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

 

Hadi Samadieh |Educational Psychology| Young Scientist Award

Dr. Hadi Samadieh |Educational Psychology| Young Scientist Award

Dr at Department of Psychology, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran Iran

Dr. Hadi Samadieh, a dedicated educational psychologist, serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Birjand, where he has made significant contributions in both teaching and administrative capacities. With a career spanning over a decade, Dr. Samadieh has held roles from academic counselor to head of the university’s Counseling and Empowerment Center. His notable leadership in educational initiatives and strong commitment to student welfare underscore his reputation as a passionate advocate for psychological research and academic excellence. Recognized for both his scholarly achievements and community involvement, he is celebrated for his impactful work in education, particularly in fostering a sense of belonging and promoting mental well-being among students.

Profile

Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Hadi Samadieh completed his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2021, guided by Dr. Hossein Kareshki and earning accolades for his dissertation on university students’ sense of belonging. He achieved his M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Tehran in 2013, where he honed his expertise in cognitive and motivational frameworks. His academic journey began with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Birjand in 2011, laying the groundwork for his profound understanding of psychological theories and practices. Dr. Samadieh’s education reflects his commitment to studying and enhancing educational dynamics through rigorous research and interdisciplinary approaches.

Experience 🧑‍🏫

Dr. Samadieh’s career includes roles as an Assistant Professor at the University of Birjand since 2023, leading the Counseling and Empowerment Center (2021-2023), and being the Executive Manager for Talented Student Recruitment (2021-2023). He has taught as a visiting lecturer at both the University of Birjand and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and served as a research assistant, contributing to major educational psychology projects. From 2013 to 2015, he worked as a psychologist at Birjand Central Prison, applying his knowledge in challenging environments, and began his career as an academic counselor at Oxin Institute of Higher Education.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Samadieh’s awards include the “Supporter” statuette from Iran’s Deputy Minister of Science in 2023 and the prestigious Dr. Ali-Akbar Siasi Award in 2021 for the best doctoral thesis in educational psychology. He ranked 6th in the national master’s exam and 29th in the doctoral exam, underscoring his academic excellence. Recognized as the top doctoral student at Ferdowsi University with a stellar GPA, he was also honored as a distinguished visiting lecturer and top employee at Birjand University. His dedication earned him recognition as a social activist combating drug issues in South Khorasan.

Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Samadieh’s research delves into educational psychology with an emphasis on motivational factors and students’ psychological well-being. His Ph.D. work explored the “Dynamics of Sense of Belonging to University,” a mixed-method study analyzing how motivational contexts shape student experiences and academic integration. His interests include fostering inclusive learning environments, developing effective psychological interventions, and understanding cognitive and emotional motivators in educational settings. His research is pivotal in enhancing strategies for mental health support, academic motivation, and student retention.

 

Publications 📚

  • “The explanation of students’ adjustment to university based on perceptions of parents: mediating mechanism of cognitive flexibility”
    • Authors: H. Samadieh, M. Nasri
    • Journal: Rooyesh-e-Ravanshenasi Journal (RRJ), 2021, 10(7), pp. 35-46
    • Cited by: 7

 

  • “Comparison of lifestyle and mental health among physical training teachers and other teachers in Birjand city”
    • Authors: M. Siyami, A. Salari, H. Samadieh
    • Journal: Journal of Fundamentals of Mental Health, 2017, 19(6), pp. 491-495
    • Cited by: 7

 

  • “Achievement Goals and Academic Performance: The Mediating Role of Achievement and Self Regulated Emotions”
    • Authors: A. Baneshi, H. Samadieh, J. Ejei
    • Journal: Journal of Psychology, 2015, 18(472), pp. 381-392
    • Cited by: 7*

 

  • “The Relationship Between Sense of Belonging and Life Satisfaction Among University Students: The Mediating Role of Social Isolation and Psychological Distress”
    • Authors: H. Samadieh, F. Tanhaye Reshvanloo
    • Journal: Iranian Journal of Educational Sociology, 2023, 6(3), pp. 11-24
    • Cited by: 6

 

  • “Risk and Protective Factors of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children with Stuttering: Unraveling Familial Dynamics”
    • Authors: M. Goshayeshi, H. Samadieh, F.T. Reshvanloo
    • Journal: Sciences, 2024, 5(2), pp. 31-37
    • Cited by: 5

 

  • “The mediating role of Agentic engagement in the relationship between academic enthusiasm and commitment to the university”
    • Authors: H. Samadieh, M. Sadri, M. Akbarimoqadam Kakhki
    • Journal: Rooyesh-e-Ravanshenasi Journal (RRJ), 2022, 10(12), pp. 191-202
    • Cited by: 5*

 

  • “Causal modeling of student’s academic achievement Based on achievement goals and achievement emotions”
    • Authors: H. Samadieh, M. Gholamali Lavasani, A. Khamesan
    • Journal: Journal of Applied Psychological Research, 2017, 8(2), pp. 17-34
    • Cited by: 5

 

  • “Psychometric Properties of the Basic Need Satisfaction in Relationships with Friends Scale in University Students”
    • Authors: F. Tanhaye Reshvanloo, T. Saeidi Rezvani, H. Samadieh, H. Kareshki
    • Journal: Knowledge and Research in Applied Psychology, 2023
    • Cited by: 4*

 

 

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