Rowena Merkel | Mathematics | Young Scientist Award

Mrs. Rowena Merkel | Mathematics | Young Scientist Award

University of Education Freiburg | Germany

Rowena Merkel, M.Ed., is an emerging scholar and Ph.D. candidate at the Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, Germany, specializing in mathematics didactics and cognitive learning research. Her academic journey reflects strong interdisciplinary training, having earned a Master of Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Spanish from the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg. Currently pursuing her doctoral research in Psychology and Mathematics Didactics, Rowena focuses on understanding how digital modeling tools can foster effective cognitive learning processes in developing students’ conceptual understanding of fractions. She has served as an Academic Associate at the Pädagogische Hochschule Freiburg, where she contributed to advancing digital pedagogical innovations and teaching methodologies. Her research interests span mathematics education, cognitive engagement, digital learning environments, and instructional design in STEM education. Rowena’s recent publication, Learning Activities in a Dynamic Learning Environment to Foster a Basic Fraction Concept (International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 2025 cited by 7 articles*), exemplifies her contributions to developing research-based digital tools for mathematics instruction. Her academic achievements demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based education, blending theory and practice to enhance cognitive development through technology-enhanced learning. Through her innovative approach, Rowena Merkel aims to bridge psychology and pedagogy, making complex mathematical concepts accessible to diverse learners. Her work holds promise for shaping the future of mathematics education, positioning her as a dynamic and deserving nominee for the Young Scientist Award.

Profile: ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

Merkel, R., Leuders, T., Reinhold, F., & Loibl, K. (2025). Learning activities in a dynamic learning environment to foster a basic fraction concept. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-025-10602-6

Burak Oğul | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Burak Oğul | Mathematics | Best Researcher Award

Istanbul Aydin University | Turkey

Burak Oğul is an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Aydın University, specializing in applied mathematicsdifference equations, and dynamical systems. With a strong academic background, he has contributed extensively to research on rational and maximum difference equations, earning recognition in international journals.

Professional profile👤

Google Scholar

ORCID

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  1. Strong Research Output

    • Dr. Oğul has published 25+ articles in international refereed journals, including well-regarded journals like FilomatUkrainian Mathematical Journal, and Mathematical Problems in Engineering.

    • His research focuses on difference equations, dynamical systems, and rational recursive sequences, contributing significantly to mathematical analysis.

  2. Collaborative Research

    • He has worked with multiple researchers, including Dağıstan Şimşek, Fahreddin Abdullayev, and international collaborators, indicating strong teamwork and interdisciplinary engagement.

  3. Academic Leadership

    • Holds an Assistant Professor position at Istanbul Aydın University.

    • Served as Vice Dean and Head of Department, demonstrating administrative capability alongside research.

  4. Conference Participation

    • Presented at 16+ international conferences, including events like MADEA and ICFAS, enhancing visibility in the mathematical community.

  5. Editorial Contribution

    • Served as a Guest Editor for Universal Journal of Mathematics and Applications, showing recognition in the field.

Education 🎓

  • PhD (2019): Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Institute of Science, Mathematics.

    • Thesis: Solution of Rational and Maximum Difference Equations (Advisors: Dağıstan Şimşek & Fahreddin Abdullayev).

  • MSc (2015): Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Mathematics (Thesis: Study on Solutions of Difference Equations).

  • BSc (2013): Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University, Applied Mathematics and Informatics.

Experience 💼

  • Assistant Professor (2021–Present): Istanbul Aydın University, Faculty of Applied Sciences.

  • Vice Dean (2022–2024): Istanbul Aydın University, Faculty of Applied Sciences.

  • Research Assistant (2014–2020): Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.

Research Interests Mathematics 🔍

  • Rational difference equations

  • Dynamical systems

  • Nonlinear difference equations

  • Fixed-point theorems

Awards & Nominations 🏆

  • Active contributor to international conferences on mathematical sciences.

  • Recognized for research on high-order difference equations (e.g., FilomatUkrainian Mathematical Journal).

Publications 📚

1. Title: Solutions of the rational difference equations
Authors: D. Simsek, B. Ogul, F. Abdullayev
Year: 2017
Cited by: 22

2. Title: Solution of the Rational Difference Equation xn+1 = xn−17 / (1 + xn−5 · xn−11)
Authors: D. Simsek, B. Ogul, C. Çinar
Year: 2019
Cited by: 18

3. Title: Solutions Of The Rational Difference Equations
Authors: B. Oğul, D. Şimşek
Year: 2018
Cited by: 12

4. Title: Closed-form solution of a rational difference equation
Authors: T.F. Ibrahim, A.Q. Khan, B. Oğul, D. Şimşek
Year: 2021
Cited by: 9

5. Title: Solution of the Rational Difference Equation xn+1 = xn−13 / (1 + xn−1xn−3xn−5xn−7xn−9xn−11)
Authors: D. Simsek, B. Ogul, F. Abdullayev
Year: 2020
Cited by: 7

6. Title: Dynamical behavior of rational difference equation xn+1 = xn−17 ± 1 ± xn−2 xn−5 xn−8 xn−11 xn−14 xn−17
Authors: B. Oğul, D. Şimşek, H. Öğünmez, A.S. Kurbanlı
Year: 2021
Cited by: 5

7. Title: On the Recursive Sequence x(n+1) = x(n−14) / [1 + x(n−2)x(n−5)x(n−8)x(n−11)]
Authors: B. Oğul, D. Şimşek
Year: 2020
Cited by: 5

8. Title: An Introduction to Soft Cone Metric Spaces and Some Fixed Point Theorems
Authors: D. Şimşek et al.
Year: 2017
Cited by: 3

9. Title: Dynamical behavior of solution of fifteenth-order rational difference equation
Authors: D. Şimşek, B. Oğul, F. Abdullayev
Year: 2024
Cited by: 2

10. Title: Dynamical behavior of one rational fifth-order difference equation
Authors: B. Ogul, D. Simsek
Year: 2023
Cited by: 2

11. Title: On the Recursive Sequence
Authors: B. Ogul, D. Simsek, F. Abdullayev, A. Farajzadeh
Year: 2022
Cited by: 2

12. Title: Dynamical Behavior of Rational Difference Equation
Authors: B. Oğul, D. Şimşek, A.S. Kurbanlı, H. Öğünmez
Year: 2021
Cited by: 2

13. Title: Solution of the Maximum of Difference Equation xn+1 = max{Axn−1, ynxn}; yn+1 = max{Ayn−1, xnyn}
Authors: D. Simsek, B. Ogul, F. Abdullayev
Year: 2020
Cited by: 2

14. Title: Solutions Of The Rational Difference Equations X(n+1) = x(n(2k−1)) / (1 x(nk))
Authors: D. Şimşek, B. Oğul
Year: 2017
Cited by: 2

15. Title: The Solution and Dynamic Behaviour of Difference Equations of Twenty-First Order
Authors: B. Oğul, D. Şimşek, I.T.F. Abdelhamid
Year: 2023
Cited by: 1

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Oğul’s work bridges theoretical and applied mathematics, with a focus on difference equations and dynamical systems. His publications in reputed journals and leadership roles underscore his academic impact. Future research may explore interdisciplinary applications of his findings.