Daniel M. Wolpert is a Professor of Neuroscience at Columbia University and Principal Investigator at the Zuckerman Institute. His research focuses on computational models of movement, integrating sensory cues and cognitive elements to understand motor control, memory, and rehabilitation strategies for cerebellar disorders. Key Research Areas: Sensorimotor integration, probabilistic inference, reinforcement learning, predictive modeling of movement, and aging effects on motor learning. Selected Awards: Royal Society Fellow (2012), Minerva Golden Brain Award (2010), Fulbright Scholarship (1992-1995). Recent publications highlight his work on contextual learning, motor memory formation, and the computational basis of sensorimotor uncertainty. His lab develops robotic interfaces to study human motor behavior and collaborates on clinical applications for movement disorders. Current opportunities include postdoctoral fellowships in sensorimotor control and decision-making.
David Whitney is a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley , with affiliations in Cognitive Science and Neuroscience . His research focuses on visual perception, particularly how humans process information in cluttered environments through mechanisms like ensemble perception , serial dependence , and perceptual crowding . He employs techniques such as psychophysics, fMRI, and TMS to study these phenomena. Whitney's recent work examines serial dependence in schizophrenia, emotion perception in crowds , and medical image analysis for dermatology and radiology. His studies reveal how the brain uses dynamic predictive templates and motion cues to stabilize perception despite neural processing delays. Publications span Current Biology , Nature Reviews Psychology , and PLoS ONE , with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary applications of perceptual science. Scientific contributions include foundational studies on visuomotor control , blind spot filling-in , and holistic face processing . His lab investigates perceptual stability across eye movements, spatial localization, and cross-modal interactions. Whitney has received grants such as NIH EY018216 to support his research on motion-dependent visual coding. Detailed information about his work is available on the Whitney Lab website .
Viorica Marian is the Ralph and Jean Sundin Endowed Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Northwestern University's School of Communication. Her research focuses on bilingualism/multilingualism, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying language processing, and the interplay between language, memory, and cultural factors. She holds a PhD in Experimental Psychology from Cornell University, alongside multiple MA and BA degrees in psychology-related fields. Education: PhD (Cornell), MA (Cornell), MA (Emory), BA (University of Alaska). Research Interests: Bilingualism, cognitive neuroscience, language processing, memory, psycholinguistics, and cross-cultural communication. Labs: Bilingualism and Psycholinguistics Research Group. Marian's work bridges behavioral, cognitive, and neurological methodologies. Her studies reveal how bilingualism enhances executive control, influences memory retrieval, and shapes cross-modal perception. Recent research highlights cultural differences in mother-child communication and the cognitive benefits of multilingualism. Her awards include the 2019 JSLHR Editor’s Award and recognition for teaching excellence. She actively contributes to translational research through grants like the NIH-funded Cognitive Architecture of Bilingual Language Processing project. Courses taught include CSD 309: Culture, Language, and Learning, and CSD 551: Topics in Bilingualism. Key Grants: NIH RO1 HD059858 (2022-2027), NIH R21 DC018349 (2021-2023). Prominent Publications: The Power of Language (2023), LEAP-Q methodology (2007), and foundational bilingualism studies in Bilingualism: Language and Cognition .
Ben Seiyon Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics at George Mason University's College of Science. His work bridges computational statistics, climate modeling, and environmental risk assessment. Education: PhD in Statistics, Pennsylvania State University (2020) Lee specializes in computational methods for high-dimensional spatiotemporal data and uncertainty quantification in climate models. His research explores climate change impacts on extreme hydrological events, wildfire emissions, and medical decision-making. Recent publications focus on Bayesian spatiotemporal frameworks for extreme precipitation analysis, zero-inflated spatial models, and multisector uncertainty quantification. His work addresses challenges in flood risk assessment, agricultural yield projections, and healthcare compliance metrics.
James Tung is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. His research focuses on assistive technology, rehabilitation engineering, and mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities. He leads the Neural and Rehabilitation Engineering (NRE) Lab, which develops wearable sensors, robotics, and machine learning tools to enhance mobility and monitor motor rehabilitation. He teaches courses including BME 355 (Physiological Systems Modelling), BME 540 (Neural and Rehabilitation Engineering), and ME/MTE engineering modules. The lab collaborates with clinical and industry partners to translate research into practical solutions, addressing real-world mobility challenges and aging demographics. His research spans real-world gait analysis, fall risk assessment, and prosthetic design, with a focus on pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders and elderly mobility. The NRE Lab emphasizes interdisciplinary work, combining biomechanics, robotics, and data science to improve healthcare outcomes. Lab Alumni: Includes researchers like Robin Murdock (Myant Inc.), Andrew Hart, and Raj Senthilkumar, contributing to prosthetics and gait analysis. Partnerships: Engages clinical and industry stakeholders for knowledge translation and commercialization. Current projects include developing smart rollators, biofeedback prosthetics, and sensor-based assessment tools to address mobility limitations in aging populations and individuals with disabilities.
Prof. Casper Hoogenraad is a full professor in Molecular Neuroscience at the Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University. His research focuses on understanding how intracellular protein trafficking underlies neuronal development and function, with particular emphasis on the microtubule cytoskeleton, synaptic cargo trafficking, and synaptic plasticity. He leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Cell Biology department and collaborates extensively with other neuroscience research groups. Education: PhD, Erasmus University Rotterdam (1996-2001) Postdoc, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2002-2005) Hoogenraad's research spans three main themes: cytoskeleton dynamics during neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, motor proteins and adaptors as regulators of synaptic transport, and psychiatric and neurologic disease disorders linked to intracellular transport. His work combines genetics, biochemistry, molecular, and cellular biology methods in in vitro (neuron cultures), ex vivo (brain slices), and in vivo (mice) systems, along with advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging, and photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM). Analysis of Hoogenraad's recent publications reveals a strong focus on microtubule organization, neuronal polarity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic function and dysfunction. His work frequently explores how disruptions in intracellular transport contribute to neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, with particular attention to the relationship between cytoskeletal organization and cargo transport in neuronal compartments. Scientific Awards and Memberships: ZonMW-VIDI (2004) European Young Investigators (EURYI) award (2005) NWO-ALW VICI (2011) ERC Consolidator grants (2013) FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (2014) European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2015) Young Academy of Europe (YAE) (2015) IBRO Kemali Prize (2016) Hoogenraad leads a research group studying neuronal development and function, with a particular focus on how intracellular transport mechanisms contribute to both normal brain function and neurological disorders. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience techniques to investigate the molecular basis of neuronal polarity, synaptic plasticity, and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. He has secured significant research funding through prestigious grants including ERC Consolidator grants. The Hoogenraad lab operates within the Cell Biology department at Utrecht University, collaborating with other research groups focusing on cellular dynamics, biophysics, and neurobiology. The lab utilizes advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging (spinning disc microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy), and quantitative analysis using advanced high-resolution microscopy (photo-activated localization microscopy). Current lab technicians include Phebe Wulf and Bart de Haan.
Prof. Dr. Nadine Lehnen is a Research Group Leader at the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM). Her work bridges computational neuroscience and psychosomatic disorders, focusing on the central nervous system (CNS) mechanisms underlying functional symptoms that lack organic explanations. Research Focus : Functional somatic disorders, sensorimotor processing, vestibular system dysfunction, and computational modeling of symptom pathogenesis. Key Collaborations : EURONET-SOMA Group, interdisciplinary teams in neuroscience and clinical psychology. Her recent studies explore sensorimotor dysregulation in irritable bowel syndrome, post-COVID symptoms, and functional dizziness, emphasizing transdiagnostic mechanisms. Publications highlight translational approaches combining computational and experimental methods to redefine understanding of persistent physical symptoms. She mentors students such as Dr. Lena Schröder and Dr. Dina von Werder, contributing to training in psychosomatic research. While no specific awards are listed, her work has been supported by institutional affiliations and collaborative grants.
Prof. Dr. Eling de Bruin is a Lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on developing and evaluating exergame-based interventions targeting neurocognitive disorders, motor-cognitive training for aging populations, and stroke rehabilitation. He leads studies on personalized exergame protocols (e.g., PEMOCS framework) and their impact on cognitive function, gait recovery, and fall prevention. His work integrates wearable sensor technology, biofeedback systems, and clinical assessment tools to improve outcomes for chronic conditions like stroke, diabetes, and sarcopenia. Key areas include exergame design, hybrid training modalities, and biomarker validation (e.g., heart rate variability for neurocognitive screening). His research also explores sports biomechanics in youth athletes and injury prevention strategies for alpine skiers. Collaborative projects involve interdisciplinary teams from rehabilitation medicine, biomedical engineering, and computer science to create user-centered exergame solutions. Current initiatives emphasize home-based interventions and tele-rehabilitation to enhance accessibility for older adults and long-term care residents. Methodological contributions include validation of motor-cognitive assessment systems using virtual reality and inertial measurement units.
Professor Kaat Alaerts is a leading researcher at KU Leuven's Faculty of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences, where she serves as Head of the Neurorehabilitation Research Group and Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences. Her work bridges neuroscience, psychology, and rehabilitation science to develop innovative interventions for stress regulation and social-cognitive functioning, with a particular focus on autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. Her primary research interests span neurorehabilitation , oxytocin research , autism spectrum disorder , stress regulation , mindfulness and meditation , neurostimulation , and social cognition . Dr. Alaerts employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines neuroscientific, physiological, and behavioral methods to study both clinical effectiveness and underlying brain mechanisms of neuromodulatory interventions. The research output demonstrates a strong focus on exploring the therapeutic potential of oxytocin, particularly for autism spectrum disorder. Her work examines both the standalone effects of oxytocin and its synergistic effects when combined with mindfulness training or other interventions. A growing body of research also investigates the gut-brain axis in autism and the role of microbiome composition in social and stress-related difficulties. Dr. Alaerts has received notable recognition including the KAGB Clinical Medicine Award in September 2024 for her work on oxytocin administration in children with autism. Her research group has also been honored with multiple "Belgium's got talent" prizes from the Belgian College of Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry. As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Alaerts supervises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Margaux Evenepoel, Jellina Prinsen, Elise Tuerlinckx, and others who have made significant contributions to the field. Her research is supported by multiple substantial grants, including several ongoing projects running through 2028-2029 that investigate oxytocin's role in stress regulation for breast cancer survivors, autism, and other conditions. The Neuromodulation Laboratory, which Dr. Alaerts leads, focuses on three core domains: oxytocin neuropsychopharmacology, contemplative science and combinatory approaches, and neuroregulation techniques. The lab operates within a multidisciplinary network that includes the LBI - KU Leuven Brain Institute and maintains strong collaborative relationships across various research institutions.
Andrea Mason is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research focuses on motor control, particularly in autism spectrum disorder, aging, and virtual environments. She holds the Conway Professorship of Kinesiology (2021) and has received the NSF Career Award (2004). Education: Ph.D. in Human Motor Systems from Simon Fraser University (under Dr. Christine MacKenzie). Her work examines bimanual coordination, gait analysis, and balance training. She leads a lab (visit lab webpage) and collaborates on projects involving robotic-assisted motor assessments and VR feedback for clinical populations. Key research themes include: Motor control in autism Age-related changes in locomotion and grasping Virtual environment interaction Developmental coordination disorders Recent studies explore gait variability in dual-task scenarios, sensory feedback effects in VR, and biofeedback-based balance training for children with autism. Her work bridges kinesiology, neuroscience, and clinical applications. Awards: Conway Professorship (2021), Best Paper (2013), NSF Career (2004) Lab: Accessible via dedicated webpage CV: Downloadable from her portal
Eduardo E. Benarroch, M.D., is a Professor of Neurology and Consultant in the Department of Neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His research focuses on neurochemical mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Lewy body diseases, with emphasis on brainstem and hypothalamic neuronal groups controlling homeostasis. His work is supported by the MSA Coalition and has contributed to understanding autonomic, respiratory, and sleep symptom mechanisms in Parkinson's disease. Dr. Benarroch holds a D.Sci. in Physiology from Buenos Aires University and completed multiple fellowships including NIH Fogarty International Fellowship at Cornell University. He has held leadership roles including President of the American Autonomic Society and Co-Director of Mayo's Neuroscience Laboratory. His 286+ publications span neurochemical pathology, autonomic disorders, and clinical neurology. Awarded the AB Baker Lifetime Achievement Award in Neurologic Education, he has received repeated teaching honors including Mayo's Distinguished Educator Award. His professional memberships include American Academy of Neurology, Society for Neuroscience, and Sigma Xi. He has advised numerous trainees and contributed to consensus guidelines on dysphagia in neurodegenerative diseases.
Richard B. Sowers is a Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding joint appointments in the Department of Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics (courtesy). He has held faculty positions since 1996, starting as an Assistant Professor in Mathematics and advancing to Professor across multiple departments. His research spans stochastic processes, financial engineering, and data analytics. He also serves as a Research Principal at the Office of Financial Research since 2012. Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering (Drexel University, 1986), M.S. and Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics (University of Maryland, 1988 and 1991). Research Interests: Financial networks, stochastic systems, and applications in decision-making and control. His work bridges theoretical probability with practical domains like finance and healthcare. Recent articles focus on machine learning applications in gait analysis for neurological disorders and stochastic modeling in financial systems. Professional Contributions: Taught courses in stochastic calculus, deep learning, and financial mathematics. His research often involves interdisciplinary collaboration, including projects on credit risk, algorithmic trading, and wearable technology for health monitoring. Labs/Teams: Active in the Institute for Predictive and Computational Science, focusing on data-driven solutions for complex systems.
Professor Michael Tonkin is a leading academic in the Department of Surgery at the Northern Clinical School of the University of Sydney. He specializes in pediatric hand surgery, congenital anomalies of the upper limb, and reconstructive microsurgery. His work focuses on classification systems for congenital hand defects (e.g., OMT classification) and surgical outcomes for conditions like thumb hypoplasia, polydactyly, and syndactyly. Professor Tonkin holds clinical roles with associated phone (+61 2 9926 7778) and fax (+61 2 9926 6311) contacts. Research interests include embryology of congenital defects, surgical techniques for thumb reconstruction, and functional assessment of hand anomalies. His 2013 grant explored rheumatoid synoviocyte biology. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters since 2002 reflect his expertise in congenital anomaly management, tendon transfers, and pediatric surgical innovations. Key contributions include defining thumb opposition metrics, developing functional assessment scores for hypoplastic thumbs, and advancing pollicization techniques. He collaborates with international experts in hand surgery and has mentored multiple researchers evident through co-authorships.
Dr. Arpan Mehta is an Independent Investigator at the MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, specializing in neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia. He was awarded the 51st Sir John Halliday Croom Medal and Lectureship by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh for his groundbreaking research on ALS mechanisms. His work explores the role of kinases and genetic mutations (e.g., C9ORF72) in neurodegeneration, alongside mitochondrial dysfunction and clinical trial methodologies. Research interests include molecular mechanisms underlying ALS, neuroimmunology, and improving clinical trial designs for neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Mehta advocates for rigorous research standards, addressing reproducibility challenges, and optimizing therapeutic approaches. His recent studies investigate mitochondrial bioenergetic deficits in ALS motor neurons and the impact of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) toxicity. Awards: Sir John Halliday Croom Medal and Lectureship (2025) His publications span clinical neurology, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and ethical aspects of medical practice. Dr. Mehta emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration to advance understanding of ALS pathogenesis and translational therapies.
Dr. Timothy H. Murphy is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine. He is also an Associate Member of the School for Biomedical Engineering and a Member of the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. Dr. Murphy leads the Dynamic Brain Circuits in Health and Disease initiative and the Division of Neuroscience and Translational Psychiatry at UBC. Dr. Murphy received his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1989 and his B.Sc. from Saint Mary's College Maryland in 1984. His research focuses on understanding brain circuit structure-function relationships in relation to stroke recovery, psychiatric disorders, and neurological diseases. He specializes in mesoscale imaging techniques to study cortical activity patterns and develop automated approaches for brain imaging and stimulation. His laboratory develops innovative tools including open-source hardware for automated mouse brain imaging, synthetic data generation for behavioral analysis, and chronic recording systems that enable simultaneous mesoscale cortical imaging with subcortical or peripheral nerve activity monitoring. Research from the Murphy Lab has significantly advanced our understanding of how brain circuits reorganize after stroke and in models of psychiatric disorders. Dr. Murphy's recent publications reveal trends in mesoscale cortical imaging, development of synthetic data for behavioral analysis, and exploration of circuit-level changes in neurological and psychiatric disease models. His work bridges basic neuroscience with potential clinical applications for stroke recovery and mental health treatments. Dr. Murphy has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to successful careers in neuroscience and related fields. His laboratory has received funding to support innovative approaches to understanding brain circuit function and recovery mechanisms. The Murphy Lab maintains strong collaborative ties across UBC and develops open-source tools that are widely adopted by the neuroscience community. Their work on automated home-cage imaging systems, synthetic behavioral data generation, and chronic recording technologies represents significant methodological advances in the field.
