Xiaoxuan Gu | Culture | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xiaoxuan Gu | Culture | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Xiaoxuan Gu, Hangzhou Wanxiang Polytechnic, China

Xiaoxuan Gu holds a Master of Arts in English Studies from The University of Hong Kong and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern University, China. She is an English teacher at Hangzhou Wanxiang Polytechnic, where she teaches Oral English and Vocational English, and also manages the college’s English radio station. Xiaoxuan has published multiple articles on language and literature, with a focus on machine translation and identity construction in conversations. She is also an award-winning participant in national competitions and has volunteered in various educational and translation programs. 🏫📚🌐

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background 🎓🌍

Xiaoxuan Gu holds a Master of Arts in English Studies from The University of Hong Kong, where she conducted a graduation thesis on the multimodal study of Chinese greetings learning through textbooks and online courses. Her major courses included language communication, cultural semiotics, and postcolonial representations. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern University, Shenyang, China, with a thesis focusing on the quality evaluation of machine translation based on Juliane House’s model. Her studies also covered applied linguistics, English lexicology, and thesis writing. 📚💡

 

Work Experience 🧑‍🏫🎤

Xiaoxuan Gu is an English Teacher at Hangzhou Wanxiang Polytechnic, where she instructs two courses: Oral English and Vocational English. She is responsible for a class majoring in International Economics and Trade, where she imparts knowledge of English language skills tailored to the field. Additionally, Xiaoxuan manages the college’s English radio station, coordinating content and engaging students in language-related activities. Her role allows her to blend teaching and practical language use, ensuring that students develop both academic and vocational communication skills. 📚🎧

 

Professional Experience 💼🌍

Xiaoxuan Gu has participated in a range of professional experiences that enhance her expertise in language learning and communication. As a participant in the Desk Research Camp for Foreign Language Learning Emotions, she earned the title of “Outstanding Camper.” She also served as a Teaching Assistant at JNC Study Abroad Platform, where she managed online courses, answered students’ questions, and led interactive activities. Xiaoxuan attended the 2024 SJTU SDG Camp, focusing on educational challenges and solutions. Additionally, she presented papers at various forums, including the Beijing Foreign Studies University Graduate Forum and the International Symposium on Language Sciences. 📝🎓

 

Grants & Awards 🏆🎓

Xiaoxuan Gu has been recognized for her exceptional achievements and contributions across various domains. In 2024, she earned the Certificate of Achievement in Visual Arts for her participation in Hong Kong Impressions. She was also honored with multiple awards, including the 1st Prize in the provincial quarterfinal of the 2022 All China Interpreting Contest and the National Excellence Award in the Language Campaign to Promote Multilingualism. Other accolades include 2nd Prizes in the 7th National Academic English Vocabulary Competition and the 3rd National Colleges Innovative English Challenge. Her leadership was recognized with the Outstanding Student Leader award at Northeastern University. 🌟🎉

 

Research Focus 📚🌍

Xiaoxuan Gu’s research primarily revolves around global branding and multimodal communication, particularly in the context of digital marketing. Her work on Starbucks on Douyin (Chinese TikTok) highlights the intersection of social media and brand strategies, examining how global brands adapt to local markets. She explores cross-cultural communication, media discourse, and consumer behavior in the digital era, bridging linguistics, cultural semiotics, and new media. This research offers insights into the effectiveness of brand engagement and communication on global platforms. 🌐📱💬

 

Publication Top Notes 📚

How a brand works globally: a multimodal study of Starbucks on Douyin

 

 

Paweł Zygadło | Cultural Studies | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paweł Zygadło | Cultural Studies | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paweł Zygadło, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China

Dr. Paweł Zygadło is an expert in Chinese philosophy and cultural studies with a PhD from National Chengchi University, Taiwan. He has held various academic roles, including Acting Director of Post-graduate Research and Deputy Head of the Department of China Studies at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. His research focuses on contemporary Chinese society, rituals, and human nature, with numerous international conference presentations. Dr. Zygadło has received multiple awards, including the Khyentse Foundation Award for Excellence in Buddhist Studies. He is a member of the European Association for China Studies and the Chinese Studies Association of Australia. 📚🌏

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Educational Background

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paweł Zygadło has a diverse academic background, beginning with a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies (Study of Religions and East Asian Studies) from Jagiellonian University, Cracow (1999–2004). He then pursued intensive Mandarin Chinese training at National Taiwan Normal University (2004–2005) and Communication University of China (2009). Dr. Zygadło earned his PhD in Philosophy from National Chengchi University, Taipei (2005–2013), further refining his expertise in Chinese philosophy and culture. His educational journey has played a crucial role in shaping his academic contributions to China studies. 🎓🌏📚

 

Awards, Fellowships, and Memberships

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paweł Zygadło has received several prestigious awards and fellowships throughout his academic career. He became a member of the European Association for China Studies (EACS) in March 2023 and the Chinese Studies Association of Australia (CSAA) in June 2019. In 2016, he was awarded an RDF for his work on “The Concept of Face in Contemporary Chinese Society.” Other notable honors include the Khyentse Foundation Award for Excellence in Buddhist Studies (2012), multiple Taiwan Scholarships (2004–2010), and a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship in 2016. 🏅🌍📜🎓

 

Work Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paweł Zygadło has had an extensive career at Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University, where he served as Acting Director of Post-graduate Research (Feb–Sept 2023), Associate Chair of the University Ethics Committee (2021–2023), and Deputy Head of the Department of China Studies (2018–2023). He has been an Associate Professor at the same department since 2016. Earlier, he was a Lecturer at both Xi’an Jiaotong – Liverpool University (2015–2016) and Minjiang University, Fuzhou (2013–2015). Dr. Zygadło began his academic career as an ESL teacher at Shengxing Chinese and English School in 2009. 🎓🌏📚👨‍🏫

 

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paweł Zygadło’s research focuses on Chinese philosophy, cultural studies, and intercultural communication. His work examines topics such as Chinese values, the concept of face, moral psychology, and socio-political discourse in China. He explores themes related to Confucianism, Buddhist philosophy, and Chinese communication styles, including politeness and rhetoric. Dr. Zygadło’s research also covers the evolution of the Chinese psyche and space perception in Chinese culture. His publications contribute to the understanding of cultural particularism, national pride, and face and authority in Chinese contexts. 📚🌏💬🧠

 

Publication Top Notes 📚

  • Is human nature evil?—A re-examination of Xunzi’s argumentation and its implication for moral psychologyAsian Philosophy, 2024, DOI: 10.1080/09552367.2024.2430121 📘🤔
  • China and the World: Language, Culture, Politics (vol. 2)St Kliment Ohridski University Press, 2021 📚🌏
  • Face and Oppression– Lu Xun and Lin Yutangon Chinese Cult of FaceCrossroads of Liberty: Asian, African and European Literature Towards Freedom and Oppression, 2021 📖💬
  • China and the World: Language, Culture, Politics (vol. 1)St Kliment Ohridski University Press, 2020 📚🌏
  • Euphemism and communication in the Chinese cultural contextChina and the World: Language, Culture Politics, 2020 🗣️🌍
  • Perception of space and the evolution of the Chinese psycheActa Asiatica Varsoviensia, 2020 🧠🌏
  • Face and Authority: Cultural Challenges of Teaching in ChinaIAFOR Journal of Cultural Studies, 2020, DOI: 10.22492/ijcs.5.2.05 🎓🏫
  • ‘Chinese Values’ in Official Socio-political Discourse of PRCNew Zealand Journal of Asian Studies, 2020 🌐🇨🇳
  • Face and communication in Chinese contextGdańskie Studia Azji Wschodniej, 2018 💬🇨🇳
  • Cultural Particularism and Intercultural Communication: The Case of Chinese FaceIAFOR Journal of Cultural Studies, 2018, DOI: 10.22492/ijcs.3.2.05 🧑‍🤝‍🧑🌏
  • Patriotic Rhetoric in Chinese Public SpacesIAFOR Journal of Cultural Studies, 2017, DOI: 10.22492/ijcs.2.2.01 🇨🇳📢
  • Chinese Politeness (Limao) – Theory and PracticeDEStech Transactions on Social Science, Education and Human Science, 2017, DOI: 10.12783/dtssehs/icss2016/9204 🧑‍🎓🙏

 

Miral AlAshry | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Miral AlAshry | Arts and Humanities | Best Researcher Award

Professor at  The European Universities in Egypt (EUE), Egypt.

Dr. Miral Sabry AlAshry is a prominent academic and media professional whose work bridges academia, journalism, and practical applications in media safety and communication. She holds multiple influential positions, including Professor and Director of the Media and Communication BA program at the University of East London’s European Universities in Egypt (EUE) campus. Dr. AlAshry co-leads the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) division at the Centre for Freedom of the Media, University of Sheffield, and serves as an academic expert on journalist safety at the University of Liverpool. Her extensive contributions range from research and publication to active participation in media initiatives focused on journalism safety, media ethics, and freedom of information. Dr. AlAshry’s work is recognized internationally, making her a notable figure in media studies, with significant contributions to policy discussions on media freedom and cybersecurity in journalistic contexts.

Publication Profile

Scopus 

Education

Dr. AlAshry’s academic journey has equipped her with a strong foundation in media and communication studies. She has completed advanced degrees in journalism and mass communication, with a focus on social sciences, from reputable institutions. Her education laid the groundwork for her interdisciplinary approach to media studies, allowing her to effectively examine complex topics like media freedom, cybersecurity, and journalistic safety within conflict zones. Her academic background has not only informed her research methodologies but also underpins her teaching philosophy, allowing her to lead degree programs and mentor students with a well-rounded perspective on contemporary media issues.

 

Experience

With a career spanning academia, media, and research, Dr. AlAshry has extensive experience in media studies and journalism. She holds the position of professor and director for the Media and Communication BA program at the University of East London (EUE). Additionally, she co-leads the MENA region at the Centre for Freedom of the Media at the University of Sheffield, where she focuses on media freedom and safety. Dr. AlAshry is also actively engaged as a reporter, covering conflict in regions like Libya for Eurasia Review. Her hands-on involvement in media and journalism, combined with her academic expertise, provides a unique lens for her research on freedom of information, the impact of media regulations, and the safety of journalists.

Research Focus

Dr. AlAshry’s research encompasses media freedom, the safety of journalists, cybersecurity, and the ethical dimensions of journalism, particularly in conflict zones. Her work critically examines how legal and regulatory frameworks in regions like Egypt influence information access and media freedom. Additionally, her studies delve into young people’s perceptions of risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting her interest in social behavior and media’s role in shaping it. She has also explored internal communication’s impact on organizational performance, as well as media’s ethical responsibilities amid crises. Dr. AlAshry’s interdisciplinary research aligns with her active roles in promoting journalist safety and analyzing media’s societal influence, positioning her work at the intersection of academia, policy, and real-world media challenges.

Awards and Honors 

Dr. AlAshry’s accomplishments in media research have garnered numerous awards. In 2024, she received the Best Researcher Award at the International Conference on Cybersecurity and Cryptography for her analysis of Egyptian media laws. In 2023, she earned the Egyptian State Prize in social sciences, and her film “To Hell” secured top recognition at the MEDCOM International Short Film Festival. Dr. AlAshry’s papers on media risk perceptions and internal communication also won the Emerald Literati and Future University in Egypt awards. Her awards underscore her contributions to advancing media studies, ethics, and policy, affirming her as a key figure in the global media research community.

Conclusion

Dr. Miral Sabry AlAshry is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her diverse roles, impactful research contributions, and significant recognition through awards and grants. Her interdisciplinary work, particularly in media freedom, social sciences, and the safety of journalists, has both academic and societal relevance, making her research widely applicable. Addressing areas such as more focused specialization and longitudinal research could further elevate her academic impact. Overall, Dr. AlAshry’s profile reflects a commendable blend of academic rigor, practical engagement, and a commitment to advancing knowledge and solutions in media and communication studies.

 

Publication Top Notes  

“Arab journalists have no place: Authorities use digital surveillance to control investigative reporting”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2024
Journal: Communication and Society, 37(1), pp. 61–77
Citations: 3

“From restrictions on freedom of expression and access to COVID-19: Open-source data in investigative Arab journalism”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2024
Book Chapter: Data Journalism and the COVID-19 Disruption, pp. 193–208
Citations: 0

“Arab authorities use digital surveillance to control press freedom: journalists’ perceptions”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2023
Journal: Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, 25(3), pp. 250–266
Citations: 2

“Journalistic censorship during COVID-19 by using the Egyptian Communicable Diseases Law” | Censura Jornalística Durante a COVID-19 Usando a Lei Egípcia de Doenças Transmissíveis
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Brazilian Journalism Research, 19(3), pp. 524–549
Citations: 3

“Contrasting the COVID-19 Effects on Tourism Safety Perceptions and Coping Behavior among Young People during Two Pandemic Waves: Evidence from Egypt”
Authors: Caldeira, A.M., Seabra, C., & AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland), 14(12), 7492
Citations: 6

“A critical analysis of journalists’ freedom of expression and access to information while reporting on COVID-19 issues: a case of selected Arab countries”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 20(2), pp. 193–212
Citations: 5

“Investigating the efficacy of the Egyptian Data Protection Law on Media Freedom: Journalists’ perceptions”
Author: AlAshry, M.S.
Year: 2022
Journal: Communication and Society, 35(1), pp. 101–118
Citations: 5

Louise BIGOT | Arts and Humanities | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Louise BIGOT | Arts and Humanities | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Louise BIGOT, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, France

Based on the information provided, Ms. Louise Bigot appears to be a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

Publication profile

Research and Professional Experience

Ms. Bigot has extensive experience in archaeology, including fieldwork and logistical support for significant archaeological projects in diverse locations such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jerusalem. Her roles in these projects demonstrate a high level of expertise in archaeological research, including site surveying, excavation, and documentation. This hands-on experience is valuable for a young scientist in the field.

Academic Background

Ms. Bigot is currently in the fourth year of her doctoral studies at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, focusing on a complex and relevant topic: “Les tombes rupestres de la région sud-levantine et du nord-ouest de l’Arabie.” Her academic journey includes a strong track record with high honors in her Master’s degrees and a scholarship from the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles Lettres.

Skills and Competencies

She possesses a range of technical skills relevant to archaeological research, including excavation techniques, GPS measurements, 3D modeling, and proficiency in various software programs. Her ability to work with both digital and traditional methods is a significant asset.

Publication

The Nabataean monumental rock‐cut tombs of Mughāyir Shuʿayb and al‐Aṣīfir in the oasis of al‐Badʿ (Saudi Arabia): Preliminary architectural study and spatial organisation of the necropolis

Conclusion

Ms. Louise Bigot’s combination of fieldwork experience, advanced academic study, and specialized skills make her a highly suitable candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her ongoing research on ancient rock-cut tombs and her active participation in high-profile archaeological missions underscore her potential as a leading young researcher in her field.