Find Academic Supervisors

Mimi L. LarsonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Children's Spirituality
• Faith Formation in Early Childhood
• Worship Engagement for Children
• +2 more

Dr. Mimi L. Larson serves as Executive Director of the Center for Faith and Children and Assistant Professor of Educational Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS), part of Trinity International University. With over 25 years of practical church ministry experience and prior service as Visiting Assistant Professor at Wheaton College, she bridges academic rigor with real-world ministry application. Education: BA, Wheaton College MA, Wheaton College MTS, Covenant Theological Seminary PhD, Concordia University-Chicago Her research centers on children's spiritual formation , particularly examining how faith develops in early childhood and how worship environments can intentionally include children. She investigates the critical role of community, family practices, and memory in shaping young children's theological understanding, as demonstrated in her edited volume Bridging Theory and Practice in Children’s Spirituality (2020). Analysis of her publications reveals consistent focus on evolving ministry paradigms, children's cognitive engagement with faith concepts, and practical implementation strategies. Key trends include the shift toward intergenerational worship models and evidence-based approaches to spiritual nurture from infancy through early childhood. Scientific Awards: Calvin’s Institute of Christian Worship’s teacher-scholar grant Calvin’s Institute of Christian Worship’s worshipping communities grant Dr. Larson actively advises students in TEDS' Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies (50-credit program) and Master of Theology programs, supervising research on curriculum development and spiritual formation. She consults extensively with churches on ministry structures, having developed children's curricula for local congregations, and serves on the Society of Children’s Spirituality board. The Center for Faith and Children, under her leadership, functions as a research-practice nexus connecting academic scholarship with church ministry needs through resource development, consultation services, and collaborative projects focused on children's spiritual development.

Bekzod KhakimovView profile

Associate Professor

• Foodomics
• Metabolomics
• Multivariate Data Analysis
• +4 more

Bekzod Khakimov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in Food Analytics and Biotechnology. He has held this position since 2017, following his postdoctoral work (2013-2017) and PhD fellowship (2010-2013) at the same institution. His research group focuses on advanced analytical techniques for food quality assessment and nutritional value determination. His educational background includes: PhD in Plant Metabolomics, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen (2013) MSc in Chemical Research, Queen Mary, University of London, UK (2009) BSc in Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, National University of Uzbekistan (2006) Dr. Khakimov's research centers on food molecular composition (foodomics) and its health impacts through untargeted molecular screening of bio-fluids (metabolomics). His team works on optimizing standard operating procedures, developing efficient algorithms for processing raw instrumental data, and extracting information from complex omics data using multivariate data analysis (chemometrics). His analytical expertise spans high resolution liquid state NMR spectroscopy, GC-Tof-MS and LC-QTof-MS techniques, with applications ranging from plant foods to dairy products and human health studies. His publication record demonstrates consistent advancement in foodomics methodology and applications, with recent work focusing on metabolomics approaches to understand food quality, nutritional value, and health impacts across diverse food matrices including grapes, potatoes, dairy products, and botanical resources. His research increasingly incorporates advanced statistical modeling and deep learning approaches to overcome analytical challenges like the 'cage of covariance' in metabolomics data. His notable scientific achievements include: Nils Foss Talent Prize (2016) - International Award for ground-breaking science in advanced technologies for improved food quality and safety Best Young Investigator Award in Plant Metabolomics (2015) - 10th International Conference of the Metabolomics Society Dr. Khakimov currently serves as main supervisor for three postdocs, one PhD student, and two MSc students. He has successfully secured multiple competitive research grants as PI or Co-PI from sources including the Independent Research Fund Denmark, UCPH Funding, Danish Dairy Research Foundation, and the European Union. His laboratory maintains state-of-the-art analytical capabilities with responsibility for multiple GC-MS systems, LC-QTof-MS, and co-responsibility for NMR spectrometers. His research infrastructure includes four high-throughput GC-MS systems (Agilent GC-singleQ-MS, LECO Pegasus HT GC-TOF-MS and Bruker EVOQ QQQ systems), one LC-QTof-MS (Bruker Impact II), one LC-UV/Vis-FC system (Thermo Ultimate 3000), and co-responsibility for three NMR spectrometers (600, 500, and 400 MHz) from Bruker.

• Pediatric Nutrition
• Malnutrition Assessment
• Nutrition Education
• +4 more

Dr. Helen McCarthy is a Professor at Victoria University in Australia, serving as Associate Dean of Learning and Teaching in the College of Sport, Health & Engineering. She previously held roles as Deputy Associate Dean (2023-2025) and Co-Director of Learning and Teaching (2021-2022). As Course Chair for the Bachelor of Human Nutrition, Bachelor of Nutritional Science/Master of Dietetics, and Master of Dietetics programs, she plays a pivotal leadership role in nutrition education at the university. Her educational background includes a BSc (Hons) from Ulster University (1991), UK PgC HEP (2009), and PhD (2008). Professionally, she is a Registered Dietitian with the Health and Care Professions Council (UK) since 1991, a former Full Member of the British Dietetic Association (1991-2019), and an Accredited Practicing Dietitian with Dietitians Australia since 2017. She also earned Fellowship in the Higher Education Academy in 2014. Dr. McCarthy's research focuses on pediatric and neonatal nutrition support, malnutrition identification and management across age groups, and effective nutrition education strategies. She is best known as the lead investigator in developing and validating the Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP), which has become an important clinical tool internationally. Her work spans clinical practice, educational interventions, and nutritional assessment methodologies. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in geriatric nutrition alongside her pediatric expertise, with growing interest in digital health interventions, sarcopenia in older adults, and the application of nutrition frameworks like EAT-Lancet to specific populations. Her research demonstrates consistent focus on practical clinical tools and evidence-based approaches to nutrition screening and assessment across the lifespan. Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2014) As an active supervisor, Dr. McCarthy leads or co-supervises multiple graduate research projects including studies on healthy eating approaches for people with intellectual disability, nutrient associations with physical performance in military personnel, and family-focused food literacy interventions. She has served as external examiner for pre-registration dietetic programs in the UK and Europe and for the Masters in Paediatric Dietetics at Plymouth University. Her professional service includes being a founding steering committee member of the Need for Nutrition Education Programme, Australia and New Zealand Network, past Chair of the BDA Education Board, and member of the BDA Council. Dr. McCarthy collaborates extensively across disciplines, working with teams from other fields to embed nutrition knowledge appropriately in their courses through innovative unit design. Her leadership extends to media appearances in the UK and Ireland discussing childhood nutrition and serving as a journal reviewer and guest editor for multiple publications.

Edith FeskensView profile

Professor

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Metabolic Syndrome
• +7 more

Prof. Edith Feskens is a renowned academic in Human Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University & Research, holding the Chair of Global Nutrition. She earned her MSc from Wageningen University (1987) and PhD from Leiden University (1991), focusing on glucose tolerance and cardiovascular epidemiology. Her career spans roles at the RIVM (until 2005), leading to her academic appointments at Wageningen. She currently co-leads the Gerrit Grijns Initiative and serves as a Theme Leader at OnePlanet Research Center. Her expertise spans epidemiology, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and global nutrition, with a focus on sustainability and LMICs. Key research areas include dietary interventions (e.g., SLIMMER program), vitamin requirements in obesity, fermented foods’ cardiometabolic effects, and night-shift nutrition. She leads projects on maternal-child nutrition, smartphone dietary tools (Traqq), and global food systems. Her work emphasizes translating research into policy, such as the SLIMMER program’s inclusion in Dutch health insurance. Her scientific contributions span over 200 publications, addressing topics like dietary patterns, micronutrient status, and health outcomes. She chairs international committees (e.g., IUNS Council) and advises organizations like the Dutch Diabetes Foundation. Her lab focuses on nutrition across the life course and global health equity, balancing public health impact with methodological innovation in dietary assessment technologies.

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• +3 more

Clara Belzer is an Associate Professor at the Department of Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences (MolEco) within the VLAG Faculty (Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences) at Wageningen University & Research. Her research focuses on the gut microbiota, host-microbiota interactions, probiotics, and their implications for human health. She leads projects investigating the therapeutic potential of Akkermansia muciniphila, synbiotic interventions after antibiotic use, and the role of microbiota in diseases like cow's milk allergy and colorectal cancer. Dr. Belzer collaborates extensively with medical centers and industry partners, contributing to public health initiatives such as the Buikbelang campaign. Her academic work spans over 160 publications, including studies in Nature Reviews Microbiology and BMC Pediatrics . She supervises PhD candidates in projects like the TOBBI trial (synbiotic effects post-antibiotics) and the MELK study (human milk composition). Notably, her lab has pioneered genomic analyses of Akkermansia muciniphila and contributed datasets on microbiota-gut-brain axis interactions. Dr. Belzer’s research integrates microbiology, immunology, and nutritional science, with a focus on translational applications. She actively engages in public science communication through media contributions, emphasizing the importance of gut microbiome research for public health.

Usha RamakrishnanView profile

Professor

• Global Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Nutrition
• +3 more

Usha Ramakrishnan is the Chair and Distinguished Richard N. Hubert Professor in the Hubert Department of Global Health at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. She is also a faculty member in Emory's Laney Graduate School doctoral programs in Nutrition and Health Sciences and Global Health and Development. Her research focuses on global maternal and child nutrition, particularly micronutrient interventions and their impacts on pregnancy and child outcomes. Dr. Ramakrishnan has led large-scale trials like the PRECONCEPT study in Vietnam, examining preconception micronutrient supplementation, and the POSGRAD trial in Mexico, evaluating prenatal DHA supplementation. She collaborates internationally with institutions across Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Europe. Education: Ph.D., Cornell University M.Sc., University of Madras B.Sc., University of Madras Research Interests: Her work spans maternal and child health, nutrition interventions, and the effects of household air pollution on child growth. Recent projects include analyzing the long-term effects of micronutrient supplementation on child cognition and growth, and studying the impacts of cooking fuel transitions on birth outcomes. She employs randomized controlled trials and longitudinal cohort studies to address global health inequities. Grants & Advising: As principal investigator of NIH-funded projects, Dr. Ramakrishnan has secured grants for studies on DHA supplementation and preconception health. She mentors students in doctoral programs and has advised on projects addressing anemia in pregnant women and dietary diversity in adolescents. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the National Institute of Public Health (Mexico), the World Health Organization, and NGOs to implement scalable nutrition programs. Leads the Emory Global Research for Women initiative, fostering interdisciplinary work on gender and health.

Kiley HamlinView profile

Professor

• Developmental Psychology
• Moral Cognition
• Social Evaluation
• +2 more

Dr. Kiley Hamlin is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Arts, where she directs the Centre for Infant Cognition. She holds a PhD from Yale University (2010) and an undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago (2005). Her research explores the developmental origins of moral cognition and social evaluation in preverbal infants, examining how early evaluative processes shape understanding of others' actions, mental states, and personalities. Her secondary focus is Social/Personality psychology. Research Interests: Dr. Hamlin investigates foundational aspects of moral reasoning before language development, cultural influence, and complex cognitive abilities emerge. Key areas include: Infant sociomoral evaluation of prosocial/antisocial agents Neural correlates of moral cognition in infancy Cross-cultural development of social preferences Longitudinal links between infant evaluations and preschool adjustment Publications reflect consistent focus on moral development in early childhood, with trends toward large-scale collaborative studies (e.g., ManyBabies consortium) and novel methodologies like remote infant assessments. Awards and Honors: Canada Research Chair (2011-2021) Society for Philosophy and Psychology Stanton Prize (2018) Killam Faculty Research Prize (2015) APS Rising Star Award (2015) APS Janet Taylor Spence Award (2014) Peter Wall Institute Early Career Scholar (2012) International Congress for Infant Studies Dissertation Prize (2012) Leadership: Dr. Hamlin serves on editorial boards for Infancy , Cognitive Development , Child Development Perspectives , and Cognition , and is Communications Chair for the International Congress for Infant Studies. She co-leads the Early Development Research Group, a seven-lab consortium studying language, learning, and social understanding.

Melanie DirksView profile

Professor

• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental Science
• Peer Relationships
• +6 more

Professor Melanie Dirks is the Department Chair of Psychology at McGill University, specializing in Clinical Psychology and Developmental Science . Her research focuses on mapping social and emotional skills across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, with emphasis on peer/sibling relationships and their impact on psychological symptoms. Uses multimodal methodologies: observational studies, daily diaries, emotion recognition tasks Current projects: friendship quality maintenance, interpersonal victimization in youth, emotional communication dynamics Key research themes from publications include: Peer Relationships : Dissolution patterns, prosocial behavior, bullying, and dating aggression Emotional Processing : Vocal emotion recognition, neural reward responses, stress-neuroimaging links Contextual Influences : Family dynamics, socioeconomic status, post-pandemic social changes Her lab ( CASC Lab ) trains students in advanced social-emotional assessment techniques, with notable advisees including *Morningstar, *Gilbert, and *Santucci. Google Scholar articles (2014-2025) demonstrate expertise in developmental psychopathology, social neuroscience, and cross-cultural mental health determinants.

• Pediatric Hematology
• Oncology
• Leukemia Research
• +3 more

Prof. Martin Horstmann is a leading academic in pediatric hematology and oncology at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). He holds a professorship in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology within the Faculty of Medicine. His roles include Scientific Director of the Childhood Cancer Center Hamburg (Kinderkrebs-Zentrum Hamburg) and Study Director of the COALL clinical trials. He is also a senior physician specializing in pediatric hematology/oncology. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of pediatric leukemias, including genetic drivers, minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis, and translational applications of AI in diagnostics. Key areas include B-cell precursor ALL, T-cell ALL, and targeted therapies. His work bridges clinical trials (e.g., CoALL studies) with genomic insights, emphasizing risk stratification and precision medicine. Publications from 2024 highlight advancements in AI-driven diagnostic frameworks, IKZF1 deletion prognostics, and signaling pathway modulation (e.g., Ikaros-AKT interactions). Earlier work (2023–2014) explores SHIP1 function in T-ALL, PAX5 mutations, and kinase inhibitor strategies. His team collaborates internationally, contributing to global pediatric leukemia treatment protocols. Horstmann’s lab is part of the UKE’s comprehensive cancer research infrastructure, including the University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH) and translational platforms like the European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS). He advises on clinical protocols integrating pharmacogenomics and molecular diagnostics to improve outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.

• Internet of Things
• RFID and antenna design
• Wireless sensor networks
• +5 more

Turke Althobaiti is an active researcher and faculty member whose recent work is concentrated in electrical and computer engineering, with strong interdisciplinary links to computer science and biomedical informatics. Based on co-author affiliations and publication scopes, he is associated with King Saud University, College of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering . Research Interests: Design of UHF RFID antennas and Internet-of-Things sensing systems. Localization and communication in smart cities, including non-line-of-sight mitigation and 5G/6G networks. Machine-learning-driven healthcare applications—ranging from COVID-19 detection via chest X-rays to arrhythmia and pneumonia screening. Assistive technologies for the visually impaired, employing contactless RF sensing and AI-based navigation aids. Cloud-security solutions, specifically ensemble intrusion-detection systems against flash-crowd attacks. Cross-disciplinary forays into metabolomics biomarkers and human-animal affective computing. Across 15 recent publications (2019-2025), Althobaiti demonstrates a clear trajectory toward AI-enabled sensing and communication . Workflows combine hardware-level innovations (antennas, RFID tags, USRP radios) with data-level advances (deep learning, ensemble methods, privacy-preserving techniques) to address real-world problems in healthcare, smart cities, and assistive living. Scientific Awards & Recognition: No specific awards are listed in the provided text. Advising & Grants: While no explicit list of students or funded projects is given, the high volume of multi-institutional collaborations and senior-author positions suggest active supervision of graduate researchers and participation in funded projects, most likely supported by the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University or similar Saudi funding bodies. Laboratories & Teams: Though no formal laboratory names are provided, the breadth of hardware prototyping, RF experimentation, and AI model development implies access to well-equipped laboratories in RF/microwave engineering, embedded systems, and computational intelligence.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Sensory Processing
• Developmental Disabilities
• +3 more

Grace Baranek, PhD, is the Associate Dean and Chair of the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, holding the endowed title of Mrs. T.H. Chan Professor. She is an internationally recognized expert in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly focusing on sensory features in children with ASD. Her research spans over three decades, emphasizing early detection, intervention, and developmental mechanisms of sensory and behavioral traits in ASD. Dr. Baranek earned her B.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Illinois and her M.A. and PhD in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her career includes leading the NIH-funded Sensory Experiences Project (2003–2013), totaling $4.5M, which investigated sensory features in ASD. She has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and co-developed the First Years Inventory (FYI), a screening tool for early ASD identification. Dr. Baranek has held leadership roles in national organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences and NIH working groups, advocating for evidence-based practices in ASD care. Her research interests include sensory processing abnormalities in ASD, early intervention strategies, and translational research to bridge clinical practice with scientific discovery. Key grants include NIH/NICHD, Department of Defense, and Autism Speaks Foundation awards. Awards include the AOTA Cordelia Myers Award (2016), AOTF A. Jean Ayres Award (2008), and Fellow of INSAR (2022). Grants: NIH/NICHD, DOD, Autism Speaks, AOTA. Lab/Teams: Sensory Experiences Research Group, Early Detection & Intervention Lab.

Adrian SoldatiView profile

Researcher

• Primate Behaviour
• Animal Cognition
• Communication Systems in Primates
• +3 more

Dr. Adrian Soldati is a Researcher affiliated with the University of St Andrews' School of Psychology and Neuroscience. His work focuses on primate behavior and cognition, particularly the evolution of communication systems in chimpanzees and bonobos. He investigates how these primates' communication informs our understanding of human language origins. Dr. Soldati holds a cotutelle PhD from the University of St Andrews and the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. His research combines field observations with cutting-edge methodologies like thermal imaging and AI-driven analysis to study vocal ontogeny, gestural dialects, and social behavior in wild populations. Key research foci include chimpanzee vocal communication, the role of audience in displays, and cross-species comparisons to uncover evolutionary pathways. His collaborative projects span multiple field sites, including Uganda's Budongo Forest, and involve partnerships with institutions worldwide. Recent work highlights rhythmicity in chimpanzee drumming, dialect variation in gestures, and the application of neural networks to analyze primate vocalizations. These studies contribute broadly to primatology, cognitive science, and evolutionary biology.

• Early Childhood Education
• Child Development
• Educational Policy
• +5 more

Dr. Diane M. Horm is the George Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Chair of Early Childhood Education and Founding Director of the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. She holds a Ph.D. in Child Development with a specialization in Early Childhood Education, a post-master’s in School Psychology, and a master’s in Developmental Psychology. Prior to OU, she served as Associate Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Rhode Island. Her research focuses on early childhood education quality, teacher well-being, program evaluation, and policy-relevant initiatives. Notable projects include collaborations with Tulsa’s Educare programs and multi-university studies tracking child development from Pre-K through Grade 3. She leads the ECEI in advancing applied research, such as OK-AIR (Indoor Environment Research) and OKFutures evaluations. Key areas of expertise include early childhood workforce stability, health and nutrition in childcare settings, and mitigating disparities in educational outcomes. Her work bridges theory and practice through partnerships with institutions like Harvard and Georgetown Universities, emphasizing scalable solutions for vulnerable populations. Education: Ph.D. in Child Development (Early Childhood Education) Post-Master’s in School Psychology Master’s in Developmental Psychology Labs/Teams: Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI), OK-AIR Research Initiative Grants and funding details are not explicitly listed, but her position as an endowed chair underscores sustained institutional support for her research. She actively advises on policy and practice, advocating for evidence-based early childhood interventions.

Gerard KaikoView profile

Associate Professor

• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• Mucosal Immunology
• +7 more

Associate Professor Gerard Kaiko is an academic at the University of Newcastle's School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, serving as Theme Leader for Stem Cells and Organoids in Mucosal Diseases at HMRI. His research focuses on mucosal organoids, stem cells, and microbiome-driven therapies for diseases like cystic fibrosis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. He holds an NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship and has contributed to high-impact journals like Cell , Science , and Science Translational Medicine . Education: PhD in Immunology & Microbiology, University of Newcastle Roles: Associate Professor, Theme Leader, and Principal Investigator in multiple grants Labs/Teams: Leads the Stem Cells and Organoids group at HMRI Research Interests: Mucosal organoids for drug discovery, stem cell biology in tissue repair, microbiome mining for therapies, and precision medicine using patient-derived organoids. His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, including a national clinical trial for cystic fibrosis precision medicine. Articles Trends: Recent work explores ACE2 expression in asthma, maternal microbiome impacts on immunity, and organoid-based platforms for cystic fibrosis therapies. His lab's innovations include 3D organoid culture systems and exosome-based drug delivery. Scientific Awards: NHMRC CJ Martin (Overseas) Fellowship, NHMRC Career Development Fellowship Grants: Over AUD$10 million in funding from NHMRC, industry, and philanthropy

Sarah EdmundsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Neurodiversity-Informed Interventions
• Implementation Science
• +4 more

Dr. Sarah Edmunds is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of South Carolina, affiliated with the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. She is a core member of the USCAND autism excellence initiative and the RISE research network’s implementation science team. Her research focuses on neurodiversity-informed interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emphasizing equitable access to evidence-based practices within healthcare and education systems. She employs community-based participatory research (CBPR) to involve autistic individuals, families, and providers in all stages of research design and implementation. Dr. Edmunds holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington, with postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cornell University. Her research interests include identifying effective intervention components ('active ingredients') for ASD, adapting interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to autistic children’s needs, and reducing disparities in intervention access across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. She explores the balance between fidelity (adherence to intervention design) and adaptation (tailoring to individual/community needs) to enhance implementation success. Key themes in her publications include parent-mediated interventions, early language development in ASD, and the role of irritability as a transdiagnostic risk factor. She has contributed to studies on telediagnostic evaluations, caregiver stress, and motor function differences in autistic toddlers. Dr. Edmunds collaborates with federally-funded early intervention programs to train providers in ASD-specialized strategies. She advocates for infrastructure improvements to scale up effective interventions and address systemic inequities in mental health access for autistic children. Professional affiliations include the USCAND initiative and RISE network. In her free time, she engages in hiking, theater, and cooking for friends.