Nisha Mathews | Humanities and Science Integration | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Dr. Nisha Mathews | Humanities and Science Integration | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Assistant Professor of Nursing at University of Houston Clear Lake Texas, United States

Dr. Nisha Mathews, Ph.D., RN, is a distinguished nursing scholar, educator, and researcher with a strong commitment to advancing health equity, cultural competence, and public health within diverse communities. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, she brings over two decades of clinical and academic experience across the U.S., Ireland, and India. A recipient of the prestigious Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholarship and a Scholar of the STTI Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy, Dr. Mathews also serves as the Research Chair of the National Association of Indian Nurses of America. Her research portfolio includes over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and numerous international and national presentations, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, health disparities among South Asians, and nursing education innovation. Dr. Mathews’ interdisciplinary work and leadership reflect a deep dedication to empowering nurses, addressing healthcare inequities, and promoting culturally competent care across the healthcare continuum.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education 

Dr. Nisha Mathews holds a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from Texas Woman’s University (2020), where her dissertation focused on “Cultural Competence and Knowledge of South Asian Culture of Registered Nurses Working in an Urban Hospital Setting.” She earned her M.S.N. in Nursing Education from Walden University in 2013, completing a project on “Fall Prevention Among the Elderly.” Her foundational nursing education began at Delhi University’s R.A.K. College of Nursing, where she completed a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Nursing in 2003, researching “Knowledge of Waste Disposal Among Post-Natal Mothers in a Maternity Unit.” Her academic path reflects a consistent focus on culturally sensitive care and patient safety.

💼 Professional Experience 

Dr. Nisha Mathews brings a rich and diverse professional background spanning clinical practice, nursing education, and research. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the R.N. to B.S.N. Program at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where she contributes to shaping future nursing professionals through academic instruction and mentorship. Her clinical experience includes roles at H.C.A. Houston Clear Lake, where she provided interdisciplinary patient care across multiple units including Progressive Care and Geropsychiatry. She has also served as a pediatric and emergency RN in Ireland at Our Lady’s Hospital for Children, and as a cardiac and pediatric nurse at Escort Heart Institute in Delhi, India. Dr. Mathews is known for her collaborative approach, excellence in patient and family education, and leadership in culturally responsive care practices across international healthcare settings.

🔬 Research Interests 

Dr. Nisha Mathews’ research interests are rooted in advancing culturally competent healthcare, reducing health disparities, and improving public health outcomes among minority populations, particularly South Asian communities. Her scholarly work explores critical areas such as cultural competence in nursing, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, maternal health equity, and social determinants of health. She is especially passionate about examining racial and ethnic disparities in chronic disease management and patient outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Mathews is committed to transforming nursing education through innovative teaching strategies like HyFlex learning and critical thinking development. Her research reflects a strong interdisciplinary approach, combining nursing science, public health, and health informatics to drive systemic change and equity in healthcare delivery.

🏅 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Nisha Mathews has been recognized for her academic excellence and leadership in nursing through several prestigious honors. She was awarded the Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholarship in 2020 for her outstanding contributions to nursing education and research. Further affirming her leadership potential, she was selected as a Scholar of the Nurse Faculty Leadership Academy by Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), a globally respected honor society of nursing. In addition, she currently serves as the Research Chair for the National Association of Indian Nurses of America (NAINA), reflecting her trusted expertise and commitment to advancing the profession through scholarly excellence and mentorship. These accolades highlight her ongoing dedication to impactful research, inclusive leadership, and community engagement within the field of nursing.

📚Publications Top Noted

1.Cultural Competence Case Studies

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, Karen Alexander, Shaine Joseph, Yesenia Chavez
  • Year: 2025
  • Citation: Mathews, N., Alexander, K., Joseph, S., & Chavez, Y. (2025). Cultural Competence Case Studies. Association of Black Nurse Faculty Foundation Journal, June 13, 2025.

2. An exploration of self-perception of weight status, weight-related variables, and preferences for weight management strategies among South Asians in the US

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, Maya Joseph, Lydia Albequerque, Peter Chen
  • Year: 2025
  • Citation: Mathews, N., Joseph, M., Albequerque, L., & Chen, P. (2025). An exploration of self-perception of weight status…. Clinical Obesity, March 5, 2025.

3. Obesity-Related Biases Among Health-Care Personnel in Radiological Examination Environment: Impact, Manifestations, and Solutions

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, Jolly Joseph, Maya E. Joseph, Elizabeth G. Munoz, Loretta T. Lee
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation: Mathews, N., Joseph, J., Joseph, M.E., Munoz, E.G., & Lee, L.T. (2024). Obesity-Related Biases Among Health-Care Personnel…. Journal of Radiology Nursing, Dec 2024.

4. Expanding Educational Opportunities for Nurses: Faculty and Student Reflections of a HyFlex Pilot Program

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, Karen Alexander, Sandra Jenkins
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation: Mathews, N., Alexander, K., & Jenkins, S. (2024). Expanding Educational Opportunities for Nurses…. Association of Black Nurse Faculty Foundation Journal, June 3, 2024.

5. Nurses Breaking Down Barriers to Sizeism

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, Jen Pettis, Loretta Lee, Holly Carpenter
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation: Mathews, N., Pettis, J., Lee, L., & Carpenter, H. (2024). Nurses Breaking Down Barriers to Sizeism. American Nurse Journal, February 15, 2024.

6. Racial Disparities in Diabetes Care and Outcomes for Patients with Blindness/Low Vision: A Descriptive Analysis of the TriNetX Research Network

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, C. Madlock-Brown, A. Lee, J. Seltzer, A. Solomonides, J. Phuong, N. Weiskopf, W. Adams, H. Lehmann, J. Espinoza
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation: Mathews, N., Madlock-Brown, C., Lee, A., et al. (2024). Racial Disparities in Diabetes Care…. Preprint, February 3, 2024.

7. Health Disparities Among the South Asians in the United States

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, Shaine Joseph
  • Year: 2024
  • Citation: Mathews, N., & Joseph, S. (2024). Health Disparities Among the South Asians…. Journal of Nursing Research and Practice, January 9, 2024.

8. Registered Nurses’ Cultural Competence and South Asian Culture Knowledge: A Quantitative Study

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, Sandra Cesario, Ann Malecha, Pinky Shani
  • Year: 2023
  • Citation: Mathews, N., Cesario, S., Malecha, A., & Shani, P. (2023). Registered Nurses’ Cultural Competence…. Association of Black Nurse Faculty Foundation Journal, December 13, 2023.

9. The Use of Care Bundle on Pressure Injury Prevention Education and Its Impact on Patient Outcomes

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, Shaine Joseph
  • Year: 2023
  • Citation: Mathews, N., & Joseph, S. (2023). The Use of Care Bundle on Pressure Injury Prevention…. Association of Black Nurse Faculty Foundation Journal, December 12, 2023.

10. Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Asian Indians in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

  • Authors: Nisha Mathews, L.H. Albuquerque, A.B. Luckose, M. Joseph, S. Devarayasamudram, E. Mahon
  • Year: 2023
  • Citation: Mathews, N., Albuquerque, L.H., Luckose, A.B., et al. (2023). Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy…. The American Journal of Nursing, December 6, 2023.

Conclusion

Dr. Nisha Mathews is exceptionally qualified for the Research Hypothesis Excellence Award. Her consistent contributions to cultural competence, health equity, and education innovation in nursing underscore her dedication to formulating and testing socially impactful research hypotheses. With her growing scholarly output, national leadership, and commitment to underrepresented populations, she embodies the values this award seeks to recognize. Minor enhancements in hypothesis articulation and grant visibility would further elevate her candidacy—but her profile already meets a high standard of research excellence and societal relevance.

 

 

Xiang Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Fudan University, China

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li is a leading expert in environmental science and engineering at Fudan University, renowned for his groundbreaking research on the use of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in non-invasive disease diagnostics, particularly for cancer. His work integrates advanced analytical chemistry, multi-omics, and artificial intelligence to develop individualized breath “fingerprints” for early disease detection. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications and leadership in more than 20 funded research projects totaling over 15 million CNY, Prof. Li has significantly contributed to the understanding of air pollution exposure, environmental carbon cycling, and emerging pollutants. He has developed novel breath analysis systems and VOC detection platforms that hold strong potential for large-scale clinical application. His collaborations with international institutions and interdisciplinary approach exemplify a strong commitment to advancing both scientific knowledge and public health outcomes.

Professional Profile 

🎓 Education of Prof. Dr. Xiang Li

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li received his foundational training and advanced education in environmental science and analytical chemistry, culminating in a Ph.D. that laid the groundwork for his pioneering research in atmospheric pollutants and breathomics. While the exact institutions for his undergraduate and doctoral studies are not explicitly mentioned, his academic journey includes postdoctoral training at the University of Waterloo in Canada, under the mentorship of renowned scientist Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn, a global leader in microextraction technologies. This international academic exposure enriched his expertise in cutting-edge analytical techniques and positioned him for a distinguished career blending environmental monitoring, analytical chemistry, and public health diagnostics.

💼 Professional Experience of Prof. Dr. Xiang Li

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li has built a distinguished academic and research career at Fudan University, where he currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering. His professional journey began in 2006 as an Assistant Professor, followed by promotions to Associate Professor in 2011 and Full Professor in 2016, reflecting his sustained contributions to environmental research and academic leadership. He further enhanced his global research perspective through a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Waterloo, Canada, and a visiting scholar position at TROPOS in Germany, collaborating with leading atmospheric chemist Prof. Hartmut Herrmann. Over the years, Prof. Li has led numerous high-impact national and international research projects, contributing significantly to the fields of environmental monitoring, air pollution, and disease diagnostics through breath analysis.

🔬 Research Interests of Prof. Dr. Xiang Li

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental science, analytical chemistry, and biomedical diagnostics. His primary focus is on the analysis of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools for major diseases, especially cancers such as colorectal, gastric, and brain cancer. By combining high-fidelity breath sampling systems with advanced VOC detection platforms and artificial intelligence, he aims to decode individual metabolic signatures and establish breath-based disease classification models. Beyond breathomics, his interests also encompass environmental carbon cycling, extreme climate events, air organic pollution exposure, emerging pollutants, and environmental analytical chemistry. Prof. Li’s interdisciplinary approach bridges environmental monitoring with human health, contributing significantly to both scientific innovation and public health solutions.

🏅 Awards and Honors of Prof. Dr. Xiang Li

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li has earned widespread recognition for his impactful contributions to environmental science and public health, though specific named awards or honors are not explicitly listed in the available profile. His academic distinction is reflected in his steady progression to Full Professorship at Fudan University and his role as principal investigator in numerous prestigious, competitively funded research projects, including several grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and international collaborations such as the Sino-German joint research initiatives. Additionally, his postdoctoral fellowship under Prof. Janusz Pawliszyn and visiting scholar position at TROPOS with Prof. Hartmut Herrmann underscore his international standing and recognition in the scientific community. His innovations in breathomics and environmental diagnostics have positioned him as a leading researcher in his field. Further details on formal awards may enhance the documentation of his professional accolades.

🧾 Conclusion 

Prof. Dr. Xiang Li is an exceptionally strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research exemplifies innovation, societal relevance, and technical depth. He is a pioneer in integrating breathomics, environmental exposure analysis, and artificial intelligence to address critical challenges in public health and diagnostics. His prolific publication record, leadership in major national and international projects, and clear trajectory of scientific advancement make him highly suitable for recognition at this level.

📝 Publications

  1. Title: Integrated smart mass spectrometry platform enables volatilomics based breath biopsy
    Authors: Shangzhewen Li, Zhiheng Yu, Zhengnan Cen, Xiang Li
    Year: 2025
    DOI: 10.1016/j.greeac.2025.100284
    Citations: N/A

       2. Title: Advancing Breathomics through Accurate Discrimination of Endogenous from Exogenous Volatiles in Breath
           Authors: Zhengnan Cen, Yuerun Huang, Shangzhewen Li, Shanshan Dong, Wenshan Wang, Xiang Li
           Year: 2024
           DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04575
           Citations: N/A

       3. Title: Nitrate pollution deterioration in winter driven by surface ozone increase
           Authors: Zekun Zhang, Bingqing Lu, Chao Liu, Xue Meng, Jiakui Jiang, Hartmut Herrmann, Jianmin Chen, Xiang Li
           Year: 2024
           DOI: 10.1038/s41612-024-00667-5
           Citations: N/A

       4.Title: Exhaled volatolomics profiling facilitates personalized screening for gastric cancer
          Authors: Jian Chen, Yongyan Ji, Yongqian Liu, Zhengnan Cen, Yuanwen Chen, Yixuan Zhang, Xiaowen Li, Xiang Li
          Year: 2024
          DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216881
          Citations: N/A