Find Academic Supervisors

Jenny BainesView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Experimental Film
• Installation Art
• Performance Art
• +3 more

Dr. Jenny Baines is a Senior Lecturer in Filmmaking at the School of Digital Arts , Manchester Metropolitan University. Her practice-led research explores the intersections of 16mm film apparatus , body-space relationships , and performative methodologies through experimental cinema and installation art. Academic credentials include: MFA in Fine Art, Slade School of Fine Art PhD in Filmmaking Practice, Manchester School of Art Research focuses on: Analogue Film Materiality Expanded Cinema Installations Performance-Driven Cinematography Temporal-Spatial Dynamics in Projection Body-Apparatus Interaction Notable trends in recent works (2023-2025) involve physical endurance tests (Traction, Gyration), multi-screen spatial experiments , and material film process interventions . Her practice combines analog film technologies with unrehearsed bodily actions to explore cinematic temporality. Contact: j.baines@mmu.ac.uk | Portfolio

Beatriz Calvo-MerinoView profile

Associate Professor

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroaesthetics
• Sensorimotor Systems
• +3 more

Beatriz Calvo-Merino is an Associate Professor in Cognitive Neuroscience at City, University of London, where she also directs the MSc Clinical, Social, and Cognitive Neuroscience and the Joint PhD Programme in Psychology and Social Neuroscience. Her research focuses on sensorimotor processes, neuroaesthetics, and dance cognition, often collaborating with institutions like the Royal Opera House Ballet and Laban Dance Centre. She has received prestigious awards, including the 2019 BACN Early Career Award and the 2018 Alexander Gottlieb Baumgarten Award for contributions to neuroaesthetics. Her work combines fMRI, EEG, and behavioral studies to explore how sensorimotor expertise influences perception and aesthetic experiences. Education includes PhD training at University College London and Universidad Complutense de Madrid, with postdoctoral research at the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience. She has pioneered interdisciplinary projects bridging neuroscience and performing arts, funded by ESRC, Leverhulme Trust, and Wellcome Trust. Despite career breaks for family, she maintains active research while supporting junior researchers. Notable collaborations include studies on dancers' interoceptive accuracy and multisensory perception of emotions. Research Themes: Sensorimotor aesthetics, embodied cognition, emotion perception Awards: BACN Early Career Award (2019), Baumgarten Award (2018), Ramon y Cajal Fellowship Key Projects: Dance-brain interactions, autism emotion perception, robotics-induced yawning studies

Helen PayneView profile

Professor

• Mental Health
• Embodied Approaches
• Psychotherapy
• +5 more

Professor Helen Payne is a faculty member at the University of Hertfordshire, specializing in psychotherapy with a focus on embodied approaches. She holds a PhD and is affiliated with the School of Life and Medical Sciences and the Psychology and NeuroDiversity Applied Research Unit. Her research interests include mental health in higher education, medically unexplained symptoms, and arts therapies. She has supervised numerous PhD candidates and contributes to journals like Body, Movement and Dance in Psychotherapy . Her work integrates clinical practice, research, and education, emphasizing embodiment in therapy and leadership. Education: PhD, University of London (1997) MPhil, University of Manchester (1988) Postgraduate Diploma, Institute of Continuing Education (1982) Laban Centre Diploma, Goldsmiths College (1979) BEd, University of Sheffield (1973) Research Interests: Mental health and wellbeing in higher education Embodied psychotherapy for medically unexplained symptoms Arts therapies and groupwork Attachment theory and trauma Embodied leadership and qualitative methodologies Key Projects: BodyMind Approach for self-management of MUS Embodied learning in education (AECED project) Impact of personal development groups on therapists Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Fellow of the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy National Task Force for Medically Unexplained Symptoms member

Anamaria WestonView profile

Lecturer

• Computer Animation
• Procedural Animation
• Behavioral Animation
• +3 more

Anamaria Weston is a Lecturer in Computer Animation Techniques at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), part of the Department of Computing and Mathematics. She specializes in procedural and behavioral animation, focusing on character movement analysis using techniques like Laban Motion Analysis and AI. She leads courses such as 3D Fundamentals, Modelling, Rigging, and Innovation in VFX on the BSc Computer Animation and VFX program, and contributes to the MA Animation course through the Exploration in CG unit. Education includes a BSc in Computer Science (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University), MSc in Computer Animation (Bournemouth University), and an EngD in Computer Animation (University of Bath). She holds a PGCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (Distinction). Her research explores procedural animation, physics-based techniques, and expressing emotions through abstract movement. She co-founded the CAVE Animation Jam, an annual interdisciplinary project for students. She previously co-chaired the Department’s Athena SWAN initiative to promote gender equality. Her technical expertise spans Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, Python, and C/C++.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Arts
• Virtual Reality
• +3 more

Marina Stergiou is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering, University of the Aegean. Her research focuses on the intersection of traditional cultural practices—particularly dance and costume—with emerging technologies like virtual reality and sustainable fashion. She collaborates with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Athena Research Center on projects involving cultural technology and human-computer interaction. Education includes a BEng in Chemical Engineering (National Technical University of Athens, 2012), an MSc in Interactive and Industrial Product & System Design (University of the Aegean, 2016), and current PhD candidacy at the same institution focusing on using new technologies to preserve traditional dances and costumes as cultural heritage. Her research interests span dance technology, digital clothing, virtual/augmented reality, and sustainable fashion. Notable projects include motion-based learning systems for dance notation and VR experiences for music composition exploration. Articles highlight trends in VR/AR applications for cultural heritage preservation, extended reality for dance documentation, and data-driven artistic creation. Her work bridges technical innovation with cultural preservation through interdisciplinary collaborations. Labs/teams affiliation includes partnerships with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens' Department of Informatics and Telecommunications and the Athena Research Center's cultural technology initiatives.

• Contemporary Dance
• Choreography
• Laban Movement Analysis
• +7 more

Prof. Jenny Coogan is a Professor of Contemporary Dance at Palucca University of Dance Dresden. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Amherst College and advanced training from The Juilliard School and SUNY Brockport. Her career spans performance, choreography, and academic leadership. Education: Amherst College (BFA), Juilliard School (Feldenkrais Certification), SUNY Brockport (MFA Candidate) Her research focuses on somatic practices, innovative dance pedagogy, and choreographic methodologies. She co-directed a German Federal Ministry (BMBF) research project on modern dance education strategies and contributed to structuring Berlin’s Inter-University Centre for Dance (HZT). Her teaching emphasizes kinaesthetic awareness, creativity, and adaptive pedagogy rooted in the Humphrey-Limón tradition. Coogan’s choreography has been showcased globally, including at Spring Dance Utrecht, Tanz im August Berlin, and Wiener Festwochen. She has collaborated with institutions like TU Dresden, Zurich’s Hochschule für Musik und Theater, and the Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Art.

Kevin WilliamsonView profile

Professor

• Queer Performance
• Dance Theater
• Choreography
• +5 more

Kevin Williamson (he/him) is a Professor of Dance and Chair of the Department of Dance at Scripps College. His dance-theater research focuses on queer belonging and world-making, integrating auto-ethnographic inquiry and mixed media. A recipient of multiple honors including the Lester Horton Award and Johnson Faculty Awards for research, teaching, and service, he has toured internationally with his choreographic work. PhD in Dance (not listed, but MFA holder) BA and MFA from UCLA's Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance Williamson's practice spans choreography, performance, and somatic education, with works presented at venues such as DanspaceProject, REDCAT, and Beijing Dance Festival. Collaborations include filmmaker Taso Papadakis, and he has created choreography for institutions like Washington National Opera and Juilliard School. Laboratory of Imaginary Geographies Co-founder of 'Queer Embodiment in Motion' research collective

• Film Studies
• Dance Studies
• Cinema Studies
• +5 more

Jenny Oyallon-Koloski serves as an Assistant Professor with multiple appointments at the University of Illinois, holding positions in Dance, Media and Cinema Studies, the Institute of Communications Research, and French and Italian. Her interdisciplinary scholarship bridges film studies, dance studies, and digital humanities with a distinctive focus on movement within cinematic contexts. Her primary research interests include: Film Studies, particularly musical films and French New Wave cinema Dance Studies with emphasis on choreography in film narratives Digital Humanities methodologies, especially videographic criticism Media Ecology and movement analysis frameworks Oyallon-Koloski's scholarly trajectory demonstrates a progression from director-specific analyses of Jacques Demy's work to broader examinations of dance in commercial film genres. Her 2024 Oxford University Press monograph 'Storytelling in motion: Cinematic choreography and the film musical' represents a significant theoretical contribution to understanding how choreography functions narratively within film musicals. She has pioneered approaches to film analysis through performative research and digital tools, particularly in examining camera movement and choreographic representation. Her publication record from 2014-2025 shows consistent scholarly output across traditional academic formats and digital visual works. Recent publications indicate her leadership in developing videographic criticism as a scholarly practice, with her work referenced in multiple Wikipedia entries and academic platforms. Though specific educational background details aren't provided, her interdisciplinary approach suggests extensive training across multiple fields relevant to her research interests.

Marina BeniniView profile

Lecturer

• Dance Movement Psychotherapy
• Child Development
• Mental Health
• +3 more

Marina Benini is a Lecturer in the Department of Social, Therapeutic and Community Studies (STaCS) at Goldsmiths, University of London. She specializes in Dance Movement Psychotherapy, working with children in mainstream and special needs schools, and has experience with adults in mental health settings. She co-founded Musical Moving — Dance for People with Parkinson’s. Her research focuses on Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies, Kestenberg Movement Profile, and Somatic Psychology. Education: Ba (Hons) Dance Theatre (2001) MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy (2007) Certificate in Integrative Bodywork and Movement Therapy (2011) Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2021) Diploma in Creative Approaches to Supervision (2022) Research Interests: Movement Pattern Analysis, Body-Mind Centering, and Psychodynamic approaches in clinical supervision. Her work integrates experiential anatomy and mentalization techniques in therapeutic contexts. Her sole listed publication (2012) honors Dr. Marion North, highlighting contributions to psychotherapy history. Though no awards are mentioned, her teaching spans foundational and MA-level courses in Dance Movement Psychotherapy and Applied Psychosocial Studies. Advising & Projects: Supervises clinical work with children/adolescents and collaborates on initiatives like Musical Moving, promoting dance therapy for neurodegenerative conditions.

Roos van BerkelView profile

Lecturer

• Movement Analysis
• Dance Education
• Gerontology
• +3 more

Roos van Berkel is a Lecturer at the Amsterdam University of the Arts, specializing in movement analysis and research since 2008. She is affiliated with the Research Group Arts Education, focusing on 'wicked arts education' challenges. Her work bridges dance, technology, and cultural studies. Her educational background includes training as a contemporary dancer at Laban London and movement analysis studies at LIMS, New York. Her research explores human-technology interaction, particularly social robotics, and its applications in improving mental and physical well-being for individuals with conditions like autism, paralysis, or dementia. She collaborates with Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) on such projects. Key research includes an ethnographic study on elderly dance participation across Amsterdam’s diverse neighborhoods, examining cultural influences and dance teachers’ roles. This informs educational modules for dance pedagogy. Publications highlight her focus on elderly dance experiences and urban contexts. She emphasizes documenting movement and behavior to inform interdisciplinary approaches.

• Eye Tracking
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Robotics
• +6 more

Michiya Yamamoto is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Waseda University's School of Science and Engineering. With a research career spanning over 25 years, he has established himself as a leading researcher in human-computer interaction, eye tracking, and embodied interaction systems. His work bridges the gap between theoretical understanding of human cognition and practical applications in educational technology, assistive systems, and social robotics. Dr. Yamamoto's research interests focus on understanding and enhancing human-computer interaction through innovative technologies. His primary areas include eye tracking systems, embodied interaction, virtual reality applications, and educational technology. His work often explores how embodied behaviors and visual attention patterns can be leveraged to create more natural and effective human-computer interfaces. He has made significant contributions to gaze tracking calibration methods, emotion estimation through body movement analysis, and the development of educational systems that enhance student engagement. His publication record shows a consistent trajectory of innovation, with recent work focusing on practical applications of eye tracking in educational settings, emotion recognition through body movement analysis, and assistive technologies for people with disabilities. The interdisciplinary nature of his work connects computer science with cognitive psychology, education, and rehabilitation science, demonstrating how technological innovations can address real-world challenges in learning, communication, and accessibility. Through his extensive collaboration network, particularly with Tomio Watanabe, Saizo Aoyagi, and Satoshi Fukumori, Dr. Yamamoto has maintained a prolific research output while mentoring numerous students who have become active researchers in their own right. His work continues to evolve, addressing emerging challenges in human-computer interaction while maintaining a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and cognition.

Nicholas WardView profile

Associate Professor

• Digital Media
• Music Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• +3 more

Nicholas Ward is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Information Systems at the University of Limerick, with a secondary affiliation to the Digital Media and Arts Research Centre. His work bridges computer science, digital media, and music technology, focusing on interactive systems, gesture analysis, and sound engineering. Research interests include: (1) Digital Musical Instruments (DMIs) and collaborative agency in live performance, (2) Hyper-compression effects in audio mastering, (3) Biometric measurement of movement through Laban Analysis and electromyography, and (4) Tangible interfaces for embodied interaction. His work spans theoretical studies and creative installations, with notable projects like the Gestroviser DMI system and sound installations involving light planes and multi-channel audio. Publications (2007-2019) explore topics ranging from listener perception studies to gesture-based interface design, with a focus on real-time systems and user-centric innovations. His research has been presented at venues like TEI, NIME, and the Audio Engineering Society conferences. Current activities include exploring agency in human-machine collaboration, sound quality dimensions in compressed audio, and movement analysis frameworks for interactive systems design.

Hannah ParkView profile

Associate Professor

• embodied pedagogy
• dance and diversity education
• curriculum development
• +3 more

Hannah Park, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Dance and Assistant Chair of the Arts & Languages Department at Iona University. She directs the Iona University Dance Ensemble and teaches both theoretical and studio-based dance courses. Her interdisciplinary work bridges dance education, somatic practices, and community engagement, with particular focus on underserved populations. Education: Ph.D., Dance Education, Temple University Graduate Certificate, Women’s Studies, Temple University MFA, Dance Performance and Choreography, New York University BFA, Dance, State University of New York, Purchase Diploma, Contemporary Dance, University of North Carolina School of the Arts Certifications: Laban/Bartinieff Movement Analysis, BodyMind Dancing™, Yoga Teacher (200 hours) Research interests center on embodied pedagogy as a tool for social transformation. Key areas include: somatics in creative processes, diversity-focused curriculum design, dance as social entrepreneurship, and community-based interventions. Her work emphasizes accessibility and interdisciplinary approaches, connecting movement practice with education theory and social justice advocacy. Professional Recognition: Dr. Park has received multiple honors for her contributions: Gabelli Teaching Fellowship (2024) Academic Award from Korean Society of Dance (2022) Hynes Faculty Fellowship (2019) Four travel grants supporting international conference presentations (2017-2019) Leadership & Service: She holds board positions in international dance organizations (Korean Society for Dance Studies, Dance and Media Research Center) and serves on Iona University committees including Faculty Senate, Honors Council, and Arts Council. Her choreographic work with the Iona Dance Ensemble (2015-2024) explores themes of community resilience and environmental awareness.

Hannah KosstrinView profile

Associate Professor

• Dance History
• Jewish Studies
• Laban Movement Analysis
• +2 more

Hannah Kosstrin is Associate Professor of Dance at The Ohio State University and Director of the Melton Center for Jewish Studies. Her research examines dance histories through lenses of Jewish diaspora, gender studies, and digital humanities. Research foci include: Transnational Jewish dance migrations Labanotation and digital documentation Gender and queer theory in performance Cold War cultural exchanges Augmented reality applications for dance She authored Honest Bodies: Revolutionary Modernism in the Dances of Anna Sokolow (Oxford, 2017), a Jordan Schnitzer Book Award finalist, and directs the NEH-funded KineScribe project. Her current book project Kinesthetic Peoplehood examines Jewish dance migrations between Israel and the US. Awards: Jordan Schnitzer Book Award Finalist (2018) Gertrude Lippincott Award Honorable Mention (2020)

Barbara BashawView profile

Professor

• Dance Education
• Child Development
• Arts-based Leadership
• +5 more

Barbara Bashaw is the Arnhold Professor of Practice in Dance Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She serves as EdD Dance Education Program Director and Executive Director of the Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership. Her work focuses on marginalized voices in dance education, child development, and embodied cognition. She holds an EdD from Teachers College, specializing in art education with a dance-centered dissertation. Education Background: Ed.D., Art & Art Education, Teachers College, Columbia University (2011) M.A., Dance Education, Teachers College, Columbia University C.M.A., Laban Movement Analysis, Laban/Bartenieff Institute B.S., Interdisciplinary Arts for Children & Dance Performance, SUNY Brockport (Summa Cum Laude) Research Interests: Explores PK-12 dance leadership gaps, redefining dance artistry through child development, and addressing historical biases in dance pedagogy. Key areas include STEAM integration, socially just learning, and movement analysis. Current projects examine dance education policy and equity initiatives. Professional Contributions: Developed the first U.S. doctoral program in dance education (TC, 2018). Leads the Arnhold Institute to advance research and policy advocacy. Published widely on dance standards, teacher training, and ethical issues in dance education. Collaborates internationally through conferences and research networks. Labs/Institutions: The Arnhold Institute acts as a hub for dance education research, hosting seminars and fostering partnerships to elevate dance’s parity in national education discourse.