Theano Kokkinaki | Psychology | Women Researcher Award

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Prof. Theano Kokkinaki | Psychology | Women Researcher Award

University of Crete | Greece

Professor Theano Kokkinaki is a distinguished developmental psychologist whose pioneering research focuses on mother–infant and father–infant interaction, intersubjectivity, emotion, and imitation in early development. Her work integrates micro-analysis of spontaneous interactions, cross-cultural studies, and neuroscientific approaches to understanding emotional coordination and social communication in infancy. She has authored and co-authored numerous influential publications in high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Psychology, European Journal of Developmental Psychology, Infant and Child Development, and Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology. Her seminal studies on infant imitation, emotional coordination, and vocal communication are widely cited internationally, reflecting her major contribution to developmental and intersubjective psychology. Professor Kokkinaki leads and participates in multiple national and international research projects funded by the European Union (Horizon Europe, Next Generation EU) and the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation, focusing on topics such as premature infant development, autonomic nervous system maturation, and psychosocial factors in early growth. Her research impact is recognized through extensive citations, invitations as a guest editor and reviewer for leading psychology and pediatric journals, and awards from organizations including the Society of Cretan Scientists and the Lego Foundation. As a guest associate editor for Frontiers in Psychology and editorial board member for over ten international journals, she contributes to the global advancement of developmental and behavioral science. Her innovative findings on early emotional communication and intersubjectivity continue to shape research, theory, and practice in developmental psychology worldwide. According to her Google Scholar profile, Professor Kokkinaki has published extensively, with 1,266 total citations, an h-index of 16, and an i10-index of 23, underscoring her significant scholarly influence and lasting contribution to the field.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  • Trevarthen, C., Kokkinaki, T., & Fiamenghi, G. A. Jr. (1999). What infants’ imitations communicate: With mothers, with fathers and with peers. Cambridge University Press.

  • Kokkinaki, T., & Kugiumutzakis, G. (2000). Basic aspects of vocal imitation in infant-parent interaction during the first 6 months. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 18(3), 173–187.

  • Kugiumutzakis, G., Kokkinaki, T., Makrodimitraki, M., & Vitalaki, E. (2005). Emotions in early mimesis. In Emotional Development (pp. 161–182).

  • Keller, H., Papaligoura, Z., Künsemueller, P., Völker, S., Papaeliou, C., Lohaus, A., & Kokkinaki, T. (2003). Concepts of mother-infant interaction in Greece and Germany. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 34(6), 677–689.

  • Kokkinaki, T., & Vasdekis, V. G. S. (2015). Comparing emotional coordination in early spontaneous mother–infant and father–infant interactions. European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 12(1), 69–84

Emily Kemp | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Emily Kemp | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Scholar | University of California, San Diego | United States

Dr. Emily C. Kemp, Ph.D., is a dedicated scholar and postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego. With a focus on child and adolescent psychology, she investigates emotional processing deficits and callous-unemotional traits. Her passion lies in advancing evidence-based practices to improve mental health outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Profile

Scopus

Google scholar

Orcid

Strengths for the Awards

  1. Strong Academic and Research Background
    • Dr. Kemp has an exemplary academic history, graduating summa cum laude with departmental honors and completing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Louisiana State University, with specialization in child and adolescent psychology.
    • Her dissertation on emotional reactivity and recognition deficits in individuals with callous-unemotional traits showcases her expertise in a niche, impactful research area.
  2. Prolific Research Output
    • She has authored 15 peer-reviewed publications, including six as the first author. With an h-index of 11 and 466 citations (as of December 2024), her work demonstrates a meaningful impact on the field of psychology.
    • Her research spans diverse, high-priority areas, such as psychopathy, emotional processing deficits, trauma, and youth conduct problems.
  3. Recognition and Awards
    • Dr. Kemp has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Cheryl Wynne Hare Memorial Award, the Senate of College Councils Award for Contributions to Research, and multiple travel grants.
    • Her ability to secure competitive funding, such as the $3,000 Rapoport-King Thesis Scholarship, underscores her capability as a researcher.
  4. Interdisciplinary and International Contributions
    • Her collaborative work with international researchers (e.g., on callous-unemotional traits in multinational samples) reflects her ability to contribute to global knowledge in her field.
  5. Commitment to Mentorship and Knowledge Dissemination
    • As a mentor and speaker, Dr. Kemp has shown dedication to training the next generation of researchers and engaging in public education initiatives.
  6. Focus on Societal Relevance
    • Her studies on trauma, youth mental health, and psychopathy have direct implications for clinical practices, public health, and juvenile justice policy, amplifying the societal impact of her research.

Education 🎓

Dr. Kemp completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (2020–2024) at the Medical University of South Carolina, where her research emphasized traumatic stress. She earned her M.A. in Psychology (2018–2020) and B.S. in Psychology (2011–2014) from Louisiana State University and The University of Texas at Austin, respectively, graduating with the highest honors. Her thesis and dissertation explored emotional reactivity, recognition deficits, and psychopathy-related traits in youth.

Experience 💼

Currently, Dr. Kemp serves as a Postdoctoral Scholar under the mentorship of Dr. William E. Pelham III. Her prior roles include research assistant positions and clinical internships emphasizing child and adolescent mental health. With extensive expertise in trauma, psychopathy, and emotional regulation, she has contributed to advancing psychological assessment and intervention techniques.

Research Interests On Psychology 🔬

Dr. Kemp’s research centers on understanding emotional deficits and callous-unemotional traits in children and adolescents. She is particularly interested in the developmental pathways of antisocial behavior, emotion recognition impairments, and interventions for trauma-affected youth. Her work bridges clinical psychology, neuroscience, and developmental psychopathology.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Kemp has received numerous accolades totaling $10,750 in funding. Notable honors include the Roy Crumpler Memorial Travel Award (2024), Cynthia Belar Internship Scholarship (2023), and the Cheryl Wynne Hare Memorial Award (2021). She has also been a finalist for prestigious awards, such as the Distinguished Dissertation Award at Louisiana State University.

Publications 📚

  • Familism moderates the association between parent-child conflict, interpersonal needs, and suicidal ideation among adolescents
    • Authors: Picou, P., Kemp, E.C., Ferreira, R., Sharp, C., Hill, R.M.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • The Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) Self-Report Version: Factor Structure, Measurement Invariance, and Predictive Validity in Justice-Involved Male Adolescents
    • Authors: Kemp, E.C., Ray, J.V., Frick, P.J., Steinberg, L., Cauffman, E.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Associations Between Callous-Unemotional (CU) Traits and Emotion Recognition Abilities in School Children: The Influence of Conduct Problems and Age
    • Authors: Kemp, E.C., Clark, J.E., Matlasz, T.M., Frick, P.J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 0
  • Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance in an Adolescent Multinational Sample
    • Authors: Kemp, E.C., Ray, J.V., Frick, P.J., Ciucci, E., Bijttebier, P.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 5
  • Developmental pathways to antisocial behavior: Implications for Juvenile justice policy and practice (Book Chapter)
    • Authors: Frick, P.J., Kemp, E.C., Speck, J.S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • The Brief Adolescent Depression Screen: A Brief Screening Tool for Depression and Suicidal Behavior in Inpatient Adolescents
    • Authors: Vaughan, E.P., Kemp, E.C., Robertson, E.L., Frick, P.J., de Back, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 0
  • The Mood Disorder Assessment Schedule: Initial validation of a new measure for early identification of bipolar spectrum disorders in inpatient adolescents
    • Authors: de Back, J., Vaughan, E.P., Kemp, E.C., Walker, T.M., Picou, P.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 2
  • Developing Cutoff Scores for the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU) in Justice-Involved and Community Samples
    • Authors: Kemp, E.C., Frick, P.J., Matlasz, T.M., Steinberg, L., Cauffman, E.
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 24
  • Conduct Disorders and Empathy Development (Review)
    • Authors: Frick, P.J., Kemp, E.C.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 58
  • Callous-Unemotional traits and risk of gun carrying and use during crime
    • Authors: Robertson, E.L., Frick, P.J., Walker, T.M., Steinberg, L., Cauffman, E.
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 18

Conclusion ✨

Dr. Emily C. Kemp’s career exemplifies excellence in research, education, and clinical application. Her contributions to the field of child and adolescent psychology, particularly in addressing emotional and behavioral challenges, have positioned her as a rising leader in her discipline.