Matthew Oware | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 22/09/202522/09/2025 by Phenomenological Research Awards

Dr. Matthew Oware | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Full Professor at University of Richmond | United States

Dr. Matthew Oware is a distinguished Full Professor of Sociology at the University of Richmond, recognized for his influential contributions to the social sciences, particularly in the areas of race, gender, popular culture, and the sociology of the Black family. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Indiana University, Bloomington, and has since developed a strong academic profile marked by publications, public engagement, and teaching excellence. His professional experience spans years of research and teaching, with a focus on examining how hip hop and rap music function as cultural spaces for exploring racial identity, masculinity, and multiracial experiences. He has authored the widely cited monograph I Got Something to Say: Gender, Race, and Social Consciousness in Rap Music and has published in reputed journals such as the Journal of Black Studies, Journal of African American Studies, Poetics, Sociology of Race and Ethnicity, and Children and Youth Services Review. His research interests include race, popular culture, gender, masculinities, multiracial identity, and the Black family, with particular attention to how these themes manifest in cultural production and social consciousness. He is skilled in qualitative analysis, critical theory, and cultural sociology, applying these approaches to generate impactful insights that bridge academic and public discourse. In addition to scholarly journals, his work has reached broader audiences through contributions to outlets like Newsweek, CNN, and The Conversation. Dr. Matthew Oware’s academic impact is reflected in his research metrics, with 2 citations by 2 documents, 4 documents published, and an h-index of 1, demonstrating an emerging but meaningful presence in sociological research. His professional service includes active membership in the American Sociological Association, and he is widely recognized for mentoring students and contributing to public dialogue on race and culture. Overall, Dr. Matthew Oware’s career reflects deep scholarly commitment, public engagement, and leadership potential, making him a deserving figure whose future research promises to expand the global impact of social sciences.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications:

Oware, M. (2018). I got something to say: Gender, race, and social consciousness in rap music. Palgrave Macmillan.

Oware, M. (n.d.). Race and space in rap: Conceptions of (multi)racial identity and urban life in rap music. Journal of Arts and Urban Development.

Oware, M. (n.d.). Rap music and the construction of Black masculinities. Journal of Black Studies.

Oware, M. (n.d.). Multiracial identity in hip hop culture: Performing difference and belonging. Sociology of Race and Ethnicity.

Oware, M. (n.d.). Youth, race, and resistance in hip hop narratives. Children and Youth Services Review.

Alude Mahali | Social Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Posted on 23/06/202523/06/2025 by Phenomenological Research Awards

Dr. Alude Mahali | Social Sciences | Women Researcher Award

Research Director at Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa.

Dr. Alude Mahali 🇿🇦 is a leading South African social scientist and arts practitioner whose work bridges research, education, and the creative arts. 🎭📚 She currently serves as the Research Director at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in Durban, South Africa 🌍, focusing on equitable education and inclusive economic development. With over a decade of academic and leadership experience, she has led and collaborated on national and international projects centered around youth, mental health, education, and civic participation. ✊👩‍🎓 An acclaimed speaker, editor, and filmmaker 🎥, she is committed to amplifying marginalised voices and promoting intersectional justice. A passionate educator and mentor 👩‍🏫, Dr. Mahali also holds honorary teaching roles and is widely published in top-tier journals. Her diverse, grounded, and transformative research has had a profound impact in both academic and community contexts. 🌱✨

Professional Profile:

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Suitability For Best Researcher Award – Dr. Alude Mahali:

Dr. Alude Mahali is an outstanding candidate for the Women Researcher Award, exemplifying excellence across academia, social research, and arts-based public scholarship. Her career spans high-impact leadership roles, notably as Research Director at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and her commitment to inclusive, community-driven research sets her apart. She integrates intersectional feminist perspectives, creative methodologies, and policy-engaged research to champion social justice, especially for youth and marginalized communities in South Africa and beyond.

🎓 Education

Dr. Alude Mahali began her academic journey at Rhodes University 🇿🇦, where she earned her BA (Hons) between 2004–2007 🎓. She proceeded to the University of Cape Town, completing a Master’s in 2009 and her PhD in 2014 🧠📘. During her doctoral studies, she also gained international exposure as a Reese Miller International Scholar at the University of Michigan, USA 🇺🇸. Dr. Mahali has continuously expanded her knowledge, including completing the prestigious HarvardX online course on leadership in 2020 🌐👩‍💼. Her education reflects a deep commitment to critical thinking, cultural studies, and leadership in higher education. 🎓✍️🌍

💼 Professional Development

Dr. Mahali’s professional journey is marked by growth, impact, and dedication 🌟. She began her academic career as a lecturer at Edna Manley College in Jamaica 🇯🇲 before returning to South Africa to join the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), where she has progressed from Research Specialist (2015) to Chief Research Specialist (2020) and now Research Director (2025–present) 🏢📈. She has also served as an honorary lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and taken leadership roles in conferences, symposia, and research networks 🌐. Her diverse professional development includes editorial roles, board memberships (e.g., Wellcome Trust, Uyinene Foundation), and teaching across institutions, further cementing her as a thought leader in youth development and intersectional justice 📚👥. Her cross-disciplinary experience and global engagement demonstrate her commitment to social impact, inclusive policy, and innovative pedagogy 💡🌍.

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Mahali’s research sits at the intersection of youth social justice, education, mental health, gender equity, and civic participation ✊👩🏽‍🎓🧠. Her work primarily explores intersectional youth issues in post-apartheid South Africa, including language rights, climate justice, and migration 🌿🗳️🌍. Through participatory and narrative-driven methodologies, she examines how structural inequalities affect the lives of young people, particularly Black womxn in educational and leadership spaces 🖤♀️. She leads research projects on first-time voting youth, COVID-19’s impact on mental health, and the long-term impact of education on African alumni 📊. Her interdisciplinary lens, drawing from sociology, performance theory, and critical race studies, positions her as a pioneering voice in youth-focused, socially engaged scholarship 👩🏽‍🏫📝. Her work is consistently anchored in community transformation and systemic redress 🧩⚖️.

🛠️ Research Skills

Dr. Mahali is a highly skilled qualitative researcher known for using participatory, visual, and creative methodologies 🎥🖌️📋. Her methodological expertise includes performance ethnography, social network interviewing (SNI), and intersectional feminist research tools, allowing her to center marginalized experiences in powerful and authentic ways 🗣️📸. She excels at designing and leading large-scale, multi-year projects involving youth cohorts, policy evaluation, and longitudinal studies 🧠📈. Her skills extend to research supervision, curriculum development, documentary filmmaking, and journal peer reviewing, demonstrating her versatility across both academic and public scholarship 📽️📘. A strong communicator and collaborative leader, she consistently bridges the gap between academia and community-based action 🤝📚. Her ability to fuse theory, practice, and advocacy positions her as a researcher committed to impact, transformation, and excellence 🌱🔬💬.

🏅 Awards and Honours

Dr. Alude Mahali has received numerous accolades in recognition of her academic excellence and social impact 🏆📚. These include prestigious fellowships such as the Reese Miller International Scholar Award at the University of Michigan 🇺🇸, the Harry Crossley Fellowship, and the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Scholarship 🎓. She was a finalist for the HSRC-USAf CEOs Award in 2023 and has been the recipient of the University of Cape Town’s Research Associateship Award 🎖️. Her academic journey has also been supported by the Andrew Mellon Scholarship, National Arts Council Bursary, and Rosalind van der Gucht Scholarship 🎼📖. Through these honours, Dr. Mahali has consistently demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a profound commitment to transformative research and education 🌟🧑‍🏫.

Publication Top Notes

1. Disentangled, Decentred and Democratised: Youth Studies for the Global South

Authors: A. Cooper, S. Swartz, A. Mahali
Journal: Journal of Youth Studies, Vol. 22(1), pp. 29–45
Citations: 102
Year: 2019
Summary: This paper critiques dominant Western perspectives in youth studies, advocating for approaches rooted in the experiences of young people in the global South. It calls for youth studies that are disentangled from colonial knowledge systems, decentered from the global North, and democratized through inclusive and participatory methods.

2. Studying While Black: Race, Education and Emancipation in South African Universities

Authors: S. Swartz, A. Mahali, R. Moletsane, E. Arogundade, N.E. Khalema, A. Cooper, et al.
Publisher: HSRC Press
Citations: 84
Year: 2018
Summary: A comprehensive exploration of the lived experiences of Black students in South African higher education institutions. The book highlights structural racism, student resistance, and aspirations for educational transformation and social justice.

3. Networks of Well-being in the Global South: A Critical Review of Current Scholarship

Authors: A. Mahali, I. Lynch, A.W. Fadiji, T. Tolla, S. Khumalo, S. Naicker
Journal: Journal of Developing Societies, Vol. 34(4), pp. 373–400
Citations: 67
Year: 2018
Summary: The article reviews literature on well-being in the global South, emphasizing the need to move beyond individualistic and Western-centric models. It advocates for contextualized, networked understandings of well-being.

4. ‘Without Community, There is No Liberation’: On #BlackGirlMagic and the Rise of Black Woman-Centred Collectives in South Africa

Author: A. Mahali
Journal: Agenda, Vol. 31(1), pp. 28–41
Citations: 15
Year: 2017
Summary: This paper explores how Black South African women are using digital platforms and grassroots organizing to form supportive collectives. It analyzes the #BlackGirlMagic movement in local contexts as a form of resistance and identity formation.

5. “The Power of the Poem”: Using Poetic Inquiry to Explore Trans-Identities in Namibia

Authors: H. Van Rooyen, Z. Essack, A. Mahali, C. Groenewald, A. Solomons
Journal: Arts & Health, Vol. 13(3), pp. 315–328
Citations: 14
Year: 2021
Summary: This paper employs poetic inquiry to explore the lived experiences of transgender individuals in Namibia. It highlights the therapeutic and narrative potential of poetry in marginalized communities.

6. Using Qualitative Tools as Interventionist Research Strategies for Emancipation

Authors: A. Mahali, S. Swartz
Journal: International Journal of Qualitative Methods, Vol. 17(1), Article: 1609406918799573
Citations: 11
Year: 2018
Summary: The paper argues for the use of qualitative research not just as a method of understanding but also as a tool for social intervention, particularly in empowering disadvantaged groups.

7. Maid to Serve: ‘Self-Fashioning’ and the Domestic Worker Trope in Contemporary South Africa

Author: A. Mahali
Journal: Journal of African Media Studies, Vol. 8(2), pp. 127–143
Citations: 9
Year: 2016
Summary: This article critiques how domestic workers are portrayed in South African media and literature. It examines how these portrayals shape public perceptions and the identities of the women themselves.

Conclusion:

Dr. Alude Mahali embodies the core ideals of the Women Researcher Award: innovation, leadership, inclusion, and societal relevance. Her integrative research approach, dedication to youth empowerment, and advocacy for intersectional justice have significantly enriched both academic scholarship and grassroots transformation. She stands as a model of visionary and inclusive research leadership, making her exceptionally well-suited for this honor.

Mohamed Hossam Ismail | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 28/09/202428/09/2024 by Phenomenological Research Awards

Mohamed Hossam Ismail | Social Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Cairo University, Egypt.

Mohamed Hossam Ismail is a distinguished full professor with over 20 years of academic experience in media studies, specializing in journalism, communication, and media ethics. He holds a senior position at Cairo University’s Faculty of Mass Communication and has also contributed extensively as a freelancer, academic referee, and program coordinator. Ismail’s career spans multiple Arab universities, where he has taught undergraduate and postgraduate students while supervising M.A. and Ph.D. theses. His research focuses on traditional and digital media, media ethics, and cultural studies, combining scholarly work with practical training and curriculum development. In addition to teaching, he actively organizes international conferences, seminars, and workshops that address key issues in media and communication. Ismail’s contributions to both academia and the professional media landscape make him a respected figure in his field. His ongoing involvement in media research, student mentorship, and interdisciplinary education reflects his commitment to advancing mass communication studies.

📚 Profile

Google Scholar

ORCID

🎓 Education

Mohamed Hossam Ismail holds a robust academic background in mass communication. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Mass Communication from Cairo University, one of the top institutions in Egypt. His education laid a strong foundation in journalism, media ethics, communication theories, and international media. Throughout his academic journey, Ismail honed his expertise in both traditional and emerging media fields, focusing on how media shapes public perception and culture. He further expanded his academic credentials by participating in postdoctoral research and professional development programs, staying current with global trends in mass communication. This diverse academic training enables him to contribute to mass communication education in both teaching and research. His in-depth understanding of media and communication theories, combined with his practical knowledge of journalism, continues to guide his career as a professor and researcher.

💼 Experience

With more than two decades of experience, Mohamed Hossam Ismail has served in various academic and professional roles. He has been a full-time professor at Cairo University’s Faculty of Mass Communication since 2017 and has held similar positions at the Ministry of Higher Education in Oman and Ajman University in the UAE. His roles have included teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in media and journalism, supervising graduate students, and coordinating academic programs. Beyond teaching, Ismail has worked as a deputy dean and media consultant, enhancing his leadership skills within academic institutions. His professional experience also extends to editing and managing media content for Egyptian and regional publications. As a freelancer, Ismail contributed to political reporting and media analysis in the Arab world. His varied roles reflect a combination of academic rigor and practical application, making him a key figure in both scholarly and media circles.

🔬 Research Interests

Mohamed Hossam Ismail’s research interests revolve around media ethics, journalism, and cultural studies, with a focus on the intersection between traditional and digital media. He is particularly interested in how media representation shapes public perception, cultural identity, and societal values. His work often explores the impact of media in the Arab world, examining both local and global influences on journalism and communication practices. Ismail is also engaged in the study of media theories and their application in understanding emerging trends such as digital journalism, social media, and media globalization. His interest in media ethics adds a critical dimension to his research, as he seeks to address issues like misinformation, media bias, and the ethical responsibilities of journalists. By combining theoretical frameworks with practical insights, Ismail’s research contributes to a broader understanding of the role of media in contemporary society.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Mohamed Hossam Ismail has received several awards and honors recognizing his contributions to media studies and academic excellence. His achievements include distinctions for his teaching at Cairo University and international recognition for his research on media ethics and cultural studies. He has been acknowledged for his efforts in shaping the curriculum for media and journalism programs, as well as for his role in organizing international conferences and symposia. Ismail’s work as a researcher and academic has earned him accolades from both local and regional organizations, highlighting his impact on media education in the Arab world. He has also received recognition for his leadership in coordinating training programs and workshops that promote higher education opportunities for disadvantaged students. These honors underscore his dedication to advancing media studies and fostering the next generation of journalists and media professionals.

🔚 Conclusion

Mohamed Hossam-Eddin Ismail possesses significant strengths as a seasoned academic with rich experience in media studies, research, and teaching. His record of publications, supervision of theses, and leadership in academic programs positions him as a strong contender for the “Best Researcher Award.” However, further global recognition and interdisciplinary innovation could bolster his chances in a highly competitive field.

Publications Top Notes 📚

The Representations of Journalists in Naguib Mahfouz’s Novellas: How are they reflected in today’s journalism in Egypt?
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2023
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2023). The Representations of Journalists in Naguib Mahfouz’s Novellas: How are they reflected in today’s journalism in Egypt?. Journal of Arab and Muslim Media Research, 16(2), https://doi.org/10.1386/jammr.

Experiences of Listening to the Qur’an in Egypt: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study of Therapeutic and Recreational Listening
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2023
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2023). Experiences of Listening to the Qur’an in Egypt: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study of Therapeutic and Recreational Listening. Contemporary Islam. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11562-023-00513-0

The Image of Journalists in Naguib Mahfouz’s Literary Works
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2021
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2021). The Image of Journalists in Naguib Mahfouz’s Literary Works. Cairo: Al-Arabi for Publishing. (Arabic).

Postmodern Analysis of New Preachers of Islam in Egypt: A Cultural Study of Mustafa Hosni’s Digital Media Platforms
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2020
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2020). Postmodern Analysis of New Preachers of Islam in Egypt: A Cultural Study of Mustafa Hosni’s Digital Media Platforms. Media Watch, 11(1), 145-163. https://doi.org/10.15655/mw/2020/v11i1/49759

The Russian Media from Gorbachev to Putin
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2017
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2017). The Russian Media from Gorbachev to Putin. Cairo: Russian News Publishing House. (Arabic).

Media Stardom in Egypt
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2016
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2016). Media Stardom in Egypt. Cairo: Kutob-Khana Publishing House.

Representations of the Muslim World in Russian Political Cartoons: A Semiotic and Cultural Study from 2011 till 2015
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2015
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2015). Representations of the Muslim World in Russian Political Cartoons: A Semiotic and Cultural Study from 2011 till 2015. Public Opinion, 14(3), July-September.

Russian Media Studies Published in English from 1991 till 2014: A Secondary Analysis
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2015
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2015). Russian Media Studies Published in English from 1991 till 2014: A Secondary Analysis. The Egyptian Journal of Media Research, 53(1), October-December. (Arabic).

New Trends in International Communication and Cultural Studies
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2015
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2015). New Trends in International Communication and Cultural Studies. Journalism Research, 1(2), January-March.

Glocalization of Arab Media: An Analytical Study of Arabic News Websites of Four International News Agencies
Author: Mohamed Hossam Ismail
Year: 2013
Citation: Ismail, M.H. (2013). Glocalization of Arab Media: An Analytical Study of Arabic News Websites of Four International News Agencies. Public Opinion, 12(3), July-September. (Arabic).

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