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

 

Shruti sharma | Psychology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Shruti sharma | Psychology | Young Scientist Award

Ms at Jamia Millia Islamia, India

Shruti Sharma (she/her) is a dedicated social psychologist and Ph.D. scholar at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, specializing in the psychological underpinnings of conspiracy beliefs and social media impacts. With a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology from the same institution, Shruti has conducted impactful research exploring juvenile behavior, COVID-19-related conspiracy theories, and cultural psychological differentiation. Her work has been featured in leading journals and conferences, earning her accolades such as the Madnawat Best Paper Award and ICP Emerging Psychologist recognition. As a Teaching Assistant and Academic Counselor, she has mentored students in psychological testing and personality theories. Shruti has managed multidisciplinary projects, including the mental health needs of frontline workers and cultural psychological studies, supported by prestigious grants. Committed to cross-cultural psychology and social well-being, Shruti actively contributes to advancing applied psychology through research, teaching, and international collaborations.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education

Ph.D. in Social Psychology (2021–2025) – Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Focus: Psychological aspects of conspiracy beliefs and social behavior. M.A. in Applied Psychology (2015–2017) – Jamia Millia Islamia Thesis: “Understanding the Antecedents of Juvenile Behavior: A Grounded Theory Approach” (CGPA: 8.83).. B.A. in Psychology (2012–2015) – Delhi University (I.P. College for Women) Specialized in developmental and applied psychology (73.5%).

💼 Experience

Teaching Assistant – Jamia Millia Islamia (2023) Taught Psychological Testing; evaluated and mentored students. Academic Counselor – IGNOU (2022–Present)
Guided students in organizational behavior and psychological assessment. Research Project Manager – Multinational studies on social media and Asian subcultures (2024).
Directed multidisciplinary teams and analyzed cross-cultural psychological data. Research Assistant – ICSSR (2019–2021) Conducted interviews and qualitative research on societal issues. Clinical Intern – HCR Psychiatric Hospital (2016–2017) Delivered supervised counseling and group therapy.

🏆 Awards and Honors

ICP Emerging Psychologist – Selected as one of 40 global scholars, ICP 2024. Madnawat Best Paper Award – Indian Conference of Industrial Psychology, 2019. NET Qualified – National Eligibility Test for assistant professor (2019). Merit Scholarship – Jamia Millia Islamia (2017). Sherjung Memorial Award – Outstanding Psychology Student, Delhi University (2015). Golden Key Honor Society – Academic excellence recognition in college (2012). Merit Certificate – Top 0.1% in Class 12 Psychology board examination (2011).

🔬 Research Focus

Conspiracy Beliefs – Examines psychological and societal factors behind conspiracy theories. Social Media Impact – Studies misinformation and its influence on behavior during crises. Cultural Psychology – Investigates cross-cultural differentiation in psychological processes. Mental Health Interventions – Explores challenges faced by frontline workers to develop tailored solutions. Psychological Testing – Develops psychometric tools and conducts assessments for varied populations.

🏆Conclusion 

Shruti Sharma’s robust academic background, innovative research, and demonstrated leadership in significant projects position her as an excellent candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, she can further solidify her standing as a promising young scientist capable of influencing the field of psychology and beyond.

📚Publications 

  • Exploring Factors Behind Offline and Online Selfie Popularity Among Youth in India
    Authors: S. Srivastava, P. Upadhaya, S. Sharma, K. Gupta
    Journal: Frontiers in Psychology 9, 1403
    Cited by: 23
    Year: 2018

 

  • Long Non-Coding RNA and MicroRNA Landscape of Two Major Domesticated Cotton Species
    Authors: A. Singh, A.T. Vivek, K. Gupta, S. Sharma, S. Kumar
    Journal: Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal 21, 3032-3044
    Cited by: 3
    Year: 2023

 

 

Jetmir Zyberaj | Psychology | AcademicInnovator YoungAchiever Award

Mr.  Jetmir Zyberaj | Psychology | AcademicInnovator YoungAchiever Award

 Mr at Roland Berger,  Germany

Jetmir Zyberaj is a Work and Organizational Psychologist based in Munich, Germany. With a diverse career spanning human resources, consulting, and academia, Jetmir brings expertise in leadership, organizational development, and performance management. Fluent in multiple languages, he has collaborated internationally across sectors, including roles at Roland Berger and the University of Bamberg. Passionate about creating impactful change in organizational settings, Jetmir combines deep psychological insight with practical human resource strategies. His professional memberships and active involvement in organizations such as AOM and EWOP underline his commitment to advancing organizational psychology.

 

Profile

Scholar

Education 🎓

Ph.D. in Work & Organizational Psychology (University of Bamberg): Jetmir’s doctorate work centers on leadership feedback and employee performance, with coursework covering human resource management, change management, and teamwork. Master’s in Psychology (M.Ed.) (Technical University of Munich): Focused on innovative learning environments, emotion regulation, and self-efficacy, Jetmir’s Master’s studies emphasized the development of interpersonal and educational communication skills. Bachelor’s in Psychology (B.Sc.) (University of Prishtina): Core studies included organizational, clinical, and social psychology, with a strong emphasis on research methods, cognitive psychology, and English for psychology, graduating with a GPA of 8.5/10.

Experience 💼

HR Expert (Roland Berger GmbH): Managed performance evaluations and KPIs for over 400 global leaders, closely collaborating with IT, finance, and payroll for comprehensive data analyses. Research Associate (University of Bamberg): Taught courses on feedback, change management, and teamwork to 300+ students, coordinating projects with Stony Brook University and Hebrew University. Consultant (FiBS Institute): Conducted labor market and educational research for UNICEF and UNESCO across MENA and Albania, securing EU projects worth €300,000. Other Roles: Previously, he contributed as a Research Assistant at TU Munich, Consultant for the EU, and President of the Kosovar Association of Psychology Students (KOAPS).

Awards and Honors 🏆

European Federation of Psychology Students’ Association: Represented KOAPS at the EFPSA Conference in Baarlo, Netherlands, advancing psychology student networks. Project Success: Secured over €300,000 in project funding with FiBS Institute through collaborations with UNICEF, UNESCO, and KfW Development Bank. Leadership Role: Served as President of KOAPS, leading initiatives and organizing social activities for psychology students in Kosovo. Multilingual Proficiency: Fluent in Albanian, English, and German, Jetmir utilizes his language skills in diverse international projects, enhancing cross-cultural collaboration and communication.

Research Focus 🔬

Jetmir’s research centers on leadership, performance feedback, and work relationships within organizations. His Ph.D. thesis explored how leadership feedback impacts employee performance, with a broader focus on human resource management and employee development. Additionally, Jetmir’s collaborations have covered 360-degree feedback, teamwork dynamics, and emotional regulation at work, yielding insights that blend theoretical knowledge with practical HR applications. His international projects also delve into organizational change, innovative learning environments, and leadership effectiveness within diverse cultural contexts.

 Conclusion

Jetmir Zyberaj’s academic, professional, and leadership skills, paired with his unique expertise in organizational psychology and HR, make him a promising candidate for the AcademicInnovator YoungAchiever Award. With his comprehensive experience in both independent and collaborative settings, he has demonstrated a clear ability to innovate in research and apply it practically in global HR contexts. Continued focus on publications and technical skills will only enhance his already impressive profile, aligning with the award’s focus on innovative and impactful contributions in academia.

Publications Top Notes

    1. Developing sustainable careers during a pandemic: The role of psychological capital and career adaptability
      • Authors: J Zyberaj, S Seibel, AF Schowalter, L Pötz, S Richter-Killenberg, J Volmer
      • Year: 2022

     

    1. Gaining feedback acceptance: Leader-member attachment style and psychological safety
      • Authors: M London, J Volmer, J Zyberaj, AN Kluger
      • Year: 2023

     

    1. Predicting employee telecommuting preferences and job outcomes amid COVID-19 pandemic: a latent profile analysis
      • Authors: C Bakaç, J Zyberaj, JC Barela
      • Year: 2020

     

    1. Perceived intrinsic motivation mediates the effect of motive incongruence on job burnout and job satisfaction
      • Authors: C Bakaç, Y Chen, J Zyberaj, HM Kehr, M Quirin
      • Year: 2021

     

    1. Investigating the relationship between emotion regulation strategies and self‐efficacy beliefs among adolescents: Implications for academic achievement
      • Authors: J Zyberaj
      • Year: 2022

     

    1. Attachment style and quality listening: Keys to meaningful feedback and stronger leader-member connections
      • Authors: M London, J Volmer, J Zyberaj, AN Kluger
      • Year: 2023

     

    1. A meta-analytic systematic review and theory of the effects of perceived listening on work outcomes
      • Authors: AN Kluger, M Lehmann, H Aguinis, G Itzchakov, G Gordoni, J Zyberaj, …
      • Year: 2023

     

    1. Beyond LMX: toward a theory-based, differentiated view of leader–member relationships
      • Authors: M London, J Volmer, J Zyberaj
      • Year: 2023

     

    1. A meta-analytic systematic review and theory of perceived listening and job outcomes (performance, relationship quality, affect, and cognition)
      • Authors: AN Kluger, M Lehmann, H Aguinis, G Itzchakov, G Gordoni, J Zyberaj, …
      • Year: 2023

     

    1. Latent transition analysis in organizational psychology: A simplified “how to” guide by using an applied example
      • Authors: J Zyberaj, C Bakaç, S Seibel
      • Year: 2022