Strengths for the Award:
- Educational Background: Dr. Nikodelis holds a Ph.D. in Human Performance and Health, specializing in biomechanics, with a focus on swimming. His extensive academic training, including postdoctoral research in balance training, showcases his expertise in human movement and sports science.
- Research Impact:He has a Google Scholar h-index of 10 and an i10-index of 11, reflecting the quality and impact of his research.With 393 citations and consistent contributions to biomechanics, particularly in swimming and sports rehabilitation, his work is influential in both academic and practical applications.His research on swimming biomechanics and gait analysis has contributed significantly to improving performance in sports and rehabilitation science.
- Diverse Professional Experience:Dr. Nikodelis has a robust teaching career at the university level, including his current position as a Lab Instructor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH).His involvement in both teaching and practical coaching, particularly in swimming, strengthens his profile by bridging theoretical knowledge with practical implementation.He has led and participated in funded research projects, such as the Pythagoras II project and the 3D upper limb motion analysis project, demonstrating his capacity for leading impactful scientific initiatives.
- Publications:Dr. Nikodelis has contributed to various high-quality journals, including the Journal of Sports Sciences and Journal of Biomechanics, which are notable in the field of biomechanics and sports science. His recent publication on breaststroke arm-stroke kinematics highlights his continuous engagement in cutting-edge research.
- Recognition and Awards:He has been recognized for his innovative approach to swimming education by the Ministry of Education in Greece.Scholarships from prestigious organizations like the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) underscore his academic excellence.
Areas for Improvement:
- Broader Research Collaboration: While Dr. Nikodelis has made substantial contributions to biomechanics and swimming research, increasing international collaborations or expanding his research beyond biomechanics could enhance his research portfolio and impact further.
- Higher Citation Index: Although his h-index and i10-index are respectable, further efforts to increase citation impact and international recognition could strengthen his case for the award. This might involve publishing in higher-impact journals and actively engaging with broader scientific communities outside Greece.
- Funding and Leadership in Larger Projects: While Dr. Nikodelis has led and contributed to notable research projects, leading larger, more prestigious international projects could further elevate his profile. Increased involvement in interdisciplinary research or larger grant-funded projects would also position him as a more prominent figure in his field.
Education
๐ Dr. Nikodelis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1997), a Ph.D. in Human Performance and Health from AUTH (2004), and completed postdoctoral research in balance training for the elderly under the EU’s โPythagoras IIโ project (2007). He is proficient in English and Italian. ๐๐
Experience
Dr. Nikodelis has a vast teaching career, including positions as an Adjunct Professor at the Military School of Corps Officers and Lecturer at TEFAA, AUTH. Since 2017, he has been a Lab Instructor at the AUTH Biomechanics Lab. He is also a seasoned swimming coach and director of the Asteria Sports Club, with a coaching career spanning over 25 years. ๐
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Research Focus
His research focuses on biomechanics, particularly in swimming and gait analysis, exploring areas like bilateral coordination and visual feedback for improving balance in various populations. His studies contribute significantly to sports science and rehabilitation. ๐โโ๏ธ๐
Awards and Honors
Dr. Nikodelis has been honored with several scholarships, including from the State Scholarships Foundation (IKY), and was recognized by the Greek Ministry of Education for excellence in swimming education in primary schools. He has led important projects, such as the 3D upper limb motion analysis (2009-2010), and participated in the EU-funded “Pythagoras II” project. ๐๐๏ธ
Publication Top Notes
๐ Dr. Nikodelis has a Google Scholar h-index of 10, with 393 citations in total. His i10-index is 11, with 11 publications cited at least 10 times, reflecting his strong academic impact in sports science and biomechanics.
Panoutsakopoulos V. et al., 2022. “Kinetic Time-Curves in Drop Jump Performance”, Journal of Sports Sciences, cited by 5 articles.
Gourgoulis V., Nikodelis T., 2022. “Breaststroke Arm-Stroke Kinematics”, Journal of Biomechanics, cited by 7 articles.
Obradoviฤ S. et al., 2021. “Sports for Persons with Disabilities”, Godiลกnjak za psihologiju, cited by 3 articles.
Conclusion:
Dr. Thomas Nikodelis is a highly accomplished researcher with significant contributions to biomechanics, particularly in swimming and sports rehabilitation. His extensive teaching, coaching, and research experience, combined with his academic achievements and practical contributions, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. While there are areas for potential growth, such as broadening his research scope and pursuing larger-scale projects, his current work in biomechanics and education is highly commendable and aligns well with the criteria for this award.