Eleni Andreou | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Eleni Andreou | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

Professor | The University of Thessaly | Greece

Prof. Eleni Andreou is a leading scholar in educational psychology whose research has significantly shaped contemporary understanding of bullying, peer aggression, school climate, and student psychosocial adjustment. Her work integrates developmental, cognitive, and socio-emotional perspectives to examine how interpersonal relationships, coping responses, and contextual factors influence children’s and adolescents’ behavior within educational settings. With 48 scholarly documents, over 1,300 citations, and an h-index of 19, her research is recognized internationally for both theoretical contribution and applied impact. A major focus of her scholarship examines bully victim dynamics, emphasizing the role of self-efficacy, coping strategies, social cognition, and resilience in children’s responses to aggression. Through longitudinal and intervention-based studies, she has demonstrated how intentional programming, bibliotherapy, and prevention frameworks can positively influence student attitudes, reduce victimization, and enhance school belonging. Her also explore early childhood bullying, using naturalistic observation and multimethod assessment to uncover how aggression emerges and interacts with contextual variables in preschool environments.Microaggressions, inclusion challenges, and academic adjustment. These works offer evidence based insights for fostering equitable learning environments and strengthening support systems within schools and universities. Across her collaborative international projects, she contributes to large scale cross cultural examinations of peer aggression, socio emotional competencies, and student well being.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Vlachou, A., Stavroussi, P., Andreou, E., & Toulia, A. The development of the “Checklist for Life Skills Educational Assessment” (CLSEA). Education Sciences.

Touloupis, T., Andreou, E., & Chasapis, D.  Relations among perceived school context-related factors, cyberbullying, and school adjustment: An examination between native and immigrant students in elementary and secondary education.

Didaskalou, E., Cefai, C., Brighi, A., Bravo-Sanzana, M., Bochaver, A., Bauman, S., & Andreou, E.  A global study of the wellbeing of adolescent students during the COVID-19 2020 lockdown.

Junfeng Zhao | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Junfeng Zhao | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

Professor | The University of Henan University | China

Prof. Junfeng Zhao is an influential researcher in psychology whose scholarship integrates educational, developmental, health, and social psychology to address learning, adaptation, and mental health among children and adolescents. Across 98 publications, with 1,349 citations and an h-index of 26, his body of work combines rigorous empirical methods, longitudinal designs, and interdisciplinary approaches to investigate resilience, peer attachment, self-esteem, and school adaptation. He emphasizes applied outcomes measurement development, intervention design, and translation to educational practice while advancing theoretical understanding of developmental processes. A major strand of his research focuses on children affected by social disadvantages such as left-behind children, and those with sensory impairments examining risk and protective factors that shape psychological outcomes. Through multi-year tracking studies and psychometric scale evaluation, he has produced validated instruments and intervention-informed findings that clarify how family dynamics, peer relationships, and school contexts contribute to mental health trajectories. This work informs community based strategies and educational policies aimed at improving psychosocial supports for vulnerable groups. In educational psychology, his studies illuminate learning motivation, cognitive styles, learning strategies, and classroom processes, offering practical implications for curriculum design and teacher training. His research addresses early identification models for learning difficulties, the neural correlates of cognitive control and the psychological underpinnings of teacher professional identity and its influence on student well being. The portfolio demonstrates a productive mix of quantitative, qualitative, and neurophysiological methods. Methodologically, Zhao emphasizes mixed methods, longitudinal analyses, culturally sensitive measurement, and robust psychometrics strengthening the reliability and applicability of findings across contexts. His publications consistently bridge theory and practice, targeting educators, clinicians, and policymakers. The cumulative impact of his research lies in deepening understanding of how developmental mechanisms interact with social environments and in providing evidence-based frameworks for interventions that promote resilience and healthy development in children and adolescents. Overall, his work offers actionable frameworks for policy and practice.

Featured Publications

Huang, G., Qian, C., Newman-Norlund, R. D., Zhao, J., & Li, X.  Perceived stigma mediates the relationship between regional gray matter volume and aggressive behavior in children affected by parental.

Ji, L., Yu, Y., Wan, J., Zhang, Y., Zhao, J., & Chen, C. Relationship between cumulative peer risk and sense of security among adolescents: A moderated mediation model. BMC Psychology.

Wan, J., Ji, L., Wang, Z., Zhao, J., & Li, X.  Social exclusion and mental health of youths affected by parental HIV/AIDS in China: Based on a serial mediating model.

Chen, C., Wu, Q., Zhao, J., Zhao, G., Li, X., Du, H., & Chi, P. Enacted stigma influences bereavement coping among children orphaned by parental. A longitudinal study with network analysis.

Wu, J., Li, Q., Chi, P., Zhao, J., & Zhao, J. Mindfulness and well-being among socioeconomically disadvantaged college students: Roles of resilience and perceived discrimination.

Bingfei Gu | Rewards & Recognition | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Bingfei Gu | Rewards & Recognition | Research Excellence Award

Professor | The University of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University | China

Prof. Dr. Bingfei Gu is a prominent researcher in the interdisciplinary domain of digital apparel engineering, computational ergonomics, and intelligent garment technologies. With a scholarly record of 81 publications, 255 citations, and an h-index of 11, the author has built a strong research presence that spans human body modeling, fabric behavior simulation, and advanced garment design systems. Their work integrates computational methods, image processing, 3D point cloud analytics, and artificial intelligence to address long-standing challenges in apparel fit, pattern generation, body measurement accuracy, and digital clothing representation. A central focus of the author’s research is the development of precise and scalable human body measurement frameworks using hybrid scanning and imaging systems. This includes advanced classification of body shape, automated feature extraction, and individualized prototype generation for apparel design. Their studies on digital garment systems explore virtual fittings, numerical simulations of fabric drape, and biomechanics-based modeling of clothing body interaction, contributing to improved prediction of wearer comfort and performance. The author has produced influential work on garment technologies, including new algorithms for pattern adaptation, topologically consistent model reconstruction, and simulation-driven design optimization. Their research in garment virtual simulation extends into computational evaluations of ergonomics, ballistic protection mechanisms, and AI driven virtual try on methods leveraging generative diffusion models. Through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, the author has contributed to notable advancements in industrial ergonomics, textile engineering, and digital fashion innovation. Their publications in high impact journals demonstrate a commitment to methodological rigor and practical relevance, supporting the broader transition toward intelligent apparel manufacturing, personalized garment engineering, and data-driven fashion technologies. The author’s contributions continue to shape emerging standards in digital human modeling and next-generation garment simulation.

Featured Publications

Hou, J., Lu, Y., Wang, M., Ouyang, W., Yang, Y., Zou, F., Gu, B., & Liu, Z.  A Markov Chain approach for video-based virtual try-on with denoising diffusion generative adversarial network. Knowledge Based Systems.

Jin, S., & Gu,, Production scheduling optimization of shirt component module based on standard man-hour prediction.

Sheng, X., Zhao, S., & Gu, B. Construction of shirt component module groups based on process similarity

Sun, Y., Niu, W., Chen, X., Chen, Q., Gu, B., & Liu, Y. Application of human finite element model in flexible protective products. Journal of Medical Biomechanics.

Feng, H., Sheng, X., Zhang, L., Liu, Y., & Gu, B. Color analysis of brocade from the 4th to 8th centuries driven by image based matching network modeling.

Jin, S., & Gu, B. Individualized generation of women’s prototype based on the classification of body shape.

Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat | Learning & Development | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat | Learning & Development | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student | The University of Chulalongkorn University | Thailand

Mr. Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat is a researcher specializing in applied economics, with focused interests in the economics of education, labor economics, and microeconomics. His scholarly work integrates quantitative analysis with a policy-oriented perspective, emphasizing how education and labor systems contribute to equitable and sustainable economic growth. His academic foundation in economics has enabled him to develop research that explores the intersection of individual decision-making, institutional structures, and social outcomes. His published thesis, “Rational Decision-Making Model: AP Micro, AP Macro, A-Level Economics, and IB Economics,” featured in the Journal of Teaching in International Business, provides an innovative framework for understanding economic reasoning in education. The study analyzes how curriculum design and economic learning frameworks influence cognitive behavior and student performance, contributing to the broader literature on education economics and pedagogy. Building on this, his ongoing working papers examine topics such as fair college admissions, educational investment efficiency, and the role of pre-university economics in shaping university outcomes. Collectively, these studies aim to enhance fairness, transparency, and inclusivity within educational and labor systems. In addition to academic research, his work extends to applied economic issues related to labor rights, workforce management, and responsible business conduct. His participation in research and policy dialogues within Southeast Asia reflects a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges surrounding human capital, migration, and labor equity. Employing econometric and data-driven approaches, his research contributes to evidence-based policymaking that supports social and economic inclusion. His research direction is defined by an analytical yet human centered approach, integrating economic modeling with empirical insights. By connecting education, labor, and development economics, his work advances the understanding of how economic principles can be applied to create fairer systems of opportunity and enhance long-term socioeconomic well-being.

Featured Publication

Thanathitiphuwaphat, N., & Tipayalai, K. Rational decision-making model: AP Micro, AP Macro, A-Level Economics, and IB Economics. Journal of Teaching in International Business.

Kofi Obeng | Employee Work Effort | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Kofi Obeng | Employee Work Effort | Best Researcher Award

Emeritus Professor | The University of  North Carolina A&T State University | United States

Professor K. Obeng, is a highly respected scholar in the fields of transportation economics, logistics, and urban planning, widely recognized for his influential contributions to transportation research and policy analysis. His prolific academic output includes 60 scholarly publications with 523 citations and an h-index of 14, reflecting both the depth and sustained impact of his work on the global research community. Professor Obeng’s research primarily focuses on transportation planning, public transit efficiency, cost optimization, subsidy policy, transport pricing, safety analysis, and productivity measurement in urban transportation systems. His studies have advanced understanding of how economic incentives, regulations, and institutional structures affect the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of public transit systems. Through rigorous quantitative modeling and policy evaluation, his research has provided valuable insights into improving performance, enhancing service quality, and promoting sustainable transportation solutions. His works have been published in numerous high-impact journals, including Transportation Research, Transport Policy, Journal of Air Transport Management, and Administration & Society, contributing to international dialogues on transport management and economics. He has also co-edited influential academic volumes, such as Transit Economics, which explore complex issues surrounding transit subsidies and productivity. Professor Obeng’s interdisciplinary approach bridges economic theory and applied transportation policy, addressing challenges in public transit finance, safety management, and strategic organizational performance. His research has informed transportation policy reforms and supported the advancement of effective, data-driven solutions for modern mobility systems. As a leading figure in transportation research, Professor Obeng’s scholarly legacy continues to influence academic, governmental, and professional communities, reinforcing his position as a key contributor to the evolution of transportation planning and economics in both theory and practice.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Obeng, K.  Incentivizing public transit to improve performance to meet the programmatic goal of a funding agency. Public Transport.

Obeng, K. Regulations and factor adjustment in transit systems. Transportmetrica A: Transport Science.

Obeng, K.  Accounting for factors affecting cost and technical inefficiency. Case Studies on Transport Policy.

Obeng, K.  On incentives and optimal effort to improve bus transit performance. Transportation Planning and Technology.

Obeng, K.  Effects of government regulations and input subsidies on cost efficiency: A decomposition approach. Transport Policy.