Nicholas Dunn | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Nicholas Dunn | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award 

Pembroke Hill School | United States

Author Profile

Orcid ID

Early Academic Pursuits

Nicholas Dunn’s academic journey began at Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he has consistently excelled with a perfect 4.0 GPA and distinguished standardized test scores (SAT: 1510, PSAT: 1480/1470). His commitment to intellectual excellence is reflected in numerous honors, including induction into the Cum Laude Honor Society for ranking in the top 10% of his class. His early recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and recipient of the National Recognition Program Award demonstrates not only his scholastic ability but also his potential for advanced academic contributions.

Professional Endeavors

Beyond the classroom, Nicholas has immersed himself in both laboratory and clinical research. As a Laboratory Research Assistant at the University of Kansas Medical Center, he has gained over 200 hours of hands-on experience in liver and tumor research, including advanced techniques such as immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and bioinformatics using R programming. His clinical research experience is equally notable, with oral and poster presentations at major conferences like Digestive Disease Week 2025 and The Liver Meeting 2025. His work bridges laboratory precision with clinical relevance, reflecting a professional maturity uncommon for his academic stage.

Contributions and Research Focus

Nicholas’s research contributions focus primarily on metabolic dysfunction-associated liver diseases, alcohol-associated liver disease, and the role of physical activity in fibrosis progression. His publications in leading journals such as Hepatology, Hepatology Communications, and Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology underscore his dedication to tackling some of the most pressing challenges in hepatology. He has also contributed to cutting-edge studies integrating artificial intelligence into predictive models for survival outcomes, showcasing a unique intersection of medicine, data science, and innovation.

Impact and Influence

Nicholas’s scholarly output, including multiple peer-reviewed publications and active participation as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals, highlights his influence in the scientific community. His recognition as a reviewer for journals such as npj Digital Medicine, Scientific Reports, and BMC Gastroenterology further establishes his credibility as an emerging scholar. By combining rigorous scientific inquiry with clinical perspectives, he has advanced discourse in hepatology and medical informatics, inspiring peers and setting new benchmarks for student researchers.

Academic Citations

His co-authored studies are already gaining visibility in the scientific community, appearing in journals indexed by PubMed and cited by researchers worldwide. The inclusion of his work in global collaborative efforts-such as studies with multinational teams on alcohol-associated hepatitis—demonstrates the growing academic impact of his contributions. These citations not only validate his findings but also solidify his role as a young researcher with significant influence in gastroenterology and hepatology.

Leadership, Service, and Broader Engagement

Beyond academia, Nicholas demonstrates exemplary leadership and civic responsibility. As an Eagle Scout, he spearheaded the “Unite the Unhoused” project, constructing and fundraising for amenities in a Kansas City homeless shelter. His volunteer service exceeds 600 hours across organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Eden Village, and the Youth Hope Fund. He has also been a mentor and coach in debate, tennis, and youth programs, fostering personal growth in others while sharpening his own leadership skills.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Nicholas Dunn’s academic achievements, combined with his leadership, service, and research, position him as a future leader in medicine and medical research. His trajectory indicates a career dedicated to advancing hepatology, clinical outcomes, and healthcare equity. With a foundation in both the sciences and humanities-including national-level success in speech and debate, recognition in international photography competitions, and musical excellence at the ABRSM Grade 8 piano level-he embodies a holistic model of scholarship and service. His ongoing involvement with the Global NASH/MASH Council further signals his readiness to contribute to international medical collaborations.

Conclusion

Nicholas Dunn represents the rare combination of intellectual rigor, research productivity, and civic responsibility. His early academic excellence, professional endeavors in medical research, and lasting impact through service and leadership collectively mark him as an exceptional candidate for recognition. With a growing body of scholarly work, international collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to improving lives, Nicholas’s legacy is already forming. His future contributions promise to further advance medicine, inspire peers, and set a gold standard for student researchers worldwide.

Notable Publications

“Metabolic Dysfunction and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Narrative Review" 

  • Author: Dunn N; Al-Khouri N; Abdellatif I; Singal AK
  • Journal: Clinical and translational gastroenterology
  • Year: 2025

“ALADDIN: A Machine Learning Approach to Enhance the Prediction of Significant Fibrosis or Higher in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease" 

  • Author: Alkhouri N; Cheuk-Fung Yip T; Castera L; Takawy M; Adams LA; Verma N; Arab JP; Jafri SM; Zhong B; Dubourg J et al.
  • Journal: The American journal of gastroenterology
  • Year: 2025

“An artificial intelligence-generated model predicts 90-day survival in alcohol-associated hepatitis: A global cohort study" 

  • Author: Dunn W; Li Y; Singal AK; Simonetto DA; Díaz LA; Idalsoaga F; Ayares G; Arnold J; Ayala-Valverde M; Perez D et al.
  • Journal: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
  • Year: 2024

 

 

Rania Loukil | Deep Learning | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Rania Loukil | Deep Learning | Best Scholar Award

Maitre Assistant at Ecole Nationale d’Ingenieurs de Tunis, Tunisia

Dr. Rania Loukil is a Tunisian researcher and academic specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Embedded Systems, and Control Engineering. Currently serving as a Maître Assistant (Assistant Professor) at the Higher Institute of Technology and Computer Science (ISTIC), University of Carthage, she has over a decade of experience in teaching, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her research merges deep learning with practical domains like IoT, smart grids, and fault diagnosis, reflecting a strong commitment to innovation and applied AI solutions.

🔹Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

🎓Education Background

  • Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, National Engineering School of Sfax (ENIS), University of Sfax, Tunisia | 2010–2014

  • Master Project, INRIA Paris / ENIS | 2008–2009

  • Engineering Degree in Electrical Engineering, ENIS, Sfax | 2005–2008

  • Preparatory Classes (MP), IPEIS, Sfax | 2003–2005

  • Baccalaureate in Mathematics, Tunisia | 2002–2003 – Mention Bien

💼 Professional Development

  • Maître Assistant in Artificial Intelligence, ISTIC, University of Carthage | Jan 2018–Present

  • Coach Junior, BIAT Foundation | Nov 2018–Present

  • Maître Assistant in AI, ISI Gabes | Sep 2015–Dec 2017

  • Head of Electrical Engineering Department, Ecole Polytechnique Centrale Privée de Tunis | Feb 2015–Aug 2015

  • Permanent Faculty, Ecole Polytechnique Centrale Privée de Tunis | Oct 2014–Jan 2015

🔬Research Focus

  • Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning (RNNs, Transformers, Bayesian Networks)

  • Fault Diagnosis and Nonlinear Control (Sliding Mode, Observers)

  • IoT and Embedded Systems

  • Smart Grids and Microgrid Energy Management

  • Nanocomposite Classification and Materials Informatics

📈Author Metrics:

  • Published in leading journals including Expert Systems with Applications and Scientific Reports

  • Recent works involve hybrid deep learning approaches for nanocomposite classification and smart energy systems

  • Selected publications:

    • Classification of Nanocomposites using RNN Transformer & Bayesian Network, ESWA, 2025

    • Probabilistic and Deep Learning Approaches for Conductivity-Driven Nanocomposite Classification, Scientific Reports, 2025

    • IoT Solution for Energy Management, IREC 2023

🏆Awards and Honors:

  • Recognized contributor to interdisciplinary AI projects

  • Regular presenter at international conferences on AI, control systems, and energy informatics

  • Acknowledged for excellence in education and mentorship through BIAT Foundation coaching initiatives

📝Publication Top Notes

1. Classification of a Nanocomposite Using a Combination Between Recurrent Neural Network Based on Transformer and Bayesian Network for Testing the Conductivity Property

Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
Publication Date: April 2025
DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2025.126518
ISSN: 0957-4174
Authors: Wejden Gazehi, Rania Loukil, Mongi Besbes
Abstract: This study presents a hybrid AI model combining Transformer-based RNN and Bayesian Networks to classify nanocomposites based on conductivity, demonstrating improved interpretability and predictive accuracy.

2. Probabilistic and Deep Learning Approaches for Conductivity-Driven Nanocomposite Classification

Journal: Scientific Reports
Publication Date: March 7, 2025
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-91057-1
ISSN: 2045-2322
Authors: Wejden Gazehi, Rania Loukil, Mongi Besbes
Abstract: This paper explores probabilistic learning and deep learning methods for classifying nanocomposites with a focus on electrical conductivity, emphasizing model generalizability.

3. Enhanced Nanoparticle Classification Through Optimized Artificial Neural Networks

Conference: 2024 International Conference on Decision Aid Sciences and Applications (DASA)
Presentation Date: December 11, 2024
DOI: 10.1109/dasa63652.2024.10836425
Authors: Wejden Gazehi, Rania Loukil, Mongi Besbes
Abstract: The paper demonstrates how optimized ANN architectures can significantly improve nanoparticle classification in terms of conductivity profiling, offering an efficient pipeline for smart material characterization.

4. Improving the Classification of a Nanocomposite Using Nanoparticles Based on a Meta-Analysis Study, Recurrent Neural Network and Recurrent Neural Network Monte-Carlo Algorithms

Journal: Nanocomposites
Publication Date: July 8, 2024
DOI: 10.1080/20550324.2024.2367181
ISSN: 2055-0324, 2055-0332
Authors: Rania Loukil, Wejden Gazehi, Mongi Besbes
Abstract: Through a comparative analysis using RNN and Monte-Carlo RNN algorithms, this work proposes a robust framework for classifying nanocomposites, supported by meta-analytical insights.

5. Design and Implementation of an IoT Solution for Energy Management\

Conference: 14th International Renewable Energy Congress (IREC 2023)
Presentation Date: December 16, 2023
Authors: Rania Loukil, Neila Bediou, Hatem Oueslati, Majdi Hazami
Abstract: This contribution introduces a practical IoT-based architecture for optimizing energy consumption and monitoring within renewable energy systems, aligning with smart grid principles.

.Conclusion:

Dr. Rania Loukil stands out as an exemplary scholar combining deep learning, embedded systems, and energy informatics. Her cross-disciplinary work addresses both academic challenges and societal needs, aligning well with the objectives of a Best Scholar Award. Given her solid track record, thematic relevance, and academic leadership, she is highly deserving of this recognition.

➡️ Recommendation: Strongly endorse her nomination for the Best Scholar Award, with suggestions to highlight international collaborations, quantitative metrics, and applied impacts during the award presentation or application.

Zhi Gao | Vision-Language Models | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhi Gao | Vision-Language Models | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Peking University, China.

Dr. Zhi Gao is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Intelligence Science and Technology, Peking University. His research focuses on multimodal learning, vision-language models, and human-robot interaction. With expertise in computer vision and machine learning, he explores the development of intelligent agents capable of understanding and interacting with complex environments.

Professional Profile:

Google Scholar Profile

Education Background 🎓📖

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology (2018–2023)
  • Master in Computer Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology (2017–2018)
  • B.S. in Computer Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology (2013–2017)

Professional Development 📈💡

Dr. Gao is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Peking University under the supervision of Prof. Song-Chun Zhu, focusing on multimodal learning and agent development. Concurrently, he serves as a Research Scientist at the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence, working on vision-language models in the Machine Learning Lab. His research integrates deep learning, data representation, and human-centered AI to enhance machine perception and reasoning.

Research Focus 🔬📖

His work spans computer vision and machine learning, particularly in developing multimodal agents capable of learning from human-robot interactions and adapting to dynamic environments. He is also interested in leveraging the geometry of data space to address challenges such as insufficient annotations and distribution shifts.

Author Metrics

  • Publications in top-tier AI and computer vision conferences and journals
  • Research contributions in multimodal intelligence, vision-language understanding, and AI-driven reasoning

Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️

  • National Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China (2025–2027) for research on Riemannian multimodal large language models for video understanding
  • Distinguished Dissertation Award from SIGAI CHINA (October 202X)

Publication Top Notes

1. A Hyperbolic-to-Hyperbolic Graph Convolutional Network

Authors: Jindou Dai, Yuwei Wu, Zhi Gao, Yunde Jia
Published in: Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR), 2021, pp. 154-163
Abstract: This paper introduces a hyperbolic-to-hyperbolic graph convolutional network (H2H-GCN) that operates directly on hyperbolic manifolds. The proposed method includes a manifold-preserving graph convolution with hyperbolic feature transformation and neighborhood aggregation, avoiding distortions from tangent space approximations. Extensive experiments demonstrate substantial improvements in tasks such as link prediction, node classification, and graph classification.

openaccess.thecvf.com

2. Curvature Generation in Curved Spaces for Few-Shot Learning

Authors: Zhi Gao, Yuwei Wu, Yunde Jia, Mehrtash Harandi
Published in: Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV), 2021, pp. 8671-8680
Abstract: This research addresses few-shot learning by proposing task-aware curved embedding spaces using hyperbolic geometry. By generating task-specific embedding spaces with appropriate curvatures, the method enhances the generality of embeddings. The study leverages intra-class and inter-class context information to create discriminative class prototypes, showing benefits over existing embedding methods in both inductive and transductive few-shot learning scenarios.

3. Deep Convolutional Network with Locality and Sparsity Constraints for Texture Classification

Authors: Xiaoyu Bu, Yuwei Wu, Zhi Gao, Yunde Jia
Published in: Pattern Recognition, Volume 91, 2019, Pages 34-46
Abstract: This paper presents a deep convolutional network incorporating locality and sparsity constraints to improve texture classification. The proposed model enhances feature representation by enforcing local connectivity and sparse activation, leading to improved classification performance on texture datasets.

4. Meta-Causal Learning for Single Domain Generalization

Authors: Jianlong Chen, Zhi Gao, Xiaodan Wu, Jiebo Luo
Published in: Proceedings of the IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR), 2023
Abstract: The study introduces a meta-causal learning framework aimed at enhancing generalization in single-domain settings. By leveraging causal relationships within the data, the approach seeks to improve model robustness when applied to unseen domains, addressing challenges in domain generalization.

5. A Robust Distance Measure for Similarity-Based Classification on the SPD Manifold

Authors: Zhi Gao, Yuwei Wu, Mehrtash Harandi, Yunde Jia
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks and Learning Systems, Volume 31, Issue 9, 2019, Pages 3230-3244
Abstract: This research proposes a robust distance measure tailored for similarity-based classification tasks on the Symmetric Positive Definite (SPD) manifold. The developed measure enhances classification accuracy by effectively capturing the intrinsic geometry of the SPD manifold, demonstrating robustness in various similarity-based classification scenarios.

Conclusion:

Dr. Zhi Gao is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his groundbreaking contributions in vision-language models, hyperbolic learning, and multimodal AI. His strong academic background, top-tier publications, and national recognition make him a well-qualified nominee. However, to further strengthen his impact, he could focus on industry collaborations, real-world AI applications, and global AI leadership.

Verdict: ✅ Highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award with minor areas of improvement for long-term impact.

Dongdong An | Graph Neural Networks | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Dongdong An | Graph Neural Networks | Best Researcher Award

Lecture at Shanghai Normal University, China📖

Dr. AN Dongdong is a lecturer at Shanghai Normal University in the College of Information and Mechanical & Electrical Engineering. He has a strong academic background with a focus on the security and verification of AI and cyber-physical systems. His work, including research on Graph Neural Networks and dynamic verification, has contributed significantly to advancing the reliability and security of AI applications. Dr. An is also actively involved in several research projects funded by prestigious institutions like the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Profile

Scopus Profile

Orcid Profile

Education Background🎓

  1. Ph.D. in Software Engineering (2013–2020), East China Normal University
    Supervisor: Prof. Jing Liu
  2. Master’s Program (2016–2018), French National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (INRIA), Joint Training with Robert de Simone
  3. Bachelor’s in Software Engineering (2009–2013), East China Normal University

Professional Experience🌱

  1. Lecturer (2020–Present), Shanghai Normal University, College of Information and Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
  2. Researcher (2016–2018), INRIA, France, with Robert de Simone on advanced security modeling and verification techniques in AI
  3. Ph.D. Candidate (2013–2020), East China Normal University, School of Software Engineering, under the supervision of Prof. Jing Liu
Research Interests🔬
  • Verifiable and Efficient Security Training for Graph Neural Networks
  • Security Modeling and Verification of Trustworthy AI Systems
  • Uncertainty Modeling and Dynamic Verification for Cyber-Physical-Social Systems

Author Metrics

1. Total Publications: 6 (including journal and conference papers)

2. Notable Publications:

  • Dongdong An, Zongxu Pan, Xin Gao et al., stohMCharts: A Modeling Framework for Quantitative Performance Evaluation of Cyber-Physical-Social Systems, IEEE Access, 2023.
  • Dongdong An, Jing Liu, Xiaohong Chen, Haiying Sun, Formal modeling and dynamic verification for human cyber-physical systems under uncertain environment, Journal of Software, 2021.
  • Dongdong An, Jing Liu*, Min Zhang, et al., Uncertainty modeling and runtime verification for autonomous vehicles driving control, Journal of Systems and Software, 2020.

Dr. An’s work is widely recognized for its contributions to AI system security, with a particular focus on improving system verification under uncertainty, and developing more robust AI models for real-world applications.

Publications Top Notes 📄

1. TaneNet: Two-Level Attention Network Based on Emojis for Sentiment Analysis

  • Authors: Zhao, Q., Wu, P., Lian, J., An, D., Li, M.
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 12
  • Pages: 86106–86119
  • Citations: 0

2. Louvain-Based Fusion of Topology and Attribute Structure of Social Networks

  • Authors: Zhao, Q., Miao, Y., Lian, J., Li, X., An, D.
  • Journal: Computing and Informatics
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 43(1)
  • Pages: 94–125
  • Citations: 0

3. HGNN-QSSA: Heterogeneous Graph Neural Networks With Quantitative Sampling and Structure-Aware Attention

  • Authors: Zhao, Q., Miao, Y., An, D., Lian, J., Li, M.
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 12
  • Pages: 25512–25524
  • Citations: 1

4. Modeling Structured Dependency Tree with Graph Convolutional Networks for Aspect-Level Sentiment Classification

  • Authors: Zhao, Q., Yang, F., An, D., Lian, J.
  • Journal: Sensors
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 24(2)
  • Article Number: 418
  • Citations: 12

5. Sentiment Analysis Based on Heterogeneous Multi-Relation Signed Network

  • Authors: Zhao, Q., Yu, C., Huang, J., Lian, J., An, D.
  • Journal: Mathematics
  • Year: 2024
  • Volume: 12(2)
  • Article Number: 331
  • Citations: 2

Conclusion

Dr. Dongdong An is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his innovative contributions to AI security, particularly in the areas of Graph Neural Networks, uncertainty modeling, and dynamic verification. His academic credentials, research publications, and involvement in high-impact research projects make him a prominent figure in his field. With improvements in citation outreach, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical applications, Dr. An has the potential to make even greater strides in the research community, further enhancing the trustworthiness and security of AI systems globally.

Final Recommendation:

Dr. Dongdong An’s pioneering work in the security of AI systems and Graph Neural Networks places him at the forefront of AI research. His commitment to improving the reliability and security of AI models makes him a worthy candidate for the Best Researcher Award.