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Aurora OccaView profile

Associate Professor

• Health Communication
• Clinical Trials
• Cancer Prevention
• +3 more

Aurora Occa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Kentucky's College of Communication and Information. She is also a member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program and the Markey Cancer Center. Her work focuses on health communication strategies for complex health issues like clinical trials, cancer prevention, and mental health, emphasizing media and technology's role in shaping health behaviors. Education: PhD in Communication from the University of Miami (2018), Master of Science in Communication, Management, & Health (2013), Master of Science in Marketing (2012), and Bachelor's in Public Relations and Corporate Communication (2011). Research Interests : Health communication, persuasive messaging for stigmatized health topics, clinical trial participation, mental health advocacy, and the impact of digital media on health perceptions. Her interdisciplinary approach involves collaboration with medical professionals, public health experts, and global partners. Grants & Projects : Co-Investigator on multiple Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration grants for suicide prevention initiatives (UK-CAN projects, 2021–2025). These focus on evidence-based practices for mental health intervention and clinician collaboration. Awards : 2015 Nonverbal Communication Division-Top Paper Award for contributions to health communication research. Labs/Teams : Active in the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at the Markey Cancer Center, contributing to initiatives on patient education and clinical trial recruitment strategies.

• Health Systems
• Health Services Research
• Integrated Care
• +5 more

Dr. Alejandro Gonzalez Aquines is a Lecturer at the School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership within the Faculty of Health Studies at the University of Bradford. He holds a medical degree and a Master's in Public Health, specializing in health systems and health services research. His work focuses on evidence-based approaches to improve patient care quality through systematic reviews, data analysis, and healthcare evaluation. Research interests include health systems strengthening, integrated care coordination, and the application of research synthesis methods. He has published extensively on stroke care, healthcare corruption, telemedicine innovations in middle-income countries, and non-communicable disease management in regions like Latin America and Kosovo. Dr. Aquines teaches modules such as 'Introduction to Public Health' and 'Global Challenges in Public Health.' His work spans over 130 publications, including peer-reviewed journals, reports, and research papers addressing healthcare access barriers, telestroke implementation, and post-stroke rehabilitation challenges. He actively contributes to professional associations and advocates for resilient health systems through policy analysis and anticipatory governance strategies. Key research themes include: stroke intervention outcomes, health system corruption dynamics during pandemics, and telemedicine scaling in resource-limited settings. His publications reveal a strong emphasis on bridging clinical practice with public health policy through rigorous evidence generation and dissemination.

• Physiotherapy
• Mental Health
• Public Health
• +3 more

Dr. Lisa Edwards is an Assistant Professor at the University of Bradford, affiliated with the School of Allied Health Professions & Midwifery within the Faculty of Health Studies. Her work focuses on mental health, physiotherapy education, patient-centered care, and bone health. She has contributed to studies on clinical supervision in physiotherapy, mental health trajectories in university students during the pandemic, and physical activity interventions for unemployed populations. Her research explores healthcare quality improvement, including implementation of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and disparities in early psychosis services. She has also investigated adolescent bone health and the impact of vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Edwards' recent publications emphasize practical applications of research in clinical training and community health programs. Notable contributions include analyses of serious incident investigations in mental health services and the effectiveness of acute knee clinics for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Her work bridges clinical practice and academic research to address real-world healthcare challenges.

• Health Promotion
• Wellness Assessment
• Program Evaluation
• +7 more

Kimberly A. Smith, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine. She also serves as Director of Evaluation at the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science (CCTS). Her roles include developing program evaluation models focused on outcome measurement, implementation, and study design. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi, with concentrations in Research, Evaluation, Statistics, and Assessment, along with master’s degrees in Educational Research Studies and Human Performance (Exercise Physiology). Dr. Smith’s research focuses on advancing translational research and outcomes in healthcare delivery, particularly through collaborative programs addressing cardiovascular health disparities and public health initiatives. She leads teams in designing research agendas, capacity assessments, and evaluation plans to drive evidence-based practices. Her expertise includes advanced statistical methodologies, program evaluation, and quality improvement projects across disciplines. Her professional activities include membership in the NSCA’s Long-Term Athletic Development Special Interest Group Executive Council and roles in journal reviewing (e.g., Journal of Clinical and Translational Science ). She has secured grants from the Alabama Department of Public Health and NIH-funded CTSA programs, emphasizing rural health engagement and cardiovascular disease reduction. As an educator, Smith teaches courses like Research Methods and Applied Multivariate Statistics, mentoring graduate students in doctoral committees. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes active, goal-oriented environments to foster lifelong learning and community impact.

Jae Hwa LeeView profile

Associate Professor

• Creative Confidence Pedagogy
• Evidence-Based Design
• Multisensory Design
• +3 more

Dr. Jae Hwa Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Interior Architecture & Design at Florida State University (FSU), where she has been since 2024. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University's College of Design (2018–2024), concurrently affiliated with the Human Computer Interaction Graduate Program. Her research focuses on creative pedagogy, evidence-based design for creativity, and multisensory inclusive design. Lee holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, an M.S. from Yonsei University, and a B.A. from Ewha Womans University. Her scholarly work bridges design education and psychological principles, emphasizing creative self-beliefs, interdisciplinary learning, and environmental impact on creativity. Notable contributions include studies on physical environments' role in fostering creativity and the transferability of creative skills across disciplines. Lee has been recognized with the 2024 ASID Ones to Watch Winner and Scholar award. Teaching responsibilities include courses like Interior Design Studio III and First Professional Graduate Studio , where she integrates theoretical and practical evidence into design education. She serves on the Journal of Interior Design’s review board and maintains certifications in Evidence-Based Design (EDAC) and Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking scoring.

• Health Economics
• Health Care Value
• Inflammatory Pathophysiology
• +5 more

Dr. Kristine A. Smith is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Utah. As a board-certified and fellowship-trained Rhinologist, her clinical practice focuses on sinus and nasal diseases, including chronic sinusitis, polyps, skull base tumors, and CSF leaks. She leads multidisciplinary collaborations with neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and ENT cancer surgeons to optimize patient outcomes. Education Fellowship: Advanced Rhinology and Skull Base Surgery, University of Utah (2017-2018) Residency: Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of Calgary (including Chief Resident role) Medical Degree: University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine Undergraduate: B.S. in Toxicology, University of Saskatchewan Research Focus Dr. Smith investigates health economics, care optimization, and inflammatory mechanisms in sinus diseases. Her research aims to personalize treatments and improve healthcare value through: Health economics modeling for resource allocation Pathophysiological studies of chronic sinusitis Clinical outcome metrics development Patient-centered care innovation Publication Trends Her recent work (2019-2025) emphasizes cystic fibrosis-related sinusitis, eosinophilic inflammation biomarkers, and health economic analyses. Studies frequently employ multidisciplinary approaches, consensus guidelines, and real-world clinical validation. Key themes include modulator therapy efficacy, diagnostic advancements, and patient-reported outcomes. Clinical & Collaborative Work Dr. Smith coordinates with the Ophthalmology team for minimally invasive orbital surgeries and leads research initiatives within the University of Utah's Otolaryngology network. Her skull base surgery program integrates neuroimaging and pathology expertise for complex tumor management.

Lori A. DambaughView profile

Clinical Professor

• Care of Obese Patients
• Transitional Care
• Chronic Conditions Management
• +3 more

Lori A. Dambaugh is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs at the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, St. John Fisher College. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and teaches pathophysiology/pharmacology and medical/surgical nursing. Dr. Dambaugh is also the Clinical Nurse Specialist Program Director, overseeing graduate nursing education. Her clinical practice is at Rochester General Hospital’s progressive pulmonary care unit, and she served on the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists’ Chronic Care Task Force. Education: DNP and MSN from St. John Fisher College, BSN from Seton Hall University, and BS in Health Science from SUNY Cortland. She is a Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist and Registered Nurse with additional training as an Apple Teacher. Research focuses on obesity patient care in acute settings, APRN roles in transitional care, and chronic condition management. Presentations at local/national conferences highlight her commitment to advancing nursing practices. Her work emphasizes evidence-based approaches in skilled nursing facilities and interdisciplinary care models.

• HIV/AIDS Research
• Addiction Medicine
• Medical Cannabis
• +3 more

Deepika E. Slawek, MD, MS, MPH, is an attending physician at Montefiore Einstein and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. She specializes in HIV care, addiction medicine, and general internal medicine, with a focus on improving outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH) and those who use drugs (PWUD). As Co-Director of the Montefiore Medical Cannabis Program, she explores harm reduction strategies and the effects of medical cannabis on pain and inflammation in PLWH. Education and Training: Bachelor of Science in Human Biology (2006) – University of Texas at Austin Master of Public Health (2008) – George Washington University Doctor of Medicine (2012) – Texas A&M School of Medicine Infectious Diseases Fellowship (2017) – New York University Medical Center General Internal Medicine Fellowship and Master of Science in Clinical Research Methods (2019) – Albert Einstein College of Medicine Research Interests: Dr. Slawek’s work centers on reducing morbidity and mortality in PLWH and PWUD by integrating harm reduction principles with clinical practice. She investigates medical cannabis’s role in managing pain and reducing opioid use, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Her studies combine epidemiological analysis, clinical trials, and qualitative research to address the unique challenges faced by these populations. She emphasizes patient-centered solutions derived from clinical experiences and patient feedback. Scientific Awards: Recipient of the NIH K23 award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to study medical cannabis effects on neuropathic pain and inflammation in PLWH Grants and Advising: Dr. Slawek leads multiple NIDA-funded projects as Principal Investigator and has secured foundation grants for research on opioid analgesic reduction through medical cannabis. She contributes to peer review for journals like Annals of Internal Medicine and AIDS Care , and her presentations span national and international conferences. Her expertise bridges clinical care and research, with a focus on drug policy and patient advocacy. Labs and Teams: She collaborates within the Montefiore Medical Cannabis Program and Einstein’s research teams to advance interdisciplinary approaches in HIV/AIDS and addiction medicine. She is affiliated with the Division of General Internal Medicine and engaged in multidisciplinary initiatives addressing substance use and chronic pain.

Brian GerberView profile

Associate Professor

• Disaster Policy and Management
• Homeland Security Policy
• Environmental Regulatory Policy
• +4 more

Brian Gerber is an Associate Professor at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and co-director of the Center for Emergency Management and Homeland Security at Arizona State University. His research focuses on disaster policy, homeland security administration, and environmental regulatory frameworks. He has extensive experience in policy analysis and program evaluation for government agencies and disaster relief nonprofits. Gerber's work bridges academic research with practical governance, addressing challenges such as interagency coordination in disaster response and language accessibility in emergency preparedness. His expertise spans climate change policy, cybersecurity in healthcare systems, and resilience strategies for critical infrastructure. He has contributed to national dialogues on pandemic response, bioterrorism preparedness, and the integration of smart city technologies with disaster management. Key areas of focus include the adaptation of urban centers to major epidemics, policy implementation dynamics in environmental justice, and cross-domain risk mitigation. Gerber has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and co-edited influential texts on public administration research methods and natural hazards governance. His research frequently emphasizes marginalized populations, such as persons with disabilities in disaster planning, and evaluates the role of universities as community stakeholders in disaster service provision. Gerber collaborates with international agencies on crisis translation policies and has advised on federal-state coordination during high-profile incidents like the Capitol riot and pandemic response.

Kathryn LinichView profile

Assistant Clinical Professor

• Grief Counseling
• Grief Education
• Wellness
• +3 more

Kathryn Linich, Ph.D., is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Counselor Education program at Duquesne University's School of Education. She joined the faculty in 2021 and holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision (University of South Carolina, 2021), an Ed.S. in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling (University of South Carolina, 2016), and a B.A. in Psychology (Clemson University, 2013). Her research focuses on grief counseling, grief education, wellness, and adjustment to acquired disabilities or medical diagnoses. Dr. Linich has professional experience in disability adjustment counseling (2015-2016) and outpatient family therapy (2016-2021). Her work emphasizes holistic approaches to grief and the intersection of mental health with professional training and cultural contexts. Her recent publications explore nature-based counseling interventions, teacher experiences with student mental health, and vicarious posttraumatic growth across helping professions. These studies highlight systemic training gaps, the role of environment in therapy, and resilience-building strategies for professionals. While no specific awards are listed, her work contributes to evidence-based practices in counselor education. No grants or lab affiliations are explicitly mentioned, though her research aligns with interdisciplinary mental health initiatives. She advises students through her role in counselor education without listed advisees in the provided materials.

• Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
• Chronic Respiratory Disease Management
• Long-term Mechanical Ventilation
• +3 more

Mika Nonoyama is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), affiliated with the Faculty of Health Sciences. She holds additional roles as a Health Clinician Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and a status-only Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences Institute. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of Toronto, alongside certifications as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and Fellow of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (FCSRT). Education: PhD, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto Respiratory Therapy Diploma, The Michener Institute of Education at UHN BSc, Physiology, University of Toronto Research Interests: Dr. Nonoyama’s research focuses on optimizing respiratory care across all age groups, particularly in pediatric respiratory therapy, chronic respiratory disease management, and long-term mechanical ventilation. Her work emphasizes improving disease prevention, effective service delivery models, and healthcare utilization efficiency. Key areas include: Long-term mechanical ventilation transitions and caregiver experiences Innovative pediatric respiratory therapy interventions Respiratory rehabilitation for neuromuscular diseases and COPD Health equity in respiratory practice guidelines Recent Research Trends: Her publications address ventilator-associated complications, telehealth pulmonary rehabilitation, and healthcare economics of home mechanical ventilation. Notable work includes studies on pediatric ventilator-associated pneumonia and caregiver experiences during ventilator transitions. Awards: 2019 Margaret Fitch Award for Best Poster (Ontario Lung Association) 2011–2013 Canadian Thoracic Society Research Fellowship 2015 Ontario Lung Association Meritorious Service Award Grants & Advising: Dr. Nonoyama has secured funding for studies on home mechanical ventilation utilization and caregiver support programs. She collaborates with institutions like SickKids and the University of Toronto, contributing to interprofessional research teams. Her mentorship focuses on respiratory therapy scholarly practices and translational research. Lab/Teams: She leads collaborative projects within the UOIT Faculty of Health Sciences and SickKids Respiratory Therapy Department, emphasizing clinical health evaluative sciences.

• Diabetes Management
• e-Health Technologies
• Health Services and Systems
• +3 more

Dr. Diana Sherifali is an Associate Professor at McMaster University's School of Nursing and Joint Faculty in Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact . She serves as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Diabetes Care and Research Program at Hamilton Health Sciences and an Associate Researcher at the Population Health Research Institute. Her scholarship focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating diabetes self-management strategies across patient, provider, and population levels, with particular emphasis on e-health technologies , health services research , and integrated care models . Co-Lead, McMaster Evidence Review and Synthesis Team Co-Director, Health Coach Institute at York University As Deputy Editor of the Canadian Journal of Diabetes , she shapes knowledge dissemination in diabetes care. Her research has produced over 200 publications in the last decade, including clinical practice guidelines and innovative programs like the ADAPT-M trial for postpartum diabetes prevention. She has contributed extensively to technology-enabled care models, systematic reviews on diabetes remission, and health equity studies for immigrant populations. Dr. Sherifali's academic work spans diabetes technology implementation, cardiovascular comorbidity management, and mental health integration in diabetes care, with recent studies examining Reddit-based qualitative analysis of patient experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also developed co-designed interventions for elderly diabetes patients with frailty and multimorbidity, and leads national efforts in diabetes health coaching standardization.

• Digital Health
• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• +7 more

Dr Ana Luisa Neves is a Clinical Associate Professor in Digital Health at Imperial College London's School of Public Health. She serves as Director of the Global Digital Health Unit (GDHU), a multidisciplinary research hub focusing on evidence-based digital solutions for safer, patient-centred healthcare delivery and public health research. Her affiliations include the Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial NIHR Patient Safety Translational Research, and the University of Porto. Research Focus : Digital health technologies, patient safety, global health systems, health data science, and primary care innovation. Her work spans both high- and low-income countries, emphasizing healthcare access in remote areas through digital tools. Scientific Awards : Althea-Imperial Innovation Program 2017, 2nd prize Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Affiliate Hello Tomorrow Challenge 2017, shortlisted Venture Catalyst Challenge 2018, 1st prize IDea Incubator 2018, 3rd prize Teaching Roles : Module Lead for Digital Health at Imperial's Masters Public Health programs and at the PhD Programme in Health Data Science at University of Porto, where she holds an Associate Professor position.

• Children's rights
• Sexual and gender based violence and crimes
• Criminal and social justice processes
• +5 more

Professor Rita Shackel is a distinguished academic at the University of Sydney Law School, holding the position of Professor of Law and Ethics. With a multidisciplinary background spanning law, science, psychology, and education, she brings a unique perspective to her work focusing on women and children's rights, particularly in the context of sexual and gender-based violence. Her educational background includes: BSc from the University of Sydney LLB from the University of Sydney Graduate Diploma in Education from the University of Sydney MA from the University of Sydney PhD from the University of Sydney Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the College of Law Rita Shackel's research program is strongly interdisciplinary, focusing on improving legal, health, and social justice processes with particular attention to access to justice for children and women. Her work on sexual and gender-based violence, child sexual abuse investigation and prosecution, and trauma-informed care has significantly contributed to policy and practice both nationally and internationally. She has developed innovative approaches to understanding victims' experiences and improving legal responses to interpersonal crimes. Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on sexual violence, child protection, and legal processes, with increasing attention to trauma-informed practices across multiple disciplines. Her work spans criminal justice, healthcare, education, and policy development, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary solutions for complex social problems. Among her notable honors: Appointed Senior Innocenti Research Fellow, Innocenti Research Centre, UNICEF (2013) Member of the TEQSA Register of Experts in multiple disciplines (2013) 2012 Professor C.C. de Silva Memorial Orator (Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians) Visiting Professor at the Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville American Association of University Women, International Fellow Professor Shackel actively supervises research students across a broad range of topics related to criminal justice, sexual crimes, and women's and children's rights. Her current research projects include evaluations of the ACT Witness Intermediary Program and the Victim Impact and Risk Management Support Seminars for Corrective Services New South Wales. She has secured substantial research funding and collaborates extensively with government agencies, legal professionals, and healthcare providers to translate research into practice. As a member of the Sydney Environment Institute and the Sydney Institute of Criminology, Professor Shackel contributes to interdisciplinary research teams addressing complex social justice issues. Her work bridges academic research with practical application in legal settings, policy development, and professional education for judicial officers, police, and healthcare professionals.

• Nursing
• Health services and systems
• Midwifery
• +6 more

Lauren McTier is a Professor and Deputy Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) at Deakin University's School of Nursing & Midwifery within the Faculty of Health. She also serves as Deputy Head of the School and is affiliated with the Institute for Health Transformation. Her academic career began at Deakin University, where she earned her Bachelor of Nursing, Honours, and PhD, focusing on patient participation following cardiac surgery. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Deakin University) Graduate Diploma in Advanced Nursing (La Trobe University) Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) Graduate Certificate of Science (Applied Statistics, Swinburne University of Technology) Bachelor of Nursing (Deakin University) Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) (Deakin University) Research Interests: Quality and safety of healthcare, patient participation in acute care, teaching and learning strategies, and nursing workforce planning. Her work spans clinical practice improvement, educational innovations (e.g., simulation-based learning), and patient-centered care. Publications: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on nursing education, patient outcomes post-cardiac surgery, and the impact of simulation design on learning. Recent work addresses challenges in mental health nursing workforce retention and gender dynamics in nursing education. Awards: 2022: Multiple awards for contributions to nursing education and patient safety 2013: Vice-Chancellor’s Team Award for Cloud Enhancement 2012: Nursing Research and Access Committee Award (Alfred Hospital) 2007–2011: Scholarships recognizing excellence in research and postgraduate study Teaching and Supervision: Leads courses in nursing research, quality and safety, and acute care. Supervises four doctoral students researching nursing workforce readiness, clinical feedback mechanisms, and transition programs. Active in curriculum development, including mobile learning tools like the “Expert in my Pocket” video repository. Grants and Collaborations: Principal investigator on a 2014–2016 project reviewing patient engagement in communication during transitions of care (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, $199,871). Collaborates with institutions like Alfred Hospital and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. Labs/Teams: Member of the Institute for Health Transformation, focusing on translational research in healthcare quality, education, and workforce strategies.