Mr. Idrissa Zida | Inequality | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Idrissa Zida | Inequality | Young Researcher Award

CEDRES/University Thomas SANKARA | Burkina Faso

Idrissa Zida is a dedicated Ph.D. student in Economics at Thomas Sankara University, Burkina Faso, specializing in Macroeconomics and Development Management. With a solid academic foundation including both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in the same field, his research focuses on public finance, income inequality, and sustainable economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has co-authored a scientific publication in Economic Change and Restructuring examining the effects of public debt on income inequality, exploring both direct and indirect transmission channels. Idrissa has gained valuable professional experience through internships and roles at the General Directorate of Economy and Planning, the Diocesan Communication Center, and L’Economiste du Faso, where he developed skills in economic analysis, research, and project management. As Deputy Secretary General of the Center for Studies and Research on Human Development in Africa (CERDHA) and President of the Youth Association for the Emergence of Zondoma (AJEZ), he actively contributes to academic and community development initiatives. His continued commitment to research, professional excellence, and social advancement underscores his ambition to contribute to the economic transformation and sustainable development of Africa.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

Zida, I., Ouedraogo, I., & Sawadogo, R. (2025). Effects of public debt on income inequality in sub-Saharan Africa: Exploring the direct and indirect transmission channels. Economic Change and Restructuring. Advance online publication.

Assoc Prof Dr. Ao Kong | Conflict Management and Resolution | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc Prof Dr. Ao Kong | Conflict Management and Resolution | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, China

Author profile

Google Scholar 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Ao Kong’s academic journey is a shining example of unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge. He began his higher education at the prestigious Nanjing University in China, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in June 2006. Building on his strong foundational knowledge, he continued at Nanjing University to achieve a Master’s degree in Mathematics in 2008. Kong’s early fascination with mathematical structures and quantitative reasoning propelled him to set his sights abroad for further studies. His pursuit of academic excellence led him to the University of Houston in Texas, United States, where he earned his Ph.D. in Mathematics in December 2013. During his doctoral studies, Kong honed his analytical skills, focusing on the rigorous quantitative methods that would later define his research in finance and data-driven economic modeling.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Ao Kong’s professional career is a tapestry of experience blending both academic and industry insights. His career commenced at KPMG Huazhen in Shanghai, where he worked as an Auditor from September 2008 to May 2010. This initial experience in a top-tier accounting and consulting firm provided him firsthand exposure to real-world financial operations and regulatory environments, sharpening his practical understanding of corporate finance and risk management.

In July 2014, Kong transitioned into academia, joining the School of Finance at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics (NUFE) as an Assistant Professor. Over a decade of dedicated teaching and research culminated in his promotion to Associate Professor in January 2025. Meanwhile, from January 2021 to December 2022, he further broadened his scholarly horizons as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the School of Management and Engineering, Nanjing University. This period of advanced research deepened his engagement with big data analytics and market microstructure studies, bridging mathematical theory with economic applications.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Ao Kong’s research elegantly bridges mathematical theory, market microstructure, big data analytics, and asset pricing. His work addresses critical issues such as liquidity provision, trading behaviors, and the identification of patterns in financial markets. His recent publications reflect the depth and breadth of his contributions.

In particular, his studies explore the nuanced role of market makers in hybrid markets and analyze liquidity provision in the Chinese stock market using game-theoretic frameworks. One notable work, accepted by the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, investigates how market makers operate in hybrid systems where elements of both order-driven and quote-driven markets coexist. Another influential piece, published in the Journal of Management Science, co-authored with colleagues, uses sophisticated modeling to decode individual investors’ behavior and private information in the context of stock price fluctuations.

His research published in Computational Economics demonstrates his innovative approach by applying mutual information measures to multivariate time series data — a pioneering effort to detect microtrading patterns that precede abrupt price movements. This work reflects not only his mastery of complex mathematical tools but also his commitment to making meaningful contributions to financial market understanding.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

While specific awards or honors are not explicitly listed, Ao Kong’s trajectory itself speaks volumes about his recognition within academic and professional circles. His appointment as an Associate Professor at NUFE and his successful postdoctoral tenure at Nanjing University, both highly respected institutions, are strong indicators of his peers’ esteem. Furthermore, the acceptance of his papers in reputable journals like the Pacific-Basin Finance Journal and Computational Economics is an academic accolade in itself, reflecting the scholarly community’s recognition of the relevance and rigor of his research.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Ao Kong’s work significantly influences the fields of financial econometrics and market microstructure research, especially within the context of Chinese capital markets. His analyses provide regulators, market participants, and fellow researchers with valuable insights into the behavior of liquidity providers and the mechanics behind stock price movements. Through his teaching, he imparts advanced financial modeling techniques and quantitative finance methodologies to the next generation of economists and financial engineers. Courses such as Financial Econometrics, Quantitative Finance, Corporate Finance, and Financial Risk Management are enriched by his real-world insights and research findings, fostering a stronger, more analytically capable cohort of students.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking forward, Ao Kong’s legacy appears firmly tied to the continued evolution of financial technologies and big data applications in market analysis. As financial markets become more data-driven and interconnected, the methodologies he champions — such as pattern recognition in trading behavior and quantitative analysis of liquidity dynamics — will become even more critical.

Given his strong background in both theoretical mathematics and practical finance, Kong is poised to be a leading voice in developing next-generation financial market models that incorporate AI, machine learning, and complex systems analysis. His commitment to bridging theory with practice ensures that his future contributions will remain both academically significant and practically impactful, further strengthening his role as a pioneer in the intersection of mathematics, finance, and data science.

Notable publications 

Predicting apparent singlet oxygen quantum yields of dissolved black carbon and humic substances using spectroscopic indices

Authors: Z. Du, Y. He, J. Fan, H. Fu, S. Zheng, Z. Xu, X. Qu, A. Kong, D. Zhu
Journal: Chemosphere
Year: 2018

Predicting intraday jumps in stock prices using liquidity measures and technical indicators

Authors: A. Kong, H. Zhu, R. Azencott
Journal: Journal of Forecasting
Year: 2021

 Predicting trend of high frequency CSI 300 index using adaptive input selection and machine learning techniques

Authors: A. Kong, H. Zhu
Journal: Journal of Systems Science and Information
Year: 2018

 Biomarker signature discovery from mass spectrometry data

Authors: A. Kong, C. Gupta, M. Ferrari, M. Agostini, C. Bedin, A. Bouamrani, E. Tasciotti, …
Journal: IEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
Year: 2014

 Does idiosyncratic volatility matter?—Evidence from Chinese stock market

Authors: S. Liu, A. Kong, R. Gu, W. Guo
Journal: Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications
Year: 2019

Mrs. Thalita Vitória Silva da Cruz | Servant Leadership | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Thalita Vitória Silva da Cruz | Servant Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Brazil

Author Profile

Orchid

Early Academic Pursuits 📚🔬

Thalita Victory Silva da Cruz embarked on her academic journey at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Brazil, where she obtained her undergraduate degree in Speech Therapy in 2017. Her passion for the field was evident early on, as she engaged in multiple academic and extracurricular activities. She served as a monitor in Fundamentals of Speech Therapy, Human Anatomy, and Voice, demonstrating her dedication to both learning and teaching.

During her undergraduate years, she actively participated in scientific research, securing a spot in the Institutional Scientific Initiation Scholarship Program (PIBIC/CNPq) from 2016 to 2017. This experience solidified her interest in investigating speech-language disorders and innovative therapeutic approaches. She was also a founding member of the Academic League of Anatomy Applied to Dentistry (LA3O) and played an active role in the Academic Directory of Speech Therapy at UFPE.

Her research inclination and commitment to community service led her to participate in multiple extension projects, including Neonatal Hearing Screening, Telephonoaudiology for Zika virus and microcephaly, and Vestibular Rehabilitation. These early endeavors laid a strong foundation for her specialization in speech-language pathology, particularly in dysphagia, orofacial motricity, and voice disorders.

Professional Endeavors 🏥🎤

After completing her undergraduate degree, Thalita pursued a Master’s in Human Communication Health (2018-2020) at UFPE, under the guidance of Zulina Souza de Lira. Her research during this period delved into Parkinson’s disease, virtual reality, and acoustic stimulation, reflecting her interest in interdisciplinary approaches to speech therapy.

Her career took a clinical turn when she worked as a Speech Therapist for the City Hall of Gravatá (2019-2020). Simultaneously, she honed her expertise in hospital-based speech therapy by completing a specialization in Orofacial Motricity with an emphasis on Hospital Speech Therapy and Dysphagia (2019-2021). This specialization enabled her to work closely with patients suffering from swallowing disorders, particularly in hospital settings.

In 2022, Thalita took on a multiprofessional residency in Family Health (RMSF) at UFPE, allowing her to work within an interdisciplinary team to provide holistic patient care. She also engaged in residency training at the Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira (IMIP), specializing in physical rehabilitation and hospital speech therapy. However, her medical residency in this area was discontinued in the same year.

In 2023, she expanded her expertise by completing a postgraduate degree in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), emphasizing her commitment to working with neurodivergent populations. She further enriched her knowledge by undertaking a postgraduate specialization in Applied Neuroscience (2024) and Music Therapy (2024), highlighting her interdisciplinary approach to speech therapy.

From 2023 to 2024, Thalita served as a substitute professor in the undergraduate Speech Therapy program at UFPE, where she taught courses in voice, orofacial motricity, dysphagia, language, and educational speech therapy. This role allowed her to share her wealth of clinical experience with future speech therapists, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬📖

Thalita’s research contributions are deeply rooted in speech-language pathology, neurological disorders, and rehabilitative interventions. Her Master’s research on Parkinson’s disease focused on how virtual reality and acoustic stimulation could enhance speech therapy outcomes. This innovative approach positioned her at the forefront of using technology-assisted rehabilitation in speech therapy.

She was actively involved in the Pathophysiology of the Stomatognathic System Research Group (2018-2020), where she contributed to studies on orofacial motricity, dysphagia, and related disorders. Her research interests extend to hospital-based speech therapy, multiprofessional health interventions, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD.

Throughout her career, she has contributed to multiple research and extension projects, including educational speech therapy for elementary school students, neonatal hearing screening for high-risk infants, and speech rehabilitation for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. These projects highlight her commitment to improving speech-language interventions across different populations.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆🎖️

Thalita’s academic and professional journey has been marked by a series of achievements and recognitions. Her participation in scientific research, teaching, and clinical practice has earned her prestigious research grants, fellowships, and teaching positions.

She has been recognized for her contributions to interdisciplinary health interventions, particularly in hospital speech therapy and neurodevelopmental rehabilitation. Her role as a mentor and educator at UFPE further underscores her influence in shaping the next generation of speech-language pathologists.

Her leadership in academic leagues, research groups, and community health initiatives has solidified her reputation as a dedicated and influential professional in the field of speech therapy.

Impact and Influence 🌍💡

Thalita’s work has had a profound impact on speech-language therapy, hospital rehabilitation, and community health services. Her research on Parkinson’s disease and acoustic stimulation has contributed valuable insights into alternative therapeutic methods, while her clinical expertise in dysphagia and orofacial motricity has improved patient outcomes in hospital settings.

Her contributions to educational speech therapy have helped shape speech-language interventions for young students, particularly those with speech and language disorders. Her involvement in public health initiatives has played a crucial role in preventing and managing communication disorders at the community level.

Beyond her clinical and research work, Thalita’s role as an educator has been instrumental in inspiring and training new speech therapists. Her dedication to integrating technology, neuroscience, and behavior analysis into speech therapy ensures that her influence extends beyond traditional therapeutic methods.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀🔬

Looking ahead, Thalita Victory Silva da Cruz is poised to make even greater contributions to speech-language pathology, rehabilitation sciences, and interdisciplinary healthcare. As a Ph.D. candidate at UFPE, she continues to explore innovative approaches to communication disorders, neurorehabilitation, and hospital-based speech therapy.

Her future research is likely to delve deeper into technological applications in speech therapy, such as virtual reality, AI-driven diagnostics, and acoustic stimulation for neurodegenerative diseases. She is also expected to further expand her work on ASD interventions, educational speech therapy, and hospital-based rehabilitation.

With her strong background in applied neuroscience, behavior analysis, and music therapy, Thalita is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional speech therapy and modern rehabilitative techniques. Her legacy will be one of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep commitment to improving communication health for diverse populations.

As she continues to educate, research, and advocate, Thalita Victory Silva da Cruz remains a driving force in shaping the future of speech-language pathology, neurological rehabilitation, and public health interventions. 🌟

📝Notable Publications

Acoustic Parameters After Vocal Technique Associated With Virtual Reality With Electromyographic Biofeedback and Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation in Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease

Author: Thalita Victory Silva da Cruz (and co-authors)

Journal: Journal of Voice

Year: 2025

 Desempenho do diagrama de desvio fonatório no monitoramento da qualidade vocal pré e pós exercício vocal em indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson

Author: Thalita Victory Silva da Cruz (and co-authors)

Journal: CoDAS

Year: 2023

 Performance of the phonatory deviation diagram in monitoring voice quality before and after voice exercise in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

Author: Thalita Victory Silva da Cruz (and co-authors)

Journal: CoDAS

Year: 2023

Assoc. Prof. Dr. SimonMary Aihiokhai | Ethical Leadership | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. SimonMary Aihiokhai | Ethical Leadership | Best Researcher Award

University of Portland, United States

Profile

Orchid

Early Academic Pursuits: Foundations of a Theological Mind 🎓🔍

SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai’s intellectual journey began with a deep engagement in philosophical inquiry. His early academic foundation was laid at the Spiritan School of Philosophy in Isienu-Nsukka, Nigeria, where he pursued a Diploma in Philosophy. His thesis, “Truth in Nietzsche,” reflected a profound engagement with existentialist and postmodern philosophical thought. This early exploration into truth and human understanding set the stage for his later theological inquiries, where the interplay between philosophy and faith would become a defining aspect of his scholarly pursuits.

His thirst for knowledge led him to St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, California, where he earned a Master’s in Theology. His thesis, “Informed Consent/Biomedical Ethics. The Moral Implications of Medical Advance Directives: A Multicultural/Pastoral Approach,” showcased his keen interest in ethical dilemmas within healthcare. This research highlighted his commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue, particularly the intersection of theology, ethics, and medical sciences.

Building upon this rich academic foundation, he pursued a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His doctoral dissertation, “Hospitality and Friendship as Effective Tools for Sustained Interreligious Dialogue: A Case Study of the Catholic Community of Ihievbe, Edo State, Nigeria,” demonstrated his deep commitment to interfaith understanding. It was a reflection of his belief that human relationships, particularly those rooted in friendship and hospitality, are vital for bridging theological and cultural divides.

Professional Endeavors: A Commitment to Teaching and Scholarship 🏛️📖

As a Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of Portland, Oregon, SimonMary Aihiokhai has devoted his career to shaping theological discourse in academic and religious settings. His role as an Affiliate Faculty of the Ethnic Studies Program further underscores his dedication to exploring theology through the lens of cultural and ethnic diversity. He has been instrumental in mentoring students, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering conversations on faith, identity, and interreligious dialogue.

His work goes beyond conventional classroom instruction. He is deeply engaged in curriculum development, ensuring that theology remains relevant to contemporary global challenges. His interdisciplinary approach integrates philosophy, ethics, and cultural studies, making theological education more inclusive and dynamic.

Contributions and Research Focus: Bridging Faith and Human Connection 🤝🌏

Aihiokhai’s research is profoundly centered on the role of hospitality and friendship in fostering interfaith dialogue. His scholarship challenges theological communities to rethink their approach to religious interactions, advocating for a more relational, rather than doctrinal, framework for dialogue. His work is particularly significant in today’s world, where religious and cultural tensions continue to shape global narratives.

Moreover, his interest in biomedical ethics has led him to explore pressing ethical issues in healthcare, especially regarding informed consent and medical decision-making. By addressing these topics through a multicultural and pastoral perspective, he contributes to a more humane and just approach to bioethics.

Accolades and Recognition: A Scholar of Distinction 🏅📜

Aihiokhai’s excellence in scholarship has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, he was honored with the Outstanding Scholar Award, a testament to his academic rigor, intellectual contributions, and impact in the field of theology. This award highlights his unwavering dedication to scholarship and the respect he has garnered within academic and religious circles.

His affiliation with major theological and ethnic studies programs further solidifies his reputation as a thought leader in his field. The recognition he has received reflects both the depth of his work and its influence on students, scholars, and faith communities alike.

Impact and Influence: Shaping Theological Thought and Dialogue 🌍🕊️

Through his work, Aihiokhai has redefined the discourse on interfaith engagement, emphasizing human relationships as the cornerstone of meaningful dialogue. His teachings and writings have influenced both students and scholars, encouraging them to approach theology not just as an academic discipline but as a living, breathing practice that shapes real-world relationships.

Beyond academia, his ideas have had a profound impact on faith communities seeking a more inclusive and compassionate approach to interreligious interaction. His research has provided a framework for fostering understanding between different faith traditions, especially within the Catholic community in Nigeria and beyond.

Legacy and Future Contributions: A Vision for Theological Engagement 🌱🚀

Aihiokhai’s legacy is one of intellectual courage and compassionate scholarship. His work challenges theological institutions to embrace openness, dialogue, and relational ethics. As he continues his career, his influence is set to grow, inspiring future scholars to explore theology as a tool for healing, reconciliation, and social transformation.

Looking ahead, his research is likely to expand into new dimensions of theology and ethics, addressing contemporary issues such as migration, religious pluralism, and social justice. His interdisciplinary approach positions him as a crucial voice in shaping the future of theological studies, ensuring that it remains relevant and responsive to the needs of a diverse and ever-changing world.

Conclusion: A Scholar Rooted in Faith, Ethics, and Dialogue 🌟📜

SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai stands as a beacon of intellectual depth, ethical consciousness, and theological innovation. His journey from philosophy to theology, from Nigeria to the United States, reflects a lifelong commitment to knowledge, faith, and human connection. Through his teaching, research, and advocacy, he continues to build bridges between faith traditions, inspire students, and contribute to the evolution of theological thought in the modern era. His legacy will undoubtedly endure, shaping theological and ethical conversations for generations to come.

This essay captures his academic journey, professional work, and broader impact, integrating thematic depth and a narrative approach. Let me know if you’d like any refinements! 😊

📝Notable Publications

Black Bodies as Sacraments of Disruption: Reimagining the Human Person in an Era of Marginalization

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025

A Case for a Eucharistic Approach to Healthcare According to the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: Religions
Year: 2025

Elections, Violence and Transitional Justice in Africa (Book Review)

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: Horizons
Year: 2024

Rethinking Easter: Towards Radical Inclusivity

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: The Politics of Scripture Series, Political Theology Network
Year: 2024

Retrieval of Africa’s Queer Memories, Values, and Practice

Author: SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai
Journal: Lecture/Speech
Year: 2024