Strengths for the Award
- Diverse Experience: Rossana has gained valuable experience in various settings, including community support for unaccompanied minors, internships in scientific research for intellectual disabilities, and tutoring in primary education. This breadth of experience demonstrates her adaptability and comprehensive understanding of psychological principles across different populations.
- Focus on Neurocognitive Disorders: Her extensive work at the IRCCS OASI MARIA SS Institute showcases her commitment to understanding and addressing neurocognitive disorders. The use of various assessment tools (e.g., Wechsler scales, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and other neuropsychological tests) illustrates her methodological rigor and dedication to evidence-based practices.
- Innovative Approaches: Rossana’s involvement in research utilizing immersive virtual reality (TIV) to support rehabilitation indicates her willingness to explore cutting-edge methodologies. This innovative approach could significantly enhance the recovery processes for patients with severe cognitive deficits.
- Commitment to Rehabilitation: Her ongoing volunteer work as a psychologist reflects a strong commitment to community service and improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. This altruistic aspect of her work highlights her passion for making a meaningful impact.
- Research Engagement: The integration of research activities in her practice, including the administration of personality tests and cognitive assessments, emphasizes her analytical skills and dedication to advancing the field of psychology.
Areas for Improvement
- Publication Record: While her practical experience is commendable, a stronger focus on publishing her research findings in reputable journals would enhance her profile. This would also contribute to the broader academic community and establish her as a thought leader in her field.
- Broader Impact: Although her work in specific institutions is valuable, expanding her research to include larger populations or collaborative studies with other institutions could amplify her impact and visibility in the field.
- Networking and Collaboration: Engaging more with professional organizations or attending conferences could provide her with opportunities to share her work, learn from peers, and foster collaborations that could enhance her research outcomes.
- Professional Development: Pursuing additional training in advanced research methodologies or statistics could strengthen her research design and data analysis skills, leading to more robust findings and insights.
Education
Rossana holds a degree in Psychology, which she has complemented with specialized training and internships in cognitive rehabilitation and the assessment of neurocognitive disorders.
Experience
Rossana has worked as a psychologist in a social cooperative, where she supported the integration of unaccompanied minors. Additionally, she completed a post-graduate internship at IRCCS OASI MARIA SS, focusing on intellectual disabilities and neurocognitive disorders. Her volunteer work at the same institution involved rigorous cognitive evaluations and the development of rehabilitation programs, integrating innovative approaches like virtual reality for cognitive recovery.
Research Focus
Her research interests include cognitive impairment in the elderly, the psychological factors influencing health behaviors, and innovative rehabilitation techniques, particularly using virtual reality to enhance cognitive recovery.
Awards and Honors
Rossana has been recognized for her contributions to psychology and community service, particularly in the fields of cognitive rehabilitation and support for vulnerable populations.
Publication Top Notes
Virtual Reality for the assessment and treatment of cognitive impairment in the elderly: A scoping review
Incidence and occurrence of academic burnout: The impact of personality, self-efficacy and self-esteem and post-pandemic effects
Why not get vaccinated? A study on psychological reasons
The apathy evaluation scale (Aes-c): Psychometric properties and invariance of Italian version in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rossana Smeriglio demonstrates considerable strengths that make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her diverse experience, innovative approaches to rehabilitation, and commitment to evidence-based practices in neurocognitive disorders reflect her dedication to the field of psychology. However, focusing on expanding her publication record and collaborative efforts would further enhance her profile as a leading researcher. Given her potential for growth and her existing contributions, she deserves recognition for her work and commitment to advancing psychological science.