University, the University of Applied Sciences, the University of Tehran, and Refah University.

Experience 🏥

Dr. Zandkarimi has a diverse professional portfolio. She has served as the Head of the Psychology Department at Refah University since 2019 and as a Clinical Psychologist at Navidi Clinic in Tehran since 2009. Her experience also includes designing and supervising psychological laboratories and developing innovative e-learning systems for university students. Her leadership roles and clinical practice highlight her dedication to both academic and practical advancements in psychology.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Zandkarimi’s research interests focus on the intersection of cognitive processes and emotional disorders. Her work explores topics such as stress coping mechanisms, cognitive flexibility, and the efficacy of various therapeutic approaches. She has conducted significant research on the impact of nonviolent communication on stress and mental health, as well as the effectiveness of different therapies on cognitive and emotional regulation.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Zandkarimi has been honored with several accolades, including being named Top Researcher at Alzahra University in 2012 and 2013. She is also a member of the National Elites Foundation, which recognizes her outstanding contributions to her field. Her academic achievements underscore her impact and prominence in psychology.

Publications 📄

Here is a selection of Dr. Zandkarimi’s notable publications:

Decision-making and Special Attention in MDD and GAD, Journal of Psychological Studies, 2016.

Compare the university students’ working memory, Flexibility and problem solving in choosing the coping with stress styles, Journal of Cognitive Strategies, 2015.

Correlation between self-discipline and its level with productivity, Career & Organizational Counseling Journal, 2012.

Non-Violent Communication and Its Impact on Suicidal Ideations and Coping with Stress Styles, Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 2018.

Stress Inoculation Training on Cognitive Emotional Regulation: The Effect on Vulnerable Married Female Adolescents, Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 2018.