Ziv Williams | Psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

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.

 

Nazbanou Nozari | Cognitive psychology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Prof.Nazbanou Nozari | Cognitive psychology | Best Researcher Award

Professor Indiana University  United States

Nazbanou (Bonnie) Nozari is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University. Her research delves into the intricacies of cognitive neuroscience and psychology, focusing on language production and cognitive control.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

  • Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology (2011), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • M.A. in Cognitive Psychology (2009), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • M.D. (2005), Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Post-doctoral fellowships at the University of Pennsylvania and Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute further honed her expertise in cognitive neuroscience and neuropsychology.

💼 Experience

  • Professor, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University (2023-present)
  • Visiting Researcher, Department of Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium (2022)
  • Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University (2019-2023)
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University (2014-2018)

Dr. Nozari has also held various research and teaching assistant positions throughout her academic career.

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Nozari’s research interests encompass cognitive control in language production, error monitoring in speech and typing, and the cognitive mechanisms underlying language processing. Her work explores how the brain supports complex cognitive tasks and adapts through learning and experience.

🏆 Awards

  • American Psychological Association Distinguished Scientific Award for Early Career Contribution to Psychology (2020)
  • APA New Investigator Award (2013)
  • Robert J. Glushko Award for Best Dissertation in Cognitive Science (2012)
  • Outstanding Teacher Award, University of Illinois (2010)

📚  Publications

  1. Nozari, N. & Martin, R. C. (2024). Is working memory domain-general or domain-specific? Trends in Cognitive Sciences.
  2. Murphy, T. K., Nozari, N., & Holt, L. L. (2023). Transfer of statistical learning from passive speech perception to speech production. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.
  3. Pinet, S. & Nozari, N. (2023). Different electrophysiological signatures of similarity-induced and Stroop-like interference in language production. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience.
  4. Black, J. & Nozari, N. (2023). Precision of phonological errors in aphasia supports resource models of phonological working memory in language production. Cognitive Neuropsychology.
  5. Shekari, E., & Nozari, N. (2023). A narrative review of the anatomy and function of the white matter tracts in language production and comprehension. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

 

Mª Emma Mayo Pais | Evolutionary and educational psychology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Dr.Mª Emma Mayo Pais | Evolutionary and educational psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dra. | Universidad de Santiago de Compostela | Spain

María Emma Mayo Pais is currently an Assistant Professor in Developmental and Educational Psychology at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Her research focuses on family dynamics and educational psychology, particularly in the context of visual impairment.

Profile

Scopus 

Education 📚

María Emma Mayo Pais obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Santiago de Compostela in 2005, graduating with honors (9.0202/10). She completed her Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in 2007 and earned her Ph.D. in 2010, both from the same university, specializing in Psychological Development, Family, Education, and Intervention.

Experience 💼

Since September 2021, María Emma Mayo Pais has been teaching at the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Santiago de Compostela, where she engages in both research and teaching activities in Developmental and Educational Psychology.Research Interest 🧠
Her research interests include the impact of visual impairment on family dynamics, educational inclusion, and psychological well-being in educational settings.

Award 🏆

María Emma Mayo Pais has been recognized for her outstanding contributions with multiple awards, including the prestigious distinction of “CUM LAUDE” for her doctoral thesis on familial reactions to visual impairment.

Publications 📚

María Emma Mayo Pais has authored numerous influential publications:

  • Mayo, M.E., Taboada, E., Real, J.E., Iglesias-Souto, P.M., & Dosil, A. (2009). Parental reactions to the diagnosis of visual disability: feelings and emotions, parental bond, and couple relationships. Revista de Psicología General y Aplicada, 62(4), 349-358. Link [Cited by 150]
  • Mayo, M.E., Real, J.E., Taboada, E.M., Iglesias-Souto, P.M., & Dosil, A. (2012). Analysis of the psychometric properties of the Coping Styles Questionnaire for Stressful Events (CSQ-SE) applied to parents of children with visual disabilities. Anales de Psicología, 28(1), 83-88. Link [Cited by 90]
  • Campos, A., & Mayo, M.E. (2014). A Research Note on Mental Imagery in the Blind in Terms of Reassessment at a 9-Year Interval. Journal of Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 33(4), 359-366. Link [Cited by 60]