Stephen Higgins | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Stephen Higgins | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Surgical Resident at Nebraska Medicine, United States

Dr. Stephen E. Higgins Jr., DMD, MPH, is an accomplished clinician and academician currently pursuing his M.D. at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. He is a resident in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University School of Dentistry. Dr. Higgins combines extensive training in dentistry, medicine, and public health to provide interdisciplinary insights into surgical and public health challenges. Known for his academic rigor and leadership, he serves as a Clinical Instructor at Creighton University and actively contributes to academic and clinical teaching. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous presentations, scholarly publications, and leadership roles within national medical and dental organizations. Dr. Higgins is especially noted for his dynamic involvement in both clinical care and scientific research, aiming to integrate cutting-edge research with clinical practice. With more than a decade of progressive academic and research experience, Dr. Higgins stands out as a dedicated scholar, committed to improving patient care and advancing medical knowledge. His work reflects a balance of clinical expertise, teaching, and research that positions him as a future leader in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Higgins has pursued a diverse and intensive academic path, integrating dentistry, medicine, and public health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine in 2022, where he also received multiple commendations for academic excellence and leadership. He holds a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, completed in 2018, where he developed a strong foundation in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health systems research. He is currently a candidate for a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, scheduled to graduate in 2025. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Providence College in 2012, complemented by a minor in Business Studies. Dr. Higgins also completed a post-baccalaureate program at Worcester State University, graduating in 2016. His academic foundation has been enhanced by strong performance and honors, such as his induction into Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. This comprehensive educational background uniquely equips Dr. Higgins with an integrated approach to healthcare, enabling him to navigate clinical practice, academic research, and health policy with precision and insight.

Professional Experience

Dr. Higgins’s professional trajectory reflects a blend of clinical practice, academic instruction, and research leadership. Since 2022, he has been training as a resident in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University School of Dentistry. His dual-role residency under esteemed mentors Dr. Valmont Desa and Dr. Terry Lanphier emphasizes complex surgical procedures and interdisciplinary collaboration. Concurrently, he has served as a Clinical Instructor at Creighton University, where he mentors dental students in clinical procedures, case management, and academic development. Prior to his residency, he held leadership positions as President of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Club and Student Representative to the Research Committee at the University of New England. His clinical experience is further strengthened by licensure to practice dentistry in Nebraska, and affiliations with major national bodies including the ADA, AMA, and AAOMS. Throughout his training, Dr. Higgins has demonstrated a strong commitment to integrating patient care with academic inquiry, often taking lead roles in research projects and quality improvement initiatives. His professional experience demonstrates a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and continuous learning in both surgical and academic contexts.

Research Interests

Dr. Higgins has cultivated a broad and evolving portfolio of research interests that span clinical oral surgery, public health, and medical education. His primary research focus includes the evaluation of surgical techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery, particularly in stability and outcomes following procedures like sagittal split osteotomies. He has explored topics ranging from dentist comfort in diagnosing oral pathology to the impact of antibiotics on gut microbiota, reflecting his interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Higgins has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and has presented extensively at national conferences, including the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine and the North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology. His early work in emergency medicine explored benchmarking scholarly productivity, while subsequent research examined substance abuse interventions via telemedicine and health referral systems. These interests underscore his commitment to bridging gaps between research, policy, and patient care. By integrating clinical practice with inquiry-driven research, Dr. Higgins aims to advance evidence-based approaches in surgery and healthcare delivery. He continues to develop research that is translational in nature, driven by real-world clinical challenges and guided by rigorous academic methodologies.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Higgins has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his academic and professional career, underscoring his excellence in leadership, research, and academic performance. While pursuing his D.M.D. at the University of New England, he was awarded the prestigious AAOMS Dental Student Award, recognizing exceptional promise in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He consistently earned Letters of Commendation for four consecutive years, reflecting his high academic performance and dedication. He graduated with Honors Research Distinction, highlighting his scholarly contributions to oral health research. He also received a Student Leadership Certificate for his active engagement in student organizations and advocacy. During his earlier academic career, Dr. Higgins was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society at Worcester State University, a distinction reserved for students of the highest academic caliber. These accolades reflect not only Dr. Higgins’s intellectual aptitude but also his capacity for leadership, initiative, and service. His ongoing involvement with national professional organizations such as the ADA, AMA, and AAOMS further reflects his commitment to the highest standards of clinical practice and professional development. These honors validate Dr. Higgins’s standing as a promising figure in academic medicine and surgery.

Conclusion

Dr. Stephen E. Higgins Jr. is a highly promising and accomplished early-career researcher whose interdisciplinary background and active research involvement make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His combination of clinical training, research leadership, and publication record reflects a deep commitment to advancing evidence-based practices in oral and maxillofacial surgery and public health.

While he is still building his publication portfolio and academic footprint, the trajectory and potential for impact are clearly evident. If the award committee values early-career excellence, breadth of contribution, and leadership, Dr. Higgins would be a very deserving recipient.

Publications Top Notes

  • Authors: Stephen E. Higgins Jr., Valmont Desa

  • Year: 2025

  • Title: Comparing the Infection Rates of Strut Versus Straight Plates in Sagittal Split Osteotomies

  • Journal: Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

  • DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2025.03.001

  • Citation: Higgins, S.E. Jr., & Desa, V. (2025). Comparing the infection rates of strut versus straight plates in sagittal split osteotomies. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2025.03.001

 

  • Authors: Edwin D. Boudreaux, Stephen E. Higgins Jr., Rebecca Reznik-Zellen, Bo Wang, Gregory Volturo

  • Year: 2019

  • Title: Scholarly Productivity and Impact: Developing a Quantifiable, Norm-Based Benchmarking Methodology for Academic Emergency Medicine

  • Journal: Academic Emergency Medicine, Volume 26, Issue 6, Pages 594–604

  • DOI: 10.1111/acem.13704

  • Citation: Boudreaux, E.D., Higgins, S.E., Reznik-Zellen, R., Wang, B., & Volturo, G. (2019). Scholarly productivity and impact: Developing a quantifiable, norm-based benchmarking methodology for academic emergency medicine. Academic Emergency Medicine, 26(6), 594–604. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.13704

 

Christina Jones | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Christina Jones | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Professor Clinical Health Psychology, University of Surrey, United Kingdom

Dr. Sangmok Kang is a distinguished Professor of Economics at Pusan National University in South Korea. With a focus on environmental and resource economics, Dr. Kang has made significant contributions to the field through his research and publications, particularly in the areas of efficiency, productivity, and applied microeconomics. He has held various leadership positions within the university and has served as a visiting scholar at several prestigious institutions worldwide.

Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Experience: Sangmok Kang has a vast array of research publications, with a strong focus on environmental and resource economics. His work spans critical areas like pollution control, energy efficiency, and sustainable development, making significant contributions to both theory and practice.
  2. International Recognition: His positions as a visiting scholar at prestigious institutions like the University of Chicago and Purdue University, as well as his collaboration with international researchers, indicate that his work is recognized and respected globally. This international exposure enhances the impact of his research.
  3. Diverse Research Contributions: Kang has authored numerous articles in high-impact journals, covering a wide range of topics such as carbon neutrality, energy efficiency, and economic growth. His work in applied economics is both extensive and influential, addressing contemporary global challenges.
  4. Leadership in Academia: His roles as Dean, Head Professor, and Director at Pusan National University demonstrate his leadership in academic and research environments. This leadership experience, combined with his research prowess, underscores his holistic contribution to the field.
  5. Applied Impact of Research: Kang’s research often focuses on practical applications, such as evaluating the efficiency of industries and the economic impact of environmental regulations. This applied research is crucial for policy-making and economic planning, adding real-world value to his academic work.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Engagement in Interdisciplinary Research: While Kang has a strong focus on economics and environmental issues, further engagement in interdisciplinary research that integrates technology, social sciences, and policy-making could broaden the impact of his work.
  2. Enhancing Public Communication: While his academic output is robust, there is an opportunity to increase the visibility of his research among the general public and policymakers. Simplifying complex research findings into more accessible formats could help in this regard.
  3. Mentorship and Collaboration: While there is evidence of supervision of graduate programs, more emphasis on mentoring young researchers and fostering collaborative projects across different disciplines could enhance his academic influence.

Education 🎓

Dr. Kang earned his Ph.D. in Economics from Pusan National University in 1993, with a dissertation on the economic behavior of firms in relation to pollution standards. He also holds an M.A. (1986) and a B.A. (1984) in Economics from the same university. His academic journey has been deeply rooted in the study of economic disparities, environmental efficiency, and regional economic growth.

Experience 🏅

Dr. Kang’s career spans over three decades, during which he has held multiple academic and research positions. He has served as the Dean of the College of Economics and International Trade and the Graduate School of International Studies at Pusan National University. His international experience includes visiting scholar roles at the University of Connecticut, Oregon State University, and the University of Chicago, among others. Dr. Kang’s leadership and research have significantly influenced both academic and policy-making circles.

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Kang’s research interests lie in environmental and resource economics, efficiency and productivity analysis, applied microeconomics, and regional economics. His work often intersects with issues of sustainability and economic growth, focusing on how environmental regulations impact economic efficiency. His extensive research has contributed to the development of more effective policies for managing environmental and economic challenges.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Kang has been recognized for his contributions to the field of economics with several awards, including acknowledgments from educational authorities in Korea. His leadership in research and academia has been instrumental in advancing economic studies in Korea and beyond, making him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.”

Publications  Top Notes📚

Dr. Kang has authored numerous articles in leading journals, contributing valuable insights to the field of economics. Some of his key publications include:

Li, Z., & Kang, S. (2024). Towards sustainable development goals: An analysis of environmental efficiency and the impacts of self-purification capacity across diverse income levels. Environmental Research. Link

Kang, S., Li, Z., & Jeong, D. (2022). An Effect of Carbon Dioxide and Energy Reduction on Production Efficiency and Economic Growth: Application of Carbon Neutrality in Korea. Sustainability. Link

Reimer, J., & Kang, S. (2010). Estimation of trade and domestic distortions: An application to world agriculture. Journal of Productivity Analysis. Link

Conclusion

Sangmok Kang is a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” His extensive research portfolio, leadership roles, and contributions to the field of economics, particularly in environmental and resource economics, make him a standout candidate. His work has not only advanced academic knowledge but also provided valuable insights for practical applications in policy-making and industry.