Sergio Sandoval-Alarcon | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Review Paper Award

Mr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcon | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Review Paper Award

Mr. Sergio Sandoval Alarcon | Medicine and Health Sciences | PhD Student at Universidad de Valparaiso | Chile

Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón is a seasoned Chilean academic and Associate Professor at the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso. With over two decades of experience in teaching, clinical practice, and curriculum development, he has made significant contributions to the fields of clinical biomechanics, ergonomics, and anatomy education. His research emphasizes improving musculoskeletal health through ergonomic interventions, as demonstrated by his recent publication in the Q1-ranked Applied Ergonomics. Dr. Sandoval-Alarcón holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Biomechanical Assessment and numerous postgraduate diplomas in areas such as scientific research, university teaching, and manual therapy. He has pioneered educational innovations using digital platforms for anatomy instruction and has been a key figure in developing kinesiology programs across multiple Chilean universities. His dedication to health promotion, interdisciplinary collaboration, and pedagogical advancement underscores his commitment to both academic excellence and public health impact.

Professional Profile 

Education 

Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón has built a robust academic foundation grounded in health sciences and clinical biomechanics. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with Highest Distinction in 1999 from the Universidad Católica del Maule, Chile, followed by his Master’s degree in Clinical Biomechanical Assessment in 2016 from the prestigious Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV), Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain. To further enrich his expertise, he has completed a wide range of postgraduate diplomas and certifications in scientific research, manual therapy, university teaching, coaching, health promotion, and competency-based training. These include programs from the Universidad de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad de Playa Ancha, and Universidad de Talca, among others. His diverse and continuous educational journey reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence.

Professional Experience 

Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón brings over two decades of rich and diverse professional experience in academia, clinical practice, and health education. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaíso, where he has been a tenured faculty member since 2006. His teaching portfolio includes key subjects such as Human Anatomy, Biomechanics, and Clinical Kinesiology, and he has also led curriculum design and innovation initiatives. Beyond the classroom, he has served as a lecturer at several Chilean universities including Universidad de Playa Ancha, Universidad Andrés Bello, and Universidad de Aconcagua. Clinically, he worked extensively in primary health care settings, specializing in musculoskeletal and cardiovascular rehabilitation. Additionally, he has held leadership roles such as Program Director of Kinesiology at Universidad del Mar and has supervised numerous clinical internships and teaching diplomas. His career demonstrates a strong commitment to integrating academic rigor with community health needs.

Research Interests 

Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón’s research interests lie at the intersection of clinical biomechanics, ergonomics, and health education. He is particularly focused on the biomechanical assessment of human movement and the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, aiming to improve both clinical outcomes and workplace health. His studies often explore how ergonomic interventions can enhance physical function and reduce injury, especially in high-risk professions like dentistry. In parallel, he is deeply engaged in educational innovation, investigating digital methodologies for teaching anatomy and kinesiology, including the use of social media platforms for academic engagement. Through both applied clinical research and pedagogical development, Dr. Sandoval-Alarcón contributes to advancing health sciences in a multidisciplinary and impactful way.

Awards and Honors 

While Dr. Sergio Sandoval-Alarcón’s CV does not explicitly list formal awards or honors, his professional achievements reflect significant recognition through academic promotions, leadership roles, and scholarly contributions. His appointment as a tenured Associate Professor at the Universidad de Valparaíso highlights his respected status within the academic community. Additionally, his peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, such as Applied Ergonomics, and his involvement in national conferences on pedagogical innovation demonstrate professional acknowledgment of his research and teaching excellence. His selection as a tutor and lecturer in multiple postgraduate programs and diplomas further signifies his standing as a trusted expert and educator in the fields of kinesiology and clinical biomechanics.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Impact of ergonomic interventions on musculoskeletal health and work performance in dentists and dental students: a scoping review
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Dr. Sergio Sandoval Alarcón is a strong and competitive candidate for the Best Review Paper Award, primarily on the strength of his 2025 scoping review in a top-tier journal and his deep expertise in clinical biomechanics and ergonomics. His academic maturity, teaching leadership, and commitment to evidence-based practice support his candidacy.

Tawanda Chivese | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Tawanda Chivese | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Tawanda Chivese, University of Washington Tacoma, United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tawanda Chivese is an accomplished epidemiologist specializing in clinical epidemiology. With a Ph.D. in Medicine from the University of Cape Town, and an MSc (cum laude) in Clinical Epidemiology from Stellenbosch University, Dr. Chivese has a strong foundation in advanced epidemiological methods, biostatistics, and global health. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Washington Tacoma, and an Extraordinary Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch University. Over his career, Dr. Chivese has led impactful international research on diabetes, gestational diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases, and mental health outcomes. His work has been published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and he actively contributes as a journal reviewer and editorial board member. Dr. Chivese’s commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and research collaboration marks him as a distinguished researcher with significant contributions to global public health.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. Tawanda Chivese holds a Ph.D. in Medicine (2021) from the University of Cape Town, where he investigated the long-term effects of hyperglycemia in pregnancy on offspring obesity and cardiovascular risk. He earned his MSc Clinical Epidemiology (cum laude, 2014) from Stellenbosch University, completing advanced coursework in epidemiology, biostatistics, and systematic reviews. His Master’s research focused on cigarette smoking and Crohn’s Disease phenotypes. Earlier, he completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing Science (2006) from the University of Zimbabwe, developing a strong clinical foundation. He has supplemented his formal education with specialized training in systematic reviews, digital skills, blended learning, biomedical ethics, and diagnostic test accuracy through global institutions like the University of Birmingham and the University of Oxford. Dr. Chivese’s comprehensive education underpins his expertise in clinical epidemiology and global health research.

Experience

Dr. Chivese is currently an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) at the University of Washington Tacoma (2024-present), leading epidemiology and public health teaching, collaborative research on gestational diabetes, and supervising student research. Previously, he served as Assistant Professor at Qatar University (2019-2024), where he coordinated key courses, redesigned epidemiology curricula, and mentored over 100 student researchers, many winning top awards. He fostered collaborations with the Qatar Ministry of Public Health and Qatar Biobank. Concurrently, Dr. Chivese has held honorary positions at Stellenbosch University and the South African Medical Research Council since 2016. His experience combines academic leadership, innovative teaching, curriculum development, large-scale collaborative research, and scholarly publication. His global impact is evidenced by partnerships across Africa, the Middle East, and the U.S., positioning him as a leading figure in global clinical epidemiology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Tawanda Chivese’s dedication to excellence has earned him multiple accolades. He received consistent teaching excellence awards during his tenure at Qatar University and awards for supervising the best undergraduate research projects. His leadership contributions to the Public Health Association of South Africa, serving on the executive board and as Vice Chairperson for a special interest group, underline his influence in public health leadership. His scholarly work has been recognized with prestigious grants, including funding from Qatar Foundation, Welcome Trust, and SAMRC/Newton Fund. In addition, he has been selected as an editorial board member for BMC Public Health and frequently reviews for top-tier journals like The Lancet and PLOS Medicine. These honors reflect his outstanding achievements in research, teaching, mentorship, and service to the academic and public health communities.

Research Focus

Dr. Chivese’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of metabolic and mental health diseases, particularly diabetes, cardiovascular risks, and cognitive outcomes post-gestational diabetes. He specializes in clinical epidemiology, meta-analysis, and diagnostic accuracy studies. His recent projects include investigating the developmental origins of autism spectrum disorders, the role of poor glycemic control in cognitive dysfunction, and refining meta-analysis methods for improved evidence synthesis. He also leads collaborative studies on lifestyle interventions to prevent cardiometabolic diseases in high-risk populations. His work aims to uncover critical determinants of chronic disease progression and provide actionable public health interventions. Dr. Chivese’s research approach is interdisciplinary, combining clinical insight, advanced statistical methods, and global collaboration to address complex health challenges in both low- and high-income settings.

Publication Top Notes

Mohamed Hassan | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mohamed Hassan | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Mohamed Hassan, Tulane University School of Medicine, United States

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hassan is a distinguished researcher in molecular biology, tumor biology, and virology 🧬. His groundbreaking work focuses on tumor progression, cancer stem cell biology, and innovative therapeutic strategies 🎯. With an extensive portfolio of high-impact publications 📄 and supervised doctoral candidates 🎓, his research significantly contributes to understanding melanoma resistance, non-receptor tyrosine kinases, and immune checkpoint inhibitors 🏥. He has collaborated with leading international institutions, enriching the field with novel discoveries in oncology 🔬. His contributions extend beyond research, fostering the next generation of scientists and improving clinical oncology outcomes 🏥.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Mohamed Hassan earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology 🏅 from the University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Germany (2001), where his research focused on the interference of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) core protein with intracellular signal transduction in liver cells 🦠. He holds an M.Sc. in Molecular Biology 📖 from the University of Düsseldorf (1996), with a thesis on identifying and characterizing differentially expressed cDNA libraries in Plasmodium malaria chabaudi immune mice 🧪. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biological Sciences 🏫 from Zagazig University, Egypt, and the University of Düsseldorf (1983). His expertise in cancer biology, virology, and molecular research 📊 has established him as a leading researcher in the field.

Experience

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hassan is a dedicated cancer researcher with extensive expertise in tumor progression, oncological drug resistance, and precision medicine 🔬💊. He is currently a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, University of Strasbourg, France (2018-2025) 🏥. Previously, he served as a Research Assistant Professor at Tulane University School of Medicine, USA (2016-2018) 🎓, and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University Hospital of Düsseldorf, Germany (2002-2004). His groundbreaking work focuses on identifying biomarkers and developing targeted therapies to enhance cancer treatment worldwide 🌍🧬.

Research Focus

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Hassan’s research focuses on tumor progression, cancer stem-like cells, and treatment resistance 🧬. His work delves into melanoma’s resistance to standard therapies 🎯, mechanisms of tumor progression and immune evasion 🏥, and targeting cancer stem-like cells to enhance treatment efficacy 💊. He investigates the role of non-receptor tyrosine kinases in oncogenesis 🔬 and explores immune checkpoint inhibitors and their associated cutaneous adverse effects ⚕️. Additionally, his discovery of antimicrobial peptides holds promise for clinical applications 🦠. His contributions drive novel therapeutic strategies, improving cancer treatment outcomes worldwide 🌍.

Publication Top Notes