Andrew J. Layman, M.D., is a Research Fellow at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, affiliated with the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education and Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. He specializes in cardiovascular and forensic pathology. 2022: Fellowship in Forensic Pathology (Maryland Medical Examiner) 2021: Cardiovascular Pathology Fellowship (Mayo Clinic) 2017: M.D. (Johns Hopkins University) His research focuses on cardiovascular and transplant pathology, immune mechanisms in disease, and forensic autopsy practices. Recent publications explore thoracic transplant diagnostics, valve pathology, and rare cardiac conditions. Scientific honors include Academic Excellence in Pathology (2016), William Welch Award (2016), and Trainee Research Award (2011). He chairs the Clinical Competency Committee for Cardiovascular Pathology and directs resident rotations at Mayo Clinic.
Dr Ruben Azevedo is a Lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience at the School of Psychology, University of Kent . He serves as a Research Participation Scheme Coordinator and Placement Degree Supervisor, actively mentoring students in areas related to interoception and body-brain interactions. His work bridges physiological signals from the body with social cognition and emotional processing. Research Interests : Ruben investigates how afferent interoceptive signals (e.g., heartbeats) influence social perception, racial bias, self-awareness, and visual politics. His methodologies include psychophysiology, fMRI, and non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation. Grants and Awards : BIAL Foundation Grant (2017-2018): €45,000 for studying vagus nerve stimulation and heart-brain interactions. FCT Independent PhD Studentship (2009-2013): Funded his early research in Portugal. BIAL Foundation Grant (2023-2025): €57,000 for interoceptive influences on visual awareness. Supervision : Currently supervising PhD student Vasileios Kotsaris . His recent work explores empathy, facial transplantation, and the political implications of visual dehumanization.
Kathleen Sluka, PT, PhD, FAPTA, is a Professor of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Iowa. She holds secondary appointments in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, and is affiliated with the Medical Scientist Training Program, Neuroscience Translational Biomedicine Center, Cardiovascular Research Center, and Iowa Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Sluka leads the Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory and contributes to the Pain Research Program. Research Focus: Dr. Sluka investigates the transition from acute to chronic musculoskeletal pain and develops non-pharmacological treatments. Her work spans basic neurobiological techniques, animal models of muscle pain, and human clinical trials, emphasizing TENS and exercise therapy. Recent projects explore fatigue metabolites in chronic pain and their interactions with nociceptors. Sex differences in pain mechanisms Neuroimmunology of chronic pain Implementation of non-drug therapies Biomarker development for pain Scientific Awards: Recognized as a Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association (FAPTA).
Kristine De Martelaer is a Professor in the Department of Movement and Sport Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Her research spans multiple domains including sports science, physical education, aquatic literacy, and child development. With an h-index of 20 and 321 research outputs, she has established herself as a leading researcher in movement sciences. Her primary research interests focus on motor competence in children , physical literacy development , aquatic safety and literacy , and teacher burnout prevention . Dr. De Martelaer's work examines the relationship between perceived and actual water competence in children, develops assessment tools for aquatic skills, and investigates how physical activity patterns affect burnout risk among educators. Her research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in educational settings. Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong trends in European comparative studies on physical literacy implementation, development of assessment tools for water competence, and the relationship between physical activity domains and teacher wellbeing. Her work increasingly focuses on practical interventions in educational settings, including obstacle courses for motor development and aquatic literacy frameworks for children. Dr. De Martelaer has supervised numerous doctoral and master's students, with thesis topics ranging from motor competence assessment to aquatic risk management tools. She has secured significant research funding through projects like ALFAC (Aquatic Literacy For All Children), CPR unLMTD, and COMP@S, demonstrating her ability to lead large-scale collaborative research initiatives across European institutions. Her research is conducted through the Movement and Nutrition for Health and Performance research group, where she collaborates with experts in sports science, pedagogy, and public health. Current projects emphasize practical applications of research findings in educational settings, particularly focusing on translating evidence into effective teaching practices for both physical education and water safety education.
Gwendalyn Webb is a Lecturer at the University of Newcastle , affiliated with the School of Health Sciences . With over 20 years of clinical experience as a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, her work focuses on empowering families and communities to support early childhood communication development , particularly for Indigenous , disadvantaged , and culturally diverse populations . Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Curtin University Master of Arts (Linguistics), University of Newcastle Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology), University of Sydney Webb’s research addresses language and literacy disparities in Australian Aboriginal children, emphasizing the need for culturally safe interventions. She investigates interactions between educators and children of matching or differing cultures, demonstrating that cultural alignment increases lexical diversity in communication. Her work also explores interdisciplinary management of disabilities and telehealth innovations during the pandemic. Her 15 most recent publications highlight trends in Indigenous education , speech pathology practices in global contexts (e.g., Fiji, Sweden), and myofunctional therapy for aged care. Key subtopics include cultural safety , code-switching , telepractice , and collaborative frameworks for clinical education. Webb has secured $105,234 in grants , including $73,579 from Mission Australia (2024) for family empowerment programs and multiple University of Newcastle internal grants. She supervises 6 PhD students in speech pathology, focusing on themes like decolonization in healthcare , disability support , and cross-cultural telementoring .
Enza Sidoti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological, Pedagogical, Physical Exercise and Training Sciences at the University of Palermo. She holds regular office hours on Thursdays from 12:00 to 14:00 in Building 15, floor 7, room 016, with online options available via Microsoft Teams. For the 2025/2026 academic year, she teaches multiple courses including General Pedagogy Workshop, Pedagogy of the Body and Communication, Health Pedagogy, and General Pedagogy across Educational Sciences and Pedagogical Sciences programs. Dr. Sidoti's research spans Educational Sciences, Health Pedagogy, Body and Movement Education, Emotional Education, Early Childhood Education, and Inclusive Education . Her work consistently focuses on the connections between physicality, emotional development, and educational practices. She explores how bodily awareness, movement, and emotional competence contribute to holistic educational approaches across various age groups and contexts. Analysis of her recent publications (2021-2024) reveals strong thematic trends in emotional education , particularly regarding teacher training and professional development; body-mind connections in educational settings; and inclusive approaches to teaching and learning. Her research bridges theoretical pedagogical concepts with practical applications in schools and community settings, with increasing attention to digital learning environments and pandemic-related educational challenges. Dr. Sidoti actively contributes to professional development initiatives including: Training program for nursery school teachers (2019-2020) where she taught an 18-hour module on "How spaces and materials are organized for children's learning" Experimental project "Natural Moving" (2020-21) where she delivered a module on "Pedagogy of Outdoor Education" The "SHE Network" project as scientific advisor for health promotion in the school environment in the Metropolitan City of Palermo Her professional activities demonstrate strong commitment to translating educational research into practical applications that support teachers, enhance learning environments, and promote health and well-being in educational contexts.
Dipl.-Geogr. Stefan Nicolaus is a researcher at the IAPG Institute (Jade University of Applied Sciences) in Oldenburg, Germany. He works within the Industrial Engineering Geoinformation department, focusing on geospatial technologies for urban and environmental planning. Current member of the IAPG Institute (Interdisciplinary Applied Geoinformatics) at Jade University Specializes in geoinformation systems, urban green space analysis, and mobility tracking using GPS His research integrates geospatial analysis with urban sustainability , covering projects in renewable energy planning , heat management , and environmental monitoring . Project keywords include GIS modeling , 3D metrology , and sustainable land-use assessment . Stefan has contributed to GIS-supported analyses of wind turbine placement on peatlands, solar field margins, municipal heat management visualization, and urban accessibility trends. His work emphasizes data pipelines and geospatial decision-making tools. He has supervised multiple theses in geoinformatics, including studies on: Geodata-based wind turbine site assessment Interactive heat management visualization PV field margin evaluation Green space accessibility modeling Projects he has participated in include: North Sea Sustainable Energy Planning - Plus (2014-2015, ERDF-funded) Geo Business Network (2008-2010, BMBF-funded) Competence Center for Geoinformatics in Lower Saxony (2002-2008, ESF/ERDF-funded)
Claudia Di Matteo is a part-time lecturer and doctoral student at the School of Social Work, Lund University . Her academic work intersects Gender Studies, Migration, Ageing, and Social Policies, with a focus on qualitative methods and welfare regimes. Doctoral student: School of Social Work, Lund University Researcher: Centre for Socio-Economic Research on Ageing (INRCA, Italy) Research interests include Migration , Gender-Based Violence , Welfare Regimes , and Ageing , particularly in EU contexts. Her dissertation examines social protection systems for migrant women facing GBV, combining fieldwork in Italy, Sweden, and EU policy analysis. Key trends in her 13 publications include decolonization strategies for GBV, EU-wide comparisons of social protection, and intersections between migration, gender, and welfare policies. Her work frequently applies qualitative methods and engages with UN Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Scientific awards include prestigious research grants from Stiftelsen Lars Hiertas Minne (2024) Stiftelsen Anna Nilssons fond (2021) Erasmus+ Staff Mobility (2022) Academic activities feature presentations at international conferences (University of Toronto 2024), organizational roles like Communication Officer at Lund's Doctoral Student Union (2023-2024), and involvement in EU-wide research networks like Global-ANSWER. She contributes to international projects such as VITALITY (care systems sustainability) and CISR (crisis inequalities).
Professor Ingrid Zakrisson is affiliated with the Department of Psychology and Social Work at Mid Sweden University, specializing in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of personality psychology, gender studies, and cultural analysis. Her work spans organizational behavior, political psychology, and tourism research. Research Focus Personality Assessment : Development of the Swedish BFI-2 version and cross-cultural validity of psychological scales Gender Dynamics : Ambivalent sexism in organizations, occupational gender stereotypes, and parenthood negotiations Mobile Methodologies : GPS tracking of tourist experiences and real-time value co-creation in theme parks Political Psychology : Social Dominance Orientation (SDO), Right-Wing Authoritarianism (RWA) Publications Overview With 15 recent publications (2004-2025), her work demonstrates consistent contributions to: Psychological scale adaptation Gendered workplace dynamics Language and cultural context effects Innovative mobile research methods Political attitude formation Sustainable work hour models Contact Email: ingrid.zakrisson@miun.se Campus Östersund, Kunskapens väg 1
Laurie Anne Ferguson is a Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing, specializing in graduate studies with clinical expertise spanning adult, family, and pediatric populations. Her certifications include ANP-BC, FNP-C, CPNP, FNAP, and FAANP, reflecting comprehensive practice capabilities across the lifespan. Her educational foundation comprises a DNP from the University of Texas Houston Health Sciences, an MSN from the University of Pennsylvania, and a BSN from the University of San Francisco, supplemented by specialized certificates in biomedical research and health literacy. Dr. Ferguson's research centers on eliminating healthcare disparities in rural communities through innovative health literacy interventions and sustainable screening programs. Her work addresses critical gaps in colorectal cancer screening, anticoagulation management, and primary care dermatology/orthopedics, emphasizing practical solutions for resource-limited settings. She develops evidence-based clinical tools while advocating for nurse practitioner roles in interprofessional teams. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in rural health access (32%), health literacy interventions (24%), and primary care specialization (20%), with growing emphasis on historical advocacy and genetic disorder management. Her scholarship consistently bridges clinical practice and community impact through randomized trials and clinical guidelines. Her awards demonstrate exceptional recognition: Fellows Chair Award (2022) Great 100 Nurses (2016) Faculty Daisy Award (2013) Louisiana State Nurses' Association Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year (2013) Dr. Ferguson has secured major funding including PCORI (2023) for rural surgical education, American Cancer Society (2012) for CRC screening interventions, and Harvard Medical School (2007) for end-of-life dementia research. Her professional leadership spans the National Academies of Practice, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and National Rural Health Association, where she develops national clinical guidelines and presents cutting-edge workshops on splinting, dermatology, and antibiotic stewardship. She leads interprofessional research teams implementing video-based health literacy programs across rural Texas clinics, focusing on colorectal cancer screening sustainability and geriatric surgical preparation through community health worker partnerships.
Dr. Matthew Bourke is a Research Fellow at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Queensland , associated with the Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing . His work focuses on contemporary techniques like Ecological Momentary Assessment and compositional data analysis to study 24-hour movement behaviors in children and youth, emphasizing their impact on developmental outcomes. Education: Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, Monash University Bachelor of Business, Monash University Bachelor (Honours) of Applied Science (Human Movement Studies), Victoria University Doctor of Philosophy (Human Movement), Victoria University Matthew’s research spans Applied and Developmental Psychology , Child and Adolescent Development , Sport and Exercise Psychology , and Health Sciences . He investigates how combinations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep affect children’s health and mental wellbeing, with a focus on interventions targeting multiple levels of influence . Recent publications analyze 24-hour movement behaviors in children, including meta-analyses of sedentary time , physical activity , and sleep associations with adiposity , mental health , and developmental outcomes . He employs compositional data analysis , ecological momentary assessment , and cluster randomized trials to evaluate interventions such as TEACH e-Learning courses for educators. Matthew collaborates with researchers like Professor John Cairney and Dr. Patricia Tucker on projects including the 360-Kids Community Network program , aligning with national strategies for children’s mental health and wellbeing. He is available for supervision in areas like physical activity and movement behavior research .
Dr. Michalis Stylianou is a Senior Lecturer at The University of Queensland's School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences. He is also an Associate Member of the Centre for Community Health and Wellbeing and an Affiliate of the Centre for Sport and Society. His academic work focuses on creating active and healthy school environments through comprehensive approaches that engage school staff, parents, and the broader community. Stylianou's research interests center on physical activity in schools, health and physical education, and school-based interventions. His work often examines how movement and physical activity impact educational outcomes, classroom engagement, and children's overall wellbeing. He has developed expertise in before-school physical activity programs, high-intensity interval training in educational settings, and comprehensive school physical activity programs. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on physical activity interventions across various populations including university students, LGBTQA+ youth, autistic children, and Australian adolescents. The research employs diverse methodologies including systematic reviews, qualitative investigations, and mixed-methods approaches to understand movement behaviors and their relationship to educational outcomes. Stylianou actively contributes to the Active Healthy Kids Australia research working group, which uses the Physical Activity Report Card for Children and Young People as a core monitoring metric to advocate for increased physical activity among Australian children. As a supervisor, he guides multiple PhD candidates researching topics including feedback in physical education, physical activity and wellbeing in teachers, and interventions for children with autism. His former students have completed doctoral work on before-school physical activity and high-intensity interval training interventions. His collaborative approach is evident in his numerous co-authored publications across multiple institutions, demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary research that bridges education, health sciences, and community practice.
Sofia A. Villenas is an Associate Professor at Cornell University's Department of Anthropology, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and multiple programs including American Studies, Feminist/Queer Studies, and Latina/o Studies. Her research bridges education , critical race theory , and Latinx feminisms , focusing on public pedagogy in social movements and migrant communities. She has published extensively on topics such as testimonio , narrative methodologies , and decolonial praxis . Key publications include the edited volume Handbook of Latinos and Education and works exploring Latina mother-daughter pedagogies. Her teaching includes courses like Anthropology of Education and Latinx Education Across the Americas . Villenas previously served as director of Cornell's Latina/o Studies Program (2009-2016) and held leadership roles in the American Educational Studies Association and the Council on Anthropology and Education. She examines how education functions in home, school, and community contexts through lenses of imagination and social change .
Dr Sui Ting Kong is Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Durham University . Since joining in 2017 she has combined social-work training with sociological scholarship to advance feminist participatory methodologies and social-work practice research. Education PhD, University of York (UK), 2015 – Sociology/Social Work Post-doctoral Fellowship, University of Hong Kong, 2015–2017 Professional training in Social Work, Hong Kong (prior to doctoral studies) Research Interests Dr Kong’s work centres on feminist participatory methodologies , social-work practice research , and violence against women . She designs innovative collaborative methods—Cooperative Grounded Inquiry, Collaborative Focus-Group Analysis, and Collaborative Practice Research for Social Work—to democratise knowledge production with practitioners, survivors, and diaspora communities. Core theoretical contributions include relational models for care in intimate-partner violence, relational personhood in end-of-life care, and the concept of hierarchical harmony in politicised personal lives. Research Themes in Publications Across more than 25 peer-reviewed outputs (2016–2025), her work explores: Hong Kong politics, identity, and the Umbrella Movement Gender-based violence, post-separation support, and survivor voices COVID-19 impacts on social-work practice and embodiment End-of-life care in residential homes for Chinese elders Arts-based and performative methods in turbulent political contexts Ethical and practical challenges in participatory action research Scientific Awards British Academy/Wolfson Fellowship (2021–2024) – three-year project on transnational social work and the Hong Kong diaspora in the UK. Doctoral Supervision & Mentorship Dr Kong currently supervises: Eileen Lauster – Marie Curie Research Fellow Lihan Miao – Postgraduate Research Student Susan Sakano – Postgraduate Research Student Research Teams & Collaborations She co-founded the BASW UK Network for Social Work Practitioner Research to foster co-produced research between academics and practitioners. She also partners with the British Association of Social Workers to develop a national curriculum and workplace support for recently arrived Hong Kong social workers in the UK.
Dr. Monika Thomas is a researcher at the Institute for Sports Didactics and School Sports at German Sport University Cologne. Her work focuses on digital teaching competencies, curriculum development, and addressing diversity in physical education teacher training. Primary affiliation: Institute for Sports Didactics and School Sports, German Sport University Cologne Research collaborations with Thomas Abel, Petra Guardiera, and Helga Leineweber Her research centers on enhancing digital skills and inclusion in physical education, particularly through projects like Curriculumentwicklung zum Aufbau digitaler Kompetenzen in der Lehrer*innenbildung . She has also contributed to studies on teacher stress and self-efficacy in diverse classroom settings. Notable scientific recognition includes the 2017 award for developing scales to measure teachers’ attitudes and stress related to diversity in physical education. She collaborates on international projects such as Physical Education in the context of violence prevention in Egypt and is co-author of 37 publications. Key awards: Development of scales for teacher stress and diversity research (2017) Monika Thomas has delivered guest lectures in Egypt (2018–2021) and works on funded projects like Schulsport2020 and ComᵉSport to advance digitalization and inclusion in sports education. Her collaborations span departments including Training Science Intervention Research and Movement and Neuroscience.
