Mahdieh Azizian | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mahdieh Azizian | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Kerman University of Medical Sciences | Iran

Dr. Mahdieh Azizian is an accomplished scholar in Applied Mathematics with a Ph.D. in Numerical Analysis from Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, where her doctoral research focused on optimizing dynamical models of tumor control using fuzzy dynamical systems. Building on her earlier M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Applied Mathematics from the same university, she has developed a strong expertise in mathematical modeling, bioinformatics, epidemiology, and cancer research. Over the years, Dr. Azizian has actively contributed as a lecturer and workshop instructor in numerous national and international academic forums, covering topics such as cancer mathematical modeling, numerical methods, data mining, and interdisciplinary applications of mathematics in medical sciences. She has also held key academic and administrative roles, including membership in the Research Council of the School of Medicine and serving as Superintendent of the Statistics Department at Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Recognized for her teaching excellence, she was honored as a Superior Instructor in 2014, in addition to receiving distinctions as a top student during her academic studies. Through her extensive teaching, research, and administrative experiences, Dr. Azizian has established herself as a dedicated educator and researcher at the intersection of mathematics and medical sciences.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

"An interval version of Black–Scholes European option pricing model and its numerical solution"

"Time Series Model for Forecasting the Prevalence of Some Important Parasitic Infections in Slaughtered Sheep in North-Central Iran"

"Estimating the Number of COVID-19 Cases and Impact of New COVID-19 Variants and Vaccination on the Population in Kerman, Iran: A Mathematical Modeling Study"

"A Brief History of Listening Comprehension in Second Language Teaching and Learning"

"An Empirical Study on the Effects of Using Kahoot as a Game-Based Learning Tool on EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Recall and Retention"

Nicholas Dunn | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

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

 

 

Yinyan Liu | Network Visualization | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yinyan Liu | Network Visualization | Best Researcher Award

The University of Sydney | Australia

Author Profiles

Scopus

Orcid ID

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Yinyan Liu demonstrated exceptional academic aptitude from the beginning of her educational journey. She earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Measuring & Controlling Technology and Instrument from North China Electric Power University, receiving multiple scholarships for outstanding performance. She continued her studies with a Master’s in Control Engineering at Tsinghua University, where she ranked among the top 2% of students and was awarded the National Scholarship by China’s Ministry of Education. Dr. Liu further advanced her expertise by completing a Ph.D. in Electrical & Information Engineering at the University of Sydney, supported by the University of Sydney International Scholarship and a Top-up Scholarship, reflecting her strong dedication to research and innovation in engineering.

Professional Endeavors

Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Liu embarked on a distinguished career bridging academia and industry. She has served as a Lecturer at the University of Sydney, overseeing teaching, course coordination, and student supervision, while conducting cutting-edge research on energy transition and sustainability. Her prior roles include a Postdoctoral Research Associate at UNSW, algorithmic engineering in industry settings, and control engineering for power plants, reflecting a rare combination of academic rigor and practical problem-solving expertise. She has also contributed as a course developer and consultant for renewable energy companies, demonstrating her ability to translate research into actionable solutions.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Liu’s research primarily focuses on integrated energy systems, distributed renewable energy, and data-driven technologies for sustainability. Her work spans the development of 100% renewable energy systems, optimization algorithms for energy management, fault detection in photovoltaic systems, and innovative business models for shared energy storage. She has also advanced methods in home energy management systems, peak price forecasting, and non-intrusive load monitoring using statistical, machine learning, and deep learning techniques. Her research blends mathematical modeling, algorithmic optimization, and empirical analysis, positioning her at the forefront of sustainable energy innovation.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Liu’s research has had significant influence both academically and industrially. She has successfully collaborated with industrial partners and universities, translating complex energy challenges into practical solutions that enhance decarbonization and energy efficiency. By co-supervising students, securing grants, and contributing to interdisciplinary courses, she has fostered knowledge transfer and skill development for the next generation of energy researchers. Her work on renewable energy integration and smart energy management has potential to inform policy, improve energy infrastructure, and support sustainable societal development globally.

Academic Citations

While specific citation metrics are not provided in the available data, Dr. Liu’s consistent contributions to high-impact projects and publications in renewable energy, energy optimization, and smart grid technologies reflect a strong academic footprint. Her research in energy system modeling, fault diagnosis, and non-intrusive load monitoring positions her as a recognized contributor in both applied and theoretical domains of electrical and renewable energy engineering.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Liu has established a legacy of combining rigorous academic research with practical, real-world applications in sustainable energy. Her future work promises to further advance renewable energy integration, enhance intelligent energy management systems, and promote decentralized, data-driven solutions to global energy challenges. Her ongoing mentorship of students and collaboration with industry partners ensures that her impact will continue to grow, inspiring future researchers and practitioners in the field.

Conclusion

Dr. Yinyan Liu exemplifies a researcher whose academic excellence, professional expertise, and innovative contributions converge to advance sustainable energy systems. Her blend of theoretical rigor, practical problem-solving, and leadership in collaborative research positions her as a leading figure in her field, with a legacy that promises enduring influence on both academia and industry.

Notable Publications

“A methodological review of cost-effective data-driven fault detection and diagnosis in distributed photovoltaic systems

  • Author: Yinyan Liu; Earl Duran; Anna Bruce; Baran Yildiz; Bernardo Mendonca Severiano; Ibrahim Anwar Ibrahim; Jonathan Rispler; Chris Martell; Fiacre Rougieux
  • Journal: Applied Energy
  • Year: 2025

"Economic feasibility and backup capabilities of solar-battery systems for residential customers

  • Author: Yinyan Liu; Baran Yildiz‏
  • Journal: Energy
  • Year: 2025

"Techno-economic optimization of electric water heater and battery energy storage for residential dwellings with rooftop PV systems

  • Author: Yinyan Liu; Baran Yildiz
  • Journal: Energy and Buildings
  • Year: 2025

"A Flowrate Estimation Method for Gas–Water Two-Phase Flow Based on Multimodal Sensors and Hybrid LSTM-CNN Model

  • Author: Yuxiao Jiang; Yinyan Liu; Baijin Mao; Xing Lu; Yi Li; Lihui Peng‏
  • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement‏
  • Year: 2024

"A Flow Rate Estimation Method for Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Flow Based on Transformer Neural Network

  • Author: Yuxiao Jiang; Hao Wang; Yinyan Liu; Lihui Peng; Yanan Zhang; Bing Chen; Yi Li
  • Journal: IEEE Sensors Journal
  • Year: 2024

 

Nithya Rekha Sivakumar | Deep Learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nithya Rekha Sivakumar | Deep Learning | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia📖

Dr. Nithya Rekha Sivakumar is an accomplished academician and researcher, currently serving as an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Periyar University, India, specializing in Mobile Computing and Wireless Networks with Fuzzy and Rough Set Techniques, funded by a prestigious UGC BSR Fellowship. Dr. Sivakumar also earned her M.Phil. in Data Mining, MCA in Computer Applications, and B.Sc. in Computer Science. With over 15 years of academic experience, she has served in diverse roles across reputed institutions in India and Saudi Arabia. Her research interests include wireless networks, mobile computing, data mining, and intelligent systems, with extensive contributions as a researcher, reviewer, and speaker in international conferences and journals. A recipient of multiple awards, including the “Best Distinguished Researcher Award,” she has secured research grants and actively evaluates Ph.D. theses globally. Dr. Sivakumar is also a member of IEEE and IAENG and continues to contribute to advancements in computing through teaching, research, and scholarly activities.

Profile

Orcid Profile

Google Scholar Profile

Education Background🎓

Dr. Rekha earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Periyar University, India, in 2014, supported by the prestigious UGC BSR Fellowship. Her doctoral research focused on mobile computing and wireless networks with fuzzy and rough set techniques. She also holds an M.Phil. in Computer Science from PRIST University (2009), an MCA from IGNOU (2007), and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from Bharathiar University (1996).

Professional Experience🌱

Dr. Rekha has over 15 years of academic and research experience. She has been with Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University since 2017, progressing from Assistant to Associate Professor. Prior to this, she served as an Assistant Professor at Qassim Private Colleges, Saudi Arabia, and held teaching roles in leading Indian institutions such as Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences and Excel Business School. She has also contributed to non-academic roles, including as a Java Programmer and high school teacher.

Research and Service🔬

Dr. Rekha’s research interests span mobile computing, e-governance, and advanced data mining techniques. She has evaluated over 20 Ph.D. theses as a foreign examiner and served as a reviewer for esteemed journals such as IEEE Access, Springer, and Elsevier. A sought-after speaker, she has been invited to international seminars and conferences across the globe, sharing her expertise in computational science and emerging technologies.

Dr. Rekha continues to inspire through her teaching, research, and unwavering commitment to advancing the field of computer science.

Author Metrics 

Dr. Nithya Rekha Sivakumar has an impressive author profile, with a strong presence in international research communities. She has published over 40 papers in reputed journals and conferences, many indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, reflecting her contributions to fields like wireless networks, mobile computing, and data mining. Her work has garnered significant recognition, with an h-index of 12 and over 400 citations, underscoring the impact and relevance of her research. She has authored and co-authored book chapters published by renowned publishers such as Springer and Wiley, further highlighting her expertise. As a sought-after reviewer for top-tier journals, she actively contributes to maintaining the quality of scientific publications. Dr. Sivakumar’s research outputs, combined with her active engagement in scholarly dissemination, establish her as a leading voice in her domain.

Honors and Research Grants

Dr. Rekha has received numerous accolades, including the “Best Distinguished Researcher Award” (2015-2016) and multiple research grants from Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, amounting to SAR 40,000 through the Fast Track Research Funding program. She has also been recognized for her doctoral research by the University Grants Commission, India, and secured a travel grant from the Indian Department of Science and Technology to present her work internationally

Publications Top Notes 📄

“Increasing Fault Tolerance Ability and Network Lifetime with Clustered Pollination in Wireless Sensor Networks”

  • Authors: TKNVD Achyut Shankar, Nithya Rekha Sivakumar, M. Sivaram, A. Ambikapathy
  • Journal: Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing
  • Year: 2020
  • Impact: The paper focuses on improving the fault tolerance and lifespan of wireless sensor networks through an innovative clustered pollination-based approach.

“Stabilizing Energy Consumption in Unequal Clusters of Wireless Sensor Networks”

  • Author: NR Sivakumar
  • Journal: Computational Materials and Continua
  • Volume: 64
  • Pages: 81-96
  • Year: 2020
  • Impact: This paper addresses energy stabilization in wireless sensor networks by proposing techniques to manage energy distribution across unequal clusters, enhancing network sustainability.

“Enhancing Network Lifespan in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Deep Learning-based Graph Neural Network”

  • Authors: NR Sivakumar, SM Nagarajan, GG Devarajan, L Pullagura, et al.
  • Journal: Physical Communication
  • Volume: 59
  • Article No.: 102076
  • Year: 2023
  • Impact: The paper investigates how deep learning-based graph neural networks can be used to enhance the lifespan of wireless sensor networks, marking a significant contribution to AI-powered network optimization.

“Simulation and Evaluation of the Performance on Probabilistic Broadcasting in FSR (Fisheye State Routing) Routing Protocol Based on Random Mobility Model in MANET”

  • Authors: NR Sivakumar, C Chelliah
  • Conference: 2012 Fourth International Conference on Computational Intelligence
  • Year: 2012
  • Impact: This study explores the performance of the Fisheye State Routing (FSR) protocol in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), with an emphasis on the effects of random mobility models on network behavior.

“An IoT-based Big Data Framework Using Equidistant Heuristic and Duplex Deep Neural Network for Diabetic Disease Prediction”

  • Authors: NR Sivakumar, FKD Karim
  • Journal: Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing
  • Year: 2023
  • Impact: This paper presents an IoT-based framework utilizing big data and deep learning for predicting diabetic diseases, offering a new approach to healthcare prediction systems through advanced technologies.

Conclusion

Dr. Nithya Rekha Sivakumar is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her impressive research accomplishments, strong publication record, innovative contributions to wireless networks and mobile computing, and active engagement in the academic community make her an outstanding researcher. Although there are areas for improvement, particularly in interdisciplinary collaboration and public outreach, her overall research trajectory and impact are exemplary. Dr. Sivakumar’s continuous pursuit of excellence in her field and her ability to address contemporary challenges in mobile computing, data mining, and wireless networks position her as a leading researcher in her domain. She is highly recommended for the Best Researcher Award.