Sora Hans Pazer | Social Work | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Sora Hans Pazer | Social Work | Best Research Article Award

IU-Internationl University of Applied Science - Germany

Author's Profile

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Summary

Hans Sora Pazer is an engaged academic teacher, licensed social worker, and interdisciplinary researcher dedicated to advancing digital higher education, evidence-based social practice, and community development. With experience in social pedagogy, psychology, theology, and online education, he integrates academic insight with hands-on application. He is committed to nurturing personal growth, fostering critical thinking, and creating meaningful societal impact through teaching, coaching, and research.

Educational Details

Hans Sora Pazer is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Work and Education Sciences at the University of Giessen, focusing on labor conditions in social work. He previously completed a second doctoral program in Cultural and Humanities Studies at the University of Kassel, where he researched collaborative opportunities among social service institutions in community spaces. He holds a Master of Arts in Social Work from IU Internationale Hochschule, graduating among the top 5% of his class and earning recognition as part of the “IU-Elite.” His academic foundation also includes a state-accredited Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and a Bachelor of Theology in Pastoral Leadership from THS-Akademie, with specialization in leadership, mentoring, and crisis intervention. In addition, he completed a leadership certificate at LifeCenter in Spokane, Washington, focusing on youth and family ministry.

Professional Experience

Hans currently serves as a university lecturer at IU Internationale Hochschule in Mainz, teaching in social work and psychology programs. His responsibilities include the supervision of bachelor theses, the design and assessment of exams, and the development of digital learning modules. Since 2020, he has operated independently as a systemic-psychological consultant, offering coaching and counseling for individuals and groups facing personal and professional challenges. Between 2020 and 2023, he also served as a global online instructor with Udemy, creating courses in social work, psychology, and health that reached an international audience. In the social work sector, he has worked with organizations such as the Internationaler Bund (IB) in Simmern, supporting school-based social work and youth outreach, and held community leadership roles at Brothaus e.V., Christ-Kingdom-Church e.V., and The Message e.V., providing pastoral care, addiction support, and mentoring. His earlier academic role at THS-Akademie included administrative support, student advising, and participation in social-pedagogical initiatives.

Research Interests

Hans Pazer's research interests lie at the intersection of social work practice, education science, and institutional cooperation. His scholarly pursuits focus on improving working conditions in social services, enhancing digital education strategies, and understanding how interagency collaboration can enrich community-based support systems. He also investigates counseling methodologies, particularly systemic and strengths-based approaches, and has experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. His goal is to bridge academic research with practice by developing practical models for improving social care delivery and education.

Author Metrics

Hans maintains active academic profiles on platforms like ResearchGate and ORCID, where he shares his ongoing research contributions in the fields of social work and educational innovation. His ORCID iD is 0009-0000-8928-705X, and his ResearchGate profile reflects his involvement in academic writing, peer exchange, and methodology development. He is skilled in both qualitative analysis tools (MaxQDA, QDA Miner) and quantitative platforms (SPSS, QuestionPro), with experience supervising bachelor theses and publishing in applied academic contexts.

Awards and Honors

Hans Sora Pazer has been honored for his academic excellence and educational contributions. Notably, he was recognized among the top 5% of graduates at IU Internationale Hochschule, earning the “IU-Elite” distinction. He has been praised for his work in digital course design, mentoring, and innovative teaching formats, particularly in online and interdisciplinary contexts. His ongoing dedication to student success, academic service, and research-based practice continues to make a valuable impact in both academic and professional circles.

Conclusion

Dr. Hans Sora Pazer is highly suitable for the Best Research Article Award, particularly due to his interdisciplinary innovation, practical impact, and dedication to digital and applied education in social work. His commitment to translating theory into meaningful practice marks him as a valuable thought leader.

Michael LaFerney | Psychology | Innovative Research Award

Dr. Michael LaFerney | Psychology | Innovative Research Award

Healthdrive - United States

Author's Profile

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Summary

Dr. Michael C. LaFerney, RN, PMHCNS-BC, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized nurse specialist, educator, and mental health advocate based in Lakeville, Massachusetts, USA. With a distinguished career in psychiatric and geriatric nursing, he has made lasting contributions to clinical practice, public health policy, and nursing education. Dr. LaFerney is known for integrating holistic, nature-based, and psychological approaches into mental health care, emphasizing dignity, compassion, and person-centered treatment. He is a frequent speaker at national conferences and a prolific contributor to professional nursing and mental health publications.

Educational Background

Dr. LaFerney holds a Ph.D. in Nursing with specialization in psychiatric and mental health nursing. He is board-certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist (PMHCNS-BC) and has completed advanced certifications in long-term care, geriatric mental health, and palliative care. In addition to his nursing credentials, he has also undertaken studies in counseling psychology, grief therapy, and ecopsychology, contributing to his broad and integrative care perspective.

Professional Experience

Currently serving with HealthDrive in the United States, Dr. LaFerney has held diverse roles across the healthcare system, including psychiatric nurse, hospice consultant, mental health educator, and long-term care specialist. He has worked extensively with aging populations and individuals experiencing complex grief, chronic illness, and psychiatric crises. His professional voice is well represented through publications in RN Journal, Elite Learning, Nursing Centered, and MDedge Psychiatry, where he discusses issues ranging from SSRI management to ethical decision-making in psychiatric care. He is also engaged in mentoring young professionals and participating in national conversations around mental health systems improvement.

Research Interests

Dr. LaFerney’s research bridges psychiatry, nursing, psychology, and environmental health. His primary interests include psychiatric nursing, grief counseling, positive psychology in aging, and the use of ecopsychology to support mental well-being. He is especially passionate about improving psychiatric care in long-term facilities, exploring ethical pharmacology, and developing therapeutic frameworks rooted in nature, spirituality, and holistic values. His advocacy for patient dignity and mental wellness underscores all his research endeavors.

Author Metrics

With more than 40 authored pieces, Dr. LaFerney has a significant footprint in academic and professional nursing literature. He is a regular contributor to top healthcare education platforms such as Elite Learning, RN Journal, and Nursing Centered. His writings are widely read by practitioners, educators, and students alike, addressing real-time decision-making, psychiatric best practices, and grief support. His presence on Google Scholar showcases his continued impact in the fields of nursing and mental health.

Awards and Honors

Dr. LaFerney’s work has earned him several prestigious honors. He received the Teachers College Career Achievement Award from Ball State University and was recognized on Certified Nurses Day by the American Nurses Association. He was also honored as a World Dignity Project GYTI Champion for his contributions to compassionate mental health care. Other recognitions include the Leaders of Tomorrow title by iAdvance Senior Care, speaker honors at the RISE Health National Conference, and a featured role during Red Sox Nurse Night 2019. His achievements reflect a lifelong commitment to advancing ethical, innovative, and patient-centered mental health care.

Conclusion

Dr. Michael C. LaFerney is strongly recommended for the Research for Innovative Research Award. His contributions redefine traditional psychiatric care by introducing human-centered, ecological, and psychological frameworks that are both compassionate and transformative. With expanded focus on empirical validation and collaborative platforms, his work is poised to set new standards in mental health care—especially in aging and long-term care settings.