Assist. Prof. Dr. Yen-Chein Lai | Developmental Neuroscience | Research Excellence Award
Assist. Prof. Dr. Yen-Chein Lai | Chung Shan Medical University | Taiwan
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Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Martini, G., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2023). Insights on action observation and imitation abilities in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder and typically developing children. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 136, 104556.
Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Di Gregorio, F., Guzzetta, A., Cioni, G., Feys, H., & Klingels, K. (2021). A new protocol for assessing action observation and imitation abilities in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder: A feasibility and reliability study. Human Movement Science, 78, 102717.
Buchignani, B., Beani, E., Pomeroy, V., Iacono, O., Sicola, E., Perazza, S., Bieber, E., Feys, H., Klingels, K., & Cioni, G. (2019). Action observation training for rehabilitation in brain injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Neurology, 19, 186.
Bieber, E., Smits-Engelsman, B. C. M., Sgandurra, G., Cioni, G., Feys, H., Guzzetta, A., & Klingels, K. (2016). Manual function outcome measures in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): Systematic review. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 55, 53–63.
Mozzanica, F., Pizzorni, N., Gitto, M., Dosi, C., Mandelli, A., Gandolfi, S., & others. (2024). Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1: Feasibility, swallowing safety and efficacy, and dysphagia phenotype. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, 281(12), 6523–6532.
Gandolfi, S., Dosi, C., Parravicini, S., Arnoldi, M. T., Zanin, R., Biagi, S., Rinaldi, L., & others. (2025). Exploring the trajectory of swallowing within psychomotor development in spinal muscular atrophy: Moving toward integrated care. Audiology Research.
Masson, R., Dosi, C., Parravicini, S., Scopelliti, M., Arnoldi, M., Zanin, R., & others. (2025). 519P The challenge of swallowing assessment in SMA1: Dysphagia clinical features and available assessment tools. Neuromuscular Disorders, 53, 105608.
(2025). Factors influencing source separation intention for improving waste management in educational places: A case study for a university campus. International Journal of Environmental Health Engineering.
(2024). Microplastics contamination in popular soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages marketed in Iran: Quantity and characteristics. Results in Engineering.
(2024). Soil pollution indices and health risk assessment of metal(loid)s in the agricultural soil of pistachio orchards. Scientific Reports.
(2024). Treatment of real carwash wastewater using high-efficiency and energy-saving electrocoagulation technique. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy.
(2024). Water recovery and treatment of spent filter backwash from drinking water using chemical reactor–ultrafiltration process. Journal of Water Process Engineering.
(2024). Utilization of local corn (Zea mays) wastes for bioethanol production by separate hydrolysis and fermentation. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances.
Ms. Karen Kikuta is an accomplished MD Candidate at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine with expertise in neuroscience, immunology, and global health research. She earned her B.S. in Neuroscience with minors in Public Health and Biology from Santa Clara University and conducted advanced immunological studies at Stanford University’s Binns Program for Cord Blood Research, investigating immune cell subsets using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. Her work has resulted in publications in high-impact journals, including Frontiers in Immunology and the International Journal of Infectious Diseases. Karen has contributed to seven major research projects spanning neurodevelopment, infectious disease, and translational medicine, notably pioneering studies on antenatal Zika virus exposure and its long-term neurobehavioral and cardiac outcomes in children. Her research portfolio includes 2 published documents, 45 citations, and an h-index of 2. She has presented findings at national and international conferences, reflecting her dedication to bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical application. As a member of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association, Karen is committed to integrating scientific innovation with compassionate care to advance understanding and treatment of neuroinfectious and developmental disorders.
Kikuta, K., Hernandez, C. J., Dunshee de Abranches, A., Damasceno, L., de Britto, J. A., Jardim Duarte, C., Vasconcelos, Z., Zin, A., Brasil, P., Moreira, M. E., & Nielsen-Saines, K. (2025). Academic and social-behavioral assessment in a prospective cohort of normocephalic school-aged children with antenatal Zika virus exposure. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 159, Article 108026.
Dr. Ishrat Yousaf is a pioneering psychologist and academic with over eight years of experience in higher education. Her Ph.D. research broke new ground in Pakistan by addressing mental health, suicide risk, and social functioning among individuals with HIV/AIDS. As an Associate Professor at Capital University of Science & Technology, she blends clinical insight with research-driven practices. Her expertise includes psychological assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the cross-cultural validation of psychological tools. Dr. Yousaf has led several HEC-funded projects targeting youth mental health and has presented her work on international platforms. Her contributions continue to shape the fields of applied and clinical psychology in both local and global contexts.
Dr. Ishrat Yousaf began her academic journey with a strong foundation in Clinical Psychology, earning her M.Sc. from the University of Peshawar after completing a Bachelor of Science from the College of Home Economics. Her academic excellence and curiosity about human behavior led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Peshawar. Her doctoral research was groundbreaking—marking the first in Pakistan to explore the psychological disorders, suicide risk, and social functioning among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This pioneering study laid the foundation for her future academic and clinical endeavors in public mental health.
With more than eight years of experience in academia, Dr. Yousaf has served in key academic roles, most notably as Assistant Professor and now as Associate Professor at Capital University of Science & Technology (CUST), Islamabad. Her role involves teaching, mentoring, and supervising students in various psychological disciplines, particularly in Applied and Clinical Psychology. She is deeply involved in developing curricula, designing intervention models, and leading institutional projects that merge psychological research with community outreach.
Dr. Yousaf’s research spans a wide spectrum within clinical and applied psychology. She has conducted significant work on mental health in marginalized populations, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS and youth with substance use disorders. Her work also includes cross-cultural adaptation and validation of psychological tests and developing indigenous interventions using cognitive behavioral therapy. As Principal and Co-Principal Investigator, she has led numerous projects funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, targeting depression, anxiety, and mental wellness among youth.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Yousaf has received multiple honors and scholarships. She was awarded a competitive Ph.D. scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and selected for a Developing Country Scholarship by the 74th International Congress of Psychology in Yokohama, Japan. She has consistently earned research grants based on merit and her demonstrated commitment to mental health advocacy and evidence-based psychological practice.
Dr. Yousaf’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed international journals, adding valuable insights to the fields of clinical psychology and public mental health. Her research has not only contributed to the academic body of knowledge but also informed policy and practice in mental health services in Pakistan. She has participated in and presented at both national and international conferences, enhancing the global discourse on HIV/AIDS, youth mental health, and psychological resilience.
With a vision for inclusive and culturally-sensitive mental healthcare, Dr. Yousaf continues to innovate and lead in her field. Her future goals include expanding e-health psychological interventions and furthering indigenous therapy models suited for Pakistani youth. As a mentor and researcher, she is shaping the next generation of clinical psychologists equipped with the tools and cultural understanding necessary for transformative impact.
At the core of Dr. Yousaf’s mission is the belief in psychology as a force for healing, empowerment, and social change. Her focus on vulnerable populations, combined with her clinical expertise, enables her to craft solutions that address the root causes of psychological distress. Her ongoing work is a testament to the powerful intersection of research, empathy, and cultural relevance in building healthier societies.
Title: Anxiety scale for children with autism spectrum disorders: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Dr. Ishrat Yousaf, Maryam Khan, Dr. Sabahat Haqqani, Muqqadas Saba
Year: 2025
Title: Depression, Anxiety, Stress And Wellbeing Of Young Psychology Students In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
Authors: Dr. Sabahat Haqqani, Muhammad Naeem, Taqdees Fatima, Noor Ul Sabahat, Dr. Ishrat Yousaf
Year: 2024
Title: Development of Wellness Guide: A Guided Self-Help Indigenous Intervention for Reducing Depression, and Anxiety and Enhancing Wellbeing of Pakistani Youth
Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan, Sabahat Haqqani
Year: 2024
Title: Indigenous Conceptualization of Depression and Anxiety: FGDs with Pakistani Youth and Health Practitioners
Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan
Year: 2024
Title: Editorial
Authors: Naeem, B.; Aqeel, M.; Maqsood, A.; Yousaf, I.; Ehsan, S.; Gavrielides, T.
Year: 2023
Title: Psychometric properties of the revised Urdu version dyadic adjustment scale for evaluating marital relationship quality between madrassa and Non-Madrassa married women
Authors: Naeem, Bushra; Aqeel, Muhammad; Maqsood, Aneela; Yousaf, Ishrat; Ehsan, Saima
Year: 2023
Title: Impact of Procrastination on Self-esteem of College and University Students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Authors: Sana Khurshid, Saima Parwez, Ishrat Yousaf
Year: 2023
Title: HIV Treatment Adherence Self-efficacy Scale for Pakistani HIV/AIDS patients: Translation and psychometric evaluation
Authors: Yousaf, Ishrat; Haqqani, Sabahat
Year: 2022
Title: The influence of illness perception, anxiety and depression disorders on students mental health during COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan: a Web-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Aqeel, Muhammad; Abbas, Jaffar; Shuja, Kanwar Hamza; Rehna, Tasnim; Ziapour, Arash; Yousaf, Ishrat; Karamat, Tehmina
Year: 2022
Title: Maladaptive schema modes as the predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder among trauma survivors
Authors: Zaman, S.; Arouj, K.; Irfan, S.; Yousaf, I.
Year: 2021
Dr. Ishrat Yousaf’s journey reflects a profound commitment to advancing mental health awareness, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations. Her research, teaching, and therapeutic practices have set new benchmarks in clinical psychology in Pakistan. With a focus on culturally adaptive interventions and youth-centered mental health solutions, she is poised to leave a lasting legacy as both a scholar and a changemaker. Her ongoing dedication ensures that psychology in Pakistan continues to evolve with compassion, relevance, and scientific rigor.
Ms. Elissavet Kollia is a distinguished pediatrician and researcher specializing in pediatric neurology. With an exceptional academic background, she graduated from the Medical School of the Democritus University of Thrace and pursued advanced postgraduate studies in Clinical Pediatrics and Nursing-Research. Her extensive clinical training, from pediatrics specialization to her current role at Konstantopouleio General Hospital “Agia Olga,” has solidified her expertise in child healthcare. Additionally, her research focuses on movement disorders in pediatric patients with early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, contributing valuable insights to the field. Her dedication extends beyond clinical practice, as seen in her voluntary medical work and commitment to mentoring young professionals.
From an early age, Elissavet Kollia demonstrated exceptional academic abilities, graduating from the 4th General Lyceum of Agia Paraskevi with an outstanding general grade of “excellent 19.2.” Her passion for medicine led her to the Medical School of the Democritus University of Thrace, where she was admitted in September 2007. With dedication and perseverance, she successfully earned her medical degree in July 2013, achieving a commendable grade of “very good 8.33.” Shortly after, she obtained her license to practice as a doctor in Greece and later in Munich, Germany, reflecting her international medical competence.
Ms. Kollia’s professional journey has been marked by extensive clinical training and hands-on experience in pediatrics. She began her specialization at the Pediatric Clinic of the General Hospital of Karpenisi from June 2014 to October 2016. Her commitment to healthcare extended beyond hospitals as she served as a rural doctor at the Primary Health Care Center of Agios Nikolaos, Evrytania, actively participating in emergency care at the General Hospital of Karpenisi. Her expertise deepened when she became a scientific associate at the Pediatric Neurology Unit of the First Pediatric Clinic of the National University of Athens. She then pursued her residency in pediatrics at the First University Pediatric Clinic – Children’s Hospital “Agia Sophia” from November 2018 to May 2022, ultimately obtaining her specialty title in June 2022. Currently, she is serving as a pediatrician at the Konstantopouleio General Hospital “Agia Olga,” continuing her mission to provide excellent pediatric care.
Ms. Kollia’s dedication to medical research has significantly contributed to the field of pediatric neurology. Her postgraduate studies in “Clinical Pediatrics and Nursing-Research,” completed with an exceptional grade of “Excellent 9.31,” strengthened her academic foundation. Her ongoing doctoral dissertation at the National Kapodistrian University of Athens focuses on movement disorders in pediatric patients with early-onset developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, a field crucial for advancing neurological care in children. Her research efforts have led to an upcoming publication in the European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, further establishing her as a valuable contributor to the scientific community.
Ms. Kollia’s unwavering commitment to medicine has been recognized through her outstanding academic achievements and professional milestones. From excelling in her graduate and postgraduate studies to securing prestigious residency and specialization opportunities, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in her field. Her acceptance into renowned institutions and her involvement in vital research projects underline her credibility and expertise in pediatric neurology.
Beyond her clinical and academic contributions, Dr. Kollia has actively participated in voluntary medical programs, extending her expertise to underserved populations. She contributed to emergency case observations at the Children’s Hospital “Agia Sophia” and participated in medical landing programs in remote islands, showcasing her dedication to public health. Her influence extends to mentoring young medical professionals, sharing her knowledge, and contributing to the medical community’s growth.
With a passion for advancing pediatric neurology, Dr. Kollia continues to shape the future of medical research and patient care. Her work in understanding movement disorders in children with epileptic encephalopathy holds the potential to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in pediatric neurology. As she progresses in her career, her contributions to both clinical practice and scientific research will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the medical community and the lives of the children she treats.
Title: The genetic etiology in cerebral palsy mimics: the results from a Greek tertiary care center
Authors: V Zouvelou, D Yubero, L Apostolakopoulou, E Kokkinou, M Bilanakis, …
Year: 2019
Title: MOTOR PHENOTYPING IN A GREEK COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH NEONATAL AND INFANTILE ONSET DEVELOPMENTAL AND EPILEPTIC ENCEPHALOPATHY
Authors: E Kollia, E Kokkinou, C Outsika, G Koltsida, V Zouvelou, A Vontzalidis, …
Year: 2025
Ms. Kollia’s journey exemplifies the perfect blend of academic excellence, professional expertise, and compassionate patient care. Through her research and clinical endeavors, she continues to advance the understanding and treatment of pediatric neurological disorders. Her unwavering dedication to improving children’s health positions her as a leading figure in pediatric medicine. With her vision for excellence and continued contributions, she is set to leave a lasting impact on the medical field, inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Alessandro Bortolotti is an expert in business, behavioral sciences, and cognitive psychology, with a strong academic background in neuroscience and decision-making. He earned his Ph.D. from Università degli Studi G. d’Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, focusing on neuromarketing and unconscious choices in the wine market, particularly the influence of color. His educational journey includes advanced studies in business administration, innovation management, and psychology. His research expertise spans cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, language development, and decision-making, integrating psychology with business analytics. He is also a licensed psychologist in the Campania region and actively contributes to academic and professional research platforms.
Born on January 12, 1993, in Italy, Alessandro Bortolotti developed a keen interest in psychology and cognitive sciences from an early age. His academic journey began at the University Gabriele D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, where he earned a degree in Psychological Sciences and Techniques in 2015. His early research focused on cognitive psychology, biogenetic foundations, and psychometric techniques. His undergraduate thesis, titled Mozart Effect, explored the impact of music on cognitive function, reflecting his initial foray into experimental psychology under the guidance of Prof. Beth Fairfield. This foundational phase laid the groundwork for his specialization in cognitive and decision-making processes.
With a passion for understanding human behavior and decision-making, Bortolotti pursued a Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology from the same university, completing it in 2018. His thesis, When the Valence is Coloured: The Binding Effect in Short-Term Memory, highlighted the interplay between color perception and cognitive processing. Under the mentorship of Prof. Beth Fairfield and Prof. Nicola Mammarella, he delved deeper into cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, and psychology of perception. His growing expertise in experimental psychology and neuromarketing led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Business and Behavioural Sciences at Università degli Studi G. d’Annunzio Chieti e Pescara. Between 2019 and 2023, his doctoral research, Neuromarketing and Unconscious Choices in the Wine Market: The Role of Color, explored how sensory stimuli influence consumer behavior, blending psychology with market dynamics.
Dr. Bortolotti’s research is anchored in cognitive neuroscience, neuromarketing, and decision-making. His interdisciplinary work investigates the psychological underpinnings of consumer behavior, particularly the effects of color and perception on purchasing decisions. He has explored key topics such as attentional bias, temporal discounting, and neurophysiological mechanisms in consumer choices. His scholarly contributions include research on color psychology in marketing, the neurocognitive impact of brand perception, and the intersection of psychology and economics in decision-making. His studies, published in reputable journals, provide valuable insights into how unconscious cognitive processes drive consumer engagement and brand preference.
Dr. Bortolotti’s expertise has earned him recognition in both academic and professional circles. He holds an Italian Professional Psychologist License (N° 9139 – Regione Campania), enabling him to bridge theoretical research with practical applications in psychology and marketing. His academic excellence is reflected in his multiple publications, which contribute to the evolving field of neuromarketing. His participation in international conferences and research collaborations has established him as a prominent voice in cognitive psychology and behavioral science.
Through his research, Dr. Bortolotti has significantly influenced the fields of neuromarketing and consumer psychology. His insights into the unconscious drivers of decision-making have practical applications in advertising, brand positioning, and business analytics. His work has been instrumental in shaping marketing strategies that leverage neuroscience principles to optimize consumer engagement. His research on vaccine hesitancy, attentional biases, and the psychological effects of color extends beyond marketing, offering critical insights into behavioral responses in various social contexts.
As an academic and researcher, Dr. Bortolotti continues to push the boundaries of neuromarketing, cognitive psychology, and decision sciences. His commitment to exploring the neurological and psychological mechanisms underlying human behavior paves the way for innovative applications in business, healthcare, and digital marketing. His future endeavors aim to integrate advanced neuroscience techniques, such as brain imaging and artificial intelligence, into consumer research, further revolutionizing the understanding of human choices.
With a strong academic foundation, pioneering research, and a vision for the future, Dr. Alessandro Bortolotti embodies the synergy between psychology, business, and neuroscience. His journey from cognitive psychology to neuromarketing demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary research in unraveling the complexities of human behavior. As he continues his work, his contributions promise to leave a lasting impact on both scientific inquiry and practical applications in behavioral economics and marketing strategies.
Temporal discounting of money and face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of hoarding level
Authors: L. Cannito, S. Anzani, A. Bortolotti, R. Palumbo, I. Ceccato, A. Di Crosta, …
Year: 2021
The promise of color in marketing: use, applications, tips and neuromarketing
Authors: A. Bortolotti, L. Cannito, S. Anzani, R. Palumbo
Year: 2023
Do older and younger adults prefer the positive or avoid the negative?
Authors: B. Fairfield, C. Padulo, A. Bortolotti, B. Perfetti, N. Mammarella, M. Balsamo
Year: 2022
Bored with boredom? Trait boredom predicts internet addiction through the mediating role of attentional bias toward social networks
Authors: L. Cannito, I. Ceccato, E. Annunzi, A. Bortolotti, E. D’Intino, R. Palumbo, …
Year: 2023
About the influence of color perceived lightness on psychological functions
Authors: A. Bortolotti, L. Cannito, S. Anzani, M. Rossi, R. Palumbo
Year: 2022
Exploring vaccine hesitancy: the twofold role of critical thinking
Authors: L. Cannito, I. Ceccato, A. Bortolotti, A. Di Crosta, P. La Malva, R. Palumbo, …
Year: 2024
Face mask reduces the effect of proposer’s (un)trustworthiness on intertemporal and risky choices
Authors: L. Cannito, S. Anzani, A. Bortolotti, A. Di Domenico, R. Palumbo
Year: 2022
Neuromarketing and unconscious choices in the wine market: The role of color
Authors: A. Bortolotti
Year: 2023
Do color and light affect physiology and psychology in proportional ways?
Authors: A. Siniscalco, A. Bortolotti, M. Rossi
Year: 2022
Imagination vs. routines: Festive time, weekly time, and the predictive brain
Authors: A. Bortolotti, A. Conti, A. Romagnoli, P.L. Sacco
Year: 2024