Rocco Pellegrino | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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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 Masterā€™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

šŸŽ“ EducationĀ 

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.

šŸ’¼ 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.

šŸ† 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.

šŸ”¬ Research Focus

Roccoā€™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

Roccoā€™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.

šŸ“šPublicationsĀ 

Title: Exploring the Experiences of Young LGBTQA+ Australiansā€™ 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

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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

šŸŽ“ Education

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

šŸ’¼ Experience

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

šŸ† Awards and Honors

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

šŸ”¬ Research Focus

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

šŸ†ConclusionĀ 

Shruti Sharmaā€™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.

šŸ“šPublicationsĀ 

  • 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

 

 

Thembi Nkomo | mental health and psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Thembi Nkomo | mental health and psychiatry | Best Researcher Award

Mrs at University of the Free State,Ā  South Africa

Dr. Thembi Nkomo is a dedicated Occupational Therapy lecturer at the University of the Free State, South Africa. With a Master’s in Public Health and a PGDip in Vocational Rehabilitation, she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Public Health at the University of Limpopo. Her research focuses on minimizing mental illness relapse among public school teachers. Dr. Nkomo has published in esteemed journals and has extensive clinical experience, having managed the Occupational Therapy psychiatry department at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital. She actively engages in community outreach, enhancing mental health awareness and supporting vocational rehabilitation initiatives.

Publication profile

 

šŸŽ“ Educational Qualifications

2021: PGDip in Vocational Rehabilitation, University of Pretoria. 2019: Masterā€™s in Public Health, University of Limpopo. 2014: B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy, University of the Western Cape

šŸ« Teaching Portfolio

Position: Lecturer, Occupational Therapy Department, University of the Free State (2023 – Present)

  • Courses Taught:
    • First Year: Community-based engagement, Motivation
    • Second Year: Community-based practice, Social participation & communication
    • Third Year: Performance patterns, Ethics
    • Fourth Year: Various mental health disorders and forensic psychiatry

šŸ¤ Community Engagements

Supervises community-based engagements for first-year students. Conducts handwriting assessments for students requiring additional time during tests and exams.

šŸ‘©ā€āš•ļø Clinical Experience

Position: Occupational Therapist, Mankweng Tertiary and Academic Hospital (2015 – 2022)

  • Managed the Occupational Therapy psychiatry department, conducted functional capacity evaluations, and supervised outreach programs.

šŸ“ Extra Contributions

  • Facilitated a mental health awareness event in 2022, securing sponsorships and engaging stakeholders.
  • Initiated an outpatient group for vocational rehabilitation of patients with mental illness and started a vegetable garden in the ward.

Publication

1. Occupational Therapy Students’ Perceptions of Spirituality in Training
  • Authors: TG Mthembu, F Ahmed, T Nkuna, K Yaca
  • Journal: Journal of Religion and Health
  • Volume: 5
  • Pages: 2178-2197
  • Year: 2014
2. Exploring Performance Patterns of Family Members Caring for a Loved One with Mental Illness in Rural and Remote Capricorn District of South Africa: A Secondary Analysis
  • Authors: T Nkomo, K Mokoko, Percy
  • Journal: Occupational Therapy in Mental Health
  • Pages: 1-23
  • Year: 2024
3. The Realities of Caring for a Person with a Mental Disorder in Rural and Remote Capricorn District of South Africa: A Qualitative Study
  • Authors: T Nkomo, P Kekana, K Mokoko
  • Journal: Community Mental Health
  • Year: 2024