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

Orcid

Scopus

STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

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.
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.
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.
Collaborative Work: Justino has co-authored multiple research papers, emphasizing teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in pedagogy and mathematics.
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.
Recognition in the Academic Community: Her h-index of 2, while modest, demonstrates a consistent contribution to her field.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

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.
Grant Acquisition: While her profile does not highlight awarded grants, securing competitive research funding could further enhance her profile.
Expanding Research Scope: Justino could diversify her research areas to include emerging fields in mathematics and pedagogy to remain at the forefront of innovation.
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.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zanele Annatoria NGCOBO | Mathematics Education | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, University Of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

Annatoria Zanele Ngcobo is a dedicated academic at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa. With a focus on mathematics education, Zanele has made significant contributions to understanding how pre-service teachers construct knowledge in mathematics. Her research and teaching aim to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, ensuring that future educators are well-equipped to enhance student learning. Zanele’s work reflects her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of mathematics among learners and improving educational outcomes in South Africa. 🌟📚

Profile

SCOPUS

Strengths for the Award

Impactful Contributions: Annatoria Zanele Ngcobo has published nine research articles that have garnered significant citations, indicating the relevance and influence of her work in the field of mathematics education.
Focused Research Areas: Her research on pre-service teachers’ understanding of mathematical concepts directly addresses critical gaps in teacher training, promoting improved pedagogical practices.
Diverse Collaborations: Zanele’s collaboration with various co-authors across multiple studies demonstrates her ability to engage with different perspectives and expertise, enhancing the quality and reach of her research.
Commitment to Educational Improvement: Her work emphasizes practical applications, such as formative feedback and error analysis, which can lead to tangible improvements in teaching and learning outcomes.

Areas for Improvement

Broader Publication Scope: While her publications are impactful, expanding her research to include more interdisciplinary studies could enhance her work’s applicability across different educational contexts.
Increased Public Engagement: Zanele could benefit from increased visibility through conferences, workshops, or public forums to share her findings, further establishing herself as a thought leader in mathematics education.
Diverse Research Methodologies: Exploring varied research methodologies could enrich her studies, providing new insights and approaches to understanding mathematical education challenges.

Education

Zanele Ngcobo completed her studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she earned advanced degrees in mathematics education. Her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to understanding effective pedagogical practices and the cognitive processes involved in learning mathematics. Zanele’s education has provided her with a robust foundation in both theory and practice, enabling her to contribute meaningfully to the field of mathematics education and teacher training. 🎓✨

Experience

With extensive experience in teacher education, Zanele has engaged in various roles that support the professional development of pre-service mathematics teachers. She has conducted workshops, facilitated discussions on effective teaching practices, and contributed to curriculum development initiatives. Zanele’s practical experience is complemented by her research endeavors, which focus on understanding and improving teaching methodologies in mathematics education. Through these efforts, she has had a positive impact on the teaching landscape in South Africa. 🏫📖

Awards and Honors

Zanele Ngcobo has been recognized for her contributions to mathematics education through several awards and honors. Her work in enhancing teaching practices and her research on teacher knowledge have earned her accolades within academic circles. Zanele is also actively involved in educational conferences, where she shares her insights and collaborates with fellow educators. Her achievements reflect her dedication to improving educational outcomes and her influence in the field of mathematics education. 🏆🌟

Research Focus

Zanele’s research primarily explores mathematical knowledge for teaching, particularly how pre-service teachers develop their understanding of mathematical concepts. She investigates cognitive processes involved in learning and teaching mathematics, focusing on topics such as error analysis and the use of manipulatives. Zanele aims to improve educational practices through her research, ensuring that future educators are well-prepared to address challenges in mathematics teaching and learning. 🔍📊

Publication Top Notes

Connecting knowledge and practice: Mathematics teacher educators’ knowledge and use of formative feedback in Ghana 📄
The curriculum tracker: A tool to improve curriculum coverage or just a tick-box exercise? 📄
Exploring Preservice Secondary Mathematics Teachers’ Common Content Knowledge of Hyperbola Graphs 📄
Error Analysis: Supporting the Development of Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Subject Matter Knowledge of School Mathematics Topics 📄
Managing the impact of COVID-19 on the education plans and activities of South African schools 📄
Pre-service mathematics teachers’ mental constructions when using Cramer’s rule 📄
Pre-service mathematics teachers’ development process in using manipulatives in number operations 📄
Pre-service teachers’ mental constructions of concepts in matrix algebra 📄
High school learners’ mental construction during solving optimisation problems in calculus: A South African case study 📄

Conclusion

Annatoria Zanele Ngcobo’s dedication to advancing mathematics education through rigorous research makes her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her impactful work, focused on enhancing teacher education and improving student learning, aligns well with the criteria for this recognition. With continued efforts to broaden her research scope and engage with the academic community, she is poised to make even greater contributions to the field.

Júlia Justino | Engineering Education | Best Researcher Award