Marco Calabria | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Marco Calabria | Neuropsychology | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Marco Calabria, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Spain

Dr. Marco Calabria is an Associate Professor of Neuropsychology at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, since 2019. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychobiology from the University of Padua, Italy. His research focuses on bilingualism, cognitive decline, and neuropsychology. He has held postdoctoral positions at Pompeu Fabra University and IRCCS Centro S. Giovanni di Dio-FBF, Italy. Dr. Calabria has led numerous funded projects on bilingualism’s role in aging and cognitive well-being. He is proficient in Italian, English, Spanish, Catalan, and French. ๐Ÿ“š๐ŸŽ“ His work has earned multiple grants, contributing significantly to cognitive science and neuropsychology.

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Work Experience ๐Ÿง 

Dr. Marco Calabria is an Associate Professor of Neuropsychology at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, since December 2019. He has an extensive background in neuropsychology, with prior roles as a Ramรณn y Cajal Research Fellow at Pompeu Fabra University (2014-2019) and postdoctoral positions focusing on speech production and bilingualism under Prof. Albert Costa. His earlier career includes research in neuropsychology and neurophysiology of aging and dementia at IRCCS Centro S. Giovanni di Dio-FBF, Italy. Dr. Calabriaโ€™s work significantly contributes to the study of bilingualism and cognitive aging. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ

 

Teaching Experience ๐Ÿ“š

Dr. Marco Calabria has an impressive teaching background, having received accreditation as a Tenure-track Lecturer and Associate Professor from AQU Catalunya. Since 2019, he has taught the MSc in Neuropsychology at Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, covering topics such as language, aging, dementia, and executive functions. He also delivered courses at Pompeu Fabra University, including Neuroscience of Language and the neurocognitive bases of learning and language. His workshops on bilingualism at the University of Reading and his role in teaching across multiple degrees highlight his expertise in neuropsychology, language, and cognitive neuroscience. ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿง 

 

Education ๐ŸŽ“

Dr. Marco Calabria holds a Ph.D. in Psychobiology from the University of Padua (Italy), where he focused on memory for faces and proper names, exploring both episodic and semantic aspects under the guidance of Prof. Patrizia Silvia Bisiacchi. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Statistics, specializing in Biostatistics and Epidemiology, from the University of Milano Bicocca (Italy) in 2005. Earlier, he completed his Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Experimental Psychology at the University of Padua, with a dissertation on ERP components in early face processing. His academic journey blends psychology, neuroscience, and statistical expertise. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ

 

Research Experiences Abroad ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ”ฌ

Dr. Marco Calabria has broadened his research horizons through several international collaborations. In November 2022, he was a visiting researcher at the Department of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences at the University of Reading, supported by the Research Connections call (UOC). He also gained valuable experience at INSERM U534 in Lyon, France, first as a predoctoral trainee (Sept. 2008), focusing on temporal representation in spatial neglect patients, and later during his post-Lauream internship (Marchโ€“Sept. 2003), studying prism adaptation in spatial neglect rehabilitation. Additionally, he participated in the Erasmus-Socrates Program at Universitรฉ Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, in 2001, specializing in neuropsychology and EEG lab training. ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿง 

 

Research Focus

Marco Calabria’s research primarily focuses on the intersection of bilingualism, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and other cognitive disorders. His work explores how bilingualism impacts cognitive functions such as executive control, language processing, and memory in the context of aging and neurological conditions. He also investigates the effects of language switching, cross-language interference, and neuropsychological deficits in bilingual patients. Calabriaโ€™s research has implications for understanding cognitive resilience and neuroplasticity in bilingual individuals. ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ’ฌ๐Ÿ”„๐Ÿ“š

 

Publication Top Notes

  • “Dissociating language switching from executive control in bilinguals with MCI,” Cortex, 2024-12 ๐Ÿ“–๐Ÿง , DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2024.11.020
  • “Efficacy of a theatre-based intervention in patients with Parkinsonโ€™s disease,” Preprint, 2024-06-20 ๐ŸŽญ, DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/rejnd
  • “Cross-language interference in bilinguals with neurodegenerative disorders,” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 2024-03 ๐Ÿง ๐ŸŒ, DOI: 10.1017/S1366728923000470
  • “Hippocampal adaptations in Mild Cognitive Impairment patients are modulated by bilingual language experiences,” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 2024-03 ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ“š, DOI: 10.1017/S1366728923000354
  • “Introduction: Clinical aspects of bilingualism research in adults,” Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 2024-03 ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿง , DOI: 10.1017/S136672892400004X
  • “Bilingualism and language control,” Book Chapter, 2023-09-01 ๐Ÿ“˜, DOI: 10.1075/bpa.17.04cal
  • “Evolving Trends in Neuropsychological Profiles of Post COVID-19 Condition: A 1-Year Follow-up in Individuals with Cognitive Complaints,” Preprint, 2023-06-18 ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ’ก, DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/bwgx8
  • “Background music and memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment: the role of interindividual differences,” Preprint, 2023-01-09 ๐ŸŽถ๐Ÿง , DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/6xawp
  • “Post-COVID-19 fatigue: the contribution of cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms,” Journal of Neurology, 2022-08 ๐Ÿฆ ๐Ÿ’ค, DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11141-8
  • “Cross-language interference in bilinguals with neurodegenerative diseases,” Preprint, 2022-06-13 ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿง , DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/jrbfk
  • “Neuropsychological deficits in patients with cognitive complaints after COVIDโ€19,” Brain and Behavior, 2022-03 ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿฆ , DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2508
  • “Language reconfiguration in bilinguals; A study with Huntington’s disease patients,” Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism, 2021 ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ“š, DOI: 10.1075/lab.18022.cal
  • “Memories: Albert Costa’s legacy,” Journal of Neurolinguistics, 2021 ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ“–, DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroling.2020.100967
  • “On the semantic optimum and contexts,” Bilingualism, 2021 ๐Ÿ’ฌ๐Ÿ“š, DOI: 10.1017/S1366728921000419
  • “Processing of semantic and grammatical gender in Spanish speakers with aphasia,” Aphasiology, 2021 ๐Ÿง ๐Ÿ”ค, DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2021.1924355

Nawab Sameer zada | Sustainable Construction | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nawab Sameer zada | Sustainable Construction | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Nawab Sameer zada, universiti teknologi petronas, Pakistan

Mr. Nawab Sameerzada holds a BS in Civil Engineering (PEC registered) from Sir Syed University, Karachi, with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His key coursework includes steel structure, applied thermodynamics, hydrology, and structural design. With 14 months of work experience as a Trainee Engineer at STEVTA, he handled documentation, cost estimates, quality control, and project management. His final year project (FYP) focused on designing and cost comparing high-rise tubular and moment-resisting frames, revealing cost-efficient results with post-tensioned slabs. He is proficient in AutoCAD, ETABS, SAFE, and holds an IOSH Managing Safely certificate. ๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿ’ป๐Ÿ“Š

 

Publication Profile

Scopus

Educational Background

Mr. Nawab Sameerzada completed his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, from 2017 to 2021. He achieved a remarkable 4.0 GPA, excelling in courses like engineering drawing, steel structures, hydrology, applied thermodynamics, and structural design. Before that, he completed his Intermediate in Pre-Engineering with 74% from the Board of Intermediate Education Karachi and his Matriculation in Science with an impressive 85% from the Board of Secondary Education Karachi. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in civil engineering principles. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ–‹๏ธ๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏ธ

 

Work Experience

Mr. Nawab Sameerzada has 14 months of professional experience in the field of civil engineering. He worked as a Trainee Engineer at the Sindh Technical Educational and Vocational Training Association (STEVTA), Karachi, where he was responsible for completing documentation, preparing tenders, and generating bills. He also analyzed construction plans and financial projections, ensuring accuracy and on-site implementation. Additionally, he prepared cost estimates, managed project resources, and maintained quality control and safety standards. He also spent one year teaching at Crescent Public School, contributing to both his technical and educational expertise. ๐Ÿ“‘๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐Ÿ“Š

 

Certifications

Mr. Nawab Sameerzada holds the IOSH Managing Safely (HSE) certification, which highlights his proficiency in health, safety, and environmental management. This certification equips him with the skills to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement effective safety measures in the workplace, particularly within the construction industry. His knowledge in managing health and safety ensures that projects are executed in compliance with safety standards, protecting both workers and the environment. This qualification further strengthens his capabilities in maintaining a secure and efficient work environment, an essential aspect of his professional career. ๐Ÿฆบโš™๏ธ๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏ธ

 

Research Focus

Mr. Nawab Sameerzada’s research interests revolve around improving the mechanical and environmental properties of construction materials, particularly in the context of concrete and asphalt. In the article “Hybrid Effect of Basalt Fibers and Carbon Fibers on Concrete Mechanical and Environmental Properties,” he explored the use of basalt and carbon fibers to enhance concrete’s durability and sustainability. Additionally, his work on enhancing the tensile strength of asphalt concrete through rock wool inclusion reflects his dedication to advancing material performance for infrastructure. His research aligns with sustainable engineering practices, focusing on strengthening materials and optimizing their environmental impact. ๐Ÿ—๏ธ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ“Š

 

Publication Top Notes

  • “Hybrid Effect of Basalt Fibers and Carbon Fibers on Concrete Mechanical and Environmental Properties” (2025) โ€“ Results in Engineering ๐Ÿ”—
  • “Enhancing Tensile Strength of Asphalt Concrete Through Rock Wool Inclusion” (2025) โ€“ Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering ๐Ÿ”—