Dharan Bharti | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Dharan Bharti | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

Research Assistant | University of Bologna | Italy

Mr. Dharan Bharti is a work, organizational, and personnel psychology researcher with a strong focus on occupational health psychology, work–family dynamics, and employee well-being. Their research integrates advanced quantitative methods, moderated mediation models, and qualitative techniques to examine job performance, flexibility, safety participation, and leadership processes. They have contributed to peer-reviewed journals on topics such as flextime, family–work conflict, ability to cope, digital skills, and attitudes toward AI at work. Their work also explores safety climate, transformational leadership, managerial support, and organizational safety behavior. With experience in scale development and validation, they contribute to research on grit and culturally adapted mindful leadership. Their interdisciplinary interests span innovation, digitalization, diversity management, and gender equality in organizations. Overall, their research bridges theory and practice to inform healthier, more adaptive, and inclusive workplaces.


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Featured Publications

Informatics, 2026

Montsheng Letsoalo | Psychology | Editorial Board Member

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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

Maryam Fakri | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Maryam Fakri | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

California State University Fullerton | United States

Ms. Maryam Fakri is a dedicated clinical psychology scholar and aspiring licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) currently pursuing her M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology at California State University, Fullerton. She holds an H.B.Sc. in Psychology Specialist from the University of Toronto, where she graduated with high distinction as a Dean’s List Scholar, and completed her earlier education with both American and International Baccalaureate diplomas at Ibn Khuldoon National School in Bahrain. Maryam has extensive professional experience spanning clinical practice, research, and education. She has served as a psychologist at King Hamad University Hospital and Dr. Eyad Jamsheer Medical Center, providing supportive therapy, psychoeducation, and group sessions for children and adults, while gaining expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy. In research, she has contributed to studies on culturally competent psychotherapeutic interventions for perinatal and postnatal women at Sidra Medicine and explored acculturation and coping mechanisms among Arab American youth, presenting her findings at prominent conferences. She also mentored undergraduate students at CSUF, guiding them in psychology internships and academic skill development. Maryam’s research interests focus on culturally sensitive interventions, mental health promotion, and evidence-based psychotherapy, integrating clinical practice with academic inquiry. She has earned multiple scholarships and recognitions for her academic excellence and has publications including book reviews and research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, she has training in CBT, experience in teaching and mentoring across different educational levels, and proficiency in SPSS and Microsoft Office. Fluent in English and Arabic, Maryam combines clinical expertise, research rigor, and cross-cultural sensitivity to advance psychological science and provide meaningful mental health support, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and community impact.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Fakri, M. (2025). The twin children of the Holocaust: Stolen childhood and the will to survive. Holocaust Studies.

 

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.