Júlia Justino | Engineering Education | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Júlia Justino | Engineering Education | Best Researcher Award

Professor, Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal, Portugal

Júlia Justino is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in mathematics, particularly in algebra and logic. She earned her Ph.D. in Mathematics from the Universidade de Évora, Portugal, focusing on “Non-standard linear algebra with error analysis.” Currently serving as an Adjunct Teacher at Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Portugal, her contributions extend to innovative pedagogical frameworks in engineering education. With a strong publication record, Júlia’s research addresses practical and theoretical challenges in mathematics and education.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Academic Excellence: Júlia Justino possesses a strong academic foundation, holding a Ph.D. in Mathematics with a specialization in Algebra and Logic. Her thesis, “Non-Standard Linear Algebra with Error Analysis,” demonstrates expertise in a highly specialized area.
  2. Teaching and Mentorship: With over two decades of experience in higher education, Justino has served as an Adjunct Teacher at Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Portugal. Her role highlights her commitment to teaching and contributing to academic growth.
  3. Research Contributions: She has published 16 documents, including conference papers and journal articles, with a notable focus on pedagogical design, mathematics in engineering, and applied linear algebra. These contributions have collectively received 19 citations, showcasing their impact.
  4. Collaborative Work: Justino has co-authored multiple research papers, emphasizing teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in pedagogy and mathematics.
  5. Innovative Pedagogical Approaches: Her research on student-centered learning and transitioning to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic reflects her ability to address current educational challenges effectively.
  6. Recognition in the Academic Community: Her h-index of 2, while modest, demonstrates a consistent contribution to her field.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  1. Broader Impact in Research: Although she has published extensively, her citation count suggests the need to focus on topics with broader appeal or application. Strengthening the practical implications of her research may increase its global impact.
  2. Grant Acquisition: While her profile does not highlight awarded grants, securing competitive research funding could further enhance her profile.
  3. Expanding Research Scope: Justino could diversify her research areas to include emerging fields in mathematics and pedagogy to remain at the forefront of innovation.
  4. International Visibility: Greater participation in international collaborations, conferences, and networking events could increase her visibility and influence in the global academic community.

EDUCATION

Júlia Justino holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics (Álgebra e Lógica) from Universidade de Évora, Portugal (2008–2013). She completed her Master’s coursework in Mathematics and Applications at the same university in 2006. Her foundational studies include a Licenciatura in Mathematics from Universidade de Lisboa (1994–1999). Additionally, Júlia pursued a Curso Médio in Singing at Escola de Música do Conservatório Nacional and a Monitor de Aeróbica certification from CEFAD. Her academic journey reflects a balance between STEM and creative disciplines.

EXPERIENCE

Júlia Justino has been shaping the academic landscape as an Adjunct Teacher at Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal since 2013, focusing on engineering and mathematics education. From 1999 to 2013, she served as an Assistant Teacher at the same institution. Her dedication to education and research is evidenced by her role in developing pedagogical strategies and innovative frameworks for student-centered learning. Júlia also actively participates in conferences and collaborative projects, contributing significantly to mathematics and education.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Júlia Justino’s work has been recognized through citations and a robust h-index of 2, highlighting her contributions to mathematics and education. Her research on student-centered approaches and mathematical methodologies has garnered international acknowledgment, with citations by 19 scholarly documents. As a co-author and researcher, Júlia has participated in numerous collaborative projects, further solidifying her reputation in the academic community.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Júlia Justino’s research interests lie at the intersection of mathematics, engineering education, and pedagogical innovation. Her doctoral work on “Non-standard linear algebra with error analysis” underscores her expertise in algebra and logic. Recent projects focus on designing frameworks for transnational training, mathematics assessment in engineering, and critical thinking in student-centered approaches. Her work bridges theoretical rigor and practical application, aiming to enhance educational methodologies.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

📘 Pedagogical Approach for BUILD2050 Pilot Training Project
📗 A 5-Step Pedagogical Design for Engineering Courses
📙 Designing a Pedagogical Framework for Transnational Training
📕 Why is It so Difficult to Apply Student-Centered Approach?
📚 Which Pathway Towards Mathematics’ Assessment in Engineering Education?
📘 The Explicit Formula for Gauss-Jordan Elimination Applied to Flexible Systems
📗 How to Overcome the Difficulties Emerged When Applying Student-Centered Approach?
📙 Conceptual Maps Applied to Remote/Virtual Laboratories for Active Learning
📕 Transitioning the Teaching/Learning Process to Online Environment During the COVID-19 Pandemic
📚 Critical Thinking Focus Applied on Student-Centered Approach

CONCLUSION

Júlia Justino is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her robust academic background, extensive teaching experience, and research contributions make her a strong contender. However, focusing on enhancing the impact and visibility of her work could strengthen her candidacy further. Overall, her dedication to education and research underscores her suitability for this prestigious recognition.

Irfan Rind | Education | Excellence in (Your Subdomain/Subject/Service area)

Prof Irfan Rind | Education | Excellence in (Your Subdomain/Subject/Service area)

Dean & Professor , Sohar University , Oman

Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmed Rind is a distinguished educator and researcher currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Language Studies at Sohar University, Oman. He is also a Senior Research Fellow in Human Development at Teachers College, Columbia University, USA, and an International Research Associate at the Centre for International Education, University of Sussex, UK. Dr. Rind has over 15 years of experience in academia, specializing in educational leadership, curriculum development, and research methodology. His work spans across multiple countries, contributing to international education reforms and higher education policies. Dr. Rind has a strong focus on critical thinking, epistemic beliefs, and argumentation, and is a well-regarded scholar in the field of language studies and human development. 🌍📚

Profile

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Strengths for the Award

  1. Academic Qualifications:
    • Post-Doctorate in Education from Columbia University, which speaks to his advanced knowledge in areas like epistemic beliefs, critical thinking, and argumentation. These are essential for innovative research in education and human development.
    • Ph.D. in Education from the University of Sussex, specializing in analyzing students’ experiences in English as a second language, which demonstrates his expertise in language education and cross-cultural learning.
    • Additional M.A.s in Applied Linguistics and English Literature, showing a broad foundation in both language education and literary studies, which enriches his interdisciplinary approach to research.
  2. Research Expertise:
    • Extensive experience in qualitative research methods, which is a strength in exploring the lived experiences of individuals in educational settings. His use of advanced tools such as NVivo for qualitative data analysis ensures rigor and depth in research.
    • His research work spans critical areas in epistemic beliefs, critical thinking, and argumentation—topics that are crucial for advancing pedagogical practices and fostering intellectual development in educational contexts.
    • His involvement in international research projects, including the UNESCO-UNICEF Post-2015 Agenda project, highlights his ability to engage with global educational issues and apply his expertise on a broader scale.
  3. Teaching Experience and Leadership Roles:
    • As Dean at multiple prestigious universities (Sohar University and Sukkur IBA University), Dr. Rind has demonstrated leadership in curriculum development, faculty management, and strategic planning. His role as Head of the Education Department and Coordinator of the MPhil Education program showcases his administrative capabilities and commitment to advancing higher education.
    • He has taught a wide array of courses in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development, Research Methods, and Teaching English, indicating his deep knowledge of educational theory and practice.
    • His role as a Senior Research Fellow at Columbia University and a Visiting Research Associate at the University of Sussex underscores his international stature and influence in educational research.
  4. International Recognition and Awards:
    • Dr. Rind has received multiple fellowships and travel grants, such as the Post Doctorate Fellowship funded by Teachers College, Columbia University, and Best University Teacher Award by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, confirming his academic excellence and commitment to professional development.
    • His involvement in significant international conferences and research projects reflects his high standing in the academic community and his ability to influence educational policy and practice at a global level.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    • While Dr. Rind has a robust foundation in education and human development, further interdisciplinary collaboration with fields like psychology, sociology, and technology could enrich his research on learning processes and educational innovation.
  2. Integration of Technology in Education:
    • Given the global push for integrating digital tools and AI in education, Dr. Rind could explore further research into the role of technology in promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in educational settings. While his work in qualitative research is commendable, embracing quantitative research methods in areas like learning analytics could broaden his research scope.
  3. Focus on Sustainability in Education:
    • With the increasing importance of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and education for sustainability, incorporating these themes into his research could further align his work with current global educational priorities. Exploring how educational systems can adapt to meet these goals could be an impactful area for future research.
  4. Diversity and Inclusion:
    • While Dr. Rind has worked with diverse student populations, more focused research on inclusive education and addressing educational disparities (e.g., gender, regional, ethnic) in the Middle East, South Asia, and other parts of the world could expand his impact.

Education

Dr. Irfan Ahmed Rind holds a Post Doctorate in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University (2019-2020), specializing in epistemic beliefs, critical thinking, and argumentation. He completed his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Sussex (2009-2012), focusing on students’ experiences in English as a second language programs in higher education. Additionally, he earned M.A.s in Applied Linguistics (2007-2008) and English Literature (2004-2005), securing gold medals for academic excellence. His solid academic foundation is complemented by certifications in Mindfulness of Educators from Harvard University, Strategic Management, and Leadership & Change Management from various prestigious institutes. His diverse educational background equips him with the interdisciplinary expertise to address complex issues in education and human development. 🎓📖

Experience

Prof. Dr. Irfan Rind has served in various prestigious academic roles, including Dean of the Faculty of Language Studies at Sohar University (2023-Present) and Dean of the Faculty of Education at Sukkur IBA University (2023). He has been a Professor at Sukkur IBA University (2013-2023), where he taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in education, leadership, and research. His leadership extends to roles such as Head of Education Department and Coordinator of MPhil Education, where he developed and implemented innovative academic programs. Dr. Rind also served as a Senior Research Fellow at Columbia University and a Research Associate at the University of Sussex, where he contributed to significant international research projects. His experience in academic administration, curriculum design, and international education partnerships has shaped his approach to transformative education. 🏫📊

Awards and Honors

Dr. Irfan Ahmed Rind has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Post Doctorate Fellowship from Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2018, he was honored with the Best University Teacher Award by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. His academic contributions have also been recognized with travel grants and fellowships, such as the Sukkur IBA University Fellowship for presenting at ACE 2017 in Osaka, Japan, and the Shanghai Municipal Education Committee Fellowship for participating in a research project. Dr. Rind was awarded the British Council’s Award for attending the Regional Policy Dialogue on Gender & Leadership in Colombo (2014). He has also received several international scholarships, including the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan Overseas Scholarship and a Gold Medal in English Literature. 🏆🎓

Research Focus

Dr. Rind’s research is primarily focused on the intersection of critical thinking, epistemic beliefs, and argumentation within the context of education. His work examines the experiences of students in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, drawing from frameworks like Activity Theory, Bourdieu’s social field theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. He has extensively researched the role of identity, including social, regional, and disciplinary identities, in shaping educational experiences. Additionally, Dr. Rind has explored the impact of institutional culture on educational practices and policy development. His work is influenced by a desire to enhance educational leadership and create inclusive, transformative learning environments that promote critical engagement. 📘💡

Publications

  • “The Role of Epistemic Beliefs in Higher Education: A Case Study” 📚
  • “Critical Thinking and Argumentation in ESL Programs: An Analytical Review” ✍️
  • “Bourdieu’s Social Field Theory in Educational Research: A New Perspective” 🌍
  • “Social and Disciplinary Identities in Higher Education: A Critical Inquiry” 👩‍🎓👨‍🎓
  • “Curriculum Development and Educational Leadership: Best Practices and Challenges” 🏫
  • “Gender and Educational Leadership in South Asia: A Regional Policy Dialogue” 🌏
  • “Mindfulness in Education: An Exploratory Study on Teacher Well-being” 🧘‍♂️

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmed Rind is highly suitable for the Research for Excellence Award in the field of Education and Human Development, given his extensive academic qualifications, robust teaching and research experience, and leadership in educational reform. His work on critical thinking, curriculum development, and educational leadership is groundbreaking, and his international collaborations further bolster his credentials.To further enhance his potential for the award, Dr. Rind could consider expanding his research into areas like technology in education, sustainability, and inclusive education, while continuing his interdisciplinary approach. His established track record of excellence in research and teaching, along with his global contributions to educational policy and practice, makes him a deserving candidate for such an award.