Jeevan Khanal | Social Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Jeevan Khanal | Social Science | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Nepal Open University | Nepal

Dr. Jeevan Khanal is an emerging scholar specializing in educational leadership, digital learning behaviors, equity in education, and data-driven assessment of student outcomes, with a growing research profile that bridges national and global educational challenges. As a faculty member at Nepal Open University, he focuses on improving educational practices through rigorous qualitative and quantitative inquiry, examining how technology integration, socio-cultural influences, and school environments shape learning performance and leadership effectiveness. His research pays special attention to the experiences of marginalized groups, including studies on gendered challenges in educational leadership, offering evidence that supports policy reforms and leadership development in Nepal’s academic landscape. Dr. Khanal’s recent work leverages global datasets such as PISA 2022, producing comparative insights into digital resource engagement, student health challenges, and mathematical achievement, thereby extending his research relevance to the international education community. His contributions highlight critical intersections between digital access, well-being, and academic success an area increasingly vital to designing equitable and effective educational ecosystems in developing countries. With over 20 interdisciplinary collaborators, Dr. Khanal continues to expand his scholarly networks, contributing to conversations on educational inclusion, digital transformation, and resilient learning systems. His publication record reflects consistent engagement with emerging issues in education, providing impactful guidance for policymakers, educators, and institutional leaders seeking to strengthen evidence-based practices. Through his research, he plays a meaningful role in advancing equitable educational opportunities and fostering innovation across learning environments in Nepal and beyond. Dr. Khanal’s academic influence and research productivity are reflected in his metrics 257 citations, 26 documents, and an h-index of 8.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Challenges of international students from pre-departure to post-study: A literature review Khanal, J., & Gaulee, U. (2019). Challenges of international students from pre-departure to post-study: A literature review. Journal of International Students, 9(2), 560–581. Cited by: 354

2. Leadership practices of principals of high-performing community high schools: Evidence from Nepal Khanal, J., Freya, P., & Park, S. H. (2020). Leadership practices of principals of high-performing community high schools: Evidence from Nepal. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 48(6), 1026–1045.
Cited by: 53

3. Corporal punishment in private schools: The case of Kathmandu, Nepal Khanal, J., & Park, S. H. (2016). Corporal punishment in private schools: The case of Kathmandu, Nepal. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(26), 53–61. Cited by: 34

4. Context-specific leadership practices: An examination of evidence of successful community school headteachers in Nepal Khanal, J., Rana, K., Sharma, L., Whybrow, S., Nicola, & Ghimire, L. (2021). Context-specific leadership practices: An examination of evidence of successful community school headteachers in Nepal. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 22(1), 200–224. Cited by: 28

5. Understanding role conflict and role ambiguity of school principals in Nepal Khanal, J., & Ghimire, S. (2024). Understanding role conflict and role ambiguity of school principals in Nepal. Educational Management Administration & Leadership, 52(2), 359–377. Cited by: 25

Ayesha Zulfiqar | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar | Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | University of Jhang | Pakistan

Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar, Lecturer at the Department of Zoology, University of Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan, is an emerging scholar and conservationist with expertise in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and zoological sciences. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Forestry with a specialization in Wildlife and Protected Areas at Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China (2021–2025), after completing an M.Phil. in Zoology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2020) and a BS (Hons.) Zoology from Government College University Faisalabad (2018). Her professional experience includes lecturing at the University of Jhang since 2021, serving as Alumni Liaison Officer at Northeast Forestry University, and prior teaching at Chenab College Jhang. Her research interests span the conservation of endangered species such as cranes, Indian pangolin, flare-horned markhor, houbara bustard, and grey wolf, with emphasis on landscape ecology, habitat assessment, and community-based awareness for sustainable biodiversity protection. She possesses advanced research skills in ecological modeling, R-based data analysis, GIS mapping, and non-invasive field techniques, particularly fecal sampling of elusive species. Ms. Zulfiqar has successfully led multiple national and international research projects funded by organizations including the Pakistan Science Foundation, International Crane Foundation, and IDEA WILD, and she has published extensively in peer-reviewed, indexed journals such as Biology, North-Western Journal of Zoology, Pakistan Journal of Zoology, and Brazilian Journal of Biology, along with contributing refereed conference papers and Elsevier book chapters. Recognized for her academic excellence and leadership, she has received numerous honors including the CSC Scholarship for Ph.D., Outstanding Volunteer Award (NEFU, 2024), Social Practice Award (2024), and research grants exceeding PKR 4.9 million. With her strong academic foundation, research productivity, and international collaborations, Ms. Ayesha Zulfiqar is well-positioned to make significant contributions to global wildlife conservation and biodiversity management, while mentoring future scientists and advancing Pakistan’s role in ecological research.

Profiles: Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Zulfiqar, A., Sun, X., Wu, Q., Rehman, A., Khan, N., & Khan, M. N. (2025). Comparative analysis of perceived threat threshold from various drivers to cranes along Indus Flyway, Punjab, Pakistan. Biology, 14(9), 1275.

  2. Zulfiqar, A., Wenyou, D., Sikandar, A., Ahmad, N., Wu, Q., Mahmood, T., Eza, N. U., Rehman, A., Zhang, H., & Sun, X. (2025). Migratory cranes’ ecology and habitat use in District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. North-Western Journal of Zoology, 21(2).

  3. Ahmad, T., Razzaq, A., Shahzadi, H., Rehman, F. U., Li, B., Ullah, S., Saqib, O., … & Zulfiqar, A. (2024). Nidification and breeding success of Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis) in District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Pakistan Journal of Zoology, 56(4), 1819. Citations: 3

  4. Abid, I., Zulfiqar, A., Ahmad, T., Sikandar, A., Hussain, S., & Raza, T. (2024). Assessment of cyclical spreading and ecological extortions to the avian species in District Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. Lahore Garrison University Journal of Life Sciences, 8(1), 134–151.

  5. Nazir, R., Ahmad, T., Gondal, M. A., Razzaq, A., Zulfiqar, A., Li, B., Dinislam, K., … & Shehzad, M. (2024). Evaluation of changes in ecosystem services due to the conflict between local community and red fox. Pakistan Journal of Zoology.

George Nanko Dery | Gender | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. George Nanko Dery  | Gender | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana 

Dr. George Nanko Dery is a seasoned development management practitioner and academic with over 20 years of experience in gender equality, human rights-based development, and social inclusion. Currently a lecturer at Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana, he holds a Ph.D. in Social Administration and has significantly contributed to both academic research and community development. His expertise spans across program development, capacity building, and participatory research, demonstrated through various roles with ActionAid Ghana and consultancy work. Dr. Dery has authored impactful publications on gender inequality, unpaid care work, and rural development in reputable international journals. His strength lies in combining practical development work with academic rigor, making his research relevant and applied. While his work is commendable, increasing publication in high-impact journals and expanding global collaborations could enhance his academic profile further. Overall, he is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to his impactful contributions to development research and practice.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Dr. George Nanko Dery has a strong educational background rooted in social sciences and development studies. He earned his Ph.D. in Social Administration from the University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana, between 2017 and 2023, where he focused on advancing inclusive and equitable development practices. Prior to this, he completed an M.Phil. in Development Management at the same university from 2010 to 2012, building a solid foundation in managing and evaluating development programs. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Education in Psychology from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, which he pursued from 1996 to 1999. Earlier in his academic life, he obtained both his G.C.E. Advanced and Ordinary Level Certificates from Tema Secondary School and Kanton Secondary School respectively. This comprehensive educational trajectory has equipped him with the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills necessary for his extensive work in research, teaching, and development-focused consultancy.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. George Nanko Dery has amassed over two decades of rich professional experience in development practice, research, and academia. He currently serves as a lecturer in the Department of Local Governance and City Management at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies. His career includes leadership roles such as Regional Programme Manager and Senior Programme Officer at ActionAid Ghana, where he led gender and women’s rights initiatives and managed large-scale development projects. He also worked with the Government Accountability Improves Trust (GAIT II) project as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and served as a Project Officer for the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP). Additionally, he has contributed as a consultant and research partner with various local and international organizations, delivering training, evaluations, and capacity-building programs. His work spans thematic areas such as gender equity, youth empowerment, rural development, and human rights-based approaches to development.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. George Nanko Dery’s research interests lie at the intersection of gender equality, social inclusion, and development management, with a particular focus on marginalized communities in rural Ghana. He is deeply engaged in exploring the dynamics of unpaid care work, gender-based inequalities, and the socio-economic empowerment of women. His academic work often adopts a human rights-based approach to development, aiming to influence policy and practice in gender mainstreaming and community participation. Dr. Dery is also interested in youth development, participatory rural appraisal, and the integration of gender equity into governance structures. His research is informed by his extensive field experience and is designed to produce practical outcomes that benefit communities directly. By combining qualitative and action research methodologies, he ensures that his studies are grounded in real-life challenges and responsive to the needs of underserved populations. His work significantly contributes to both scholarly discourse and the development sector in Ghana and beyond.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. George Nanko Dery has earned recognition for his outstanding contributions to gender advocacy, development practice, and academic research. While specific awards and honors are not explicitly listed in his curriculum vitae, his leadership roles and consultancy engagements with reputable organizations such as ActionAid Ghana, Catholic Relief Services, WINROCK International, and the United Nations reflect a high level of trust and acknowledgment of his expertise. His impactful work in training police personnel on gender issues and developing gender mainstreaming strategies for district assemblies has garnered professional respect within both governmental and non-governmental circles. Furthermore, his scholarly publications in esteemed international journals on gender inequality, unpaid care work, and rural development underscore his academic achievements. Dr. Dery’s continued involvement in high-impact community development projects and policy formulation initiatives exemplifies his recognition as a thought leader and advocate for inclusive, rights-based development. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence, equity, and transformative leadership.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. George Nanko Dery possesses strong and diverse research skills, cultivated through years of practical experience and academic engagement in development studies. His expertise spans qualitative, participatory, and action research methodologies, with a deep commitment to community-based and rights-focused research. He demonstrates proficiency in developing and implementing research tools, conducting needs assessments, and analyzing social dynamics in marginalized communities. His work often integrates participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques, ensuring inclusive engagement with non-literate populations. Dr. Dery is adept at translating complex social phenomena into actionable findings, particularly in areas such as gender inequality, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. His research is guided by evidence-based inquiry and a strong ethical foundation, contributing to policy development and capacity-building interventions. Furthermore, his ability to collaborate across sectors and synthesize multidisciplinary perspectives enhances the relevance and impact of his research outputs, positioning him as a skilled and impactful researcher in Ghana’s development landscape.

Conclusion💡

Dr. George Nanko Dery is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, especially in the fields of social development, gender equity, and community engagement research. His deep-rooted experience, commitment to transformative work, and a blend of academic and real-world application make him stand out.

Publications Top Noted✍️

1. Intersectionality in Gender Inequality Among Women: Adopting Policies to Minimise Unpaid Care Burden on Rural Women in North-Western Ghana

  • Title: Intersectionality in Gender Inequality Among Women: Adopting Policies to Minimise Unpaid Care Burden on Rural Women in North-Western Ghana

  • Authors: George Nanko Dery, Eric Duorinaah, Samuel Ziem Bonye

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Women’s Studies International Forum

  • Citation Count: 0 (as of now)

2. Follower Response and Leader Effectiveness in Selected Public Basic Schools in Ghana

  • Title: Follower Response and Leader Effectiveness in Selected Public Basic Schools in Ghana

  • Authors: Eric Duorinaah, George Dery Nanko, Marshall Kala

  • Year: 2024

  • Journal: African Journal of Empirical Research

  • DOI: 10.51867/ajernet.5.3.63

  • Citation Count: Not cited yet (0 citations currently via Crossref)

Ahlam Almusharraf | Education | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ahlam Almusharraf | Education | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Ahlam I. Almusharraf is a distinguished academic and researcher with significant contributions to the fields of business and information systems. Currently an Assistant Professor at the College of Business Administration, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University (PNU), she has held multiple leadership roles, including Acting Dean and Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs. With a prolific research portfolio of over 25 publications, she is recognized for her expertise in the intersection of business and technology. Her involvement in high-profile projects, such as consulting for the Ministry of Education and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SADAIA), underscores her influence in both academia and industry. Additionally, Dr. Almusharraf’s commitment to professional growth is evident in her extensive certifications and training in project management, agile transformation, and data analytics. Her academic, professional, and voluntary endeavors reflect a holistic dedication to education, innovation, and community impact.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Ahlam Almusharraf holds a PhD in Business with a concentration in Information Systems from Virginia Commonwealth University (2016), where she demonstrated exceptional academic performance. Her educational journey began at Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems (2008) with a cumulative GPA of 3.79/5. She further pursued her academic interests in the United States, earning a Master of Science in Information Systems from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011, achieving a GPA of 3.9/4. This robust academic foundation in information systems and business forms the basis of her expertise in leveraging technology for organizational and educational excellence. Dr. Almusharraf’s education is complemented by numerous professional development programs, including certifications in performance management, project management (PMP), and data analytics, reinforcing her continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills enhancement.

Professional Experience

Dr. Almusharraf has a rich professional background marked by progressive leadership roles in academia and consultancy. Beginning as a Teaching Assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University (2012–2014), she progressed to become an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at PNU in 2016. She served in various administrative capacities, including Business Administration Program Director, Head of the Business Administration Department, Vice-Dean of Academic Affairs, and Acting Dean of the College of Business Administration. Beyond academia, she has provided consultancy on strategic projects, such as optimizing resources in remote schools for the Ministry of Education and contributing to SADAIA’s Alaam Project. Dr. Almusharraf has also conducted specialized training programs, such as a five-day workshop on the Balanced Scorecard for government employees, showcasing her ability to bridge theory and practice effectively. These roles highlight her expertise in organizational strategy, education, and information systems.

Research interest

Dr. Almusharraf’s research interests lie at the intersection of information systems and business innovation, with a focus on how technological advancements can optimize organizational performance and decision-making. Her work encompasses a broad range of topics, including data analytics, project risk management, and digital transformation, aligning with the contemporary needs of academia and industry. She has contributed extensively to scholarly discourse, publishing over 25 research papers and presenting her findings at international conferences. Her commitment to research is evident in her active engagement with academic communities, as reflected in her Google Scholar and ORCID profiles. Dr. Almusharraf’s work not only advances academic understanding but also informs practical applications in fields like education management and public sector projects. Her dedication to exploring emerging technologies and their strategic integration into business practices underscores her role as a thought leader in her field.

Award and Honor

Dr. Almusharraf has been recognized for her contributions to academia and professional excellence through several awards and honors. While no specific awards are mentioned in her profile, her leadership roles and involvement in prestigious committees, such as the Princess Nourah Prize for Women Excellence and the Foundation Committee of the Business Sustainability Center, signify her recognition in academic and administrative circles. Additionally, her consultancy work for high-profile organizations like SADAIA and the Ministry of Education, along with her participation in national volunteer initiatives, reflects the broader acknowledgment of her expertise and societal impact. The diverse leadership and strategic roles she has undertaken further illustrate the respect and trust she has earned within her professional community, positioning her as an influential figure in the fields of education, research, and technology-driven business transformation.

Conclusion

Dr. Ahlam I. Almusharraf exhibits a strong profile as a researcher, educator, and leader. With an extensive publication record, impactful academic roles, and active professional development, she is a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Addressing areas like increasing international visibility, emphasizing research impact, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration could further solidify her case. Overall, her dedication to advancing knowledge and her diverse contributions to academia and the professional world position her as a deserving candidate.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: New trends in e-commerce research: Linking social commerce and sharing commerce: A systematic literature review
    Authors: RW Attar, A Almusharraf, A Alfawaz, N Hajli
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 77
  • Title: Stakeholder perceptions of information security policy: Analyzing personal constructs
    Authors: S Samonas, G Dhillon, A Almusharraf
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 56
  • Title: Resistance of multiple stakeholders to e-health innovations: Integration of fundamental insights and guiding research paths
    Authors: S Talwar, A Dhir, N Islam, P Kaur, A Almusharraf
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 35
  • Title: Load Balancing Using Artificial Intelligence for Cloud-Enabled Internet of Everything in Healthcare Domain
    Authors: I Aqeel, IM Khormi, SB Khan, M Shuaib, A Almusharraf, S Alam, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 25
  • Title: A cluster-based energy-efficient secure optimal path-routing protocol for wireless body-area sensor networks
    Authors: R Dass, M Narayanan, G Ananthakrishnan, T Kathirvel Murugan, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 22
  • Title: Advances in real-time smart monitoring of environmental parameters using IoT and sensors
    Authors: TL Narayana, C Venkatesh, A Kiran, A Kumar, SB Khan, A Almusharraf, …
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 18
  • Title: Mismatched understanding of IS security policy: A RepGrid analysis
    Authors: A Almusharraf, G Dhillon, S Samonas
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 13
  • Title: An approach to binary classification of Alzheimer’s disease using LSTM
    Authors: W Salehi, P Baglat, G Gupta, SB Khan, A Almusharraf, A Alqahtani, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 12
  • Title: Sustainable irrigation requirement prediction using Internet of Things and transfer learning
    Authors: A Blessy, A Kumar, AQ Md, AI Alharbi, A Almusharraf, SB Khan
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 10
  • Title: Design and development of IoT and deep ensemble learning based model for disease monitoring and prediction
    Authors: M Venkatachala Appa Swamy, J Periyasamy, M Thangavel, SB Khan, …
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 7
  • Title: Integrated approach of federated learning with transfer learning for classification and diagnosis of brain tumor
    Authors: E Albalawi, M TR, A Thakur, VV Kumar, M Gupta, SB Khan, A Almusharraf
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 6
  • Title: Fusion of graph and tabular deep learning models for predicting chronic kidney disease
    Authors: PK Rao, S Chatterjee, K Nagaraju, SB Khan, A Almusharraf, AI Alharbi
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6