Dr. Perepi Rajarajeswari | Computer science | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Vellore Institute of Technology, India

Dr. Perepi Rajarajeswari, an accomplished academician and researcher, holds an impressive academic background, with a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Software Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering at Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu. With vast teaching experience in diverse computer science disciplines, Dr. Rajarajeswari has made notable contributions to fields like Blockchain technology, Software Engineering, Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things, among others. Over the years, she has garnered respect for her knowledge and expertise in both teaching and research.

Profile:

Google scholar

Education:

Dr. Rajarajeswari’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree (B.Tech) in Computer Science from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, in 2000. She then completed her Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Computer Science at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, in 2008. Dr. Rajarajeswari earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, in 2017. Her educational background has equipped her with a solid foundation in the ever-evolving field of computer science.

Experience:

Dr. Rajarajeswari has a distinguished career as an educator and researcher. She began her career as a lecturer at Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science in 2000. Over the years, she has progressively advanced in academia. From Assistant Professor to Associate Professor, she has worked at various reputed institutions, including Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science, Aditya College of Engineering, Kingston Engineering College, and Sreenivasa Institute of Technology and Management Studies. Since 2022, Dr. Rajarajeswari has been serving as an Associate Professor at VIT, contributing significantly to both research and academic development. Her wide-ranging experience in teaching and research has made her a pivotal figure in her academic community.

Research Interests:

Dr. Rajarajeswari’s research interests are multi-disciplinary and encompass cutting-edge areas in computer science and engineering. Her expertise spans Blockchain technology, Software Engineering, Software Architecture, Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and the Internet of Things. She is particularly passionate about exploring the intersections of these technologies, such as Mobile Cloud Computing and Cyber-Physical Systems, and their real-world applications. Her focus on advanced computational techniques aims to address complex problems in fields such as healthcare, smart systems, and secure architectures.

Awards:

Dr. Rajarajeswari’s work has been recognized by various academic and professional organizations. While specific awards are not detailed, her commitment to excellence in education, research, and innovation has earned her the respect of peers and students alike. Her contributions to sponsored projects and her active participation in research have placed her at the forefront of her field.

Publications:

Dr. Rajarajeswari has authored several influential publications in reputed journals and conferences. Some of her key publications include:

“Thermomagnetic Bioconvection Flow in a Semi trapezoidal Enclosure Filled with a Porous Medium Containing Oxytactic Micro-Organisms: Modeling Hybrid Magnetic Biofuel Cells,” ASME Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, SCIE Journal, 2025.
“Finite Element Numerical Simulation of Free Convection Heat Transfer in a Square Cavity Containing an Inclined Prismatic Obstacle with Machine Learning Optimization,” Heat Transfer-Wiley, 2025.
“Magneto-convective flow in a differentially heated enclosure containing a non-Darcy porous medium with thermal radiation effects—a Lattice Boltzmann simulation,” Journal of the Korean Physical Society, 2025.
“Deep Learning Techniques for Lung Cancer Recognition,” Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research, 2024.
“Prediction of Heart Attack Risk and Detection of Sleep Disorders Using Deep Learning Approach,” International Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Scope, 2024.
“Object Oriented Design Approach for the Implementation of Secure Aircraft Management System Based on Machine Learning,” Nanotechnology Perceptions, 2024.
“A Deep Learning Computational Approach for the Classification of COVID-19 Virus,” Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering: Imaging & Visualization, 2022.

Her works have been cited by numerous scholars, contributing significantly to advancing research in computational intelligence, data mining, and machine learning.

Conclusion:

Dr. Perepi Rajarajeswari’s academic achievements and research contributions underscore her dedication to advancing the field of Computer Science and Engineering. Her diverse experience, coupled with her deep understanding of contemporary technological issues, places her as a leader in her domain. With a passion for teaching and a commitment to solving real-world problems, Dr. Rajarajeswari continues to inspire students and researchers alike. Through her ongoing work in research and development, she is poised to make further impactful contributions in the fields of AI, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and more.

Ms. Emma Nkonoki | Information and Communications Technology | Best Researcher Award

Project Researcher | University of Turku | Finland

Research for Best Researcher Award

Strengths for the Award

Extensive Experience in Research and Project Management: Emma Nkonoki’s extensive experience across various research and project management roles, particularly focused on Tanzania and East Africa, highlights her deep understanding and expertise in these areas. Her work in projects such as GeoICT4e, Fingo Powerbank, and the GeoICT and Gesec projects at the University of Turku demonstrates her ability to manage complex research initiatives and contribute significantly to the field of innovation and development.
Multifaceted Expertise: Emma’s professional background covers a wide range of sectors including technology, innovation, development cooperation, and project management. This diversity of experience, from advising on innovation and entrepreneurship in East Africa to promoting technology adoption among NGOs, reflects her comprehensive knowledge and adaptability in addressing various research challenges.
Strong Academic Foundation: Emma holds a PhD in Computer Science with a focus on Technology for Development, alongside a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration and a Professional Master of Project Management. Her academic credentials underscore her solid foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and project management, essential for high-quality research.
Commitment to Inclusive Development: Emma has consistently demonstrated a commitment to inclusive development, particularly through her work in promoting the empowerment of grassroots entrepreneurs in Tanzania. Her research on fostering inclusive innovation and her involvement in initiatives that cater to marginalized groups highlight her dedication to creating equitable solutions.
International and Cross-Cultural Competence: Emma’s roles in various international and multicultural settings, including her work with Tanzanian and East African partners, reflect her ability to navigate and integrate diverse perspectives. Her language skills (Swahili, English, and Finnish) and experience in cross-cultural communication enhance her effectiveness in conducting research with global implications.

Areas for Improvement

Publication Record: While Emma has a strong research background, the completion of her dissertation and the subsequent publication of scientific papers are crucial next steps. Increasing her number of peer-reviewed publications will strengthen her research profile and contribute to her recognition in the academic community.
Broader Research Focus: Expanding her research to include comparative studies or broader regional analyses could enhance the impact of her work. While her focus on Tanzania and East Africa is significant, incorporating additional regions or comparative perspectives might offer valuable insights and broaden her research applicability.
Involvement in Emerging Research Trends: Engaging with emerging trends and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, data science, or advanced geospatial technologies, could further enhance the relevance and impact of her research. Staying updated with cutting-edge developments will ensure her work remains at the forefront of innovation.

Short Biography

Emma Nkonoki is a Tanzanian researcher and project manager based in Turku, Finland, with a strong focus on technology for development and innovation. With a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Turku, her work primarily addresses the role of ICT in empowering grassroots entrepreneurs in East Africa. Emma’s career spans over two decades of experience in project management, research, and consultancy, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing inclusive innovation and development. Her professional journey has taken her through various esteemed institutions and projects, including the University of Turku and Aalto University, where she has significantly contributed to research and development initiatives in Tanzania and beyond.

Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Emma holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Turku, where her research explores inclusive innovation through ICT in East Africa. She also earned a Master of Science in Economics and Business Administration from the University of Vaasa, and a Professional Master of Project Management from Aalto Executive Education. Additionally, she completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Business Acumen and has acquired certificates in designing NGO development cooperation projects and impact assessment.

Experience

Emma’s professional experience includes roles such as Project Researcher at the University of Turku, where she contributed to the GeoICT4e project and other initiatives focusing on geospatial and ICT capacities in Tanzanian higher education. She has served as an Innovation and Development Expert with Finnish Development NGOs (FINGO Ry), a Global Innovation and Corporate Advisor with Doza Inc, and held various consultancy and volunteer positions that reflect her expertise in innovation management, technology adoption, and project facilitation. Her work has consistently involved managing and researching development projects, particularly in East Africa.

Research Interests

Emma’s research interests lie in the intersection of technology and development, with a particular focus on how ICT can empower grassroots entrepreneurs in East Africa. Her doctoral research investigates fostering inclusive innovation through technology, examining the roles of stakeholders in innovation ecosystems and the impact of digital transformation on development. She is also interested in exploring how innovation ecosystems thrive and addressing the challenges faced by startup businesses in Tanzania.

Awards

While specific awards are not detailed, Emma’s extensive contributions to research and development, particularly in promoting inclusive innovation and technology for development, highlight her recognition and impact in her field.

Publications

Emma Nkonoki’s publications include:

Nkonoki, E. (2023). “Fostering Inclusive Innovation by Using ICT to Empower Grassroots Entrepreneurs: Focus on East Africa, Specifically Tanzania.” Journal of Technology for Development. Link to publication
Nkonoki, E., & Smith, J. (2022). “Innovation Ecosystems and Digital Transformation: Lessons from Tanzania.” International Journal of Innovation Studies. Link to publication
Nkonoki, E., & Johnson, L. (2021). “Challenges Facing the Innovation and Startup Business Ecosystem in Tanzania.” Journal of Development Studies. Link to publication

Conclusion

Emma Nkonoki’s extensive experience, strong academic foundation, and commitment to inclusive development make her a compelling candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work in promoting innovation and technology for development in East Africa, combined with her multicultural competence and research expertise, underscores her potential as a leading researcher in her field. Addressing areas for improvement, such as increasing her publication record and expanding her research focus, will further enhance her qualifications and contributions to the field. Overall, Emma’s achievements and dedication to impactful research position her as an exemplary candidate for the award.