ICRPCONF Speakers
Past Speakers
Dr. Vivian Polak
McMaster University, Canada
Topic: Transforming Postpartum Depression Care: Virtual Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Nutrition, and the Path to Global Wellness.
Dr. Vivian Polak is a Canadian perinatal psychiatrist with over two decades of practice in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), specialising in the treatment of perinatal depression. Her expertise extends beyond patient care to training therapists in IPT, revealing her commitment to improving mental healthcare standards.
A passionate advocate for holistic health approaches, Dr. Polak combines her medical and psychiatric expertise with a deep commitment to help women optimise not just their mental health but their overall health and wellbeing with evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle interventions aimed at reversing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being. In 2023, she established “Benessere North,” a nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering women with hypertension and other chronic conditions to attain optimal health through whole food plant-based nutrition and comprehensive lifestyle changes.
Dr. Polak’s approach to health and wellness transcends traditional symptom management, focusing on achieving full remission and restoring individuals’ true selves. She emphasises the importance of satisfying relationships, breaking free from self-defeating patterns, and attaining peak physical and mental health through a combination of nutritional excellence, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, relaxation techniques, and fostering social connections.
In her global advocacy efforts, Dr. Polak co-founded World Maternal Mental Health Day and the Canadian Alliance for Maternal Mental Health, initiatives that underscore her dedication to maternal mental health on a global scale. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Italian, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enriching her interactions with a diverse client base.
Dr. Shingirayi Chamisa
Dr. Shingirayi Chamisa is an Industrial Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), and a Lecturer in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of the Free State, Qwaqwa Campus. Her research interests fall within three themes which are Positive Psychology more generally, and, in terms of employee and educational coping strategies and wellness, Inequality, diversity and inclusion; Human Capital Development and Transformation in the Mountain regions.
Dr. Chamisa is also interested in research-informed teaching. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in providing students with the information, tools, and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing environment, which is becoming increasingly globalized and automated. Her goal is for students not only to learn psychology and management theories but also to practice the theories and concepts and engage with real-life organizational scenarios and personalities.
Dr Chamisa teaches Undergraduate and Postgraduate students. She is also supervising Honours, Masters, and PhD students. Her work has been published in accredited journals, and she has professional memberships with the a) Health Professions Council of South Africa, b) British Psychological Society, and c) American Psychological Association.
Dr. Ruth Wong
Dr. Ruth Wong is an assistant professor at Department of English Language Education, The Education University of Hong Kong. Her research areas include student learning motivation, teaching pedagogy and cultural issues related to education. She has published textbooks, professional articles and research papers in various international journals.”
Dr. Takuma Nishimura
Dr. Takuma Nishimura is an associate professor at Tokyo University of Science. He has a Ph.D. in psychology and is interested in motivational science, specifically the developmental transition of motivation and motivational transmission in the parent-child relationship.
He has four years of experience studying abroad and has conducted research on self-determination theory at the University of Rochester and the University of Toronto.
Since returning to Japan, He has been actively engaged in research as Japan’s leading authority on self-determination theory.
Ms. Mona Rashidifar
Ms. Mona Rashidifar is recently graduated with a Master’s degree in General Psychology from Near East University. She has a profound research interest, particularly in psychological aspects related to body image; specifically the desire for a flawless and attractive appearance. She is deeply intrigued by the motivations behind individuals’ pursuit of physical beauty and how these desires influence their behaviors and well-being.”
Mr. Harun Dahir
Mr. Harun Dahir is an Assistant Psychologist at the South Warwickshire University NHS Trust. He graduated with a BSc in Psychology at Coventry University, and he has a keen interest in mental health psychology.
Ms.Tuhina Agarwal
Ms.Tuhina Agarwal is a dedicated behaviour support specialist with a Master’s degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. With a wealth of experience across diverse populations, she has effectively supported preschool children with mood and neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as older adults. Her professional journey encompasses collaborations with the Irish Department of Health and Education, speech therapy clinics, respite services, and family support initiatives.Currently, Tuhina is in the process of establishing KidAble, a pioneering mental health advocacy and early intervention clinic focused on children and adolescents in India. Her vision for KidAble is to harness innovative technology to enhance therapeutic outcomes and facilitate the mental health journeys of young individuals. Tuhina is dedicated to expanding the clinic’s reach throughout India and fostering partnerships with mental health practitioners across other Asian and African countries. As a practitioner, Tuhina is passionate about improving the quality of life for those seeking psychological support and is an advocate for self-advocacy among her clients. Her work reflects a profound commitment to advancing mental health care and promoting well-being within diverse communities. When she is not analysing behaviours, Tuhina enjoys travelling and watching anime.
Ms. Ji Luo
Ms. Ji Luo is studying for PhD at Malaya University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She works at Zunyi Normal College, in China. She served as a lecturer of psychological health education and college students’ mental health courses and also undertook the psychological counseling work of college students. Her doctoral research focuses on adolescent sexual and mental health.
Mr. Simon Jeauffreau
Mr. Simon Jeauffreau, a PhD student in Cognitive Psychology at the CLLE laboratory in Jean Jaurès University, Toulouse, France. His research focuses on moral judgment and decision-making, specifically examining the role of affect and its regulation. Additionally, he explores modeling approaches for moral judgment and decision-making, investigating how affect, utility, and moral acceptability of choices interrelate and influence one another in daily life scenarii.
Ms. Rani Unnamalai Kailai Rajan
Rani Unnamalai Kailai Rajan is currently pursuing PhD in Behavioural Forensics at National Forensic Sciences University Gandhinagar, Gujarat under the guidance of Dr. Krishna Kumar Mishra, School of Behavioral Forensics, NFSU Gandhinagar. For her doctoral research, she is working on understanding how vulnerable adolescents perceive abstract concepts of justice and self within the context of institutionalisation, delinquency, right to protection, and right to participation. She holds a Master’s Degree in English Studies, IIT Madras (Department of Humanities and Social Sciences). She has cleared UGC NET in English and UGC NET/JRF in Social Work. She has worked as a Teaching Assistant for NPTEL courses. She has also published a journal article with Contemporary Literary Review India. She has authored a book titled: “Echoes of Patriotism: Nationalist Writings of India’s Freedom Struggle” published by National Book Trust Delhi under PM YUVA Scheme.
Ms. Maithili P Patil
Ms. Maithili P Patil is a Master’s student in Clinical Psychology at Christ University, Bangalore, with a strong focus on research, statistics, and psychological assessments. Passionate about advancing mental health research, she explores data-driven approaches to psychological evaluation and intervention, with a particular interest in sibling structure dynamics and their impact on psychological development. Maithili is dedicated to understanding complex human behaviors and contributing meaningfully to the field of mental health.
Dr. Tam Cai Lian
Associate Professor of the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia
Topic: Family functioning, parent-child relationships and online game addiction of young adolescents.
Dr. Tam Cai Lian is the Associate Professor of the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia. She is a counselling psychologist and the panel counsellor for the Bar Council Malaysia. Currently, Dr. Tam is the course leader for Master of Professional Counselling, Monash University Malaysia. She has involved actively in conducting research and providing consultation that relate with mental health issues, coping and problem solving.
Dr. Vivian Polak
Dr. Vivian Polak is a Canadian perinatal psychiatrist with over two decades of practice in Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), specializing in the treatment of perinatal depression. Her expertise extends beyond patient care to training therapists in IPT, revealing her commitment to improving mental healthcare standards. A passionate advocate for holistic health approaches, Dr. Polak combines her medical and psychiatric expertise with a deep commitment to helping women optimize not just their mental health but their overall health and well-being with evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle interventions aimed at reversing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being. In 2023, she established “Benessere North,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women with hypertension and other chronic conditions to attain optimal health through whole food plant-based nutrition and comprehensive lifestyle changes. Dr. Polak’s approach to health and wellness transcends traditional symptom management, focusing on achieving full remission and restoring individuals’ true selves. She emphasizes the importance of satisfying relationships, breaking free from self-defeating patterns, and attaining peak physical and mental health through a combination of nutritional excellence, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, relaxation techniques, and fostering social connections. In her global advocacy efforts, Dr. Polak co-founded World Maternal Mental Health Day and the Canadian Alliance for Maternal Mental Health, initiatives that underscore her dedication to maternal mental health on a global scale. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Italian, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enriching her interactions with a diverse client base.
Dr. Luca Casassa-Mont
Dr. Luca Casassa-Mont is a clinical psychologist, holding credentials in Clinical Psychology and Sports Psychology. Currently a postgraduate intern at Studio Medico San Francesco in Turin (Italy). Areas of interest include developmental psychology, educational psychology, and sports psychology.
Dr. Constance Karing
Dr. Constance Karing is a research fellow in Psychology at the University of Jena, Germany. Her research focuses on Mental Health, Digital Health and mindfulness. She has also developed, implemented and successfully evaluated several stress prevention interventions to address coping strategies and health-related outcomes among university students, employees, and people with disabilities.
Prof. Dr. Tapalova Olga Bisenovna
Prof. Dr. Tapalova Olga Bisenovna is a doctor of Psychology, Research-Professor of the Abai University (Almaty, Kazakstan).
She is head of the educational program for the master’s program “Psychology of Health with the Basics of psychotherapy” and doctoral studies “Clinical and Social Psychology”.
Her research areas are Clinical psychology and health psychology.
Scientific interests: study of achievement motivation in health and disease; study of chronic stress in students; biological and social bases of behavior.
Dr. Arta Dodaj
Dr. Arta Dodaj is a research assistant at the Department of Psychology at the University of Zadar. Her main research area is traditional and online violence among youth. She is currently leading an international project on sexting among adolescents and emerging adults, funded by the Croatian Science Foundation.
Ms. Jennifer Martin
Ms. Jennifer Martin M.S., LMHC, Albizu University, Miami, FL, USA, is a third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student specializing in Forensic Psychology at Albizu University. Jennifer has a dual master’s degree background, one in General Psychology and the other in Mental Health Counseling. Her impressive career spans over a decade, initially in the field of Behavior Analysis, working with children and adolescents with Autism. She later transitioned to Counseling, where she has gained extensive experience working in hospital settings, particularly within psychiatric units, where she provides essential care to both adults and adolescents in need of urgent psychiatric services. As part of her doctoral program, Jennifer is currently undertaking a clinical rotation that delves into the intersection of mental health and the legal system at a forensic facility, working with individuals deemed Incompetent to proceed or Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI). Jennifer’s experience also extends to working with the sex offender population in community settings, where she applies her skills in assessment and intervention; where she strives to contribute to rehabilitation and community safety.
Mrs. Griela Rodriguez
Mrs. Griela Rodriguez is a psychology professional with dual Master’s degrees in Exceptional Student Education and General Psychology. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, specializing in Neuropsychology. With over 15 years of expertise in providing behavioral therapy and psychological interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities.
Ms. Mridu Goel
Ms. Mridu Goel is a student of MSc Counseling Studies at the University of Edinburgh. As an aspiring psychologist, she wants to work on the 3A’s: Awareness, Accessibility, and Availability of mental health assistance in India, and start conversations around men’s emotions and vulnerabilities. With a keen research interest, she has two more published papers under her name.
Ms. Farah Malek
Ms. Farah Malek is a BSc (Hons) Psychology graduate from the Singapore University of Social Sciences. Aspiring to be a criminal psychologist, she actively engages in volunteer work with the Police Psychology Services Department. She is passionate about understanding the complexity of crime, deviance, and the importance of mental well-being in personal development and upbringing.”
Ms. Shriya Das
Ms. Shriya Das, with over 10 years of experience and dual M.Sc. degrees in Molecular Sciences & Nanotechnology and Medical Genetics, serves as a Clinical Project Manager at a biotechnology company. Her focus lies in project management and clinical trial optimization. Recognized with Bronze and Gold Globee® awards and holding various certifications, Shriya exemplifies leadership in healthcare innovation.
Mr. Kris Hanley M. Dalan
Mr. Kris Hanley M. Dalan is a candidate for the degree of Ph.D. in Psychology. He is a mental health advocate and a licensed professional teacher. He is a College Instructor at Lyceum of the Philippines University Batangas. His area of interest includes Clinical psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Psychological Intervention.
Ms. Dana Alzahid
Ms. Dana Alzahid is an undergraduate student majoring in Management Information Systems at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University (KSA). She is an active researcher who is interested in understanding the cognitions that drive human behavior in different cultural settings. She is currently a tutor for a communication course devoted to research writing.
Ms. Dinghui Wang
Ms. Dinghui Wang is a Ph.D. student in the Literature Section at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and a Researcher in the English Literature section at Zhaotong University of China. Her current work focuses on the psychoanalytical and cosmological theories for the study of characteristics and backgrounds of literary works.
Ms Kimiya Qanavati
Ms Kimiya Qanavati is a graduate from Al-Zahra University’s Bachelor of Psychology programme. Aspiring to become a counseling psychologist, she is broadly interested in different types of sexual trauma and specifically in childhood sexual abuse and its effects on mental well-being of individuals.
Ms. Oindrilla Ghosh
Ms. Oindrilla Ghosh, PhD researcher at Ulster University, specializes in stigma within families affected by severe mental illnesses. Holding a master’s in clinical psychology and mental health from the University of Sussex and a bachelor’s in applied psychology from India, her diverse research spans clinical, social, and educational psychology domains, with publications in understanding knowledge management fatigue syndrome, orthorexia nervosa among youth, the effect of authoritarian parenting style on psychopathology, electronic education in the disability sector, role of social media in post-covid consumer behavior, etc.
Mr. Ömer Külhancı
Mr. Ömer Külhancı is a PhD candidate and lecturer in the Psychology Department at Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey, where he has been in his current position for 5 years. His doctoral research focuses on child leadership, social development, leadership skills, peer influence, and early childhood leadership. Ömer’s work examines the role of social relationships, communication skills, and personality traits in the emergence of leadership behaviours among preschool and elementary school-aged children. In addition to his research on child leadership, Ömer finds cartooning to be a fun and rewarding creative outlet. Ömer is passionate about translating his research into practical strategies for nurturing leadership potential and creativity in childhood educational settings. He collaborates with educators to develop evidence-based approaches for fostering leadership skills in the classroom. He earned his bachelor’s in psychology from Hacettepe University, Turkey, besides minor degree in Anthropology in 2012 and a master’s degree in psychology from the University of London-Kings College London in 2015.
Ms. Adyaa Sharma
Ms. Adyaa Sharma is currently working with Oxford Health NHS Trust as a Healthcare Assistant while working on a research study to develop a scientific scale to assess shame, guilt, and pride in adolescents with eating disorders. She completed her master’s from the University of York with a specialization in child psychology and developmental disorders. She is interested in understanding the role of personality disorder in shaping delinquent behaviors in adolescents.
Ms. Rachel Lofton
Ms. Rachel Lofton, a Ph.D. candidate at Pepperdine University, focuses on LGBTQ+ and women’s rights, public policy, sport and society, and race/ethnicity. They are the project coordinator at the Global Sport Institute at ASU. They earned a master’s from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and a bachelor’s from UCLA.
Ms. Oshin Dixit
Ms. Oshin Dixit Scholar of psychology (Thesis Submitted). Currently employed as a academician with specialisation in social and organisational psychology. In addition to writing two book chapters, Ms.Oshin is active in publishing and presenting research papers. Additionally, she is certified in transactional analysis and holds a diploma in sports psychology from Barcelona Innovation Hub.
Ms. Jessica Martin
Ms. Jessica Martin M.S., LMHC., Albizu University, FL USA, a third-year doctoral student at Albizu University, is committed to advancing her expertise in clinical psychology through the pursuit of a doctorate. With dual master’s degrees, one in Clinical Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and another in General Psychology from Albizu University, she boasts an extensive background in the field spanning multiple years. Currently, Jessica divides her time as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in her private practice in Florida and as a School Counselor within her local school district. Her dedication is evident in her active involvement in clinical rotations, where she conducts neuropsychological evaluations with children and adolescents on the spectrum and psychological testing with adults for the Department of Corrections. Her profound passion lies in supporting veterans, immigrants, and women, showcasing her commitment to positively impacting these areas.
Mrs. Mahjalin Araiza B. Diez
Mrs. Mahjalin Araiza B. Diez is a licensed Psychologist and Psychometrician in the Philippines, ranking fifth in the country’s 2019 Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from De La Salle University – Manila. With eight years of experience in academia, she currently serves as the Psychology program chair of Mapua Malayan Colleges Laguna. Alongside her administrative role, she practices as a psychologist in Manila, specializing in trauma work. She has earned titles such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Trauma Counselor through international and local trainings. Actively involved in facilitating trainings and seminars on psychology and mental health, she is also a Psychology Board Exam Lecturer in Luzon review centers. She has authored several published research papers and presented them nationally and internationally.
Dr. Christian Langkamp
Dr. Christian Langkamp is an energy and finance expert at BASF SE, Germany, and a researcher on friendship maintenance. He wrote a book on the topic during a sabbatical at Oxford University’s Institute of Population Ageing. He holds a MMaths from Oxford, an MBA from RWTH Aachen, and a PhD in BA from Duisburg-Essen.
Dr. Daniela Cârstea
Dr. Daniela Cârstea is lecturer at the University of Bucharest, Romania and a grantee of the Fulbright Commission. She teaches literary critical theory and British literature. Dr. Cârstea holds a PhD (University of Bucharest) in American literature, relational psychoanalysis and trauma studies.
Ms. Gizem Akcan
Ms. Gizem Akcan graduated from Middle East Technical University (METU) (Turkey)’s Bachelor of Psychology programme. After successfully completing my master’s education, she completed the Clinical Psychology Doctorate Program at Istanbul Arel University in 2017. Her studies focused on childhood traumas and relationship problems. She is a Asst. Prof. in Department of Psychology, Bartin University, Turkey. At the same time, she works as individual, family and couple therapist.
Ms. Yumitra Kannan
Ms Yumitra Kannan is a first-class graduate from Taylor’s University (Malaysia)’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) programme with a keen interest in the Lifespan Developmental approach. She was a runner-up for the Harvard Prize-Book Award, a speaker at TedX:IGNITED, and presented a qualitative research at the 4th Malaysian International Psychology Conference.
Mrs. Tapalova Olga Bisenovna
Mrs. Tapalova Olga Bisenovna is a Candidate of Biological Sciences, Doctor of Psychology, Research Professor of the Department of General and Applied Psychology of the Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. She is a head of the educational program for the master’s program “Psychology of health with the basics of psychotherapy” & also the head of the educational program for doctoral studies “Clinical and social psychology”. Her research area are Clinical psychology, Health psychology & her scientific interests are study of achievement motivation in health and disease; study of chronic stress in students; biological and social bases of behavior.
M.Sc. Megan E. Davies
M.Sc. Megan E. Davies is a German-trained psychologist, originally from Canada. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to psychology with a strong focus on international and intercultural applications. She is passionate about serving underrepresented groups through her clinical work and advocating for inclusive mental health practices.
Ms. Alishba Ali
Ms. Alishba Ali is a BS Psychology graduate. She is working as an intern in a hospital to provide psychological support, alongside she is a national counselor for AIESEC Pakistan. AIESEC has awarded her with empowering youth leaders. She has also received certification for CBT and psychological training by PYPA.
Mr.Jan Waligórski
Mr.Jan Waligórski is a Cognitive Science Master’s student at Jagiellonian University in Krakow (Poland). He is the chairman of the conference WIRTUALIUM, leads a research grant on virtual reality, and is a member of Collegium Invisibile. His research interests include embodied cognition in virtual reality, and virtual body perception.
Prof. Dr. María Josefina Escobar
Prof. Dr. María Josefina Escobar is Doctor in Psychotherapy (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile-Universidad de Chile-Universität Heidelberg). Psychologist (UCC, Argentina) and Master in Clinical Psychology of Children and Adolescents (UChile). Professor at the School of Psychology and researcher at the Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (CSCN), Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez. Her areas of interest: Neurodevelopment, Attachment, Parenting.
Dr. Marialaura Di Tella
Dr Marialaura Di Tella, PhD, is a research fellow in Psychology at University of Turin, Italy. Her PhD and postdoctoral studies focused on the investigation of psychological and cognitive components in clinical and non-clinical populations. This work led to the publication of different scientific articles and nationally funded research projects.
Ms. Angela Therese F. Jorge
Ms. Angela Therese F. Jorge is a psychology graduate from Far Eastern University, Manila. She currently works as a social media manager for a multi-national aesthetics brand and a gender reassignment surgeon where she uses her interest in gender studies and psychology to create content about diversity, inclusivity and sexuality in the medical industry.