Dr. Sofia Morgado | Science Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Sofia Morgado | Science Education | Best Researcher Award

University of Minho, Portugal.

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado is an expert in Science Education, specializing in contextualized learning and problem-based teaching methods. She has contributed significantly to teacher training, curriculum development, and educational research. With a strong academic background and extensive project leadership experience, she plays a crucial role in advancing science and geography education through innovative methodologies.

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Education 🎓

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado holds a PhD in Science Education from the Universidade do Minho, Portugal (2024), where she focused on Teaching for Contextualized Learning of 'Sound and Light'. Her doctoral research aimed to explore innovative teaching approaches that connect scientific concepts with real-world contexts. Prior to her PhD, she completed her MA in Science Education at the same institution in 2013, with a thesis on Problem-Based Learning in Science and Geography Teacher Education, examining how problem-solving methodologies can enhance teacher education programs. She also earned her Degree in Physics and Chemistry Teaching from the Universidade do Minho in 2008, laying a solid foundation in the scientific and educational fields.

Experience 💼

Prof. Sofia Fernandes Morgado currently serves as the Director & Researcher at the Universidade do Minho, where she leads impactful research in science education and pedagogical innovation. In addition to her academic role, she has been working as a Support Specialist for the Quality Education for All Project in Guinea-Bissau since 2022, contributing her expertise to curriculum reform initiatives. From 2016 to 2022, she also held the position of Technical & Scientific Advisor for the Basic Education Curriculum Reform in Guinea-Bissau, where she played a key role in shaping educational policies and improving teacher training. Prof. Morgado's earlier career includes being a Research Fellow on various projects focused on science education and problem-based learning, particularly in enhancing teacher education programs and fostering contextualized learning from 2010 to 2021.

Research Interests 🔬

Science Education & Pedagogy – Enhancing problem-solving and contextual learning

Teacher Training & Curriculum Development – Improving STEM education methodologies

Sustainability in Education – Developing eco-conscious teaching frameworks

Educational Technologies – Integrating digital tools for interactive learning

Awards & Recognitions 🏅

Recognized for Excellence in Science Education Research

Research Fellowships funded by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal

Active member of the Portuguese Association of Science Education (APEduC)

Selected Publications 📚

Teaching for the Contextualised Learning of Science: A Checklist-Based Science Curriculum Analysis
Authors: Morgado, S.; Leite, L.; Dourado, L.
Journal: Journal of Turkish Science Education (2022)
Volume: 19(4), Pages: 1072–1095
Citations: 3

Teacher Education and Popular Culture: Proverbs about the Climate and Weather
Authors: Leite, L.; Dourado, L.; Morgado, S.; Antunes, M.C.
Journal: Journal of Turkish Science Education (2019)
Volume: 16(1),Pages: 1–17
Citations: 6
Teaching Science in the Laboratory: A Study on Portuguese School Science Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Dourado, L.; Leite, L.; Morgado, S.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(December Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 54–65
In-Service Science Teacher Education in Portugal: An Analysis of the Short Courses Available
Authors: Dourado, L.; Leite, L.; Morgado, S.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(November Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 1065–1076
Learning About Safety, Prevention, and Quality of Life Through PBL: Implications for Teacher Education
Authors: Leite, L.; Dourado, L.; Morgado, S.; Vale, M.; Madureira, C.
Journal: Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology (2017)
Volume: 2017(November Special Issue INTE)
Pages: 375–386

 

Dr. Hengameh Karimi | Educational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hengameh Karimi | Educational Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Oxford Business College/University of West London, United Kingdom.

Dr. Hengameh Karimi is a dedicated academic and researcher specializing in educational leadership, school improvement, and digital transformation in higher education. With extensive experience in programme coordination, student support, and academic administration, she has played a crucial role in shaping educational policies and improving institutional practices. Currently serving as a Senior Researcher at Oxford Business College, Dr. Karimi’s work focuses on enhancing leadership effectiveness and educational methodologies to drive academic success.

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Education 🎓

Dr. Hengameh Karimi holds a PhD in Educational Leadership & School Improvement from the University of West London (2018-2024), where her research explores the relationship between educational leadership and school improvement before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in London primary schools. Her doctoral work is supervised by Prof. Maddie Ohl, Dr. Viktoria Magne, and Dr. Manzoorul Abedin.

Prior to her PhD, she earned a PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education from the University of Greenwich (2017-2018), equipping her with advanced teaching methodologies. She also holds an MA in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Westminster (2016-2017), reflecting her expertise in language education. Dr. Karimi completed her BA Hons in English Language (2:1) at Middlesex University (2012-2015), laying the foundation for her academic career. Additionally, she holds A-Levels and GCSEs, including Chemistry, Biology, Geography, and Arabic, from Nizam College and UK-based qualifications (2006).

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Hengameh Karimi has a wealth of experience in academic administration and research, with her current role as a Senior Researcher at Oxford Business College since January 2024. In this position, she conducts in-depth research on educational leadership and student development, focusing on evidence-based strategies to drive academic improvement. Prior to this, Dr. Karimi served as an Academic Programme Coordinator & Lecturer at Oxford Business College (June 2020 – December 2023), where she played a key role in managing undergraduate programme administration, coordinating coursework, and developing student engagement strategies to enhance the overall learning experience.

Her prior academic roles further showcase her expertise in supporting students’ academic success. As an Academic Skills Lecturer at the University of West London (May 2019 – May 2020), Dr. Karimi provided tailored academic support to international students, guiding them in adapting to UK academic standards and improving essential skills such as academic writing and critical thinking. She also worked as an EAP Teaching Fellow at Queen Mary University of London (Aug 2019 – June 2020), focusing on English for Academic Purposes (EAP), where she helped students integrate into the academic environment and achieve success in their studies.

Research Interests 🔬

Educational Leadership & School Improvement 📚

Digital Transformation in Higher Education 💻

AI in Education & Teaching Methodologies 🤖

Faculty Development & Student Engagement 🎓

Workforce Productivity & Leadership Practices 👩‍🏫

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Young Researcher Award for Educational Leadership (2023)

Innovation in Higher Education Research Honor (2024)

Best Paper Award – AI in Higher Education (2024)

Selected Publications 📄

Faculty Development Interventions in Medical Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Journal: Education Sciences
Published: 2025-02-03
Contributors: Hengameh Karimi, Sarwar Khawaja

Post-COVID Educational Leadership: Emerging Models and Styles for a New Era
Journal: International Journal of Innovative Research and Scientific Studies
Published: 2025-01-31
Contributors: Hengameh Karimi, Sarwar Khawaja

Exploring Factors Influencing Work Productivity: A Qualitative Case Study of Employee Motivation and Leadership Practices
Journal: Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology
Published: 2024
Contributors: Khawaja, S.; Karimi, H.

Post-COVID Educational Leadership: Emerging Models and Styles for a New Era
Platform: Research Square
Published: 2024
Contributors: Khawaja, S.; Karimi, H.

Exploring the Relationship Between Educational Leadership and School Improvement
Platform: ScienceOpen Posters
Published: 2024-01
Contributors: Hengameh Karimi

 

 

 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Riccardo Sacco | Mathematical Modeling in Medicine | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Riccardo Sacco | Mathematical Modeling in Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital New York, United States.

Riccardo Sacco is an Italian mathematician and engineer based in New York, USA. He is currently an Associate Scientist at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, with over two decades of expertise in numerical analysis, computational modeling, and applied mathematics. Riccardo has published extensively, mentoring numerous students and contributing significantly to research in ophthalmology and engineering applications.

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🎓 Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Riccardo Sacco is a distinguished academic and researcher with expertise in electronic engineering and applied mathematics. Holding a combined B.Sc./M.Sc. in Electronic Engineering from Politecnico di Milano (1989) and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Università degli Studi di Milano (1993), he has significantly contributed to the field through innovative research and teaching. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Sacco pursued post-doctoral fellowships at CNR and Università degli Studi di Milano (1993–1995), further advancing his knowledge in applied mathematics. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor, sharing his expertise and fostering the next generation of engineers and mathematicians.

💼 Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Riccardo Sacco has built a remarkable academic and professional career, blending teaching, research, and global collaboration. Since 2024, he has served as an Associate Scientist at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, USA, where he contributes to groundbreaking research in applied mathematics and computational methods. Prior to this role, he spent over two decades at Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi), serving as an Associate Professor of Numerical Analysis from 2001 to 2024, and earlier as an Assistant Professor in Numerical Analysis from 1995 to 2001.

Dr. Sacco’s academic journey is enriched by several international appointments as a Visiting Scientist, including at AT&T Bell Labs (1990), Georgia Tech (2003), Université de Strasbourg (2015), and North Carolina State University (2018). These experiences reflect his commitment to advancing numerical analysis and fostering global scientific collaboration.

🔬 Research Interests

Numerical Analysis and Computational Modeling: Application in engineering, medicine, and electronics

Ophthalmology: Modeling aqueous humor dynamics and intraocular pressure

Multi-physics and Multi-scale Problems: Nano-bio-electronics and semiconductor modeling

🏆 Awards and Honors

2010: Co-author of the Most Downloaded Article in Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

2001: Featured in Who’s Who in the World, 18th Edition

📚 Selected Publications

Reduced-Order Model for Cell Volume Homeostasis: Application to Aqueous Humor Production
Mathematical and Computational Applications
2025-01-24 | Journal Article
Contributors: Riccardo Sacco, Greta Chiaravalli, Giovanna Guidoboni, Anita Layton, Gal Antman, Keren Wood Shalem, Alice Verticchio, Brent Siesky, Alon Harris

Reduced-Order Model for Cell Volume Homeostasis: Application to Aqueous Humor Production
Preprint
2024-12-19
Contributors: Riccardo Sacco, Greta Chiaravalli, Giovanna Guidoboni, Anita Layton, Gal Antman, Keren Wood Shalem, Alice Verticchio, Brent Siesky, Alon Harris

The Role of Conventional and Unconventional Adaptive Routes in Lowering Intraocular Pressure: Theoretical Model and Simulation
Physics of Fluids
2023-06-01 | Journal Article
Contributors: Riccardo Sacco, Greta Chiaravalli, Gal Antman, Giovanna Guidoboni, Alice Verticchio, Brent Siesky, Alon Harris

Nanoparticle-Based Retinal Prostheses: The Effect of Shape and Size on Neuronal Coupling
Photonics
2022-09-29 | Journal Article
Contributors: Greta Chiaravalli, Guglielmo Lanzani, Riccardo Sacco

Corrections to “Cardiovascular Function and Ballistocardiogram: A Relationship Interpreted via Mathematical Modeling”
IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering
2020-10 | Journal Article
Contributors: Giovanna Guidoboni, Lorenzo Sala, Moein Enayati, Riccardo Sacco, Marcela Szopos, James M. Keller, Mihail Popescu, Laurel Despins, Virginia H. Huxley, Marjorie Skubic