Gabriela Isabela Verga | Nursing and Health Professions | Pioneer Researcher Award

Mrs. Gabriela Isabela Verga | Nursing and Health Professions | Pioneer Researcher Award

University Assistant at University of “Dunărea de Jos”, of Galati, Romania

Gabriela Isabela Verga is a seasoned medical professional and academic with over three decades of experience in pediatric healthcare and medical education. Currently serving as a doctoral assistant at “Dunărea de Jos” University in Galați, she teaches and conducts laboratory work in microbiology and palliative care. Her background includes leadership roles as a principal licensed medical assistant and coordinator at the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Sf. Ioan,” where she manages healthcare teams and ensures quality standards. She holds advanced degrees in general medical assistance, clinical nutrition, and psychology, reflecting her multidisciplinary expertise. Gabriela has contributed to scientific research, co-authoring a study on vitamin D deficiency in children published in a peer-reviewed journal. She also holds certifications in clinical auditing and healthcare quality management. Known for her team-oriented approach, organizational leadership, and commitment to improving patient care through education and research, she is building a solid foundation for further academic and clinical contributions.

Professional Profile 

Google Scholar
Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

✅ Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Experience in Medical Field:
    Gabriela has over 30 years of progressive experience in medical care, primarily in pediatric settings. This includes senior roles such as Principal Licensed Medical Assistant and Coordinator of integrated ambulatory units.

  2. Academic Involvement and Research Engagement:

    • Currently serving as a PhD assistant and previously as an associate doctoral assistant at “Dunărea de Jos” University.

    • Involvement in practical and lab teaching for key disciplines (Microbiology, Virology, Palliative Care).

    • Publication: Co-author of a peer-reviewed paper on vitamin D deficiency in pediatric patients – a relevant, clinically meaningful topic.

  3. Multidisciplinary Education:

    • Master’s in Clinical Nutrition and Bachelor’s in General Medical Assistance.

    • Additional degree in Psychology, which enhances her approach to patient care and research in psychosomatic or behavioral health contexts.

  4. Leadership and Clinical Quality Management:

    • Leads a team of 37 staff and is involved in clinical audit and quality management, crucial for translational medical research and evidence-based practice.

  5. Strong Organizational and Communication Skills:

    • Demonstrated leadership, coordination, and training roles.

    • Experience in team-based healthcare and education, aligning with collaborative research goals.

Gabriela Isabela Verga holds a comprehensive academic background that spans healthcare, nutrition, and psychology. She earned a bachelor’s degree in General Medical Assistance from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at “Dunărea de Jos” University in Galați, followed by a master’s degree in Clinical Nutrition from the same institution. Her master’s curriculum covered advanced topics such as bio-nutrition, dietetics, and nutritional interventions in clinical contexts. Additionally, she holds a psychology degree from Spiru Haret University, where she focused on medical and educational psychology, enhancing her patient care approach with psychosocial insight. She has also completed certifications in clinical audit and quality management through national accreditation bodies. Gabriela’s educational path demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning, interdisciplinary competence, and the integration of scientific and human-centered knowledge. These diverse qualifications uniquely position her to engage in both applied clinical practice and emerging fields in nutrition and psychological healthcare.

💼 Professional Experience

With over 30 years of experience in the Romanian healthcare system, Gabriela Isabela Verga has held various clinical and leadership positions, primarily at the Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children “Sf. Ioan” in Galați. Beginning as a biological laboratory technician in 1991, she progressed to senior roles including Principal Licensed Medical Assistant and eventually became the coordinator of an integrated ambulatory care unit. Her responsibilities have included supervising nursing teams, managing patient care delivery, and overseeing quality assurance in clinical settings. Since 2022, she has also been actively involved in academia as an assistant doctoral lecturer at “Dunărea de Jos” University, where she contributes to the education of future medical professionals in microbiology and palliative care. Gabriela’s dual role in teaching and clinical management reflects her ability to bridge theory and practice effectively. Her extensive professional background highlights deep-rooted experience, leadership in multidisciplinary teams, and a proactive role in healthcare quality improvement.

🔬 Research Interest

Gabriela Isabela Verga’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical nutrition, pediatric health, microbiology, and evidence-based nursing practices. Her academic progression and master’s thesis reflect a strong focus on the role of diet and nutrition in chronic and pediatric conditions. She is particularly interested in preventive healthcare strategies, micronutrient deficiencies—such as vitamin D deficiency—and their clinical implications in child development and public health. Gabriela has co-authored a publication on vitamin D deficiency prevalence in Romanian pediatric populations, indicating her inclination toward clinically impactful and population-focused research. Her experience in microbiology, acquired through teaching and clinical work, further supports a scientific approach to studying infectious diseases and immune-related disorders. She also values the integration of psychological care into nursing, inspired by her academic background in psychology. Her ongoing doctoral work is expected to deepen her contributions to applied medical science, especially in pediatric nutrition and patient-centered nursing research.

🏆 Awards and Honors

While Gabriela Isabela Verga has not yet received internationally recognized research awards, her achievements are rooted in professional credibility and institutional recognition. She is actively engaged in hospital quality assurance, serving as a certified clinical auditor and contributing to healthcare accreditation processes. These roles reflect institutional trust and leadership in improving healthcare standards. Her co-authorship in a peer-reviewed publication on pediatric vitamin D deficiency represents a significant academic milestone, especially within the Romanian research context. Gabriela is also a respected member of the Romanian Order of Nurses, Midwives, and Medical Assistants (OAMGMAMR), reinforcing her standing in the national medical community. Though still in the early phases of a dedicated research career, her consistent recognition through leadership roles, certifications, and academic involvement illustrates a growing profile in medical education and practice. Her professional trajectory positions her as a promising candidate for future awards related to clinical leadership, teaching, and applied medical research.

📚Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: A New Case of Paediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Onset after SARS-CoV-2 and Epstein-Barr Infection—A Case Report and Literature Review
    Authors: CL Petrea, DA Ciortea, M Miulescu, IL Candussi, SI Chirila, GI Verga, …
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 7

  2. Title: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a pediatric hospital in Romania
    Authors: LD Peptine, CR Răileanu, L Goroftei, GI Verga, A Neagu, TV Gurău, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 3

  3. Title: Healthcare Interventions in the Management of Rheumatic Diseases: A Narrative Analysis of Effectiveness and Emerging Strategies
    Authors: GI Verga, AAȘ Baltă, DA Ciortea, CL Petrea, M Șerban, MN Matei, …
    Year: 2025
    Citations: Not yet cited

  4. Title: Vitamin D Imbalance and Hydro-Electrolyte Disturbances in Hospitalized Children: A Comparation Between Post-COVID-19 Status and SARS-CoV-2/EBV Coinfection
    Authors: CL Petrea, DA Ciortea, G Gurău, NM Matei, CA Dinu, SE Bergheș, …
    Year: 2025
    Citations: Not yet cited

  5. Title: Cardiac Manifestations and Emerging Biomarkers in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Authors: DA Ciortea, MN Matei, M Debita, A Lupu, M Mătăsaru, GI Verga, S Fotea
    Year: 2025
    Citations: Not yet cited

  6. Title: STUDY OF RISK FACTORS THAT CAN INFLUENCE THE EVOLUTION OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH WOLF PARKINSON WHITE SYNDROME
    Authors: IP Moraru, RE Barbu, GI Verga, PM Bogdan, L Nițoi, DA Ciortea, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: Not listed

  7. Title: STUDY OF THE RISK FACTORS DETECTED IN THE EVOLUTION OF PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH HYPERTENSION
    Authors: RE Bogdan-Goroftei, D Ciortea, RE Barbu, PM Bogdan, GI Verga, L Nițoi
    Year: 2022
    Citations: Not listed

Gabriela Isabela Verga is a dedicated healthcare professional and academic with a well-rounded profile that combines clinical expertise, educational commitment, and emerging research contributions. Her educational background in nursing, nutrition, and psychology provides a multidisciplinary lens through which she approaches patient care and medical research. Professionally, she has led nursing teams and maintained high standards of clinical quality for decades, while also mentoring future healthcare providers through her teaching roles at “Dunărea de Jos” University. Her research interests are practical and population-oriented, focused on improving health outcomes through better nutrition, microbiology education, and holistic care. While her academic publication record is still developing, her proven leadership, dedication to quality, and collaborative mindset make her a valuable contributor to the healthcare and academic fields. With further support and research engagement, Gabriela has the potential to grow into a more prominent figure in clinical and applied health research in Romania and beyond.

Mujde Calikusu Incekar | Nursing and Health Professions |Best Researcher Awardbd268

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mujde Calikusu Incekar | Nursing and Health Professions |Best Researcher Award

Yüksek Ihtisas University, Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar is a distinguished academic in pediatric nursing at Yuksek Ihtisas University, with a Ph.D. from Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa. Her research focuses primarily on neonatal intensive care, developmental care practices, and pediatric nursing education. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in internationally indexed journals, contributing valuable insights into infant care, noise reduction strategies, and nursing behavior. Actively engaged in both qualitative and quantitative studies, she has developed and validated clinical assessment tools and led research on current health challenges such as COVID-19 and war-affected children. Her work is marked by methodological rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and relevance to healthcare improvement. As an invited speaker at national and international conferences, she demonstrates leadership and a commitment to advancing nursing science. With a consistent publication record and a clear societal impact, Dr. İncekar exemplifies excellence in academic research and is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile 

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar has built a solid academic foundation in nursing and health sciences. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Bülent Ecevit University in 2012, followed by a Master’s degree in Pediatric Nursing at Istanbul University in 2014. She earned her Ph.D. in Pediatric Nursing from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa in 2018, focusing her doctoral thesis on innovative interventions to improve outcomes in preterm infants. In addition to her specialization, she pursued further education in Occupational Health and Safety at both Atatürk University and Istanbul University, highlighting her interdisciplinary interests. Her academic path reflects a strong commitment to improving pediatric and neonatal care through evidence-based practice. Her continuous educational advancement, including foreign language proficiency, positions her as a well-qualified and knowledgeable scholar, capable of conducting high-impact research in pediatric and neonatal health settings.

Professional Experience

Dr. İncekar began her academic career as a Research Assistant in 2013 and has steadily progressed through the ranks of academia. She served as an Assistant Professor from March 2019 until her promotion to Associate Professor in August 2022 at Yuksek Ihtisas University. Currently, she works in the Faculty of Health Sciences, specifically in the Pediatric Nursing department, where she teaches, supervises graduate theses, and leads research initiatives. Her professional journey has been deeply rooted in both academic instruction and hands-on clinical research, particularly within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). She has also participated in curriculum development and contributes to institutional research projects. Through her leadership and dedication, she has become a key figure in training the next generation of pediatric nurses. Her experience bridges clinical care and academic research, ensuring her contributions remain both scientifically robust and practically applicable.

Research Interest

Dr. İncekar’s primary research interests lie in pediatric and neonatal nursing, with a focus on improving health outcomes for preterm and newborn infants. Her studies explore a wide range of topics including noise reduction strategies in NICUs, individualized developmental care, pain assessment, parental behavior (e.g., phubbing), and interventions during critical care. She is also involved in psychometric validation of clinical scales, examining the behavioral and psychological dimensions of pediatric nursing. More recently, her research has expanded to include the impacts of COVID-19 on neonatal care and broader public health concerns, such as sustainable practices in healthcare. Dr. İncekar is known for combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as well as integrating multidisciplinary perspectives into her studies. Her interest in trauma-informed care and the sociocultural context of pediatric health highlights her holistic approach. Overall, her research contributes directly to evidence-based improvements in pediatric care practices.

Award and Honor

While specific awards are not explicitly listed in her CV, Dr. İncekar’s professional record reflects multiple forms of academic recognition. Her promotion to Associate Professor is itself a notable achievement, based on rigorous peer review and scholarly contribution. She has been invited as a guest speaker at several national and international scientific congresses, such as the 32nd National Neonatology Congress and the 47th Pediatrics Days Conference, indicating recognition by her peers in the field. Her selection to present oral and poster presentations further demonstrates her credibility and the value of her research contributions. She has also played key roles in collaborative projects and continues to publish extensively in high-quality journals, a form of professional acknowledgment within academia. Dr. İncekar’s growing influence in pediatric nursing research suggests that she is a strong candidate for future honors and formal awards, particularly those recognizing excellence in healthcare research and innovation.

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar exemplifies the qualities of a leading academic and researcher in pediatric nursing. Her educational background, clinical expertise, and scholarly achievements have positioned her as a vital contributor to both national and international health science communities. She combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, producing research that addresses real-world healthcare challenges, particularly in neonatal and pediatric settings. Her methodological rigor, commitment to student mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaborations enhance the depth and relevance of her work. With consistent academic productivity, international publications, and a clear impact on clinical practice, she continues to advancebd268 science and improve patient outcomes. Her leadership in neonatal care and dedication to pediatric health make her a highly deserving nominee for prestigious research awards. Dr. İncekar’s career is marked by integrity, innovation, and a strong focus on child-centered healthcare—qualities that will undoubtedly continue to drive her future contributions.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Effects of a fixed-time feeding method on physiological parameters in preterm infants
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar
    Year: 2022
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç. (2022). Effects of a fixed-time feeding method on physiological parameters in preterm infants. Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine. https://doi.org/10.4328/acam.20898

  • Title: The effect of light and noise reduction on the sleep state of preterm infants
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar
    Year: 2022
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç. (2022). The effect of light and noise reduction on the sleep state of preterm infants. Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine. https://doi.org/10.4328/acam.21162

  • Title: Nursing Students’ Opinions About the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study
    Authors: Selmin Köse, Zeynep Erkut, Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Sevim Savaşer
    Year: 2022
    Citation: Köse, S., Erkut, Z., İncekar, M. Ç., & Savaşer, S. (2022). Nursing Students’ Opinions About the COVID-19 Vaccine: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study. Online Türk Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.26453/otjhs.1048434

  • Title: Çocuk Hastalara Uygulanan Fekal Mikrobiyota Transplantasyonuna Yönelik Hemşirelik Yaklaşımı
    Authors: Tuğba Dede, Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Dede, T., & İncekar, M. Ç. (2021). Çocuk Hastalara Uygulanan Fekal Mikrobiyota Transplantasyonuna Yönelik Hemşirelik Yaklaşımı. Yüksek İhtisas Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.51261/yiu.2021.00039

  • Title: The Effect of Noise Meters Giving Visual and Auditory Alarms Used on Reducing Noise in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
    Authors: Serap Balcı, Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Ayhan Taştekin
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Balcı, S., İncekar, M. Ç., & Taştekin, A. (2021). The Effect of Noise Meters Giving Visual and Auditory Alarms Used on Reducing Noise in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Journal of Pediatric Research. https://doi.org/10.4274/jpr.galenos.2021.97720

  • Title: The Relationship between Health-Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors and Sleep Quality of Nurses Working in the Pediatrics Clinics
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Serap Balcı, Esra Vurankaya, Beyza Tunçel, Ebru Zor
    Year: 2021
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Balcı, S., Vurankaya, E., Tunçel, B., & Zor, E. (2021). The Relationship between Health-Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors and Sleep Quality of Nurses Working in the Pediatrics Clinics. Clinical and Experimental Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.33808/clinexphealthsci.727275

  • Title: Turkish validity and reliability of the COVERS pain scale
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Nehir Ulu Öğüt, Birsen Mutlu, Eda Çeçen, Emrah Can
    Year: 2021
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Öğüt, N. U., Mutlu, B., Çeçen, E., & Can, E. (2021). Turkish validity and reliability of the COVERS pain scale. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.20200863

  • Title: An Alternative Supplemental Feeding Method for Preterm Infants: The Supplemental Feeding Tube Device
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Sümeyye Çağlar, Fatma Kaya Narter, Emel Tercan Tarakcı, Ece Özpınar, Emine Demirci Ecevit
    Year: 2021
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Çağlar, S., Kaya Narter, F., Tercan Tarakcı, E., Özpınar, E., & Demirci Ecevit, E. (2021). An Alternative Supplemental Feeding Method for Preterm Infants: The Supplemental Feeding Tube Device. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.3906/sag-2009-323

  • Title: Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence with Humor Styles of Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Banu Yurddaş, Elif Gökkaya, Sümeyye İbrahimoğlu, Suzan Yıldız
    Year: 2020
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Yurddaş, B., Gökkaya, E., İbrahimoğlu, S., & Yıldız, S. (2020). Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence with Humor Styles of Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics. Journal of Academic Research in Nursing. https://doi.org/10.5222/jaren.2020.85856

  • Title: Bakımda Yeni Bir Yaklaşım: Travma Bilgisi İçeren Bakım
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar
    Year: 2020
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç. (2020). Bakımda Yeni Bir Yaklaşım: Travma Bilgisi İçeren Bakım. Ordu Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Çalışmaları Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.38108/ouhcd.746215

  • Title: Turkish validation of the MISSCARE survey – Pediatric version
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Öznur İspir, Betül Sönmez, Melek Selalmaz, Şerife Kartal Erdost
    Year: 2020
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., İspir, Ö., Sönmez, B., Selalmaz, M., & Kartal Erdost, Ş. (2020). Turkish validation of the MISSCARE survey – Pediatric version. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2020.03.012

  • Title: The Relationship between Psychosocial Development and Liking of Children in Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Ayşe İpek Yangil, Gizem Kaya, Gamze Genç, Zehra Doğan, Suzan Yıldız
    Year: 2019
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Yangil, A. İ., Kaya, G., Genç, G., Doğan, Z., & Yıldız, S. (2019). The Relationship between Psychosocial Development and Liking of Children in Nurses Working in Pediatric Clinics. The Journal of Pediatric Research. https://doi.org/10.4274/jpr.galenos.2019.23540

  • Title: The Effect of Education in Reducing Noise on Health Personnels’ Knowledge Level and Behavioral Change
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Eda Çeçen, Serap Balcı, Birsen Mutlu, Nehir Ulu Öğüt, Şahin Hamilçıkan
    Year: 2019
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Çeçen, E., Balcı, S., Mutlu, B., Öğüt, N. U., & Hamilçıkan, Ş. (2019). The Effect of Education in Reducing Noise on Health Personnels’ Knowledge Level and Behavioral Change. Turkish Journal of Intensive Care. https://doi.org/10.4274/tybd.galenos.2018.84856

  • Title: Turkish Validation of the Infiltration Scale in Infants
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Suzan Yıldız, Melek Selalmaz, Veysel Kantaş, Serap Balcı, Figen Güneş Tamer, Abdullah Bülbül
    Year: 2018
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., Yıldız, S., Selalmaz, M., Kantaş, V., Balcı, S., Tamer, F. G., & Bülbül, A. (2018). Turkish Validation of the Infiltration Scale in Infants. Journal of Pediatric Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2018.10.011

  • Title: Noise In The Neonatal Intensive Care Units
    Authors: Müjde Çalıkuşu İncekar, Serap Balcı
    Year: 2017
    Citation: İncekar, M. Ç., & Balcı, S. (2017). Noise In The Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Hemşirelikte Eğitim ve Araştırma Dergisi. https://doi.org/10.5222/head.2017.150bd268bd28