Find Academic Supervisors

Alexis BattleView profile

Associate Professor

• Genomics
• Machine Learning
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Alexis Battle is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University with appointments in Biomedical Engineering , Computer Science , and Genetic Medicine (secondary). She directs the Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare and serves as Deputy Director of the Data Science and AI Institute . Educated at Stanford University (PhD in Computer Science, 2013), Battle transitioned to academia after leadership roles at Google. Research Focus: Battle’s work bridges genomics and machine learning , emphasizing the impact of genetic variation on human health. Her lab develops tools like Watershed to predict functional effects of rare variants, aiming to enhance rare disease diagnosis. Key themes include non-coding DNA analysis , personalized genomics , and systems biology , with applications in cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders . Publications & Awards: Over 60 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nature , Science , and Genome Biology , with recent emphasis on single-cell transcriptomics , multiomics integration , and telomere biology . Recipient of the President’s Frontier Award (2022), Microsoft Investigator Fellowship (2019), and Searle Scholar (2016). Scientific Awards: 2022 President’s Frontier Award 2019 Microsoft Investigator Fellowship 2019 Johns Hopkins Discovery Award 2017 Johns Hopkins Catalyst Award 2016 Searle Scholar Advising & Funding: Mentors 11 PhD students, 3 undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows. Her research is funded by NIH, Searle Scholars, and institutional grants. The Battle Lab collaborates on projects like the GTEx Consortium , focusing on gene regulation and clinical genomics .

• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Cognition
• Neuroscience
• +7 more

Professor Heather Ferguson is a distinguished cognitive psychologist at the University of Kent's School of Psychology, where she has built an impressive academic career since her appointment as Lecturer in 2009. Promoted to Professor in 2018, she leads groundbreaking research examining the cognitive basis of social communication across the lifespan. Her work bridges cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and social cognition, with particular expertise in perspective-taking, theory of mind, and the interface between cognitive processes and social interaction. Her research primarily investigates how we access and represent other people's perspectives during communication, using methodologies including eye-tracking, EEG, and reaction time measurements. Key questions driving her work include: How do people understand and predict events based on others' mental states? What happens when these conflict with our own knowledge? How do social abilities relate to cognitive skills like memory and inhibitory control? How does aging affect social cognition? Her work has significant implications for understanding autism spectrum disorder, social development, and cognitive aging. Professor Ferguson's recent publications reveal a strong focus on perspective-taking across the lifespan, social cognition in autism, the cognitive effects of fiction reading, and the neural mechanisms underlying empathy. Her research demonstrates consistent methodological rigor through pre-registered studies and meta-analyses, with particular attention to developmental trajectories from adolescence through older adulthood. Psychonomic Society Early Career Award (2019) Open Science Framework Pre-registration Challenge award (2018) Cognitive Neuroscience Society Postdoctoral Fellow Award (2018) University of Kent Prize for Research (2016) Kent Union Teaching Award for 'Best Teacher' (2012) Professor Ferguson actively supervises multiple PhD students and has secured substantial research funding, including a €1.5 million ERC Starting Grant and multiple Leverhulme Trust grants. Her work with the Cognitive basis of Social Communication and Ageing (COGSOCOAGE) research group has produced influential findings on social cognition across the lifespan. She serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory & Cognition and on the editorial board of Cognition, while also mentoring early-career researchers through the Eastern Arc Mentoring Scheme.

Erik WillcuttView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Genetics
• Psychiatric Genetics
• ADHD Etiology
• +3 more

Erik Willcutt is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder. His research focuses on the genetic and neurobehavioral underpinnings of ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental psychopathologies. He holds positions at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics and the Center for Neuroscience. Education: PhD in Psychology from the University of Denver (1998). Research Interests: Etiology and assessment of ADHD, reading disabilities, and developmental psychopathologies. His work integrates behavioral genetics, neuroimaging, and longitudinal twin studies to understand cognitive and psychiatric disorders. Key topics include neuroanatomical correlates of ADHD, genetic influences on dyslexia, and comorbidity between learning disabilities and psychiatric conditions. Publications highlight advanced methods like genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and phenotype harmonization (e.g., Rosetta method). His work bridges molecular genetics with clinical psychology, emphasizing translational research. Lab/Affiliations: Active in the Institute for Behavioral Genetics and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams studying neurodevelopmental disorders. Office located at Muenzinger D451B.

Bertram Müller-MyhsokView profile

Research Professor

• Psychiatric Genetics
• Statistical Genetics
• Transcriptomics
• +3 more

Bertram Müller-Myhsok is a Research Professor and Research Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany. His research focuses on statistical genetics and transcriptomic data analysis in psychiatric disorders, particularly major depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, and their treatment responses. He integrates machine learning with genetic and clinical data to develop predictive models and stratified treatment approaches. Professional activities include leadership roles in the International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry and collaborations with institutions like the Institut du Cerveau (Paris) and Bernhard Nocht Institute (Hamburg). His work spans genetic epidemiology, psychiatric genomics, and precision medicine, with over 400 publications in high-impact journals. Key research areas include identifying genetic risk factors for mental disorders, developing polygenic scores, and leveraging omics data to uncover disease mechanisms. He leads projects like Psych-STRATA, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative advancing personalized psychiatry through pharmacogenomics.

Angela ChenView profile

Professor

• Optometry
• Pediatric Optometry
• Binocular Vision
• +3 more

Angela Chen is a Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO), part of Marshall B. Ketchum University. She co-teaches Strabismus/Amblyopia Diagnosis and Management courses and provides clinical teaching to optometric interns in Vision Therapy and Pediatric Vision Care Services. Additionally, she coordinates the residency program in Pediatric Optometry, Vision Therapy, and Vision Rehabilitation. Education: BS from University of California, Davis OD and MS from State University of New York College of Optometry Residency in Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy at SCCO Dr. Chen's research focuses on strabismus, amblyopia, and non-strabismic binocular vision disorders, particularly in pediatric populations. She investigates diagnostic and management strategies for refractive errors in children and contributes to clinical trials through her role as a clinical investigator. Her scientific contributions include involvement in NEI-supported studies such as the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG) and the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial-Attention and Reading Trial (CITT-ART). These projects explore interventions for binocular vision issues and their impact on developmental outcomes. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry Diplomate of the Binocular Vision, Perception, Pediatric Optometry Section Dr. Chen also oversees clinical training in the Pediatric Contact Lens Service and mentors residents, ensuring the application of advanced therapeutic techniques in vision rehabilitation settings.

Sven BölteView profile

Professor

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• ADHD
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• +6 more

Sven Bölte is a Professor at Karolinska Institutet where he leads the research group focused on Autism, ADHD and other developmental neurological conditions as part of the Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND). His work bridges clinical research, education, and practical implementation of evidence-based approaches for neurodevelopmental conditions. Professor Bölte's research spans multiple domains within neurodevelopmental disorders, with particular emphasis on implementing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Sets for autism and ADHD using digital solutions. His group has developed and evaluated social skills training programs (KONTAKT, SKOLKONTAKT, iKONTAKT) for autistic children and adolescents, conducted twin research through the Roots of Autism and ADHD Twin Study in Sweden (RATSS), and advanced diagnostic instruments for autism, ADHD, social cognition, and adaptive behavior. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on translating research into practice, with significant work on strengths-based approaches, social inclusion, neurodiversity-affirmative assessment, and the development of practical tools for clinicians and educators. The research demonstrates increasing attention to adult experiences of autism, cross-cultural validation of interventions, and the integration of digital technology in assessment and intervention. Bölte's group also delivers extensive educational components for professionals through KI-Utbildning (Assignment Education), making it one of the largest providers of training on diagnosis and support for individuals with developmental neurological conditions within Karolinska Institutet. His work frequently addresses policy implications, as evidenced by participation in Swedish parliamentary discussions about autism and ADHD.

Laurie FordView profile

Associate Professor

• Family-School-Community Partnerships and Relationships
• Early Childhood Mental Health
• Assessment with Young Children
• +7 more

Laurie Ford is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia , affiliated with the Faculty of Education and the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education . She serves as the SACP Admissions Coordinator , Director of Training , and Director of Early Childhood Education . Her work bridges Child and Adolescent Development with Family-School-Community Partnerships , emphasizing culturally responsive practices. Dr. Ford’s research focuses on Early Childhood Assessment , Multi-disciplinary Teams , and Supporting Vulnerable Populations , including immigrants, refugees, and children with chronic health conditions like IBD. She leads the Children, Families, and Communities Lab , where students explore topics such as Cognitive Assessment , Family Engagement , and Community-level Child Development . Her recent publications analyze psychometric tools in diverse populations, assessment feedback communication, and community factors influencing child development. She has presented nationally and internationally on topics like Indigenous Family Engagement and School Belonging for Refugee Students . Dr. Ford has supervised over 75 graduate theses and collaborates with global institutions, including the University of Melbourne on the KIDS in Communities Study (KICS) . Current projects examine school belonging for immigrant/refugee families , supporting children with inflammatory bowel disease , and cross-national assessment norms . She advocates for collaborative approaches to address Early Childhood Mental Health and Multi-cultural Considerations in educational environments.

Philip BooneView profile

Academic

• Medical Genetics
• Genomics
• Pediatric Genetics
• +4 more

Philip Boone, MD, PhD, is an Attending Physician in the Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital and an Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. He specializes in medical genetics with particular expertise in rare disorders, medical mysteries, deletion and duplication syndromes, and Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Dr. Boone sees patients at Boston Children's Brookline location (2 Brookline Place, 7th Floor) and provides comprehensive genetic care including diagnostics, counseling, and individualized management. Stanford University (Undergraduate, 2006) Baylor College of Medicine (Graduate & Medical School, 2013-2014) Boston Combined Residency Program (Internship & Residency, 2016-2020) Harvard Medical School Genetics Training Program (Fellowship, 2020) Dr. Boone's research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders, chromatin regulation, and genetic diagnostics. His work spans from fundamental genetic mechanisms to clinical applications, with particular emphasis on cohesinopathies including Cornelia de Lange syndrome. He has contributed significantly to understanding genetic variants associated with growth disorders, developmental features, and structural chromosomal abnormalities. His research combines advanced genomic technologies with clinical insights to improve diagnosis and management of rare genetic conditions. Analysis of Dr. Boone's publication record reveals a strong focus on medical genetics with emphasis on neurodevelopmental disorders, chromatin regulation, and genetic diagnostics. His work spans basic research on gene function and regulation to clinical applications in rare disease diagnosis. A notable trend is his investigation of cohesin complex disorders, particularly SMC3 variants and their relationship to Cornelia de Lange syndrome. His publications demonstrate expertise in both traditional genetic analysis and cutting-edge genomic technologies including long-read sequencing and telomere-to-telomere assembly. Dr. Boone actively contributes to medical education through publications on genetic diagnostics and distance learning resources for medical genetics. He has co-authored educational materials that help advance the field's knowledge base and training capabilities. As an attending physician in the Division of Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children's Hospital and a research fellow in the Center for Genomic Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Boone works within one of the largest pediatric genetics practices in the country. The division includes over 30 board-certified clinical geneticists, genetic counselors, dieticians, and nursing staff who provide comprehensive care for patients with both common and extremely rare genetic conditions.

• Multisensory Perception
• Predictive Processing
• Speech Perception
• +3 more

Prof. Helen Blank is a Professor leading the Multisensory Perception Group and the Prediction in Communication Lab at the Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Her work focuses on understanding how sensory information is integrated and predicted in contexts like speech perception and face recognition. She holds a Marie Curie Fellowship for her research on prior information's role in human communication. Fluent in German, English, and French, she contributes to experimental medicine and systems neuroscience. Her research spans predictive coding, neuroimaging, and clinical applications in Parkinson’s and developmental disorders. Education: Not explicitly stated in text, inferred as advanced degrees in neuroscience or related fields. Her research interests emphasize multisensory integration, predictive processing in speech and vision, and the neural bases of perception. Recent articles explore topics such as pupil responses to auditory surprise, face expectation hierarchies, and audio-visual speech processing. Awards include the Marie Curie Fellowship supporting her predictive communication work. She leads interdisciplinary teams within the Center for Experimental Medicine, advancing knowledge on perceptual mechanisms and their clinical implications.

Vicky ChondrogianniView profile

Professor

• Bilingualism
• Language Development
• Psycholinguistics
• +3 more

Professor Vicky Chondrogianni holds the Personal Chair of Bilingualism and Language Development at the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences. She is affiliated faculty at CUNY Graduate Center's Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences. Her research focuses on first/second language acquisition, child bilingualism, psycholinguistics, and developmental language disorders. She has held positions at Bangor University, Aalborg University, and the University of Reading before joining Edinburgh. Education: BA in Linguistics and Classics (University of Athens), MPhil in English and Applied Linguistics (University of Cambridge), PhD in Second Language Acquisition (University of Cambridge). Research interests include cross-linguistic aspects of acquisition in typically-developing and impaired children, production/comprehension relationships, and cognitive-language interactions. She currently supervises PhD students in topics like morphosyntax in bilingual children and employs eye-tracking methods. Grants/Projects: Includes studies on Gaelic-medium education, heritage children's eye-tracking data, and language disorders in multilingual settings. She has led over 20 projects since 2002, including work on Welsh-English bilingualism and L2 Greek acquisition. Labs/Teams: Active in Bilingualism Matters, a research center promoting bilingualism awareness. Serves as Editor for Linguistic Approaches to Bilingualism and holds roles in international associations like IASCL.

Susannah V LeviView profile

Associate Professor

• Speech Perception
• Phonetics
• Acoustic Phonetics
• +7 more

Susannah V Levi serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. She holds multiple leadership roles including Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders and Director of the Acoustic Phonetics and Perception Lab (APPL). She also serves as Affiliate Faculty in both Linguistics and Psychology departments. Dr. Levi received her educational training through: BA in Mathematics and French from Washington University in St. Louis MA in Linguistics from the University of Washington, Seattle PhD in Linguistics from the University of Washington, Seattle Post-doctoral research in Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University Her research program focuses on spoken language processing, examining how listener characteristics (languages spoken, reading ability, language ability) interact with spoken utterance properties (native versus nonnative speech, talker familiarity, semantic predictability) during processing. Her work spans fundamental speech perception mechanisms to clinical applications for individuals with language and reading disorders. Recent research has increasingly focused on gender expression in speech, expanding traditional binary gender frameworks to include transgender and gender nonconforming speakers. She has made significant contributions to understanding how talker familiarity benefits speech processing in children and adults, with implications for clinical interventions. Analysis of Dr. Levi's recent publications reveals several key research trends: an expansion from basic speech perception mechanisms to clinical applications; growing emphasis on gender diversity in speech science; increasing integration of sociolinguistic factors with cognitive processing; and methodological innovations in measuring speech perception. Her work demonstrates a clear trajectory from foundational research on talker processing to applied work addressing real-world communication challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations including children with language disorders and gender diverse individuals. Dr. Levi actively mentors students, as evidenced by the numerous publications where student co-authors are marked with asterisks. Her research program is currently funded by the National Science Foundation, supporting work in the Acoustic Phonetics and Perception Lab. Her laboratory work focuses on speech perception mechanisms, with particular attention to how listeners process speech from familiar versus unfamiliar talkers, how this develops in children, and how it applies to clinical populations. The lab has increasingly incorporated gender-expansive perspectives into speech science research, examining acoustic properties of speech across gender identities.

Malin BrobergView profile

Professor

• Developmental Psychology
• Disability Studies
• Family Welfare Systems
• +6 more

Malin Broberg is a Professor in Psychology and the current Vice-Chancellor (since 2023) and President of the University of Gothenburg. She was previously Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the same institution. Educated at Umeå University, she is a licensed psychologist with a clinical background in child and youth habilitation. Her research focuses on: Welfare systems for families with disabled children Stress coping mechanisms Neurodevelopmental impacts of brain damage in children Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Parental well-being and resilience Recent publications (2024-2023) highlight her work in neuropsychology, health-promoting learning environments, and AAC interventions for children with profound disabilities. She has collaborated with researchers in Sweden and the USA, and her work appears in journals like Child Neuropsychology and Disability and Rehabilitation-Assistive Technology . Malin Broberg has supervised doctoral and Master’s theses in developmental psychology and disability research. She has also served as General Secretary of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IASSIDD).

Ara J. SchmittView profile

Professor

• School Psychology
• Neuropsychological Assessment
• Evidence-Based Intervention
• +3 more

Dr. Ara J. Schmitt is a Professor of School Psychology and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Advancement at Duquesne University's School of Education. He holds a Ph.D. from Illinois State University (2001) and a B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1996). His research focuses on neuropsychological assessment, evidence-based interventions for learning disabilities, school-based chronic illness management, and bullying dynamics. Dr. Schmitt has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and textbooks, including Patterns of Learning Disorders (2006) and Theory and Cases in School-Based Consultation (2020). Education: Ph.D., School Psychology, Illinois State University (2001); B.S., Psychology, University of Illinois (1996) Professional Roles: Associate Dean for Research, School Psychology Program Director, Adjunct Faculty Collaborator His research interests emphasize applied interventions in schools, including neurocognitive assessments, concussion management, and bullying prevention. He has pioneered studies on Taped Problems Intervention adaptations for remote learning and explored cognitive predictors of bullying behavior in adolescents. Recent work addresses socially responsive evaluation practices in health psychology and disparities in concussion awareness among athletes and parents. Dr. Schmitt has advised over 20 graduate students and contributed to national initiatives like the CCTC 2020 guidelines for health psychology training. His work bridges clinical practice and education, particularly in supporting students with chronic illnesses and neurodiverse needs.

Liam CrossView profile

Lecturer

• Social Psychology
• Prosocial Behavior
• Synchronization
• +13 more

Liam Cross is a Lecturer in Psychology at the School of Psychology, University of Bath. His research focuses on social psychology, particularly how synchronized movement (e.g., dancing, drumming) fosters prosocial behavior, affiliation, and group cohesion. He also investigates autism, theory of mind, deception, media effects on prejudice, and the therapeutic potential of games. His research interests span Social Psychology, Prosocial Behavior, Synchronization, Theory of Mind, Autism, Nonverbal Communication, Media Effects, and Gamification . He explores how rhythmic coordination influences social bonding and identity, and how digital and tabletop games can support individuals with autism. His work integrates experimental, virtual reality, and qualitative methods to understand complex social dynamics. The recent articles highlight a strong trend in using technology—especially virtual reality and games—to study and enhance empathy, reduce prejudice, and improve social interaction. Key themes include the Proteus Effect, synchronized movement in VR, video games for refugee empathy, and board games for understanding autistic experiences . These works reflect interdisciplinary approaches bridging psychology, human-computer interaction, and social intervention. Liam Cross has no explicitly listed scientific awards in the provided text. While no direct mention of student advising or grants is made, his collaborative publications suggest active mentorship and research leadership. He is affiliated with the NeuroPlay Lab , indicating involvement in a dedicated research team focused on play, technology, and social cognition. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to well-being and reduced inequalities. He is actively involved in research and teaching in Social Psychology, Research Methods, and Statistics , and leads innovative projects using immersive technologies and games to address social challenges. The NeuroPlay Lab serves as a hub for experimental and applied research in prosocial technology and autism interventions.

Thomas SchandingView profile

Associate Professor

• Social and Emotional Learning
• Behavioural and Mental Health
• Assessment
• +5 more

Thomas Schanding serves as Associate Professor and Department Head in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Education. He concurrently directs the Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre. Previously, he held significant roles including core faculty in Special Education and Associate Director of Outreach and Leadership for the decade-long LoneStar LEND program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, alongside clinical supervision positions at Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital. His educational foundation includes doctoral coursework at the University of Southern Mississippi (APA-accredited) and doctoral internship with Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (APA-accredited). Doctoral Coursework: University of Southern Mississippi Doctoral Internship: Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District Dr. Schanding's research centers on social-emotional learning (SEL) and behavioral/mental health (B/MH) through three interconnected pillars: (1) assessment methodologies for SEL/B/MH, (2) evidence-based interventions to enhance youth well-being, and (3) cultural-linguistic considerations in school-community contexts. His clinical expertise spans Autism Spectrum Disorders and 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experiences, operating within Cognitive-Behavioral and Ecological theoretical frameworks. The SMART Lab ( https://blogs.ubc.ca/smartlab ) drives his applied research agenda focusing on inclusive practices and mental health promotion. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on SEL assessment tools, helicopter parenting dynamics, and diversity-inclusive frameworks in school psychology. Key trends include validation studies of early literacy screeners, exploration of LGBTQ+ mental health predictors, and critical examinations of equity in educational literature, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based social justice. His scholarly contributions have been recognized through: President’s Distinguished Faculty Research Award, University of Houston – Clear Lake (2020) Group Teaching Excellence Award, University of Houston (2011) Early Career Scholar, Society for the Study of School Psychology (2009) As an educator, Dr. Schanding has supervised numerous practicum and intern students across settings including school districts and hospital systems. His leadership extends to directing the Psychological Services and Counselling Training Centre at UBC and previously leading outreach initiatives for neurodevelopmental disabilities through the LEND program. His teaching portfolio includes EPSE 506 (Applied Psychopathology), EPSE 555 (Academic & Social-Emotional Assessment), and specialized courses on Autism Spectrum Disorders. The SMART Lab (Social, Mental health, and Academic Research Team) operates as his primary research vehicle, conducting community-engaged projects on SEL implementation, mental health screening, and culturally responsive interventions for diverse youth populations, with particular attention to inclusive practices for 2SLGBTQIA+ students.