Gabriel Adu | Career Counseling Guidance | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gabriel Adu | Career Counseling Guidance | Best Researcher Award

Gabriel Amponsah Adu is an emerging scholar in the field of education, specializing in guidance and counseling. With a strong academic background and years of teaching experience, he has dedicated his career to fostering student success through psychological well-being and educational support. His research focuses on the intersection of counseling services, student discipline, and career selection in educational institutions. His work contributes significantly to addressing challenges faced by students and educators alike, particularly in Ghana and other developing nations.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Gabriel Amponsah Adu has pursued a rigorous academic path, culminating in a Ph.D. in Education from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India, where he is awaiting the defense of his doctoral dissertation. He holds a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Education, Winneba. Additionally, he has obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling and School Guidance, a Bachelor of Education in Basic Education, and a Diploma in Basic Education. His international exposure includes studies at East Bridge University in Paris, France.

Experience

With nearly two decades of experience in the education sector, Adu has served in various capacities, including classroom teacher, head teacher, and educational supervisor. His tenure as a teacher (2003–2018) provided him with extensive hands-on experience in curriculum delivery and student mentorship. As a head teacher (2018–2021), he played a crucial role in school administration, ensuring the implementation of effective educational policies. Beyond school settings, he has contributed to national projects as a casual worker with the Ghana Electoral Commission and as an enumerator and regional trainer for Ghana’s Population and Housing Census in 2010 and 2021, respectively.

Research Interests

Adu’s research interests are deeply rooted in guidance and counseling, with a strong emphasis on student discipline, career selection, and psychological well-being. His studies have explored topics such as the role of counseling in combating bullying, teacher absenteeism, and the impact of online counseling on students. He is particularly interested in understanding how educational guidance can support students’ academic and personal development, ultimately contributing to national economic growth.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout his career, Adu has received recognition for his contributions to education and research. His scholarly work has been acknowledged by international academic communities, and he has actively participated in both national and international conferences. His citations and research metrics on platforms such as ResearchGate and Google Scholar indicate the growing impact of his studies in the field of education.

Selected Publications

Adu, G. A. (2022). The Role of Counselling Services and its Importance in Educational Institutions. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 9(6), 541–557. (Cited by 15)

Adu, G. A. (2023). Betting and Education Attainment: Case of Basic School Students in Sene East District, Ghana. International Journal of Advance Research in Multidisciplinary, 1(2), 77–83. (Cited by 10)

Adu, G. A., & Apambilla, P. A. (2024). Investigating Factors Influencing Teacher Absenteeism in Yeji Senior High School, Pru East District. International Journal of Scientific Research & Engineering Trends, 10(1), 2395–2566. (Cited by 8)

Adu, G. A. (2024). Atebubu College of Education Students’ Experiences with Online Counselling. International Journal of Educational Research and Development, 6(2), 4–5. (Cited by 5)

Adu, G. A., & Srivastava, S. (2024). The Role of Guidance and Counselling in Strengthening Student Discipline in Senior High Schools in Sene East District of Ghana. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 5(7), 261–272. (Cited by 7)

Adu, G. A. (2025). Understanding the Contribution of Guidance and Counseling to Economic Growth in Developing Nations. Journal of Employment Counseling, 1–18. (Cited by 6)

Adu, G. A., & Srivastava, S. (2025). Problems Facing the Functioning of Guidance and Counselling Centres in Public Universities of Ghana. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 13(1), 1373-1380. (Cited by 4)

Conclusion

Gabriel Amponsah Adu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advancing education through research, teaching, and leadership. His contributions to the field of guidance and counseling have the potential to shape educational policies and improve student support systems. Through his academic endeavors, he continues to inspire and impact the next generation of educators and students alike.

 

Ilona Elefteryja Lasica | Education & Training | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Ilona Elefteryja Lasica | Education & Training | Women Researcher Award

Research Associate |University of the Aegean | Greece

Dr. Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica is a distinguished academic and researcher with over a decade of experience in education and technology-enhanced learning. Her career reflects a steadfast dedication to advancing innovative pedagogies, digital systems, and emerging technologies in education. As a researcher and tutor, she has contributed to numerous European and national projects, specializing in e-learning, immersive technologies, and digital transformation in education. With a rich portfolio of collaborative work and a strong academic foundation, she has established herself as a leader in her field, garnering accolades and recognition for her contributions to educational research and innovation.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Ilona holds a Ph.D. in Education Sciences from the European University Cyprus (2016–2022), achieved through a full scholarship, where she focused on pioneering advancements in educational technology. She also earned an MSc in Technology Education and Digital Systems with a specialization in e-Learning from the University of Piraeus, achieving an outstanding academic record (9.69/10). Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Systems, also at the University of Piraeus, where she laid the groundwork for her specialization in technology and education. Her education reflects a strong commitment to bridging the gap between pedagogy and technology, fostering innovative practices in learning.

Professional Experience

With over 14 years of professional experience, Ilona has been at the forefront of European and national research initiatives. She has served as a tutor and research associate across institutions, including the University of the Aegean and the University of Piraeus. Her portfolio includes significant projects like “Metaverse Civic Education,” “Southern European Community for Offshore Wind Energy,” and “Pedagogical Alliance for XR Technologies in Education.” Her expertise extends to designing digital innovation hubs, cultural development policies, and sustainable education systems. Her roles have also included consulting, teaching, and leading interdisciplinary teams to implement cutting-edge educational strategies.

Research Interests

Ilona’s research interests encompass e-learning, immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, and their applications in education and training. She is deeply invested in exploring the intersections of technology, pedagogy, and inclusivity. Her work emphasizes creating equitable learning environments and leveraging digital tools to enhance educational outcomes. She also explores themes such as teacher professional development, STEM education, and the integration of emerging technologies in diverse educational contexts.

Awards

Ilona’s dedication to academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards. She received the Emerging Scholar Award in e-Learning & Innovative Pedagogies in 2023 and the Research Publication Award by the Laureate Network Office in 2016. Additionally, her academic pursuits were supported by competitive scholarships, including a Ph.D. scholarship from the European University of Cyprus (2016–2022) and an MSc scholarship from the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) (2010–2012). These accolades underscore her contributions to the advancement of education and technology.

Publications

Ilona has contributed significantly to academic literature, with key publications addressing the role of emerging technologies in education.

Editorial for the Special Issue on Advances in Augmented and Mixed Reality in Education

    • Authors: Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Katzis, K., Dimopoulos, C., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 1

Augmented reality in lower secondary education: A teacher professional development program in Cyprus and Greece

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja, L., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Katzis, K.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 27

Enlivened Laboratories within STEM Education (EL-STEM): A Case Study of Augmented Reality in Secondary Education

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Mavrotheris, E., Dimopoulos, C., Tiniakos, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1

Empowering Teachers to Augment Students’ Reading Experience: The Living Book Project Approach

    • Authors: Mavrotheris, M.M., Charalambous, C., Mavrou, K., Stylianidou, N., Vasou, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 1

Engineering attractiveness in the European educational environment: Can distance education approaches make a difference?

    • Authors: Katzis, K., Dimopoulos, C., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 12

Augmented reality in laboratory-based education: Could it change the way students decide about their future studies?

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Katzis, K., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Dimopoulos, C.
    • Year: 2017
    • Citations: 7

Research challenges in future laboratory-based STEM education

    • Authors: Lasica, I.-E., Katzis, K., Meletiou-Mavrotheris, M., Dimopoulos, C.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 7

Implementing a social networking educational system for teachers’ training

    • Authors: Pitsikalis, S., Lasica, I.-E.
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 0

Learning out of the class: Creating e-courses for mobile devices

    • Authors: Ilona-Elefteryja, L., Stavros, P.
    • Year: 2015
    • Citations: 3

Conclusion

Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica’s career exemplifies the transformative potential of education and technology when combined. Her pioneering research, professional expertise, and dedication to innovation have significantly influenced the landscape of educational technology. With a commitment to fostering inclusive and future-ready learning environments, she continues to inspire and shape the next generation of educators and learners.