Luma Balaa | English Literature | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Luma Balaa | English Literature | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Lebanese American University | Lebanon

Dr. Luma Balaa, Associate Professor at the Lebanese American University, is a distinguished scholar in English Studies whose expertise lies in gender, feminist theory, children’s literature, folklore, and postcolonial writing, with a special focus on Arab women’s voices and cultural narratives. She earned her Ph.D. in English Studies with a concentration on gender, fairytales, and children’s literature from the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, in 1993, following an M.A. in Contemporary Literary Studies from Lancaster University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics and TESOL from the University of Leicester, and both a B.A. in English Literature (with distinction) and a Teaching Diploma from the American University of Beirut. Over the course of her academic career, Dr. Balaa has held teaching and leadership roles that reflect her deep commitment to scholarship and student mentorship, while contributing significantly to international research in feminist literary theory and postcolonial studies. Her research interests span feminist criticism, gender theory, Lebanese and Arab women’s writing, fairytales, monster theory, and postcolonial literature, supported by research skills in qualitative methodologies including surveys, interviews, and discourse analysis. She has published extensively in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Postcolonial Writing, Marvels & Tales, Hawwa, and the Journal of International Women’s Studies, showcasing her intellectual breadth and critical engagement with themes of identity, power, and representation. Recognized for her academic contributions, she actively participates in international scholarly dialogues, builds cross-cultural collaborations, and supports emerging researchers through supervision and mentorship. Dr. Balaa’s scholarly excellence is evident in her sustained impact, with Scopus metrics highlighting 21 citations across 20 documents, 12 published works, and an h-index of 3, underscoring her growing influence and visibility in the field of feminist and postcolonial literary studies.

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

Featured Publications

  1. Diab, R., & Balaa, L. (2011). Developing detailed rubrics for assessing critique writing: Impact on EFL university students’ performance and attitudes. TESOL Journal, 2(1), 52–72. Cited by: 33

  2. Balaa, L. (2018). El Saadawi does not orientalize the other in Woman at Point Zero. Journal of International Women’s Studies, 19(6), 236–253. Cited by: 15

  3. Balaa, L. (2019). Framed: The door swings both ways in the Lebanese movie Caramel directed by Nadine Labaki, produced by Anne-Dominique Toussaint; written by Nadine Labaki, Rodney El Haddad, Jihad Hoiely. Journal of International Women’s Studies, 20(7), 430–447. Cited by: 11

  4. Balaa, L. (2021). Who are you? Journal of International Women’s Studies, 22(5), 478–479. Cited by: 5

  5. Balaa, L. (2014). Why insanity is not subversive in Hanan al-Shaykh’s short story Season of Madness. Australian Feminist Studies, 29(82), 480–499. Cited by: 4

Mohsin Hasan | Management science and engineering | Best Researcher Award

Mr . Mohsin Hasan | Management science and engineering | Best Researcher Award

Student at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics , China

Mohsin Hasan is a dedicated and impactful researcher currently pursuing a PhD in Management Science and Engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China. His research focuses on epileptic seizure prediction using advanced machine learning techniques, including LSTM, SHAP, and deep neural networks, addressing a critical healthcare challenge. With publications in top-tier SCIE-indexed journals such as Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Annals of Operations Research, he demonstrates strong academic rigor and innovation. Mohsin possesses expertise in Python programming, big data analysis, and research writing, supported by a multi-disciplinary academic background in sociology. He has also actively contributed to community health initiatives in Pakistan, reflecting a blend of technical and social impact. While improved English proficiency and expanded international collaboration could enhance his profile, his current achievements make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, showcasing both research excellence and real-world relevance.

Professional Profile

Education🎓

Mohsin Hasan has a diverse and interdisciplinary educational background that bridges social sciences and engineering. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Management Science and Engineering at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China, with a research focus on epileptic seizure prediction using machine learning and deep learning techniques. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed an M.S. in Rural Sociology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad and a Master’s degree in Sociology from the University of Sargodha, Pakistan. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Government College University Faisalabad, followed by intermediate studies at Government Islamia College Chiniot and matriculation at Government High School Chak No. 152 JB Chiniot. Throughout his education, Mohsin has developed strong skills in Python programming, big data analysis, and research writing, positioning him to apply advanced technological solutions to both social and engineering problems, particularly in healthcare and community development.

Professional Experience📝

Mohsin Hasan has a well-rounded professional background that spans academic research and community development. Currently, he is engaged in cutting-edge research as a PhD scholar, working on epileptic seizure prediction using machine learning, with multiple SCIE-indexed publications to his name. His earlier professional experience includes various social outreach and coordination roles across Pakistan. As a Social Outreach Worker with UNODC, he led awareness campaigns and community mobilization for drug addiction treatment. He also served as Supervisor for the Sehat Sahulat Insaaf Card project with RCDP, managing field staff and overseeing healthcare card distribution. As a Dosti Coordinator with Muslim Hands International, he trained teachers and encouraged school enrollment and student participation in extracurricular activities. Additionally, he worked as an Assistant Constituency Coordinator for the FAFEN Election Project, monitoring electoral processes and data collection. His experience demonstrates a strong blend of technical expertise, leadership, and community-oriented service.

Research Interest🔎

Mohsin Hasan’s research interests lie at the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare, and data science, with a strong focus on real-world applications that enhance human well-being. His primary area of interest is the prediction and classification of epileptic seizures using advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques, including Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Kolmogorov Arnold Network Theorem, SHAP-driven feature analysis, and attention-based neural networks. He is particularly passionate about leveraging electroencephalography (EEG) data to develop interpretable and accurate models for early seizure detection. His research also extends to reliability engineering, operational research, and the integration of AI in medical diagnostics. With a background in sociology and rural development, Mohsin brings a unique, human-centered approach to technological innovation, aiming to bridge the gap between data-driven solutions and community health challenges. His interdisciplinary perspective fuels his commitment to creating scalable, impactful tools for healthcare and beyond, particularly in under-resourced and developing contexts.

Award and Honor🏆

Mohsin Hasan has earned recognition for his dedication to academic excellence and impactful research, positioning him as a strong candidate for prestigious honors. His most notable achievement is his contribution to high-impact, SCIE-indexed journals such as Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Annals of Operations Research, where his research on epileptic seizure prediction has gained international attention. In addition to academic publications, Mohsin has been involved in global policy discussions and training sessions, including regional dialogues hosted by the Asian Institute of Technology and certification courses by the World Health Organization on emerging health threats and COVID-19 response. His ability to translate complex data science techniques into meaningful healthcare solutions reflects both innovation and social commitment. These accomplishments highlight his exceptional talent, work ethic, and relevance in critical global issues. Such recognition not only underscores his scholarly contributions but also establishes him as a deserving candidate for awards celebrating research excellence and societal impact.

Research Skill🔬

Mohsin Hasan possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that enable him to conduct advanced, data-driven investigations with real-world impact. He is highly proficient in Python programming and well-versed in tools such as Jupyter Notebook, PyCharm, and Google Colab, which he utilizes for building and testing machine learning models. His core expertise lies in deep learning, particularly in applying algorithms like Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), 1D-ResNet, and attention mechanisms for medical data analysis, especially EEG-based epileptic seizure prediction. Mohsin is skilled in big data analytics, neural network development, and SHAP-based model interpretation, which enhances the transparency and usability of AI models. Additionally, he is experienced in academic research writing, LaTeX formatting, and data visualization using software like Edraw Max and Visio. His ability to integrate technical depth with scientific communication, along with a strong foundation in statistical methods and real-time problem-solving, marks him as a capable and innovative researcher.

Conclusion💡

Yes, Mohsin Hasan is a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

His profile demonstrates a rare and valuable combination of technical AI research, medical applications, and community-level engagement. His high-quality publications, technical skills, and international academic involvement position him as a rising researcher with significant impact potential.

Publications Top Noted✍

  • Title: Long Short-Term Memory and Kolmogorov Arnold Network Theorem for Epileptic Seizure Prediction

  • Authors: Mohsin Hasan, Xufeng Zhao, Wenjuan Wu, Jiafei Dai, Xudong Gu, Asia Noreen

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence

  • Volume and Issue: Volume 154

  • Pages: Article 110757

  • Publisher: Elsevier

  • Indexing: SCIE

  • Citation Format (APA Style):
    Hasan, M., Zhao, X., Wu, W., Dai, J., Gu, X., & Noreen, A. (2025). Long Short-Term Memory and Kolmogorov Arnold Network Theorem for epileptic seizure prediction. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 154, 110757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engappai.2025.110757 (DOI placeholder if needed)

 

Dunja Rasic | Arts and Humanities | Young Scientist Award

Dr.  Dunja Rasic | Arts and Humanities | Young Scientist Award

Researcher at University of Religions and Denominations, Germany

Dr. Dunja Rašić is a distinguished scholar in Islamic Studies, currently based in Berlin, Germany. She earned her Ph.D. from Freie Universität Berlin, with her research delving into Islamic mysticism, particularly the works of Ibn ʿArabī. Over the years, Dr. Rašić has held academic and research positions in prestigious institutions, including the University of Belgrade and Yamanashi Gakuin University in Japan. Her academic journey is marked by a passion for exploring the intersections of religion, language, and culture. Her scholarly contributions have been recognized internationally, and she continues to engage in innovative research projects that examine complex philosophical and theological concepts within Islamic thought. Dr. Rašić’s work has garnered wide acclaim, contributing significantly to the understanding of Sufism, Islamic philosophy, and cultural exchanges between the East and West.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Rašić holds a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Freie Universität Berlin, which she completed in 2019. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern Languages and Literature from the University of Belgrade in 2013, followed by a Master’s degree in Arabic Studies from the same institution in 2014. In 2013–2014, she was an honorific student at Saitama University in Japan, where she broadened her interdisciplinary perspective. Her educational background spans several languages and cultures, giving her a unique perspective on Islamic thought and philosophy. Dr. Rašić’s deep linguistic knowledge, which includes Arabic, Persian, and Latin, allows her to engage with original texts and manuscripts, enriching her research in Islamic studies and interreligious dialogue.

Professional Experience

Dr. Dunja Rašić’s professional experience includes various academic and research roles that reflect her expertise in Islamic Studies. From 2020 to 2023, she served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Belgrade’s Department of Arabic Studies, where she conducted research on Islamic mysticism and philosophy. She also taught Islamic Philosophy and Mysticism at the same university from 2020 to 2023. Between 2016 and 2017, she was a visiting lecturer at Yamanashi Gakuin University in Japan. Additionally, Dr. Rašić worked as a research fellow at the Berlin Graduate School of Muslim Cultures and Societies from 2015 to 2019. Her professional roles reflect a commitment to both research and education, with a focus on bridging the gap between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.

Research Interests

Dr. Rašić’s research interests lie at the intersection of Islamic mysticism, philosophy, and intercultural dialogue. Her scholarly focus is primarily on the works of Ibn ʿArabī, particularly his mystical and cosmological thought. She is deeply engaged in exploring concepts such as metempsychosis, the science of letters, and the intersection of religion and magic in Islamic tradition. Dr. Rašić’s work also extends to interreligious studies, where she examines how Islamic philosophy has influenced and been influenced by other religious and philosophical traditions, particularly within the framework of medieval translations and interpretations. Her research interests are broad, encompassing not only Islamic studies but also linguistics, cosmology, and comparative philosophy, making her contributions rich and multidisciplinary.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Dunja Rašić has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and fellowships throughout her academic career. In 2019, she received the Darmasiswa Research Fellowship, which supported her research endeavors. Earlier, in 2015, she was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship by the Berlin Graduate School Muslim Cultures and Societies, funded by the German Federal and State Governments. Her academic excellence was recognized even before her Ph.D., as she received the Research Award for Young Academics from the Ministry of Education of Serbia in 2013. Additionally, she was a Saitama University Honorific Scholarship recipient in 2013–2014. These honors underscore her outstanding contributions to her field and her potential as an emerging scholar in Islamic studies.

Conclusion

Dr. Dunja Rašić is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her robust academic background, diverse research portfolio, and impressive publication record demonstrate her dedication to advancing knowledge in Islamic studies. While there are areas for improvement, such as enhancing her outreach and interdisciplinary collaboration, her strengths significantly outweigh these considerations. If recognized with this award, she could further amplify her contributions to her field and mentor the next generation of scholars, making her an asset to the research community.

Publication top noted

📜 Fāṭima, the Righteous Sorceress, and Ibn ʿArabī’s Notions of Magic and Miracles
Author: Rašić, D.
Year: 2023
Journal: Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft, 18(3), pp. 364–381
Citations: 0

🔮 Summoned Letters, the Disjointed Letters and the Talisman of Ibn ʿArabī
Author: Rašić, D.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Sufi Studies, 12(2), pp. 167–181
Citations: 0

🎶 Music of the Spheres in Akbarian Sufism
Author: Rašić, D.
Year: 2022
Journal: Religions, 13(10), Article 928
Citations: 1