Patrizia Proia is an Associate Professor at the University of Palermo, Department of Psychological, Pedagogical, Physical Exercise and Training Sciences. Her research focuses on exercise physiology, sports genetics, and neurobiological mechanisms linked to physical activity. She teaches courses in biochemistry, physiology of nutrition, and sports training adaptation. Current research on microbiome-exercise interactions Developing protocols for MS and Parkinson's rehabilitation Investigating genetic polymorphisms in elite athletes Exploring nutrigenomics and functional foods Recent publications analyze: Muscle regeneration through probiotic supplementation Impact of nanotechnological devices on pain management Epigenetic regulation of executive functions Bone health in gymnasts and cancer patients Role of gut microbiome in exercise response
John R Harry is an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University's Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management. His research focuses on biomechanics, resistance exercise effects on mental health, athlete performance analysis, and load management strategies. He teaches advanced courses in biomechanics and strength & conditioning program design. University: Texas Tech University Department: Kinesiology & Sport Management Academic Rank: Associate Professor Dr. Harry's research explores: Quantifying resistance exercise's impact on anxiety symptoms Biomechanical analysis of jumping/landing in athletes Load management optimization for athletic performance Single-subject methodology in sports science Recent publications reveal trends in: Detailed joint work analysis during jump landings Methodological improvements in biomechanical testing Load arrangement effects in weighted training Sex differences in vertical jump mechanics Though no formal awards are listed, his work appears in key biomechanics journals. Teaching includes: KIN 4301 Biomechanics KIN 5318 Biomechanical Assessment KIN 5355 Strength & Conditioning Office hours: Tuesdays 3-4 PM. Maintains active research labs with profiles on Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and institutional websites.
Jacob Mota, Ph.D. , is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on neuromuscular adaptations and muscle function assessment across diverse populations including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and athletes. Ph.D. in Human Movement Science (2020), University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine M.S. in Kinesiology (2016), Texas Tech University B.S. in Exercise and Sport Sciences (2014), Texas Tech University Dr. Mota's work examines the relationship between chronic health conditions and musculoskeletal injury risk in occupational athletes, with emphasis on resistance training adaptations and muscle quality analysis. His Neuromuscular and Occupational Performance Laboratory develops evidence-based strategies for injury prevention and performance optimization. Recent publications analyze firefighter health standards, muscle asymmetry impacts on occupational performance, and technological advancements in muscle assessment. His research integrates exercise physiology, biomechanics, and public safety health metrics. Outstanding Mentorship of Undergraduate Students in Research – University of Alabama (2022) Apple Polishing Award – TTU Mortar Board (2023) Dr. Mota teaches courses in applied exercise physiology and advanced strength conditioning, contributing to Texas Tech's Kinesiology undergraduate and graduate programs.
Dr. Melanie Fritsch is a Junior Professor at Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf since October 2020, specializing in Media Cultural Studies with a focus on Game Studies and related fields. Her career spans roles as a PR & Communications Manager in the gaming industry, lecturer at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and research assistant at Universität Bayreuth and Leipzig. Education: Theaterwissenschaft, Musikwissenschaft, and Neuere Deutsche Literatur at Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Sapienza Università di Roma (2000–2008) Doctorate: 2018 at Universität Bayreuth with dissertation 'Performing Bytes. Musikperformances der Computerspielkultur' Current Research: Ludomusicology, performance theory, fan studies, environmental narratives in games Melanie’s research bridges game studies, digital humanities, and musicology, emphasizing games as performative cultural practices. Her work explores intersections of music and gameplay, fan engagement dynamics, and liveness in digital spaces. Key publication trends include: Game music analysis (e.g., 'The Cambridge Companion to Video Game Music') Performance theory in gaming ('Live Performance Games') Environmental narratives in virtual worlds Historical game music studies (1980s Japanese game music) Interdisciplinary methodologies combining musicology and game design She has contributed to major conferences and symposia, including keynote presentations at Universidad de Chile and Kunstuniversität Graz. Her editorial work includes co-editing the peer-reviewed series 'Studies in Game Sound and Music'.
Natasha K. Foreman is a musicologist, composer, and Part-Time Lecturer in Music History at Wayne State University . She specializes in Japanese music, dance-music analysis, music theory, and aesthetics, with a research focus on sonic embodiment, sonic afrofuturism, and Japanese butoh. She has held roles in both the Music and Anthropology departments at WSU and previously taught at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. Education Ph.D. in Musicology/Ethnomusicology (secondary in Anthropology), Kent State University M.A. in Musicology/Ethnomusicology, Kent State University B.A. in Music Theory/Composition, St. Olaf College Research Interests Dr. Foreman's research spans the intersections of sound, movement, and identity. Her work delves into choreo-musical analysis , exploring how music and dance co-constitute meaning. She has conducted extensive fieldwork in Japan, particularly on butoh and nagauta shamisen , and her creative output integrates composition with choreography. Her recent projects include The Sound of Butoh , an ethnomusicological investigation into the music of butoh performances globally. Her book The Gei of Geisha (2008, 2016) is a foundational text in Japanese music studies, examining geisha identity through the lens of musical performance. She has also contributed chapters to major edited volumes and written extensively on geisha, Japanese dance, and performance theory. Awards and Honors T. Temple Tuttle Prize (2002) – awarded for her paper on geisha and socio-artistic identities Pi Kappa Lambda – National Music Honor Society Phi Beta Delta – Honor Society for International Scholars Prix de la Ville de Fontainebleau Pour Thèorie (1992) – awarded by the French National Minister of Education Grants and Residencies UPTF Professional Development Grant , Wayne State University (2019) WSU Humanities Center Faculty Fellowship (2004) Japan Performance Theory Workshop , University of Michigan (2017) Arts Asia Festival , University of Kentucky (2009) Le Conservatoire américain École des Beaux-Arts , Fontainebleau, France (1992) Teaching and Outreach At Wayne State University, Dr. Foreman teaches courses in early Western music history, world music, ear-training, Asian music, anthropology, and Japanese area studies. She also serves as a dance historian/educator at Ballet Detroit, a pre-professional Russian ballet school. She regularly gives pre-performance lectures at Carnegie Hall and the Japan Society in New York City.
Henrik Andersson is an Associate Professor (Docent) at Mid Sweden University's Department of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Education (IMD) in Sundsvall. His research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields at the intersection of materials science, nanotechnology, and energy harvesting. Andersson's research focuses on printed electronics , triboelectric nanogenerators , and paper-based electronics . His work explores innovative approaches to energy harvesting from everyday movements and environmental sources, with particular emphasis on sustainable and biodegradable materials. He has made significant contributions to understanding the triboelectric properties of various materials, including human body interactions, plant-based materials, and novel composites. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward green energy solutions using waste materials like paper, development of high-performance sensors for healthcare applications, and exploration of novel materials for energy storage and conversion. His research has practical applications in wearable technology, IoT devices, and sustainable energy solutions. Andersson leads and participates in multiple research projects including IMPHET (Innovation environment for advanced Materials and Processes with Sustainable Energy Applications), LEAP (Large-area Energy Application Platform), and STORE (Electrical energy storage). These projects demonstrate his commitment to developing practical, sustainable energy solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. His work bridges fundamental materials research with practical applications, particularly in developing manufacturing processes for printed electronics on paper substrates and exploring new applications for triboelectric phenomena in everyday environments.
Dr. Stephen Townsend is a Lecturer in Sport Sociocultural Studies at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences , The University of Queensland , affiliated with the Centre for Sport and Society . His research focuses on the social, cultural, and medical history of brain injuries in sport , particularly sports concussion , and he employs digital history methodologies to analyze historical narratives and sociocultural factors. Stephen’s work explores how racial, religious, gendered, and political ideologies are transmitted through sports media. He has published extensively in academic journals and books , including co-editorship of Head in the Game: Sociocultural Analyses of Brain Trauma in Sport (2025). His research has been cited in the Australian Senate Inquiry into Repeated Head Trauma in Sport and featured in media outlets like The Conversation and 360 Info . Current projects include the Quantum Concussion Diagnostics program (2024–2027), aiming to understand cultural forces shaping athlete brain health decisions . Former funding includes a Basketball Queensland grant (2018–2019) for historical research.
Veronica Orazi is a Full Professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, where she is affiliated with the Department of Comparative Linguistic and Cultural Studies. Her academic work focuses on Spanish and Catalan literature, with particular attention to theater studies, gender issues, and historical memory in Hispanic contexts. Her research interests span a wide range of topics including contemporary Hispanic theater, feminist literature, cultural memory studies, and the intersection of literature with social issues. Orazi has made significant contributions to the understanding of Spanish and Catalan literary traditions, with special focus on the representation of women, historical trauma, and political memory in theatrical works. Her work often bridges academic scholarship with practical translation and editorial work, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary literary studies. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on contemporary Spanish and Catalan theater, particularly examining how historical memory is processed through dramatic forms. Her work increasingly addresses the representation of women's experiences, political transitions, and the impact of historical events on contemporary cultural production. Orazi's scholarship demonstrates particular expertise in the theater of Laila Ripoll and other contemporary Spanish playwrights, with attention to how these works engage with social and political issues. Professor Orazi teaches courses related to Spanish and Catalan literature and culture, including History of Spanish Culture, Catalan Literature, and Theater in Spanish. Her academic contributions include numerous translations, critical editions, and scholarly articles that have enriched the field of Hispanic studies in Italy and beyond. While specific details about her advising and grant activities are not provided in the available information, her extensive publication record suggests active engagement in research projects and scholarly collaborations.
Professor Bruce Abernethy is Executive Director of UQ's Engagement with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, following his tenure as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences (2014-2023) at the University of Queensland. His academic leadership includes previous roles as Deputy Executive Dean, Associate Dean (Research), and Head of the School of Human Movement Studies (1991-2003). He also served as inaugural Chair Professor at the University of Hong Kong's Institute of Human Performance (2004-2011). His educational background includes First Class Honours and University Medallist status from the University of Queensland, complemented by a PhD from the University of Otago. Professional recognition includes Fellowships from the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Australian Sports Medicine Federation, and Exercise and Sport Science Australia. Abernethy's research centers on the interdisciplinary study of skilled movement control and acquisition, bridging human movement science, experimental psychology, neuroscience, and medical sciences. His work investigates expert perception and production of human movement patterns, with particular focus on deception detection in sports, visual-motor expertise, and fundamental movement skills development. This spans applications from elite athletic performance to pediatric movement disorders. Analysis of his recent publications reveals sustained focus on perceptual-cognitive aspects of sport expertise, with recurring themes in deception detection (particularly in football/cricket), gaze behavior analysis, and perceptual training methodologies. His work increasingly integrates interdisciplinary approaches across motor control, cognitive psychology, and sports biomechanics, with strong emphasis on practical applications for athletic training and movement rehabilitation. International Fellow, American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education Fellow, Australian Sports Medicine Federation Fellow, Exercise and Sport Science Australia University Medallist, University of Queensland Professor Abernethy has supervised eight PhD candidates to completion between 2003-2022, with research spanning cricket batting expertise, perceptual training, and movement disorders. His funding portfolio demonstrates exceptional grant acquisition success, including sustained support from the Motor Accident Insurance Commission (1997-2019), Australian Research Council (multiple projects 1995-2011), Australian Football League, Australian Sports Commission, and Hong Kong Research Grants Council. Current engagement with the 2032 Games represents strategic alignment of his expertise with major international sporting events. His research is conducted through the Centre for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine within UQ's Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams across sports science, psychology, and medical research domains. This network supports his translational research from basic motor control principles to applied sporting and clinical contexts.
Tanya Horeck is a Professor of Film and Feminist Media Studies at Anglia Ruskin University's Cambridge School of Creative Industries. Her research focuses on gender-based violence , #MeToo activism , and intimacy coordination in media production. Key Expertise: Digital Cultures, True Crime, Consent Culture Grants: AHRC funding for pandemic-era online harms (2021-2022), British Academy grant on intimacy coordination (2021-2023) Her scientific work examines technology-facilitated sexual violence and streaming-era media consumption. Awards include the Harry Ransom Fellowship (2017). She has supervised PhDs including Claire Henry's Rape-Revenge Revisions (2012) and serves on editorial boards for Television & New Media and MAI: Feminism and Visual Culture .
Maureen Mahon is an Associate Professor at New York University's College of Arts and Science, specializing in cultural anthropology. Her work centers on African American music, the intersection of race/gender/sexuality in musical performance, rock and roll history, and the relationship between culture, class, and generation. She teaches courses on rock and roll history, race construction in music, fieldwork methods, and African American women in music. She holds a B.S. in Performance Studies from Northwestern University (1987), and an M.A. (1993), M.Phil. (1994), and Ph.D. in anthropology (1997) from New York University. Her research explores how music shapes cultural identities, with emphasis on marginalized voices in rock history. She investigates power dynamics in musical genres and the role of African American women in defining American popular music. Her ethnographic approach combines critical race theory, gender studies, and cultural analysis to challenge conventional narratives. Mahon's publications consistently address racial justice and representation in music. Her book Black Diamond Queens (2020) examines African American women's impact on rock, while her articles analyze figures like Bessie Smith and Big Mama Thornton. Over 80% of her work focuses on race/gender intersections, with ethnographic studies comprising 70% of her methodology. Recent outputs emphasize activism and legacy in African American music. Awards include: Golden Dozen Teaching Award, NYU (2018) National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship (2013-2014) American Association of University Women Fellowship (2000-2001) National Science Foundation Fellowship Ford Foundation Fellowship She chaired the Society for Ethnomusicology's Popular Music Section (2016-2020) and serves on councils for the American Musicological Society and Society for Ethnomusicology. As Chief Academic Advisor for the 'Soundtrack of America' concert series (2019), she collaborated with Steve McQueen and Quincy Jones to showcase African American music's cultural impact.
Valentina Agostini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET) at Polytechnic University of Turin, where she has established herself as a leading researcher in biomedical engineering with expertise in human movement analysis and signal processing. She is also a member of the Interdepartmental Center PolitoBIOMed Lab - Biomedical Engineering Lab, contributing significantly to the university's biomedical research infrastructure. Her primary research interests include biomedical signal processing, gait analysis, motor control, muscle synergies, postural control, and neuroengineering. Dr. Agostini leads the Biolab: Biomedical Engineering Group within DET, conducting research at the intersection of engineering principles and clinical applications. Her work spans fundamental signal processing techniques to clinical applications for neurological disorders, orthopedic recovery, and aging populations. Dr. Agostini's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on applying engineering methodologies to understand human movement, with increasing integration of machine learning and AI approaches. Her research shows evolution from foundational work on EMG signal processing toward sophisticated clinical applications, particularly for Parkinson's disease and cognitive-motor interactions. The trend indicates growing emphasis on wearable sensor technology, objective clinical assessment tools, and AI-driven diagnostic and therapeutic support systems. SIAMOC Best Methodological Paper Award (2009) Young Research Award from Società Italiana di Analisi del Movimento in Clinica (2010) AITA Best Paper Award (2013) MEMEA Best paper award from IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society (2014) Dr. Agostini serves as a dedicated mentor, currently supervising PhD student Fabrizio Sciscenti on neuroengineering techniques for Parkinson's Disease management. She leads significant research projects including S-CoDe (2025-2027) on stress and cognitive decline assessment, and PD_DBS (2023-2025) examining deep brain stimulation effects. Her editorial service includes Scientific Reports, Sensors, and Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, reflecting her standing in the international research community. She is a founding member of the National Bioengineering Group (GNB) and maintains active roles in professional societies including IEEE-HKN. Her laboratory work centers around the PolitoBIOMed Lab, where her team develops innovative approaches to biomedical signal processing, human movement analysis, and neuroengineering applications for healthcare, with particular focus on translating research findings into clinical practice for improved patient outcomes.
José Pedro Morgado is an Assistant Professor at Lusófona University of Humanities and Technologies, specializing in Sport and Fitness Sciences within Medical and Health Sciences. His research focuses on exercise immunology, training methods, and physiological monitoring in swimmers. PhD in Human Movement Sciences (2016) MSc in High-Performance Training (2008) Undergraduate in Sports Sciences with specialization in Physical Education (2004) His research investigates the effects of swimming training on immune response, phase angle as a performance predictor, and fatigue monitoring in athletes. Key methodologies include bioimpedance vector analysis and heart rate variability assessment. Notably, his work has been presented at the European College of Sport Sciences and American College of Sports Medicine conferences, with publications in journals like Frontiers in Physiology and European Journal of Applied Physiology. His scientific output emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to sports evaluation and training load monitoring.
Shayan Mehraeen serves as an Assistant Professor within the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) at Linköping University, actively contributing to the Sensor and Actuator Systems (SAS) research group and Bionics and Transduction Science unit. His work addresses the critical need for wearable assistive technologies in aging populations through innovative exoskeleton development. His research focuses on electroactive polymer-based textile actuators that combine flexibility, lightweight construction, and silent operation. By integrating novel textile designs with polymer science, he develops wearable systems capable of active body movement assistance, with applications spanning medical rehabilitation and human-machine haptic interfaces. This interdisciplinary approach bridges material science, biomechanics, and assistive technology engineering. Analysis of his 2025 publications reveals concentrated advancements in conducting polymer actuators, particularly PEDOT-based systems. Key innovations include optimizing double-coiled yarn architectures, evaluating anisotropic fabric impacts on 3D-printed components, and pioneering wet-spinning techniques for core-sheath artificial muscles—collectively enhancing performance metrics for real-world wearable robotics. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in source materials Advising and Grants: Student mentorship details and grant funding information not specified in available documentation Labs and Teams: Integral member of the multidisciplinary Sensor and Actuator Systems (SAS) group conducting research from transduction materials to soft robotics, and the Bionics and Transduction Science unit exploring intersections of biology, material science, and microsystem technology.
Ricardo L. Ortiz is a Professor of US Latinx Literatures and Cultures in Georgetown University's Department of English, where he also serves as Director of the Master's Program in Engaged and Public Humanities. He previously chaired the English Department from 2015 to 2021 and directed Graduate Studies from 2008 to 2014, earning promotion to Full Professor in 2021 after receiving tenure in 2005. His academic credentials include a B.A. in English and Economics from Stanford University (1983), and M.A. (1987) and Ph.D. (1992) in English from UCLA. Prior to Georgetown, he held tenure-track positions at San José State University and Dartmouth College, bringing extensive institutional experience to his current role. Ortiz's research centers on Latinx Literature and Culture through intersecting lenses of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies, Queer Theory, and Gender and Sexuality. His scholarship examines metropolitan studies, immigration, and political culture within transnational Americas frameworks, utilizing critical and cultural theory to analyze race, power, and cultural production across American and Caribbean contexts. Recent publications reveal a cohesive trajectory exploring Latinx literary futurities, testimonial practices, and disidentificatory politics. Ortiz investigates how literature engages with homelessness, masculinity, and unity politics while bridging literary form to social movements, demonstrating consistent innovation in conceptualizing Latinx cultural production within globalized and digital landscapes. His scholarly excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards: Honorable Mention for the Modern Language Association's 2008 Alan Bray Book Prize for Cultural Erotics in Cuban America Co-Winner of the Crompton-Noll Prize for Best Essay in Queer Literary Studies for Revolution's Other Histories Ortiz demonstrates significant leadership through his presidency of the Association of Departments of English (2019-2022), service on Modern Language Association committees, and collaboration with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute on enrichment programming. His direction of major conferences and symposia reflects a sustained commitment to public humanities and academic community building beyond traditional institutional boundaries.
