Mohan Kumar Sharma | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Mohan Kumar Sharma | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award 

Researcher | Tibhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal | Nepal

Research for Best Researcher Award

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Research Experience:
    • Mohan Kumar Sharma, PhD, exhibits a robust and diverse research background. His roles as Senior Researcher at Think Data Solution and previous positions as Research Officer, Research Manager, and Consultant underscore his depth of experience in leading and managing research projects across various sectors.
  2. Notable Publications and Citations:
    • Sharma’s publication record is impressive, with articles in high-impact journals such as the International Journal of Qualitative Methods and Health Science Reports. His work on the effects of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities on health and educational outcomes demonstrates significant contributions to his field. The quality and quantity of his publications reflect his scholarly impact.
  3. Leadership and Project Management:
    • His leadership in complex research projects, such as the evaluations funded by USAID and other organizations, showcases his ability to manage and execute large-scale studies effectively. His responsibilities include proposal writing, data analysis, and stakeholder coordination, highlighting his comprehensive project management skills.
  4. Strong Academic Background:
    • Sharma’s academic credentials, including a PhD in Health Education and advanced degrees in Education and Development Studies, provide a solid foundation for his research expertise. His education aligns well with his research interests and contributions.
  5. Ethical and Methodological Rigor:
    • His commitment to ethical standards in research and adherence to quality control mechanisms in data collection and analysis demonstrate his dedication to producing reliable and valid research outcomes.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Focus:
    • While Sharma has made significant contributions to WASH and health education, diversifying his research focus could enhance his impact in other areas of public health or education. Expanding his scope might open up new opportunities for interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
  2. International Collaboration:
    • Increasing collaboration with international research institutions and researchers could further enrich his work. Such partnerships might provide additional perspectives, resources, and expertise, enhancing the global relevance of his research.
  3. Public Engagement and Outreach:
    • While his research is well-documented, greater emphasis on public engagement and translating research findings into practical applications could increase the societal impact of his work. Developing strategies for broader dissemination and outreach might help in achieving this goal.
  4. Funding and Grant Acquisition:
    • Strengthening efforts in securing research funding and grants from diverse sources could support more extensive and varied research projects. This could involve applying for larger grants or exploring new funding opportunities.

Short Biography

Dr. Mohan Kumar Sharma is a distinguished researcher specializing in health education and sanitation. With a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Education from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, he has dedicated his career to improving health and educational outcomes through rigorous research. His work spans various aspects of health education, including the impact of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities on student health and academic performance. Dr. Sharma currently serves as a Senior Researcher at Think Data Solution, where he continues to contribute significantly to the field of research.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Sharma completed his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Education from Tribhuvan University in 2023, focusing on the effects of WASH facilities on school students in Nepal. He earned his Master of Philosophy (M-Phil) in Development Studies in 2016 and a Master’s Degree (M.Ed.) in Health Education in 2010, both from Tribhuvan University. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree (B.Ed.) in Health and Physical Education in 2008.

Experience

Dr. Sharma has extensive experience in research and academia. He has worked as a Senior Researcher at Think Data Solution since July 2024. Prior to this, he was a Research Officer at New ERA and a Research Manager at CHRESS, Nepal. His roles have included leading and managing various research projects, conducting data analysis, and ensuring the quality of research outputs. His experience also includes consultancy and field assessments in health and education.

Research Interests

Dr. Sharma’s research interests are primarily centered on health education, WASH facilities, and their impact on educational outcomes. He focuses on improving health and sanitation conditions in schools to enhance student health and academic achievement. His work also encompasses qualitative and quantitative research methods, including the development of new metrics for women’s empowerment and evaluations of health interventions.

Awards

Dr. Sharma has been recognized for his contributions to research, including his work on the effects of WASH facilities on school students. His role as a PhD Young Fellow at Tribhuvan University and various accolades from funding agencies underscore his significant contributions to the field.

Publications

Sharma M. K., Khanal S. P., & Van Tejilingen, E. (2024). Most Significant Change Approach: A Guide to Assess the Programmatic Effects. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. Sage Journals (Q1), Volume 23. Link

Sharma M. K., Adhikari R., Khanal S. P., Acharya D., & Van Tejilingen, E. (2024). Do school Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene facilities affect students’ health status, attendance, and educational achievements? A qualitative study in Nepal. Health Science Reports. Wiley (Q2), 7. Link

Sharma M. K., Pant, I., Khanal, S. P. & Aryal B. (2024). Handwashing practices among secondary level students: A case from community schools in Bardiya district Nepal. Education Development, 33(1), 29-38. Link

Sharma M. K., Adhikari R., Van Tejilingen, E., Devkota B., & Khanal S. P. (2024). Improved Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Facilities at School and their Effects on Educational Achievement in Basic Level Students in Nepal. International Journal of Health Promotion and Education. Routledge Taylor & Francis Group (Q3), 00(00), 1-12. Link

Acharya D., Adhikari R., Sharma M. K., & Sharma S (2024). Factors Associated with Household Headship in Nepal. Does Policy Matter in Female Household Headship? Shikshya Sandesh, Volume 6 (13): 99-111. Link

Khanal S. P., Van Teijlingen E, Sharma M. K., & Acharya J. (2023). Risk Perception and Protective Health Measure Regarding COVID-19 among Nepali Labour Migrants’ Returnee from India. KMC Journal, Volume 6 (1): 313-330. Link

Khanal S. P., Budhathoki C. B., Okan O., Van Teijlingen, E., Sharma M. K., Acharya J. & Wood C. (2023). Systematic Review of Health Literacy and Health Promotion in School-Aged Adolescents. Journal of Education and Community Health, 10 (1): 49-57. Link

Sharma M. K., Khanal S. P. & Adhikari R. (2022). School Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene: A Systematic Review of an Effect on Health, Regularity in Attendance, and Educational Achievements. Scholars’ Journal, Volume 5. Link

Sharma M. K., Khanal S. P., Acharya J., Adhikari R. & Budhathoki C. B. (2022). COVID-19: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among the Scholarly Cohorts of Nepal. Public Health Research, Volume 20, Issues-2. Link

Sharma M. K. & Adhikari R. (2022). Effect of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene on the School Absenteeism of Basic Level Students in Government School Nepal. Frontiers in Education Educational Psychology (Q2). Link

Conclusion:

Mohan Kumar Sharma, PhD, is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive research experience, impactful publications, and strong leadership skills in managing large-scale projects underscore his qualifications. His work, particularly in health education and WASH, has made notable contributions to these fields. Addressing areas for improvement, such as broadening research focus and enhancing public engagement, could further amplify his impact. Overall, Sharma’s achievements and dedication to research make him a commendable nominee for this prestigious award.

Anita Raj | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Prof. Anita Raj | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor and Executive Director at Tulane University and UC San Diego, United States

Dr. Anita Raj is an accomplished researcher with a wealth of expertise in epidemiology, qualitative assessment, and social and behavioral research methodologies. Her extensive academic background includes significant contributions to understanding the intersections of gender, social vulnerabilities, and health outcomes across various global contexts. Through her research, she explores complex issues such as reproductive health, gender inequities, and the impacts of social factors on health disparities. Dr. Raj is particularly noted for her adeptness in designing and implementing rigorous research studies that incorporate diverse methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also informs evidence-based interventions aimed at improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, including minorities and those affected by substance abuse. Dr. Raj’s commitment to applying research findings to policy and practice underscores her dedication to promoting health equity and social justice on a global scale.

Professional Profiles

Education

Anita Raj holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology from Mississippi College, completed in 1991. She pursued further education at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, where she earned a Master of Science (MS) in Psychology in 1995. She continued her academic journey at the same institution, completing her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology in 1996.

Professional Experience

Anita Raj, PhD, holds a prominent position in academia and public health, serving as Executive Director of the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University and the Nancy Reeves Dreux Endowed Professor at the Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine since 2023. She has been a Professor in Education Studies within the Division of Social Sciences at the University of California, San Diego, where she also holds the Tata Chancellor Endowed Chair of Society and Health. With a tenure since 2017, Raj has played a pivotal role as the Founding Director of the Center on Gender Equity and Health at UCSD, underscoring her dedication to addressing gender disparities in health globally. Her career spans significant appointments at Boston University, including professorships in Medicine and Public Health, and various leadership roles in global health and gender equity initiatives. Raj’s extensive expertise encompasses research, teaching, and advocacy, focusing on reproductive, maternal, and child health, gender inequities, and social interventions for vulnerable populations.

Research Interest

Anita Raj, PhD, focuses her research on epidemiological and qualitative assessments of gendered, social, and cultural vulnerabilities affecting reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health globally. Her work delves into the etiology and public health impact of gender inequities, including early and child marriage, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and son preference. Raj is committed to developing and evaluating social and behavioral interventions tailored to socially vulnerable groups such as minorities, substance users, and youth. She applies social and behavioral theories to measurement and evaluation research in cross-national settings, advocating for gender data and its translation into policy. Raj also investigates gender parity in academia and leadership within public health and medicine, aiming to enhance gender equity and quality of care through her scholarly endeavors.

Award and Honors

Dr. Anita Raj, a distinguished scholar with a PhD, has received numerous awards and honors for her pioneering contributions to public health and gender equity. Her accolades include the Outstanding Researcher Award from the Society for Research on Adolescence in 2023 and being elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2022. She was recognized for her exceptional work with the National Academy of Medicine in 2021 and received the Excellence in Global Health Award from the American Public Health Association in 2020. Dr. Raj’s career achievements also encompass being honored as a Distinguished Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science in 2019 and receiving the Outstanding Achievement in Public Health award from the American Public Health Association in 2018. Her dedication to mentoring earned her the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring at the University of California, San Diego in 2016, and she was presented with the Global Leadership Award by the Center for Gender Equity and Health in 2015. These accolades reflect Dr. Raj’s profound impact on advancing gender equity and improving health outcomes on a global scale.

Research Skills

Dr. Anita Raj possesses a robust set of research skills honed through her extensive academic and professional journey. Her expertise spans epidemiology, qualitative assessment, and social and behavioral research methodologies. She excels in designing and implementing complex research studies across diverse national settings, focusing on reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health. Dr. Raj adeptly applies social and behavioral theories to measure and evaluate interventions, emphasizing gender equity and quality of care. Her proficiency extends to data analysis, including advanced statistical methods, and she has a keen ability to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations. With a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Raj’s research skills are instrumental in addressing critical public health challenges and advocating for marginalized populations globally.

Publications

  1. Gender, power, and health: Modifiable factors and opportunities for intervention
    • Authors: Raj, A., Barr, E., Griffith, D.M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Social Science and Medicine, 351, 116959
  2. The EMERGE framework to measure empowerment for health and development
    • Authors: Raj, A., Dey, A., Rao, N., Fotso, J.C., Lundgren, R.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Social Science and Medicine, 351, 116879
    • Citations: 1
  3. Examining the association between men’s gender equitable attitudes and contraceptive outcomes in rural Maharashtra, India
    • Authors: Ghule, M., Dixit, A., Johns, N.E., Saggurti, N., Raj, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Dialogues in Health, 4, 100168
  4. Assessing the impact of CHARM2, a family planning program on gender attitudes, intimate partner violence, reproductive coercion, and marital quality in India
    • Authors: Chatterji, S., Johns, N.E., Ghule, M., Battala, M., Raj, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: PLOS Global Public Health, 4(5), e0003220
  5. Climate and Gender: Association between Droughts and Intimate Partner Violence in India
    • Authors: Dehingia, N., McDougal, L., Silverman, J.G., Singh, A., Raj, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: American Journal of Epidemiology, 193(4), pp. 636–645
  6. “Nobody has written the book about what non-binary people should put forward in relationships”: Exploring gender equity in relationships of queer, trans, and non-monogamous young women and non-binary youth in British Columbia, Canada
    • Authors: Closson, K., Lee, G.Y., Osborne, Z., Leonce, I., Kaida, A., Raj, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Social Science and Medicine, 347, 116759
  7. Spousal Concordance in Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Its Association With Physical IPV Against Women: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Young Married Couples in Rural India
    • Authors: Begum, S., Battala, M., Chalmiers, M.A., Averbach, S., Raj, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Partner Abuse, 15(1), pp. 58–72
  8. Preliminary Validation of Two Brief Measures of Masculine and Feminine Honor Endorsement
    • Authors: Bock, J.E., Brown, R.P., Pomerantz, A.L., Raj, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Personality Assessment, 106(4), pp. 522–531
  9. Relationship impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions on young women and men in Durban and Soweto, South Africa
    • Authors: Closson, K., Zharima, C., Kuchena, T.M., Beksinska, M., Kaida, A., Raj, A.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Culture, Health and Sexuality, 26(6), pp. 734–746
    • Citations: 1
  10. Is intimate partner violence declining in low-income and middle-income countries?
    • Authors: Raj, A.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: The Lancet Global Health, 11(12), pp. e1828–e1829