Mr. Rafael Siqueira | Nutrition | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Rafael Siqueira, Federal university of Bahia, Brazil

Rafael Pena Siqueira is a distinguished nutritionist and academic with a comprehensive background in nutrition, biosciences, and public health. He completed his PhD in Nutrition at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), focusing on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle of higher education professionals and students. His Master’s degree explored analytical methods for detecting uranium in breast milk, further demonstrating his expertise in biosciences. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and extension activities at UFBA, where he supervises nutrition internships, oversees university food services, and participates in various academic committees. Rafael has also contributed to community health education, delivering lectures and courses on nutrition and public health. His ongoing research focuses on mental health and chronic diseases during the pandemic, highlighting his commitment to addressing real-world health challenges through innovative research.

Professional Profile

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Summary of Suitability for the Award

Rafael Pena Siqueira is a well-rounded candidate for the “Research for Best Researcher Award,” showcasing a solid academic and research background in the field of Nutrition. With a Ph.D. focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle habits within higher education, Siqueira has tackled timely and relevant issues, demonstrating his ability to conduct impactful research. His prior work includes a Master’s thesis on the development of analytical methods for uranium detection in breast milk, highlighting his technical expertise in biosciences and health research.

Education

Rafael Pena Siqueira holds a PhD in Nutrition from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), where he conducted a cohort study on the lifestyle impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and faculty members in Brazilian higher education. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from UFBA’s Anísio Teixeira Campus, followed by a Master’s degree in Biosciences, where he developed an analytical method for detecting uranium in breast milk. His studies reflect a strong foundation in health and biosciences, with a focus on clinical and public health nutrition. Additionally, Rafael has pursued specialized courses, including Clinical Nutrition and Public Health from UNIGRAD, and short-term certifications in maternal and infant nutrition, sexually transmitted infections, and nutrition biochemistry. His education showcases a commitment to both academic excellence and practical applications in the field of nutrition, equipping him with the skills to address critical health issues.

Experience

Rafael Pena Siqueira has amassed extensive experience in both academic and public health sectors. Since 2016, he has been serving as a Technical Officer in Nutrition and Dietetics at the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), where he supervises collective feeding internships, supports research and extension activities, and oversees food services contracts for the university’s dining facilities. Rafael has also served as an invited professor, teaching courses on topics like database research and artificial intelligence tools for scientific research. His role extends beyond the classroom, as he participates in various academic committees, including biosafety and internship coordination. He also facilitated community health education, acting as a mediator in courses designed to enhance the care for chronic non-communicable diseases in Bahia. His diverse roles highlight his ability to integrate academic knowledge with practical applications in nutrition and public health.

Awards and Honors

Rafael Pena Siqueira has earned several accolades throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to nutrition and public health. In 2021, he received an award for his research on incorporating sociobiodiversity foods into the school diets of children with special dietary needs. This project, developed as part of the Postgraduate Program in Food and Nutrition at UFPR, exemplifies his commitment to improving public health through sustainable and inclusive dietary practices. Additionally, Rafael has been a scholarship recipient of prestigious Brazilian research agencies such as FAPESB and CNPq, which supported his studies and research projects during his Master’s and PhD programs. These honors underscore his expertise in the field of nutrition and his ongoing dedication to advancing nutritional science for the benefit of both academic communities and broader society.

Research Focus

Rafael Pena Siqueira’s research primarily revolves around public health, nutrition, and the effects of chronic diseases. His current focus is on the mental health and lifestyle changes of students and educators in Brazilian higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research is part of his PhD thesis at UFBA, where he examines how the pandemic has impacted physical activity, dietary habits, and mental health within academic settings. Previously, his Master’s research involved developing analytical methods for detecting uranium in breast milk, showcasing his expertise in biosciences. Rafael also explores community health interventions, particularly the integration of sociobiodiversity foods in school meals, and has contributed to courses and public health projects addressing chronic non-communicable diseases in Bahia. His work aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical health solutions, contributing to the improvement of public health through evidence-based nutritional practices.

Publication Top Notes

Mediating effect of emotional distress on the relationship between noncommunicable diseases and lifestyle among Brazilian academics during the COVID-19 pandemic
A dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction based on solidification of floating organic drop and spectrophotometric determination of uranium in breast milk after optimization using Box-Behnken design

Dr. Yong Kyu Gam, University College Dublin, Ireland

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam is an Assistant Professor of Finance at University College Dublin’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. With a robust academic background and extensive research in banking, financial regulation, and corporate finance, Kevin has earned tenure in 2023 and holds key leadership positions, including Programme Director for the MSc in Finance and MSc in Sustainable Finance. Previously, he held academic roles at the Institute of Financial Studies, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China. His professional experience spans over a decade with Korea’s Financial Supervisory Service, where he served in various capacities, including senior management roles. His research on ESG, sustainability, and financial stability has gained wide recognition in top-tier journals, establishing him as a thought leader in finance.

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam is an excellent candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His deep academic credentials, strong research portfolio, and active role in the academic community through teaching and conference participation demonstrate a high level of scholarly achievement. Moreover, his ability to bridge theory with practical financial regulation, especially in the evolving areas of ESG and financial technology, positions him as a researcher contributing significantly to the field of finance. He embodies the qualities of a top researcher, making him highly deserving of this recognition.

Education

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam has a rich academic foundation. He earned his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Finance from Washington University in St. Louis in 2017. Prior to this, he completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Finance from The University of Texas at Austin in 2014. His academic journey began in South Korea, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Seoul National University in 2004. His diverse educational experience has equipped him with strong analytical, research, and leadership skills, paving the way for his successful academic and professional career in finance. His academic focus has spanned several international institutions, offering him a global perspective on financial systems, corporate governance, and banking.

Experience

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam’s professional career balances academia and practical finance. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Finance at University College Dublin, where he also serves as the Programme Director for the MSc in Finance and Sustainable Finance. Prior to his academic role, Kevin worked at the Financial Supervisory Service in Seoul, Korea, from 2004 to 2017, holding senior management positions in departments like Bank Supervision and Credit Supervision. Additionally, Kevin was involved in international financial policy as part of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. His professional journey also includes roles as an Assistant/Associate Professor at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China. This rich combination of regulatory experience and academic research positions him as an influential figure in financial supervision, corporate governance, and financial intermediation.

Awards and Honors

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam has achieved numerous recognitions throughout his career. In 2023, he earned tenure at University College Dublin, reflecting his academic excellence and leadership in finance education. His appointment as Programme Director for two prestigious MSc programs underscores his contributions to curriculum development and student engagement. He has also been a recipient of several grants supporting his innovative research on ESG, sustainability, and corporate governance, which have been published in top-tier journals. Kevin has presented his research at high-profile international conferences, such as the Financial Management Association (FMA) and the Economics of Financial Technology Conference, gaining recognition for his contributions to banking and finance. His work as a referee for leading journals highlights his thought leadership and commitment to advancing financial scholarship.

Research Focus

Kevin (Yong Kyu) Gam’s research primarily focuses on financial regulation, banking, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) integration in corporate finance. His work examines the intersection of financial intermediation and sustainability, particularly how banks respond to regulatory changes and environmental pressures. Kevin’s research addresses pressing issues like the impact of climate transition on bank liquidity, corporate governance reform, and financial stability under ESG frameworks. He is particularly interested in the real-world application of financial regulation, examining the effects of legal and economic policies on banking operations and corporate decision-making. His scholarly contributions also extend to fintech and the role of financial technology in shaping future banking systems. With several published papers in top journals, Kevin’s research plays a crucial role in understanding modern finance’s evolving challenges, especially in sustainability and corporate governance.

Publication Top Notes

The effect of ex ante litigation risk on corporate fraud: Evidence from securities class action act in Korea
Decision-Making Delegation in Banks
The effect of ESG-motivated turnover on firm financial risk

Citation: 1
Environmental reputation and bank liquidity: Evidence from climate transition

Citation: 7
US National Banks and Local Economic Fragility

Citation: 2