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Dr John Owens is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Education, Communication & Society at King's College London. He co-directs the Centre for Public Policy Research and previously founded the BA Social Sciences programme. His research focuses on applying philosophical and sociological theories to policy challenges in education, healthcare, and environmental sectors, emphasizing critical realism and the capabilities approach. He teaches modules on social justice, environment-society relations, and education policy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Research Interests: John explores ethical, social, and political dimensions of public policy through interdisciplinary lenses. His work addresses autonomy, equity, and justice in contexts like environmental pedagogy, healthcare professionalism under austerity, and disability service personalization. He has led projects funded by the Health Foundation and Wellcome Trust, investigating topics like self-management support for long-term conditions and interdisciplinary bioethics training. Publications: His recent works include studies on wearable technology's impact on autonomy, medical professionalism in challenging environments, and the financialization of public services. He has contributed to journals like *Health Care Analysis*, *BMJ Leader*, and *Frontiers in Education*, with over 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. Advising & Grants: John supervises doctoral research on topics like pediatric professionalism and environmental youth engagement. He co-led projects on healthcare ethics and self-management strategies, supported by major health foundations. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals on health, education, and climate action. Labs/Teams: Active in King's Climate & Sustainability Research and the Centre for Public Policy Research, focusing on policy analysis for social justice in education, healthcare, and environmental policy.

• Applied Ethics
• Bioethics
• Public Policy
• +5 more

José Morales Aznar is a Full Professor in the Department of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences and Sports Management at the Faculty of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Sports, Ramon Llull University (Blanquerna). His academic work focuses on the intersection of physical activity, sport sciences, and adapted physical education, with a particular emphasis on judo applications for diverse populations. Dr. Morales Aznar's research interests span Physical Activity, Sport Sciences, Martial Arts (particularly judo), Adapted Physical Activity for people with disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intellectual Disabilities, Physical Education, Motor Skills, and Heart Rate Variability. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to applying sport science principles to improve quality of life across different demographic groups, especially those with special needs. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trend toward adapted judo programs, particularly for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities. His research combines practical applications with theoretical frameworks to develop evidence-based approaches in adapted physical activity. The publications also show growing interest in technology integration in physical education and the physiological aspects of martial arts training. Dr. Morales Aznar is actively involved in multiple research projects including KATAUTISM (Judo program for autistic children), JUDODI (Effects of judo for adolescents with intellectual disabilities), JIDP (Judo for Intellectual Disability Project), SAFE (Health, Physical Activity and Sports), and AUTJUDO (Adapted Judo for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders). These projects demonstrate his leadership in developing and implementing specialized physical activity programs for vulnerable populations while securing significant research funding from various agencies including the EACEA Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency and Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca.

• Physical Activity
• Sport Sciences
• Martial Arts
• +7 more

Hilary Johnson is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Living with a Disability Research Centre, La Trobe University, and has taught part-time in the School of Allied Health. Her academic and clinical work centers on improving communication access for individuals with complex communication needs, including those with aphasia, intellectual disabilities, and developmental conditions. Adjunct Associate Professor, Living with a Disability Research Centre Part-time teaching, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University Extensive collaboration with Scope and other disability organizations Hilary holds a PhD, MA (Ed), B Ed, and Dip Sp Th, reflecting a strong interdisciplinary background in speech pathology, education, and disability studies. Diploma in Speech Therapy (Dip Sp Th) Bachelor of Education (B Ed) Master of Arts in Education (MA Ed) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Her research is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of people with little or no speech through Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), saliva control, and inclusive communication practices. She investigates communication access in healthcare, legal, transport, and community settings, aiming to foster dignity, autonomy, and social inclusion. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on participatory research, accessibility standards, and the development of practical tools and training for frontline workers. Her work spans qualitative studies, intervention evaluations, and policy-oriented research, often employing co-design and community-based methodologies. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through widespread citation, media pickup, and policy references, though formal awards are not listed in the provided text. Keynote speaker at national and international conferences Multiple publications in high-impact journals such as Disability and Rehabilitation and Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research cited in policy and news outlets Hilary actively mentors students and collaborates across disciplines, though specific advisees are not named. Her work is supported through institutional and organizational partnerships, including Scope, and emphasizes capacity building in both professional and community contexts. She is involved in developing and evaluating digital tools like the Aphasia App and communication access networks, reflecting a forward-looking approach to leveraging technology for inclusion.

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
• Complex Communication Needs
• Disability and Inclusion
• +7 more

Dr Bernd Ploderer is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he conducts research in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), focusing on health, wellbeing, and human-centred computing. He leads the Digital Wellbeing Lab and is actively involved in multiple Australian Competitive Grant-funded projects, including those on generative AI for self-care, tangible intergenerational interaction, and children's active play. Education: PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (University of Melbourne, 2011), MA in Communications (University of Salzburg, 2007), BSc (Hons) in Information Systems (FH Joanneum Graz, 2003) Previous Positions: Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Melbourne (2011–2015) Professional Recognition: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (QUT, 2017) Dr Ploderer’s research centers on designing interactive technologies that support personal and social wellbeing, with a strong emphasis on user-centered and co-design methods. His work spans domains such as digital self-care , mobile health , generative AI , tangible and embodied interaction , and intergenerational and child play . He has developed innovative educational methods in HCI, notably the ‘working field theories for design’ approach, which received an Honorable Mention at CHI 2021. His recent publications (2023–2025) reflect a growing interest in AI-mediated self-care, nature-connected technologies, and inclusive design for diverse populations including teens, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. These works appear in top-tier venues such as CHI , DIS , and Personal and Ubiquitous Computing . Dr Ploderer has received several awards, including: QUT Vice Chancellor's Performance Award (2016) PCHF Innovation Grant (2018) Metro North Hospital and Health Service Link Grant (2017) Honorable Mention at CHI 2021 Associate Chair for Health Subcommittee at CHI 2022 He is actively involved in research supervision, currently mentoring PhD and Honours students on topics such as conversational agents for music education, mental wellbeing for international students, and relational technologies for dementia care. He has supervised numerous completed PhD and Masters theses, often in collaboration with Professor Margot Brereton and other QUT researchers. Dr Ploderer also contributes to research ethics and integrity within his school and serves on committees for CHI and CHISIG. His lab, the Digital Wellbeing Lab, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration focused on creating technology that enhances social, mental, and physical wellbeing.

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Wellbeing
• Health and Wellbeing Technologies
• +12 more

Kara Sutton is a Senior Lecturer at Southern Methodist University, specializing in research and consulting at the intersection of public policy, community development, and human services planning. Her work focuses on socially impactful innovations for underserved populations through collaborations with governments and nonprofits. Doctorate: Ph.D., University of Texas at Dallas Her research spans healthcare access, education, criminal justice reform, and economic security, with recent projects including early childhood education initiatives, mental health services, and workforce opportunities for individuals with disabilities. She employs evaluation research and spatial analysis to address disparities in marginalized communities. Her publications cover diverse topics such as women’s health, disability rights, LGBTQ needs assessment, and mobile technology’s role in employment equity. Awards include multiple HOPE Award nominations (2020-2022), SMU’s Extra Mile Award (2021), and recognition at the University of Texas at Dallas for teaching excellence.

• Public Policy
• Community Development
• Human Services Planning
• +7 more

Ziqi Song is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. Their research focuses on Transportation Engineering, with expertise in transportation network modeling, electrification, intelligent transportation systems, and traffic operations. Recent work includes zero-emission mobility strategies , electric bus charging infrastructure , autonomous vehicle lane deployment , and pedestrian group dynamics . Key themes involve optimizing transportation systems for electrification, integrating renewable energy into transit networks, and addressing equity in mobility through accessibility studies. Publications show strong emphasis on electric vehicle integration , urban transit optimization , and pedestrian behavior modeling . The work spans multi-disciplinary approaches combining transportation network analysis , renewable energy , and machine learning techniques.

• Transportation network modeling
• Transportation Electrification
• Intelligent Transportation Systems
• +2 more

Nilanjan Sarkar is the Vice Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering, holding the David K. Wilson Professorship in Engineering. He is a Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Computer Science. His research focuses on intelligent systems for human interaction, including robotics, virtual/augmented reality, and assistive technologies for neurodevelopmental disorders and aging populations. Education: PhD (Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania), ME (Indian Institute of Science), BE (Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur). Research interests span human-robot interaction, sensor fusion, and rehabilitation engineering. His lab develops systems for autism intervention, stroke rehabilitation, and elderly engagement through socially assistive robotics and VR/AR. Notable projects include robot-mediated therapy for children and AR telepresence systems for long-term care facilities. Labs/Teams: Robotics and Autonomous Systems Laboratory. Key contributions include CoMove, RASSLE, and the Career Interview Readiness in VR platform. His work emphasizes participatory design with end-users for ethical and inclusive technology.

• Human-Robot Interaction
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Robotics
• +6 more

Vania Ceccato is a Professor at the Academy of Police Work, University of Borås, specializing in environmental criminology and situational crime prevention. She leads the international Nätverket Säkraplatser network, fostering collaboration between academia and practice for sustainable safety. Her research bridges urban design, rural criminology, and transit security, with a focus on inclusive safety measures. Her recent publications include studies on transit worker safety in Stockholm’s metro resilient urban design for climate and crime prevention LGBTQI+ safety in transportation rural-urban shooting patterns innovative survey methodologies Her work aligns with United Nations SDGs 9, 11, and 13, emphasizing how environmental criminology can drive sustainable, equitable urban development.

• Environmental Criminology
• Situational Crime Prevention
• Urban Planning
• +5 more

Mostafa Mohammadi is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Center for Rehabilitation Robotics. His research focuses on neurorehabilitation robotics, human-computer interaction, and telerehabilitation technologies for individuals with disabilities. Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (Aalborg University, 2018-2022) M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (Polytechnic University of Milan, 2015-2017) B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering (Sharif University of Technology, 2011-2015) His work spans exoskeleton design, assistive robotics, and innovative interfaces like tongue-computer interfacing. Recent projects include the eMotivo digital health solution funded by Innovation Fund Denmark and intelligent tendon-driven exoskeletons for severe disabilities. Research outputs (33 total) emphasize adaptive robotics, motor impairment solutions, and wearable technologies. Collaborations span robotics, biomedical engineering, and clinical disciplines. Teaching includes courses in rehabilitation robotics, human-computer interaction, and digital systems for biomedical engineering. Scientific activities align with UN Sustainable Development Goals for quality education and reduced inequalities. Notable contributions include advancements in myoelectric interfaces and neurorehabilitation technologies.

• Neurorehabilitation Robotics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Telerehabilitation Technologies
• +5 more

Kerri Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona , affiliated with both the Department of Psychology and the College of Veterinary Medicine . Her research focuses on the bi-directional effects of human-animal interactions on health and wellbeing. B.S. in Evolutionary Anthropology & Biology, Duke University M.S. in Marine Mammal Science, University of St Andrews Ph.D. in Human-Animal Interaction, Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University Research Interests include the roles of assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and pet dogs in supporting individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions, psychophysiological mechanisms underlying human-dog interactions, and the impact of the human-animal bond across diverse settings. Publication Trends show a focus on PTSD treatment via service dogs, autism spectrum disorder support, psychophysiological stress responses, and methodological challenges in human-animal interaction research, with a strong emphasis on military veterans and pediatric populations.

• Human-Animal Interaction
• Assistance Dogs
• Therapy Dogs
• +7 more

Carlos Cifuentes is an Associate Professor in Human-Robot Interaction at the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) , part of the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) . He also serves as the Deputy Director of the VIVO Hub , a £13.4M UK-funded research initiative (2024-2030) focused on robotics for rehabilitation and healthcare. His research spans Human-Robot Interaction , Rehabilitation Robotics , Healthcare Robotics , and Socially Assistive Robotics , with applications for conditions such as cardiac diseases , post-stroke recovery , spinal cord injuries , cerebral palsy , Parkinson's disease , musculoskeletal disorders , and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) . Carlos has over 15 years of experience and 200+ publications in robotics for rehabilitation and assistive technologies. His recent work explores smart walkers with multimodal feedback, soft prosthetics using polymeric optical fiber sensors , and machine learning models for fatigue and stress estimation. He also investigates inclusive design for social robots in global contexts , including a CASTOR Robot for ASD therapy and collaborative design processes with Colombian communities. Carlos serves as an Associate Editor for IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine (since 2021), ICRA , and IROS (since 2023). He leads projects integrating wearable sensors , deep learning , and haptic feedback to enhance mobility, autonomy, and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As Deputy Director of the VIVO Hub, he focuses on long-term deployment of robotic systems in real-world healthcare settings, emphasizing collaboration with clinicians , caregivers , and neurodiverse communities . His work bridges robotics , biomedical engineering , and human-centered design .

• Human-Robot Interaction
• Rehabilitation Robotics
• Socially Assistive Robotics
• +7 more

David McMeekin is a Senior Lecturer at Curtin University's School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS), part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He holds a PhD in Software Engineering focusing on the human aspects of software development and has extensive experience in both academia and international NGOs. His research emphasizes applying technology to solve societal challenges, including accessibility for vision-impaired individuals, autism support through tech, cultural heritage preservation, and spatial data infrastructure. Education and professional background are not explicitly detailed in this profile, though his career spans over three decades in education and tech sectors. Research interests include semantic web technologies for spatial data, assistive technologies for disabilities, and digital humanities. He has been recognized with the 2014 Western Australian Spatial Educator of the Year award. Teaching spans topics like software engineering, programming languages (C, Java, Python), cross-cultural communication, and spatial data processing. His work bridges technical innovation with social impact, particularly in enhancing accessibility and cultural preservation through digital tools.

• Software Engineering
• Spatial Information Systems
• Accessibility Technology
• +3 more

Megan O'Connell is a Professor and Faculty Member in Psychology and Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. She holds an Associate Membership in the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health, Medicine, and serves as a Clinical Psychologist specialized in Neuropsychology with the Rural and Remote Memory Clinic (RRMC). She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Neuropsychology from the University of Victoria, along with an M.A. and B.A. Honors degree. Her research focuses on dementia assessment and interventions, telemedicine applications for rural healthcare, caregiver support systems, and technology integration in aging populations. Dr. O’Connell has received substantial research funding through grants like the New Frontiers in Research Fund ($24M CAD), CIHR grants ($2.1M CAD), and the Weston Family Foundation ($12.2M CAD). She leads projects addressing culturally safer dementia care in Indigenous communities, interprofessional primary care readiness, and cognitive rehabilitation via telehealth. Her lab is managed by Research Coordinator Shoshana Green, who oversees operations and grant administration. Her work emphasizes rural health disparities, particularly in dementia diagnosis and support. Recent studies include longitudinal analyses of pre-COVID-19 social isolation impacts, telehealth-based cognitive interventions, and cross-national cognitive measure harmonization. She actively collaborates with organizations like the Alzheimer Society of SK and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) to advance dementia care equity and interdisciplinary practice. Dr. O’Connell has supervised 28 practicum placements and mentored numerous graduate students. Notable advisees include Karl Grewal (clinical neuropsychology at Glenrose Hospital), Jake Ursenbach (private clinical practice in Calgary), and August Kortzman (currently at the Rural and Remote Memory Clinic). Her research narrative bridges clinical neuropsychology with public health imperatives, addressing both individual patient needs and systemic healthcare challenges.

• Dementia
• Alzheimer Disease
• Neuropsychology
• +10 more

Bjørge Hermann Hansen is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Sport Medicine, Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH), actively engaged in national physical activity surveillance and the International Children's Accelerometer Database (ICAD). His work bridges epidemiology, statistics, and device-based measurement to investigate activity patterns across diverse populations including children, cancer survivors, and clinical cohorts like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy patients. Previously referenced in 2020-2023 materials as a University of Agder professor, NIH's December 2023 employee page confirms his current research role at Norway's premier sport science institution. Hansen's research focuses on physical activity epidemiology and measurement validity, specializing in accelerometer data analysis. He investigates intensity distribution, sedentary behavior, and their health associations across lifespan stages. His methodological expertise includes harmonizing multi-cohort data, validating self-report tools against objective measures, and developing protocols for reliable activity monitoring. Current projects address environmental determinants like family car ownership and school policies on screen time. Recent publications reveal a dominant trend: large-scale meta-analyses using pooled international data (ICAD) to establish dose-response relationships between activity patterns and mortality. He also examines secular trends in Norwegian youth activity, methodological challenges in measurement, and the impact of clinical conditions on movement behaviors. Key journals include The Lancet, British Journal of Sports Medicine, and PLOS ONE. Scientific awards: None explicitly mentioned in source materials. Hansen teaches Statistics, Epidemiology, and Scientific Methods at NIH, translating complex concepts through podcasts like Fysioformidlingen. While no specific grants or student advising records are provided, his leadership in national surveillance projects (e.g., Kan3 reports for Folkehelseinstituttet) indicates active grant-funded research. He advocates for evidence-based policies such as school mobile phone bans to increase recess activity. He collaborates with the ICAD consortium and Norwegian Institute of Public Health on population monitoring. His work with the Kan3 project involves nationwide data collection on adult physical activity and fitness. Recent Folkehelseinstituttet reports (2023-2024) demonstrate his role in national health surveillance systems.

• Physical Activity Epidemiology
• Measurement of Physical Activity
• Accelerometry
• +3 more

Noah Glaser is an Assistant Professor at the University of Missouri’s School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, where he directs the Information Experience Lab. He holds a PhD in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Cincinnati. His research focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality (VR), video games, artificial intelligence (AI), and mobile devices to design inclusive educational interventions, particularly for neurodiverse populations and individuals with disabilities. Key projects include NSF-funded initiatives such as uSucceed (VR/AI-driven cybersecurity curriculum for neurodiverse learners) and Gaming4Good (computational thinking education via Nintendo’s Game Builder Garage). He also develops The Things Left Behind , a video game celebrating neurodivergent experiences, and leads Mizzou Cloud DevOps , advancing cloud computing training for scientific communities. Glaser’s expertise spans mixed-reality learning environments, formal/informal STEAM education, and AI applications in education. His work emphasizes participatory design involving neurodivergent users, resulting in over 30 peer-reviewed publications and frequent conference presentations. He actively mentors students interested in game development, extended reality (XR), and AI. His interdisciplinary collaborations bridge instructional design, neuroscience, and technology, with a focus on promoting equity in STEM education. Notable grants include multiple NSF awards supporting his research into inclusive technologies. His lab develops tools like the Museum of Instructional Design (3D virtual learning environment) and Maria Martinez VR training program for autistic adults. Glaser advocates for universal design principles in online education and has explored emerging technologies such as ChatGPT’s educational potential and VR’s impact on environmental attitudes.

• Virtual Reality and Game Design
• Neurodiversity
• STEAM Education
• +3 more