Daniel Akyeampong | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Daniel Akyeampong | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

General Surgery Resident at Medical University of South Carolina, United States

Dr. Daniel K. Akyeampong, MD, born on August 13, 1993, is an emerging leader in the field of general surgery and medical education. Currently a resident in General Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, he has demonstrated a profound commitment to both clinical practice and academic achievement. He holds dual roles as a mentor and educator, fostering future physicians while simultaneously contributing to advancements in surgical care. A natural communicator, Daniel excels in patient-centered care and effective communication, which has earned him multiple recognitions, including the Trauma Llama Award in 2025. His dedication to the medical field is complemented by his active involvement in various professional societies such as the American College of Surgeons and the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma. With a focus on both clinical excellence and research, Daniel is poised to make significant contributions to the medical community in the years to come.

Education

Daniel K. Akyeampong’s educational journey reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and medical innovation. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015, graduating cum laude. Following his undergraduate studies, Daniel pursued his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, completing his degree in 2021. His rigorous academic training was followed by an internship at Vanderbilt University in General Surgery, before he embarked on his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina. Throughout his education, Daniel consistently demonstrated a passion for both learning and teaching, as evidenced by his involvement in multiple teaching and mentorship roles. His academic achievements are further underscored by prestigious awards, including the Bowman Scholar award and numerous merit scholarships, which highlight his academic dedication and promise as a future leader in the medical field.

Professional Experience

Daniel K. Akyeampong has accumulated valuable professional experience in both clinical practice and academic settings. His clinical journey began during his internship in General Surgery at Vanderbilt University, where he honed his surgical skills and deepened his understanding of patient care. In 2022, Daniel began his residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, continuing to develop his expertise in general surgery. He has actively participated in various trauma and surgical care initiatives, where his communication and patient-centered approach have earned him recognition. Additionally, Daniel’s leadership abilities extend beyond patient care, as he has taken on roles such as Administrative Chief Resident for 2025. His involvement in various committees, including the James Ramsay Surgical History Society and the Medical Society of Virginia, highlights his commitment to advancing the profession through service and leadership. Daniel’s experience as a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician also adds to his comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems, further enhancing his capability as a surgeon and educator.

Research Interests

Dr. Daniel Akyeampong’s research interests primarily focus on the intersection of surgery, trauma care, and medical education. He has a keen interest in exploring clinical and surgical innovations that enhance patient outcomes, particularly in trauma and emergency surgical settings. Daniel’s research has already been acknowledged with a Larry S. Nichter Research Award finalist recognition, which highlights his potential for making significant contributions to the field. He is particularly driven by the need for advancements in surgical techniques and protocols that improve patient survival rates in trauma situations. In addition to his clinical research interests, Daniel is dedicated to the advancement of medical education, focusing on improving teaching methods and mentorship in surgical training. His interest in education is evident in his multiple awards for teaching excellence and his active involvement in mentoring medical students and residents. By combining clinical expertise with research, Daniel seeks to contribute to both practical improvements in patient care and the academic growth of future surgeons.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his medical career, Dr. Daniel Akyeampong has received numerous awards and honors that reflect his dedication, excellence, and leadership within the medical community. Notable among these is the Trauma Llama Award (2025), recognizing his exceptional communication and patient-centered care during pediatric trauma activations. Additionally, Daniel has earned the Resident Award for Excellence in Student Teaching (2023, 2024), which highlights his outstanding contributions to medical education and his role in mentoring medical students. He has also been nominated for the prestigious Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023 and 2024, an honor given to faculty members nominated by students for excellence in teaching. As a finalist for the Larry S. Nichter Research Award in 2021, Daniel has demonstrated his commitment to impactful research in the medical field. His academic excellence is further underscored by several merit-based scholarships, such as the Bowman Scholar award and the Society of the Cincinnati Scholarship. These awards serve as a testament to his potential for continued success in both academic and clinical medicine.

Conclusion

Daniel K. Akyeampong shows strong potential for the Best Researcher Award, particularly through his combination of academic excellence, clinical expertise, and leadership. His research contributions, while recognized, could be enhanced by a more robust publication record and broader scope of research. With more focus on these areas, he has the potential to become a leading figure in surgical and clinical research.

Publications Top Notes

  • Epidemiology of Symptomatic Non-Union/Malunion Rib Fractures

    • Author: Daniel Akyeampong, Alexander Hoey, Ronald Gross, Evert Eriksson

    • Year: 2025

    • Citation: Akyeampong D, Hoey A, Gross R, Eriksson E. Epidemiology of Symptomatic Non-Union/Malunion Rib Fractures. Surgeries. 2025 Apr; 6(2):32. DOI: 10.3390/surgeries6020032

  • Anatomy of the Interchondral Joints and the Effects on Mobility of Ribs

    • Author: Daniel Akyeampong, Alexander Hoey, Aakash Patel, Andrew Privette, William Ganske, Justin Halmark, Christopher Muir, Steven Kubalak, Evert Eriksson

    • Year: 2024

    • Citation: Akyeampong D, Hoey A, Patel A, Privette AR, Ganske W, Halmark J, Muir C, Kubalak SW, Eriksson EA. Anatomy of the Interchondral Joints and the Effects on Mobility of Ribs. The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery. 2024 Sep 6; DOI: 10.1097/ta.0000000000004430

  • Racial and Gender Discrimination in Hand Surgery Letters of Recommendation

    • Author: Bradford PS, Daniel Akyeampong, MA 2nd Fleming, Andrew Dacus, AB Chhabra, DEGEORGE BRENT

    • Year: 2021

    • Citation: Bradford PS, Akyeampong D, Fleming MA 2nd, Dacus AR, Chhabra AB, DeGeorge B. Racial and Gender Discrimination in Hand Surgery Letters of Recommendation. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2021 Aug 20; DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.07.009

  • Three-dimensional Printing and Craniosynostosis Surgery

    • Author: Soldozy S, K. Yağmurlu, Daniel K. Akyeampong, Richard Burke, PF Morgenstern, RF Keating, JS Black, JA Jane Jr, HR Syed

    • Year: 2021

    • Citation: Soldozy S, Yağmurlu K, Akyeampong DK, Burke R, Morgenstern PF, Keating RF, Black JS, Jane JA Jr, Syed HR. Three-dimensional Printing and Craniosynostosis Surgery. Child’s Nervous System. 2021 Mar 29; DOI: 10.1007/s00381-021-05133-8

  • Systematic Review of Functional Mapping and Cortical Reorganization in the Setting of Arteriovenous Malformations, Redefining Anatomical Eloquence

    • Author: Soldozy S, Daniel K. Akyeampong, DL Barquin, Pedro Norat, Kaan Yağmurlu, JD Sokolowski, KA Sharifi, P Tvrdik, MS Park, MYS Kalani

    • Year: 2020

    • Citation: Soldozy S, Akyeampong DK, Barquin DL, Norat P, Yagmurlu K, Sokolowski JD, Sharifi KA, Tvrdik P, Park MS, Kalani MYS. Systematic Review of Functional Mapping and Cortical Reorganization in the Setting of Arteriovenous Malformations, Redefining Anatomical Eloquence. Frontiers in Surgery. 2020 Sep 30; DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.514247

  • Consequences of Chronic Frequent Premature Atrial Contractions: Association with Cardiac Arrhythmias and Cardiac Structural Changes

    • Author: Sampath Gunda, Daniel Akyeampong, J. Gomez-Arroyo, Daniel G. Jovin, Gurukripa Narayan Kowlgi, Karoly Kaszala, Tan AY, JN Koneru, Jordana Kron, KA Ellenbogen et al.

    • Year: 2019

    • Citation: Gunda S, Akyeampong D, Gomez-Arroyo J, Jovin DG, Kowlgi GN, Kaszala K, Tan AY, Koneru JN, Kron J, Ellenbogen KA. Consequences of Chronic Frequent Premature Atrial Contractions: Association with Cardiac Arrhythmias and Cardiac Structural Changes. Journal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology. 2019 Aug 1; DOI: 10.1111/jce.14067

 

Samaneh Abdi Qezeljeh | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Samaneh Abdi Qezeljeh | Energy | Best Researcher Award

PhD Researcher, Technische Universität Darmstadt, FG SLA, Germany

Samaneh Abdi Qezeljeh is a dedicated researcher in the field of mechanical engineering with a focus on fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). She holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Conservation from the University of Tabriz, where she excelled academically, ranking 5th among her peers. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Technical University of Darmstadt in the Institute for Fluid Mechanics and Aerodynamics. Her doctoral research focuses on turbulent aerosol flows and their role in thermal load peak treatment. Samaneh has demonstrated strong research capabilities, particularly in fluid-structure interaction and numerical simulation, and she has actively contributed to peer-reviewed publications. She combines academic expertise with industry experience from her internship at I.D.E.M Co., working on engine design and modification. Her work bridges the gap between theory and practice, making significant contributions to both academia and industry.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 

Samaneh Abdi Qezeljeh pursued her academic journey in mechanical engineering, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the field. She completed her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering at Seraj Higher Education Institute in Tabriz, where she ranked 3rd among her peers, demonstrating her academic dedication. Continuing her education at the University of Tabriz, she obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Conservation, from September 2018 to September 2021. Her academic performance in the Master’s program was exceptional, with a CGPA of 17.63/20, excluding her thesis. Her thesis, titled “Incompressible Flow Simulation in a Backward-Facing Step with an Elastic Wall,” received a remarkable grade of 19.75/20. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. at the Technical University of Darmstadt in Germany, specializing in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, focusing on thermal load peak treatment in aerosol flows.

Experience 

Samaneh Abdi Qezeljeh has gained valuable industry experience during her internship at I.D.E.M Co. (Iranian Diesel Engine Manufacturing Co.), a company licensed by Daimler AG Germany, from July 2017 to August 2017. In this role, she worked in the R&D Department, where she contributed to the design and modification of engines. This hands-on experience allowed her to apply her academic knowledge to real-world engineering challenges, particularly in the automotive sector. Furthermore, Samaneh’s academic career has been enriched by her involvement in high-impact research, including her Ph.D. research at the Technical University of Darmstadt, where she is currently engaged in studying turbulent aerosol flows and their effects on thermal load peak treatment. Her research experience spans fluid mechanics, heat transfer, fluid-structure interaction (FSI), and numerical simulation, and she has contributed to several publications that advance understanding in these fields.

Awards and Honors

Samaneh Abdi Qezeljeh has consistently demonstrated excellence throughout her academic career, earning several accolades. She ranked 5th in her Master’s program at the University of Tabriz in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Conservation, showcasing her strong academic abilities. Her undergraduate achievements were also outstanding, as she ranked 3rd in her class at Seraj Higher Education Institute, further underlining her academic competence. Samaneh’s thesis in the Master’s program, titled “Incompressible Flow Simulation in a Backward-Facing Step with an Elastic Wall,” received an impressive grade of 19.75/20, reflecting the quality of her research work. Additionally, her academic pursuits have led to notable recognition in research, with her contributions being published in esteemed journals. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, where she continues to build on her previous achievements and engage in innovative research.

Research Focus 

Samaneh Abdi Qezeljeh’s research interests lie at the intersection of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Her work explores complex phenomena such as fluid-structure interaction (FSI), turbulence, and bio-mechanics, with an emphasis on numerical simulations and their practical applications. She is particularly focused on understanding the behavior of turbulent flows and their impact on thermal loads in various systems. Her Ph.D. research at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, is centered on investigating thermal load peak treatment in the air gap using turbulent aerosol flows. Samaneh is committed to advancing the understanding of fluid dynamics through both theoretical models and simulations. Her expertise spans a broad range of engineering applications, from automotive systems to energy conservation and bio-mechanics. Through her research, Samaneh aims to contribute to solving real-world engineering challenges and improve the efficiency of fluid-based systems.

Publications 

  • “Thermal Finite-Element Model of Electric Machine Cooled by Spray” 🖥️🔥 (2024)
  • “Drop Impact onto a Moving Substrate: Aerodynamic Rebound” 🌧️🚗 (2024)

Anastasia Kakouri | Environmental Health | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Anastasia Kakouri | Environmental Health | Young Scientist Award

PhD Candidate, Department of the Environment/University Of The Aegean, Greece

Anastasia Kakouri is a highly accomplished senior GIS Specialist and PhD researcher specializing in atmospheric pollution and population exposure at the National Observatory of Athens. With a profound background in geography and geoinformatics, she has applied her expertise to spatial analysis, remote sensing, and machine learning for air quality prediction and assessment. Her research integrates high-resolution emission inventories, socio-economic data, and health parameters to address environmental challenges at urban and intra-urban scales. She is actively contributing to the intersection of air quality, sustainability, and environmental justice. As a funded researcher by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI), Kakouri’s work is influencing the management of environmental risks in Greece. Her multi-disciplinary approach is fundamental to developing tools for informed decision-making in public health and urban planning.

Profile

Scopus

Education 

Anastasia Kakouri holds a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Geography and Applied Geoinformatics from the University of the Aegean, Greece, where she specialized in Applied Geoinformatics for the Management of the Natural Environment and Risks. This advanced education in geospatial technologies laid the foundation for her expertise in atmospheric pollution and spatial analysis. Prior to her Master’s, she earned a Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in Environmental Science from the same university’s Department of Environment. Her academic journey was marked by a focus on integrating geoinformatics tools for environmental monitoring and risk management. Kakouri’s ongoing PhD research, funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI), aims to advance the understanding of air quality and population exposure, contributing to sustainable urban development and public health policies. Her educational background and research skills form a strong base for innovative solutions in environmental science and geoinformatics.

Research Focus

Anastasia Kakouri’s research focuses on the synergy of Earth observations and geoinformatic tools to address urban atmospheric pollution and population exposure. Her primary interest lies in the application of machine learning techniques to predict air quality and assess the health impacts of pollution on populations, with a specific emphasis on urban and intra-urban environments. Kakouri is actively involved in the development of high-resolution emission inventories and the integration of remote sensing data with geostatistical models to improve spatial analysis of air pollution. Her work explores the connections between air quality, public health, and socio-economic parameters, aiming to create tools for informed decision-making at local and regional levels. Kakouri also investigates sustainability and environmental justice, ensuring that her research not only improves urban planning and environmental monitoring but also addresses health inequalities in pollution-affected areas. Her studies contribute to the broader understanding of air pollution dynamics in relation to human well-being.

Publications 

  • “Spatiotemporal modeling of long-term PM concentrations and population exposure in Greece, using machine learning and statistical methods” 🌍📊
  • “Analysis of secondary inorganic aerosols over the greater Athens area using the EPISODE-CityChem source dispersion and photochemistry model” 🌫️💨
  • “NOx emissions by real-world fresh and old asphalt mixtures: Impact of temperature, relative humidity, and UV-irradiation” 🚗🌞
  • “Enhancing air quality data from multiple platforms towards geospatial health-related information in the intra-urban environment” 🏙️📡
  • “Five years of spatially resolved ground-based max-doas measurements of nitrogen dioxide in the urban area of Athens: Synergies with in situ measurements and model simulations” 🏙️📍
  • “The urbem hybrid method to derive high-resolution emissions for city-scale air quality modeling” 🔬🌆
  • “Integrating in situ Measurements and City Scale Modelling to Assess the COVID– Lockdown Effects on Emissions and Air Quality in Athens, Greece” 🦠💨

Ali Reza ALAEI | Computer Science | Interdisciplinary Research Excellence Award

Assist Prof Dr. Ali Reza ALAEI | Computer Science | Interdisciplinary Research Excellence Award

Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University, Australia

Dr. Ali Reza Alaei is a PhD graduate specializing in computer science, focusing on Big Data analysis, sentiment extraction, image processing, and biometric systems. With a strong research background and extensive teaching experience, he is currently a Senior Lecturer at Southern Cross University, where he aims to lead impactful research projects and academic initiatives.

Profile 

Scopus profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Alaei obtained his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Mysore, India, in 2012, where his thesis focused on the “Automatic Segmentation of Persian Handwritten Texts Enabling Accurate Recognition.” He also earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the same institution in 2007, where he researched the “Recognition of Persian/Arabic Numerals Using Feature Reduction and Distance Measure.”

Experience 🧑‍🏫

With over 20 years of academic experience, Dr. Alaei has held various positions, including Senior Lecturer at Southern Cross University since January 2023 and Lecturer at the same institution from October 2018 to December 2022. His previous roles include Research Fellow at Griffith University, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at LI-RFAI in France, and PhD Scholar at the University of Mysore. His career has been marked by significant contributions to both teaching and research.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Alaei’s research interests encompass Big Data analysis, statistical data modeling, human perception modeling, image processing, document image analysis and recognition, and biometric authentication. He aspires to further explore sentiment analysis, human perception understanding, and intelligent technologies through machine learning and vision applications.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Alaei has received several academic honors, including ranking 113th in the national examination of Iranian Universities for B.Sc. entrance and achieving the second rank in his M.Sc. program. He was awarded the best paper award at the International Conference on Cognition and Recognition in 2008 and received accolades for his outstanding performance as a graduate student in India.

Publications 📚

Dr. Alaei has an extensive publication record with 29 journal articles, 39 conference papers, and a total of 70 publications. Some notable peer-reviewed articles include:

  1. Document Image Quality Assessment: A Survey – ACM Computing Survey, 2024. Cited by: 2432.
  2. Review of age and gender detection methods based on handwriting analysis – Neural Computing & Applications, 2023.
  3. Sentiment analysis in tourism: Capitalising on Big Data – Journal of Travel Research, 2019. Cited by: 564.
  4. Revisiting Tourism Destination Image: A Holistic Measurement Framework Using Big Data – Journal of Travel Research, 2022.

Conclusion ✅

Dr. Ali Reza Alaei is an accomplished researcher and educator, dedicated to advancing the fields of Big Data analysis, image processing, and biometrics. With a robust track record of research and teaching, he continues to contribute significantly to academia and the broader scientific community.