Mickela Heilicher | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Mickela Heilicher | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

University of Wisconsin, Madison | United States

Ms. Mickela Heilicher is an emerging scholar and community-engaged researcher whose work integrates psychology, neuroscience, and social justice. She has dedicated her academic career to exploring the complex intersections of incarceration, trauma, and mental health. Through her research, she has not only contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of mental health challenges faced by incarcerated populations but has also emphasized the importance of participatory and humanizing approaches in scientific inquiry. Her scholarship reflects both innovation and compassion, seeking to bring evidence-based practices into contexts where they can generate meaningful social change.

Professional Profile

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Education

Ms. Mickela Heilicher began her academic journey with a foundation in psychology and neuroscience, where she developed a strong interest in understanding human behavior through both biological and social lenses. She continued her education at the graduate level, earning a Master’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in mental health and incarceration, and expanded her training through a graduate certificate in community-engaged scholarship. Currently, she is pursuing doctoral studies in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where her research focuses on mental health interventions in carceral environments. Throughout her education, she has been guided by leading mentors and has cultivated expertise in community-based and interdisciplinary research methods.

Experience

Ms. Mickela Heilicher’s professional journey reflects a blend of academic research, applied work, and collaborative engagement with communities. She has held roles as a research specialist and graduate researcher in laboratories studying trauma, neuroimaging, and mental health within incarcerated populations. Her contributions include designing and implementing clinical trials that explore the feasibility of trauma-focused therapy in prison settings, leading qualitative studies that center the voices of formerly incarcerated individuals, and developing peer-support programs for re-entry. She has also created research toolkits and reports that guide the integration of mental health services into correctional systems. In addition to research, Mickela Heilicher has taught and mentored undergraduate and graduate students, fostering the next generation of scholars in psychology and community-engaged work.

Research Interest

Her primary research interests lie at the intersection of incarceration, trauma, and community engagement. She is deeply invested in examining how trauma impacts mental health outcomes among justice-involved populations and how evidence-based interventions can be adapted to meet the needs of incarcerated individuals. A significant aspect of her work involves challenging the use of stigmatizing language in academic literature and replacing it with humanizing terms that respect the dignity of individuals impacted by incarceration. She is also committed to exploring participatory models of research that empower communities to shape the design and implementation of studies, thereby ensuring that research outcomes are relevant, accessible, and sustainable.

Awards

Ms. Mickela Heilicher’s dedication to research excellence and community engagement has been recognized through academic travel awards, scholarships, and multiple nominations for excellence in engaged scholarship. Her recognition stems not only from her strong publication record but also from her ability to bridge academic knowledge with real-world application. These awards reflect her growing reputation as a leader in psychology and forensic science research, and her ability to design impactful studies that contribute to both scientific progress and societal well-being.

Publications

Ms. Mickela Heilicher has co-authored numerous articles published in internationally recognized journals. Her work spans topics including stigma in the criminal legal system, neuroimaging of trauma and psychopathy, the reliability of fMRI research methods, and the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in prison populations. Her publications include:

Title: How reliable are amygdala findings in psychopathy? A systematic review of MRI studies
Journal: Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews
Published on: 2022
Citation: 55

Title: Functional imaging correlates of childhood trauma: A qualitative review of past research and emerging trends
Journal: Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior
Published on: 2021
Citation: 26

Title: The influence of FAAH genetic variation on physiological, cognitive, and neural signatures of fear acquisition and extinction learning in women with PTSD
Journal: NeuroImage: Clinical
Published on: 2022
Citation: 25

Title: Large-scale neural network computations and multivariate representations during approach-avoidance conflict decision-making
Journal: NeuroImage
Published on: 2022
Citation: 17

Title: Aerobic exercise after extinction learning reduces return of fear and enhances memory of items encoded during extinction learning
Journal: Mental Health and Physical Activity
Published on: 2023
Citation: 14

Title: Test-retest reliability of fMRI during an emotion processing task: investigating the impact of analytical approaches on ICC values
Journal: Frontiers in Neuroimaging
Published on: 2022
Citation: 11

Title: Decision-making for concurrent reward and threat is differentially modulated by trauma exposure and PTSD symptom severity
Journal: Behaviour Research and Therapy
Published on: 2023
Citation: 10

Conclusion

Ms. Mickela Heilicher exemplifies the qualities of a researcher who combines academic excellence with social responsibility. Her work has expanded scientific knowledge of trauma, incarceration, and mental health while simultaneously advocating for more inclusive and respectful approaches to research. By integrating lived experiences into study design, publishing impactful findings, and developing practical interventions for correctional settings, she demonstrates a rare ability to transform research into meaningful practice. Her nomination for the Best Researcher Award highlights her as a scholar whose contributions extend beyond academia, fostering both innovation and humanity in forensic and psychological sciences.

Joana Andrade | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joana Andrade | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Portucalense University | Portugal

Dr. Joana Andrade is an Assistant Professor at Portucalense University, Portugal, and a Visiting Assistant Professor at ISPA and Universidade Lusófona. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience in prison counseling, psychological assessment, and forensic mental health. Her career reflects a balance between academia and applied practice, combining teaching, research, and clinical work. With active participation in European-funded projects and international collaborations, she has become a recognized voice in forensic psychology and correctional interventions, contributing to evidence-based practices that advance both mental health care and justice systems.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Joana Andrade earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Minho, Portugal, where her doctoral research focused on the mental health and rehabilitation of prison populations. She pursued her academic training in forensic and applied psychology, equipping her with expertise in psychological assessment, intervention strategies, and risk management in justice-involved populations. Her education not only provided a strong theoretical foundation but also cultivated applied research skills that bridge clinical psychology with correctional rehabilitation.

Experience

Throughout her career, Dr. Joana Andrade has combined teaching, clinical practice, and applied research. As an Assistant Professor at Portucalense University and visiting faculty at ISPA and Universidade Lusófona, she mentors students and contributes to curriculum development in psychology and criminology. She has worked as a consultant and researcher on European Erasmus+ projects such as ActiveGames4Change, Blended Learning Environment for European Prisoners, and Coding-OUT, focusing on rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders. Additionally, she co-founded and practices at clinical psychology centers including ReConstruir, Normaliza Psicologia, and CPF, where she provides psychological services and training.

Research Interests

Dr. Joana Andrade’s research interests lie in forensic and applied psychology, with emphasis on mental health challenges among incarcerated and justice-involved populations. She investigates intervention effectiveness, trauma, antisocial behavior, suicide risk, and violence prediction in remand prisoners. She is also interested in restorative justice practices, offender rehabilitation, and psychosocial approaches to criminal behavior. Through systematic reviews, clinical trials, and applied studies, her work seeks to promote humane correctional practices, reduce recidivism, and improve mental health outcomes for offenders and victims alike.

Awards

Dr. Joana Andrade received an Honorable Mention in Academia OPP from the Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses in recognition of her academic excellence. Her impactful research has gained international attention, leading to multiple publications in leading indexed journals and active contributions to cross-national projects on correctional reform and offender rehabilitation. She is now nominated for the Best Researcher Award for her outstanding contributions to forensic psychology, applied prison research, and European innovation initiatives in offender reintegration.

Publications

Dr. Joana Andrade has authored influential publications in indexed journals, addressing forensic mental health, intervention effectiveness, and correctional psychology. Some of her notable works include:

Tittle : Adapt Life on Remand: A Pilot Randomized Trial With Individuals in Pretrial Detention
Journal: Journal of Clinical Psychology
Published on: 2025

Tittle : In or Out: Justice-Involved Women Characterization and Their Perceptions about Penal Sanctions
Journal: Women & Criminal Justice
Published on: 2025

Tittle : Pre-trial detention as a last resort measure?
Journal: European Journal of Criminology
Published on: 2025

Tittle : Inmates’ mental health and violent outcomes: An exploratory study
Journal: Psychology of Violence
Published on: 2025

Tittle : Effectiveness of Intervention Programs for Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence with Substance Abuse and/or Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review
Journal: Trauma, Violence, & Abuse
Published on: 2024

Tittle : Validity of the Violence Risk Scale (VRS) in a Portuguese sample of remand prisoners
Journal: Psychiatry, Psychology and Law
Published on: 2024

Tittle : Remand Prisoners’ Specific Needs: A Systematic Review
Journal: Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
Published on: 2023

Tittle : Suicide concerns among pretrial detainees: Validation of the SCOPE-2 (Portuguese version)
Journal: Journal of Forensic Practice
Published on: 2023

Conclusion

Dr. Joana Andrade has established herself as a distinguished researcher in forensic psychology, bridging academic research with applied practice in correctional and clinical contexts. Her innovative contributions to offender rehabilitation, mental health interventions, and risk assessment have advanced the scientific understanding of justice-involved populations in Portugal and beyond. With a strong publication record, international collaborations, and impactful Erasmus+ project leadership, she has significantly influenced both policy and practice in correctional systems. Her nomination for the Best Researcher Award reflects her commitment to excellence, societal impact, and the advancement of psychological science in justice settings.

Laura Dominique | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Laura Dominique | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Northumbria University | United Kingdom

Dr. Laura Dominique is an internationally recognised forensic psychologist, academic, and inventor whose career has been dedicated to improving communication and justice outcomes for vulnerable individuals within the criminal justice system. Dr. Laura Dominique is the inventor and Principal Investigator of the Forensic Interview Trace, an innovative research-led tool designed to enhance the effectiveness and fairness of investigative interviewing. Alongside her academic achievements, Dr. Laura Dominique has worked extensively as a Registered Intermediary accredited by the Ministry of Justice, directly supporting vulnerable victims, witnesses, and suspects who present with mental health conditions, learning disabilities, or autism. Her leadership, both in academia and practice, has placed her at the forefront of forensic psychology, making her an influential figure in research, teaching, and applied practice.

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Education

Dr. Laura Dominique pursued advanced studies in psychology and health, establishing a strong foundation for her pioneering work. Dr. Laura Dominique completed her doctorate in psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, where her thesis focused on developing a more practice-oriented framework for investigative interviewing in relation to mental disorder. She holds a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Psychology, complemented by a Diploma in Health and Social Care, reflecting her interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Laura Dominique has also been awarded Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, acknowledging her academic contribution to teaching and research excellence. This combination of qualifications demonstrates her continuous commitment to both academic scholarship and practical application.

Experience

With an extensive and diverse professional background, Dr. Laura Dominique has held several prominent academic positions including Assistant Professor at Northumbria University, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Forensic Psychology at the University of Sunderland, and Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University. In these roles, Dr. Laura Dominique has taught and supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students, developed innovative curricula, and contributed to research-led teaching. Beyond academia, Dr. Laura Dominique is the Founder and Director of her own specialist company focusing on communication within vulnerability, working closely with criminal justice professionals to implement best practice in cases involving individuals with mental health disorders and learning disabilities. Dr. Laura Dominique has acted as consultant and trainer to national and international bodies, including the International Criminal Court, judicial colleges, and multiple police forces, delivering expertise on interviewing vulnerable suspects, witnesses, and victims. Her breadth of experience reflects both leadership and commitment to bridging the gap between research, practice, and policy.

Research Interests

Dr. Laura Dominique’s research interests lie at the intersection of forensic psychology, criminal justice, and communication. Dr. Laura Dominique’s work is primarily concerned with how vulnerable individuals are supported during investigative processes and how police officers and legal practitioners approach cases involving mental disorder, learning difficulties, and other communication challenges. She has conducted in-depth studies on investigative interviewing techniques, false confessions, miscarriages of justice, and the role of the Appropriate Adult in safeguarding suspects. Dr. Laura Dominique also explores broader themes including forensic linguistics, interview decision-making, the effectiveness of special measures in court, and the protection of witnesses with communication needs. Her research is both theoretical and applied, providing not only scholarly contributions but also practical recommendations that shape policy and training for justice professionals.

Awards

Throughout her career, Dr. Laura Dominique has successfully secured prestigious research funding and innovation awards that highlight the impact and relevance of her work. Dr. Laura Dominique has been recognised through enterprise fellowships and commercialisation support awards to further develop and evaluate the Forensic Interview Trace, demonstrating her ability to translate research into market-ready solutions. She has also received major research grants from national defence and security bodies, enabling her to test and validate forensic communication tools in high-stakes environments. In addition, Dr. Laura Dominique has led and collaborated on several externally funded projects with colleagues in criminology, law, and psychology, addressing issues ranging from police training and suspect interrogation to support for vulnerable witnesses. These achievements underscore her reputation as an innovative and impactful researcher with a strong record of applied grant success.

Publications

Dr. Laura Dominique has published extensively in leading journals and books on forensic psychology and criminal justice. Selected works include:

Title: Forensic interviewing of vulnerable interviewees in England and Wales: A Study Space Analysis
Journal: Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
Published on: 2025

Title: Community and police officer attitudes towards offenders with mental health conditions
Journal: Current Issues in Criminal Justice
Published on: 2024

Title: Exploring vulnerability in the criminal justice system in England and Wales
Journal: Routledge
Published on: 2024

Title: Evaluation of Forensic Interviews and Interrogations: A Thematic Analysis of Law-Enforcement Views
Journal: Journal of Criminal Psychology
Published on: 2024

Title: Politeness, face, and rapport-building in remote and face-to-face investigative interviews with witnesses
Journal: International Journal of Speech, Language and the Law
Published on: 2024

Title: The Appropriate Adult: Their perspective working in the Criminal Justice System
Journal: Criminology and Criminal Justice
Published on: 2023

Title: Achieving best evidence from victims and witnesses
Journal: Interviewing and interrogation
Published on: 2023

Title: Evaluating process
Journal: Police Professional
Published on: 2022

Conclusion

Dr. Laura Dominique represents the highest standard of excellence in research, innovation, and professional practice. Dr. Laura Dominique has combined academic rigour with a strong commitment to practical application, developing tools, training, and frameworks that improve justice processes for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Her invention of the Forensic Interview Trace and her extensive record of publications have had significant national and international impact. Dr. Laura Dominique has demonstrated leadership in teaching, consultancy, and applied research, positioning herself as a global authority in forensic psychology and communication within vulnerability. For these reasons, Dr. Laura Dominique is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, embodying the values of innovation, integrity, and societal impact.