Ana Maria Abreu Velez | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ana Maria Abreu Velez | Medicine and Health Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Georgia Dermatopathology Associates | United States

Dr. Ana María Abreu Vélez, M.D., Ph.D., DSc, is a globally recognized dermatologist, immunohematologist, and biomedical researcher renowned for her leadership in autoimmune orphan diseases and multidisciplinary clinical research. With an impactful scholarly record including 72peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 14, 659 citations. she has advanced scientific understanding across dermatology, immunology, toxicology, and tropical medicine. Her academic path includes a medical degree, a Doctorate in Science, and multiple postdoctoral fellowships spanning immunohematology, dermatopathology, and translational research. She has served in senior scientific and operational leadership roles, driving innovation, improving surveillance systems, and modernizing data-driven healthcare programs in national and international settings. Her research focuses on autoimmune blistering diseases, environmental toxicants, clinical trials, infectious diseases, and precision diagnostics. Her career includes leading major healthcare programs, enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, mentoring multidisciplinary teams, and developing novel scientific frameworks. Widely respected for her analytical rigor and scientific contributions, Dr. Abreu continues to advance global health through research excellence, strategic leadership, and impactful biomedical innovation.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Abreu Velez, A. M., Ramirez-Posada, M., & Howard, M. S. (2025). Post translational modifications and protein-protein interactome of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia: A new variant analysis. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 15(3).

Abreu-Velez, A. M., Ramos Muñoz, W., & Howard, M. (2025). Is Tunisian endemic pemphigus foliaceus a real entity or should these cases be reclassified with other autoimmune blistering diseases? Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 15(2).

Abreu Velez, A. M., Hashimoto, T., Upegui, Y. A., Vélez Arango, J. M., Olarte Aponte, A. M., Vega, J. A., & Howard, M. S. (2025). The pericardium cells junctions are a target for autoantibodies of patients affected by a variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre and surrounding municipalities in Colombia, South America. Diagnostics, 15(8).

Abreu Velez, A. M., Hashimoto, T., Vélez Arango, J. M., Upegui‐Zapata, Y. A., Upegui‐Quiceño, E., Olarte Aponte, A. M., & Howard, M. S. (2025). New complex cell junctions in and around the intervertebral discs discovered using autoantibodies from patients affected by endemic pemphigus foliaceus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America. International Journal of Dermatology, 64(3).

Abreu Velez, A. M., Ramírez‐Posada, M., & Howard, M. S. (2024). Immunofluorescence findings in a reactivating lichenoid photoallergic chronic dermatitis (actinic reticuloid). Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 40(5).

Ajung Heo | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Ajung Heo | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Sogang University | South Korea

Ajung Heo is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate at Sogang University Business School, focusing on international business and cross-cultural management. She holds an M.A. in Business Administration from Pusan National University and a B.A. in Management from the City University of New York. Her research explores how digital strategies, innovation appropriability, and organizational behavior influence the competitiveness and international expansion of multinational enterprises. Ajung Heo’s publications, including “Search better, export stronger: the role of appropriability and digital strategy in South Korea,” highlight her contributions to understanding global business dynamics. She has also engaged in collaborative projects that integrate theory with practice, fostering innovation and managerial relevance. Her academic excellence and commitment to global research advancement have earned her recognition as a promising scholar in international business studies. Through her work, she continues to bridge research and real-world application, contributing valuable insights to global enterprise development and sustainable business practices.

Profile : Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Heo, A.-j., & Yoo, C.-y. (2024). The impact of entrepreneurial orientation on export performance: The moderating effects of exploratory and exploitative activities. Journal of Trade Studies, 49(4), 295–319.

Heo, A.-j., Yoo, D.-b., & Ham, S.-h. (2025). The impact of talent-preferential policies on organizational commitment: The moderated mediating effects of job satisfaction and rational organizational culture. Journal of Management Research, 40(1), 103–122.

Heo, A.-j., Yoo, C.-y., & Lee, K.-p. (2025). A study on dual organizational identity among local employees of multinational corporation subsidiaries in Korea. Journal of Management Studies, 54(1), 55–80.

Yoo, C.-y., Park, Y.-s., & Heo, A.-j. (2024). Organizational staffing policy and organizational identification of host country nationals working at MNC subsidiary in Korea. Journal of International Trade and Commerce, 17–32.

Heo, A.-j., Lee, K.-p., & Yoo, C.-y. (2024). An exploratory study on the dual organizational identity of local employees of multinational corporation subsidiaries. Proceedings of the Korean Management Association Convergence Conference, 384–410.