Jelena Aleksic | Sports Science, Biomechanics, Motion Analysis | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Jelena Aleksic | Sports Science, Biomechanics, Motion Analysis | Young Scientist Award

Junior researcher, PhD student at University of Belgrade, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, Serbia

Jelena Aleksic, born on March 17, 1993, in Kraljevo, Serbia, is a dedicated researcher in the field of Sport Sciences. She is currently a Junior Researcher at the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Sport and Physical Education. Her expertise spans biomechanics, artificial intelligence applications in sports, and rehabilitation. With a passion for innovation, she integrates technology into sports science to enhance athletic performance and injury prevention. Jelena collaborates on international projects, working with institutions such as the University of Kansas and the University of the Algarve. Recognized for her academic excellence, she has received accolades for her contributions to research. Her commitment to advancing sports science through evidence-based methodologies and interdisciplinary collaboration positions her as a promising young scientist.

Professional Profile

Education

Jelena Aleksic pursued her academic journey at the University of Belgrade, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sports and Physical Education in 2021. She furthered her education with an MSc in Sports and Physical Education in 2022, focusing on biomechanics and movement analysis. Currently, she is a PhD candidate in Sports and Physical Education, where her research explores markerless motion capture techniques and their applications in sports performance assessment. Her academic trajectory demonstrates a consistent pursuit of knowledge and specialization in integrating artificial intelligence with sports science. Jelena’s academic excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious awards, reinforcing her reputation as a leading young researcher. Her educational background, combined with her hands-on research, contributes to the evolution of sports science, bridging the gap between traditional methodologies and modern technological advancements.

Professional Experience

Jelena Aleksic is a Junior Researcher at the Methodological Research Laboratory (MIL) within the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Sport and Physical Education. Her role involves conducting biomechanical research, analyzing athletic performance, and developing innovative training methodologies. She actively participates in international projects, such as the Erasmus+ “Resilience Development in Higher Education” initiative, collaborating with renowned institutions. Additionally, Jelena is involved in Alzheimer’s disease research, focusing on strategies to prevent cognitive decline through physical activity interventions. She has also gained international exposure through research visits to institutions like the University of Kansas and Università degli Studi Suor Orsola Benincasa in Naples. Beyond research, she has experience as a teaching assistant in various schools, demonstrating her commitment to education and knowledge dissemination. Her diverse professional engagements highlight her ability to integrate research, teaching, and international collaboration in the field of sports science.

Research Interests

Jelena Aleksic’s research interests lie at the intersection of sports biomechanics, artificial intelligence, and rehabilitation sciences. She is particularly focused on advancing motion capture techniques, integrating markerless pose estimation methods for precise athletic performance assessments. Her work aims to enhance training methodologies and injury prevention strategies by leveraging AI-based analytical tools. Additionally, she explores the role of physical activity in cognitive health, collaborating on projects related to Alzheimer’s disease prevention. Jelena’s research contributes to developing innovative sports technology solutions, improving athlete monitoring and rehabilitation programs. She is also interested in optimizing sports performance through data-driven approaches, ensuring athletes achieve peak efficiency while minimizing injury risks. Her interdisciplinary approach, combining biomechanics, neuroscience, and technology, makes her a significant contributor to the evolution of sports science.

Awards and Honors

Jelena Aleksic has received multiple accolades for her academic and research excellence. She was honored as the Best Doctoral Student for the academic years 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 at the University of Belgrade, recognizing her outstanding academic performance and contributions to sports science research. Her research papers, published in high-impact journals such as Sensors and Life, have been widely acknowledged in the field. In addition to academic awards, Jelena has been actively involved in international collaborations, strengthening her reputation as a promising researcher. She has also played a leadership role in sports education events, such as the Belgrade Sports Fair, where she supervised student volunteers. These honors underscore her dedication, expertise, and potential to make significant advancements in sports science, positioning her as an emerging leader in her field.

Conclusion

Jelena Aleksic’s academic achievements, research involvement, and dedication to advancing sports science make her a strong candidate for a Young Scientist Award. By focusing on increasing the impact of her publications and seeking further international exposure, she can strengthen her candidacy and contribute significantly to her field.

Publications Top Noted

  • Cabarkapa, D., Cabarkapa, D. V., Aleksic, J., Philipp, N. M., Scott, A. A., et al.
    • Title: Differences in countermovement vertical jump force-time metrics between starting and non-starting professional male basketball players
    • Journal: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
    • Year: 2023
    • Citation: 13
  • Philipp, N. M., Cabarkapa, D., Marten, K. M., Cabarkapa, D. V., Mirkov, D. M., et al.
    • Title: Horizontal deceleration performance in professional female handball players
    • Journal: Biomechanics
    • Year: 2023
    • Citation: 10
  • Aleksić, J.
    • Title: Computer Vision Solutions for Range of Motion Assessment
    • Journal: Southeastern European Medical Journal: SEEMEDJ
    • Year: 2023
    • Citation: 3
  • Aleksić, J., Gkatzaveli, S., Tasić, L., Obrenović, M., Stojanović, N., Ćuk, I.
    • Title: THE CONCURRENT VALIDITY OF MOTION X-RAY TECHNOLOGY UTILISING POLAR VERITY SENSE TO MEASURE VELOCITY, FORCE AND POWER–PILOT STUDY.
    • Journal: TEME: Casopis za Društvene Nauke
    • Year: 2023
    • Citation: 2
  • Aleksić, J., Kanevsky, D., Mesaroš, D., Knezevic, O. M., Cabarkapa, D., et al.
    • Title: Validation of Automated Countermovement Vertical Jump Analysis: Markerless Pose Estimation vs. 3D Marker-Based Motion Capture System
    • Journal: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Cabarkapa, D., Cabarkapa, D. V., Aleksic, J., Mihajlovic, F., Fry, A. C.
    • Title: The Impact of the Official Basketball Champions League Game on Lower-Body Neuromuscular Performance Characteristics
    • Journal: The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Cabarkapa, D., Johnson, Q. R., Aleksic, J., Cabarkapa, D. V., Philipp, N. M., et al.
    • Title: Comparison of vertical jump and sprint performances between 3× 3 and 5× 5 elite professional male basketball players
    • Journal: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Considerando, D. P. P. C., y Explosividad, F. M.
    • Title: Different Body Partialization Procedures Considering Maximum Strength and Explosiveness: Factorial Analysis Approach
    • Journal: Int. J. Morphol
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Aleksić, J., Mesaroš, D., Kanevsky, D., Knežević, O. M., Cabarkapa, D., Faj, L., et al.
    • Title: Advancing Field-Based Vertical Jump Analysis: Markerless Pose Estimation vs. Force Plates
    • Journal: Life
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Cabarkapa, D., Aleksic, J., Krsman, D., Cabarkapa, D. V., Philipp, N. M., Fry, A. C.
    • Title: The impact of simulated 3×3 tournament on vertical jump force-time metrics in national team male basketball players
    • Journal: Frontiers in Physiology
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Cabarkapa, D. V., Cabarkapa, D., Aleksic, J., Ranisavljev, I., Fry, A. C.
    • Title: Does the short-term learning effect impact vertical jump performance assessment on a portable force plate system?
    • Journal: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Rodić, F., Bečanović, F., Aleksić, J., Mirkov, D., Jovanović, K.
    • Title: Synchronization of Motion Capture and Forceplate Data for Analysis of Vertical Jumping
    • Conference: 11th International Conference on Electrical, Electronic and Computing…
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Cabarkapa, D., Cabarkapa, D. V., Aleksic, J., Scott, A. A., Fry, A. C.
    • Title: Relationship between vertical jump performance and playing time and efficiency in professional male basketball players
    • Journal: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Radovic, K., Cabarkapa, D., Aleksic, J., Cabarkapa, D. V., Mirkov, D. M., et al.
    • Title: Vertical jump neuromuscular performance of professional female handball players—starters vs. non-starters comparison
    • Journal: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: 1
  • Bianco, A.
    • Title: Conference on Exercise and Quality of Life
    • Journal: BMC Proceedings
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: N/A

 

Thomas Nikodelis | Biomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Thomas Nikodelis | Biomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Laboratory staff (AUTH biomechanics Lab), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Dr. Thomas Nikodelis is a distinguished expert in biomechanics and sports science, with a special focus on swimming techniques and human movement. He serves as a Lab Instructor at the Laboratory of Biomechanics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). With over 20 years of teaching and coaching experience, Dr. Nikodelis has contributed to numerous research projects and seminars, earning recognition for his innovative approaches to swimming education in Greece. 🏊‍♂️📚

Publication Profile

Google scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Educational Background: Dr. Nikodelis holds a Ph.D. in Human Performance and Health, specializing in biomechanics, with a focus on swimming. His extensive academic training, including postdoctoral research in balance training, showcases his expertise in human movement and sports science.
  2. Research Impact:He has a Google Scholar h-index of 10 and an i10-index of 11, reflecting the quality and impact of his research.With 393 citations and consistent contributions to biomechanics, particularly in swimming and sports rehabilitation, his work is influential in both academic and practical applications.His research on swimming biomechanics and gait analysis has contributed significantly to improving performance in sports and rehabilitation science.
  3. Diverse Professional Experience:Dr. Nikodelis has a robust teaching career at the university level, including his current position as a Lab Instructor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH).His involvement in both teaching and practical coaching, particularly in swimming, strengthens his profile by bridging theoretical knowledge with practical implementation.He has led and participated in funded research projects, such as the Pythagoras II project and the 3D upper limb motion analysis project, demonstrating his capacity for leading impactful scientific initiatives.
  4. Publications:Dr. Nikodelis has contributed to various high-quality journals, including the Journal of Sports Sciences and Journal of Biomechanics, which are notable in the field of biomechanics and sports science. His recent publication on breaststroke arm-stroke kinematics highlights his continuous engagement in cutting-edge research.
  5. Recognition and Awards:He has been recognized for his innovative approach to swimming education by the Ministry of Education in Greece.Scholarships from prestigious organizations like the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) underscore his academic excellence.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Research Collaboration: While Dr. Nikodelis has made substantial contributions to biomechanics and swimming research, increasing international collaborations or expanding his research beyond biomechanics could enhance his research portfolio and impact further.
  2. Higher Citation Index: Although his h-index and i10-index are respectable, further efforts to increase citation impact and international recognition could strengthen his case for the award. This might involve publishing in higher-impact journals and actively engaging with broader scientific communities outside Greece.
  3. Funding and Leadership in Larger Projects: While Dr. Nikodelis has led and contributed to notable research projects, leading larger, more prestigious international projects could further elevate his profile. Increased involvement in interdisciplinary research or larger grant-funded projects would also position him as a more prominent figure in his field.

Education

🎓 Dr. Nikodelis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1997), a Ph.D. in Human Performance and Health from AUTH (2004), and completed postdoctoral research in balance training for the elderly under the EU’s “Pythagoras II” project (2007). He is proficient in English and Italian. 🌍📝

Experience

Dr. Nikodelis has a vast teaching career, including positions as an Adjunct Professor at the Military School of Corps Officers and Lecturer at TEFAA, AUTH. Since 2017, he has been a Lab Instructor at the AUTH Biomechanics Lab. He is also a seasoned swimming coach and director of the Asteria Sports Club, with a coaching career spanning over 25 years. 🏅👨‍🏫

Research Focus

His research focuses on biomechanics, particularly in swimming and gait analysis, exploring areas like bilateral coordination and visual feedback for improving balance in various populations. His studies contribute significantly to sports science and rehabilitation. 🏊‍♂️📊

Awards and Honors

Dr. Nikodelis has been honored with several scholarships, including from the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), and was recognized by the Greek Ministry of Education for excellence in swimming education in primary schools. He has led important projects, such as the 3D upper limb motion analysis (2009-2010), and participated in the EU-funded “Pythagoras II” project. 🏆🎖️

Publication Top Notes

📄 Dr. Nikodelis has a Google Scholar h-index of 10, with 393 citations in total. His i10-index is 11, with 11 publications cited at least 10 times, reflecting his strong academic impact in sports science and biomechanics.

Panoutsakopoulos V. et al., 2022. “Kinetic Time-Curves in Drop Jump Performance”, Journal of Sports Sciences, cited by 5 articles.

Gourgoulis V., Nikodelis T., 2022. “Breaststroke Arm-Stroke Kinematics”, Journal of Biomechanics, cited by 7 articles.

Obradović S. et al., 2021. “Sports for Persons with Disabilities”, Godišnjak za psihologiju, cited by 3 articles.

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Thomas Nikodelis is a highly accomplished researcher with significant contributions to biomechanics, particularly in swimming and sports rehabilitation. His extensive teaching, coaching, and research experience, combined with his academic achievements and practical contributions, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there are areas for potential growth, such as broadening his research scope and pursuing larger-scale projects, his current work in biomechanics and education is highly commendable and aligns well with the criteria for this award.