Anna Cavallaro | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Anna Cavallaro | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

University of Bari | Italy

Dr. Anna Cavallaro, a PhD Candidate in Gender Studies at the University of Bari, is an emerging scholar specializing in developmental and educational psychology with a strong focus on study strategies, digital learning processes, and eye-tracking methodologies. She holds a Master’s degree in Modern Philology with a specialization in teaching, training, and research, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Humanities from the University of Salerno. Her professional experience includes serving as an Adjunct Teaching Assistant in the Experimental Pedagogy and Educational Technologies Lab at the University of Salerno and as an Academic Tutor in Psychology of E-learning at the University of Bari, roles through which she contributes to instructional innovation and student mentorship. She has also expanded her international research experience as a visiting researcher at the University of Oslo. Dr. Cavallaro is an active member of a nationally funded research project on digital learning, where she investigates socio-cognitive and emotional-motivational factors influencing students’ engagement with digital materials. Her research output includes peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and contributions to edited volumes addressing gender stereotypes, inclusive digital pedagogies, and the integration of eye-tracking tools in educational research. She has presented her work at international conferences, delivered seminars, and contributed to symposia on technology-enhanced learning and gender studies. Skilled in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, she is proficient in the use of NVivo, R Studio, and eye-tracking technologies for data collection and analysis. Dr. Cavallaro’s academic achievements and growing portfolio of scholarly publications reflect her commitment to advancing knowledge in gender-responsive education and evidence-based instructional practices, positioning her as a strong candidate for the Research Excellence Award.

Profiles: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Cavallaro, A., & Ligorio, M. B. (2025). Gender comparison of factors involved in self-study activities with digital tools: A mixed study using an eye tracker and interviews. Education Sciences.

2. Cavallaro, A., Ventrella, A., & Ligorio, M. B. (2025). Italian college students’ study strategies integrating digital technology: A multilevel analysis comparing gender and STEM versus non-STEM students. In Methodologies and Intelligent Systems for Technology Enhanced Learning (pp. 230–238). Springer.

3. Cavallaro, A. (2025). Il background teorico e gli studi sugli eye tracker. In F. Faiella (Ed.), Eyetracking glasses per migliorare la didattica. FrancoAngeli.

4. Cavallaro, A. (2025). Superare gli stereotipi di genere: Digital learning e pedagogia generativa per un orientamento professionale inclusivo e autodeterminato. Attualità Pedagogiche.

5. Cavallaro, A. (2024). Linguaggio e stereotipi: Osservazioni sui ruoli di genere nei libri di testo scolastici. Cooperazione Educativa, 3, 68–74.

Dr. Anna Cavallaro’s research advances evidence-based educational practices by integrating gender analysis, digital learning, and eye-tracking methodologies to better understand and support diverse learners. Her work contributes to more inclusive pedagogical models, informing policy, instructional design, and technological innovation in education.

Panagiota Koutsimani | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Panagiota Koutsimani | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

Adjunt Lecturer | University of Western Macedonia | Greece

Dr. Panagiota Koutsimani is a cognitive neuropsychologist specializing in burnout, cognitive functioning, and mental health. She holds a PhD in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Macedonia and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding the relationships between burnout, depression, and anxiety, notably through her widely cited meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Psychology. She has also investigated cognitive performance in non-clinical burnout populations, highlighting the role of family support as a protective factor. Her work employs rigorous methodologies, including longitudinal studies and meta-analyses, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing psychological research. In addition to her research, Dr. Koutsimani has extensive teaching and dissertation supervision experience, mentoring emerging researchers in both cognitive and neuropsychology fields. According to her Google Scholar profile, total citations 1903, since 2020 citations 1854, h-index 8, i10-index 7.

Profile: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. P. Koutsimani, A. Montgomery, and K. Georganta, “The relationship between burnout, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, p. 429219, 2019.

2. A. Kariou, P. Koutsimani, A. Montgomery, and O. Lainidi, “Emotional labor and burnout among teachers: A systematic review,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 23, p. 12760, 2021.

3. P. Koutsimani, A. Montgomery, E. Masoura, and E. Panagopoulou, “Burnout and cognitive performance,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 4, p. 2145, 2021.

4. P. Koutsimani, A. Montgomery, and K. Georganta, “The relationship between burnout, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, p. 284, 2019.

5. P. Koutsimani and A. Montgomery, “A two-wave study on the associations of burnout with depression and anxiety: The mediating and moderating role of perceived family support,” Psychological Reports, vol. 126, no. 1, pp. 220–245, 2023.

Hengbing Zu | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Hengbing Zu | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Jinshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Dr. Hengbing Zu is a distinguished neurologist with over 30 years of academic and research experience. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Anhui Medical University, his Master’s in Neurology from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and his Doctorate from Fudan University’s Shanghai Medical College. As a professor and dean at the Department of Neurology, Jinshan Hospital of Fudan University, Dr. Zu has dedicated over two decades to researching the relationship between altered brain cholesterol metabolism and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). His pioneering work suggests that brain neuronal cholesterol deficiency is a shared neurochemical mechanism in both Familial and Sporadic AD. Through in-vitro studies, he demonstrated that cholesterol deficiency can trigger key pathological features of AD, including Aβ generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. Dr. Zu’s unified “AD-cholesterol hypothesis” offers a novel perspective on AD progression, making significant contributions to the field of neurodegenerative disease research.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Hengbing Zu has a strong and comprehensive educational background in clinical medicine and neurology. He obtained his Bachelor of Medicine from Anhui Medical University between 1981 and 1986, laying a solid foundation in medical sciences. He continued his academic journey by pursuing a Master’s degree in Neurology at Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 1996 to 1999, where he deepened his specialization in neurological disorders. Seeking to further advance his expertise, Dr. Zu earned his Doctor of Medicine degree in Neurology at the prestigious Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University from 2007 to 2011. His educational progression across top Chinese institutions reflects both his dedication to continuous learning and his commitment to excelling in the field of neurology. This extensive academic preparation has equipped Dr. Zu with a strong theoretical and practical understanding, which has underpinned his later research innovations in Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegenerative disorders.

Professional Experience

Dr. Hengbing Zu is an experienced academic leader and clinical practitioner with over three decades of service in neurology. He currently serves as a Professor and Dean of the Department of Neurology at Jinshan Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University. In this capacity, Dr. Zu oversees clinical services, research programs, and educational initiatives, playing a pivotal role in shaping the department’s strategic direction. His professional career has been distinguished by a strong focus on integrating clinical practice with research, especially in neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Zu has consistently contributed to advancing neurological care by combining patient-centered treatment with cutting-edge scientific research. His leadership has helped foster an environment that promotes both academic inquiry and clinical excellence. Throughout his career, he has mentored young researchers, collaborated across disciplines, and worked to enhance the understanding and management of Alzheimer’s disease. His extensive experience solidifies his reputation as a respected figure in Chinese neurology.

Research Interest

Dr. Hengbing Zu’s primary research interest centers on the neurochemical mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a particular focus on brain cholesterol metabolism. For over twenty years, he has explored how alterations in neuronal cholesterol contribute to the onset and progression of both Familial and Sporadic forms of AD. His groundbreaking work demonstrated that a deficiency in brain neuronal cholesterol can induce AD-associated pathological processes such as amyloid-beta accumulation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. Based on these findings, Dr. Zu proposed the unified “AD-cholesterol hypothesis,” suggesting that neuronal cholesterol deficiency could be a common pathogenic mechanism for all types of AD. His research bridges basic science with potential clinical applications, offering new perspectives for understanding, diagnosing, and eventually treating Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Zu’s dedication to unraveling the molecular basis of AD has positioned him as a leading figure in cholesterol-related neurodegenerative research, significantly advancing knowledge in this critical area.

Award and Honor

Although specific awards and honors were not detailed in the provided information, Dr. Hengbing Zu’s academic and professional standing suggest a high level of recognition within his field. Serving as the Professor and Dean of the Department of Neurology at a leading university hospital indicates his peers’ strong acknowledgment of his contributions to neurology and research. It is reasonable to infer that he has been honored for his long-term dedication to Alzheimer’s disease research and academic leadership. His original proposal of the “AD-cholesterol hypothesis” represents a major intellectual achievement likely recognized through institutional and possibly national awards. In addition to formal accolades, Dr. Zu’s influence is reflected in the respect he commands within academic and medical communities. Future nominations and recognitions at the international level could further highlight his critical contributions to understanding neurodegenerative diseases, reinforcing his stature as a thought leader in neuroscience research.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Hengbing Zu is an outstanding researcher, clinician, and academic leader whose career has been dedicated to advancing the field of neurology. Through his extensive education, clinical practice, and innovative research, he has made a lasting impact on the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly through his development of the “AD-cholesterol hypothesis.” His professional experience reflects a seamless blend of clinical excellence and scientific inquiry, ensuring that his research remains deeply connected to patient needs. Dr. Zu’s long-standing focus on brain cholesterol metabolism in AD has opened new avenues for diagnosis and potential treatment strategies. Although further global recognition could strengthen his profile, his current achievements already place him among the leading experts in his field. Dr. Zu’s contributions exemplify the spirit of scientific advancement and dedication, making him a highly deserving candidate for awards recognizing excellence in research and innovation in neurological sciences.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: New insight into the role of altered brain cholesterol metabolism in the pathogenesis of AD: A unifying cholesterol hypothesis and new therapeutic approach for AD

    • Authors: Yang, Xiaobo; Yao, Kai; Zhang, Mengqi; Zhang, Wenbin; Zu, Hengbing

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: Cellular Cholesterol Loss Impairs Synaptic Vesicle Mobility via the CAMK2/Synapsin-1 Signaling Pathway

    • Authors: Qurban, Atikam; Zhang, Mengqi; Zu, Hengbing; Yao, Kai

    • Journal: Frontiers in Bioscience

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: The association between plasma trans-fatty acids level and migraine: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 1999–2000

    • Authors: Yao, Kai; Zu, Hengbing

    • Journal: Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids

    • Year: 2024