Emile Segbegnon Sonehekpon | Quantitative Economics | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Emile Segbegnon Sonehekpon | Quantitative Economics | Young Scientist Award

Researcher | Ecole Nationale Superieure de Statistique et d’Economie Appliquee | Benin

Dr. Emile Sègbégnon Sonehekpon is an Economist and Policy Analyst specializing in quantitative and applied economics, with expertise in financial stability, agricultural credit markets, and development policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. He earned his Ph.D. in Quantitative Economics from the National School of Statistics and Applied Economics (ENSEA), Abidjan, in 2024, where his dissertation focused on “Accessing Farm Credit Market: The Role of Asymmetry and Information Sharing.” His research employs advanced econometric and statistical modeling to analyze issues related to banking risk, information asymmetry, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction. Dr. Sonehekpon has published in several peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Financial Economic Policy, Agricultural Finance Review, and the Revue Économique et Monétaire, and he is currently developing multiple papers on artificial intelligence in banking, credit market segmentation, and renewable energy financing. He has presented his work at major international conferences such as the Canadian Society for Economic Science Congress (2022) and the Atlantic Canada Economic Association Conference (2023), and has received specialized training in risk modeling and impact evaluation from Université Laval and the J-PAL Laboratory (MIT network). Professionally, he has served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Benin (INRAB) and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Abomey-Calavi, contributing to both research and academic instruction. His collaborations with institutions such as Moncton University, the World Bank, and WAEMU research networks reflect his commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking. Fluent in French and English, Dr. Sonehekpon’s scholarly and professional contributions aim to enhance inclusive economic growth through the integration of empirical analysis and policy innovation in Africa.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Sonehekpon, E. S. (2024). Heterogeneity effect of prudential regulation on the stability of banks: Evidence from WAEMU banks using quantile regression with fixed effects. Journal of Financial Economic Policy.

Dr. Emile S. Sonehekpon’s research advances evidence-based economic policymaking by integrating quantitative modeling with real-world development challenges. His work strengthens financial stability, promotes inclusive access to credit, and supports sustainable growth across developing economies through data-driven insights and policy innovation.

Bachar Moussa | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Bachar Moussa | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece

Dr. Bachar Moussa is a distinguished economist with extensive expertise in innovation economics, knowledge diffusion, and international trade networks. He earned a B.A. in Economics with a concentration in Management from the University of Aleppo, followed by a second B.A. in Economics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki under a prestigious Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship. He pursued advanced studies in adult education at the Institute of Adult Education of the Greek Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs and completed an MBA at the International Hellenic University, also supported by a scholarship from the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Dr. Moussa was awarded a Ph.D. in Economics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, where his doctoral research focused on the economics of innovation and knowledge diffusion using dynamic network analysis, and later completed a post-doctorate on international trade networks, foreign investment, and international patents, funded by the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). Professionally, he has served as a lecturer by assignment at the International Hellenic University, teaching International Trade of Agricultural Products and Agricultural Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy, and has taken on academic leadership roles as Coordinator of the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean Academic Network (BSEMAN) at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research interests span innovation systems, economic policy, knowledge networks, and trade integration, with research skills grounded in quantitative economic modeling, network analysis, and cross-national collaboration. Dr. Moussa has published in reputed journals and participated in conferences indexed by IEEE and Scopus, reflecting his growing international impact. He has been recognized with competitive scholarships and academic honors throughout his career, reflecting both his scholarly excellence and leadership in advancing research collaborations. Fluent in Greek, English, Arabic, and Russian, he also contributes to global academic networks and mentoring. His work continues to shape understanding of economic interdependencies and international policy development. His scholarly output reflects international impact, with 29 citations by 27 documents, 3 published documents, and an h-index of 2.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Moussa, B., & Varsakelis, N. C. (2017). International patenting: An application of network analysis. The Journal of Economic Asymmetries, 15, 48–55. Cited by: 28

  2. Moussa, B., & Varsakelis, N. C. (2022). Causality between international trade and international patenting: A combination of network analysis and Granger causality. Atlantic Economic Journal, 50(1), 9–26. Cited by: 11

  3. Varsakelis, B. M. N. (2024). Causal linkages between patenting abroad and promoting FDI through the prism of social network analysis. Eastern European Economics. Advance online publication. Cited by: 1

  4. Virgo, K. S. (2024). Best article award: Moussa and Varsakelis. Atlantic Economic Journal, 52(1), 15–16.

  5. Moussa, B. (2023). Αρχές Ισλαμικής Οικονομίας [Principles of Islamic Economics]. Thessaloniki, Greece: Αφοί Κυριακίδη.

Amadu Kamara | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Amadu Kamara | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Policy Engineer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

Mr. Amadu Yaya Kamara is a highly experienced researcher in agricultural and development economics, with a strong academic background including a B.Sc. in Economics, an M.Sc. in Agricultural Economics, and a Ph.D. in progress. He has led numerous high-impact research projects with reputable international organizations such as IITA and ICRISAT, focusing on crop adoption, varietal turnover, and household welfare across West Africa. Skilled in econometrics, survey design, and statistical analysis using STATA, SPSS, and E-Views, he has consistently delivered data-driven insights for policy and development. His work has contributed significantly to rural poverty alleviation and agricultural productivity improvement. While he possesses exceptional technical and field research expertise, increasing his scholarly publications and academic collaborations would enhance his research visibility. Overall, Mr. Kamara’s dedication, analytical acumen, and real-world impact position him as a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in applied agricultural research and rural development.

Professional Profile 

Education🎓

Mr. Amadu Yaya Kamara has a diverse and international educational background that reflects his commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary knowledge. He began his primary education across Sierra Leone, Germany, and the United States, followed by secondary education at the American Christian Academy in Nigeria and the International School of South Africa, where he obtained the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the Advanced Subsidiary Level Certificate under the British system. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Covenant University, Nigeria, where he developed strong foundational knowledge in econometrics, monetary economics, and developmental economics. He then pursued a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, where his research focused on rural poverty and innovation adoption, supported by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. Currently, he is undertaking a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics at the same university, further deepening his expertise in impact evaluation and agricultural policy.

Professional Experience📝

Mr. Amadu Yaya Kamara has amassed extensive professional experience as a lead consultant and development economist, working with top-tier international research institutions such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and the Sasakawa Africa Association. His work spans over a decade and focuses on the adoption and impact of improved agricultural technologies, rural development, and poverty alleviation. He has designed and implemented numerous large-scale household surveys across Nigeria and Liberia, using tools like Open Data Kit (ODK) and Survey Solutions for data collection, and STATA for rigorous econometric analysis. Mr. Kamara has led multiple research projects evaluating crop adoption, varietal turnover, and seed system development, producing reports with actionable insights for stakeholders and policymakers. His experience reflects a strong blend of technical expertise, policy-oriented research, and hands-on field engagement, positioning him as a well-rounded and impactful professional in agricultural economics.

Research Interest🔎

Mr. Amadu Yaya Kamara’s research interests lie at the intersection of agricultural economics, rural development, and impact evaluation. He is particularly focused on the adoption and diffusion of improved agricultural technologies, varietal turnover, and their effects on productivity, food security, and household welfare. His work extensively explores poverty reduction strategies through evidence-based interventions in smallholder farming systems. Mr. Kamara is passionate about using econometric modeling and statistical tools such as STATA, SPSS, and E-Views to assess the effectiveness of development initiatives. He is also deeply interested in seed systems development, sustainable agricultural practices, and the socio-economic factors influencing farmers’ decision-making in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through his research, he aims to generate policy-relevant insights that support inclusive agricultural transformation and long-term development planning. His growing body of work demonstrates a commitment to bridging the gap between research and real-world impact, particularly in under-resourced and climate-vulnerable regions of West Africa.

Award and Honor🏆

Mr. Amadu Yaya Kamara has received recognition for his outstanding contributions to agricultural and development economics through his impactful work with esteemed international organizations such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and the Sasakawa Africa Association. Although he has not yet been formally decorated with high-profile academic awards or honors, his consistent role as a lead consultant on major donor-funded projects reflects a high level of trust and professional acknowledgment. His research has directly informed agricultural policy and development strategies in Nigeria and Liberia, earning him commendation from project stakeholders and development partners. The funding support for his master’s thesis from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture further illustrates recognition of his research capabilities. As he advances in his Ph.D. and academic career, Mr. Kamara is well-positioned to receive further accolades for his significant contributions to agricultural innovation and rural development.

Research Skill🔬

Mr. Amadu Yaya Kamara possesses a robust set of research skills that span the entire research lifecycle—from project design to data-driven policy recommendations. He is highly proficient in developing comprehensive survey instruments and programming them into digital platforms such as Open Data Kit (ODK) and Survey Solutions, ensuring efficient and scalable data collection. His data management skills include rigorous cleaning, validation, and transformation of large datasets, which he analyzes using advanced econometric and statistical techniques in STATA, SPSS, and E-Views. Mr. Kamara excels in applying regression models, impact evaluation methods, and poverty analysis frameworks to generate actionable insights. His ability to lead multidisciplinary research teams, synthesize findings into detailed reports, and present them to stakeholders demonstrates strong communication and leadership skills. Additionally, his experience in agricultural technology adoption studies and socio-economic assessments equips him to conduct high-quality, policy-relevant research in rural development and agricultural economics across diverse geographic and cultural contexts.

Conclusion💡

Mr. Amadu Yaya Kamara is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly in the applied agricultural economics and development research domain. His robust experience with international agricultural development organizations, technical expertise in econometrics and impact analysis, and consistent contributions to real-world rural and farming systems make him a deserving nominee.

Publications Top Noted✍️

  • Kamara, A.Y., Oyinbo, O., Manda, J., Kamsang, L.S., Kamai, N.
    “Adoption of improved soybean and gender differential productivity and revenue impacts: Evidence from Nigeria”
    Food and Energy Security, 11(3), e385
    Year: 2022 Citations: 22

  • Mbavai, J.J., Shitu, M.B., Abdoulaye, T., Kamara, A.Y., Kamara, S.M.
    “Pattern of adoption and constraints to adoption of improved cowpea varieties in the Sudan Savanna zone of Northern Nigeria”
    Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 7(12), 322–329
    Year: 2015 Citations: 18

  • Vabi, M.B., Abdulqudus, I.A., Angarawai, I.I., Adogoba, D.S., Kamara, A.Y., et al.
    “Adoption and welfare impacts of pearl millet technologies in Nigeria”
    ICRISAT
    Year: 2020 Citations: 9

  • Mbavai, J.J., Shitu, M.B., Abdoulaye, T., Oyinbo, O., Kamara, A.Y.
    “Factors influencing the adoption of improved cowpea varieties in the Sudan Savannas of Northern Nigeria”
    Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, 11(11), 200–207
    Year: 2019 Citations: 9

  • Ajeigbe, H.A., Inuwa, A.H., Vabi, M.B., Odoyo, P.O., Kamara, A.Y.
    “Seed needs assessment in selected local government areas of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States of Nigeria”
    Report submitted to FAO Nigeria
    Year: 2018 Citations: 5

  • Kamara, A.Y., Kamai, N., Kanampiu, F.K., Reuben, A., Jajua, M., Kadafur, I.M.
    “The adoption of soybean in northern Nigeria: the case of Kaduna State.”
    International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
    Year: 2018 Citations: 4

  • Kamara, A.Y., Oyinbo, O., Manda, J., Kamara, A., Idowu, E.O., Mbavai, J.J.
    “Beyond average: are the yield and income impacts of adopting drought-tolerant maize varieties heterogeneous?”
    Climate and Development, 16(1), 67–76
    Year: 2024 Citations: 3

  • Kamara, A.Y., Oyinbo, O., Ajeigbe, H.A., Idowu, E.O., Ojiewo, C.
    “Sustainable intensification technologies and farm performance: evidence from smallholder sorghum farmers in Nigeria”
    International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 21(1), 2270233
    Year: 2023 Citations: 2

  • Kamai, N., Aliyu, I., Lassa, I.A., Kanampiu, F., Kamara, A.Y., Kadafur, I.M., Tofa, A.I.
    “Response of soybean (Glycine max) to the integrated application of inoculants, inorganic fertilizers and organic manure in the savanna of Borno State, North Eastern Nigeria”
    Journal of Agricultural Economics, Environment and Social Sciences, 11(1)
    Year: 2025

  • Kamara, A.Y., Oyinbo, O., Oluwole, T., Jajua, M., Kamai, N.
    “Climate-resilient crop varieties, productivity and household welfare: Evidence from Nigeria”
    Environment, Development and Sustainability
    Year: 2025

  • Kamara, A.Y., Kamsang, L.S., Mustapha, A., Kamara, A.Y., Kolapo, A., Kamai, N.
    “Gender disparities in the adoption of improved management practices for soybean cultivation in North East Nigeria”
    Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 102032
    Year: 2025

Zhenling Jiang | Economics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Zhenling Jiang | Economics | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor of Marketing at University of Pennsylvania, United States

Zhenling Jiang is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with an outstanding track record in marketing research, particularly in structural modeling, consumer behavior, and machine learning applications. She has published extensively in top-tier journals such as Marketing Science and Journal of Marketing Research, earning prestigious awards like the Dorinda and Mark Winkelman Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award and the V. “Seenu” Srinivasan Young Scholar Award. His contributions extend beyond research, as she is an influential mentor and an award-winning educator at Wharton. Jiang is also actively engaged in academic and industry collaborations, frequently presenting at top institutions and conferences. While his work is impactful, expanding interdisciplinary collaborations and increasing applied industry innovations could further elevate his influence. Overall, his prolific research, academic leadership, and industry engagement make him a strong candidate for this award, solidifying his reputation as a leading scholar in quantitative marketing.

Professional Profile 

Education

Zhenling Jiang has an exceptional academic background, reflecting his deep expertise in marketing research and quantitative analysis. She earned his Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where she specialized in structural modeling and consumer behavior. Prior to that, she completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in a relevant field, building a strong foundation in quantitative methods and data-driven marketing strategies. His rigorous academic training equipped him with advanced skills in machine learning, econometrics, and applied statistics, which she seamlessly integrates into his research. Throughout his education, Jiang demonstrated academic excellence, receiving multiple accolades and scholarships. His research at Wharton significantly contributed to the field, leading to high-impact publications in top-tier journals. His education not only shaped his research expertise but also positioned him as an influential scholar and educator, preparing him to mentor the next generation of marketing researchers and industry leaders.

Professional Experience

Zhenling Jiang has an impressive professional background in marketing research, data analytics, and academia. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Marketing at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School, where she focuses on structural modeling, machine learning applications, and consumer decision-making. Before joining CUHK, she gained valuable experience as a researcher and lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, contributing to pioneering studies in quantitative marketing. His work has been instrumental in advancing consumer analytics, particularly in understanding complex market behaviors through econometrics and artificial intelligence. Beyond academia, she has collaborated with various industry leaders, applying his expertise in data-driven marketing strategies and business intelligence. Jiang’s professional journey showcases his ability to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications, making significant contributions to both scholarly literature and business practices. His dedication to research, teaching, and industry collaboration positions him as a leading expert in his field.

Research Interest

Zhenling Jiang’s research interests lie at the intersection of quantitative marketing, consumer analytics, and machine learning applications. His work focuses on developing structural models to understand consumer decision-making, market dynamics, and firm strategies. She is particularly interested in how digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and big data influence consumer behavior and marketing effectiveness. His research explores pricing strategies, advertising effectiveness, and the impact of personalized marketing, utilizing econometric techniques and deep learning models to extract insights from complex datasets. Additionally, she investigates online platforms, e-commerce trends, and behavioral economics, providing valuable implications for businesses seeking data-driven strategies. Jiang’s work is highly interdisciplinary, combining principles from economics, psychology, and data science to address modern marketing challenges. Through his contributions, she aims to enhance marketing efficiency, optimize customer engagement, and drive business innovation, making him a prominent figure in the field of quantitative marketing research and consumer analytics.

Award and Honor

Zhenling Jiang has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to quantitative marketing and consumer analytics. His research excellence has been acknowledged through prestigious accolades, including Best Paper Awards at leading marketing and data science conferences. She has also been honored with competitive research grants that support his innovative work on consumer behavior and market dynamics. Jiang has been recognized as an Outstanding Reviewer by top-tier marketing journals, highlighting his commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination. Additionally, she has received teaching excellence awards for his impactful mentorship and contributions to student learning. His scholarly achievements have earned him invitations to serve as a keynote speaker and panelist at major industry and academic events. Jiang’s accolades reflect his dedication to advancing marketing science, bridging academia and industry, and making significant contributions to data-driven marketing strategies and consumer research.

Research Skill

Zhenling Jiang possesses exceptional research skills in quantitative marketing, consumer analytics, and data-driven decision-making. She is highly proficient in econometric modeling, machine learning, and statistical analysis, allowing him to extract meaningful insights from complex consumer data. Jiang has expertise in big data analytics, experimental design, and causal inference, which she applies to investigate consumer behavior and market dynamics. His strong command of computational techniques, predictive modeling, and natural language processing enables him to analyze large-scale datasets and uncover actionable marketing strategies. Additionally, she is adept at survey design, A/B testing, and field experiments, ensuring robust empirical validation of his research findings. His interdisciplinary approach integrates marketing, economics, and data science, making his work highly impactful in both academia and industry. Jiang’s research skills are further demonstrated through his ability to collaborate across disciplines, publish in top-tier journals, and present findings at leading academic and industry conferences.

Conclusion

Zhenling Jiang is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his prolific research output, significant contributions to marketing science, and strong academic recognition. His work is not only theoretically robust but also practically relevant in areas like consumer finance and machine learning. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations and increasing global research partnerships could further enhance his profile.

Publications Top Noted

  • Consumer search and purchase: An empirical investigation of retargeting based on consumer online behaviors
    Authors: Z Jiang, T Chan, H Che, Y Wang
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 52

  • Can non-tiered customer loyalty programs be profitable?
    Authors: A Gopalakrishnan, Z Jiang, Y Nevskaya, R Thomadsen
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 35

  • An empirical bargaining model with left-digit bias: A study on auto loan monthly payments
    Authors: Z Jiang
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 23

  • Estimating parameters of structural models using neural networks
    Authors: Y Wei, Z Jiang
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 21

  • The Value of Verified Employment Data for Consumer Lending: Evidence from Equifax
    Authors: T Chan, N Hamdi, X Hui, Z Jiang
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 19

  • TV advertising effectiveness with racial minority representation: Evidence from the mortgage market
    Authors: D Kim, Z Jiang, R Thomadsen
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11

  • How do bonus payments affect the demand for auto loans and their delinquency?
    Authors: Z Jiang, DJ Zhang, T Chan
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 11

  • Designing dealer compensation in the auto-loan market: Implications from a policy change
    Authors: Z Jiang, YM Wei, T Chan, N Hamdi
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 5

  • Machine learning and prediction errors in causal inference
    Authors: G Allon, D Chen, Z Jiang, D Zhang
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 5

  • Online shopping with endogenous PC and mobile channel choice
    Authors: S Zhang, Z Jiang, H Che
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 5

  • Estimating treatment effects under recommender interference: A structured neural networks approach
    Authors: R Zhan, S Han, Y Hu, Z Jiang
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4

  • Referral contagion: Downstream benefits of customer referrals
    Authors: R Gershon, Z Jiang
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 3