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FRANCESCA PAZZAGLIAView profile

Professor

• Spatial Cognition
• Environmental Psychology
• Spatial Learning
• +6 more

Francesca Pazzaglia is a Professor at the University of Padua, specializing in spatial cognition, environmental psychology, and the interplay between spatial abilities and environmental design. Her research focuses on wayfinding, aging-related spatial challenges, biophilic design, and the restorative effects of natural environments. She has extensively studied gender differences in spatial navigation, the impact of technology (e.g., GPS) on environmental knowledge, and dementia-friendly architectural guidelines. Her work bridges cognitive psychology with practical applications in healthcare and urban planning. Key research areas include: Restorative environments and their physiological/psychological benefits Spatial learning in virtual and real-world settings Design of healthcare and residential facilities for aging populations Gender and personality influences on navigation behaviors Recent studies highlight the role of nature exposure in improving cognitive performance, the efficacy of therapeutic gardens for dementia patients, and the psychological impacts of lockdowns during the pandemic. Pazzaglia collaborates internationally, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability in healthcare and urban development. Her research outputs include over 50 peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and contributions to environmental certification criteria for health parks. While no formal awards are listed, her work is widely cited in environmental psychology and spatial cognition fields.

Perminder SachdevView profile

Professor

• Dementia and Aging Brain Health
• Neuroimaging
• Biomarkers
• +5 more

Perminder Sachdev is a Scientia Professor of Neuropsychiatry at UNSW Sydney and Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA). He holds roles as Clinical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Institute and has led major longitudinal studies on cognitive aging, including the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. His research focuses on dementia, neuroimaging, biomarkers, and brain stimulation techniques. Education: MBBS and MD from All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (1978–1983), PhD in Neuropsychiatry from UNSW (1991). Clinical training in Australia, with expertise in movement disorders and later dementia research. Research interests span dementia prevention, neuroimaging biomarkers, and psychiatric disorders in aging. He leads international consortia like COSMIC and STROKOG, and has authored over 600 peer-reviewed papers with an H-index of 90. Awards include NSW Scientist of the Year (2010) and Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (2015). Key Projects: Sydney Centenarian Study, Older Australian Twins Study. Grants: Extensive funding for aging and dementia research. Labs/Teams: CHeBA, Neuropsychiatric Institute.

Andrew DilleyView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Pain Physiology
• Neuroanatomy
• +4 more

Professor Andrew Dilley is a Professor in Neuroanatomy and Head of the Department of Neuroscience at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex. He leads Phase 1 of the BM BS medical programme and has held roles such as Interim Head of Anatomy at the Kent and Medway Medical School (2018–2020). His research focuses on peripheral neuroinflammation in chronic musculoskeletal pain, combining laboratory electrophysiology with human imaging studies (MRI/ultrasound). He has received grants from Versus Arthritis, the NC3Rs, and the US Department of Defence. Education: BSc (Anatomy & Developmental Biology) from University College London (1993–1996), PhD in Neurophysiology from King’s College London (1996–2000). Postdoctoral research at UCL and Harvard Medical School furthered his expertise in pain mechanisms. Research interests include neuropathic pain mechanisms, neuroinflammation’s role in chronic conditions like whiplash-associated disorders, and axonal transport disruption. His teaching emphasizes multimodal learning (lectures, dissection, ultrasound) and has earned him multiple teaching awards. Current projects investigate neuroinflammation’s role in chronic pain prognosis and novel therapeutic targets. Key grants include funding for studies on whiplash chronicity (Versus Arthritis, 2020–2023) and neuritis receptor expression (Wellcome Trust, 2010). Public engagement includes speaking at national/international events.

Shubha KashinathView profile

Associate Professor

• Autism
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Early Intervention
• +5 more

Shubha Kashinath is an Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Speech, Language, & Hearing Sciences at California State University, East Bay. Her work focuses on bridging research and clinical practice to improve outcomes for individuals with communication impairments. She leads the CSD Early Social Communication Research Clinic, guiding undergraduate and graduate students in autism research, family-centered intervention, and collaborative practices. Additionally, she directs the Conversation Club, a social skills program for adults with autism enrolled in the College Link Program. Her research emphasizes autism, early intervention, and family-centered approaches, with a particular interest in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and culturally responsive practices. She teaches courses in autism, language disorders, counseling, and research methods. Dr. Kashinath’s publications span peer-reviewed journals, highlighting topics like paraeducator training, family routines-based interventions, and the efficacy of social skills programs. She actively mentors underrepresented students in speech-language pathology, emphasizing leadership and research engagement. Her professional service includes roles in academic leadership and community outreach, reflecting her commitment to advancing both scientific knowledge and practical clinical solutions.

Meredith K. GinleyView profile

Researcher

• Addiction Treatment
• Behavioral Addictions
• Substance Use Disorders
• +3 more

Dr. Meredith K. Ginley is a researcher and Principal Investigator of the Prevention Education and Treatment of Addiction Learning (PETAL) Lab at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). She holds a PhD from the University of Memphis, completed clinical internships at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and G.V. Montgomery VA Medical Center, and a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Her research focuses on addiction treatment, behavioral addictions, and substance use disorders, with a particular interest in improving evidence-based interventions and dissemination. She collaborates with the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research (TIGER), leading efforts to reduce gambling-related harms across Tennessee through clinics and research initiatives. Dr. Ginley’s work spans prevention, treatment, and education, aiming to identify risk and resilience factors in addiction progression. Her lab supports numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including PhD candidates Hannah Mitchell, Thalia Sullivan, and Shelby King, who contribute to projects on opioid use, first responder trauma, and gambling disorder. She has secured grants from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to expand access to addiction care. Her research emphasizes psychometric assessment and biostatistics, ensuring rigorous methodologies in understanding addiction mechanisms and treatment efficacy. Dr. Ginley’s collaborations include the TIGER team at the University of Memphis, focusing on gambling disorder treatment and prevention. The PETAL Lab also engages in interdisciplinary projects with ETSU’s College of Public Health to address regional substance use challenges. Her work highlights a commitment to addressing health disparities and improving outcomes for marginalized communities through tailored interventions and accessible care.

Austin O'BrienView profile

Associate Professor

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Cybersecurity
• +5 more

Austin O’Brien is an Associate Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Dakota State University’s Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences. He serves as Program Coordinator for the MS in Computer Science and teaches graduate/undergraduate courses in algorithms, machine learning, cybersecurity, and reinforcement learning. His research focuses on AI-driven solutions in cybersecurity, agriculture, and workforce development, often collaborating with students through research initiatives. Education Ph.D., Computational Statistics - South Dakota State University M.S., Computer Science - South Dakota State University B.S., Computer Science - South Dakota State University Research Interests O’Brien’s work emphasizes practical AI applications, including malware classification, weed detection via deep learning, and automated cybersecurity tools. He prioritizes collaborative student research, mentoring initiatives like the AI Sweden Exchange Summer Research and DSU Honors College Thesis programs. Publications & Presentations His recent work spans cybersecurity literature reviews, agricultural AI models, and reinforcement learning in penetration testing. Presentations include discussions on AI’s role in workforce transformation and cyber defense strategies. Awards 2020 Ernest M. Teargarden Award for Excellence in Teaching Teaching & Outreach Beyond formal education, O’Brien instructs CAE faculty on AI in cybersecurity and leads youth STEM programs like GenCyber and CybHER camps.

Maria Laura CARRANZAView profile

Professor

• Ecology
• Remote Sensing
• Plant Invasion Dynamics
• +5 more

Prof. Maria Laura CARRANZA is a Full Professor at the University of Molise, Department of Biosciences and Territory. Her work focuses on ecology, remote sensing, and environmental conservation, particularly in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems. She leads the Envix Lab, emphasizing vegetation mapping, invasive species dynamics, and climate change impacts. Her research integrates multi-source remote sensing (e.g., Sentinel, UAVs) with field data to assess biodiversity, dune ecosystems, and human-environment interactions. Key projects include monitoring plant invasions (e.g., Acacia saligna), coastal resilience, and citizen science contributions to ecological data collection. Education background and formal qualifications are not explicitly detailed in the provided text. Her research spans over 15 years, with recent emphasis on Mediterranean dunes, urban biodiversity, and global change effects on alpine grasslands. She collaborates internationally, notably in Argentina (Gran Chaco forests) and Pakistan (yak herding dynamics). Research interests include functional traits of plant communities, spectral diversity metrics, and conservation strategies for threatened ecosystems. Her work highlights the role of protected areas in mitigating litter accumulation and preserving cultural services. She has contributed to policy frameworks like Natura 2000 and the EU’s Invasive Species Directive through applied research. Publications emphasize the synergy between remote sensing and field ecology, with over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2016. Her work on Acacia saligna invasion models and dune eco-geomorphology via UAVs has advanced management practices. She also explores educational innovations, such as online course efficacy for field subjects like bird recognition.

Nathan C. HallView profile

Associate Professor

• Motivation Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Emotion Research
• +5 more

Nathan C. Hall is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University's Faculty of Education. He also serves as the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and directs the Achievement Motivation and Emotion (AME) Research Group. Dr. Hall's research explores the psychosocial determinants of optimal development in achievement settings, with a specific focus on motivation (strategies, goals, beliefs) and discrete emotions (boredom, enjoyment, anger). His work examines how these factors influence academic achievement, persistence, and health outcomes through motivational interventions, particularly those delivered via digital and social media platforms. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on understanding how motivation and emotion interact across educational contexts. Key trends include faculty and graduate student experiences, doctoral education, and technology-enhanced interventions. His research spans K-12 education, higher education, and healthcare settings, revealing the cross-domain relevance of motivational and emotional processes. Outstanding Publication Award; American Educational Research Association (SIG-GPDED; 2019) Outstanding International Research Collaboration Award; American Educational Research Association (SIG-TICL; 2017) Faculty of Education Distinguished Teaching Award (2014) Canadian Psychological Association President's New Researcher Award (2011) University of Manitoba Distinguished Dissertation Award (2007) Dr. Hall has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator, including projects from the National Science Foundation examining motivation as a predictor of faculty research development, SSHRC grants on female academics' experiences of harassment on social media, and CIHR funding for research on psychosocial predictors of health and survival in late life. His international collaborations, particularly through his Humboldt Fellowship in Germany, demonstrate his global research impact. As director of the Achievement Motivation and Emotion (AME) Research Group, Dr. Hall leads a team investigating key questions in educational psychology using diverse methodologies including experimental designs, longitudinal studies, and meta-analyses to advance understanding of motivational and emotional processes in educational settings.

• Motor Control
• Neuroplasticity
• Sports Science
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Taube is a leading academic at the University of Fribourg , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Medicine and specializing in Motor Control and Neuroplasticity within the Movement and Sport Sciences department. His work bridges Neuroscience , Physiology , and Rehabilitation through rigorous experimental designs. Role: Professor Location: PER 21 bu. F429, Bd de Pérolles 90, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland Contact: wolfgang.taube@unifr.ch ORCID: 0000-0002-8802-2065 His research explores neural mechanisms of motor learning , age-related adaptations , and interventions to enhance balance and sensorimotor function . Key areas include: Modulation of GABAergic inhibition through training fNIRS/fMRI studies on cortical activation patterns Biomechanical analysis in sports performance Neurorehabilitation strategies for chronic pain Recent publications demonstrate a focus on age-related neuroplasticity , external focus of attention , and technology-driven training interventions across sports like football and swimming. Methodologically, he integrates randomized trials , meta-analyses , and machine learning applications in motor control studies.

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