XINA JIN | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 02/07/202502/07/2025 by Academic Excellence

Ms. XINA JIN | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. XINA JIN, Victoria University Of Wellington, New Zealand

Dr. Xina (Hina) Jin is a multilingual scholar specializing in English for Academic Purposes (EAP), Academic Reading, Corpus Linguistics, and English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI). She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, supported by the prestigious Wellington Doctoral Scholarship. With diverse teaching and research experience across South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, Dr. Jin brings a global and interdisciplinary perspective to her work. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to enhancing the learning experience of international students, especially in English-medium contexts. She has authored impactful publications and presented at international conferences, focusing on language education, policy, and student success. Dr. Jin’s active memberships in various linguistic and educational associations further illustrate her dedication to advancing the field. Her research continues to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps in higher education globally.

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Suitability Summary for Research for Best Researcher Award: Xina (Hina) Jin

Xina Jin is a highly promising early-career researcher whose academic journey and research contributions strongly align with the criteria of the Research for Best Researcher Award. Currently pursuing a PhD at Victoria University of Wellington, Xina’s research focuses on critical areas such as Academic Reading, English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), and Corpus Linguistics. These fields have high societal relevance, especially in globalized education contexts where EAL (English as an Additional Language) students face unique academic challenges. Her ongoing research on pathways to academic success for EAL international undergraduates in New Zealand reflects a significant contribution to educational equity and inclusivity.

Xina has a robust record of scholarly publications in well-regarded journals and book chapters, demonstrating her capability in conducting rigorous quantitative and qualitative research. Her recent publication in the Journal of English for Academic Purposes and contributions to Cambridge University Press highlight her growing influence in the field. Moreover, her research presentations at international conferences such as ALAA/ALANZ/ALTAANZ and participation in applied linguistics forums emphasize her active engagement with the academic community.

🎓 Education

Dr. Jin is currently enrolled as a full-time Ph.D. student at Victoria University of Wellington (2023–present), where her research focuses on the academic success of international students studying in English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) contexts. Previously, she earned a Master of Education degree from Korea University (2013–2016), one of South Korea’s premier academic institutions. During her time at Korea University, she was awarded multiple scholarships for outstanding performance, including the Graduate School Scholarship for International Students and two Excellent Performance Scholarships. These academic milestones built a solid foundation in applied linguistics, education policy, and second language acquisition. Her educational trajectory showcases a blend of East Asian and Western academic influences, giving her a unique comparative perspective in educational research and language instruction. Her continuous pursuit of knowledge and excellence positions her as a rising academic in the social sciences and applied linguistics.

💼 Professional Experience

Dr. Jin has accumulated a broad range of academic and instructional experience in multilingual environments. Currently, she serves as a part-time Research Assistant at Victoria University of Wellington (2024). Previously, she worked as a Teaching Assistant (2020–2023) and Research Assistant (2019–2020) at City University of Hong Kong, contributing to curriculum development and academic research in English language education. She also held teaching roles in China and South Korea, including English Instructor at Sesame Street English (2017–2019) and Mandarin Chinese Teacher at Choisunsaeng Language Academy (2016–2017). Earlier, she was a Teaching Assistant at Korea University’s International Language Institute. Her teaching activities have involved developing academic writing, visual literacy, and student self-assessment. Dr. Jin’s experiences highlight her adaptability, commitment to student-centered teaching, and strong research capabilities across diverse educational and cultural landscapes. Her expertise positions her as a valuable contributor to the global dialogue on language and education.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Dr. Jin’s scholarly dedication has been recognized through several prestigious honors. She is the recipient of the Wellington Doctoral Scholarship (2023–2026), awarded for academic excellence and research potential. In 2021, she was honored with the Outstanding Academic Performance Award for Research Degree Students during her tenure at City University of Hong Kong. Her exceptional performance also earned her two consecutive Excellent Performance Scholarships in 2014 and 2015 while pursuing her Master’s at Korea University. She was also awarded the Graduate School Scholarship for International Students at Korea University from 2013 to 2015. These recognitions not only highlight her academic merit but also reflect her ability to consistently excel in rigorous international academic environments. Her work stands out for its relevance, rigor, and social impact in the field of applied linguistics and education. These awards validate her ongoing contributions to the scholarly community and her promising future in academic leadership.

🌍 Research Skills On Social Sciences

Dr. Jin possesses a robust skill set in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, with a special focus on path analysis, corpus linguistics, and lexical inference strategies. Her work bridges theory and practice in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) and English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI), particularly in the context of science education and international student success. She is adept at using educational data to inform teaching strategies and curriculum design, contributing to policy discussions on global English education. Dr. Jin is also skilled in academic writing, instructional material design, and mixed-methods research. Her analytical proficiency is matched by her cultural competence, having conducted cross-national research in South Korea, Hong Kong, China, and New Zealand. Through active participation in professional associations and international conferences, she continually updates her research methodologies. Her dynamic research portfolio underscores her capability to address complex educational challenges in multilingual, multicultural settings.

Publication Top Notes

From entry to excellence: Exploring relationships between admission pathways, disciplinary areas of study, and EAL international undergraduate students’ academic success in New Zealand
- Authors: Xina Jin, Rachael Ruegg, Averil Coxhead
- Citation: Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 2025, May
- Year: 2025
English medium of instruction in science learning: A path analysis
- Authors: Jack Pun, Xina Jin
- Citation: System, 2022, October
- Year: 2022
Learning from Struggle: The Use of Technology in English Medium Education (Book chapter)
- Author: Xina Jin
- Citation: Book chapter in Learning from Struggle, 2022, June 7
- Year: 2022

Ülkü Çoban Sural | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 24/12/202424/12/2024 by Academic Excellence

Dr. Ülkü Çoban Sural | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ülkü Çoban Sural, Gazi University, Turkey

Ülkü Çoban Sural is an accomplished researcher and academic affiliated with Gazi University, Türkiye, at the Faculty of Education. With a strong focus on primary education, her expertise spans reading comprehension, children’s rights, and value-based education. Ülkü earned her MA and BA in Primary Education from Gazi University, graduating with high honors. Her dedication to education research has led to numerous publications in international journals and book chapters. Ülkü is multilingual, proficient in Turkish and English, and her work reflects her passion for creating inclusive and impactful educational practices. She has contributed significantly to teacher training programs and literacy development, playing a pivotal role in promoting innovative teaching methods. Ülkü is an advocate for lifelong learning, believing in the transformative power of education to shape society. Her research has earned her recognition and accolades in the field of educational sciences, both nationally and internationally.

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Dr. Ülkü Çoban Sural Summary of Suitability for the Award

Ülkü Çoban Sural demonstrates an exceptional academic and professional record that makes her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. As a faculty member at Gazi University, she has consistently contributed to educational research and practice, focusing on areas such as reading comprehension, children’s rights, and primary education pedagogy. Her educational background, including a Master’s degree with a thesis on children’s rights and a Bachelor’s degree earned with high honors, highlights her dedication to academic excellence.

Her research portfolio is particularly impressive, with numerous publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals indexed in SSCI. She has explored critical topics such as the impact of technology-assisted learning on vocabulary acquisition, the effects of emergency distance education, and strategies for improving reading comprehension and motivation.

Education

Ülkü Çoban Sural holds a Master of Arts (MA) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Primary Education from Gazi University, Türkiye. She completed her BA in 2011 with high honors, achieving an impressive 3.71/4 GPA. Her MA, completed in 2018, centered on “Opinions of the 4th Grade Students at Public Primary Schools on Children’s Rights,” under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Naciye Aksoy. Ülkü’s academic journey included diverse coursework such as teaching mathematics and Turkish in primary schools, children’s rights education, philosophical approaches to education, and statistical research methods. These experiences shaped her research focus on reading comprehension and literacy education. Her academic training has prepared her to address complex challenges in primary education, and her achievements underscore her dedication to fostering educational innovation and equity.

Professional Experience

Ülkü Çoban Sural has served as an academic at Gazi University’s Faculty of Education, Türkiye, contributing to teacher education and literacy development. Her work focuses on reading comprehension, instructional design, and fostering children’s rights in primary education. Ülkü has participated in various national and international research projects, presenting her findings at esteemed conferences. She has collaborated extensively on developing innovative teaching methodologies, particularly during emergency distance education periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Her roles also include mentoring aspiring teachers, publishing action research studies, and designing value-based education programs. Ülkü has gained recognition for integrating technology into education and implementing creative approaches to enhance student engagement. Her professional experience reflects a commitment to educational equity, advancing pedagogical practices, and bridging theory and practice in primary education.

Awards and Recognitions

Ülkü Çoban Sural has earned recognition for her impactful contributions to educational research and practice. She has been celebrated for her innovative studies on reading comprehension and children’s rights. Her publications in high-impact journals have garnered accolades within the academic community, including awards for action research studies that explore reading motivation. Ülkü’s efforts during the emergency distance education period were recognized for their effectiveness in addressing learning challenges posed by the pandemic. She has received honors for her presentations at prominent educational conferences, including the International Primary Teacher Education Symposium. Ülkü’s academic achievements, such as graduating with high honors during her BA and MA, highlight her dedication to excellence. Her work continues to shape educational practices and policies, earning her a reputation as a thought leader in primary education and literacy research.

Research Skills On Social Sciences

Ülkü Çoban Sural’s research expertise lies in primary education, with a focus on reading comprehension, children’s rights, and literacy development. She is skilled in designing and conducting action research, statistical analysis, and qualitative studies to address pressing educational challenges. Ülkü’s ability to integrate technology into education has resulted in impactful studies, including technology-assisted vocabulary activities and innovative distance learning methods. Her proficiency in research techniques has led to publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. Ülkü’s collaborative approach enables her to work effectively with interdisciplinary teams, contributing to teacher training and curriculum design. She excels in synthesizing data and translating findings into practical applications, particularly in value-based education and lifelong learning strategies. Her methodological rigor and commitment to advancing educational research position her as a leading figure in her field.

Publication Top Notes

Developing Reading, Reading Comprehension, and Motivation: An Action Research Study

Authors: H Akyol, ÜÇ Sural
Citation: EDUCATION AND SCIENCE 46 (205), 69-92
Year: 2020

Gender Perceptions of the Primary School 4th Graders Regarding “Children’s Rights”

Authors: N Aksoy, ON USTUN, UC SURAL
Citation: Eurasian Journal of Educational Research 19 (83), 145-166
Year: 2019

Göçmen çocuklara Türkçe eğitimi veren öğretmenlerin aldıkları hizmet içi eğitimin değerlendirilmesi

Authors: ÜÇ SURAL, TG ARI
Citation: International Journal of Languages’ Education and Teaching 5 (4), 996-1009
Year: 2017

İlkokul (1-4) matematik ders kitaplarında yer alan dört işlem becerisine dayalı problem yapılarının incelenmesi

Authors: N Tertemiz, T Özkan, ÜÇ Sural, HÜ Akçakın
Citation: Uluslararası Türk Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi 2015 (5), 119-137
Year: 2015

SINIF ÖĞRETMENİ ADAYLARININ ÇOCUĞUN KORUNMA HAKKINA YÖNELİK BİLGİLERİ VE EĞİTİM İHTİYAÇLARI

Authors: N AKSOY, ÜÇ SURAL
Citation: Eğitim ve Toplum Araştırmaları Dergisi 5 (2), 66-89
Year: 2018

Kamu ilkokullarında öğrenim gören 4. sınıf öğrencilerinin çocuk haklarına ilişkin görüşleri

Author: Ü Çoban Sural
Citation: Gazi Üniversitesi Eğitim Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Ankara
Year: 2018

Acil Uzaktan Eğitim Sürecinin İlkokuma Yazma Öğretimine Yansımaları: Birinci Sınıf Öğretmen ve Veli Deneyimleri

Authors: N Aktaş, ÜÇ Sural
Citation: Ahi Evran Üniversitesi Kırşehir Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 24 (1), 142-209
Year: 2023

Academic Entitlement Expectations of Preservice Primary School Teachers.

Authors: N Aksoy, ÜÇ Sural
Citation: International Journal of Progressive Education 18 (4), 1-20
Year: 2022

Kamu İlkokullarında Öğrenim Gören Dördüncü Sınıf Öğrencilerinin Çocuk Haklarına İlişkin Görüşleri

Authors: ÜÇ Sural, N Aksoy
Citation: Türk Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi 19 (1), 343-367
Year: 2021

Next-generation learning experience: The effect of technology-assisted and printed context-based vocabulary activities on vocabulary knowledge and learning motivation

Authors: Ü Çoban Sural, Z Yaşar Sağlık
Citation: Education and Information Technologies, 1-31
Year: 2024

Joo Ee Gan | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on 28/08/2024 by Academic Excellence

Joo Ee Gan | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Sunway University, Malaysia🎓

Joo-Ee Gan is a distinguished academic and researcher, currently serving as the Associate Professor and Deputy Dean for Education at the School of Hospitality and Service Management, Sunway University. Her research primarily explores the impact of legal measures on employees’ rights, occupational health and safety, and the governance of tourism for environmental protection and socio-economic advancement. With a strong background in both law and academia, Gan’s work is recognized for its significant contributions to socio-legal studies and sustainable tourism.

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🎓Education

Joo-Ee Gan holds a comprehensive academic background in law and socio-legal studies. She is an Associate Professor and Deputy Dean for Education at Sunway University, reflecting her advanced qualifications and deep expertise in her field. Prior to her academic career, Gan gained substantial experience as a solicitor specializing in corporate matters and served as the Legal Editor of the Hong Kong Law Report & Digests.

💼Work Experience

Gan’s career trajectory highlights her transition from legal practice to academia. At Sunway University, she has progressed from a lecturer to her current role as Deputy Dean for Education. Her experience includes significant roles in various research projects and grants, showcasing her leadership and commitment to advancing knowledge in hospitality and service management.

🔍Research Focus

Joo-Ee Gan’s research focus encompasses socio-legal studies with an emphasis on employees’ rights, minimum wage, and occupational health and safety within the hospitality sector. Additionally, she investigates tourism governance and its role in environmental protection and socio-economic development, particularly concerning indigenous communities. Her research aims to enhance understanding and implementation of sustainable practices in tourism and hospitality.

🏆Awards and Honors

Joo-Ee Gan has received several notable awards and honors that underscore her research excellence and academic contributions. These include:

Ministry of Higher Education’s Long Term Research Grant Scheme (2011): Co-researcher for a RM9 million grant.
Monash University Malaysia Business School Research Seed Grant (2019): Principal investigator for a project on indigenous tourism villages.
Monash Malaysia Education Award Grant (2020): Co-researcher for a project on transitional rites.

Conclusion

Joo-Ee Gan is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her innovative research, leadership in high-impact projects, and significant contributions to socio-legal studies and environmental governance. Her work aligns with the criteria for excellence in research and demonstrates a commitment to addressing critical socio-economic and environmental issues.

📖Publications :

“State intervention and tourism business resilience: Exploring firm-level crisis responses”
Year: 2024
Journal: Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights
🌍📉

“A Systematic Review of Challenges Faced by Micro and Small Enterprises in Tourism Destinations: Producing Solutions through Resilience Building and Sustainable Development”
Year: 2024
Journal: Tourism Planning and Development
🏨🔍

“Rights awareness and COVID-19 tourism job losses: perspectives from Malaysia”
Year: 2024
Journal: Current Issues in Tourism
🦠🏝️

“Convert ‘Good’ to ‘Excellent’ tourism governance: Improve indigenous engagement”
Year: 2023
Book: Teaching Cases in Tourism, Hospitality and Events
📚🤝

“Ecotourism and Malaysia’s Orang Asli: the social construction of indigeneity in community boundary-drawing”
Year: 2022
Journal: Journal of Ecotourism
🌱🌏

“Uncovering the Environmental and Social Conflicts Behind Residents’ Perception of CBT: A Case of Perak, Malaysia”
Year: 2020
Journal: Tourism Planning and Development
🌿🏘️

“The constructs of responsible rural tourism governance for Belum-Temengor Forest Reserve, Malaysia”
Year: 2020
Book: Responsible Rural Tourism in Asia
🏞️🔍

“The critical role of a lead institution in ecotourism management: a case of dual governance in Belum-Temengor, Malaysia”
Year: 2019
Journal: Journal of Policy Research in Tourism, Leisure and Events
🌲🏛️

“Beyond Theorising: Distinguishing Between the Limitations of Critical Theory and the Researcher”
Year: 2018
Book: Perspectives on Asian Tourism
📖🤔

“Comparing the self-reported data and observed behaviour of food waste separation: A study of the 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) games”
Year: 2018
Journal: Asia-Pacific Journal of Innovation in Hospitality and Tourism
🍽️🎉

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