Rafita Haque | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Rafita Haque | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Florida International University | United States

A highly motivated academic and researcher, this individual is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer and Electrical Engineering, specializing in artificial intelligence, biomedical sensors, signal analysis, and data security. With a foundation built on degrees in Software Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering, their expertise bridges software development, academic teaching, and advanced research. Their professional background includes university-level teaching in computer science and software engineering, where they guided undergraduate students through core computing courses and research activities. In addition to academia, they have held positions as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer, where they contributed to the development and refinement of AML solutions for banking and insurance applications. Their scholarly work includes multiple peer-reviewed journal and conference publications indexed by Scopus, Springer, and Web of Science. Recognized with awards for both academic research and practical projects, they are committed to contributing to technological advancement in healthcare, artificial intelligence, and secure information systems.

Profile

Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Education 

Rafita Haque Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Computer and Electrical Engineering, the individual is conducting research in artificial intelligence, biomedical devices, signal and data analysis, and cardiovascular health technologies. They previously completed a Master’s degree in Software Engineering, where the focus was on analyzing consumer information quality within social media platforms and its effect on purchase decisions. Their Master’s education emphasized management information systems and data analytics. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering, which included a final year project on developing a secure intra-university network system. Throughout their education, they have maintained strong academic performance and engaged in research aligned with cybersecurity, data analysis, and emerging digital technologies. They have also completed several professional training programs in networking, ASP.NET development, and cybersecurity, enhancing their technical proficiency and preparing them for both academic and industry challenges in the computing domain.

Experience 

Rafita Haque With diverse experience in both academia and industry, this individual has served as a lecturer in computer science and software engineering departments at two universities. Their teaching portfolio includes courses such as programming languages, operating systems design, numerical analysis, and theory of computing. In these roles, they mentored undergraduate students, supported research collaborations, and contributed to curriculum development. Prior to and alongside their academic roles, they worked as a Software Quality Assurance Engineer at prominent software firms, where they contributed to the design, testing, and enhancement of software systems used in financial and insurance institutions. Their technical expertise includes system validation, software error correction, and performance improvement using technologies such as ASP.NET, Python, MySQL, and NoSQL. These roles have provided them with a well-rounded professional profile, integrating both the theoretical rigor of academia and the applied problem-solving demands of the software industry.

Awards and Honors

This researcher has earned multiple recognitions for their academic excellence and research contributions. They received the Best Paper Award in the Internet of Things (IoT) category at an international technology and data science conference held in Malaysia. During undergraduate studies, they were awarded Best Project honors for developing a secure network management system designed for academic institutions. Their academic output has also led to invitations for presentations at notable forums, including national-level blockchain competitions. Their research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, many of which are indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, and Springer. These works address topics such as web application vulnerabilities, blockchain integration in healthcare systems, deep learning for heritage architecture, and the intersection of IoT with digital commerce. The recognition reflects not only the relevance of their work but also their ongoing commitment to advancing practical, interdisciplinary solutions in computing and health-related technologies.

Research Focus

This researcher’s work centers on the intersection of artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering, and data security. Their doctoral research explores the integration of AI with biomedical sensors and photoplethysmogram (PPG) signal analysis to develop innovative diagnostic tools for cardiovascular health monitoring. Their broader research interests also include secure data transmission in healthcare systems, especially using blockchain technology for electronic medical records. Previous contributions have investigated the role of digital consumer information, remote protocol integration, and signal processing for both medical and heritage architecture applications. By leveraging AI-driven approaches with secure data infrastructure, their research aims to enhance the reliability, accessibility, and security of digital health technologies. The interdisciplinary nature of their work allows them to address complex challenges in both technical and healthcare environments, positioning them at the forefront of intelligent systems development for improved human health and cybersecurity in medical data ecosystems.

Publications 

Title: Broken authentication and session management vulnerability: a case study of web application
Year: 2018
Citation Count: 48

Title: Blockchain-based information security of electronic medical records (EMR) in a healthcare communication system
Year: 2021
Citation Count: 36

Title: Integration of blockchain and remote database access protocol-based database
Year: 2020
Citation Count: 14

Title: Modeling the role of C2C information quality on purchase decision in Facebook
Year: 2018
Citation Count: 13

Title: A cloud of things (CoT) approach for monitoring product purchase and price hike
Year: 2021
Citation Count: 10

Title: Identification of construction era for Indian subcontinent ancient and heritage buildings by using deep learning
Year: 2020
Citation Count: 10

Conclusion

Rafita Haque stands out as a capable and emerging researcher whose contributions span a wide range of impactful areas at the intersection of AI and healthcare technologies. Her academic qualifications, research output, teaching roles, and industry engagement present a holistic view of a scholar committed to advancing science and technology. With her current trajectory and a strategic focus on deepening her expertise and publication impact, she is well-positioned to become a leading figure in her field. Overall, she is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly within the category of early-career researchers who are demonstrating exceptional promise and innovation in multidisciplinary research.

Adrian Pisla | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Adrian Pisla | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Adrian Pisla, Technical University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Prof. Adrian Pisla is a renowned University Professor at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, specializing in engineering and management. He holds extensive academic experience, having served as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and University Professor. Additionally, he supervises PhD students and leads the Dynamic Systems Simulation Laboratory. He has received numerous accolades, including the “Traian Vuia” prize and gold medals for his innovations in robotics. His work includes research in parallel robotics, rehabilitation systems, and sustainability. Prof. Pisla has authored impactful publications and contributed to e-learning systems, with expertise in mechanical design and robotics. 🏅🤖🎓

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Prof. Adrian Pisla has an extensive background in higher education, training, and product development. His academic achievements include the completion of various courses and training programs across Europe and the USA, such as Einführung in die Hochschuldidaktik at Babeș-Bolyai University and specialized courses in product development using Siemens PLM. Prof. Pisla has participated in international programs on online education, environmental management, and automation systems, with notable roles in Clusters Management Mentoring. His Ph.D. in Computer-Aided Manufacturing, awarded by the Technical University in Cluj-Napoca, focused on thermal spraying technology. He has contributed significantly to interdisciplinary education and technology development. 🎓🌍💻🛠

Experience

Prof. Adrian Pisla’s career began in 1987 as an Engineer in Probation at IMMR Pascani, Romania. He transitioned to Design Engineer at IMMR “16 Februarie” in Cluj-Napoca in 1990, followed by a role as an Analyst-Programmer in the same company. In 1991, he joined the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca as a Teaching Assistant and later advanced to Assistant Professor in 1995. From 1998 to 2002, he served as an Associate Professor, and in 2002, he became a University Professor at the same institution. His academic journey highlights his dedication to education and engineering. 📚💡👨‍🏫

International Recognition

Prof. Pisla’s remarkable accomplishments have earned him international recognition. In 2023, he received the prestigious lifetime achievement award from the Romanian Academy, honoring his outstanding contributions to his field. His innovative work has also been acknowledged through multiple medals at renowned international innovation exhibitions. These accolades highlight his dedication to advancing knowledge and fostering groundbreaking research. With his influential impact on academia and innovation, Prof. Pisla continues to inspire the global scientific community. 🏅🌍🔬🏆🎓

Awards and Distinctions

He has received numerous prestigious accolades, including multiple gold and bronze medals at various international research and innovation events. These awards serve as a testament to the exceptional quality and impact of his work, highlighting his dedication and expertise in his field. His achievements not only reflect his intellectual abilities but also his commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation on a global scale. These recognitions are a clear affirmation of his ability to contribute groundbreaking solutions that make a significant difference. 🥇🏅🌍💡

Research Focus

Prof. Adrian Pisla’s research focuses on the design, development, and application of robotic systems, particularly in the fields of rehabilitation, surgery, and automation. His work spans parallel robotics for lower and upper limb rehabilitation, kinematics, and virtual reality simulators for medical applications. He also explores the risk-based assessment of robotic systems used in post-stroke rehabilitation and minimal invasive surgery. Additionally, he is involved in sustainable automation practices and digital agriculture. Prof. Pisla’s expertise includes engineering, robotics, and life cycle management of robotic technologies, contributing significantly to healthcare robotics and automation advancements. 🤖🦾💡💉🌱

Publication Top Notes

Systematic design of a parallel robotic system for lower limb rehabilitation

Agile, waterfall and iterative approach in information technology projects

Risk-based assessment engineering of a parallel robot used in post-stroke upper limb rehabilitation

Kinematics and design of a 5-DOF parallel robot used in minimally invasive surgery

Development of a virtual reality simulator for an intelligent robotic system used in ankle rehabilitation

Kinematical analysis and design of a new surgical parallel robot

Desen Özkan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Desen Özkan | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr Desen Özkan, University of Connecticut, United States

Dr. Desen Özkan is an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut, with an affiliate position in the Neag School of Education. He is also the Graduate Program Director for the Engineering Education Ph.D. program. Dr. Özkan’s research focuses on sociotechnical identity development, equity in engineering education, and offshore wind energy. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Tech and has held postdoctoral roles at Tufts University. Dr. Özkan’s work bridges engineering, education, and social justice, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive curricula. 🌍⚙️📚💡🌱

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Desen Özkan holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (2020), where she focused on transdisciplinary approaches in interdisciplinary faculty teaching. She has an extensive academic background with courses from prestigious institutions. Dr. Özkan completed projects on offshore wind energy economics at the University of Massachusetts and structural engineering at Tufts University. She also studied environmental chemistry, microbiology, and mathematical modeling at the University of Tennessee. Her B.S. in Chemical and Biological Engineering was earned at Tufts University in 2013. Dr. Özkan’s work merges engineering, education, and sustainability. 🌍⚙️🎓📚

Experience

Dr. Desen Özkan has diverse research experience in both engineering and social sciences. As a Postdoctoral Researcher at Tufts University, she analyzed job development in Maine’s offshore wind industry, producing the report Floating to the Top (2021), and contributed to a study on equity in offshore wind job development, invited by Connecticut State Legislators (2022). At Virginia Tech, she worked on the NSF-funded Revolutionizing Engineering and Computer Engineering Departments project (2018-2019) and contributed to the Science, Technology, and Society department’s undergraduate degree proposal (2019). Additionally, Dr. Özkan conducted water quality research at the University of Tennessee, focusing on wastewater reclamation. 🌊💡🔬

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Desen Özkan has received multiple nominations for Tufts University’s Significant Impact Awards, recognizing her outstanding contributions to STEM education. Her dedication to mentoring and promoting diversity within the field has been a hallmark of her career. Additionally, Dr. Özkan was selected to participate in the prestigious New Energy Summer Summit at Dartmouth, further highlighting her commitment to advancing innovation and sustainability. These accolades underscore her impactful work in fostering inclusive environments and pushing boundaries in science and technology. Her achievements inspire future generations of diverse STEM leaders. 🏆👩‍🔬🌍💡

Conference Activity

Dr. Desen Özkan has presented at numerous conferences, focusing on sociotechnical engineering education and diversity in the field. Notable presentations include “Positionality, Empathy, and Subjectivity in Research” at the 2024 Compassion and Global Citizenship Conference, and “What is a Job? Deconstructing Offshore Wind Jobs” at the 2024 Petrocultures Conference. Additionally, Dr. Özkan co-presented papers on worker safety in offshore wind at the ASEE Annual Conference and explored environmental racism in engineering courses. Her work also includes teaching design through sociotechnical perspectives, with a focus on student experiences in first-year engineering courses. 🎤🌍📚

Research Focus

Dr. Desen Özkan’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of engineering education, diversity, and sociotechnical systems. Her work explores how contextualization and cultural considerations can enhance learning experiences in engineering education. She investigates methods like persona-based curricular design and emphasizes the importance of addressing reality gaps in senior design projects. Additionally, Dr. Özkan examines the positionality of researchers in engineering education and the teacher-learner dynamic. Her research aims to make engineering education more inclusive, effective, and adaptable, particularly for minoritized groups. 🛠️📚💡🎓

Publication Top Notes

Positionality statements in engineering education research: A look at the hand that guides the methodological tools

Contextualization as virtue in engineering education

Using personas as curricular design tools: Engaging the boundaries of engineering culture

Contextualization in engineering education: A scoping literature review

Teacher learner, learner teacher: parallels and dissonance in an interdisciplinary design education minor

Reality gaps in industrial engineering senior design or capstone projects

Perspectives of Seven Minoritized Students in a First-Year Course Redesign toward Sociotechnical Engineering Education