Maikel Leon | Artificial Intelligence | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maikel Leon | Artificial Intelligence | Research Excellence Award

University of Miami, United States

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maikel Leon is an accomplished academic and AI specialist with a Ph.D. in Computer Science focused on artificial intelligence applied to transportation from Hasselt University, Belgium, and summa cum laude degrees from the Central University of Las Villas, Cuba. Since 2015, he has been a faculty member at the Department of Business Technology, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, teaching and coordinating a wide range of courses in business analytics, programming, machine learning, databases, and artificial intelligence for business. His academic career spans institutions in the United States and Cuba, reflecting strong international teaching and research experience. Dr. Leon is an active reviewer and program committee member for leading journals and conferences, including IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems and FLAIRS. He has received prestigious honors such as the Best Paper Award at the IEEE ICTAI Conference and the Cuban National Academy of Sciences Award for outstanding research. Beyond academia, he is a frequent media commentator on AI, a certified professional in generative AI and cloud technologies, and a leader in innovative teaching, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration initiatives.

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Citations
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Alaba Ayotunde Fadele | Computer Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Alaba Ayotunde Fadele | Computer Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Alaba Ayotunde Fadele | Federal University of Education | Nigeria

Dr. Alaba Ayotunde Fadele is a distinguished computer scientist and academic leader whose work spans blockchain, cybersecurity, IoT systems, and smart contract security. He is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Instituto de Estudos e Desenvolvemento de Galicia (IDEGA), Madrid, Spain, beginning in 2025. He holds two Ph.D. degrees: a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization in Blockchain from the International University, Bamenda (2020–2023), where his research focused on smart contracts and cyber security, and a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Malaya (2016–2019), specializing in IoT and cyber security. His earlier academic foundations include a Master of Computer Science (2011–2014) from Ahmadu Bello University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (2011–2012) from Usman Danfodio University, and a First Class Honours Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (2004–2008) from Nasarawa State University. Dr. Fadele has held major administrative and academic leadership roles, including Director of the ICT Unit at the Federal University of Education, Zaria (from October 2025), Head of the Department of Computer Science (from June 2025), and Head of the Communications Advancement Unit in the Directorate of University Advancement (2024–2025). He has served as a full-time lecturer at the Federal University of Education, Zaria since 2010, a visiting lecturer at St. Francis of Assisi College of Education since 2021, and previously as a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, as well as a Research Assistant at the University of Malaya. His outstanding contributions have earned him the 2019 JNCA Best Survey Paper Award, Best Presenter Award at the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology Postgraduate Symposium in Malaysia (2017), and recognition as the Best Graduating Student in Computer Science at Nasarawa State University (2007/2008). Dr. Fadele has authored 20 scholarly publications, accumulating 1,253 citations from 1,245 documents, and holds an h-index of 10, reflecting his impactful contributions to cyber security, IoT research, blockchain systems, and advanced computing innovations.

Profiles: Scopus Orcid 

Featured Publications

Alaba, F. A., & Rocha, A. (2025). Conclusions, future directions, and recommendations. In F. A. Alaba & A. Rocha (Eds.), Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Chapter 5). Springer.

Alaba, F. A., & Rocha, A. (2025). Implementation results. In F. A. Alaba & A. Rocha (Eds.), Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Chapter 4). Springer.

Alaba, F. A., & Rocha, A. (2025). Machine learning algorithms on malware detection against smart wearable devices. In F. A. Alaba & A. Rocha (Eds.), Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Chapter 3). Springer.

Alaba, F. A., & Rocha, A. (2025). Security challenges of wearable technology. In F. A. Alaba & A. Rocha (Eds.), Studies in Systems, Decision and Control (Chapter 2). Springer.

Nirmal Varghese Babu | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu | Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | India

Author Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu began his academic journey with a strong inclination toward computer science and technology. He completed his B.Tech in Information Technology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, in 2017 with a CGPA of 8.0. His passion for research and innovation in computing led him to pursue an M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kanjirappally (2017–2019), graduating with an impressive CGPA of 8.72. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, expected to be completed in 2025. His academic excellence was rooted in his formative years at Mathews Mar Athanasius Residential School, Chengannur, where he built a strong foundation in analytical and computational thinking.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Computer Science and Technology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Coimbatore (since July 26, 2022). His professional endeavors include teaching, research, and mentoring in various areas of computer science and Artificial Intelligence. He has delivered lectures on Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques, Cloud Computing for Data Analytics, AI for Games, AI for Food Processing Engineering, AI for Biotechnology, and MLOps. Alongside teaching, he mentors undergraduate students, coordinates final-year projects, and supervises academic research initiatives. His teaching methodology emphasizes experiential learning, guiding students to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world technological applications.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Nirmal’s research contributions revolve around Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and real-time systems. His M.Tech project, Multiclass Sentiment Analysis of Social Media Data using Neural Networks, explored advanced deep learning algorithms like CNN and RNN for classifying sentiment across social media platforms, specifically Twitter. This study integrated text and emoticon data for multiclass classification using one-hot encoding and neural networks. His earlier project, Real-Time Traffic Incident Detection using Social Media Data, demonstrated innovative use of Natural Language Processing to detect and analyze traffic incidents using Twitter data, integrating AI for real-time decision-making. His work exemplifies how Artificial Intelligence can transform data into actionable insights for societal and industrial benefit.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu’s impact as an educator and researcher extends across academia and applied technology. At Karunya Institute, he plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of AI-driven engineers and data scientists. As a mentor and coordinator, he has successfully guided numerous B.Tech projects, fostering innovation in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, MLOps, and machine learning. His pedagogical style emphasizes research-based learning, promoting creative problem-solving and real-world application of AI. Through his leadership in academic project coordination and curriculum development, he has significantly influenced the integration of AI-based methodologies into modern engineering education.

Academic Cites

Dr. Nirmal’s academic contributions are recognized through his published works, research projects, and student-guided studies. His projects on sentiment analysis and traffic incident detection have been well-cited and appreciated within the AI and data analytics community. The relevance of his research is reflected in growing academic references to his work in areas such as neural networks, data mining, and sentiment classification. His scholarly achievements continue to inspire students and researchers pursuing advanced studies in Artificial Intelligence and computational learning.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu aims to expand his research in Artificial Intelligence, focusing on its integration with real-time analytics, smart systems, and cognitive computing. His future contributions are expected to advance the use of AI in multidisciplinary fields such as biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental systems. As an educator, his legacy lies in his ability to inspire and mentor young researchers, promoting a culture of innovation and ethical AI development. His ongoing research and academic leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape the evolution of AI-driven solutions and their transformative potential across industries.

Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu’s expertise in Artificial Intelligence is evident through his teaching, research, and innovation in deep learning, neural networks, and data analytics. His projects and mentorship highlight the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in addressing real-world challenges. The continued advancement of Artificial Intelligence under his guidance promises to create meaningful impact in both academic and applied technological domains.

Featured Publications

Babu, N. V., & Kanaga, E. G. M. (2022). Sentiment analysis in social media data for depression detection using artificial intelligence: A review. SN Computer Science, 3(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-021-00921-2

Babu, D. E. G. M. K. N. V. (2022). Sentiment analysis in social media data for depression detection using artificial intelligence: A review. SN Computer Science, 3, 350.

Babu, N. V., & Rawther, F. A. (2021). Multiclass sentiment analysis in text and emoticons of Twitter data: A review. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Networks and Advances in Computational Technologies (NetACT).

Prince, S. C., & Babu, N. V. (2024). Advancing multiclass emotion recognition with CNN-RNN architecture and illuminating module for real-time precision using facial expressions. Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference on Advances in Modern Age Technologies for Sustainable Development (AMATS).

Babu, N. V., Kanaga, E. G. M., Kattappuram, J. T., & Benny, R. V. (2023). AI-based EEG analysis for depression detection: A critical evaluation of current approaches and future directions. Proceedings of the 2023 International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Sustainable Technologies (CIST).

Babu, D. E. G. M. K. N. V. (2022). Depression analysis using electroencephalography signals and machine learning algorithms. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Intelligent Computing Instrumentation and Control Technologies (ICICICT).

Adityasai, B., & Babu, N. V. (2024). Advancing Alzheimer’s diagnosis through transfer learning with deep MRI analysis. Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference on Advances in Modern Age Technologies for Sustainable Development (AMATS).

Babu, N. V., & Kanaga, E. G. M. (2023). Multiclass text emotion recognition in social media data. In Machine Intelligence Techniques for Data Analysis and Signal Processing (pp. 123–135). Springer.

Rawther, F. A., & Babu, N. V. (2019). User behavior analysis on social media data using sentiment analysis or opinion mining. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 6(6), 3081–3085.

Prof. Dr. Saleh Albahli | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Saleh Albahli | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Qassim University, Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Saleh Albahli is a highly accomplished academic and researcher specializing in Digital Transformation, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence. Currently an Associate Professor and Vice-Dean of Information Technology Deanship at Qassim University, he is known for spearheading transformative digital initiatives, leading enterprise architecture projects, and contributing to cutting-edge research in machine learning and deep learning. His work is globally recognized, ranking him among the top 2% of scientists in AI research worldwide.

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🎓 Education

Dr. Saleh Albahli holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science with distinction from Kent State University, USA (2016), showcasing his expertise in advanced computational methodologies and research excellence. He earned a Master’s degree in Information Technology with distinction from The University of Newcastle, Australia (2010), highlighting his dedication to mastering cutting-edge IT solutions. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from King Saud University, Saudi Arabia (2004), laying a strong foundation for his accomplished career in technology and innovation.

💼 Experience

Dr. Saleh Albahli has built an illustrious career, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of IT at Qassim University since 2020, where he contributes to advancing education and research. Concurrently, he holds dual leadership roles as Vice-Dean of IT Deanship and Director of Enterprise Architecture & Digital Transformation at Qassim University, spearheading transformative initiatives to enhance technological frameworks and drive digital innovation.

Previously, Dr. Albahli gained international experience as a Senior System Analyst at Cleveland Clinic, USA (2015–2016), where he developed cutting-edge systems to optimize healthcare operations. He also served as a Lecturer at Kent State University, USA (2015–2016), imparting knowledge and fostering academic growth. Earlier in his career, he worked as an Oracle Developer and Apps DBA at Riyadh Bank and Integrated Telecom Company in Saudi Arabia (2005–2007), honing his technical expertise in database systems and enterprise applications.

🔬 Research Interests

Digital Transformation and its integration with enterprise architecture

Machine Learning and Deep Learning Pipelines

Big Data Analytics, Data Governance, and Predictive Analytics

Artificial Intelligence Applications in healthcare and business

Process Optimization in technology-driven environments

🏆 Awards & Recognitions

Ranked among the top 2% of scientists globally in AI research (2022)

First Place in Digital Transformation (Qiyas) – Qassim University (2022, 2023)

ISO certifications in 22301, 20000, and 27001 for excellence in IT management

📚 Selected Publications 

Efficient Hyperparameter Tuning for Predicting Student Performance with Bayesian Optimization
Albahli, S.
Multimedia Tools and Applications, 2024, 83(17), pp. 52711–52735.
This study introduces a Bayesian optimization approach to enhance hyperparameter tuning for predictive models in educational datasets, achieving improved accuracy and efficiency. (Citations: 4)

MedNet: Medical Deepfakes Detection Using an Improved Deep Learning Approach
Albahli, S., Nawaz, M.
Multimedia Tools and Applications, 2024, 83(16), pp. 48357–48375.
This paper presents MedNet, a novel deep learning framework tailored to detect medical deepfakes, ensuring the integrity of critical healthcare data. (Citations: 4)

Opinion Mining for Stock Trend Prediction Using Deep Learning
Albahli, S., Nazir, T.
Multimedia Tools and Applications, 2024.
Leveraging deep learning techniques, this research focuses on sentiment analysis to predict stock trends, demonstrating robust performance metrics. (Citations: 0)

An Improved DenseNet Model for Prediction of Stock Market Using Stock Technical Indicators
Albahli, S., Nazir, T., Nawaz, M., Irtaza, A.
Expert Systems with Applications, 2023, 232, 120903.
This work proposes enhancements to DenseNet architectures for stock market predictions based on technical indicators, achieving notable predictive accuracy. (Citations: 10)

A Circular Box-Based Deep Learning Model for the Identification of Signet Ring Cells from Histopathological Images
Albahli, S., Nazir, T.
Bioengineering, 2023, 10(10), 1147.
This open-access study develops a circular box-based deep learning model for the accurate detection of signet ring cells in histopathological images, aiding cancer diagnosis.