Conference Speakers-Research in Social Sciences Conference

Conference Speakers

Past Speakers

Ass. Prof. Zoë Kessler

Assistant Professor at Salem State University’s School of Social Work

Topic: Participatory Research: Insights from a Photovoice Project with Care Leavers in Eastern Europe

Zoë Kessler, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Salem State University’s School of Social Work and a licensed clinical social worker. She earned her doctorate from the University of Dundee in Scotland, specializing in education and social work. Dr. Kessler brings extensive hands-on experience working with children and adults impacted by trauma. Her research primarily focuses on care leavers and vulnerable children in Eastern Europe. As a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Open Research Award, she completed a Photovoice project with care leavers in Latvia in Spring 2023, furthering her commitment to empowering marginalized communities.

Prof. Mohammed Alomarini

Mohammed Alomarini is a professor of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at Mohammed bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH), UAE. He received the doctorate degree in Syntax and Morphology from Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Saudi Arabia. His current research interests include modern linguistics and language teaching methodologies.

Prof. Mihaela Rus

Professor Mihaela Rus, PhD, is the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences at Ovidius University of Constanța, a key leadership position that involves her in the academic development of the faculty and the promotion of excellence in higher education. Additionally, Professor Mihaela Rus serves as the President of the Constanța branch of the Romanian College of Psychologists, a prestigious professional organization dedicated to representing and promoting the interests of psychologists in Romania. She holds a PhD in Psychology and is a PhD supervisor at the Romanian Academy, one of Romania’s elite research institutions. Throughout her career, she has published over 100 scientific articles in international journals and has authored 10 specialized books, widely recognized and valued in the academic and psychological communities. Her expertise primarily focuses on work and organizational psychology and road safety psychology. She is also a board member of the Romanian Psychologists’ Association and the Association of Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

Dr. Mihai Stefănoaia

Lecturer Mihai Stefănoaia PhD. is a faculty member at Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava, where he teaches courses in criminal law. As a practicing lawyer with extensive experience in the legal field, he combines academic teaching with professional practice, offering students a practical perspective on criminal law principles and regulations. His research focuses on contemporary issues in criminal legislation, criminal procedure, and national and international case law. His academic and professional activity establishes him as a dedicated specialist in training future generations of legal professionals and advancing the study of criminal law.

Mrs. Michela Saretta

Michela Saretta graduated with a degree in Neuroscience and a Master’s in Psychology of Aging from the University of Padua. Project manager for European projects and a PhD student at the University of Valencia (Research Institute on Social Welfare – Polibienestar). Research interests focus on aging, caregiving, and intellectual disabilities.

Mr. Samuel Opoku

Mr Samuel Opoku is a dedicated educator and researcher with a Master’s in Education and over 7 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development. Currently, he teaches at Siyakhula Christian Academy in Durban, South Africa. Mr Opoku specialises in addressing educational challenges in underprivileged communities. His research interests include learning difficulties, rural education, and sustainable development in South Africa. As a qualified high school teacher and business professional in Durban, Mr Opoku has been recognised for innovative teaching strategies and contributions to educational equity. He is pursuing a PhD to explore transformative solutions in education further.

Ms. Yujia Zhu

Ms. Yujia Zhu is currently a Ph.D Candidate at Sofia University in USA.. As a seasoned and multifaceted social entrepreneur, business strategy advisor, executive coach, and philanthropist, she embodies a unique blend of experience and insight. A classical INFJ-A and 8W7, Yujia embraces her identity as a perfectly imperfect human being. With 12 years of experience in the humanitarian field, Yujia is also a dedicated Woman in STEM. As the founder and executive director of a Canadian federally registered nonprofit for A Safer Space (FASS), She is also the creator of FASSLING(Fassling.ai), an AI bot that has become the most-used and highest-rated emotional and coaching support app (non-medical/non-therapy) on the official ChatGPT store.

Mr. Philip Kwame

Mr. Philip Kwame is a PhD candidate at the University of South Africa, Pretoria-South Africa specialising in Education Technology and Digital Learning. Philip’s research focuses on the integration of social media and digital tools to enhance teaching and learning, particularly in developing regions. In addition to his academic pursuits, Philip is passionate about bridging the digital divide in education through innovative solutions and policy advocacy. His current research examines the opportunities and challenges of social media use in Ghana’s education sector, aiming to contribute to sustainable educational development.

Mr. Maciej Nowakowski

Mr. Maciej Nowakowski is a researcher and lecturer in linguistics and media studies at the Pontifical University of Pope John Paul II in Kraków. A sociolinguist with an MSc in Applied Linguistics at the University of Oxford and a part-time journalist, Mgr. Nowakowski has published works detailing minority language standardisation and revitalisation, particularly from the perspective of media systems. In 2025, he is contributing to a chapter for a publication by the Jagiellonian University in Kraków, detailing the influence of language on intercultural studies

Ms. Oana-Karina Lugojan

Oana-Karina Lugojan is a PhD student at the West University of Timisoara, Romania. She holds an MA in Theory and Practice of Translation and a BA in English Language and Literature. Her research focuses on English language teaching, with a particular interest in the strategies and approaches which foster autonomous learning.

Past Speakers

Assoc. Prof. Dimitrios Dentsoras

Past Keynote Speaker

Associate Professor in philosophy at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada

Topic: Hope Withdrawal and Ensuing Psychological States

Dimitrios Dentsoras is an Associate Professor in philosophy at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada. He received his PhD from Princeton University. Dimitrios’ research focuses on the history of philosophy and on moral philosophy. His recent publications include articles and book chapters on ancient ethics, on the historical development of moral concepts such as supererogation and virtue, and on contemporary accounts of moral psychology.

Prof. Yanica Dimitrova

Yanica Dimitrova graduated from Sofia University “Saint Kliment Ohridski”. She has master’s degrees in Cultural studies, Management and Public Relations and a PhD in Public communication. Now she is a Professor of Corporate Culture, Communication and Innovation, Head of Department of Public Communication, University of Library Studies and Information Technologies, Sofia, Bulgaria. Yanica Dimitrova is the author of four monographs and more than 60 studies, articles and scientific reports on the study of corporate culture, communications, innovation, and corporate reputation management.

Ass. Prof. Paulina Wójcik-Topór

Paulina Wójcik-Topór – doctor of humanities in the field of linguistics, clinical speech therapist, assistant professor at the Department of Speech Therapy at the Jagiellonian University. Author of many speech therapy aids for the therapy of adults. Her area of research interest concerns speech and language disorders in people after various neurological incidents.

Dr. Erez Cohen

Dr. Erez Cohen is a member of the faculty of Social Sciences, in the Departments of middle eastern studies – political science in Ariel University (Senior Lecturer). He teaches several Courses which deals with political economy and public Policy. in addition, he has published several articles which deals with public policy and political Economy issues. The present study examines how governmental instability may louse the effectiveness of the public policy implemented in Israel in the various issues that the author investigates and presents in his various articles. His areas of interest is; Public Policy and Political Economy.

Ms. Urszula Malina

Urszula Malina – a PhD student at the Doctoral School in the Humanities at Jagiellonian University in Cracow. She works at the Clinical Department of Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University Hospital in Cracow and is also an academic teacher at the Faculty of Polish Studies at Jagiellonian University, in the Department of Speech Therapy. Her research interests include speech disorders resulting from damage to the CNS and thinking disorders. She is also interested in neurolinguistics.

Dr. Sophie Keller

Dr. Sophie Keller, Ph.D., an expert in the science of happiness, combines research on flow and positive psychology with practical experience. As a best-selling author and founder of Village Workspaces, hosting firms like SoundCloud and Shopify, she is recognized by the British Government for her pioneering work. Dr. Keller is a globally sought-after speaker and consultant with a vibrant private practice. This version keeps the essential information about your work and recognition, ensuring a concise yet comprehensive introduction.

Dr. Juliana de Oliveira Vicentini

Juliana de Oliveira Vicentini is researcher (postdoctoral in the USPSusten program) at University of Sao Paulo/Brazil. She received her PdD and her M.Sc in Science also from University of Sao Paulo. Research areas focuses on environmental communication, media and society, geographies of communication and scientific journalism. She is the author of several articles in journals, books and book chapters.

Mr. Jędrzej Michalik

Jędrzej Michalik – master’s student in speech therapy at University of Gdańsk, author of the articles in the field of speech therapy, linguistics and neurolinguistics; participant in grant “A multilevel investigation of the discourse of Polish language speakers diagnosed with mixed aphasia”.

Ms. Isabel Epistelomogi

Isabel Epistelomogi is a USC student studying Computer Science and Business. She is the VP of Education Research & Analytics at the Institute for Youth in Policy. She is the first and corresponding author of a study exploring the efficacy of discourse and was an invited speaker at College Board events. Her research interests include civics, polarization, media, and AI.

Ms. Maryam Zoweil

Maryam Zoweil is a freshman at UT Austin studying Business Honors. She serves as the Director of Education Data Analytics at the Institute for Youth in Policy. She is the secondary author of a study exploring the efficacy of discourse in civics curriculum and has been featured in national civics events. She is interested in civics education and depolarization.

Ms. Farah Abu Khadra

She is a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pécs and Physiotherapist (BSc) and a Recreation Specialist (MSc). Her areas of interest are Sociology of Health, Life Satisfaction, Well-being, Sense of Coherence, Cross-Cultural Studies Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Awardee

Ass. Prof. Dr. Mona Ashour

Dr. Mona Ashour is an Assistant professor of English Language and Literature at Ain Shams University in Egypt. She got her Doctor of Philosophy in Ecological Humanities in 2019. She joined University of Florida to conduct research in the department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies. Dr. Ashour is also an activist and member in UNA and UNICEF and exerts potential academic and community service efforts for the prevention of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence against Women (VAW). During her Fulbright mission in Santa Fe College in Florida, Ashour supervised a research project entitled “Comparative Planetary Literature.” In 2023, she has been awarded Certificate of Outstanding Merit & Professional Award by University of Florida and Tybel Spivack Fund Award in Women’s Studies.

Ms. Mollie Guba

Mollie Guba is a junior at Northwestern University studying Philosophy and Legal Studies. She is the Senior VP of Education at the Institute for Youth in Policy. She led the only student presentation at the 2023 AP Annual Conference and is a Research Assistant at Northwestern’s Department of Sociology and School of Law. Her interests include civics education, polarization, and law

Prof. MARIJA LONČAR

Past Keynote Speaker

Associate professor at the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in the University of Split.

Topic: RESEARCH ETHICS IN THE SOCIAL SCIENCES: Quantitative and Qualitative Research Practice

MARIJA LONČAR is an associate professor at the Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Split. She teaches methodological courses at the undergraduate and graduate study program in sociology. Her scientific and research areas of interest are sociological methodology, research ethics, sociology of media, sociology of youth and sociology of the body. She participates and presents at international and national scientific conferences. Also, she actively participates in the popularization of science through public discussions, media appearances and lectures. Currently, she is a member of the Presidency of the Croatian Sociological Association and manager of the branch office in Split, as well as the executive editor of the journal Croatian Sociological Review.

Dr. Angela Kahil

Angela Kahil, PhD in History, Societies and Civilizations from INALCO – Paris. Fulbright Leadership Program Alumni, She is a researcher in Women’s History in the Arab World at INALCO and USEK Lebanon.

Dr. Linda Rizk

Dr. Linda Rizk is the director of the Institute of History at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon. With a PhD in Modern & Contemporary History, she is a dedicated history lecturer with over 13 years of experience. An active researcher of Modern and Contemporary Lebanese History and the broader Middle East History. She is actively involved in university and professional administration, holding membership in research organizations, and participating in various committees and councils related to her field. She has several published books and articles on various subjects such as, the Arab Renaissance and Lebanese history.

Dr. Milan Mašát

Mgr. Milan Mašát, Ph.D., MBA is an assistant professor at the Department of Czech Language and Literature at Palacký University in Olomouc. He also completed the Management in Education programme. In his scientific work he focuses on innovative methods in teaching literature education or contemporary intentional literature with the theme of the Shoah.

Prof. Gholam Reza Mirzaei

Prof. Gholam Reza Mirzaei has a PHD degree in psychology, and now his activities include: teaching at the university, psychotherapy, and scientific research in psychology, and he has presented several articles in various conferences. Furthermore, he is interested in continuing his studies at the post-doctoral level of psychology.

Mr. Abderrezak IDDIR

Abderrezak IDDIR, Holder of a PhD in psychology and education sciences. He is currently a teacher-researcher in psychology, Professor’s rank, at the University “Mouloud Mammeri” Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. He is particularly interested in the following areas: psychometrics, cognitive psychology, positive psychology and economic psychology.

Ms. Feng Xinger Olivia

Feng Xinger Olivia, is an undergraduate year 4 student from the University of Hong Kong. She is majoring in psychology, and is interested in pursuing further research opportunities in cognitive neuroscience and social psychology.

Dr. Hamad Alajmi

Hamad Alajmi Associate Professor of Arabic literature at Kuwait University, Department of Arabic Language and Literature, College of Art. Academic Degrees: – Bachelor degree, in Arabic Language and Literature, 2004, Kuwait University. – M.A in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, 2008, Indiana University, Bloomington. – Ph.D., in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, 2012, Indiana University, Bloomington.

Mrs. Oana Condurache

Oana Condurache is a first year PhD candidate in Philology at the West University of Timișoara, Romania’s Doctoral School in the Humanities, specializing in American Studies and Ethnic Feminist writings. She completed her dissertation on ethnic autobiographies and childhood trauma. She received 1st prize for her presentation and her published article on the global novel as part of the INTERCULTURALIA International Symposium University of in Iași. Her recent article, “Should Chicano Literature Be Part of the American Studies?” is forthcoming in the American Studies Series.

Miss. Chunyan Jia

Miss Chunyan Jia is a final year PhD candidate in Literary Translation Studies at the University of Warwick. Her research interest includes classical Chinese literature, poetry translation, style and the Stylistics theory. Her PhD thesis is “West-East Interpretation of Classical Chinese and Japanese Literature: A Case Study of Burton Watson’s Translation”.

Dr. Hend Hamed

Dr. Hend Hamed is an assistant professor of English Literature at the department of English, AOU Kuwait. She obtained her M.A. in Irish poetry and PhD in American literature in 2010 and 2014 respectively. She has extensive experience in teaching English language and literature courses in universities in Egypt and Kuwait. She has many publications in reputable journals and presented at several international conferences. Her research interests include Romantic literature, resistance literature, ethnic-American literature, and trauma studies.

Dr. Maria Cristina Gomes Da Conceicao

Dr. Maria Cristina Gomes Da Conceicao is a Medicine at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, specializing in Public Health at Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Master, and Ph.D. in Population and Development. She is a teacher and Researcher at the Latinamerican Faculty of Social Sciences, FLACSO Mexico, and currently a guest researcher at Uppsala University, Sweden. Her areas of interest are poverty, inequalities, intersectionalities, gender, race, social class discrimination, social policies, and health.

Ms. Huma Saeed

Ms. Huma Saeed is a Ph. D scholar serving as Lecturer at NUML, Pakistan. Her research interests encompass Literary theory, Postcolonial and Postmodern studies. She likes to travel and she is an avid reader. At the moment she is a promising candidate for the Associate Fellowship of the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE).