Ishrat Yousaf | Developmental Psychopathology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. prof. Dr. Ishrat Yousaf | Developmental Psychopathology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ishrat Yousaf,Ā  Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad,Ā  Pakistan.

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.

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šŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

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.

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ« Professional Endeavors

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.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

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.

šŸ† Accolades and Recognition

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.

šŸŒ Impact and Influence

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.

šŸ”¬ Legacy and Future Contributions

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.

šŸ’” Research that Heals and Empowers

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.

Publication

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. Title: Indigenous Conceptualization of Depression and Anxiety: FGDs with Pakistani Youth and Health Practitioners
    Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Editorial
    Authors: Naeem, B.; Aqeel, M.; Maqsood, A.; Yousaf, I.; Ehsan, S.; Gavrielides, T.
    Year: 2023

 

  1. 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

 

  1. Title: Impact of Procrastination on Self-esteem of College and University Students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
    Authors: Sana Khurshid, Saima Parwez, Ishrat Yousaf
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: HIV Treatment Adherence Self-efficacy Scale for Pakistani HIV/AIDS patients: Translation and psychometric evaluation
    Authors: Yousaf, Ishrat; Haqqani, Sabahat
    Year: 2022

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

🧾 Conclusion

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.

Haiteng Jiang | Mental Disorder | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Haiteng Jiang | Mental Disorder | Best Researcher AwardĀ 

Dr.Ā  Haiteng Jiang, Zhejiang University, China.

Dr. Haiteng Jiang is a distinguished researcher specializing in systems neuroscience, brain-machine intelligence, and mental health screening. With a Ph.D. in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence and extensive postdoctoral experience at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Minnesota, he integrates brain imaging, genetics, and AI-driven computational modeling to study psychiatric and neurological disorders. Currently, he serves as a Principal Investigator at multiple prestigious institutions, including Zhejiang University and Liangzhu Laboratory. His research focuses on developing AI-based precision subtyping of psychiatric disorders and wearable device-based mental health screening, contributing to advancements in precision medicine.

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šŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Haiteng Jiang began his academic journey with a strong foundation in engineering. He completed his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Automation at Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunication, China. His passion for blending technology with biomedical applications led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Southeast University, Nanjing. During this period, he developed a keen interest in understanding the intersection of technology and brain science. This enthusiasm guided him to further his education with a PhD in Cognitive Artificial Intelligence from the prestigious Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour at Radboud University, The Netherlands, where he honed his skills in cognitive neuroscience and computational modeling.

šŸ’¼ Professional Endeavors

Haiteng Jiang’s professional journey is marked by prestigious appointments and groundbreaking research. His postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Minnesota and Carnegie Mellon University provided him with the opportunity to delve deeper into biomedical engineering and systems neuroscience. In 2021, he joined Zhejiang University as an Assistant Professor at the Ministry of Education Frontier Science Center for Brain and Brain-Machine Integration. He concurrently holds Principal Investigator positions at the affiliated Mental Health Center, Liangzhu Laboratory, and the National Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence. His multifaceted roles highlight his dedication to advancing brain-machine interfaces and cognitive neuroscience.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Haiteng Jiang’s research is at the forefront of systems neuroscience, seamlessly integrating multimodal brain functional imaging, genetic information, and speech signals. His innovative work combines experimental methodologies, computational modeling, and neural modulation to investigate cognition and brain disorders. A significant portion of his research revolves around mental health screening using wearable device-based methods and large language models. Additionally, his work on precision subtyping of psychiatric disorders through multimodal data aims to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.

šŸ… Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Haiteng Jiang has garnered recognition for his pioneering research and contributions to neuroscience. His dedication to the field has earned him several prestigious grants and fellowships. His research findings have been published in high-impact scientific journals, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in cognitive neuroscience and brain-machine interfaces. His commitment to excellence continues to inspire both peers and aspiring researchers.

šŸŒ Impact and Influence

Haiteng Jiang’s work has had a profound impact on the scientific community and beyond. His innovative approaches to mental health screening have the potential to transform early diagnosis and intervention for psychiatric disorders. By bridging the gap between neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and genetics, his research paves the way for personalized medicine and precision psychiatry. His influence extends to the next generation of scientists, whom he mentors through his various academic roles.

šŸ” Legacy and Future Contributions

Haiteng Jiang’s legacy is one of relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and innovation. His contributions to systems neuroscience and brain-machine integration have set new benchmarks in the field. Moving forward, he aims to further develop AI-driven diagnostic tools and neurotechnologies that can enhance mental health care. His future endeavors promise to shape the landscape of neuroscience and improve the lives of individuals affected by psychiatric and neurological disorders.

 

Publication

 

  • Measuring directionality between neuronal oscillations of different frequencies
    H. Jiang, A. Bahramisharif, M.A.J. van Gerven, O. Jensen (2015)

 

  • Predictability of depression severity based on posterior alpha oscillations
    H. Jiang, T. Popov, P. JylƤnki, K. Bi, Z. Yao, Q. Lu, O. Jensen (2016)

 

  • Noninvasive high-frequency oscillations riding spikes delineates epileptogenic sources
    Z. Cai, A. Sohrabpour, H. Jiang, S. Ye, B. Joseph, B.H. Brinkmann, G.A. Worrell, et al. (2021)

 

  • Interictal SEEG resting‐state connectivity localizes the seizure onset zone and predicts seizure outcome
    H. Jiang, V. Kokkinos, S. Ye, A. Urban, A. Bagić, M. Richardson, B. He (2022)

 

  • Mindfulness improves brain–computer interface performance by increasing control over neural activity in the alpha band
    J.R. Stieger, S. Engel, H. Jiang, C.C. Cline, M.J. Kreitzer, B. He (2021)

 

  • Structural–functional decoupling predicts suicide attempts in bipolar disorder patients with a current major depressive episode
    H. Jiang, R. Zhu, S. Tian, H. Wang, Z. Chen, X. Wang, J. Shao, J. Qin, J. Shi, et al. (2020)

 

  • Formation of visual memories controlled by gamma power phase-locked to alpha oscillations
    H. Park, D.S. Lee, E. Kang, H. Kang, J. Hahm, J.S. Kim, C.K. Chung, H. Jiang, et al. (2016)

 

  • Brain–heart interactions underlying traditional Tibetan Buddhist meditation
    H. Jiang, B. He, X. Guo, X. Wang, M. Guo, Z. Wang, T. Xue, H. Li, T. Xu, S. Ye, et al. (2020)

 

  • Modality-specific alpha modulations facilitate long-term memory encoding in the presence of distracters
    H. Jiang, M.A.J. van Gerven, O. Jensen (2015)

 

  • Multiple oscillatory push–pull antagonisms constrain seizure propagation
    H. Jiang, Z. Cai, G.A. Worrell, B. He (2019)

Conclusion

Dr. Haiteng Jiang is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his pioneering work in AI-driven neuroscience and mental health research. His interdisciplinary expertise, leadership roles, and contributions to psychiatric disorder classification position him as a strong contender. Strengthening his profile with additional publication metrics and funding details would further enhance his candidacy.