Hawazin Elani | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hawazin Elani | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Harvard University | United States

Dr. Hawazin W. Elani, Ph.D., is an accomplished scholar and academic leader whose research integrates dentistry, epidemiology, and health policy to advance oral health equity through data-driven, interdisciplinary approaches. She serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and in the Department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, with additional affiliations at the Harvard Data Science Initiative and the Kempner Institute for the Study of Natural and Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Elani earned her Ph.D. in Dental Sciences with a concentration in Epidemiology and Population Health and an M.Sc. from McGill University, as well as an MMSc in Oral Biology and a Clinical Certificate in Prosthodontics from Harvard. Her research explores health disparities, oral health policy, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predicting oral health outcomes. She has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Health Services Research, JAMA Network Open, and Journal of Dental Research, with her work cited widely for shaping discussions on healthcare access and reform. As principal investigator on multiple NIH and foundation-funded projects, including R01 and K-series grants, she has led innovative studies assessing the effects of Medicaid expansion and socioeconomic factors on dental care utilization. Recognized with Harvard’s Young Mentor Award and Distinguished Junior Faculty Award in 2024, Dr. Elani also contributes to national and international committees, including the NIH, the National Academies of Sciences, and the Medicaid Policy Research Advisory Group. Through her leadership, global collaborations, and dedication to mentoring, she continues to advance the intersection of artificial intelligence, population health, and oral health policy, driving forward equitable and sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery worldwide.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publication

lani, H. W., Kawachi, I., & Sommers, B. D. (2020). Changes in emergency department dental visits after Medicaid expansion. Health Services Research, 55(1), 76–84.

Elani, H. W., Simon, L., Ticku, S., Bain, P. A., Barrow, J., & Riedy, C. A. (2018). Does providing dental services reduce overall health care costs? A systematic review of the literature. Journal of the American Dental Association (1939), 149(6), 430–438.e10.

Elani, H. W., Starr, J. R., Da Silva, J. D., & Gallucci, G. O. (2018). Trends in dental implant use in the U.S., 1999–2016, and projections to 2026. Journal of Dental Research, 97(13), 1424–1430.

Gil, M. S., Ishikawa-Nagai, S., Elani, H. W., Da Silva, J. D., Kim, D. M., Tarnow, D., Schulze-Späte, U., Cleber, S., & Bittner, N. (2019). Comparison of the color appearance of peri-implant soft tissue with natural gingiva using anodized pink-neck implants and pink abutments: A prospective clinical trial. The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 34(1), 168–175.

Gil, M. S., Ishikawa-Nagai, S., Elani, H. W., Da Silva, J. D., Kim, D. M., Tarnow, D., Schulze-Späte, U., & Bittner, N. (2017). A prospective clinical trial to assess the optical efficacy of pink neck implants and pink abutments on soft tissue esthetics. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 29(3), 213–219.

Ayman Al Hayek | Education Technology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ayman Al Hayek | Education Technology | Best Researcher Award

Diabetes Educator| Prince Sultan Military Medical City | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ibrahim A. Al-Ghofaili is a distinguished medical professional specializing in family medicine, diabetes, and obesity management, with extensive clinical, research, and leadership experience across Saudi Arabia’s premier medical institutions. His professional journey includes key roles at Prince Sultan Military Medical City and the Ministry of Defense, progressing from family medicine registrar to consultant and head of the Diabetic Center. His research interests bridge preventive, metabolic, and endocrine health, emphasizing diabetes management, obesity medicine, and public health awareness. Al-Ghofaili’s scholarly work includes studies on the use of alternative medicine by cancer patients, prevalence of osteoporosis risk factors among young Saudi women, incidence and risk factors of hypoglycemia in chronic kidney disease, and factors influencing diabetic foot self-care efficacy. His active participation in international conferences such as the ADA Symposium, European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), and Obesity Week highlights his dedication to advancing clinical knowledge and integrating global best practices into Saudi healthcare. Through various leadership and educational initiatives, he has contributed significantly to developing training frameworks and health service standards within the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. His engagement in medical education, executive healthcare leadership programs, and obesity-focused fellowships underscores his multidisciplinary expertise in both patient-centered care and healthcare management. Ibrahim A. Al-Ghofaili’s research aims to enhance chronic disease prevention and management, aligning with national and international goals for improved metabolic health outcomes and lifestyle interventions. His continued academic involvement and clinical leadership position him as an influential figure in advancing family and lifestyle medicine, diabetes care, and obesity research in the Gulf region. Ibrahim A. Al-Ghofaili has achieved 1,193 citations, 48 documents, and an h-index of 18 according to the latest research metrics.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publication

Al-Ghofaili, I. A., et al. (2025). Impact of transitioning from conventional blood glucose monitoring to continuous glucose monitoring on glycemic control and self-management in adults with type 2 diabetes on oral glucose-lowering medications. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice.

Al-Ghofaili, I. A., et al. (2025). Evaluating the effect of Semaglutide as add-on therapy on glycemic control and continuous glucose monitoring outcomes in adults with type 1 diabetes: A two-year real-world data study. Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications.

Al-Ghofaili, I. A., et al. (2025). Evaluation of glycemia risk index and continuous glucose monitoring-derived metrics in type 1 diabetes: A real-world observational study. Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders.

Nadiia Konovenko | Education Technology | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Nadiia Konovenko | Education Technology | Women Researcher Award

Odesa National University of Technology | Ukraine

Dr Nadiia Konovenko is a docent of the Department of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at Odesa National University of Technology, Ukraine, with extensive contributions to the study of algebras of differential invariants, Lobachevsky geometry, differential geometry, 2F-planar mappings, and quasi-geodesic mappings. Her research is notable for discovering fields of rational differential invariants for the actions of Lie pseudogroups on planar webs, enabling a classification of planar 3-webs with respect to symplectic and conformal Lie pseudogroups. Nadiia Konovenko has successfully completed 20 research projects and is currently working on two more, continuously enriching the mathematical sciences domain with new insights and methods. She is the author of the book “Differential Invariants and sl2 Geometry” published by Naukova Dumka and has published 20 papers in indexed journals, demonstrating consistent productivity and impact. Beyond her publications, she serves as the managing editor of the journal “Proceedings of the International Geometry Center” and is a member of the editorial board of “Automation of Technological and Business Processes,” actively shaping the dissemination of high-quality research. Nadiia Konovenko is also chair of the organizing committee and a member of the international scientific committee of the conference “Algebraic and Geometric Methods of Analysis,” which brings together leading researchers to advance knowledge in geometry and related fields. Her collaborations include participation in programs such as “Infinite-dimensional Riemannian Geometry with Applications to Image Matching and Shape Analysis” at the Erwin Schrödinger International Institute for Mathematical Physics, Vienna, and engagement in the X and XI Summer Schools on Algebra, Topology, and Analysis. As a full member of the Kyiv Mathematical Society, Nadiia Konovenko continues to play a vital role in advancing geometric theory and its applications. Her research impact is reflected by 17 citations in 13 documents and an h-index of 2.

Profile:  Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID
Featured Publication

Konovenko, N. G. (2004). 2F-planar mappings of Riemannian spaces preserving a generalized f-structure. Proceedings of the International Laptev Geometry Seminar, 8. Citations: 8

Konovenko, N., & Lychagin, V. (2011). On projective classification of plane curves. Global and Stochastic Analysis, 1(2), 1–24. Citations: 7

Konovenko, N., & Lychagin, V. (2016). Invariants of projective actions and their application to recognition of fingerprints. Analysis and Mathematical Physics, 6(1), 95–107. Citations: 6

Konovenko, N. G. (2013). Differential invariants and sl2-geometry. Kyiv: Naukova Dumka Publishing House, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Citations: 6

Konovenko, N. (2010). Projective structures and algebras of their differential invariants. Acta Applicandae Mathematicae: An International Survey Journal on Applying Mathematics, 110(1), 167–185.  Citations: 6

Lu Zheng | Education Technology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Lu Zheng | Education Technology | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral candidate at Jilin University, China

Lu Zheng has demonstrated exceptional academic rigor, research productivity, and interdisciplinary innovation throughout her doctoral studies and scholarly contributions. Her work focuses on addressing critical gaps in AI-enhanced language education, including the need for personalized learning, stronger empirical validation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. By systematically analyzing trends and limitations in existing research, she has proposed practical, evidence-based strategies that enhance both theoretical understanding and real-world application. Her publications in SCI, Scopus, and CNKI-indexed journals reflect her growing academic influence and commitment to high-quality scholarship. Beyond academia, her research has tangible impacts on global language learning practices, offering actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and technology developers. Her ability to integrate linguistics, educational theory, and artificial intelligence positions her as a pioneering figure in the field. Collectively, these accomplishments establish Lu Zheng as an exemplary candidate whose work not only advances knowledge but also shapes the future of AI-driven language education.

Professional Profile

 Scopus 

Education

Lu Zheng is a doctoral candidate at Jilin University, specializing in Linguistics and Applied Linguistics. She has developed a strong academic foundation in Functional Linguistics, Discourse Analysis, and Sociolinguistics, which allows her to analyze language structures, social contexts, and communication patterns with depth and precision. Beyond traditional linguistic study, she has focused on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into language education, exploring how AI tools can enhance learning outcomes, personalize instruction, and support innovative teaching methodologies. Her education has emphasized interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from linguistics, education, and computer science to address complex challenges in modern language learning. Through rigorous coursework, research, and scholarly engagement, she has gained the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to conduct high-quality research. This strong educational background positions her to contribute meaningfully to both academic scholarship and practical applications in AI-enhanced language education, bridging theory and real-world impact.

Experience

Lu Zheng has actively led and participated in numerous research projects, demonstrating both initiative and collaborative skills in the field of linguistics and AI-enhanced language education. She completed a comprehensive review on AI-enhanced language education, systematically analyzing key research perspectives, trends, and limitations in the field. Currently, she is conducting an ongoing study on ChatGPT-assisted language learning, exploring innovative applications of AI to improve pedagogical practices and learner engagement. Her research projects integrate multidisciplinary insights from linguistics, education, psychology, and computer science, reflecting a holistic approach to complex educational challenges. She has successfully published 8 papers in SCI, Scopus, and CNKI-indexed journals, showcasing her ability to produce high-quality scholarly work that bridges theoretical understanding with practical implications. Through these experiences, she has honed expertise in research design, data analysis, and academic writing, establishing herself as a capable and emerging scholar with significant potential to influence both academic research and practical advancements in AI-driven language education.

Skills and Expertise

Lu Zheng demonstrates exceptional capabilities in bibliometric analysis, research methodology, AI-assisted pedagogical design, and data-driven evaluation, which together enable her to address complex questions in modern language education. She skillfully combines linguistic theory with advanced computational tools such as CiteSpace, allowing her to map research trends, identify gaps in the literature, and generate actionable insights that can guide both academic inquiry and educational practice. Her expertise extends to designing AI-driven learning interventions, evaluating their effectiveness, and recommending strategies to improve learner engagement and outcomes. Beyond technical skills, she possesses strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary integration abilities, enabling her to bridge the gap between theory, technology, and pedagogy. Her proficiency in interpreting complex datasets and translating findings into practical recommendations makes her a valuable contributor to research teams, curriculum development projects, and initiatives aimed at advancing AI-enhanced language education globally.

Research Focus

Lu Zheng’s research centers on the interdisciplinary integration of linguistics, education, and artificial intelligence to transform modern language learning. She emphasizes the development of personalized learning approaches that leverage AI tools to tailor instruction according to individual learner needs, enhancing engagement and effectiveness. Her work also prioritizes empirical validation, employing rigorous research designs and data-driven evaluation to ensure that proposed AI-enhanced educational strategies are both scientifically sound and practically applicable. By systematically analyzing existing studies, she identifies critical gaps in current research, including limited cross-disciplinary collaboration, insufficient empirical evidence, and an overemphasis on theoretical advantages of AI without practical implementation. Based on these insights, she proposes actionable strategies to improve AI-driven educational outcomes, promote learner-centered approaches, and foster innovation in language pedagogy. Her research aims not only to advance academic knowledge but also to guide practical applications that meaningfully impact teaching, learning, and policy in the field of AI-assisted language education.

Awards and Honors

Lu Zheng has been widely recognized for her innovative contributions to AI-enhanced language education, reflecting both her scholarly excellence and her potential as a future leader in the field. Her research has gained attention for its interdisciplinary approach, combining linguistics, education, and artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges in language learning. She has successfully published multiple papers in high-impact journals indexed in SCI, Scopus, and CNKI, highlighting the relevance and quality of her work. Beyond publications, her contributions have influenced educational practices by proposing personalized, data-driven, and empirically validated strategies for AI-assisted learning, demonstrating tangible impact on teaching and learner outcomes. Recognized by peers and academic institutions, she has established herself as an emerging authority in the intersection of AI and language pedagogy. Her accomplishments not only showcase academic distinction but also indicate a strong trajectory for future leadership, international collaboration, and meaningful contributions to global language learning innovations.

Publication

Title: Research perspectives and trends in Artificial Intelligence-enhanced language education: A review
Authors: Lu Zheng
Journal: Heliyon
Citations: 3

Conclusion

Lu Zheng is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award due to her outstanding combination of scholarly excellence, innovative thinking, and practical contributions in the field of AI-assisted language education. Her work exemplifies a rare blend of rigorous academic research and forward-looking application, bridging linguistics, education, and artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges in language learning. With a strong record of publications in SCI, Scopus, and CNKI-indexed journals, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to contribute to both theoretical knowledge and practical educational improvements. Her interdisciplinary approach, analytical skills, and focus on evidence-based, personalized learning strategies reflect her capacity to influence policy, pedagogy, and technological innovation globally. Beyond her current achievements, Lu Zheng possesses significant potential for future leadership in international research collaborations, curriculum development, and AI-driven educational advancements, promising a lasting impact on the global landscape of linguistics and technology-enhanced language education.