Dr. José Carlos López Figueroa | Digital Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Teacher, Sonora Institute of Technology, Mexico

Dr. José Carlos López Figueroa is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of management and organizational studies. Currently serving as a Professor and Coordinator of the Master’s Program in e-Business at the Sonora Institute of Technology, he has made significant contributions to digital leadership, governance, and institutional research. With a Ph.D. in Organizational Studies from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), he has been recognized with the prestigious third place in the National Award for Doctoral Theses. As an active researcher, he is a Level Candidate Member of the National System of Researchers (SNII-México) and has published extensively in high-quality indexed journals. His collaborations with national and international networks, including REMINEO and Huika Mexihco, further solidify his impact on the academic and business communities.

Publication Profile

🎓 Academic Background

Dr. López Figueroa earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Studies from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), demonstrating his strong foundation in research and management sciences. His doctoral work was highly acclaimed, securing third place in the National Award for Doctoral Theses. His research expertise spans across leadership, governance, institutions, and digital transformation in SMEs. He has authored numerous research articles and book chapters, contributing significantly to the understanding of managerial and organizational dynamics in various sectors.

💼 Professional Experience

With a profound academic career, Dr. López Figueroa has actively engaged in both teaching and research. As the coordinator of the Master’s Program in e-Business at the Sonora Institute of Technology, he has played a crucial role in shaping future professionals in digital business strategies. His expertise in managerial skills, entrepreneurship, public policy, and marketing strategies has been instrumental in guiding various research projects. He has successfully coordinated studies like “Managerial Management Practices as a Key Factor for the Development of Competitive Advantage in SMEs in Southern Sonora” and “Digital Leadership Skills in SMEs,” producing impactful research outputs, including indexed articles and theses. Additionally, he has contributed as a principal investigator and collaborator in 12 externally funded research projects.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. López Figueroa has been recognized for his scholarly excellence with multiple accolades. His Ph.D. dissertation received third place in the National Award for Doctoral Theses, showcasing the significance of his research. He is a Level Candidate Member of the National System of Researchers (SNII-México), reflecting his growing influence in academic research. Beyond awards, he holds key editorial positions, including serving as General Coordinator and Member of the Academic Committee for the National Congress on Organizational Studies. His contributions to the field have also been acknowledged through invitations as a volunteer reviewer for prestigious indexed journals.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. López Figueroa’s research interests center around leadership, governance, territory, and institutional studies, with a particular emphasis on digital transformation in SMEs. His work explores how managerial and organizational practices influence competitive advantage in businesses. Through his extensive involvement in research projects, he has analyzed key areas such as digital leadership, organizational culture, entrepreneurship, and institutional logics applied to various economic sectors. His research integrates methodologies like survey-based analysis, statistical modeling, and systematic reviews, ensuring a robust and data-driven approach. His findings have been widely disseminated through journal publications, book chapters, conferences, and podcasts, reinforcing his thought leadership in organizational studies.

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. José Carlos López Figueroa is a pioneering researcher and educator dedicated to advancing knowledge in digital leadership and organizational studies. His impactful research, collaborative projects, and commitment to student mentorship have positioned him as an influential figure in academia. His ability to bridge theoretical research with practical business applications has made significant contributions to SMEs and institutional governance. Through his collaborations with REMINEO, Huika Mexihco, and international institutions, he continues to shape the future of management and digital transformation. His scholarly excellence, extensive publications, and research-driven initiatives make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

📚 Top Publications

La organización digital: comprensión de un campo y tendencias de estudio (2024)

Territorio y organizaciones: un análisis bibliométrico en Web of Science (2024)

Digital Leadership Skills for SMEs in Northwest Mexico (2023)

Governance and Institutions in Organizational Studies (2023)

Managerial Management Practices and Competitive Advantage in SMEs (2022)

Dr. Shaghaf Kaukab | Technology | Young Scientist Award

scientist, ICAR-CIPHET, India

Shaghaf Kaukab is a dedicated Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology (ICAR-CIPHET), Ludhiana, specializing in Agricultural Structure and Process Engineering. With over 11 years of combined experience in scientific research and academic exploration within the food engineering and technology platform, Shaghaf has made significant contributions to the domain of extrusion processing, storage technology, drying techniques, and functional food product development. His work emphasizes the application of AI, machine learning, and deep learning techniques in agriculture, leading to innovative solutions that improve post-harvest management and food processing.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

Research Contributions: Shaghaf Kaukab has made significant contributions to agricultural structure and process engineering, particularly in post-harvest technology. Her work on projects such as IoT-based monitoring systems and AI-enabled robotic harvesters demonstrates her innovative approach and alignment with modern agricultural challenges.
Academic Excellence: With a Ph.D. in Post Harvest Technology and multiple prestigious academic awards, she has a strong academic background. Her high CGPA scores and ICAR merit medals underscore her academic diligence.
Interdisciplinary Expertise: Shaghaf has expertise in various domains, including AI, machine learning, image processing, and food process engineering, making her research impactful and versatile.
Publications and Impact: She has published extensively in refereed journals and contributed to book chapters, highlighting her active involvement in advancing her field of research. The inclusion of her work in high-impact journals reflects her research’s quality and relevance.
Leadership and Collaboration: Shaghaf has demonstrated leadership by managing several projects, mentoring students, and coordinating training programs. Her collaborative efforts with organizations like CDAC and international exposure (e.g., Purdue University) enhance her profile.

Areas for Improvement

Broader Outreach: While Shaghaf has conducted training and outreach activities, expanding these efforts to reach a more diverse audience, including more international platforms, could enhance her influence and recognition.
Grant Acquisition: Although involved in several projects, focusing on securing more independent research grants could further validate her capabilities and drive her research agenda.
Networking and Professional Development: Increased participation in international conferences, workshops, and collaborations outside of India could further her exposure and contribute to professional growth.

🎓 Education

Shaghaf Kaukab earned his Ph.D. in Post-Harvest Technology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, with a stellar CGPA of 9.1/10 in 2019. Prior to this, he completed his M.Tech. in Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology from IARI, New Delhi, with a CGPA of 8.97/10 in 2016. His academic journey has been marked by excellence, laying a strong foundation for his research and scientific endeavors.

💼 Experience

Currently, Shaghaf is a Scientist in Agricultural Structures & Process Engineering at ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana, where he has been instrumental in the development of technologies such as the stereo-depth based detection and localization module for apples. He has successfully led and contributed to several ongoing projects, including IoT-based modular systems for cold storage and AI-enabled robotic apple harvesters. His role extends to technical writing, project implementation, and collaboration with academic and industrial partners.

🔍 Research Focus

Shaghaf’s research interests lie in the application of new-age technologies like AI, machine learning, and deep learning in the post-harvest agriculture sector. He focuses on image processing techniques (such as Biospeckle, RGB, X-ray, Hyperspectral imaging) and the analysis of food properties (physical, thermal, mechanical, and micro-structural). His work in food process engineering aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of post-harvest processes.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Shaghaf Kaukab’s work has earned him recognition within the scientific community, including membership in prestigious organizations such as the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers (ISAE) and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). He serves as a regular reviewer for scientific journals and has been an external examiner for graduate students at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Bihar.

📚 Publication Top Notes

Shaghaf has published numerous articles in refereed journals and contributed to book chapters and training manuals. His notable works include:

Improving Real-time Apple Fruit Detection: Depth and Multi-modal Information Fusions with Non-targeted Background Removal – Published in Ecological Informatics.

Chickpea Temperature Profile Development and its Implication under Microwave Treatment – Published in Biological Forum – An International Journal.

Osmotic Dehydration of Aloe-vera Gel Discs – Published in Journal of AgriSearch.

Engineering Properties, Processing, and Value Addition of Tamarind: A Review – Published in IJBSM.

Study of Engineering Properties of Selected Vegetable Seeds – Published in Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences.

Conclusion

Shaghaf Kaukab is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her innovative research, interdisciplinary expertise, and significant contributions to agricultural engineering, particularly in post-harvest technology, make her a standout. While expanding her outreach and securing more independent funding could strengthen her profile further, her accomplishments thus far demonstrate her potential as a leader in her field.