Anastassios Karistinos, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. He holds clinical roles at Ben Taub Hospital, Baylor Clinic, and the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Karistinos completed his medical degree (MD) at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1993), followed by residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (2005) and a fellowship in Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine (2005). His professional interests focus on complex musculoskeletal conditions including multi-ligament knee injuries, meniscal transplantation, cartilage restoration techniques (OATS, ACI), knee osteotomies, shoulder instability, rotator cuff injuries, and shoulder arthroplasty. He emphasizes patient safety and critical evaluation of emerging medical technologies, prioritizing evidence-based treatments. Dr. Karistinos is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in both Orthopaedic Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and trauma care. His research integrates anatomical insights with clinical outcomes to improve surgical techniques and patient recovery processes.
Nida Latif is a Research Fellow in the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Her work focuses on understanding coronary microvascular dysfunction and ischemic heart disease in patients with nonobstructive coronary arteries, particularly in women. She is a key contributor to the DISCOVER INOCA multicenter registry, evaluating invasive coronary function testing protocols and diagnostic strategies. Her research integrates clinical, anatomical, and physiological data to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Key areas of investigation include coronary vasoreactivity testing, risk factor analysis in ischemic syndromes, and the impact of diabetes on angina pathophysiology. Latif's publications highlight advancements in coronary flow reserve measurement, comparison of diagnostic modalities (e.g., PET vs thermodilution), and the clinical utility of vessel-specific analysis. Her work emphasizes translational outcomes, bridging basic science insights with clinical practice improvements. While no specific awards are listed, her contributions to high-impact clinical registries and peer-reviewed publications reflect her active role in advancing cardiovascular medicine.
Matthew Garver is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Nutrition, Kinesiology, and Health at the University of Central Missouri (UCM). He joined UCM in Fall 2016 after completing his Ph.D. in Exercise Science at The Ohio State University and teaching for five years in Abilene, Texas. Education: Ph.D. in Exercise Science (The Ohio State University) Garver’s research focuses on applied human performance, with emphasis on resistance training, interlimb asymmetry in athletes, and the intersection of exercise science with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). His work spans collegiate sports, track and field, and health interventions for special populations. Recent publications highlight his exploration of artificial intelligence in sport science ethics, DEI initiatives in exercise research, and position-specific training in collegiate female soccer. His studies also address exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, biomechanical asymmetry in American football players, and affective responses to resistance training. Garver has contributed to understanding physical activity’s role in older adults, particularly patients with knee osteoarthritis, through the IMPACT-P trial. His interdisciplinary approach bridges kinesiology, physiology, and social science in promoting health and athletic performance. At UCM, he teaches courses in Kinesiology and leads research initiatives aimed at optimizing human performance and health outcomes through evidence-based strategies.
Eric J. Gangloff is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU). His research focuses on understanding how organisms adapt to environmental changes, particularly in reptiles and amphibians, using integrative approaches combining field studies, lab experiments, and molecular techniques. He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. from the University of Denver, and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Dr. Gangloff leads a lab investigating physiological and ecological adaptations in species such as the common wall lizard, garter snakes, and red-backed salamanders. Notably, his work on Ohio’s invasive wall lizards has been funded by the NSF, exploring their evolutionary success in urban environments. Collaborations span institutions worldwide, including France, Canada, and Australia. His recent studies examine how temperature, oxygen availability, and urbanization influence lizard physiology, behavior, and survival. Key themes include thermal biology, ecological traps, and resilience to pollutants like lead. The lab actively involves undergraduate students in field and lab research, emphasizing hands-on learning. Gangloff’s lab website (https://glare-owu.wixsite.com/glare) showcases ongoing projects and publications. His work bridges basic science and applied conservation, addressing global challenges in biodiversity and climate change.
Dr. Ryan Carney is an Associate Professor of Digital Science at the University of South Florida's Department of Integrative Biology (College of Arts and Sciences). His research bridges paleontology and epidemiology, using cutting-edge technologies like 3D imaging, AI, and VR/AR. He studies dinosaur biomechanics (e.g., Archaeopteryx flight mechanics) and mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, Zika) through NSF/NIH-funded collaborations with agencies like NASA and the CDC. His work integrates citizen science platforms (iNaturalist, Mosquito Alert) for disease surveillance and develops AI tools for mosquito classification. Education: PhD (Brown), MPH/MBA (Yale), B.A.'s in Biology & Art (UC Berkeley) Lab: SCA 107 (focuses on digital paleontology and disease modeling) Research interests span dinosaur functional morphology, epidemiological modeling using GIS/remote sensing, and translating science through immersive technologies. He received awards like the National Geographic Emerging Explorer and multiple USF teaching/research accolades. Awards: CAS Liberal Arts Teaching Award, Outstanding Research Achievement, etc. Grants include NSF funding for AI-driven mosquito surveillance and NIH support for disease control. His lab's innovations include the Global Mosquito Observations Dashboard (GMOD) and VR reconstructions of prehistoric species.
Peter Wilf is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth & Mineral Sciences. His research focuses on fossil plants as indicators of past climates, biodiversity, and environmental disturbances from the latest Cretaceous through middle Eocene (~67-45 million years ago). Wilf leads significant research projects including the Origins of Southeast Asian Rainforests from Paleobotany and Machine Learning and the Patagonia Paleofloras Project. His research interests span paleobotany, paleoclimatology, plant-insect interactions, and biogeography, with emphasis on how deep-time data illuminate modern ecosystems and their responses to anthropogenic change. Wilf's work primarily focuses on the latest Cretaceous through middle Eocene, examining global disturbances including warming and cooling events, the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, and recovery periods. His research has significant implications for understanding climate change, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem dynamics. Wilf's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across paleobotany, with recent work focusing on Southeast Asian rainforests, Patagonian paleofloras, and the connections between Gondwanan landmasses. His research integrates fieldwork in Patagonia and Southeast Asia with advanced analytical techniques, including machine learning applications for fossil leaf identification. Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2022 Wilson Award for Excellence in Research, Penn State College of Earth & Mineral Sciences 2022 Fellow, Paleontological Society 2017 Fellow, Geological Society of America 2016 Paul F. Robertson Research Breakthrough of the Year Award, Penn State College of Earth & Mineral Sciences 2016 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching, Pennsylvania State University 2013 Wilf maintains an active research program with numerous NSF-funded projects and international collaborations. He leads a productive lab group conducting extensive fieldwork in Patagonia, Argentina, and Southeast Asia. His research has transformed understanding of Southern Hemisphere floras, the role of Patagonia in plant evolution, and connections between ancient and modern ecosystems across continents. Wilf's laboratory serves as a hub for paleobotanical research, bringing together students, postdocs, and international collaborators to study fossil plant collections from around the world. The lab integrates traditional paleobotanical methods with cutting-edge technologies including machine learning for fossil identification and advanced imaging techniques for detailed morphological analysis.
Dr. Megan Ware is an Assistant Professor at the University of the Incarnate Word. She holds a PT. DPT from Hardin Simmons University (2010) and a ScD in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (2018). Her clinical expertise includes outpatient orthopedics and neurological rehabilitation, complemented by certifications as a Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist. She teaches functional anatomy, patient management, and psychosocial considerations in physical therapy. Her research focuses on nociplastic pain and student success strategies. Education: Bachelor’s in Exercise Sports Science, Abilene Christian University (2007) Doctor of Physical Therapy, Hardin Simmons University (2010) Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (2018) Affiliations: Member of APTA, Education and Orthopedic Academies; former delegate for Heart of Texas region in APTA House of Delegates. Her teaching spans five years, emphasizing hands-on patient management and interdisciplinary approaches. She advocates for student engagement through innovative pedagogy in clinical skills education.
Joshua B. Gross is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, where he has been conducting research since 2010. His work focuses on evolutionary biology, particularly using the Mexican cavefish ( Astyanax mexicanus ) as a model system to study adaptation to extreme environments. Dr. Gross received his academic training at prestigious institutions: Ph.D. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University (2005) M.S. with Distinction in Biological Sciences from University of Denver (2001) B.A. in Psychology from Miami University (1995) Dr. Gross's research explores the genetic and developmental basis of evolutionary changes, with a focus on how organisms adapt to extreme environments. His primary model system is the Mexican cavefish ( Astyanax mexicanus ), which exists in both surface-dwelling (with eyes and pigmentation) and cave-dwelling (blind and depigmented) forms. His work integrates quantitative genetics, transcriptomics, and phenotypic analysis to understand the genetic changes underlying cave adaptation, including both regressive traits (like eye loss) and constructive traits (like enhanced taste systems). Analysis of Dr. Gross's recent publications reveals a strong focus on sensory adaptation and craniofacial evolution in cavefish. His work has increasingly incorporated genomic and transcriptomic approaches to understand how cavefish adapt to low-oxygen environments, changes in sensory systems (particularly taste and lateral line), and craniofacial modifications. There's a clear trajectory toward understanding the integration between different biological systems, such as how sensory neuromasts influence skeletal development. Dr. Gross has received several notable awards and recognitions: National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences (2014-2015) Young Investigator Winner, Sigma Xi, University of Cincinnati Chapter (2016) Honorable Mention, Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring Award Nominated for 2018 Dean's Award for Innovative Instruction Young Anatomist's Publication Award from the American Association of Anatomists (2004) As a principal investigator, Dr. Gross has secured substantial funding from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, including multiple R01 grants from NIH and major awards from NSF. His current projects include "The developmental basis for sensory-skeletal integration: The osteo-inductive role of neuromasts" (NSF IOS-2205928, 2022-2026) and "The constructive evolution of gustation: Molecular, organismal and environmental attributes of taste tuning" (NSF DEB-2343857, 2024-2028). He has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students through research projects and has been recognized for his teaching excellence, particularly in Human Genetics. Dr. Gross leads a research laboratory focused on evolutionary and developmental biology at the University of Cincinnati. His team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining field work in Mexican caves, laboratory experiments, genomic analysis, and developmental studies. He has organized international scientific meetings, including the Astyanax International Meeting, fostering collaboration among researchers studying cave-adapted organisms worldwide.
Preet Singh is a Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, with affiliations to the College of Engineering. His research focuses on corrosion science, electrochemistry, and environmental degradation of materials, particularly metals and alloys. Prior to joining Georgia Tech in 2003, he was a faculty member at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST), where he investigated corrosion issues in the pulp and paper industry. Professor Singh's work explores fundamental mechanisms of material degradation in industrial environments, aiming to develop mitigation strategies against environment-induced failures. Key research areas include corrosion fatigue, hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion cracking, and oxidation behavior. His group employs experimental approaches to study material reliability under varying chemical and mechanical conditions. Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across oncology, agriculture, and energy systems, reflecting broad applications of materials science principles. Research trends show increased focus on biomedical materials and sustainable technologies alongside core corrosion studies. Professor Singh advises graduate students including Abdullah Alzubail, Yousif Al Rabie, Sai Shreeya, Yara, and Sean Li. He directs the Corrosion and Materials Reliability Laboratory (CMCRL), which partners with industry to solve practical engineering challenges related to material performance.
Andrea Megela Simmons is a Professor at Brown University in the Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences with a secondary appointment in the Department of Neuroscience . She is a member of the Carney Institute for Brain Science and serves as a Principal Investigator on an ONR MURI project. Education : A.B. from the University of Pennsylvania (1973), Ph.D. from Harvard University (1978), Postdoctoral research at Cornell University Simmons specializes in cognitive and neural mechanisms of sound perception and communication across species including frogs, bats, dolphins, and humans. Her work bridges behavioral neuroscience, comparative neurology, and developmental studies to explore auditory processing, echolocation, and sensory integration. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary trends in auditory neuroscience, focusing on sound exposure effects, metamorphic neurodevelopment, and sensory-motor coordination in cluttered environments. Key subfields include echolocation, lateral line function, tectal connectivity, and acoustic adaptation across species. Scientific Awards : Fellow, Acoustical Society of America Simmons has received grants from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) for MURI projects and has taught courses such as Animal Behavior , Evolution and Development of the Brain , and Auditory Perception Laboratory .
Pierette Appasamy is a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Chatham University’s College of Arts & Sciences. With a Ph.D. in Anatomy & Developmental Biology from Thomas Jefferson University, she has over three decades of experience in immunology research and education. Her career spans roles at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, NIH-funded research, and current work at Chatham since 2007. B.S., Biology, cum laude, Xavier University (1982) Ph.D., Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University (1988) Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Immunology, University of Pennsylvania (1987-1990) Her research focuses on the evolution and development of gamma delta T cells , IL-7 signaling pathways in amphibians, and psychosocial-immune interactions in college students . She employs Xenopus frogs as a model organism to study non-conventional lymphocyte biology and wound healing immunology. Recent publications highlight her work on cytokine evolution and stress-immune-microbiome dynamics , with collaborations at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Medicine and the Microbiome. Her pedagogical innovations include role-playing and analogies to enhance immunology education. NIH R29 Grant (Principal Investigator) NIH R01 Grant (Co-Investigator) MacArthur Foundation Grant (Yale Subcontract) American Cancer Society Grant Chatham University Technology Fellowship Award American Association of Immunologists Travel Grant She mentors students in laboratory research and serves as Chatham’s Pre-Med Advisor. Her lab combines molecular techniques, tadpole thymus microsurgery, and behavioral studies to explore immunological questions with clinical relevance.
Dr. Nivee Pradip Amin serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and Assistant Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, holding leadership roles as Associate Director for Consultative Cardiology and Director of the Women's Heart Program & Preventive Cardiology. Her clinical expertise spans general cardiology, preventive cardiology, and echocardiography with focus on high-risk cardiovascular prevention. Her educational credentials include: B.A., B.S. in International Studies and Business from University of Pennsylvania (2002) M.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2007) M.H.S. in Clinical Investigation from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2013) Research centers on sex-based disparities in cardiovascular outcomes, women's heart health across the lifespan, and preventive strategies for coronary/valvular disease. She investigates intersections between cardiology and obstetrics/oncology, emphasizing personalized risk assessment and early intervention to improve quality of life. Analysis of her publications reveals consistent focus on women's cardiovascular biomarkers (e.g., breast arterial calcium), obstetric complications as long-term risk factors, and disparities in revascularization outcomes. Her work leverages large-scale database analysis to address gaps in preventive care for high-risk populations including cancer patients and those with cirrhosis. Dr. Amin maintains active board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Diseases, Nuclear Cardiology, and Echocardiography through the American Board of Internal Medicine, and holds professional memberships in the American College of Cardiology, American Society for Preventive Cardiology, and American Heart Association. She provides inpatient consultative care on cardiac telemetry units while leading the Women's Heart Program, which integrates preventive cardiology services with gender-specific treatment protocols. Fluent in Spanish, she emphasizes culturally competent care tailored to individual patient needs across diverse populations.
Lawrence Staib is Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering at Yale University. He serves as Director of Undergraduate Studies in Biomedical Engineering and is a member of Yale's Bioimaging Sciences division, Image Processing & Analysis Group, Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute, and Yale-BI Biomedical Data Science Fellowship program. Dr. Staib earned his A.B. in Physics from Cornell University (1982), followed by a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science from Yale University (1990), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale School of Medicine (1991). His research focuses on developing advanced medical image analysis methods using machine learning and model-based approaches. Key research areas include neuroimaging applications for autism spectrum disorder classification, cardiac imaging analysis for strain and motion assessment, prostate cancer diagnosis and risk mapping, and innovative techniques for medical image segmentation with limited labeled data. Dr. Staib's work emphasizes uncertainty estimation in deep learning models, multi-modal image registration, and domain adaptation techniques to improve clinical decision support systems. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward developing interpretable AI models for clinical applications, with particular emphasis on fMRI analysis for neurological conditions, cardiac motion analysis, and prostate cancer diagnosis. His work frequently addresses the challenge of limited labeled data in medical imaging through innovative self-supervised, semi-supervised, and few-shot learning approaches. Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) (2015) Distinguished Investigator Award from the Academy for Radiology & Biomedical Imaging Research (2017) MICCAI Fellow (2022) Medical Image Analysis Second Best MICCAI Paper Award (2005) ASNR Cum Laude Scientific Exhibit Award (2003) Dr. Staib serves on the editorial board of Medical Image Analysis and as Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. His research is supported by NIH grants including the Autism Center of Excellence program. He leads the Image Processing & Analysis Group within Yale's Bioimaging Sciences division, collaborating extensively with James Duncan, John Onofrey, Xenophon Papademetris, and other Yale researchers on applications spanning neuroimaging, cardiology, and oncology. Current projects focus on developing robust AI models for clinical decision support with emphasis on uncertainty quantification and interpretability.
Stephen Parada is a Professor at the Medical College of Georgia, with academic appointments in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. He is actively involved in clinical education and research, contributing significantly to orthopedic surgery, particularly in shoulder and elbow arthroplasty and biomechanics. Research Interests: His work spans orthopedic surgery, biomechanics, surgical outcomes, and the application of artificial intelligence in patient education. He focuses on improving clinical outcomes in total joint replacement, understanding shoulder instability, and evaluating publication trends in orthopedic research. The recent publications indicate a strong trend toward evidence-based orthopedics, with emphasis on predictive modeling of surgical outcomes, implant longevity, and the role of digital tools in patient communication. His research bridges clinical practice with academic scholarship. Scientific Awards: AAOS Kappa Delta Award, AAOS, 2025 Resident Research Award, Georgia Orthopaedic Society, 2022 GME Exemplary Teaching Award, Medical College of Georgia, 2021 GME Exemplary Teaching Award, Medical College of Georgia, 2020 Teaching and Service: Dr. Parada teaches key surgical clerkships and orthopedic externships. He serves on the AAOS Exhibits Committee and holds leadership roles in the Georgia Shoulder & Elbow Society. His professional service includes roles in ASES, AANA, and AAOS annual meetings, reflecting active engagement in national orthopedic communities. Laboratories and Research Teams: He is involved in Orthopaedic Research at the Medical College of Georgia (2023–present), contributing to a collaborative environment focused on advancing musculoskeletal care through innovation and education.
Pamela Ronald is a Distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of California, Davis, affiliated with the Department of Plant Pathology within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding and enhancing crop resilience, particularly in rice, through genetic and molecular mechanisms. Key areas include plant immunity against pathogens, climate adaptation, and sustainable agricultural practices. Education and Background: Details on her academic qualifications are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but her career trajectory suggests advanced training in plant genetics and pathology. Research Interests: Ronald’s work centers on engineering disease-resistant crops, studying plant-microbe interactions, and developing climate-resilient varieties. Notably, she has contributed to identifying genes like XA21 that confer resistance to bacterial infections and pioneered methods to reduce methane emissions in rice. Her studies also explore the role of sulfated peptides in pathogen virulence and host defense mechanisms. Publications Trends: Her recent articles emphasize molecular mechanisms of plant immunity, genetic engineering applications, and sustainability challenges. Themes include directed evolution of immune receptors, machine learning in genotype-phenotype prediction, and mitigation of agricultural greenhouse gases. Awards and Recognition: While specific awards are not listed here, her leadership in plant genetics and advocacy for evidence-based biotechnology policies reflect significant recognition in her field. Grants and Advising: Ronald has led projects funded by agencies like the U.S. Department of Energy, focusing on bioenergy crops like switchgrass. She collaborates globally on initiatives such as the Rice Protein Tagging Project and the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems. Labs and Teams: She directs the Crop Genetics Innovation Lab at UC Davis, fostering interdisciplinary research in crop improvement and sustainable agriculture.
