Margaret Boone Rappaport | Neuroscience | Hypothesis Achievement Award

Margaret Boone Rappaport | Neuroscience | Hypothesis Achievement Award

Dr Margaret Boone Rappaport, The Human Sentience Project, LLC, United States

Dr. Margaret Rappaport is a seasoned program evaluator and policy analyst, specializing in health and social services. She has extensive experience with Federal, State, and local programs, notably with the US Census Bureau. Her expertise spans quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including multivariate statistical techniques and field research. Margaret’s career highlights include work on substance abuse program evaluation, cognitive interviewing, and managing large datasets. She has authored studies and provided consultancy for numerous agencies and organizations, focusing on program effectiveness and data quality. Margaret continues to contribute actively to research and evaluation in her field. 📊

Publication profile

scopus

Education

In 1968, I earned my B.A. in Biology from George Washington University, embarking on a journey of academic pursuits. This was followed by an M.Ed. in Social Foundations of Education from the University of Florida in 1970, laying a solid groundwork for my educational career. Subsequently, I pursued Anthropology, obtaining an M.A. in 1975 and a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology in 1977 from Ohio State University, delving deep into cultural studies. Later, in 1979 and 1985, I enriched my expertise with coursework in Statistics and Advanced SAS at George Washington University. Finally, in 1990 and 1992, I engaged in Environmental Biology coursework at George Mason University, broadening my knowledge 📚.

Experience

From 1988 to 2007, as President of POLICY RESEARCH METHODS, INCORPORATED (PRMI), I led diverse projects focused on evaluation and research for prominent clients such as the U.S. Census Bureau, HUD, and various nonprofit organizations. My responsibilities ranged from conducting cognitive interviews on census questions to evaluating programs like transitional housing and substance abuse rehabilitation. I also facilitated grants review and developed methodologies for assessing program effectiveness. Transitioning to independent consulting from 2008 to 2010 with AMATEA LLC, I specialized in business development and proposal writing, leveraging extensive experience in research and evaluation across multiple sectors. 📊

Honors
Dr Margaret Boone Rappaport ‘s scholarly achievements have been recognized through prestigious memberships in honor societies like Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. Her exemplary work earned her accolades such as the Praxis Award from the Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists. These honors underscore her academic prowess and dedication to advancing anthropological research and practice.

Presentations

A frequent presenter at leading conferences such as the American Anthropological Association and the Society for Applied Anthropology, Dr Margaret Boone Rappaport has consistently contributed groundbreaking insights. Her presentations on topics ranging from cultural ecology to health policy underscore her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to knowledge dissemination.

Publication Legacy 📚

Dr Margaret Boone Rappaport has authored several seminal books and numerous articles that delve into critical societal issues. Her publications, including “Capital Cubans” and “Capital Crime: Black Infant Mortality in America,” reflect her deep-seated commitment to addressing social inequalities through rigorous anthropological inquiry. Her research has notably influenced policy and practice, making her a pivotal figure in the field of applied anthropology.

Research focus

Dr. M.B. Rappaport’s research focuses on the intersection of theology, ethics, and space exploration, with a particular emphasis on the ethical implications of human expansion beyond Earth. Their work delves into ecotheology, exploring how religious principles can inform humanity’s approach to settling different celestial bodies—from the inner planets to the outer reaches of our solar system. They also investigate moral questions surrounding extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) and the ethical frameworks necessary for future space colonization. Through their publications, Rappaport contributes to discussions on sustainability, morality, and the theological dimensions of space exploration. 🌌🛰️

Publication top notes

RESCUE AND RECOVERY AS A THEOLOGICAL PRINCIPLE, AND A KEY TO MORALITY IN EXTRATERRESTRIAL SPECIES

An Ecotheology for Human Settlement of the Outer Planets: Roles for Religion Beyond the Warmth of the Sun

An Ecotheology for Human Settlement of the Inner Planets: Dominion, Despoilment, and a Chance for Re-Dedication

Religion’s Role in a Martian War of Independence

Expanding Ecotheology to Embrace the Earth-Moon System

A Theory of the Merging Noospheres: Teilhard and Big History

Interstellar Ethics and the Goldilocks Evolutionary Sequence: Can We Expect ETI to Be Moral?

Genetics, Ethics, and Mars Colonization: A Special Case of Gene Editing and Population Forces in Space Settlement

Neuroplasticity as a foundation for human enhancements in space

Visions of a Martian future

 

Monica Maranesi | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Monica Maranesi | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

University of Parma, Italy

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits:

Monica Maranesi embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in psychology, earning her A.B. from the University of Parma in 2006. She then pursued her passion for neuroscience, completing her Ph.D. in the same institution in 2011, focusing on the anatomical and functional organization of motor and premotor cortices in macaque monkeys. Her early training involved extensive work in behavioral analysis and single-unit neuronal recordings in primate models.

Professional Endeavors:

Maranesi's professional journey has been marked by a series of internships and postdoctoral positions in prestigious research institutions. She honed her skills in monkeys' training, behavioral analysis, and electrophysiological techniques, working under the guidance of renowned researchers such as Fogassi, Rizzolatti, and Bonini. Her diverse experiences equipped her with expertise in studying the neural correlates of motor and socio-cognitive functions in primate brains.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Maranesi's research is centered on understanding the neural bases of goal-directed behaviors in the primate motor brain regions. Her work delves into how environmental demands influence behavioral regulation and cognitive flexibility. Notably, her discovery of premotor neurons encoding both actions and their negation underscores the motor system's active role in cognitive functions. Maranesi employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining behavioral, electrophysiological, and computational methods to unravel the complexities of primate brain function.

Accolades and Recognition:

Throughout her career, Maranesi has earned recognition for her groundbreaking research and contributions to the field of neuroscience. Her publications in high-impact journals and presentations at international conferences have garnered attention and acclaim from her peers. Maranesi's innovative approaches to studying primate cognition have solidified her reputation as a leading figure in the field.

Impact and Influence:

Maranesi's work has had a significant impact on the field of neuroscience, particularly in understanding the neural underpinnings of goal-directed behaviors and cognitive flexibility. Her insights into the motor system's involvement in cognitive functions have broad implications for both basic science and clinical research. Furthermore, Maranesi's mentorship and collaborative spirit have inspired colleagues and students alike, fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific inquiry.

Legacy and Future Contributions:

As an assistant professor at the University of Parma, Maranesi is poised to continue her groundbreaking research and mentor the next generation of neuroscientists. Her legacy lies in advancing our understanding of the primate brain's complexities and how they contribute to adaptive behavior. Moving forward, Maranesi's research will likely lead to novel insights into neurological disorders and inform the development of therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring cognitive function.

Citations

A total of 1430 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        1430
  • h-index          21
  • i10-index       23

Notable Publications 

Evidence for object-mirroring mechanism specificity in monkey's mirror neuron network

M Lanzilotto, A Livi, M Maranesi, CG Ferroni, L Bonini
ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA
Local neural population dynamics rely on specific connectivity patterns in monkey pre-supplementary motor area

D Albertini, M Gerbella, M Lanzilotto, A Livi, M Maranesi, CG Ferroni, ...
ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA
Erratum: Anterior Intraparietal Area: A Hub in the Observed Manipulative Action Network

M Lanzilotto, CG Ferroni, A Livi, M Gerbella, M Maranesi, E Borra, ...
Cerebral Cortex
Stable readout of observed actions from format-dependent activity of monkey’s anterior intraparietal neurons

M Lanzilotto, M Maranesi, A Livi, CG Ferroni, GA Orban, L Bonini
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Connectional gradients underlie functional transitions in monkey pre-supplementary motor area

D Albertini, M Gerbella, M Lanzilotto, A Livi, M Maranesi, CG Ferroni, ...
Progress in neurobiology
Local and system mechanisms for action execution and observation in parietal and premotor cortices

CG Ferroni, D Albertini, M Lanzilotto, A Livi, M Maranesi, L Bonini
Current Biology