Find Academic Supervisors

María Lourdes Alarcón FortepianiView profile

Associate Professor

• Physiology
• Ocular Physiology
• Immunology
• +8 more

Dr. María Lourdes Alarcón Fortepiani is an Associate Professor at the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO) at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) and holds an adjunct faculty position at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) in the Department of Physiology. She earned her M.D. and Ph.D. in Physiology from Universidad de Murcia, Spain, with a dissertation on renal dysfunction mechanisms. Her work focuses on postmenopausal hypertension, diabetes mechanisms, and adapting patient education for underserved communities. She teaches Human/Ocular Physiology, Immunology, Pathology, Clinical Medicine, and Vision Science at RSO. Her research is funded by NIH, AHA, and AFAR, with collaborations in diabetes studies at UTHSCSA's Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Fortepiani is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and actively involved in STEM outreach, including PhUn Week and science fairs. She serves on UIW committees (Red Dress, Earth Day, Faculty Senate) and chairs the SRC committee for STEM Academy-Lee High School. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates sociodemographic factors into patient care education. Dr. Fortepiani’s professional service includes roles on the Women in Physiology committee (American Physiological Society) and judging at regional science fairs. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and prior roles as Research Assistant Professor at UTHSCSA.

Ali-Reza BhojaniView profile

Assistant Professor

• Islamic Ethics
• Islamic Law (Sharia)
• Legal Theory
• +7 more

Ali-Reza Bhojani is an Assistant Professor in Islamic Ethics at the Department of Theology and Religion, University of Birmingham. He joined the department in 2021 as a Teaching Fellow before being appointed to his current role in 2024. He has held academic positions at institutions including Al-Mahdi Institute, University of Nottingham, University of Oxford, and Markfield Institute for Education, where he served on the executive team (2012-2017) and co-directed the Centre for Intra-Muslim Studies (2019-2021). PhD in Islamic Legal Theory, Durham University (2013) MA in Research Methods (International Relations and Politics), Durham University (2009) Hawza Programme (Arabic & Islamic Studies), Al-Mahdi Institute (2008) MCOptom, College of Optometrists (2004) BSc (Hons) Optometry, Bradford University (2003) His research focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to Islamic legal theory, particularly the relationship between Sharia and ethics in both theoretical and applied contexts. Key areas include free speech ethics, artificial intelligence, human plurality, and Modern Twelver Shīʿī legal theory. He leads the MA in Islamic Studies program, convening the core module Approaches to the Study of Islam. Recent publications address AI ethics in Islamic thought, religious authority in the Shi'i diaspora, and Quranic interpretation in legal frameworks. His work engages with cross-cultural collaborations, including anthropologists and scholars from diverse religious traditions. Senior Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2024) He supervises doctoral research on topics like legal school dynamics in the Mamluk period and spiritual practices in British Muslim communities. He previously supervised projects on Ḥadīth origins and legal reasoning in Taqi al-Din al-Subki's work. His research collaborations include The Living Sharia Project with Oxford University.

• Medical Physiology
• Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
• Medical Education Research
• +2 more

Suzanne Estaphan is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Science (Physiology and Clinical Pharmacology) at the Australian National University (ANU) School of Medicine and Psychology . She holds qualifications including a Doctorate of Physiology (2015) , MSc in Physiology (2012) , MBBCh (2005) , and Basic Certificate in Medical Education (2018) . Her academic roles span curriculum development, admissions, and assessment committees in the ANU Medical School. Senior Lecturer, ANU (2023–present) Academic Editor, PLOS ONE (2024–present) Review Editor, Frontiers in Physiology (2023–present) Dr. Estaphan's research bridges oxidative stress and inflammation in disease pathology with medical education innovation . Her work explores antioxidant interventions for organ damage and investigates AI/virtual reality applications in education. Recent projects include studying sleep dysfunction in eating disorders and diabetes medication effects on exercise capacity . Between 2023–2025, her 15 most recent publications span oxidative stress , medical education , and molecular pathophysiology . Themes include homeostasis , clinical reasoning , and metabolic disorders , with subfields like MMP-9 biology , pancreatic injury , and VR-based hypoxia training . Scientific accolades include the American Physiological Society Travel Award (2017) and recognition as Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2023) . She mentors medical students, contributes to national physiology curriculum consensus projects, and has secured approximately $200,000 in research funding .

Emily CooperView profile

Associate Professor

• 3D vision
• perceptual graphics
• AR/VR
• +4 more

Emily Cooper is an Associate Professor of Optometry & Vision Science at the Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley. She serves as the Chair of the Vision Science PhD Program and is a co-Director of the Center for Innovation in Vision & Optics. Additionally, she is a member of the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute and a Visiting Faculty Researcher at Google. Dr. Cooper's research focuses on 3D vision, perceptual graphics, AR/VR, computational neuroscience, visual encoding, and display system design. Her work investigates how the visual system processes information to create our perception of the 3D world, with applications in computer graphics, virtual reality, and assistive technologies for people with low vision. Analysis of Dr. Cooper's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on the intersection of vision science and emerging technologies, particularly in augmented reality and assistive vision systems. Her work spans fundamental research on visual perception mechanisms to applied research developing practical technologies for low vision rehabilitation. A significant portion of her recent work addresses visual discomfort in XR displays, perceptual guidelines for AR/VR systems, and innovative approaches to assistive vision technologies that enhance mobility and independence for visually impaired individuals. Dr. Cooper leads an active research laboratory at UC Berkeley's 391 Minor Hall, where she mentors students and collaborators in vision science research. Her lab investigates both basic questions about how vision works and translational questions about improving visual technologies. She has developed perceptual guidelines for optimizing field of view in stereoscopic augmented reality displays and created assistive technologies such as an augmented reality sign-reading assistant for users with reduced vision. Dr. Cooper is also involved in professional activities including co-organizing the Computational Neuroscience: Vision summer course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and working with Community Resources For Science to promote science education.

Debora M. Lee ChenView profile

Associate Professor

• Binocular Vision
• Pediatric Vision
• Amblyopia
• +6 more

Dr. Debora M. Lee Chen is an Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry at the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Optometry & Vision Science. She serves as Co-Chief of the Binocular Vision Clinic and Chief Mentor for the Residency in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation. Her roles also include Berkeley Optometry Disability Officer and active participation in institutional committees like the Clinical Curriculum and Instruction Committee and the Berkeley Optometry Curriculum Committee. Her research focuses on binocular vision disorders, pediatric vision, amblyopia, strabismus, traumatic brain injury, cerebral visual impairment, and innovative treatments using mobile applications. She teaches courses such as Optometry 240 (diagnosis/treatment of binocular vision anomalies), Optometry 241L (advanced strabismus management), and clinical specialty clinics (430B, 441A-C). Key research areas include pediatric vision challenges, neurodevelopmental conditions, and vision-related learning disabilities. She emphasizes community health, including barriers to eye care access and school-based screening initiatives. Her work bridges clinical practice with cutting-edge technologies like AI-driven optometry solutions. Dr. Chen’s contributions extend to neuro-optometric rehabilitation, particularly for patients with acquired brain injuries and developmental differences. She advocates for inclusive healthcare practices through her roles on the Disabled Student’s Program advisory committee and DEIB initiatives.

Jung Soo LimView profile

Assistant Professor

• Internet of Things
• Cyber-Physical Systems
• Wireless Networking
• +6 more

Jung Soo Lim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at California State University, Los Angeles, within the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology. He earned his B.S. from Cal State LA and M.S. and Ph.D. from UCLA, returning to his alma mater as a part-time lecturer in 2014 before transitioning to a full-time assistant professor role in 2019. Education: B.S. (Cal State LA), M.S. (UCLA), Ph.D. (UCLA) His research focuses on Internet of Things (IoT) , Cyber-Physical Systems , Wireless Networking , Software Engineering , and Medical Computing . He has active projects in IoT applications for healthcare, urban safety, and wastewater monitoring, including the Center for Inclusive Computing (CIC) Transfer Pathways Project. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary work bridging IoT, healthcare diagnostics, and smart city infrastructure. Notable topics include stroke detection algorithms , IoT communication protocols , and sensor-based environmental monitoring . Scientific Awards: Outstanding Senior at Cal State LA (1997) He teaches core computer science courses such as Computer Programming Fundamentals and Analysis of Algorithms, and actively mentors graduate students. His lab focuses on developing embedded systems and IoT solutions for real-world challenges.

• Sensory Impairment
• Ageing and Cultural Inclusion
• Accessible and Inclusive Technology
• +7 more

Simon Hayhoe is a Reader in Education at the University of Exeter's School of Education and an Associate of the Scottish Sensory Centre, University of Edinburgh. His work focuses on sensory impairment, ageing, inclusive technologies, and participatory research methodologies. He has held roles at the University of Bath (2016-2023), Canterbury Christ Church University, and Sharjah Women’s College, UAE. His research has been supported by a Horizon 2020 grant and a Fulbright Fellowship, among others. Education: PhD in Education (University of Birmingham, 2006), PGCE in Secondary Technology (University of Bath, 1997), MEd (University of Leicester, 1995), BA in Technical Communication (Coventry Polytechnic, 1993). His research interests include sensory impairment philosophies, accessible museum technologies, and inclusive education policies. Notable projects include the ARCHES initiative on cultural heritage accessibility and the Sound Pad Project, which co-created inclusive technologies with marginalized communities. He has delivered keynotes at institutions like MIT, Harvard, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and serves on editorial boards for journals such as British Journal of Visual Impairment and Discover Global Issues . His awards include the Fulbright Scholarship and fellowships from the British Computer Society and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Gregory HillView profile

Assistant Professor

• Optometry
• Refractive Surgery
• Ophthalmology
• +3 more

Dr. Gregory Hill is an Assistant Professor at the College of Optometry, Nova Southeastern University. He holds a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) from Indiana University School of Optometry (1995). His career spans diverse practice modalities including private practice, corporate retail care, refractive surgery management, and hospital-based ophthalmology co-management. He has contributed to ecological research via a National Science Foundation study on prairie ecosystems and co-authored related journal articles. Dr. Hill is actively involved in professional organizations, including leadership roles in the South Dakota chapter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), and has led mission trips to Mexico, Jamaica, and Native American reservations. Education: Indiana University School of Optometry (O.D., 1995), undergraduate studies with NSF-funded ecosystem research. His research interests bridge clinical optometry and ecological science, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Hill advocates for continuous learning and professional integrity, reflecting in his teaching roles in undergraduate biology and optometric lab sections. He is a certified refractive surgery specialist and has received multiple academic honors, including Dean’s List recognition throughout his undergraduate career. Awards/Honors: Advanced Clinical Certification (TLC Vision), membership in two honor societies, VOSH leadership. He emphasizes community engagement through knowledge-sharing, exemplified by media appearances on eye care topics and continuing education lectures for healthcare professionals.

Meng-Hua (Mo) WuView profile

Associate Clinical Professor

• Ocular Disease
• Refractive Surgery
• Cataract Surgery
• +3 more

Dr. Meng-Hua Wu serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in ocular disease management as a Doctor of Optometry (OD) and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). Her academic credentials include: Doctor of Optometry (OD), University of California, Berkeley, 2017 Residency in Ocular Disease, University of California, Berkeley, 2018 Dr. Wu's clinical expertise centers on comprehensive ocular disease treatment with specialized proficiency in refractive surgery (LASIK/PRK), cataract surgery, and glaucoma interventions. She pioneers telemedicine applications for diabetic retinopathy screening in underserved rural communities, emphasizing patient education to prevent vision impairment affecting daily functionality. Her practice philosophy prioritizes translating complex ocular health concepts into actionable patient knowledge. Professional recognition: Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)

• Theoretical Physics
• Quantum Gravity
• Quantum Information
• +3 more

Anastopoulos Charis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Patras. He holds dual appointments in the Theoretical and Mathematical Physics Division and the Technical Institute of Patras (Optics and Optometry). His career includes postdoctoral research at Imperial College London, University of Barcelona, University of Maryland, Utrecht University, and extended research roles funded by Marie Curie Fellowships and national grants. Education: B.Sc. (University of Patras), M.Sc. and Ph.D. (Imperial College London). Research focuses on gravity theory (black hole thermodynamics, gravitational quantum physics), quantum gravity (time in quantum mechanics, quantum measurement), and quantum information (entanglement dynamics, relativistic quantum information). Notable contributions include a Princeton University Press book on quantum concepts and over 50 journal articles. His work bridges foundational quantum theory with gravitational physics, emphasizing quantum-classical transitions and spacetime structure. Awards include journal highlights (Class. Quant. Grav. 2008/2013) and Scientific American Book Club recognition. Research spans quantum decoherence, gravitational cat states, and relativistic measurement theory, with recent focus on deep space quantum experiments and holographic thermodynamics.

Amy SheppardView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Digital Eye Strain
• Ocular Accommodation
• Presbyopia
• +3 more

Dr. Amy Sheppard is a Senior Lecturer at Aston Optometry School within Aston University's College of Health and Life Sciences. She serves as Deputy Head (Education) and maintains UK optometry registration. Her academic appointments include roles as External Examiner for the University of Central Lancashire's MSci Optometry programme and iPRO research adviser for the College of Optometrists. She also chairs Vision Care for Homeless People. Education: 2018: Master's in Education with Distinction (Aston University) 2014: Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy 2010: PhD in Optometry (Aston University) 2003: BSc (Hons) Optometry, First Class Honours (Aston University) Research Focus: Dr. Sheppard's work centers on anterior eye physiology with specialization in Digital Eye Strain, ocular accommodation mechanisms, and presbyopia management. Her investigations employ clinical optometry approaches to address contemporary vision challenges, particularly screen-related visual fatigue and age-related focusing disorders. Recent work explores mobile health applications for vision assessment and AI integration in ophthalmic care. Publication Trends: Her recent articles demonstrate strong focus on digital eye health epidemiology, innovative myopia control interventions, presbyopia diagnostics, and technological applications in optometry. Collaborative work frequently addresses clinical guidelines development and vision-related public health challenges across different demographics. Awards & Honors: Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (2014) Fellow of UK Higher Education Academy (2013) Master's in Education with Distinction (2018) Academic Leadership: She leads modules in Clinical Practice (undergraduate) and Ageing Eye (postgraduate), supervises research dissertations, and directs educational initiatives. She accepts PhD students and contributes to curriculum development across optometry programs. Affiliations: Member of Optometry & Vision Science Research Group (OVSRG) and Aston Research Centre for Health in Ageing. Maintains active collaborations with national optometry organizations and international research teams.

Eva ChungView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Community-based inclusive development
• Robotic interventions
• Developmental disabilities
• +3 more

Dr. Eva Chung is a Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at Swansea University's School of Health and Social Care, part of the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. Her research focuses on community-based inclusive development, robotic interventions for children with autism, and public health. She previously developed Hong Kong's first self-funded BSc Occupational Therapy program. Her work bridges academic and clinical practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and technology-driven solutions. Research Interests: Community-based inclusive development Robotic interventions in therapy Developmental disabilities Mental health policy Occupational therapy education Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator of the General Research Fund (HK$83,836.4) for robotic intervention frameworks Evaluated post-earthquake rehabilitation programs in China Co-developed interprofessional education programs for children with special needs Recipient of multiple competitive grants from Hong Kong and Swansea institutions Professional Roles: Associate Editor, Frontiers in Public Health Editorial Board Member, Hong Kong Journal of Occupational Therapy Labs/Teams: Active in Swansea's occupational therapy education and robotics research teams, collaborating with global institutions on inclusive development initiatives.

• Sensory Motor Control
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Imitation Behavior
• +3 more

Dr. Emma Gowen is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience at The University of Manchester. She co-directs the Body Eyes and Movement (BEAM) lab, focusing on sensory motor control, imitation, and autism research. Her work emphasizes participatory approaches involving autistic adults and families through initiatives like Autism@Manchester. She holds administrative roles including Postgraduate Tutor and membership in ethics committees. Her research integrates eye tracking, motion tracking, and qualitative methods, addressing topics like sensory processing in autism and motor skill development. Education: PhD from University Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (2003), MSc Investigative Ophthalmology (University of Manchester), BSc Orthoptics (University of Liverpool). Research spans autism neurodiversity, motor control, and sensory integration. Key projects include studying aging in autistic adults, developing autism-friendly eyecare practices, and exploring imitation mechanisms across clinical populations. Funded by ESRC, MRC, and Wellcome Trust. Grants: ESRC/RAI Centre for Robotics, MRC/Time perception studies Advising: Supervises optometry and psychology students on sensory-motor topics Labs/Teams: BEAM Lab, Autism@Manchester Network, RAI Robotics Centre. Collaborations include Birmingham University and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital.

• Clinical Reasoning
• Optometry
• Professional Expertise Development
• +3 more

Caroline FAUCHER is a Professor and Deputy Director at the École d'optométrie (School of Optometry) at Université de Montréal. She holds academic leadership roles in optometric education and research. Her research focuses on clinical reasoning, professional expertise development, healthcare communication, and optometry education. She teaches courses like OPM-1051/1052 and OPM-2051/2052, emphasizing professional competencies in optometry. Education: She earned a Doctorat en optométrie (O.D.) from Université de Montréal (1995), a M.Sc. in Physiological Optics (1998), and a Ph.D. in Education from Université de Sherbrooke (2009). Research Interests: Her work addresses clinical decision-making frameworks, optometric education methodologies, and barriers to eye care access. She leads projects funded by the Fonds de fiducie des optométristes canadiens pour l'éducation, including a 2017-2019 initiative on improving history-taking competence in optometry students and a 2013 pilot study on clinical reasoning assessment via the Script Concordance Test. Awards: While no explicit awards are listed, her sustained research grants indicate recognition in optometric education. She is affiliated with the Groupe de recherche en sciences de la vision (GRSV). Advising & Grants: She supervises research projects and has secured funding for studies on ethical dilemmas in optometry practice, clinical reasoning models, and visual disorders in educational settings. Her recent work explores eye care access among homeless populations and ethical challenges in optometric practice. Labs/Teams: Active member of the GRSV research group, focusing on vision science and optometric clinical practices.

Angela ShahbazianView profile

Assistant Clinical Professor

• Optometry
• Ophthalmology
• Community Health Care
• +4 more

Dr. Angela Shahbazian is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry, where she teaches courses such as Optometry 200E and 200F, focusing on clinical examination, ophthalmic procedures, and systemic disease management. She completed her OD at UC Berkeley in 2016 and a residency in Primary Care/Community Health at the same institution in 2017. Her clinical expertise includes glaucoma, diabetes-related eye complications, and urgent care, with a special interest in community health equity. She mentors residents in the Primary Care/Community Health Residency program and serves as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Education: OD: UC Berkeley School of Optometry, 2016 Residency: Primary Care/Community Health, UC Berkeley, 2017 Her research focuses on systemic diseases' ocular manifestations, vitamin deficiencies, and glaucoma management, with publications in Clinical Insights in Eyecare and presentations at the American Academy of Optometry annual meetings. She has authored invited lectures on optic neuropathies, Parkinson’s-related vision changes, and ocular nutrition, emphasizing evidence-based practices and public health advocacy. Her work bridges clinical care and community outreach, aiming to improve equitable access to eye care. Dr. Shahbazian has delivered over 20 peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed talks, posters, and articles since 2016, covering topics from retinal detachment in genetic syndromes to tattoo-associated uveitis. Her presentations often highlight case studies and innovative diagnostic approaches in optometry. Beyond academia, she enjoys outdoor activities with her family. Awards: Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry Grants/Advising: Mentor for Primary Care/Community Health Residency Program Her involvement in the UC Berkeley Optometry community includes roles in curriculum development, clinical training, and alumni events, reflecting her commitment to advancing optometric education and practice.