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

 

S. Joseph Antony | Granular Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr S. Joseph Antony | Granular Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr S. Joseph Antony , University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Dr. S. Joseph Antony is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds. With a distinguished career in granular mechanics and particle technology, Dr. Antony is renowned for his research in the behavior of powders and grains under industrial conditions. He has been instrumental in interdisciplinary projects, including biomechanics and waste reutilization. His expertise spans both computational and experimental methodologies, which has earned him recognition and leadership roles in various international journals and conferences. Dr. Antony’s contributions to the field and his commitment to advancing engineering sciences make him a leading figure in particulate mechanics and related applications.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Research Output:
    • Dr. Antony has an impressive track record with over 170 publications in high-impact international journals, conference proceedings, and books. This extensive output showcases his significant contributions to the field of particulate mechanics and granular materials.
  2. Innovative Research Areas:
    • His research interests cover a broad spectrum of impactful areas, including granular mechanics, particle technology, and the interdisciplinary applications of stress sensing. Notably, his work on reusing conventional wastes in concretes and the impacts of pandemics on engineering industries aligns with current global research needs.
  3. Prestigious Awards and Recognitions:
    • The MIT Young Researcher Fellowship Award for Exemplary Research in Computational Mechanics and his selection as an example of outstanding achievements in particle science and technology in the UK highlight his excellence and leadership in his field.
  4. Interdisciplinary Research and Applications:
    • Dr. Antony’s involvement in interdisciplinary projects, particularly in biomechanics and the computational aspects of engineering challenges, demonstrates his ability to bridge different scientific domains and address complex problems.
  5. Leadership and Editorial Contributions:
    • His roles as a guest editor, lead editor of a significant book, and member of numerous editorial boards indicate his leadership and influence in the academic community. Serving as a regular referee for prestigious journals further underscores his expert status.
  6. Successful Research Grants:
    • Dr. Antony has secured substantial research funding (~£3M), indicating trust and confidence from funding bodies in his research capabilities and project management.
  7. Teaching Excellence and Supervision:
    • His contributions to teaching and supervision, including high-impact projects and design awards, reflect his commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers and engineers.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact and Outreach:
    • While Dr. Antony’s research is highly specialized, expanding efforts to increase public engagement and outreach could enhance the broader societal impact of his work. This might involve more public-facing communications or collaborations with industry beyond academic research.
  2. Diversity in Research Topics:
    • Although Dr. Antony has a strong focus on granular mechanics and particle technology, exploring emerging areas in related fields could provide additional avenues for groundbreaking work. Diversifying research topics may also attract a wider range of funding and collaborative opportunities.
  3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    • Further interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers in fields such as environmental science, health sciences, or materials engineering could potentially open new avenues for innovation and application.

Education

Dr. S. Joseph Antony earned his B.E. in Civil Engineering from the University of Madras in 1987. He further pursued advanced studies at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, obtaining his MSc (Engg) in 1991 and a PhD in 1996. His educational background laid a strong foundation in engineering sciences, enabling him to excel in his research and academic career. His studies focused on granular mechanics and particle technology, fields in which he has made significant contributions.

Experience

Dr. Antony has held several prestigious positions throughout his career, including his current role as Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering at the University of Leeds since January 2013. Previously, he served as a Senior Lecturer and Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the same institution. His early career included research fellowships at the University of Surrey and Aston University, where he specialized in particle technology and particulate mechanics. His extensive experience in both teaching and research underscores his expertise and leadership in the field.

Awards and Honors

Dr. S. Joseph Antony has received several notable awards, including the MIT Young Researcher Fellowship Award for Exemplary Research in Computational Mechanics in 2001. He was also recognized for Outstanding Achievements in UK Particle Science and Technology by the PTSG, IChemE in 2002. His supervised projects have won numerous awards, including the BNFL/Shell design project excellence awards and the best design project award for rapid pharmaceutical compact production in 2004.

Research Focus

Dr. Antony’s research focuses on granular mechanics, particle technology, and stress sensing in multi-disciplinary applications. His work explores the bulk behavior of powders and grains under various industrial conditions, integrating computational tools like DEM, FEM, and MD simulations with experimental techniques. He is particularly noted for his contributions to the reutilization of conventional wastes in concrete and the impacts of pandemics on engineering industries. His innovative approach and extensive research have significantly advanced the understanding of particulate mechanics.

Publication Top Notes

Quasi–static deformation of particulate media by C Thornton, SJ Antony 📜

Quasi-static shear deformation of a soft particle system by C Thornton, SJ Antony 🧪

Effect of the impact angle on the breakage of agglomerates: a numerical study using DEM by R Moreno, M Ghadiri, SJ Antony 🔬

Evolution of force distribution in three-dimensional granular media by SJ Antony 📈

Influence of particle shape on granular contact signatures and shear strength: new insights from simulations“

Granular materials: fundamentals and applications

Effect of granulation scale-up on the strength of granules by A Hassanpour, CC Kwan, BH Ng, N Rahmanian, YL Ding, SJ Antony ⚙️

Link between single-particle properties and macroscopic properties in particulate assemblies: role of structures within structures by SJ Antony 🔗

Conclusion

Dr. S. Joseph Antony is a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His significant research contributions, innovative projects, prestigious awards, and leadership in the academic community underscore his excellence as a researcher. The areas for improvement are relatively minor and mainly involve expanding the impact and scope of his work. Overall, his robust research record, interdisciplinary approach, and recognized achievements make him a strong contender for the award.