Cecilia Serrano Martínez – Sociology – Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Cecilia Serrano Martinez  distinguished academic and researcher in the Social Work. Her final undergraduate project investigated the desires and uncertainties prevalent in rural areas, specifically focusing on youth in Valdejalón. Earlier, between 2004 and 2007, she earned her Diploma in Social Work from the University of Zaragoza. Her final project centered on designing a Training and Employment Insertion Program aimed at integrating disadvantaged groups from the Oliver neighborhood.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

Between 2011 and 2015, she completed her International Doctorate in Sociology of Public and Social Policies at the University of Zaragoza. Her thesis focused on the Sociology of Creative Economy in Aragon, examining numbers, life trajectories, and environments. In 2009/10, she pursued a Master’s degree in Sociology of Public and Social Policies at the University of Zaragoza. Her dissertation explored the discourse among youth regarding ethics and aesthetics, and its intersection with socio-legal realities in shaping the feminine ideal. Prior to her Master’s, she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the Public University of Navarra between 2007 and 2009.

 

She has held various roles in her professional career. Currently, since September 2016, she serves as a university professor in the Social Work degree program at the University of La Rioja. Prior to this, from November 2015 to February 2016, she worked as a Social Projects Technician, and from March 2016 to September 2016, she served as the Coordinator of the Projects and Marketing Department at MSC Social Consultants in Zaragoza. In these roles, she was responsible for drafting social projects for public tenders, leading a team of six people, coordinating departmental communication with management, designing and implementing social innovation programs, creating technical manuals and service reports, among other duties.

Additionally, she has extensive experience as a social researcher, particularly during her doctoral studies from March 2011 to February 2015. She has also worked as a university professor at the University of Zaragoza, teaching various elective courses in Sociology and related fields.

In her previous roles, she has conducted sociological fieldwork, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and has been involved in social intervention projects both domestically and internationally. Notably, she worked as a Social Worker at the Manos Unidas por la Paz Foundation in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she conducted research on the socio-environmental context of peripheral neighborhoods, provided support to victims of domestic violence, and evaluated institutional agreements for coexistence.

Moreover, she has contributed to sociological research projects focused on governance, participation processes, and social platforms, collaborating with institutions such as the University of Zaragoza and the Zaragoza City Council. Her responsibilities in these roles included fieldwork, data collection, analysis, and the creation of databases.

Overall, her professional experience spans across teaching, research, project management, and social intervention, demonstrating her diverse skill set and commitment to the field of sociology and social work.

.In terms of her computer skills and experience, she is proficient in various operating systems including Windows 98, 2000/XP, and Vista, at a user level. Her expertise extends to Microsoft Office suite with advanced skills in Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Additionally, she is adept at using qualitative analysis programs such as HyperResearch, InVivo, and Atlas ti, as well as statistical software like SPSS, albeit at a user level. Her internet and email skills are at an advanced level. She completed a 100-hour course in Computer Management covering Excel Spreadsheet, Advanced Word, and Internet usage at On-LineGodina Academy in May 2005.

 

CONFERENCES

In March 2023, she participated in the Laboratory Research Day on Machismo Violence from Social Work perspective, focusing on Digital Gender Violence: detection and intervention, held at the University of La Rioja on March 24th. She also attended the closing meeting of the CI-RES Project (Erasmus+) in Algiers, Algeria, in December 2022. Moreover, in November 2022, she took part in the IV International Congress on Teaching Innovation and Research in Higher Education, focusing on the challenges of updating teaching in various fields of knowledge. Additionally, she attended the III Laboratory Research Day on Machismo Violence from Social Work perspective in October 2022 at the University of La Rioja.

Furthermore, she engaged in various international conferences and congresses, such as the International Congress of Social Work (CIFETS 2021) in July 2021, the International University Congress on Content, Research, Innovation, and Teaching (CUICIID) in October 2020, and the European Association of Schools of Social Work conference in June 2019, among others. These events covered a wide range of topics related to social work, education, and research.

Overall, her participation in these conferences and events demonstrates her commitment to continuous learning, staying updated with the latest developments in her field, and actively contributing to academic and professional discourse.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Shikha Patel – Urban Planning – Best Researcher Award

Ms. Shikha Patel distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Collective Urban Planning .Shikha Patel is a highly qualified and skilled professional in the field of Urban Planning.   Complementing her academic qualifications, she has earned professional certifications, including LEED Green Associate since October 2020 and Council of Architecture (India) membership since August 2014. This comprehensive educational and professional background showcases her dedication and expertise in the fields of architecture, urban design, infrastructure, and construction.

Eduvation

She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Urban Planning at Qatar University in Qatar, a journey that commenced in January 2021. Her academic journey has been marked by notable achievements, including a Master’s in Architecture with a specialization in Urban Design from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India, where she not only completed her degree from June 2017 to June 2019 but also received the prestigious Gold Medal from VTU. Prior to her master’s, she earned an MBA in Infrastructure & Construction from JNU, India, demonstrating her diverse academic interests. Her educational foundation includes a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Gujarat University, India, spanning from June 2008 to August 2013. Complementing her academic qualifications, she has earned professional certifications, including LEED Green Associate since October 2020 and Council of Architecture (India) membership since August 2014. This comprehensive educational and professional background showcases her dedication and expertise in the fields of architecture, urban design, infrastructure, and construction.

Professional Profiles:

Experience:

Since March 2023, she has been serving as a Research Assistant at Qatar University, where her contributions have significantly advanced ongoing research endeavors. Prior to this, she dedicated her time as a Volunteer at the United Nations from March to December 2021, showcasing her commitment to global causes. Her academic and research journey began in September 2019 at Qatar University, where she previously held the role of Research Assistant until May 2020. Before transitioning to her role in Qatar, she gained valuable experience as a Teaching Assistant at various institutions in India, including BMSSA, Nitte School of Architecture, and GSAP, from August 2015 to May 2019.

During this period, she also took on roles as Business Development Manager at 100 Krafts from August 2015 to October 2016, Retail Planner at Tesco HSC from August 2014 to July 2015, and Junior Architect at SHS Designs from September 2013 to June 2014. Her diverse professional background reflects a well-rounded individual with a wealth of experience in academia, research, and various industry sectors.

Book Chapters
Patel, S. and Kollarath, R.M. (2023) ‘Urban solid waste management for energy generation’, Urban Energy
Systems, pp. 119–139. DOI:10.1002/9781119847595.ch8.
INTERESTS
    Urban Planning, Sustainable, Remote sensing,Architecture, Philosophy
Research Assistant
Qatar University – Appointed under a Collaborative Grant research scheme [QUCGCENG-19_20-4] titled “The Action Plan for the Implementation of Qatar National Masterplan based on Integration of Land Use and Public Transport Systems”, led by Dr. Raffaello Furlan.
Retail Planner – Tesco HSC, India
Designed and delivered Tesco store layouts for the Eastern European region collaborating with a team of on-site contractors and architects. Prepared and presented reports, proposals, applications and contracts for Tesco stores. Proposed new design standards for retail store as a part of research and development team.
Publication
  • A comprehensive systematic review: Impact of Land Use/ Land Cover (LULC) on Land Surface Temperatures (LST) and outdoor thermal comfort
          Building and Environment
          023-12 | Journal article
          DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.111130
          ONTRIBUTORS: Shikha Patel; Madhavi Indraganti; Rana N. Jawarneh
  • Environmental Sustainability Comparative Assessment of Low-Rise and High-Rise Neighbourhoods based on People’s Lifestyle Preferences: The Case of Doha, Qatar

    The 2nd International Conference on Civil Infrastructure and Construction (CIC 2023)
    2023-09-01 | Conference paper
    CONTRIBUTORS: Shikha Patel
  • Urban Solid Waste Management for Energy Generation                                                                                                    Urban Energy Systems
    2023-08-22 | Other
    CONTRIBUTORS: Shikha Patel; Reshmi Manikoth Kollarath