Find Academic Supervisors

Honglin ChenView profile

Professor

• Gerontological Social Work
• Digital Health Interventions
• Cross-Cultural Care Policies
• +3 more

Dr. Honglin Chen is a Professor of Gerontological Social Work at the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), based in the Department of Social Sciences within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. Her research focuses on digital health interventions, cross-cultural care policies, and aging populations, with a strong emphasis on nonpharmacological interventions for older adults. She leads the Social Work Research and Education team and has contributed to projects like the EU-funded DigiWELL initiative and WHO-commissioned studies on multi-sector collaboration for healthy aging. Her interdisciplinary work integrates social sciences, healthcare, and ethics to advance welfare technologies in geriatric care. Notable collaborations include studies on mild cognitive impairment interventions, caregiver support, and mental health service needs in urban China. She has published extensively in journals such as the Journal of Gerontological Social Work and Ageing International , with a focus on intervention efficacy, policy analysis, and cross-cultural methodologies. Key research interests include gerontological social work, digital health, and the psychosocial impacts of aging. Her work bridges theory and practice, addressing both clinical and policy dimensions of eldercare. Grants and projects highlight her role in shaping innovative eldercare solutions and evidence-based practices.

Vadhiraj ShrinivasView profile

Research Fellow

• Machine Learning
• Transportation Safety
• Biomedical Engineering
• +3 more

Vadhiraj Shrinivas is a Research Fellow and Doctorate Student at Coventry University's Centre for Future Transport and Cities. His work bridges machine learning, transportation safety, and biomedical engineering. He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning from the University of Texas at Austin (2020) and a Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (2013). Research interests include applying machine learning to pedestrian collision forensics, analyzing injury parameters via meta-analyses, developing computational models for brain injury mechanics, and advancing power electronics through SPWM techniques. Notable projects include the PACE-AI forensic calculator and collaborations on concussion biomechanics. Publications span forensic tool development, injury severity analysis, and numerical methods for brain trauma. His earlier work focused on multilevel inverter optimization. Active in international collaborations, he contributes to road safety and biomedical research.

Jessica SwensonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Engineering Education
• Undergraduate Engineering Pedagogy
• Epistemological Framing
• +4 more

Jessica Swenson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Her work focuses on engineering education methodologies, particularly in undergraduate conceptual knowledge development, Learning Assistant programs, and fostering inclusive environments for women and multilingual learners in engineering. She holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University (2018), an MS in STEM Education, and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University (2010). Education: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University, 2018 MS, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education, Tufts University, 2013 BS, Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2010 Research Interests: Jessica explores engineering design processes, epistemological framing in student learning, and how affect and identity influence academic trajectories. Her work emphasizes equitable pedagogies for multilingual learners, team dynamics in design projects, and the role of power structures in stakeholder interactions. She investigates how open-ended problems and scaffolding techniques impact problem-solving skills and engineering judgment development. Key Themes in Publications: Recent work highlights the interplay between affect and identity in first-year engineering students, strategies for multilingual learners in K-12 settings, and the role of team accomplishment in fostering belongingness. She also examines how flexible classroom spaces and maker environments influence student engagement and identity formation. Awards & Grants: No awards explicitly listed. Current research initiatives focus on NSF-funded projects related to engineering education equity and pedagogical innovation. Labs & Teams: Engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations with aviation museums and pre-service teacher networks to develop authentic engineering assessments and inclusive curriculum designs.

Defang ChenView profile

Researcher

• Machine Learning
• Deep Learning
• Computer Vision
• +6 more

Defang Chen is a Researcher and Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University at Buffalo, working under the supervision of Siwei Lyu. He is affiliated with the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and is based at 301A Davis Hall in Buffalo, NY. His research focuses on advanced machine learning techniques, including knowledge distillation, diffusion models, graph neural networks, and domain generalization. Defang's work emphasizes improving model efficiency through distillation methods, exploring generative models like diffusion processes, and enhancing cross-domain adaptability. His contributions span both theoretical advancements and practical applications, such as accelerating diffusion sampling and optimizing neural network architectures. His publications between 2023–2025 highlight trends in model compression, generative AI, and graph-based learning. Notable themes include refining knowledge transfer between models, improving adversarial robustness, and developing scalable sampling techniques. Defang’s research has implications for computer vision, natural language processing, and semantic segmentation. No academic awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided information. While no formal advisees are noted, his role as a postdoctoral researcher suggests collaborative involvement in academic projects and teams. Defang’s work is accessible via his Google Scholar profile .

Hans-Peter PiephoView profile

Professor

• Statistical Methods in Plant Sciences
• Genomic Prediction
• Spatial Modeling for Field Trials
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Hans-Peter Piepho is a faculty member at the University of Hohenheim , serving as Director of Biostatistics (340c) within the Institute of Crop Science . His research focuses on advanced statistical methods for plant sciences, including genomic prediction, spatial modeling of field trials, and network meta-analysis. Key research areas: Genotype-environment interaction, mixed model applications, and experimental design in agriculture. Collaborations span plant breeding, cultivar testing, and environmental stress analysis. His group emphasizes mixed model procedures as the backbone of methodological innovation. Recent publications highlight climate change adaptation, nitrogen optimization, and agroforestry yield dynamics. Contact: piepho@uni-hohenheim.de | Fruwirthstr. 23, Institute Building, 211, Stuttgart, Germany

Masahiro RyoView profile

Professor

• Environmental Data Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Biodiversity Science
• +5 more

Masahiro Ryo is a Professor of Environmental Data Science at Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) and leads the working group "Artificial Intelligence for Smart Agriculture" at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF). His research integrates machine learning with ecological systems to address global sustainability challenges, focusing on biodiversity, soil health, and AI-driven agricultural solutions. His work spans environmental data science, ecosystem services, and smart agriculture. Key themes include explainable AI for biodiversity monitoring, soil organic carbon prediction, and machine learning applications in ecological modeling. Recent publications highlight trends in environmental AI, with applications in yield mapping, fungal taxonomy, and global change ecology. He emphasizes the integration of ecological theory with deep learning to tackle small-data problems and improve model transferability. Contact: masahiroryo@gmail.com | Personal Website

Pratiti DiddiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Crisis Communication
• Health Communication
• Strategic Communications
• +3 more

Dr. Pratiti Diddi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at George Mason University. Her research focuses on crisis communication, health communication, strategic communication, and social media influence, particularly in public relations contexts. She holds a PhD in Mass Communications from Pennsylvania State University, an MA from Louisiana State University, and a BA in English Literature from the University of Delhi, India. Prior to academia, she worked in print and online media in India. Her research explores how organizations use social media in health and crisis contexts, with notable studies on corporate social advocacy (CSA), pandemic communication, and mental health stigma reduction. She has published in journals like Public Relations Review and Journal of Health Communication . Dr. Diddi is affiliated with George Mason’s Communication, Health, and Relational Media (CHARM) Lab, contributing to interdisciplinary research on health communication strategies. Her recent work examines WHO’s social listening strategies during the pandemic, celebrity mental health advocacy, and the efficacy of CSR partnerships. She teaches courses on strategic communication and crisis management, emphasizing practical applications of theoretical frameworks in real-world scenarios.

• Educational Measurement
• Large-Scale Assessment
• Hierarchical Linear Modeling
• +5 more

Meltem ACAR GÜVENDİR is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Sciences at Trakya University's Faculty of Education. She holds a PhD in Measurement and Evaluation in Education from Ankara University (2013) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her research focuses on large-scale educational assessment, including analyses of PISA, TIMSS, and OBBS datasets using hierarchical linear modeling. She specializes in value-added assessment, meta-analyses of study abroad impacts, and psychometric evaluation of educational policies. Academic roles include serving as Head of the Measurement and Evaluation Commission (since 2018) and Deputy Head of the Department of Educational Sciences (2016–2018). She co-edits the International Journal of Assessment Tools in Education and has contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Her work explores student achievement predictors, test anxiety measurement, and international student integration. Key projects include a TÜBİTAK-funded study on scale development processes and participation in the EU-funded CA19103 initiative addressing LGBTI+ inequalities. She has supervised numerous research projects and delivered keynotes on educational measurement methodologies.

Bronson HuiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Second Language Acquisition
• Applied Psycholinguistics
• Vocabulary Learning and Teaching
• +4 more

Bronson Hui is an Assistant Professor of Second Language Acquisition at the University of Maryland, College Park, within the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC). He is also a member of the Maryland Language Science Center. His research focuses on applied psycholinguistics, particularly second language acquisition in instructed contexts, multi-modal input, vocabulary learning, and open science practices. Hui holds a Ph.D. in Second Language Studies from Michigan State University, an M.S. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Oxford, and dual B.A./B.Ed. degrees in English Language and Education from the University of Hong Kong. Education: Ph.D., Second Language Studies, Michigan State University M.S., Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, University of Oxford B.A. & B.Ed., English Language and Linguistics / Language Education, University of Hong Kong His research interests include experimental methods in SLA, quantitative analysis, and the use of AI tools in meta-research. He has published in journals like Studies in Second Language Acquisition , Language Learning , and Applied Psycholinguistics . Hui serves on the editorial boards of TESOL Quarterly and Studies in Second Language Acquisition . He teaches courses such as Second Language Research Methodologies , Psycholinguistics , and Vocabulary Acquisition in Instructional Contexts . Hui actively advises graduate students in empirical studies, dissertation research, and grant proposals. His work emphasizes open science practices, including pre-registration, data sharing, and reproducible analyses. Hui has developed workshops on R programming for applied linguists, emphasizing ethical data practices and open-source tools. He collaborates internationally on projects like the ASReview tutorial for meta-research and has contributed to book projects on quantitative methods in applied linguistics.

Vera BékésView profile

Associate Professor

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Process
• Therapeutic Relationship
• +4 more

Dr. Vera Békés is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, and co-director of its Psychodynamic Track. She holds degrees from Eötvös Lóránd University (MA), University of Pécs (PhD), and completed postdoctoral research at McGill University and the Université du Québec à Montréal. Her expertise lies in psychotherapy process, therapeutic relationships, PTSD, resilience, and intergenerational trauma. She teaches courses on psychodynamic therapy, transgenerational trauma, and qualitative research methods. Research & Grants: Principal Investigator for grants addressing teletherapy during the pandemic (China American Psychoanalytic Association, 2020-2021), pandemic-related psychological distress (Marcus Foundation, 2020-2022), and Holocaust trauma's multigenerational impact (Claims Conference, 2020-2021). Lab research focuses on teletherapy efficacy, trauma transmission, and therapeutic alliance (visit bekeslab.wordpress.com ). Awards: Fellow of the American Psychoanalytic Association (2019-2020). Teaching & Affiliations: Courses include Self Psychology, Qualitative Research, Multicultural Issues, and Advanced Research. Previous roles include clinical supervisor at Université Laval and researcher at McGill University’s Psychiatry Department. Clinical experience in psychiatric wards (Jewish General Hospital, Kútvölgyi Hospital) and private practice.

Yaning LiView profile

Associate Professor

• Mechanics of Materials
• Bio-inspired Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing
• +5 more

Yaning Li is an Associate Professor at Northeastern University's Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, part of the College of Engineering. Her research focuses on mechanics of materials, bio-inspired engineering, additive manufacturing, and mechanical metamaterials. She holds a PhD from the University of Michigan and dual MS degrees from the same institution. Education: PhD (2007), University of Michigan; Dual MS (2006), University of Michigan Affiliations: Mechanics, Biomimetics, and 3D Printing Research Lab; American Physical Society (APS), Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) Her research explores bio-inspired materials, energy absorption mechanisms, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Key projects include developing auxetic metamaterials and bio-inspired sutural designs. Grants & Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2016), AFOSR SFFP Fellowship (2013), IUTAM Travel Award Recent Recognition: 2023/2024 Stanford Top 2% Cited Scientists Advises a diverse group of students and postdocs, including current PhD candidates Lin Gu and Yunzheng Yang. Her lab focuses on experimental and computational studies of novel materials, with applications in engineering and biomedicine. Labs/Teams: Mechanics, Biomimetics, and 3D Printing Research Lab Patents: 3D auxetic composite structures, bio-inspired metamaterials

David ToalView profile

Associate Professor

• Design optimisation & automation
• Machine learning & deep learning
• Computer aided design
• +3 more

Dr. David Toal is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, specializing in the application of machine learning techniques to aerospace system design optimization. His research focuses on automated geometry creation, prediction of simulation outputs, and fundamental machine learning advancements. He is affiliated with the Computational Engineering and Design Group and the Institute for Life Sciences. His teaching interests include engineering design methods, optimization, reliability, and CAD integration. He supervises multiple PhD students in areas such as aerodynamic geometry generation and structural design automation. Dr. Toal has led projects funded by the European Union and EPSRC, including E-Break (FP7) and equipment grants for advanced computational tools. His work emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, leveraging CAD systems and deep learning for applications in advanced aerial mobility and turbine optimization. Recent publications highlight advancements in Kriging models, adversarial auto-encoders, and semantic segmentation for engineering design. Dr. Toal's research bridges computational methods with practical aerospace challenges, aiming to accelerate design processes through data-driven and AI-enhanced approaches.

Emily LowthianView profile

Lecturer

• Education Policy
• Child and Adolescent Wellbeing
• Public Health
• +7 more

Dr. Emily Lowthian is a Lecturer in Education and Childhood Studies at Swansea University’s School of Social Sciences, Department of Education and Childhood Studies. She specializes in research addressing educational outcomes, child welfare, and public health policy with a focus on vulnerable populations. Her work integrates large-scale data linkage methodologies to analyze sociodemographic trends, special educational needs identification, and health behaviors among children and adolescents. Key research areas include the impacts of special needs identification on academic progression, vaccination uptake patterns during the pandemic, and the interplay between maternal mental health and child development. She contributes to policy discussions through the UK Young Academy, a network of early-career researchers addressing societal challenges. Dr. Lowthian’s interdisciplinary approach spans epidemiology, education policy, and social inequality studies, with publications in high-impact journals such as the International Journal of Population Data Science. Her recent projects include longitudinal analyses of Wales’ administrative health and education data, exploring ethnicity dynamics, child wellbeing trajectories, and the effects of EU tobacco regulations on youth behavior. Collaborations with national health organizations and policymakers ensure her research informs practical interventions in child welfare and public health systems.

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
• Behavioral Interventions
• +5 more

Dr. Ciara Padden is a Senior Lecturer in Learning Disability and Director of Studies for the MSc in Applied Behaviour Analysis and MSc in Positive Behaviour Support at the University of Kent's Tizard Centre (School of Social Sciences). She holds a BCBA-D certification and is a Higher Education Academy Fellow. Her research focuses on evidence-based behavioral interventions for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, caregiver support, and organizational behavior change contexts. Education: BA Psychology (University College Dublin), PhD Applied Behaviour Analysis (National University of Ireland, Galway). Professional qualifications include a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education. Research Interests: Skills teaching methodologies, adolescent/adult disability support systems, precision teaching frameworks, and procedural fidelity in behavioral interventions. Her work emphasizes practical applications for improving quality of life through structured behavioral programs and staff training. Publications span 20+ peer-reviewed articles on topics like caregiver stress biomarkers, intervention fidelity, and mathematical skill acquisition for neurodivergent learners. She has contributed to systematic reviews evaluating vocational skills interventions and repetitive behavior treatments in autism. Professional Roles: Consultancy Manager at the Tizard Centre, external examiner for University of South Wales psychology programs, UK-Society for Behavior Analysis board member, and trustee for Positive Behaviour Support for Learning. Active in credentialing initiatives and international research networks like SF-DDARIN. Supervision: Advises PhD/MSc students researching behavioral approaches for disabilities. Consultancy focuses on staff training and behavioral support implementation in clinical settings. Labs/Teams: Central role in Tizard Centre's disability-focused research teams, contributing to both academic output and applied consultancy projects across the UK.

• Strategic Management
• Institutional Processes
• Globalization
• +11 more

Frank Wijen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam. He earned his PhD in Management from Tilburg University, where he previously served as a Senior Researcher. His academic work focuses on institutional dynamics, globalization, sustainability, and organizational behavior, with a particular interest in Chinese management and environmental governance. His research interests include institutional processes, power and influence, organizational learning, corporate and national environmental management, and the interplay between globalization and sustainability. These themes are reflected in his publications across leading journals such as Academy of Management Review , Strategic Management Journal , Journal of Management , and Regulation & Governance . His recent work explores the effectiveness of sustainability standards, ownership identity in Chinese business groups, and the societal impact of foreign direct investment. The trajectory of his research output shows a strong focus on institutional theory, sustainability governance, and strategic responses to environmental and societal challenges. He has contributed significantly to understanding how organizations navigate complex regulatory environments and how national contexts—especially China—influence corporate practices. His editorial roles in top journals such as Organization Studies , Academy of Management Review , and Strategic Organization reflect his standing in the academic community. Editorial Board, Organization Studies (2008–Present) Editorial Board, Strategic Organization (2016–Present) Editorial Board, Academy of Management Review (2009–2017) Frank Wijen has also been involved in academic public engagement, notably co-developing an online course titled Driving Business Towards The SDGs , which reflects his commitment to translating research into practical impact. He has supervised four academic works, indicating active mentorship. There is no mention of awards or grants in the provided text, but his extensive publication record and editorial contributions underscore his scholarly influence. He is affiliated with research networks focusing on Chinese social sciences, environmental policy, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable development, as evidenced by his collaborative work and citation patterns.