Jekaterina Nikitina | Management and Innovations | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Jekaterina Nikitina | Management and Innovations | Women Researcher Award

Researcher, Riga Technical University, Latvia

Jekaterina Nikitina, a Latvian national, is an accomplished executive board member and co-founder at 2AM SIA, Riga, with a focus on strategic decision-making and advanced materials. With a background in engineering economics, she’s a research assistant at Riga Technical University (RTU), specializing in circular economy and sustainable solutions. She holds a Master’s in Management from the University of Latvia and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Management Science and Economics. Jekaterina’s diverse career spans hospitality management, international project coordination, and expertise in industrial sectors such as aerospace and additive manufacturing. Passionate about sustainability, she drives various research initiatives and is a guest lecturer, delivering expertise on circular economy and sustainability. With a proven track record of innovation, leadership, and high-level presentations at global conferences, Jekaterina is committed to advancing sustainable practices in industry and academia. 🚀🌍📚

Profile

Orcid

Education

Jekaterina Nikitina’s academic journey reflects her commitment to innovation and sustainability. She is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Riga Technical University (RTU), Faculty of Engineering Economics and Management, where her research centers on “The Economic Efficiency of Circular Recycling Materials in Latvia.” Her previous academic endeavors include a Master’s in Social Sciences in Management from the University of Latvia, specializing in International Economy and Business. During her studies, she participated in the Erasmus+ program at the University of Deusto, Spain, and University of Borås, Sweden. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Management from the University of Latvia, focusing on technological integration and systems. This educational foundation equips her with comprehensive knowledge to excel in circular economy research, project management, and the application of zero-waste technologies. 🌱🎓📈

Experience

Jekaterina Nikitina brings over a decade of professional experience in management, research, and international collaboration. As an Executive Board Member & Co-founder at 2AM SIA, she plays a key role in strategic decisions, managing aerospace and additive manufacturing projects. She has contributed to groundbreaking work in the aerospace sector, focusing on advanced materials. At Riga Technical University, Jekaterina works as a research assistant in the Institute of Biomedicine Engineering and Nanotechnologies, conducting scientific research, managing projects, and presenting at international conferences. She previously served as a manager at Globales America Hotel, overseeing operations with a team of 100+ employees. Jekaterina has also worked in diverse roles, including project assistant at the Institute of Electronics and Computer Science and tax transaction coordinator at Global Blue Slovakia. With her versatile experience, Jekaterina excels at managing complex projects and fostering cross-border collaborations. 💼🌍🔬

Research Focus

Jekaterina Nikitina’s research focuses on advancing sustainability, particularly through circular economy principles and zero-waste technologies. Her Ph.D. research delves into the economic efficiency of circular recycling materials in Latvia, aiming to assess the environmental and financial viability of implementing sustainable materials. As a research assistant at Riga Technical University, she explores innovative techniques in material processing, including magnetic pulse powder compaction and vibrational spectroscopy. Jekaterina has worked on numerous EU-funded scientific projects, including the development of protective materials and non-destructive inspection tools for 3D metal-printed products. Her research aligns with global trends in reducing waste, improving the life cycle of materials, and fostering sustainable practices in industries like aerospace, biomedicine, and construction. Through her work, she actively contributes to shaping the future of sustainable innovation in materials science and manufacturing. 🌿🔬🌍

Publication Top Notes

  • Magnetic Pulse Powder Compaction – Metals (MDPI) – Accepted, to be published soon.
  • Assessment of the Properties and Structure of Porous Titanium Samples via Magnetic Pressing – Modern Materials and Manufacturing (MMM2025) – Submitted.
  • Economic Efficiency and Benefits of Integrating Metal Materials in the Building Industry – Work in progress.
  • Processing of Latvian Peat and Waste Coffee as a Biocomposite Material for Oil Spill Collection – Agronomy Research, 22(1), 146–156. DOI: 10.15159/AR.24.040.
  • Sustainable Lifecycle of Perforated Metal Materials – Materials (MDPI), April 11. DOI: 10.3390/ma16083012.
  • Recycling of Aluminum-Based Composites Reinforced with Boron-Tungsten Fibres – Materials (MDPI), April 29. DOI: 10.3390/ma15093207.
  • Features of Magnetic-Pulse Pressing of Powders in an Electrically Conductive Sheath – 12th International Symposium on Powder Metallurgy.
  • High Porous Titanium Powder Elements for Vacuum Metallization – Journal of Physics: Conference Series.
  • Sintered Titanium Powder Aerators and Their Applications – Riga Technical University Conference.
  • Problem of Plagiarism in the Academic Area – 4th International Scientific and Practical Student Conference.
  • Investigation of a Shock Freezing Concept with Additional Electromagnetic Field Exposure – Indexed in Web of Science / SCOPUS.
  • Application of the Infiltration Method in the Manufacture of Complex-Shaped Products from Several Metal-Powder Elements – Belarus National Academy of Sciences.

 

 

Joao Proenca | Sustainability | Excellence in Research

Prof. Dr. Joao Proenca | Sustainability | Excellence in Research

Full Professor, University of Porto, Portugal.

João F. Proença, born in Coimbra, Portugal, on April 21, 1963, is a renowned Full Professor at the University of Porto’s School of Economics and Management. He is also the President of the Scientific Department of Business and Management at the University of Porto. Proença’s career spans academia and business leadership, with past roles including Rector of Universidade Europeia and Chief Academic Officer for Laureate International Universities in Portugal. He has held several leadership positions, such as Dean of the School of Economics and Management at the University of Porto. Proença has published over 150 research papers and has been a Visiting Researcher at prestigious institutions worldwide. In addition to his academic achievements, he has also led business operations as CEO and Chairman in various commercial and industrial firms, contributing to both the academic and business communities. He specializes in Marketing, Business Management, and Services Management.

Profile :

Orcid

Scopus

Google scholar

Education :

João F. Proença’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Business and Management Studies from Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Lisbon (1986). He then earned a Master’s in Marketing and Commercial Management from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain (1991), graduating second in his class. Proença further advanced his studies with a PhD in Business Studies from the University of Porto (1999), receiving unanimous approval for his dissertation. He later achieved the title of “Agregação” in Business Studies from the same institution in 2008, a required qualification for a full professor role in Portugal. His educational achievements have laid the foundation for his successful academic career and extensive research in business and management. Proença is committed to fostering excellence in education and research, mentoring students and scholars globally. His academic background plays a pivotal role in shaping his contributions to higher education, business practices, and management studies.

Experience :

João F. Proença boasts an extensive career in both academia and business leadership. As a Full Professor at the University of Porto’s School of Economics and Management, he has held key academic positions, including Director of multiple degree programs and Chairman of the Scientific Board. He was the Dean of the University of Porto’s School of Economics and Management (2010-2015), where he contributed to the institution’s high standing in international rankings. Proença also served as Rector of Universidade Europeia, overseeing multiple campuses, and as Chief Academic Officer for Laureate International Universities in Portugal. In addition to his academic career, Proença has significant business experience, having held executive roles such as CEO and Chairman at companies within the Probos Group, now part of H.B. Fuller. His leadership in business and education has shaped his approach to management and services studies, demonstrating a unique blend of academia and industry expertise.

Research Focus :

João F. Proença’s research primarily revolves around Marketing, Business Management, and Services Management. His work delves into the dynamics of service quality, consumer behavior, and sustainable business practices, with a focus on examining how companies can improve customer relations and operational efficiency. Proença is also interested in the intersection of sustainability and business, particularly in how businesses can integrate sustainable practices into their operations. His research explores innovative service strategies, value co-creation, and the role of business models in promoting long-term sustainability. Additionally, Proença has a particular focus on the influence of technology and digital transformation in services management. He has published numerous articles on service marketing, consumer behavior, and sustainability, contributing valuable insights to the academic community. Proença’s global collaborations and visiting researcher roles at various universities further enrich his research, creating a broader perspective on contemporary challenges in business and management.

Publications:

  1. Sustainable Campus Operations in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Literature Review 🌱🎓
  2. The Influence of Perceived Risk on Mobile Shopping Cart Abandonment 📱🛒
  3. How Farmers Present a Sustainable Product to Socially Responsible Consumers—An Approach to Local Organic Agriculture 🌾🌍
  4. The Influence of Service Quality on the Consulting Relationship 🤝💼
  5. The Influence of Sustainability on Psychological Ownership in Services Based on Temporary Access ♻️💡
  6. Determinants of the Purchase of Secondhand Products: An Approach by the Theory of Planned Behaviour 🔄🛍️
  7. Motivations for Peer-to-Peer Accommodation: Exploring Sustainable Choices in Collaborative Consumption 🏠🤝
  8. Sustainability in the Coffee Supply Chain and Purchasing Policies: A Case Study Research ☕🌍
  9. The Use of Positive and Negative Appeals in Social Advertising: A Content Analysis of Television Ads for Preventing HIV/AIDS 📺⚖️
  10. Tourism Co-Creation in Place Branding: The Role of Local Community 🏞️👥