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John AlbeckView profile

Professor

• Cell Signaling
• Signal Transduction
• Single-Cell Biology
• +7 more

John Albeck is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis, within the College of Biological Sciences. He leads the Albeck Lab, which is dedicated to understanding the dynamic behavior of signaling pathways such as ERK, Akt, AMPK, and mTOR in regulating cell growth, survival, and metabolism. His research combines live-cell imaging with computational modeling to decode how temporal signaling patterns determine cell fate decisions. He is affiliated with the Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (BMCDB) Graduate Group and actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Position: Professor Institution: University of California, Davis Department: Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program: BMCDB Lab Website: albecklab.ucdavis.edu Education: B.A. in Biological Sciences, Cornell University, 2000 Ph.D. in Computational and Systems Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007 Dr. Albeck's research focuses on the information flow in signal transduction networks , particularly how dynamic activation patterns encode specificity in cellular responses. His lab uses genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors to track signaling events in real time across single cells, integrating this data with computational models to predict cellular behaviors. This approach addresses how a limited set of pathways can control diverse outcomes like proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. A major goal is to improve cancer therapies by predicting how cells respond to targeted inhibitors, especially in the context of heterogeneous and adaptive responses. His recent publications highlight work on ERK signaling dynamics , inflammatory responses in airway cells , and the development of biosensors for FGF and AMPK. These studies employ advanced techniques such as cyclic immunofluorescence (4i) , machine learning , and ordinary differential equation (ODE) modeling to infer signaling history from fixed-cell data. The lab also develops computational tools for data analysis, including automated cluster detection and spectral unmixing. Scientific Contributions and Trends: Deciphering how temporal patterns in ERK activity correlate with downstream gene expression (e.g., Fra-1, pRb, Egr-1) Modeling signaling dynamics to predict cell fate under therapeutic inhibition Investigating spatiotemporal signaling clusters in epithelial inflammation Developing Red-FRET biosensors for AMPK and ERK Exploring metabolic signaling and immune modulation by lactate Dr. Albeck advises a diverse group of graduate students and has trained several postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to careers in academia and biotechnology. His lab fosters a collaborative environment that bridges experimental biology and computational analysis. While no formal awards are listed in the provided text, his lab's recognition through publications in high-impact journals and integration into major research initiatives (e.g., UC Davis Lung Center T32 training) underscores his impact. The lab also supports research through internal grants and collaborative projects focused on cancer signaling and lung biology. Laboratory and Team: The Albeck Lab includes graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and staff scientists working on projects ranging from biosensor development to single-cell data analysis. Current team members include Christi Abbate, Elijah Kofke, and Marion Hardy (graduate students), and staff such as Michael Pargett and Carolyn Teragawa. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training and open science, with code and methods shared via GitHub.

Giehae ChoiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Epidemiology
• Reproductive Epidemiology
• Perinatal Epidemiology
• +12 more

Giehae Choi, PhD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, with primary affiliation in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering and joint affiliation in Epidemiology. She is also a key investigator in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Data Analysis Center, where she contributes to large-scale research on children's environmental health. Her work bridges environmental exposure science and public health policy, focusing on vulnerable life stages such as pregnancy and early childhood. Education: PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2020 MPH, not specified in text Dr. Choi's research centers on environmental epidemiology, particularly reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric epidemiology. Her work investigates the health impacts of chemical exposures—including PFAS, metals, phthalates, and organophosphate esters—on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. She employs advanced statistical methods to analyze complex cohort data and simulate public health interventions. Her research also explores the modifying role of nutrition in chemical toxicity, aiming to inform prevention strategies. The recent trend in her publications reveals a strong emphasis on prenatal environmental exposures and child neurodevelopment. Her studies frequently use data from the Boston Birth Cohort and the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), applying mixture analysis and epigenetic methods to understand multifactorial risks. Topics include ADHD, executive function, fetal growth, and DNA methylation, all within the broader context of environmental justice and policy translation. Scientific Awards: SER Lilienfeld Postdoctoral Prize Paper Award (2023) SER Annual Meeting Best Poster Award (2021) NIEHS Extramural Paper of the Month (May 2021) NIEHS Extramural Paper of the Year (2021) Dr. Choi leads an NIH-funded K99/R00 project on maternal chemical exposures and offspring neurodevelopment, with a focus on nutritional modifiers and intervention simulation. She collaborates extensively across institutions and is involved in major consortia such as ECHO. While specific advisees are not listed, her role as a principal investigator suggests mentorship of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. She is embedded in research teams analyzing metabolomic, epigenetic, and behavioral data to uncover environmental determinants of child health.

Siegrid LöwelView profile

Professor

• Systems Neuroscience
• Neural Plasticity
• Cortical Development
• +7 more

Siegrid Löwel is a Full Professor of Systems Neuroscience at the University of Göttingen, affiliated with the Department of Systems Neuroscience within the Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology. She is also a Board Member of the Göttingen Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks since 2021, highlighting her leadership in interdisciplinary neuroscience research. Her educational background includes a Dr. phil. nat. from the University of Frankfurt am Main, completed under Prof. Wolf Singer at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research. Her career includes professorships at the University of Jena (2005–2010), a guest professorship at Magdeburg, and a research associate professorship at the University of California, San Francisco. Siegrid Löwel's research focuses on the development and plasticity of neuronal circuits in the mammalian cortex. Her lab employs optical and 2-photon imaging, electrophysiology, and viral gene knockdown to study how experience and learning shape neural networks. Her work has pivotal implications for brain regeneration and rehabilitation after injury or disease. She was among the first to demonstrate that correlated neural activity underlies long-range cortical circuit development—famously summarized as 'neurons that fire together, wire together.' The recent publications reflect a strong focus on structural and functional cortical plasticity, particularly in the visual system. Themes include silent synapses, critical period regulation, optogenetic interventions for blindness, and the impact of environmental enrichment and exercise on neural plasticity. These studies span molecular, cellular, and systems levels, contributing to both basic neuroscience and translational applications. Scientific awards and recognitions include: Hertie Excellence Program Scholarship in Neurosciences (2004–2005) Dorothea Erxleben Guest Professorship, University of Magdeburg (2003–2004) Löwel leads an active research group and is affiliated with the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences (GGNB) in multiple programs, including Systems Neuroscience and Sensory and Motor Neuroscience. She has secured long-term research support through institutional roles and collaborative networks. While specific grant details are not listed, her sustained publication record and leadership positions indicate robust funding and research activity. Her lab continues to explore mechanisms of neural plasticity with potential clinical applications in stroke recovery, amblyopia, and neurodegenerative conditions. She is associated with the research group homepage: http://systemsneuroscience.uni-goettingen.de .

• Chromosome organization
• 3D genome architecture
• Chromatin structure
• +7 more

Job Dekker is a Professor holding the Joseph J. Byrne Chair in Biomedical Research at UMass Chan Medical School, where he serves as faculty across multiple departments including Systems Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, and Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology. His work bridges the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, with significant contributions to understanding the three-dimensional organization of genomes. Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands: MS Biology Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands: PhD Physiological Chemistry Dekker's research focuses on the fundamental question of how chromosomes are organized in three-dimensional space and how this organization influences gene regulation. As a pioneer in chromosome conformation capture technologies (particularly Hi-C), his laboratory investigates long-range gene regulation, higher-order chromosome organization, and the mechanisms of chromatin folding. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining cell culture, protein biochemistry, microscopy, genomics, and computational modeling to address these questions. Analysis of Dekker's recent publications reveals a continued focus on the structural principles governing chromosome organization, with particular emphasis on mitotic chromosome formation, loop extrusion mechanisms, and the role of cohesin and condensin complexes. His work spans multiple model systems and has increasingly incorporated multi-omics approaches to understand how 3D genome architecture relates to cellular function in both normal and disease states. Member, National Academy of Sciences (2022) Member, National Academy of Medicine (2021) EMBO Associate Member (2020) International Award of the Biochemical Society (2018) Novitski Prize of the Genetics Society of America (2018) Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2015) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2014) As Principal Investigator of the Dekker Lab within the Program in Systems Biology, Dekker has secured substantial funding including his HHMI Investigator position, which supports his research into chromosome organization. His laboratory offers multiple rotation projects for graduate students focusing on long-range gene regulation and chromosome organization using high-throughput genomics technologies. Dekker's work has been instrumental in developing and refining chromosome conformation capture techniques that are now widely used across the genomics field. The Dekker Lab is a leader in the 4D Nucleome field, contributing significantly to our understanding of how chromosomes fold in three-dimensional space and how this organization changes over time (the fourth dimension). His research group continues to push the boundaries of chromosome conformation capture technologies, developing new methodologies to investigate genome architecture at increasingly higher resolutions and across diverse biological contexts.

Vibeke GrøverView profile

Professor

• Language and reading comprehension in children
• Language minority children's learning
• Second language acquisition
• +3 more

Vibeke Grøver is a Professor at the Department of Pedagogical Research, University of Oslo. Her work focuses on language and reading comprehension development for language minority children, with a emphasis on bilingual education, shared book reading interventions, and sociolinguistic factors influencing literacy. Education: Dr.polit., University of Oslo (1992) Master in Educational Psychology, University of Oslo (1982) Elementary School Teacher, University of Oslo (1977) Research Interests include second-language acquisition, early literacy for dual-language learners, home literacy environments, and teacher talk features in preschool settings. She leads projects like Teaching for text comprehension and has contributed to the DEAL (Development, Equality, and Literacy in Learning Contexts) research group. Article Trends show longitudinal studies on bilingual profiles, shared reading interventions, code-switching dynamics, and neighborhood demographic impacts on vocabulary. Key themes include scaffolding language minority students, cross-cultural comparisons (e.g., Chinese-Norwegian families), and teacher-student interaction patterns in multilingual preschools. Leadership Roles include Dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences (2009–2012) and advisory positions for the Peder Sather Center at UC Berkeley (2012–2014). Research visits span Harvard, UC Berkeley, NYU, and East China Normal University.

Jianhua WuView profile

Professor

• Biomechanical analysis of postural control and development
• Kinematics, kinetics, and neuromuscular analysis of healthy and pathological gait
• Modeling posture and gait control through linear and nonlinear dynamics
• +1 more

Jianhua Wu (Jerry Wu) is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Health at the College of Education & Human Development, Georgia State University. His work focuses on biomechanical analysis of postural control, gait development, and physical interventions for children with disabilities. Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of California, Davis (2003) M.S. in Biomechanics, Donghua University, China (1998) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, China (1995) His research integrates kinematic and kinetic analysis with nonlinear dynamics to study locomotor and postural development in children with Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome. He investigates how early treadmill stepping interventions affect walking onset and motor functioning. Publications in journals like Gait and Posture , Osteoporosis International , and Physical Therapy highlight his focus on biomechanical adaptation, bone mineral accrual, and rehabilitation strategies for pediatric populations with developmental disabilities. Wu’s laboratory in Sports Arena G14 combines neuromuscular analysis with clinical outcomes to advance physical intervention programs for improving mobility and skeletal health in children with disabilities.

Joan M MastrobattistaView profile

Professor

• Prenatal Ultrasound
• Prenatal Diagnosis
• Medical Complications of Pregnancy
• +4 more

Joan M Mastrobattista, M.D., is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She works in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and serves as the Ultrasound Clinic Chief for Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine. She also co-directs the Ultrasound Quality Program for her department. B.S. from [Other Institution] (1982) M.D. from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (1988) Internship and Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center (1988-1992) Advanced Training at University of Texas Health Science Center (1994) Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at University of Texas Health Science Center (1995) Her clinical and research efforts focus on prenatal ultrasound , prenatal diagnosis , and medical complications of pregnancy , with a strong emphasis on ultrasound education . She has contributed to studies on fetal abnormalities (e.g., neural tube defects), viral infections (e.g., parvovirus B19), metabolic disorders (e.g., milk-alkali syndrome), and obstetric emergencies like pulmonary embolism and preterm labor. Her work bridges diagnostic imaging, maternal health, and interdisciplinary care for high-risk pregnancies. Article trends highlight her expertise in fetal diagnostics , ultrasound applications , and obstetric complications , with subfields spanning antenatal steroids , in utero infections , and fetal neurology . Her career includes collaborations with institutions like Texas Children's Hospital , New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center , and University of Texas Health Science Center . Dr. Mastrobattista has dedicated decades to educating Medical Students Residents Genetic Counseling Students Fellows Clinicians in ultrasound techniques and maternal-fetal medicine.

Rebecca A. WingertView profile

Associate Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology
• Genetics
• +9 more

Rebecca A. Wingert is the Elizabeth and Michael Gallagher Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where she also serves as Director of Graduate Studies and Chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Her research focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of renal stem cells in kidney development, regeneration, and disease. Research Interests: The Wingert Lab investigates how renal stem cells contribute to nephron formation, homeostasis, and regeneration after injury. Her work addresses fundamental questions in developmental biology, stem cell biology, and organogenesis, with implications for understanding birth defects and chronic kidney diseases. Using zebrafish models, her lab explores conserved genetic pathways in vertebrate kidney development. Developmental Biology Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Genetics & Genomics Molecular Biology Nephrology and Kidney Disease Rare and Neglected Diseases (e.g., Non-Ketotic Hyperglycinemia) Recent Research Trends: Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on transcriptional regulation (e.g., Tfap2a, Irx2a, Emx1), prostaglandin signaling, ciliogenesis, and nephron segmentation. Her lab uses zebrafish to model human renal diseases and uncover conserved mechanisms of nephrogenesis and repair. There is a recurring emphasis on metabolic regulation (e.g., PGC-1α) and injury response pathways. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Gallagher Family Professorship in Stem Cell Biology Advising and Grants: As Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. Wingert plays a central role in mentoring graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences. While specific grant funding is not listed, her sustained productivity and leadership roles suggest active external support for her research program. She advises graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in her lab, fostering training in developmental genetics and renal biology. Labs and Research Teams: The Wingert Lab at the University of Notre Dame utilizes zebrafish as a model system to study kidney development and regeneration. The lab integrates forward and reverse genetics, chemical screening, and molecular imaging to dissect nephrogenesis and disease mechanisms. Her team collaborates across disciplines to model rare diseases and explore regenerative pathways.

Evan ApfelbaumView profile

Professor

• Social Psychology
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Organizational Behavior
• +3 more

Evan Apfelbaum is a Professor of Management & Organizations at Boston University's Questrom School of Business, previously holding positions as W. Maurice Young Career Development Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management and Team and Group Research Fellow at Northwestern University's Kellogg School. His academic career bridges social psychology and organizational behavior with a focus on evidence-based approaches to workplace dynamics. Educational background: B.S. in Psychology and Music from Union College Ph.D. in Social Psychology from Tufts University Apfelbaum's research centers on diversity, inclusion, and intergroup relations within organizational contexts, examining how racial and gender biases manifest in workplaces through field experiments and longitudinal studies. He investigates the psychological mechanisms behind diversity initiatives, social norms in racially diverse environments, and transparency in reporting diversity metrics, consistently translating theoretical insights into practical business applications for fostering equitable workplaces. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2017-2024) reveals a cohesive trajectory examining diversity transparency, barriers to gender equality, and multiculturalism effects across multiple organizational settings. His work demonstrates methodological rigor through field experiments in real business environments, with increasing focus on data-driven interventions and longitudinal impacts of diversity initiatives in corporate contexts. Major recognitions include: Gordon Allport Intergroup Relations Prize James H. Ferry Jr. Grant for Innovation in Research Early Researcher Award from the American Psychological Association Top 40 Business Professors Under 40 by Poets & Quants Apfelbaum's research has secured significant funding including the James H. Ferry Jr. Grant, supporting innovative field studies on diversity interventions. While specific student advisees aren't listed, his collaborative publications with junior researchers across institutions indicate active mentorship. His work frequently involves cross-institutional teams examining large-scale diversity initiatives in corporate environments. As former Team and Group Research Fellow at Kellogg School of Management, Apfelbaum contributed to group dynamics research infrastructure. At Boston University, he participates in Questrom School's organizational behavior research ecosystem, focusing on experimental approaches to diversity challenges though no dedicated laboratory is specified in current materials.

• Cell division
• Stem cell biology
• Germline stem cells
• +5 more

Jean-Claude Labbé is Full Professor in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, and Principal Investigator of the “Cell Division and Differentiation” research unit at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC). Recruited in 2005, he leads an internationally recognized program that exploits the nematode C. elegans to decipher the molecular logic governing stem cell division, polarity and tissue organization. Education & Training: PhD in Biochemistry, Université de Montréal (supervisors: Luis A. Rokeach & Siegfried Hekimi) Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA (with Bob Goldstein) Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Switzerland (with Monica Gotta) Research Focus: His laboratory investigates how germline stem cells balance self-renewal and differentiation through oriented divisions that maintain contact with the distal tip cell niche, and how syncytial germline architecture is established, expanded and maintained. These studies integrate advanced live-cell imaging, quantitative image analysis, genetics and biochemistry, and provide fundamental insights relevant to mammalian development, tissue regeneration and cancer. Funding & Awards: Canada Research Chair in Cell Division and Differentiation (2006–2016) CIHR New Investigator Award (2005–2006) Ongoing operating grants from CIHR, NSERC and the Cancer Research Society Team & Mentorship: He currently mentors several graduate students (Mohamed Réda Zellag, Kimia Zarnani, Léa Lacroix) and research associates within a vibrant, collaborative environment at IRIC.

• Psychiatric Nursing
• Mental Health
• Special Needs Children Care
• +7 more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Havva KAÇAN is a distinguished academic in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Kastamonu University, Turkey, specializing in Nursing with a focus on Psychiatric Nursing. She currently serves as Department Head and has held academic positions since 1998, progressing from Teaching Staff to her current role as Associate Professor since 2023. Her career spans over 25 years of dedicated service in nursing education and research. Doctorate in Nursing (2011-2014) - Istanbul Science University, Health Sciences Institute Master's in Fundamentals of Nursing (1996-1999) - Hacettepe University, Institute of Health Sciences Bachelor's in Nursing (1991-1995) - Hacettepe University, School of Nursing Dr. KAÇAN's research interests center around psychiatric nursing, mental health, and special needs care, with particular expertise in autism spectrum disorders, caregiver burden, and elderly mental health. Her work bridges clinical practice with academic research, focusing on practical interventions that improve quality of life for vulnerable populations including children with disabilities, their families, and elderly individuals. She has developed numerous psychoeducation programs addressing anxiety, stress management, and coping strategies. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on evidence-based interventions for special needs populations, particularly examining caregiver burden, psychological resilience, and mental health outcomes. Her work increasingly incorporates disaster mental health perspectives, particularly regarding psychological first aid for children with special needs. The interdisciplinary nature of her research connects psychiatric nursing with social psychology, geriatrics, and women's health. Prof.Dr.Perihan Velioğlu Hemşirelik Fonu Award (2025) Project Incentive Award from Kastamonu University (2024) Project Incentive Award from Özel Birey ve Aileler Dayanışma Derneği (2024) Ruh Sağlığını Koruma recognition (2021) Poster Presentation First Prize from Sağlıkla Hemşirelik Dergisi (2013) Dr. KAÇAN has successfully led multiple research projects, including TÜBİTAK-funded initiatives focusing on inclusive community practices for individuals with special needs and scientific education activities. She has served as principal investigator and consultant for numerous student research projects, demonstrating strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of nursing professionals. Her collaborative work spans multiple Turkish universities including Dicle University, Mardin Artuklu University, and Hacettepe University. As Department Head at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Health Sciences, she leads a team focused on psychiatric nursing education and research. Her leadership extends to coordinating interdisciplinary approaches for special needs children and their families, integrating insights from psychology, social work, and medical disciplines to create comprehensive care models.

• Body Image
• Eating Disorder Prevention
• Measures Validation
• +6 more

Kirsty Garbett is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). She specializes in applied body image research, focusing on developing and validating interventions to improve body confidence across diverse populations. Her work spans cross-cultural adaptations of body image programs in India, Indonesia, and Brazil, emphasizing scalability and digital delivery. Key areas: Body image interventions, social media impact, cosmetic procedures, psychosocial measurement tools Collaborations: Dove Self-Esteem Project, international academics, media experts Methods: RCTs, cross-cultural validation, systematic reviews Kirsty's recent research includes systematic reviews of cosmetic surgery outcomes, social media-based interventions for Indonesian women, and school programs for adolescents. She also investigates the validation of psychological tools like the Body Esteem Scale and ChEDE-Q across languages and cultures. Her publications highlight trends in digital interventions , cross-cultural adaptation , and psychosocial measurement , with a focus on low- and middle-income settings. While no scientific awards are listed, her work demonstrates rigorous methodological innovation in scaling evidence-based programs. Qualifications: DPhil in Health Psychology (UWE Bristol, 2022), MSc in Health Psychology (Nottingham, 2013), BSc in Psychology (Strathclyde, 2011).

Jungmeen Kim-SpoonView profile

Professor

• Developmental Psychopathology
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Risk and Resilience in Adolescent Risk Taking
• +7 more

Dr. Jungmeen Kim-Spoon is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Health Sciences at Virginia Tech's College of Science. She leads the JK Lifespan Development Lab and serves as Director of Virginia Tech's Developmental Science program, focusing on developmental psychopathology and neurocognitive mechanisms in adolescent risk behaviors. Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology (University of Virginia) M.A. in Developmental Psychology (Yonsei University) B.A. in Psychology (Yonsei University, Summa Cum Laude) Her research examines: Developmental pathways of psychopathology following child maltreatment Neurobiological substrates of risk-taking behaviors Protective factors in adversity: Self-regulation, cognitive control, religiousness Longitudinal neuroimaging studies of adolescent brain maturation Quantitative methods: Structural equation modeling, latent growth analysis Recent publications highlight: Neurocognitive control of substance use (2025) Maltreatment effects on emotion regulation (2024) Developmental impacts of socioeconomic disadvantage (2024) Family chaos and neural protective factors (2024) Delay discounting pathways in adolescent substance use (2024) Scientific recognition: Heilig-Meyers Professor of Psychology (2025–present) NIH-funded research projects (NIDA/NICHD/NIMH) Lab members include: Current graduate students: Claudia Clinchard, Celina Meyer, Sahar Hafezi Postdoctoral associates: Ya-Yun Chen, Ashlyn Murphy

Ayla HumphreyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• +5 more

Ayla Humphrey is an Assistant Professor and Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the University of Cambridge Department of Psychiatry . Her research focuses on early identification of mental health needs in children, cognitive therapy for trauma-exposed youth, and developmental disorders like autism and Tuberous Sclerosis . She serves as Course Director for the MPhil Foundations of Clinical Psychology and co-founded the NHS Cambridge Centre for Paediatric Neuropsychological Rehabilitation . Her research spans Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) integration with social care, trauma-focused cognitive therapy , and developmental disorder screening . Key collaborations include the NIHR-funded COACHES study and the PYCES (Parents and Young Children under Extreme Stress) project. Scientific awards include the 2017 British Psychological Society Award for Outstanding Contribution to Applied Practice . She actively supervises PhD students and contributes to school-based mental health identification frameworks . Her work emphasizes evidence-based service transformation and cross-sector collaboration.

Sylvia H. LeyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nutrition
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• +2 more

Sylvia H. Ley, PhD, RD, serves as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Tulane University's Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She teaches Epidemiologic Methods I and III while mentoring PhD and MS students in chronic disease research. Her educational background includes: Postdoctoral training at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health focusing on large-scale cohort studies Doctoral studies in maternal and infant nutrition and clinical epidemiology at University of Toronto Registered Dietitian certification from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Dr. Ley's research centers on life-course strategies for chronic disease prevention , with emphasis on nutrition , diabetes progression , and cardiovascular risk in women. Her work investigates how reproductive factors (menarche timing, lactation, gestational diabetes), sleep patterns , and dietary behaviors influence long-term metabolic outcomes across the lifespan. She employs advanced epidemiological methods in major cohort studies including NHANES and the Bogalusa Heart Study. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on sex-specific disease pathways and developmental origins of health , particularly examining how early-life exposures manifest as cardiometabolic disorders decades later. Her work bridges clinical epidemiology with nutritional science to identify modifiable risk factors. Dr. Ley actively mentors graduate students including Santos MP, Mullen AJ, and Siebach MK. Her research receives continuous funding from major agencies including NIH, NSF, and CIHR, supporting her 80+ peer-reviewed publications that have accumulated over 14,000 citations. She serves in leadership roles as Past-Chair of Nutritional Epidemiology for the American Society for Nutrition, Associate Editor for the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and co-Chair of the Women's Interprofessional Network for the American Diabetes Association.