Ms. Lara Pörtner | Data Management | Best Researcher Award |

PhD Student , at Université Grenoble Alpes, Germany.

Lara Pörtner is a researcher and industry expert specializing in digital strategy, data analytics, and industrial engineering. With a strong academic foundation and professional experience in master data governance, she bridges the gap between research and real-world applications. Fluent in multiple languages, she has worked on international projects in data strategy, innovation management, and digital transformation.

Education 🎓

Lara is currently pursuing a PhD in Digital Strategy at Université Grenoble Alpes, France (2022–2025), where she focuses on developing customer-specific reference models for optimizing data strategies using maturity analysis methods. She holds a double master’s degree (M.Sc. Industrial Engineering and Management) from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany, and Institute National Polytechnique Grenoble (G-INP), France, with a specialization in innovation management, digitalization, and automotive engineering. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management from KIT (2016–2020), where she built expertise in supply chain management, strategy, and organization.

Professional Experience 💼

Lara has held multiple roles in leading organizations across data & analytics, digital transformation, and strategy consulting. She started her career as an intern and working student in Master Data Management at cbs Corporate Business Solutions (2020–2021), where she supported SAP MDG system implementations. She later joined CAMELOT Management Consultants AG (2022–2024) as a Senior Consultant, contributing to SAP MDG BP implementation, process design, user training, and data strategy assessments. Currently, she is a Senior Associate in Data & Analytics at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Munich (2025–present), focusing on enterprise-wide digital strategy initiatives. Her industry experience is complemented by her early research work as a Student Assistant at wbk Institute of Production Tech., Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (2020), and an internship in Strategy & Innovation Management at Lufthansa Cargo AG (2018).

Research Interests 🌍

Her research primarily revolves around digital strategy, data analytics, and master data governance. She works on designing advanced methodologies for data maturity assessment, enabling organizations to optimize data-driven decision-making. Her work integrates elements of machine learning, enterprise data management, and business process optimization, contributing to the evolution of digital transformation frameworks.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Lara has received several prestigious recognitions, including the DLR Graduate Program (2022–2024), demonstrating her involvement in high-impact research. She was selected for the Accenture Female Talent Program (2021), highlighting her leadership potential in the tech and consulting space. Early in her academic career, she secured 2nd place in the Jugend Forscht competition (2016), showcasing her research abilities. She also holds professional certifications such as SCRUM Master, SAFe 6 Agilist, and LEAN Basic Certificate.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Title: Data Literacy Assessment – Measuring Data Literacy Competencies to Leverage Data-Driven Organizations
Authors: Lara Pörtner, Andreas Riel, Vivian Klaassen, Dilara Sezgin, Ysaline Kievits
Citations: 0

Conclusion

Lara Pörtner has an impressive profile with a strong academic foundation, industry research experience, and technical expertise in data strategy and analytics. If the award prioritizes applied research, digital strategy, and industry impact, she is a strong candidate. However, if the focus is on academic publications and fundamental research contributions, she may need to enhance her research output to improve her chances.

Mr. Benjamin Kwasi Gyamfi | Information and Communication Sciences | Best Researcher Award |

Graduate Teaching Assistant, at Ball State University, United States.

Benjamin Kwasi Gyamfi is a dedicated researcher and finance professional with a strong academic background and extensive experience in financial analysis, information systems, and business research. Passionate about data-driven decision-making, he integrates financial expertise with technology to drive innovative solutions. His work spans research, teaching, leadership, and entrepreneurship, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and real-world impact.

Professional Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Benjamin is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information and Communication Sciences at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, with an expected completion in July 2025. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (Finance Specialization) from the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India, where he conducted research on banking mergers and financial performance. Additionally, he has pursued Chartered Accountancy at the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana, completing all but one final-level paper. His undergraduate studies include a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Computer Science from the University of Ghana, where he analyzed the impact of microfinance on poverty reduction.

Professional Experience 💼

Currently serving as a Graduate Assistant at Ball State University, Benjamin mentors and teaches Public Speaking to 135 students while assisting in course development and student engagement. He also serves as the Financial Secretary for the Sports Complex Lands Regularization Association, where he manages financial records, audits, and reporting. As the Founder of Attitudinal Breakthrough Foundation, he leads research-driven initiatives focused on community empowerment, education, and business process efficiency. His previous roles include working with Ga North Municipal Assembly as a Management Information Systems Trainee, where he developed business databases for over 7,000 entities and validated financial transactions exceeding $30,000. Additionally, he contributed to Ecobank Ghana Limited as a Subscription Officer during MTN Ghana’s IPO project, handling over 2,000 shareholder records and managing large-scale financial subscriptions.

Research Interests 🌍

Benjamin’s research primarily explores financial performance analysis, microfinance, banking systems, and information technology applications in finance. His past projects have examined the effects of mergers and acquisitions on banking performance, financial ratios in corporate assessments, and geographic information system (GIS) applications in revenue management. His interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between finance, technology, and economic development, emphasizing innovative strategies for financial sustainability.

Awards & Honors 🏆

Benjamin has earned various certifications and accolades, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and leadership. He has completed professional training in Google Project Management, Business and Impact Planning (MITx), Leadership Certification (NAD), and Research Methods for Business Students. His ability to integrate finance and technology has positioned him as a thought leader in business process improvements and data governance.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Text Classification: How Machine Learning Is Revolutionizing Text Categorization – H. Allam, L. Makubvure, B. Gyamfi, K. N. Graham, K. Akinwolere | Cited by: 1 | Published: 2024

Sustainable Innovation: Harnessing AI and Living Intelligence to Transform Higher Education – H. M. Allam, B. Gyamfi, B. AlOmar | Indexed in: Education Sciences | Cited by: Pending | Published: 2025

Conclusion

With a strong foundation in finance, research, and technology, Benjamin Kwasi Gyamfi is a rising scholar dedicated to advancing financial systems through research and innovation. His expertise in data analytics, financial modeling, and strategic decision-making positions him as a valuable contributor to both academia and industry. As he continues to expand his research footprint, his work will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of financial sustainability and business intelligence.