Rocco Pellegrino | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rocco Pellegrino | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Mr at Monash University Australia

Rocco Pellegrino is a provisional psychologist based in Mernda, Victoria, Australia. With strong skills in verbal communication, client care, and ethical practice, he provides psychological assessments and interventions. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational & Developmental Psychology at Monash University. Rocco has experience in working with students, including providing mental health literacy programs and supporting neurodivergent clients. His hobbies include tabletop board games, futsal, and watching sports.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education 

Rocco holds a Master’s degree in Educational & Developmental Psychology (Monash University, 2021-2024), a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced (Monash University, 2019-2020), and a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Monash University, 2017-2018). His studies have focused on clinical assessments, mental health interventions, and research in the psychology of personal responsibility and life satisfaction.

💼 Experience

Rocco currently works part-time as a psychologist at Templestowe College, providing assessments and teacher training. He also works part-time at Affirmative Minds Psychology, focusing on neurodivergent and LGBTQA+ clients. He has gained experience facilitating youth programs and community mental health initiatives with Monash University.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Rocco has received numerous academic distinctions, including High Distinction (HD) in Clinical Assessments, Advanced Clinical Interventions for Mental Health, and Ethics for Professional Practice at Monash University. His thesis project on “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Life Satisfaction” earned him further recognition.

🔬 Research Focus

Rocco’s research centers on the experiences of young LGBTQA+ Australians and their use of offline and online peer support, exploring themes like online safety, identity exploration, and the risks and benefits of both online and in-person support. His research aims to inform policies that enhance online safety and community spaces for LGBTQA+ individuals.

Conclusion

Rocco’s work exemplifies a high level of research rigor and social relevance, particularly in its focus on marginalized groups within the LGBTQA+ community. The study not only addresses significant gaps in current knowledge but also contributes meaningfully to the ongoing conversation about inclusivity and support for LGBTQA+ youth. Based on his impactful findings, strong methodological approach, and dedication to real-world implications, Rocco is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

📚Publications 

Title: Exploring the Experiences of Young LGBTQA+ Australians’ Use of Offline and Online Peer Support
Journal: Journal of Homosexuality
Publication Date: 2024-12-10
Type: Journal Article
DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2024.2440375
ISSN: 0091-8369, 1540-3602
Contributors: Rocco Pellegrino, Lefteris Patlamazoglou

 

Meseret Tessema | Developmental & Educational Psychology| Best Researcher Award

Dr.Meseret Tessema | Developmental & Educational Psychology| Best Researcher Award

Dr Meseret Tessema University of Gondar Ethiopia

Dr. Meseret Getachew Tessema is an accomplished academic and researcher with a PhD in Psychology from Andhra University, India. He is currently the Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology at the University of Gondar in Ethiopia. With a robust background in educational psychology and extensive teaching experience, Dr. Tessema has contributed significantly to the fields of mental health, group dynamics, and psychosocial support, particularly focusing on vulnerable populations such as refugees. His professional journey includes roles as a lecturer and coordinator in various educational institutions, and he has been involved in numerous research initiatives and community outreach programs. His publications cover a range of topics, including the relationship between teaching styles and student engagement, the impact of mental health on education, and cultural perspectives on aging in Ethiopia.

Publication profile

Scholar

 

📚 Education

Ph.D. in PsychologyAndhra University, IndiaSeptember 2016 – June 2021Thesis: Teaching Styles and Learning Styles, Academic Engagement, and Academic Achievement of Students in Public Universities in EthiopiaMaster of Education in Educational Psycholog Bahir Dar University, EthiopiaSeptember 2010 – June 2012Thesis: The Relationship Between Parenting Style, Assertiveness, and Academic Achievement at Teacher Training Colleges in South EthiopiaBachelor of Arts in Educational PsychologyAddis Ababa University, EthiopiaSeptember 2000 – July 2005Higher Diploma in Teacher EducationDilla University, EthiopiaOctober 2005 – June 2006

🔬 Research Interests

Health Psychology, Mental Health and Psychosocial SupportEducation and Wellbeing of ChildrenSpecial Needs Education & GenderGroup Dynamics

 

🏅 Leadership Experience

Head, Department of Psychology, University of GondarAugust 2021 – PresentIntegrated migration and asylum issues into the department’s research agenda.Guidance and Counseling Coordinator, Hosanna College of Teacher Education
November 2007 – September 2009Developed and managed counseling programs for migrant and displaced students.

🌐 Professional Memberships

International Society for the Study of Behavioral Development (ISSBD)Society for the Improvement of Psychological Sciences (SIPS)

🏆 Professional Honors and Fellowships

2-year Academic Mentorship Programme for Social Psychologists and Social Scientists, funded by the British Academy, UK.

Publication

The Relationship of University Students’ Engagement with Teaching Style, Learning Style, and Academic Achievement in Ethiopia

Author

Meseret Getachew Tessema

Year

2021

 

Conclusion

Dr. Meseret Getachew Tessema’s work demonstrates a deep commitment to enhancing educational practices and mental health support within the Ethiopian context. His leadership in the Department of Psychology at the University of Gondar has fostered significant research initiatives that address pressing societal issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities. Through his collaborations with local and international organizations, he has not only contributed to academic knowledge but also to practical solutions that improve the psychosocial well-being of students and refugees. Dr. Tessema’s ongoing research and community service projects reflect his dedication to bridging gaps in education and mental health, positioning him as a key figure in the advancement of psychological sciences in Ethiopia.

 

Phuong Nguyen | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Phuong Nguyen | Clinical Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Phuong Nguyen at University of Vermont, United States

Summary:

Ms. Phuong Nguyen is a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Vermont. Her research explores socioemotional development and the psychological factors influencing children’s conflict resolutions. With a background in research, clinical practice, and teaching, she is committed to advancing understanding in developmental psychology and improving mental health outcomes through evidence-based interventions.

Profile:

Scopus

🎓Education:

Ms. Phuong Nguyen is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Vermont, where she also completed her M.A. in Psychology in 2021. She obtained her B.S. in Psychology with honors from Trinity College in 2019.

🏥👨‍🏫Professional Experience:

Ms. Nguyen has gained diverse professional experience across research, clinical practice, and teaching:

  • Research: She has served as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Socioemotional Neuroscience and Development Lab at the University of Vermont since 2019, focusing on protocol revision, IRB submissions, data collection, and analysis.
  • Clinical: Ms. Nguyen has worked as a Pre-doctoral Clinician at Timberlane Pediatrics, Clarity Laboratories, Connecting Cultures (Vermont Psychological Services), and the Autism Evaluation and Treatment Clinic (Vermont Psychological Services), providing psychotherapy and psychological evaluations to various populations.
  • Teaching: She has extensive teaching experience as a Teaching Assistant and Lab Instructor for courses such as Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology, Statistics for Psychological Science, and others at the University of Vermont and Trinity College.

Research Interests:

Ms. Nguyen’s research interests include socioemotional development, children’s conflict appraisals, and the impact of parenting styles on child behavior. She has also been involved in psychodiagnostic assessments and has contributed to studies on developmental psychopathology.

Publications Top Notes 📝:

1. Child temperamental negative affectivity moderates the relation between interparental conflict and child cortisol recovery

  • Authors: Nguyen, P., Schermerhorn, A.C.
  • Journal: Social Development
  • Status: Article in Press
  • Year: 2024

2. The interplay among interparental conflict, children’s emotional insecurity, neurophysiological correlates of processing interparental conflict cues, and externalizing symptoms

  • Authors: Schermerhorn, A.C., Nguyen, P., Davies, P.T.
  • Journal: Developmental Psychobiology
  • Volume: 63
  • Issue: 7
  • Year: 2021
  • Article Number: e22192