Cristina Miralles Cardona | Education Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Cristina Miralles Cardona | Education Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Cristina Miralles Cardona, University of Alicante/Institute for Gender Studies Research, Spain

Dr. Cristina Miralles-Cardona is a dedicated scholar and practitioner committed to advancing gender equality and sustainable development through education. Currently a Junior Researcher at the University of Alicante’s Institute for Gender Studies Research (IUIEG), she brings a global perspective rooted in professional experiences across Spain and the United States. With a PhD in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies (awarded with International Mention and an Extraordinary Doctoral Award), her impactful academic journey is complemented by real-world roles as a school counselor and psychotherapist. Dr. Miralles-Cardona’s research integrates gender-sensitive approaches into STEAM education, teacher training, and mental health frameworks, earning her multiple project leadership roles and international recognition. She has authored 19 open-access publications, contributed to 42 international conferences, and holds three patents. Her work consistently promotes inclusive, equitable, and transformative education systems that empower educators and learners alike.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Miralles-Cardona earned her PhD in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Alicante, Spain, in 2020, receiving both the Extraordinary Doctoral Award and an International Mention for her outstanding dissertation. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2010 with a GPA of 3.8/4.0. Her academic roots trace back to a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2008. Throughout her education, she was actively involved in research, working as both a graduate and undergraduate research assistant at two renowned U.S. institutions. This cross-continental academic foundation has shaped her interdisciplinary and applied approach to gender equality, educational psychology, and sustainable development.

Experience

Dr. Miralles-Cardona brings over 15 years of diverse professional experience spanning academia, public education systems, and clinical practice. She currently serves as a Junior Researcher at the University of Alicante (since October 2024), focusing on gender-sensitive educational research. From 2022 to 2024, she was a Juan de la Cierva Research Fellow at the same institution. In the United States, she worked as a School Counselor (2017–2022) at the Minnesota Department of Education and as a Psychotherapist (2010–2017) at Jefferson Elementary School, Minneapolis. She also provided mental health services as a Family Psychotherapist at Tom Lutz & Associates. Her cross-cultural experiences in both Spain and the U.S. have enriched her research with practical insights into inclusive education and wellness systems. Additionally, she has taken on roles as Project Coordinator and Expert Consultant in various internationally funded projects, showcasing her leadership in interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral initiatives.

Research projects

Dr. Cristina Miralles-Cardona 👩‍🏫 is an active researcher leading and collaborating on key gender and education-focused projects across Europe. She serves as PR & Task Manager in the ERASMUS+ G-STEAM project 🌍 (2024–2027), coordinating WP2 on mapping gender-sensitive practices in teacher education (€1.49M total, €150K at UA). As PI of GRE22-06B 🧩, she investigates quality indicators for gender-equality-oriented training (2024–2025). She also co-leads PID2022-142830NB-I00 📘 on sustainable gender-equality training for teachers/social workers (2023–2027, €64K). Previously, she contributed to PRX21/00761 🌐 on international gender-equality education (2021–2022, €20K), managing surveys at UMN. Her work promotes inclusive, sustainable teaching practices worldwide .

Awards and Honors

Dr. Miralles-Cardona has earned numerous accolades that highlight her excellence in research and societal impact. She received the Extraordinary Doctoral Award from the University of Alicante for her exceptional PhD dissertation in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies. In 2023, she won the Cecilia Castaño Award for the best thesis in gender and ICT, presented by the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya. She was also honored with an Accésit (honorary mention) in the Solveig Nordström Awards for the best article on peace, justice, and strong institutions. In addition to academic awards, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership by winning and managing four R+D+i projects with a combined budget exceeding €422,000, and contributing to international contracts funded by organizations such as USAID and the U.S. Department of Education. Her ability to bridge research with societal application has earned her national and international recognition across educational, mental health, and gender equality sectors.

Research Focus

Dr. Cristina Miralles-Cardona’s research centers on gender equality, education for sustainable development (ESD), mental health, and inclusive teacher training, especially in the context of STEAM. Her work seeks to embed gender-sensitive methodologies in both formal and informal education systems, training teachers and social agents to adopt equitable, evidence-based practices. Her interdisciplinary expertise links educational psychology with gender studies to evaluate and design tools that foster inclusive learning environments. Through patents like the TI-GÉNERO tool and EDS 5 Index, she provides empirical means to assess institutions’ commitment to equality and sustainable practices. Her contributions extend to developing self-efficacy scales, advising government-led education wellness initiatives, and coordinating international collaborations like Erasmus+ Teacher Academies. Her goal is to transform traditional educational structures into inclusive ecosystems where gender equality is not only taught but embedded in every layer of professional practice.

Publication Top Notes

La perspectiva de género en la formación inicial docente: estudio descriptivo de las percepciones del alumnado

Assessing Teachers’ Beliefs about Diversity in Personal and Professional Contexts.

Educating prospective teachers for a sustainable gender equality practice: survey design and validation of a self-efficacy scale

Special education today in Spain

Education for gender equality in teacher preparation: Gender mainstreaming policy and practice in Spanish higher education

Including Students with Learning Disabilities in Mainstream Classes: A 2-Year Spanish Study Using a Collaborative Approach to Intervention.

Valoración psicométrica de un cuestionario para medir la formación en igualdad de género de docentes en preservicio

Instructional Adaptations in Inclusive Classrooms in Spain: Feasibility and Effectiveness of Implementation.

Shigang Ge | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Shigang Ge | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Shigang Ge, Guangzhou Institute of Technology and Science, China

Dr. Shigang Ge is an esteemed scholar in instructional technology and educational research, with a strong focus on problem-based and project-based learning approaches. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Malaya (2024) and holds a Master’s from Universiti Sains Malaysia. His research explores student engagement, efficacy, and digital learning innovations, contributing to high-impact journals like SageOpen and Heliyon. He has also co-authored studies on formative assessment, blended learning, and multimedia principles in language education. A recipient of multiple awards, including Gold at ICSED 2023 and Third Place in the University of Malaya 3MT Competition, Dr. Ge has significantly influenced educational technology through innovative pedagogies. His expertise extends beyond academia, holding patents in automation and contributing to national educational projects. With his extensive research impact and contributions to instructional strategies, he is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 📚🔬

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Shigang Ge has a strong academic foundation in educational technology and instructional methods. He completed his Ph.D. (2021-2024) at the University of Malaya, focusing on instructional technology, followed by a Master’s in Educational Technology & Multimedia from Universiti Sains Malaysia (2020-2021). His undergraduate studies were in Physics at AnShun University (2008-2012), where he gained a deep understanding of scientific principles and teaching methodologies. His Ph.D. research delved into blended learning’s impact on students’ English achievement, readiness, and attitude, while his Master’s dissertation analyzed multimedia principles and their effect on student engagement in language learning. His multidisciplinary educational background has enabled him to bridge technology and pedagogy effectively, leading to impactful research in modern educational frameworks. 📘🎓

Experience

Dr. Shigang Ge has extensive experience in education, research, and instructional design. He has served as a co-investigator on multiple educational projects, including research on personalized reading instruction and micro-lessons in high school tiered teaching. His work as a researcher spans international collaborations, including an e-learning study between Malaysia and China during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an educator, he has played a key role in integrating technology into classroom learning, focusing on problem-based and project-based approaches. Dr. Ge has also contributed significantly to student mentoring, guiding high school students to win national awards in technology competitions. His expertise in educational technology has led to the implementation of innovative learning models in secondary and higher education. Additionally, he has held teaching positions in physics and general technology, enriching students’ learning experiences through his research-driven methodologies. 🏫📖

Awards & Honors

Dr. Shigang Ge has received numerous accolades for his contributions to education and research. In 2023, he won Gold at the International Conference on Sustainability Education Development (ICSED 2023) and secured Third Place in the University of Malaya’s Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Earlier, he earned First Prize in the Guizhou Provincial Educational Technology Teacher Skills Competition (2017) and was recognized as a ‘Rising Star in Education’ in Anshun City (2015). His research excellence has been acknowledged with First and Second Prizes in the Guizhou Provincial Academy of Educational Sciences’ Research Paper Selection (2014, 2015). Additionally, he has demonstrated strong leadership, guiding students to win prestigious awards in national computer and experimental skills competitions. His dedication to advancing educational technology has been instrumental in his numerous recognitions, establishing him as a leading researcher and educator. 🏅🎓

Research Focus

Dr. Shigang Ge’s research centers on instructional technology, problem-based learning (PBL), and digital education methodologies. His studies investigate how engagement, efficacy, and formative assessment shape student learning experiences. His notable contributions include research on blended learning, multimedia principles, and project-based learning in language education. He has explored critical thinking and creativity in flipped classrooms, and technology’s role in personalized English instruction. His recent publications in SSCI and SCIE journals, including SageOpen and Heliyon, analyze innovative pedagogical models to enhance student performance. His interdisciplinary approach integrates constructivist learning theories with digital tools, ensuring effective knowledge retention. As an active participant in international research projects, he has examined COVID-19’s impact on e-learning and micro-lesson integration in high school teaching. His research continues to drive technological advancements in education, making significant contributions to instructional strategies worldwide. 🖥️📖

Publication Top Notes

📘 Engagement and efficacy of Chinese secondary students under problem-based learning associated with social constructivismSageOpen, SSCI Q1 (2024)
📘 Formative Assessment in K-12 English as a Foreign Language Education: A Systematic ReviewHeliyon, SCIE Q2 (2024)
📘 Exploring Engagement and Efficacy in Secondary English Education in China: A Problem-Based Social Constructivism ApproachJLTR, SCOPUS Q2 (2024)
📘 The effect of project-based learning and project-based flipped classroom on critical thinking and creativity for business English course at higher vocational collegesMJLI, SCOPUS Q1 (2024)
📘 The effect of practice-inquiry theory integrated in blended English personalized learning on students’ attitudeJuku, Google Scholar (2023)
📘 Project-based flipped classroom on critical thinking and creativity in business English teaching: A case studyJuku, Google Scholar (2023)
📘 The effect of students’ readiness and achievement in online learning integrating problem-based learning pedagogy during COVID-19IJCE, SCOPUS Q2 (2022)
📘 The effect of multimedia and temporal contiguity principles on students’ attitude and retention in learning Japanese languageIJCE, SCOPUS Q2 (2022)