Mr. Vitalian Christophere Napone | Education Award | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Vitalian Christophere Napone, Caraga State University & Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

Mr. Vitalian Christophere Napone is a dedicated educator and scholar with a rich academic background. He graduated as valedictorian from Mandacpan Elementary School and San Vicente National High School. Mr. Napone earned his AB in Philosophy with magna cum laude honors from Saint Peter College Seminary and completed his Master of Arts in Education in Educational Management at Caraga State University in 2023. He is currently an Instructor I at Caraga State University, where he engages students in the Humanities. Mr. Napone holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy from Ateneo de Manila University. 📚✨

Publication Profile

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Educational Background

Mr. Napone’s academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a breadth of scholarly pursuits. He graduated as valedictorian at both the elementary and secondary levels, demonstrating early academic distinction. His college education at Saint Peter College Seminary earned him a magna cum laude honor, complemented by a salutatorian rank, showcasing his dedication to philosophical studies. Further, his educational credentials include multiple graduate degrees, such as a Master of Arts in Educational Management from Caraga State University and partial completion of a Doctorate in Philosophy at Ateneo de Manila University, signifying an ongoing commitment to academic advancement.

Professional Experience

Mr. Napone has extensive teaching experience at Caraga State University, primarily as an Instructor I in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. His progression from contractual to a permanent role highlights his reliability and growth within the institution. His consistent re-appointments and long-term dedication to the university underline his commitment to contributing to academic development, particularly in humanities and social sciences. His role as an instructor allows him to impact students’ learning experiences and develop his research interests within the academic community.

Research Focus

Mr. Vitalian Christophere Napone III’s research focuses on the intersection of spirituality and academic performance, specifically examining how spiritual beliefs and practices impact educational outcomes. His recent work, titled “Correlation between spirituality and academic performance using the instrument General Theology Scale (GenTheS),” published in International Studies in Catholic Education, highlights the relevance of spirituality in academic settings. By utilizing quantitative measures to analyze the relationship between spirituality and student success, Mr. Napone contributes to the fields of education, theology, and psychology, advocating for a holistic approach to student development. 📖✨🙏

Conclusion

Mr. Napone’s solid academic foundation, extensive teaching experience, and active community involvement make him a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His continuous pursuit of education, professional commitment, and community engagement collectively demonstrate his dedication to academic and societal contributions, aligning well with the award’s criteria.

Publication Top Note

Correlation between spirituality and academic performance using the instrument General Theology Scale (GenTheS)

Ms. Zama Mthombeni | Higher Education Award | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Zama Mthombeni , Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa

🌟 Dr. Zama Mthombeni is a dynamic scholar with a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her research intersects academia and societal issues, focusing on themes like education, culture, and socio-economic development. With a robust publication record in prestigious journals and active involvement in peer review processes, she is shaping discourse on African identity, language policies, and the impact of technology. Dr. Mthombeni’s accolades include scholarships and awards for her leadership and academic excellence. Her diverse skill set encompasses qualitative and quantitative research, project management, and stakeholder engagement. She’s committed to driving positive change and promoting inclusivity in academia. 📚🌍

Publication Profile:

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ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS:

🎓 Dr. Zama Mthombeni is a highly qualified scholar, holding a Ph.D. in Development Studies from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She has a solid educational background, including a Master’s in Commerce focusing on Local Economic Development and a Master’s in Social Sciences specializing in Public Policy. With a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and another in Political Science and Psychology, both from the University of KwaZulu Natal, her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to understanding societal complexities. Dr. Mthombeni’s diverse academic qualifications equip her with a multifaceted understanding of developmental issues, contributing significantly to her impactful research endeavors. 📚🌱

Awards:

🏆 Dr. Zama Mthombeni has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards throughout her academic journey. Notable accolades include the Ubuntu Team Award from the Human Sciences Research Council in 2022, underscoring her collaborative spirit. She also received the National Research Fund Scholarship for her Ph.D. studies in 2020, showcasing her dedication to research excellence. Additionally, Dr. Mthombeni’s leadership and community engagement were acknowledged with the Rick Turner Scholarship in 2017. Her academic prowess earned her the Deputy Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship in 2015 and the HCI Foundation Bursary in 2011, highlighting her commitment to educational achievement and societal impact. 🎓🌟

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

🔍 Dr. Zama Mthombeni brings her expertise to MANCOSA as an External Research Supervisor since January 2024. In this role, she guides postgraduate, honors, and master’s students through their research journey, ensuring compliance with institutional guidelines. Dr. Mthombeni fosters a supportive environment, assisting students in topic selection, research planning, and report structuring. She prioritizes ethical standards, encourages publication of research findings, and facilitates access to funding opportunities. Through her mentorship, she cultivates research competence and contributes to the academic development of aspiring scholars, enriching the research landscape with innovative insights. 🎓✨

Work Experience :

📊 Dr. Zama Mthombeni served as a Research and Communications Officer at Sakhumnotho Development Services from January to December 2014. In this role, she spearheaded research projects like Asixoxe youth dialogues and talent shows, ensuring timely execution and adherence to budgets. Leading a research team, she managed day-to-day operations, addressed project issues, and reported progress to management and stakeholders. Dr. Mthombeni excelled in communication, acting as a liaison between the NGO and the Office of the Premier. She also handled administrative tasks efficiently, contributing to the organization’s objectives. Despite her contract’s termination, she left a lasting impact through her dedication and professionalism. 🌟📝

Research Focus:

🔬 Dr. Zama Mthombeni’s research focus lies predominantly in the realm of educational policy and social dynamics within South African higher education. Through her work, she delves into issues such as language policy implementation, the impact of fee-free education, and the challenges faced by non-traditional students. Her investigations also extend to broader societal issues, including xenophobia and cultural heritage preservation. Dr. Mthombeni’s commitment to understanding and addressing these complex issues is evident in her diverse publication record and conference presentations. Through her research endeavors, she strives to contribute to the advancement of inclusive and equitable education systems in South Africa and beyond. 📚✨