Ozcan Aygun | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ozcan Aygun | Nursing and Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Fethiye Faculty of Health Science, Nursing Department Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özcan Aygün is a dedicated academic and researcher in the field of Public Health Nursing. Currently serving at Mugla Sıtkı Koçman University, he has contributed significantly to healthcare research, particularly in sun protection programs, healthcare literacy, and community health nursing. His work focuses on improving public health through education and preventive strategies.

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Education 🎓

  • Ph.D. in Public Health Nursing (2013) – Marmara University, Institute of Health Sciences
    • Thesis: “The Effect of Sun Protection Program on Adolescents’ Sun Protection Behaviors: A Study Based on the Transtheoretical Model”
  • Master’s in Public Health (2004) – Marmara University, Institute of Health Sciences
    • Thesis: “Investigation of Compliance with Health Regulations in Food Producing and Selling Businesses in Adapazarı, Sakarya”
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Assistant Training (2001) – Kocaeli University, Kocaeli Health Academy

Experience 💼

  • Associate Professor (2022 – Present) – Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Public Health Nursing
  • Assistant Professor (2018 – 2022) – Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
  • Lecturer – Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Department of Nursing
  • Head of Department (2023 – Present) – Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Head of Commission (2020) – Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Research Interests 🔬

  • Public Health Nursing
  • Sun Protection Programs and Skin Cancer Prevention
  • Health Literacy and Education
  • Mental Health and Stress Management in Healthcare Workers
  • Preventive Healthcare Strategies

Awards 🏆

  • School Health Nursing Special Award – Public Health Nursing Association (2021)

Publications Top Notes: 📖

Üner A. E., Kara R., Aygün Ö., Karayağız M. G. (2024). Level of Health Literacy among High School Students and Associated Factors. Halk Sağlığı Hemşireliği Dergisi. DOI: 10.54061/jphn.1537102

Üner E., Dağlı A., Aygün Ö. (2024). Sun Protection Knowledge and Behaviors of Agricultural Workers in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study. BMC Public Health, 24(2571). DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20121-8

Eldemir H. H., Aygün Ö. (2023). Comparison of Burnout Levels of Nurses Working and Not Working in the COVID-19 Pandemic Clinic. Halk Sağlığı Hemşireliği Derneği, 5(3), 228-244. DOI: 10.54061/jphn.1318128

Üner E., Kara R., Aygün Ö., Karayağız M. G. (2023). Evaluation of Sun Protection Behaviors of Secondary School Students Based on Transtheoretical Model. International Journal of Public Health (Forthcoming).

An analysis of computer game addiction in primary school children and its affecting factors

The effect of a school-based fruit and vegetable promotion program on adolescents’ fruit and vegetable consumption behavior in Turkey

HEMŞİRELERİN KANITA DAYALI UYGULAMALARA YÖNELİK TUTUMLARI: TANIMLAYICI BİR ÇALIŞMA

An analysis of computer game addiction in primary school children and its affecting factors

Chifundo Colleta Zimba | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Chifundo Colleta Zimba | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Nurse/Midwife Researcher C/O University of North Carolina Malawi

Dr. Chifundo Colleta Zimba is a Malawian Community Health Nurse/Midwife and a Global Health expert with over 20 years of experience in public health systems strengthening, strategic leadership, and program management. She has collaborated with ministries of health, international organizations, and academic institutions to influence health policies and improve healthcare outcomes. Currently, she serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, focusing on public health surveillance, evidence-based decision-making, and policy formulation.

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Education 🎓

  • PhD in Nursing – Health Care Systems | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA | 2016
  • Postdoctoral Research in Global Health | UNC-Chapel Hill | 2016 – 2018
  • Graduate Certificate in Global Health | UNC-Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, USA | 2016
  • Bachelor of Science in Community Health Nursing | University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Malawi | 2008
  • Certificate in Leadership | Rotary Leadership Institute, Maryland, USA | 2022

Professional Experience 🎓

  • Lead Researcher | USAID/Malawi | 2024 – Present: Conducted a comprehensive assessment of lead poisoning challenges and developed a national action plan.
  • Project Director & Principal Investigator | UNC Project, Malawi | 2016 – 2022: Led multi-site public health programs, integrating mental health into non-communicable disease care.
  • Study Supervisor | Malawi University of Science & Technology (MUST) | 2023 – 2024: Managed the ICAN Project, supporting rural family planning services.
  • Program Evaluation Lead | Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) | 2022: Conducted a national evaluation of the Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) Framework.
  • Adjunct Associate Professor | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 2024 – Present: Provides mentorship, research guidance, and capacity-building in public health.

Research Interests 📝

  • Public health systems strengthening and policy development
  • Global health program implementation and evaluation
  • Mental health integration into non-communicable disease care
  • HIV/AIDS prevention and maternal health
  • Environmental health, including lead poisoning mitigation

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

  • Recipient of the UJMT Fogarty Global Health Fellowship Grant (NIH, UNC Chapel Hill, USA)
  • Pilot Grant Recipient for integrating depression into cancer care at Kamuzu Central Hospital (2019 – 2022)
  • Project Director for the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Partnership (SHARP) for Mental Health Capacity Building (2017 – 2022)

Publications Top Notes: 📖

For a full list of Dr. Zimba’s publications, please visit her Google Scholar profile: Google Scholar

Notable Publications:

Prevention of mother-to-child transmission: program changes and the effect on uptake of the HIVNET 012 regimen in Malawi

Safety, uptake, and use of a dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV-1 prevention in African women (HOPE): an open-label, extension study

“I would love if there was a young woman to encourage us, to ease our anxiety which we would have if we were alone”: Adapting the Mothers2Mothers Mentor Mother Model for …

Reasons for nonadherence to the dapivirine vaginal ring: narrative explanations of objective drug-level results

Perspectives on HIV partner notification, partner HIV self‐testing and partner home‐based HIV testing by pregnant and postpartum women in antenatal settings: a qualitative …

Hygiene, blood flow, and vaginal overload: why women removed an HIV prevention vaginal ring during menstruation in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe

Women’s views about contraception requirements for biomedical research participation

Quality of life among patients with cancer and their family caregivers in the Sub-Saharan region: A systematic review of quantitative studies

Facilitators, barriers and potential solutions to the integration of depression and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) care in Malawi: a qualitative study with service providers

Reta Tesfa | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Reta Tesfa | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

lecturer dilla university Ethiopia

Reta Tesfa Merga is a dedicated public health professional with a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition. She has over six years of experience in healthcare, spanning clinical, academic, and humanitarian roles. Her expertise includes maternal and child health, emergency nutrition, and community health interventions. Currently, she is serving as an MNCH Project Officer at World Share Ethiopia, leading initiatives to enhance healthcare services and nutritional support for vulnerable populations.

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Education 🎓

Reta Tesfa Merga holds a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition (MPH) from Dilla University (2024) with a CGPA of 3.88. She also earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing from Addis Ababa University (2017) with a cumulative GPA of 3.76. Additionally, she has completed various professional training programs, including ANC National Guidelines, DHIS2, and Nutrition in Emergencies.

Experience 💼

With extensive experience in healthcare management and clinical practice, Reta has worked in various roles:

  • MNCH Project Officer at World Share Ethiopia (Feb 2024–Present): Leading maternal and child health projects, overseeing nutrition screening, and providing medical supplies to healthcare facilities.
  • MHNT Nurse (May–Dec 2022): Supported UNICEF and ORHB in community-based nutrition screening, SAM and IMAM training, and emergency medical interventions.
  • PHCU Director at Kercha Woreda (2021–2022): Managed healthcare centers, coordinated reporting, and facilitated community health initiatives.
  • Clinical Nurse (2018–2021): Specialized in under-five OPD care, treating communicable diseases, and implementing IMNCI protocols.

Research Interests 🌍

Reta’s research focuses on maternal and child health, emergency nutrition, and community-based healthcare interventions. She is particularly interested in improving healthcare access in underserved regions and developing strategies for sustainable nutrition programs.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Reta Tesfa Merga has been acknowledged for her contributions to public health and nutrition programs, particularly for her leadership in humanitarian health projects and emergency response initiatives.

Publications Top Notes: 📚

Reta has contributed to research in public health nutrition and maternal health. Her publications include:

Determinants of compliance with iron-folic acid supplementation among pregnant mothers in Bule Hora district, Southern Ethiopia: unmatched case-control study

Lindiwe Gumede | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Lindiwe Gumede | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer University of johannesburg South Africa

Dr. Lindiwe Gumede is a dedicated Lecturer in the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. With a strong focus on radiography education and health equity, Dr. Gumede leverages her expertise to contribute to the advancement of healthcare through teaching, research, and professional development. 📚🏥

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Education

Dr. Gumede holds a PhD in Health Sciences, showcasing her academic excellence and commitment to advancing knowledge in radiography and healthcare. 🎓 Her doctoral studies focused on addressing critical health inequities, blending qualitative and quantitative methodologies to provide actionable insights.

Experience

With years of experience in academia, Dr. Gumede has successfully supervised one master’s thesis to completion and is currently guiding nine master’s students. 🧑‍🏫 She plays a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals, emphasizing research integrity and innovation in medical imaging.

Research Interests

Dr. Gumede’s research interests lie in radiography education, healthcare inequities, and the interplay between traditional and allopathic medicine. 🔬 Her work adopts both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, focusing on improving healthcare delivery and education.

Awards

Dr. Gumede’s contributions to healthcare and education have positioned her as a leader in her field. 🌟 Her dedication to advancing radiography and addressing healthcare disparities exemplifies her commitment to excellence.

Publications Top Notes: 

Online teaching and learning through the students’ eyes–Uncertainty through the COVID-19 lockdown: A qualitative case study in Gauteng province, South Africa

Guidelines for disclosure of traditional medicine use to allopathic medicine practitioners by patients who use both traditional and allopathic medicines at selected hospitals …

Exploring diagnostic radiography students’ experiences of transitioning from online to face-to-face teaching and learning, Johannesburg, South Africa

Diagnostic radiographers’ experiences with paediatric patients during radiography examinations in Malawi–A qualitative study

Medical imaging and radiation science students’ use of artificial intelligence for learning and assessment

Diagnostic radiography clinical resources in a workplace-based learning setting

Allopathic medicine practitioners’ experiences with non-disclosure of traditional medicine use

 

Maria Yavropoulou | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Maria Yavropoulou | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Endocrinology Consultant LAIKO University Hospital, Medicine school, national and Kapodistrian University of Athens Greece

Dr. Maria Yavropoulou is a distinguished Endocrinology Consultant at the Endocrinology Unit of the 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). Based at LAIKO University Hospital in Athens, Greece, she specializes in managing endocrine disorders, with a keen focus on rare diseases of calcium and phosphate metabolism.

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Education 🎓

  • Medical Degree: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece.
  • Endocrinology Specialization: AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki.
  • Advanced Training: University of Leiden, Netherlands (LUMC), under Prof. Socrates Papapoulos; University of Arkansas, USA (UAMS), under Prof. Stavros Manolagas.
  • Ph.D.: Bone metabolism diseases, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh).
  • Master’s Degrees:
    • “Translational Research in Molecular Biology and Genetics” (NKUA).
    • “Epidemiology – Research Methodology in Biomedical Sciences in Clinical Practice and Public Health” (NKUA).

Experience 🩺

  • Consultant actively managing all endocrine diseases, emphasizing rare calcium and phosphate metabolism disorders.
  • Deputy Head (since 2019): Center for Expertise of Rare Disorders of Calcium and Phosphate Metabolism (C.E.R.E.D), LAIKO Hospital.
  • Patient and Quality Coordinator: Center for Expertise for Adult Langerhans Histiocytosis, Athens.
  • Prestigious Memberships: Member of European Calcified Tissue Society, Steering Committee Member of ESE Educational Programme on Rare Disorders.

Research Interests 🧬

Dr. Yavropoulou’s research focuses on:

  • Bone metabolism and associated molecular mechanisms.
  • Diabetes and its intersection with endocrine disorders.
  • Cortisol production and its impact on rheumatoid arthritis.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Yavropoulou’s exemplary work has earned her numerous accolades, including:

  1. Jens Sandahl Christiansen Award (2020) – European Society of Endocrinology.
  2. G. TOLIS Award (2019) – Hellenic Endocrine Society.
  3. D. IKKOS Awards (2021, 2022) – Clinical Research, Hellenic Endocrine Society.
  4. EJE Rising Star Award (2022) – European Journal of Endocrinology.
  5. Excellence Scholarship in Ph.D. Thesis (2009-2010) – Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Publications Top Notes: 📚

Dr. Yavropoulou has authored numerous impactful publications (134 total, 3164 citations, h-index: 29). Selected works include:

The Association of Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms with COVID-19 Severity (2024) – Nutrients.

Diurnal Production of Cortisol and Treatment Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis (2024) – RMD Open.

Transient Osteoporosis Following Denosumab Discontinuation (2024) – Osteoporosis International.

Nocebo-Associated Treatment Discontinuation in Anti-Osteoporotic Drugs (2024) – Maturitas.

Immune System Effects on the Endocrine System (2023) – Endotext.