In 2024, many JMAI authors make outstanding contributions to our journal. Their articles published with us have received very well feedback in the field and stimulate a lot of discussions and new insights among the peers.

Hereby, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding authors who have been making immense efforts in their research fields, with a brief interview of their unique perspective and insightful view as authors.

Outstanding Authors (2024)

Ibrahim Kamel, Steward Carney Hospital, USA

Bushra Zaman, Utah State University, USA

M. Zakaria Kurdi, University of Lynchburg, USA

Pavithra Rao, Oregon Health and Science University, USA

Anne Sophie Overgaard Olesen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark

Sofian Saidi, Higher College of Technologies in Sharjah, UAE

Simon Tobias Winkler, Reutlingen Research Institute of Reutlingen University, Germany

Outstanding Author

Ibrahim Kamel

Dr. Ibrahim Kamel is an internal medicine resident at Steward Carney Hospital in Boston and a clinical affiliate at Tufts School of Medicine. He earned his medical degree from October 6th University in Egypt, receiving the Clinical Knowledge Award for his dedication. He continually seeks innovative methods to enhance patient care, with experiences spanning Egypt, France, and the United States. Recognizing his potential impact on healthcare policy, he pursued a master’s in healthcare administration at the University of La Verne, California. As a Randall Lewis Health and Policy Fellow at San Antonio Regional Hospital, he led a COVID-19 vaccination awareness campaign. Dr. Kamel has contributed to research at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and advocates for equitable healthcare access. Currently, he focuses on AI projects to improve cardiovascular diagnostics. Outside medicine, he enjoys squash and exploring new destinations. Connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter/X @Barahimoooo.

A good academic paper, according to Dr. Kamel, is composed of a clear research question, thorough literature review, rigorous methodology, transparent data analysis, novel findings, clear writing, logical structure, and proper citation.

Speaking of the difficulties encountered in academic writing, Dr. Kamel points out that formulating a clear research question can indeed be a daunting task, especially when a writer is at the edge of knowledge and unsure of what questions to ask. One approach is to immerse oneself in the existing literature related to his/her field of interest. By doing so, one can identify gaps, controversies, or areas where further investigation is warranted. From there, the writer can refine his/her focus and formulate a research question that not only addresses these gaps but also aligns with his/her interests and expertise.

“Academic writing is fascinating. The joy of venturing into unexplored territories within scholarly realms is truly exhilarating and invigorating, igniting a sense of wonder and excitement in researchers' hearts,” says Dr. Kamel.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

Bushra Zaman

Dr. Bushra Zaman, Ph.D., Post-Doctorate, is a distinguished Data Scientist and Machine Learning Engineer. She currently serves as the Director of Data Science & AI at Deepspatial Inc., headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Concurrently, Dr. Zaman holds an adjunct faculty position at the CEE Department, College of Engineering, Utah State University, USA. Her research interests encompass state-of-the-art machine learning, Geo-AI, statistical and predictive modeling, and evolutionary computation. She has extensive experience in UAV applications in research, remote sensing, GIS applications, and business analytics. Her specialization in Geospatial analytics emphasizes her commitment to exploring novel applications of Geospatial AI/ML technologies for solving intricate real-life problems. With expertise spanning academia to industry, Dr. Zaman has spearheaded numerous projects in government sectors like education, law enforcement, agriculture and health, employing cutting-edge Geo-AI modeling. Her extensive contributions include publications in esteemed international journals, patents, and consultancy services. Known for her proficiency in ML and data science, Dr. Zaman excels in guiding technical teams and driving innovative solutions to complex problems. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

From Dr. Zaman’s perspective, crafting academic papers, particularly those involving data science and machine learning, demands a multifaceted approach. Firstly, prioritizing applicability is key; it ensures that the models developed are not confined to theoretical constructs but can be practically implemented across diverse real-world scenarios. This involves not only demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies but also showcasing their adaptability and scalability. Secondly, clear communication of concepts and models is paramount. By eschewing convoluted language and embracing clarity, we facilitate understanding and replication by readers. This involves effectively articulating the research objectives, methodologies, and findings, enabling others to comprehend and build upon the work. Furthermore, leveraging available language enhancement tools can significantly refine the paper's readability and comprehensibility. Utilizing these tools for grammar and syntax checks, as well as readability analysis, can polish the manuscript and enhance its accessibility to a broader audience. Moreover, emphasizing the significance of data quality is crucial. Since the foundation of AI/ML lies in good, clean data, addressing data quality issues within journal articles is imperative. By ensuring rigorous data preprocessing, validation, and documentation, researchers can bolster the credibility and reproducibility of their findings. By integrating these considerations into academic papers, their relevance, clarity, and overall impact can be enhanced. Ultimately, she believes this not only advances the field of engineering but also contributes to the broader scientific community by fostering informed decision-making and driving meaningful advancements.

In Dr. Zaman’s opinion, during the preparation of a paper, authors must keep several key factors in mind to ensure the quality and impact of their work. Firstly, maintaining a clear focus on the intended audience is crucial; this involves tailoring the content to suit the level of expertise and interests of the readership while ensuring accessibility and readability. Originality is paramount; authors should strive to contribute fresh insights to the field, supported by robust methodology and adherence to ethical standards. This entails conducting thorough literature reviews to identify gaps in knowledge or areas ripe for exploration, allowing authors to position their work within the broader scholarly discourse effectively. Additionally, she points out that authors must adhere meticulously to formatting guidelines and citation styles dictated by the target publication. Consistency in formatting and accurate referencing not only enhances the professionalism of the paper but also ensures compliance with editorial requirements. Authors should also be prepared for rigorous peer review, engaging constructively with feedback to strengthen their work. Peer review provides valuable insights and perspectives that can help authors refine their arguments, improve clarity, and address any potential shortcomings in methodology or analysis. Ultimately, the goal of authors should be to produce research that not only meets academic standards but also has the potential to make a meaningful impact on the broader scholarly community and beyond. By adhering to these principles and practices, authors can enhance the quality, relevance, and overall impact of their work.

“JMAI's reputation as one of the leading journals in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence aligns perfectly with the importance of my research, as it deals directly with issues impacting human lives, particularly in Meghalaya. By publishing in JMAI, I aimed to leverage the journal's credibility and rigorous peer-review process to establish the significance of my findings within the academic community and beyond. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of JMAI provides an ideal platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration across various domains, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the potential for real-world impact,” says Dr. Zaman.

(by Brad Li, Alisa Lu)

M. Zakaria Kurdi

Dr. M. Zakaria Kurdi is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia, USA. In addition to his Ph.D. in CS, he has an interdisciplinary background in Software Engineering, Cognitive Science, and Linguistics. Before joining the University of Lynchburg, he worked in several institutions in North America and Europe. His research interests are in text and data mining and their applications to areas like intelligent computer-assisted language education, authorship attribution, bioinformatics, and Social Network Analysis (SNA). He authored a two-volume textbook about Natural Language Processing (NLP) that was published in French and English. His recent work on text mining won two best paper awards and a nomination from three different international conferences. Get to know more about Dr. Kurdi here and connect with him on LinkedIn.

A good academic paper, in Dr. Kurdi’s view, is a paper that combines originality of the ideas and result novelty that sheds light on new aspects of the covered subject. Complex ideas are articulated in a way that is easily understandable to the target audience. The paper should not just present information but also critically analyze it, offering a thoughtful discussion of its results, implications, and limitations. The topic should be relevant to the field and address significant questions or problems. The paper should engage with current debates and issues within the discipline.

Academic writing involves converting complex ideas into a clear and objective text. From Dr. Kurdi’s perspective, a common challenge in this type of writing is presenting ideas in a clear and logical manner. Non-native English speakers may face extra difficulties in this process. Additionally, limitations on paper length set by journals and conferences can make it difficult for authors to effectively condense their ideas. Properly supporting claims and citing sources accurately are also significant challenges.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Pavithra Rao

Pavithra Rao is a fourth-year medical student at Oregon Health and Science University who is intending to specialize in anesthesiology. Her research interests include quality improvement, artificial intelligence, and oncology. Her recent projects include applying LEAN healthcare in lean settings, minimizing variance in pediatric surgical care through implementation of a perioperative colon bundle, a natural history of gastrojejunostomy tubes in children, standardizing gastroschisis management, and treating adults with rhabdomyosarcoma with pediatric chemotherapy regimens. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, running, and traveling.

According to Pavithra, an author needs to be organized, flexible, and have good time management skills. It is important for him/her to pay attention to detail, communicate well, and be creative. In order to avoid biases in writing, it is crucial to use a wide variety of resources and consider several perspectives. Having multiple individuals proofread one’s writing is helpful as well.

“I enjoy academic writing since clinical research leads to advancement of care and improved outcomes for patients,” says Pavithra.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Anne Sophie Overgaard Olesen

Dr. Olesen is a physician and PhD student at the Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital – Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark. She graduated from the University of Copenhagen in 2020 and has conducted cardiovascular research since 2018, focusing on optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure patients. Her passion for this field stems from hands-on experiences of how challenging it can be as a clinical physician to diagnose acute heart failure accurately and timely in dyspneic patients with multiple comorbidities. Dr. Olesen’s PhD project involves clinical trials exploring diagnostic methods for acute heart failure. This includes Remote Dielectric Sensing, chest CT scans, and the development of an artificial intelligence algorithm for detecting pulmonary congestion in myocardial infarction patients undergoing cardiac CT scans. She is also involved in the clinical DECONGEST trial, examining the most effective initial treatment for acute heart failure patients. Stay tuned for the results! Connect with Dr. Olesen on LinkedIn.

In Dr. Olesen’s opinion, a good academic paper addresses a specific clinical problem and presents a clear, compelling narrative with a well-defined message or solution. Essential elements include a precise research question, a comprehensive literature review, and a rigorously designed methodology. A good paper also acknowledges its limitations and potential biases, including conflicts of interest, to maintain transparency and credibility.

Dr. Olesen highlights that authors must ensure their research question is original and impactful, effectively filling a gap in existing research to justify publication. An appropriate study design is essential for addressing the research question accurately. Ethical standards should always be considered, with necessary approvals obtained and integrity maintained in data collection and analysis. Transparent reporting of both significant and negative results enhances the body of knowledge and prevents redundant research. Additionally, clear and concise writing makes findings accessible to a broad audience. Authors should aim to produce studies that provide meaningful insights, thereby upholding the overall quality and integrity of scientific literature.

Seeing the prevalence of research data sharing in recent decade, Dr. Olesen indicates that the practice has certain benefits, as it enhances transparency, fosters collaboration, and allows others to validate and build upon the research. However, this process must be carefully managed to protect patient safety and maintain anonymity. Proper safeguards should be in place to protect sensitive information while still making valuable data accessible to the scientific community. Consideration must also be given to the effort and resources invested in data collection. Researchers may have spent years gathering and analyzing data, and indiscriminate sharing could undermine their contributions. Therefore, data sharing should be done thoughtfully, ensuring that those who generated the data receive appropriate recognition and that the data are used responsibly and ethically. This ensures the integrity of the research, the trust of the public, and the respect for the researchers' work.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Sofian Saidi

Dr. Sofian Saidi earned both his Master's degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the prestigious National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT). Currently, he serves as a lecturer at the Higher College of Technologies in Sharjah, UAE, where he continues to contribute to academia and research. His diverse research interests span across biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, electromagnetic compatibility, near-field techniques, and power electronics. Dr. Saidi has also played a pivotal role in leading innovative projects within the government sector, including the development of a smart inspection glove, demonstrating his commitment to practical applications of his research. Follow him on LinkedIn and Google Scholar.

The way Dr. Saidi sees it, in both AI and biomedical engineering, academic writing presents unique challenges due to the interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving nature of these fields. Writers must integrate complex concepts from various disciplines—such as biology, medicine, and engineering in biomedical engineering, or advanced mathematics and computer science in AI—while making their work accessible to a diverse audience. For instance, explaining a new medical device or AI algorithm requires not only a deep understanding of the technical aspects but also the ability to convey its practical implications in a clear and engaging manner for both experts and non-experts. Balancing details with clarity is essential for effective communication in these cutting-edge fields.

When engaging in academic writing, selecting appropriate evidence for synthesis and analysis is crucial for building a strong argument. In Dr. Saidi’s view, authors should prioritize evidence that is directly relevant to their research question, ensuring that it contributes meaningfully to their overall thesis. It is important to use high-quality, peer-reviewed sources to maintain credibility and to include a diverse range of perspectives to provide a comprehensive view of the topic. Additionally, authors must consider the validity of the evidence at the time of presentation, especially in rapidly evolving fields, and critically evaluate the methodology and validity of the sources. Balancing these factors helps create a coherent, well-supported analysis that withstands scrutiny.

In addition, Dr. Saidi emphasizes that it is essential for authors to disclose Conflicts of Interest (COI), as transparency is key to maintaining the integrity of the research process. A COI can significantly influence research by introducing bias into various stages of the study, from design and data interpretation to reporting results. Authors with financial or personal stakes in the outcomes may inadvertently or deliberately skew their analysis to favour their interests, affecting the study’s objectivity and reliability. Disclosure of COIs allows readers to critically assess potential biases and the credibility of the research findings, ensuring that conclusions are evaluated within the context of any possible influences. This practice upholds ethical standards and enhances the trustworthiness of academic work.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)

Simon Tobias Winkler

Simon Tobias Winkler currently serves at Reutlingen Research Institute of Reutlingen University, Germany. He completed a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Reutlingen in 2021 with the thesis "Development of a Finite Element Model of the Inner Ear for the Performance Evaluation of Stapes Prostheses". Since April 2023, he has been working on the project “Smart hearing diagnostics using in silico models and machine learning-supported evaluation of audiometric measurement data”. The research team uses a finite element model of the middle ear to generate training data for machine learning (ML) classifiers that automatically classify normal and pathological ears. Their goal is to improve medical care in the field of hearing impairment. By using machine learning, they would like to enable non-specialists, such as pediatricians or general practitioners, to make reliable diagnoses and make the diagnostic process more accessible to the public. Learn more about the research team here, and connect with Simon on LinkedIn.

In Simon’s opinion, academic writing is necessary for researchers to learn from and build on the work of other researchers. Sharing knowledge and the latest findings with the scientific community is the best way to advance the field of research. He thinks this includes writing about what had been tried and did not work or did not work well enough. Also, especially in his field of research, where some middle ear disorders are very rare, sharing (patient-) data can help other researchers a lot.

Science advances rapidly day by day. To ensure one’s writing is up-to-date and can give new insights to the field of research, Simon suggests monitoring companies on social media to stay informed about the latest industry trends and developments, subscribing to leading experts in one’s research field to receive automatic notifications when they publish new work, and pursuing research collaborations to work with experts with different perspectives and often slightly different expertise.

“Writing for publications is crucial for me as a PhD student because it allows me to document my research progress continuously, making the final Doctoral Thesis easier to compile and write. Therefore, writing is very important to me. While preparing for a publication, I prioritize the writing process and try to set aside 1-2 hours each day, whenever possible, to continue with the writing,” says Simon.

(by Brad Li, Masaki Lo)