Montsheng Letsoalo | Psychology | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Montsheng Letsoalo | Psychology | Editorial Board Member

Trauma Neuro Institute of South Africa | South Africa

Dr. Montsheng Letsoalo is a distinguished social neuroscientist, educator, researcher, and advocate with expertise in trauma, mental wellness, and cognitive-behavioral sciences. She holds a PhD and is currently pursuing a second doctorate, reflecting her dedication to advancing knowledge in neuroscience and psychology. As the founder of the Resonance Retention Theory and the Mo-Lets Method, she has developed pioneering frameworks for trauma retention and healing, while her recently published Neurodivergent Attachment Theory redefines attachment dynamics through the lens of neurodiversity. Dr. Letsoalo’s research on “Healing Trauma Through Lifestyle Medicine Using a Neuroscientific Approach” was selected for presentation at ACLM25, underscoring her leadership in integrative trauma recovery. She has delivered lectures and keynote addresses globally, including at WCASET and the International Wellness Summit in Kuala Lumpur, and actively contributes to initiatives addressing gender-based violence (GBV), mental health advocacy, and community empowerment. Alongside her academic and advocacy work, she serves as a freelance AI trainer at Mindrif AI, applying her expertise to ethical and culturally relevant mental health technologies, and as a peer reviewer for Medtigo Medical Network, ensuring scientific rigor in interdisciplinary research. She has also taught internationally, including at Kasetsart University in Thailand and Education First in Indonesia, while leading GBV-focused programs as CEO of Stop Gender Based Violence NPC in South Africa. A prolific course developer, program facilitator, and public health advocate, she integrates neuroscience with education, wellness, and social justice to design evidence-based interventions that foster resilience and healing. Widely recognized for her leadership, global collaborations, and innovative thinking, Dr. Letsoalo continues to bridge the gap between trauma recovery, neuroscience, technology, and advocacy, empowering individuals, communities, and institutions with transformative tools for growth and well-being.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Letsoalo, M. (2025). Neurodivergent attachment theory. SSRN, 5264844.

  • Letsoalo, M. (2025). The Neurodivergent Romantic Trajectories Model™ (NRTM): Rethinking love beyond neurotypical norms. SSRN, 5382591.

Gracia Cristina Villodres | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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 Mrs. Gracia Cristina Villodres l Psychology
| Best Researcher Award

University of Granada | Spain

Mrs. Gracia Cristina Villodres the research emphasizes the interconnection between physical activity, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and cognitive as well as academic performance among children and adolescents, contributing to the advancement of educational health science. Through an interdisciplinary framework integrating education, psychology, and public health, the studies explore how physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence, and mental well-being collectively influence self-esteem, attention, and academic outcomes. The research also investigates psychological and behavioral determinants such as body image perception, social media influence, and emotional regulation in youth populations. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including structural equation modeling and systematic reviews, the work provides empirical evidence supporting the role of active and healthy living in enhancing cognitive development and overall well-being. Furthermore, intervention-based projects like RealBody+ assess the efficacy of digital and mobile health applications in promoting positive body image, eating behavior, and physical activity engagement. The outcomes contribute to evidence-based strategies for educational reform, public health promotion, and mental health awareness. International collaborations across Europe, Asia, and North America strengthen the global applicability of the findings, aligning with sustainable development goals related to quality education and good health. Collectively, the research fosters innovation in integrating physical education with psychological resilience and academic excellence.

Featured Publications

Villodres, G. C., García-Pérez, L., Corpas, J. M., & Muros, J. J. (2021). Influence of confinement due to COVID-19 on physical activity and Mediterranean diet adherence and its relationship with self-esteem in pre-adolescent students. Children, 8(10), 848. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8100848

García-Pérez, L., Villodres, G. C., & Muros, J. J. (2023). Differences in healthy lifestyle habits in university students as a function of academic area. Journal of Public Health, 45(2), 513–522. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdac120

García-Pérez, L., Villodres Bravo, G., Sánchez, F. J. M., Cara, E. M. S., & Molina, J. J. M. (2021). Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, actividad física y su relación con el nivel socioeconómico en escolares de primaria de la capital de Granada. Retos: Nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación, 485–491.

Corpas Ruiz, J. M., & Villodres Bravo, G. C. (2023). Análisis del tiempo de compromiso motor en educación física: Una revisión bibliográfica. Didactic Association Andalucía.

Villodres, G. C., Salvador-Pérez, F., & Muros, J. J. (2024). Factors associated with Mediterranean diet adherence in a sample of high socio-economic status children from southern Spain. Public Health Nutrition, 27(1), e35. https://doi.org/10.1017/S136898002400003X

Cobo, L. N., Villodres Bravo, G., & Padial-Ruz, R. (2025). Efecto de un programa de actividad física y educación nutricional para la mejora de hábitos saludables en educación primaria. Retos: Nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación, 479–506.

María José Montaño Zuñiga | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. María José Montaño Zuñiga
l Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Universidad Manuela Beltran | United States

Mrs. María José Montaño Zuñiga is a dedicated psychologist and independent researcher recognized for her strong leadership, communication, and commitment to social transformation, mental health, and human rights advocacy. A graduate in Psychology from Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogotá, she also holds advanced certifications in Forensic Psychology, Suicide Prevention and Intervention, and Psychological First Aid, complemented by training from international institutions such as the Supreme Court of Justice of Mexico, UNICEF, and the Pan American Health Organization. Her professional journey spans diverse contexts—clinical, psychosocial, legal, and forensic—with significant contributions to the Defensoría del Pueblo, where she worked on human rights verification for incarcerated populations and the development of post-penitentiary psychosocial programs. She has presented research at national conferences, including the Congreso Colombiano de Psicología, and achieved first place at the VI Encuentro de Semilleros de Investigación for her study on post-penitentiary interventions. Her current research, accepted for publication in the Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice (Taylor & Francis, 2025), explores psychosocial, criminal, and penitentiary factors influencing ex-inmates’ attitudes toward crime. Through an international cultural exchange as an Au Pair in the United States (2024–2026), she continues to develop intercultural communication, adaptability, and child development competencies, embodying ethical, human-centered practice and a passion for transformative psychology.

Profile: Orcid 

Featured Publication 

Montaño-Zuñiga, M. J., Mendivelso-Gómez, L. F., Suescún-Torres, P. D., & Botero-Giraldo, M. P. (2025). Psychosocial, criminal, and penitentiary factors associated with attitudes toward crime in Colombian ex-offenders. Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/24732850.2025.2563230

Montsheng Letsoalo | Psychology | Best Faculty Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Montsheng Letsoalo | Psychology | Best Faculty Award

Kasertsart University| South Africa

Dr. Montsheng Letsoalo is a distinguished social neuroscientist, educator, researcher, and advocate with expertise in trauma, mental wellness, and cognitive-behavioral sciences. She holds a PhD and is currently pursuing a second doctorate, reflecting her dedication to advancing knowledge in neuroscience and psychology. As the founder of the Resonance Retention Theory and the Mo-Lets Method, she has developed pioneering frameworks for trauma retention and healing, while her recently published Neurodivergent Attachment Theory redefines attachment dynamics through the lens of neurodiversity. Dr. Letsoalo’s research on “Healing Trauma Through Lifestyle Medicine Using a Neuroscientific Approach” was selected for presentation at ACLM25, underscoring her leadership in integrative trauma recovery. She has delivered lectures and keynote addresses globally, including at WCASET and the International Wellness Summit in Kuala Lumpur, and actively contributes to initiatives addressing gender-based violence (GBV), mental health advocacy, and community empowerment. Alongside her academic and advocacy work, she serves as a freelance AI trainer at Mindrif AI, applying her expertise to ethical and culturally relevant mental health technologies, and as a peer reviewer for Medtigo Medical Network, ensuring scientific rigor in interdisciplinary research. She has also taught internationally, including at Kasetsart University in Thailand and Education First in Indonesia, while leading GBV-focused programs as CEO of Stop Gender Based Violence NPC in South Africa. A prolific course developer, program facilitator, and public health advocate, she integrates neuroscience with education, wellness, and social justice to design evidence-based interventions that foster resilience and healing. Widely recognized for her leadership, global collaborations, and innovative thinking, Dr. Letsoalo continues to bridge the gap between trauma recovery, neuroscience, technology, and advocacy, empowering individuals, communities, and institutions with transformative tools for growth and well-being.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  • Letsoalo, M. (2025). Neurodivergent attachment theory. SSRN, 5264844.

  • Letsoalo, M. (2025). The Neurodivergent Romantic Trajectories Model™ (NRTM): Rethinking love beyond neurotypical norms. SSRN, 5382591.

Mohammad Hashim | Developmental Pychology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Mr. Mohammad Hashim | Developmental Pychology | Best Researcher Award

Independent Researcher at Jamia Millia Islamia, India

[Name] is an accomplished researcher with expertise in applied and clinical psychology. A graduate of Jamia Millia Islamia (M.A., Psychology) and Aligarh Muslim University (B.A., Psychology), they have contributed significantly to the understanding of moral foundations and parenting styles. Recognized for their analytical skills, they developed the R package hashimes to aid meta-analysis, showcasing their versatility. A recipient of numerous accolades, including the Best Paper Presentation Award and a UGC-NET qualification, [Name] is passionate about advancing mental health research and creating impactful solutions.

Profile

Scopus

orcid

Education 📖🎓

Master of Arts (Applied Psychology, Clinical), Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (2020–2022): GPA 3.52/4. Thesis: “Moral Foundations in Relation to Parenting Styles.” Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (2017–2020): GPA 3.12/4, Minor in Sociology & Islamic Studies. Achieved first rank in M.A. entrance exam at Aligarh Muslim University, 2020. Skilled in psychological research, meta-analysis, and cross-disciplinary applications of psychology.

Experience 🧠🔍

Developed the R package hashimes (2024), facilitating effect size conversion for meta-analysis. Presented award-winning research at the “Mental Health and COVID-19” International Conference, AMU (2022).= Conducted impactful thesis research under Prof. Naved Iqbal at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Experienced in applying psychological frameworks to real-world contexts, including parenting styles and moral foundations. Qualified UGC-NET in 2022, affirming teaching proficiency at the assistant professor level in India.

Awards and Honors 🏆🎖️

2024: Nominated for Best Researcher Award by International Young Scientist Awards. 2024: Created hashimes, an R package aiding effect size conversion for meta-analysis. 2022: Won Best Paper Presentation at International Conference on “Mental Health and COVID-19,” AMU2022: Qualified UGC-NET, certifying eligibility for academic positions in India. 2020: Secured first rank in the M.A. Psychology entrance exam at AMU.

Research Focus 🔬📊

Investigating parenting styles and their influence on moral foundations in diverse populations. Specializing in meta-analysis methodologies, leveraging tools like hashimes. Exploring the psychological effects of COVID-19 on mental health and societal behaviors. Bridging clinical and applied psychology to develop interventions for mental health challenges. Engaging in interdisciplinary research, combining psychology, sociology, and Islamic studies to explore holistic human behavior.

Conclusion

The candidate demonstrates exceptional academic credentials, innovative research contributions, and a growing list of achievements in applied and developmental psychology. Their work on trauma, social anxiety, and Islamic psychological perspectives adds valuable dimensions to the field. With continued focus on impactful publications, practical applications, and collaborative efforts, they are a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, with potential to excel further in academia and professional research.

📚Publications 

Association of Childhood Emotional Maltreatment with Adolescents’ Psychopathology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
Trauma, Violence, and Abuse (2024)

DOI: 10.1177/15248380241233538

Contributors: M. Hashim, Z. Alimoradi, A. Pakpour, M. Pfaltz, S. Ansari, R. Asif, N. Iqbal

“Prevention of Pornographic Addiction: An Islamic Psychology Perspective”

Published in 2024

DOI: 10.31234/OSF.IO/XGCHU

Contributors: Mohammad Hashim

“Prevalence of Social Anxiety during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
Current Psychology (2024)

DOI: 10.1007/s12144-024-06617-x

Contributors: M. Hashim, M. Osmany, Z. Alimoradi, K.A. Dar, N. Iqbal

“Developmental Stages: An Islamic Psychology Perspective”
Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health (2024)

DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2024.2439438

Contributors: Mohammad Hashim

“Association of Childhood Sexual Abuse with Adolescent’s Psychopathology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse (2024)

DOI: 10.1177/15248380241281365

Contributors: M. Hashim, N. Iqbal, S. Halligan, Z. Alimoradi, M. Pfaltz, S.R. Farooqi, I. Khan, C.A. Galán, P. Vostanis

“Social Media Use and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2024)

DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2024.0001

Contributors: S. Ansari, N. Iqbal, R. Asif, M. Hashim, S.R. Farooqi, Z. Alimoradi

“A Study of Moral Foundations in Relation to Parenting Styles”

Unpublished Thesis (2022)

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.33185.21607

Contributors: Mohammad Hashim

“Prevalence of Social Anxiety during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis”

International Conference on Mental Health and COVID-19 (2022)

Contributors: Mohammad Hashim