Dr. Nonhlanhla Ntuli | Gesture studies | Best Researcher Award

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Nonhlanhla Ntuli | Gesture studies | Best Researcher Award

Nonhlanhla Ntuli, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Nonhlanhla Ntuli, PhD, is a Lecturer in Linguistics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, specializing in multilingual language processing and gesture studies. With a focus on how multilingual learners process questions, her research bridges linguistics and cognitive science. She has contributed significantly to the understanding of gesture and speech in oral narratives and multilingual language development. Dr. Ntuli has presented her work at international conferences and earned several prestigious awards. Her research aids the development of language education strategies for multilingual learners in South Africa and beyond. 🌍📚👩‍🏫

Professional profile : 

orcid

Summary of Suitability :

Dr. Nonhlanhla Ntuli is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her pioneering research in multilingual language processing and gesture studies at the intersection of linguistics and cognitive science. Her research not only advances our understanding of multilingual learners’ language processing but also makes significant contributions to language education, particularly in multilingual contexts such as South Africa.

As a Lecturer in Linguistics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr. Ntuli has demonstrated an exceptional ability to integrate cognitive science with linguistics to explore how individuals process language in multilingual environments. Her research directly impacts language education strategies and contributes to improving educational outcomes for multilingual learners worldwide.

Education and Experience:

  • PhD in Linguistics (2021) – University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa 🧑‍🎓

  • MA in Linguistics & African Languages (2016) – University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa 📖

  • B.A. Honours in African Languages & Linguistics (2014) – University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa 📝

  • B.A. (2013) – University of the Witwatersrand, Majors: African Languages & Psychology 🧠

  • Lecturer (2021–Present) – University of KwaZulu-Natal 🏫

  • Sessional Lecturer (2020–2021) – University of the Witwatersrand 🎓

  • Research Assistant (2016–2021) – University of the Witwatersrand 🔬

Professional Development:

Dr. Ntuli’s career is defined by her continual development in multilingual education and gesture studies. She actively participates in international research collaborations, sharing her findings in prominent conferences across Europe and Africa. As a mentor, she leads postgraduate students in their linguistic studies, especially focusing on South African languages. Dr. Ntuli’s recent fellowship from the College of Humanities at UKZN and her research grant from the NRF highlight her growing influence in the field. Additionally, she organizes workshops and seminars for international students to enhance cross-cultural academic exchange. 🌍💡🎓

Research Focus:

Dr. Ntuli’s research explores multilingual learners’ language development, focusing on the processing of questions in L2 and L3 environments. She investigates how gestures enhance the comprehension of oral narratives in Sesotho and other Bantu languages. Her work also touches on the categorization and analysis of languages like Mamelodi Lingo, a contact language, and the cognitive mechanisms involved in language processing in multilingual contexts. She is dedicated to improving multilingual education through understanding both speech and gesture in language acquisition. 🧠📚🌐

Awards and Honors:

  • 2025–2027: College of Humanities Early Career Scholars (CHUM-ECS) Fellowship, University of KwaZulu-Natal 🎓🏆

  • 2024–2026: National Research Foundation Thuthuka Post PhD Track Research Grant 🌱🔬

  • 2019–2020: Postgraduate Merit Awards, University of the Witwatersrand 🏅

  • 2016–2019: NRF Freestanding Innovation Doctoral Scholarship 💡

  • 2014–2015: NRF MA Scholarship 🎓

Publication Top Notes :

Title: The Discursive Strategies in the Spoken Narratives of Multilingual Sepitori and Sesotho Speakers

Citation:
Kunene Nicolas, R., & Ntuli, N. (2025, April 24). Languages. DOI: 10.3390/languages10050089.


Title: Towards Diversifying Early Language Development Research: The First Truly Global International Summer/Winter School on Language Acquisition (/L+/) 2021

Citation:
Aravena-Bravo, P., Cristia, A., Garcia, R., Kotera, H., Kunene Nicolas, R., Laranjo, R., Arokoyo, B. E., Benavides-Varela, S., Benders, T., Boll-Avetisyan, N., et al. (2024, March 14). Journal of Cognition and Development. DOI: 10.1080/15248372.2023.2231083.


Title: The Categorisation of Questions in the Assessment of Language Subjects for Multilingual Learners in South African Primary Schools

Citation:
Ntuli, N., & Kunene Nicolas, R. (2023, May 4). South African Journal of African Languages. DOI: 10.1080/02572117.2023.2248739.


Title: Towards Diversifying Early Language Development Research: First Truly Global International Summer/Winter School on Language Acquisition (/L+/) 2021

Citation:
Aravena-Bravo, P., Cristia, A., Garcia, R., Kotera, H., Kunene Nicolas, R., Laranjo, R., Arokoyo, B., Benavides-Varela, S., Benders, T., Boll-Avetisyan, N., et al. (2023, January 13). Preprint. DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/a3dy8.


Title: Preliminary Data on Representational Gesture in Romance and Bantu Languages Using Ping

Citation:
Sparaci, L., Brookes, H., Capirci, O., Kunene-Nicolas, R. N., Hadian-Cefidkhanie, A., & Colletta, J.-M. (2019, February 26). HAL. HAL: hal-02049619.

Conclusion :

Dr. Nonhlanhla Ntuli’s groundbreaking research in multilingual language processing, gesture studies, and language education positions her as a perfect fit for the Best Researcher Award. Her strengths in combining linguistics with cognitive science have led to valuable insights that not only advance the field of linguistics but also improve the education of multilingual learners. Her work offers practical solutions that have a profound impact on language education strategies, making her a highly impactful researcher on both a national and international level.

Ms. Jessica Teixeira | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Jessica Teixeira | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Jessica Teixeira, University of Porto, Portugal

Ms. Jessica Teixeira is a creative innovator and researcher with a strong background in Communication Design and Multimedia, specializing in Interactive Technologies and Digital Games. Based in Porto, Portugal, she earned her Master’s degree from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto, with a high distinction (18/20). Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges visual communication, emotional design, and digital health technologies. As Creative Director at ebankIT, she led impactful design projects and mentored design teams. Her research explores the integration of Human-Computer Interaction with emotional and cognitive needs, notably addressing dementia care. With awards in visual storytelling and digital design, Jessica’s career demonstrates a seamless blend of artistic excellence and applied research that pushes the boundaries of digital user experiences.

🌍 Professional Profile 

Orcid

🏆 Suitability for Best Researcher Award 

Jessica Teixeira’s suitability for the Best Researcher Award lies in her innovative fusion of design and technology to solve real-world problems. Her Master’s thesis, “Bridging Emotional Design with Mobile Technology: Towards the Needs of Dementia Informal Caregivers,” is a standout contribution to Human-Computer Interaction, reflecting empathetic, user-centered research with practical applications in healthcare. Her work exemplifies how creative technologies can enhance emotional well-being and accessibility. With a track record of leading design innovations in industry and contributing to academic discourse through conference presentations (e.g., HCIST 2024), Jessica merges aesthetics with functionality and social impact. Her ability to translate research into meaningful user experiences makes her an exceptional candidate for recognition as a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary researcher.

🎓 Education

Jessica Teixeira earned her Master’s degree in Multimedia – Interactive Technologies and Digital Games from the University of Porto (2019–2024), graduating with distinction (18/20). Her thesis, titled “Bridging Emotional Design with Mobile Technology: Towards the Needs of Dementia Informal Caregivers,” reflects her strong interdisciplinary approach and was presented at HCIST 2024. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design from the same university (2009–2013), laying the foundation for her expertise in visual communication and digital interfaces. Her academic journey showcases a consistent focus on integrating creativity with emerging technologies to address societal and emotional challenges, making her educational background deeply aligned with current and future digital transformation needs.

💼 Experience

Jessica has over a decade of professional experience in creative direction, UI/UX design, and visual communication. As Creative Director at ebankIT (2018–2024), she led a team that redefined digital interfaces, increasing user engagement by 60%. At Visual Kitchen Agency (2016–2018), she worked on branding and content for high-profile clients including political campaigns and art museums. Her earlier role at Strongstep (2013–2016) included leading UI/UX design for Scraim, a project management platform. Across these roles, Jessica has demonstrated a capacity to blend research, aesthetics, and user experience, driving both innovation and social value through digital platforms. Her leadership in cross-disciplinary teams reflects her skill in turning creative ideas into real-world impact.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Jessica Teixeira’s design and storytelling talents have been recognized nationally and internationally. She was a finalist in the Afortunado Wine Label Contest (2018), where her typography-based wine label was exhibited in Barcelona. Her short animation “A minha vida dava uma sardinha” received an Honorable Mention during the Festas de Lisboa in 2015, celebrating Portuguese cultural identity. She also won 1st Prize in the “Martelinhos de São João” contest (2014) for a creative short film highlighting traditional Porto festivities. These honors reflect her ability to creatively interpret cultural themes and convey meaning through digital media, enhancing public engagement. Her accolades span animation, illustration, and branding—underscoring her excellence across multiple creative platforms.

🔬 Research Focus 

Jessica’s research lies at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), emotional design, and digital health, particularly focusing on dementia care. Her Master’s thesis, presented at HCIST 2024, explores how mobile technologies can meet the cognitive and emotional needs of informal caregivers of dementia patients. She investigates how interface design and emotional cues can enhance user experience and psychological comfort. Leveraging tools from communication design, cognitive psychology, and mobile development, Jessica aims to make technology more empathetic and accessible. Her research contributes to Procedia Computer Science and informs the development of inclusive digital health solutions. By focusing on underrepresented users, such as dementia caregivers, her work holds promise for meaningful societal transformation through thoughtful design.

📊 Publication Top Note

Bridging Emotional Design with mobile technology: towards the needs of Dementia informal caregivers
  • Year: 2025

 

Dr. Tanushree Bhattacharjee | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Tanushree Bhattacharjee | Emerging Technologies | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tanushree Bhattacharjee, GRIDsentry Private Limited, India

Dr. Tanushree Bhattacharjee is a distinguished cybersecurity expert specializing in substation automation, OT security, and intrusion detection systems (IDS). With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia, she has over seven years of experience securing critical infrastructure. As Sr. R&D Manager at GRIDsentry Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, she leads cutting-edge research in forensic analysis, deep packet inspection, and AI-powered threat modeling. Dr. Bhattacharjee has played a vital role in national and international cybersecurity testbeds, contributing to the advancement of IEC 61850, power grid security, and microgrid protection. Her expertise in AI/ML-based anomaly detection ensures the resilience of modern power systems. 🔐⚡

🌍 Professional Profile:

Google Scholar

Orcid

Scopus

🏆 Suitability for the Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Tanushree Bhattacharjee is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her pioneering work in substation automation security and digital transformation. She has made significant contributions to intrusion detection, vulnerability assessment, and OT security in power grids. Her leadership in developing IDS/IPS solutions, coupled with her expertise in AI-powered anomaly detection, positions her as a key innovator in cyber-physical security. With a strong background in threat modeling, forensic analysis, and protocol security, her research directly impacts critical infrastructure protection. Her proven ability to bridge AI with cybersecurity makes her a deserving nominee for this prestigious recognition. 🏆🔍

🎓 Education

Dr. Tanushree Bhattacharjee holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi (2017-2022), where she focused on substation automation and microgrid protection. She completed her Master’s in Power Systems at the Indian Institute of Engineering Science & Technology, Shibpur (2012-2014). Her academic work involved IEC 61850 protocols, cybersecurity in digital substations, and AI-driven security frameworks. Through hands-on research in power system modeling, microgrid security, and forensic analysis, she has contributed to cybersecurity innovations in critical infrastructure. Her education has provided a robust foundation for her advancements in intrusion detection and digital protection strategies. 🎓⚡🔬

💼 Experience 

As Sr. R&D Manager at GRIDsentry Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Dr. Bhattacharjee leads research on intrusion detection systems (IDS), AI-driven threat modeling, and forensic analysis. Previously, as a Product Manager, she specialized in deep packet inspection and anomaly detection. She also worked as a Power System Security Engineer, focusing on IPS/IDS development and OT cybersecurity. Her tenure at Jamia Millia Islamia involved substation automation, protocol security, and microgrid testing. With expertise in vulnerability assessments, access control, and live cybersecurity testing, she has significantly contributed to the security of modern power infrastructures. 🔒💡🚀

🏅 Awards & Honors 

Dr. Bhattacharjee has received multiple accolades for her contributions to power system cybersecurity. She has been recognized for her outstanding research in IDS and AI-driven security mechanisms. Her work on IEC 61850-based intrusion detection won Best Paper Awards at leading cybersecurity conferences. She has been acknowledged by cybersecurity organizations for her role in developing AI-based threat detection tools. Additionally, she has contributed to national security projects, earning commendation from government agencies and industry leaders. Her expertise in forensic analysis, digital substation security, and OT cybersecurity has positioned her as a trailblazer in the field. 🏆🔍⚡

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Bhattacharjee’s research integrates emerging technologies with cybersecurity, focusing on power system protection, IEC 61850 protocols, and digital substation automation. Her expertise includes intrusion detection, AI-based anomaly detection, and forensic security analysis. She explores cyber-physical system security, ensuring resilience against DDoS, MITM, and replay attacks. Her work in deep learning for security event detection enhances smart grid protection. She also specializes in protocol security, AI-driven attack mitigation, and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. Through machine learning, threat modeling, and real-time testing, her research aims to fortify modern power infrastructures against evolving cyber threats. 🛰️🔐⚙️

📖 Publication Top Notes

  1. Hardware Development and Interoperability Testing of a Multivendor-IEC-61850-Based Digital Substation
    • Citations: 11
    • Year: 2022
  2. Planning of Renewable DGs for Distribution Network Considering Load Model: A Multi-Objective Approach
    • Citations: 9
    • Year: 2014
  1. Designing a Controller Circuit for Three-Phase Inverter in PV Application
    • Citations: 6
    • Year: 2018
  2. Digital Substations with the IEC 61850 Standard
    • Citations: 3
    • Year: 2021
  3. Power Quality Improvement of Grid Integrated Distributed Energy Resource Inverter
    • Citations: 2
    • Year: 2021

 

Prof. Luigi Occhipinti | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Luigi Occhipinti | Human-Computer Interaction | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Luigi Occhipinti, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Prof. Luigi Occhipinti is a distinguished researcher in nanotechnologies, smart sensors, and AI-driven biosystems. He serves as Director of Research and Professor at the University of Cambridge, leading groundbreaking advancements in flexible electronics and human-machine interfaces. With over 25 years of industry and academic experience, he has contributed significantly to graphene technologies, biosensors, and AI-assisted wearable systems. Previously, he held leadership roles at STMicroelectronics, overseeing strategic alliances and pioneering nano-organic research. Prof. Occhipinti has 97 journal publications, 92 patents, and an h-index of 32, underscoring his impact on next-generation electronics, healthcare technology, and advanced computing systems.

🌍 Professional Profile:

ORCID

SCOPUS

🏆 Suitability for Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Occhipinti’s cutting-edge contributions to nanotechnology, biosensors, and AI-driven systems make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive patent portfolio (92 patents, 51 granted) and pioneering work in wearable human-machine interfaces and flexible electronics demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to technological advancement. As an IEEE Senior Member and recipient of the 2024 IEEE Sensor Council Technical Achievement Award, he has gained global recognition for shaping next-generation intelligent systems. His multidisciplinary expertise in bioengineering, advanced materials, and AI solidifies his standing as an innovator pushing the boundaries of science and technology.

🎓 Education 

Prof. Luigi Occhipinti holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata” (1997), where he specialized in automation and control systems. His Master’s (MEng) and Chartered Engineering (CEng) degrees in Electronic Engineering were earned at the University of Catania (1992). His academic journey has been complemented by leading teaching roles at Cambridge University, Università degli Studi di Catania, and EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training in Graphene Technologies. His expertise spans power electronics, flexible electronics, and nanotechnologies, contributing significantly to cutting-edge advancements in smart materials and AI-powered biosensing applications.

💼 Experience 

Prof. Occhipinti’s career spans academic leadership and industrial innovation. At Cambridge University, he has been a Director of Research and Professor since 2014, spearheading nanotechnology, biosensing, and AI research. Previously, he held senior roles at STMicroelectronics (1995-2014), including Design Team Leader, Group Leader of Nano-Organics, and Strategic Alliances Manager. His expertise in soft computing, analog design, and microelectronics has influenced wearable technologies, flexible electronics, and AI-driven interfaces. His industry and academic roles have led to breakthroughs in healthcare monitoring, AI-based sensing, and next-generation human-computer interaction systems.

🏅 Awards & Honors 

Prof. Occhipinti’s groundbreaking contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards. In 2024, he received the IEEE Sensor Council Technical Achievement Award for Advanced Career, recognizing his impact on sensor technology and smart electronics. He has been an IEEE Senior Member since 2021 and an IEEE Electron Devices Society & IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society member. His membership in the American Chemical Society (2018-2021) further highlights his interdisciplinary expertise. With 97 journal publications, 92 patents, and leadership roles in international research programs, his influence on next-gen AI, flexible electronics, and biosensing technology is widely recognized.

🔬 Research Focus 

Prof. Occhipinti’s research spans human-computer interaction, AI-assisted wearable human-machine interfaces, bioengineering, nanotechnology, and advanced materials. His work in flexible & stretchable electronics, AI-driven biosensors, and resilient intelligent systems has revolutionized next-gen healthcare and IoT applications. His expertise in graphene technologies and high-frequency electronics supports innovations in sustainable, energy-efficient computing. He leads groundbreaking projects in AI-enhanced neurotechnology, medical diagnostics, and smart sensor networks, with a focus on developing bioelectronic systems for precision medicine. His pioneering efforts continue to push the boundaries of AI-integrated biomedical engineering and next-generation smart systems.

📖 Publication Top Notes 

  • Graphene: Europe in the Lead Coordination and Support Action
  • Development of a Multifunctional Biomaterial Patch for Buccal Delivery of Peptide-Analogue Treatments
  • Graphene, MXene, and Ionic Liquid-Based Sustainable Supercapacitor
  • GRAphene PHotonic Frequency miXer (GRAPH-X)
  • Chemometric Histopathology via Coherent Raman Imaging for Precision Medicine (CHARM)
  • Smart Sensor Technology – Wearable Electronics