Find Academic Supervisors

• Neuromuscular Control
• Biomechanics
• Motor Control
• +5 more

Professor Ian Loram is a leading academic in neuromuscular control and human movement science at Manchester Metropolitan University's Institute for Biomedical Research into Human Movement and Health (IRM). He holds roles as Academic Director of IRM and Academic Lead of the Biomechanics and Motor Control Research Group. His research focuses on sensorimotor control, postural stability, and applications of deep learning in medical imaging. Key contributions include studies on neuromuscular disorders, balance control mechanisms, and automated analysis of muscle function using ultrasound and neural networks. Education: PhD from University of Birmingham (2003) Awards: Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship (2004-2005) Grants: EPSRC Grants EP/F068514/1, EP/F069022/1, and EP/F06974X/1 ("Intermittent Control of Man and Machine") His research interests span neuromuscular control, biomechanics, postural dynamics, and clinical applications of imaging technologies . Recent work emphasizes automated analysis of muscle structure via ultrasound and deep learning, with clinical relevance to conditions like spinal muscular atrophy and cervical dystonia. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, integrating control theory, neurophysiology, and computational methods to understand human movement. His lab develops tools for objective assessment of trunk control in children with cerebral palsy and explores the role of intermittent control in motor learning and balance. Labs/Teams: Biomechanics and Motor Control Research Group Healthcare Science Research Institute

Andrea TosinView profile

Professor

• Mathematical Physics
• Kinetic Theory
• Transport and Diffusion Equations
• +7 more

Andrea Tosin is a Full Professor of Mathematical Physics at the Department of Mathematical Sciences "G. L. Lagrange" (DISMA), Politecnico di Torino. He serves as Coordinator of the Doctoral College of Mathematical Sciences and Deputy Coordinator of the Doctoral College of Pure and Applied Mathematics. His research bridges kinetic theory, transport equations, and applied mathematics with applications in multi-agent systems, traffic, social dynamics, and epidemiology. His research interests focus on: Kinetic theory and its applications to real-world systems Transport and diffusion equations in complex environments Modeling of vehicular traffic, crowd dynamics, and social behavior Epidemiological modeling with a focus on viral load and multi-scale dynamics Mathematical modeling of collective behavior in biological and social systems His recent publications demonstrate a consistent trend in developing and analyzing kinetic models for traffic flow, opinion dynamics, and epidemic spread, often incorporating uncertainty, network structures, and multi-population interactions. These works frequently involve rigorous mathematical derivations from microscopic models to macroscopic equations, with applications in safety, public health, and urban planning. His scientific awards include: SIMAI Biennial Award (2013) INDAM-SIMAI Award (2010) He actively supervises PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Martina Fraia, Emanuele Bernardi, Elisa Paparelli, and Mattia Sensi. He has secured significant research grants from national (PRIN, INdAM) and institutional (Politecnico di Torino, Google) sources. His research is supported by projects such as IMASED (Integrated Mathematical Approaches to Socio-Epidemiological Dynamics) and ANATOMY (A Unitary Mathematical Framework for Modelling Muscular Dystrophies). He also leads the "Modelli e Metodi della Fisica Matematica" research group at DISMA.

Hazem H. RefaiView profile

Professor

• Optical/RF wireless systems in mobile environment
• Medical device wireless coexistence
• Disaster area wireless network (DAWN)
• +5 more

Dr. Hazem H. Refai serves as the Williams Chair of Telecommunication and Networking and Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of Oklahoma's Gallogly College of Engineering in Tulsa. His research bridges optical wireless communications, medical device coexistence, and intelligent transportation systems, with leadership roles in the Wireless Electromagnetic Compliance and Design (WECAD) Center and Innovative Traffic Systems and Solutions LLC. Education: M.S.E.E. from the University of Oklahoma (1993) Ph.D. from the University of Oklahoma (1999) Research Focus: Dr. Refai pioneers optical wireless mobile communication systems using free space optics, medical device wireless coexistence for electromagnetic compliance, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication for auto-collision avoidance. His work on the Disaster Area Wireless Network (DAWN) and cognitive radio networks demonstrates practical applications in emergency response and spectrum efficiency, with recent expansion into fMRI real-time signal processing for neuroscience applications. Publication Trends: Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal a strategic interdisciplinary expansion where wireless communications expertise converges with biomedical engineering—evident in EEG/fMRI studies of stroke rehabilitation, epilepsy, and opioid dependence, alongside cardiovascular research on Floatation-REST. His group simultaneously advances wireless technology identification using dynamic mode decomposition and aerial network optimization for 6G infrastructure. Scientific Recognition: University of Oklahoma College of Engineering Brandon H. Griffith Faculty Award (2000) Best Paper Award, IWCMC 2013 (Cognitive Extensions to Existing Wireless Technology) OSPE Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award (2006) Multiple IEEE ComSoc student competition awards (2013-2015) 24th Digital Avionics Systems Conference Best Session Paper (2005) Mentorship & Infrastructure: Dr. Refai has successfully chaired 48 MS and 19 PhD students while developing five new ECE courses including RF Microelectronics and Wireless Networks. He directs the WECAD Center for medical device coexistence testing and founded Innovative Traffic Systems and Solutions LLC for intelligent transportation applications, supported by industry partnerships and FDA research appointments. Research Ecosystem: The WECAD Center conducts critical medical device coexistence research with the FDA, while his traffic systems company develops real-world solutions like the ODOT Radar System for traffic monitoring. His IEEE leadership (past Tulsa Chapter President) connects academic research with industry implementation in both telecommunications and healthcare domains.

David HallidayView profile

Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Neural Computing
• Intelligent Systems
• +3 more

Professor David Halliday holds a position at the University of York as a Professor and Chair of the Research Committee. His research focuses on interdisciplinary fields of Computational Neuroscience and Neural Computing, with a particular emphasis on neural networks and neurophysiological signal analysis. He leads the Intelligent Systems and Nano-science Group and maintains an active research profile with over 100 publications. His work integrates theoretical modeling with experimental techniques to investigate topics such as motor control, neural oscillations, and clinical applications of machine learning. David Halliday's academic training includes a BSc and PhD, though specific institutions are not detailed in the provided text. His research interests span computational modeling of neural circuits, development of neuro-inspired algorithms, and application of signal processing techniques to neurological disorders. His homepage at http://www-users.york.ac.uk/~dh20 provides further details, including access to his ResearcherID profile (RID: A-3848-2009). Key research contributions include studies on cortico-muscular coherence in movement disorders, astrocyte-neuron interactions, and fault-tolerant spiking neural networks. His publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across computational neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and clinical diagnostics. Notably, his work combines experimental neurophysiology with advanced computational methods, such as non-parametric directionality analysis and wavelet-based coherence estimation. Recent studies have addressed clinically relevant topics like gait disturbance in spinal cord injury and biomarker identification in bladder cancer using machine learning approaches.

• Neural Engineering
• Neuromuscular Systems
• Electromyography
• +4 more

Madeleine Lowery is a Professor in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College Dublin. She leads the Personal Sensing research group, focusing on engineering approaches to study the human nervous system in health and disease, with applications in therapies for impaired motor function. Her interdisciplinary research integrates neural engineering, electromyography, and biomedical signal processing. Specializes in neuromuscular systems and neural control of movement Develops myoelectric control systems for artificial limbs Designs high-density electrode systems for neural activity recording Investigates deep brain stimulation mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease models Her research spans neurodegenerative disorders (ALS, Huntington’s disease) and rehabilitation technologies , including wearable sensors for gait and sleep analysis. Key methodologies involve computational modeling , adaptive control systems , and biomedical signal analysis .

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Robotics
• Mechanical Design
• +5 more

Dr. Donal Holland is a researcher at the University College Dublin (UCD) and a funded investigator at Insight Centre. He co-leads the UCD Rehabilitation Engineering and Robotics Lab with Dr. Giacomo Severini, focusing on the intersection of technical knowledge, mechanical design, robotics, and biomechanics. His work addresses the creation and dissemination of technical knowledge, STEM education outreach, and soft robotics for rehabilitation applications. Key Research Areas: Rehabilitation Engineering, Soft Robotics, Design Pedagogy, Wearable Sensors, and Biomechanics. Recent publications highlight advancements in soft robotic actuators, predictive control systems for human movement, and educational tools like DEFT and the Soft Robotics Toolkit. His lab’s work includes devices for stroke rehabilitation and wearable biomedical applications. The most recent articles (2024–2018) span Robotics, Neuroscience, Materials Science, and Education. Themes include neural controllers for mobility, 3D-printed actuators, design knowledge reuse, and the integration of technology into rehabilitation. Subfields emphasize predictive simulations, wearable devices, STEM outreach, and materials engineering. Labs & Teams: Co-leader of the UCD Rehabilitation Engineering and Robotics Lab, he develops tools for rehabilitation robotics and open-access platforms to support researchers and educators globally.

Chad WigginsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Exercise Physiology
• Oxygen Delivery Cascade
• Hypoxic Environments
• +5 more

Chad Wiggins is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Michigan State University, within the College of Education. He holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Ohio University and M.S./Ph.D. in Human Performance from Indiana University. Postdoctoral training was completed at the Mayo Clinic (2017-2023). His research focuses on oxygen delivery cascade mechanisms during exercise, particularly in hypoxic environments. Utilizing tools like metabolic gas exchange, skeletal muscle blood flow measurements, and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), his work explores limiting factors in exercise performance across healthy and diseased populations. Key research areas include physiological responses to altitude, hemoglobin-oxygen affinity modulation, and autonomic nervous system regulation. Recent studies investigate drug interventions (e.g., etavopivat) for oxygen transport optimization and sex differences in pulmonary responses. His work bridges basic physiology with clinical applications, aiming to enhance performance and treatment strategies for cardiovascular/respiratory conditions. Publications (2020-2025) emphasize oxygen transport dynamics, sympathetic nervous system modulation, and pandemic-related respiratory physiology. No awards are explicitly mentioned, though ongoing research aligns with emerging trends in exercise medicine and translational physiology.

• Neurophysiology
• Motor Learning
• Brain Stimulation Techniques
• +3 more

Associate Professor John Semmler is affiliated with the School of Biomedicine at the University of Adelaide's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. His research focuses on the neurophysiology of human movement, particularly using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to study motor control across the lifespan. He leads an internationally recognized team investigating aging, exercise, and neurological injury effects on brain plasticity and motor function. Semmler holds senior administrative roles, including Discipline Lead in Physiology and President of the Australasian Brain Stimulation Society. Education: Not explicitly stated in provided texts. Research Funding: Over $3.6M in grants from NIH, ARC, and NHMRC, including recent ARC Discovery Projects and infrastructure awards. Teaching: Leads courses in Physiology, Neuromotor Control, and Medical Sciences, contributing to program design and curriculum mapping. His research interests emphasize brain oscillations, motor learning, and translational neurorehabilitation. Projects explore gamma and theta brain rhythms, exercise-induced neuroplasticity, and interventions for older adults' motor deficits. Semmler has mentored numerous PhD students and externally funded fellows, with a focus on bridging basic science and clinical applications. Grants & Funding Highlights: ARC DP250101672 ($574,888): Synchronised brain oscillations and motor function in older adults (2025–2028) NIH & NHMRC grants: Investigating plasticity mechanisms in aging and neurological conditions Lab & Team: Director of the Neurophysiology of Human Movement Group, focusing on non-invasive brain stimulation and clinical translation.

Greg WoodView profile

Associate Professor

• Sensorimotor Control
• Neuroscience
• Sports Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Greg Wood is a Reader in Sensorimotor Control at Manchester Metropolitan University, focusing on neurophysiological mechanisms underlying movement control and neurological disorders. His research integrates MRI, TMS, EEG, and EMG to study brain-muscle interactions, particularly in contexts like sports-related head impacts and developmental coordination disorder (DCD). He serves as Editor-in-Chief of the International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology . Key research areas include: 1) Effects of head impacts on brain function and motor control in soccer players, 2) Neurological basis of DCD and intervention strategies, 3) Motor learning principles applied to prosthetic control and sports performance. His work bridges clinical, sports, and cognitive neuroscience domains. Recent publications highlight innovations like VR-based motor training for DCD and the Prosthesis Task Load Index (PROS-TLX). He collaborates extensively with clinicians and sports scientists, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical interventions.

Emma Hodson-ToleView profile

Professor

• Biomechanics
• Muscle Physiology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +5 more

Professor Emma Hodson-Tole is a leading researcher in neuromuscular biomechanics at Manchester Metropolitan University , where she investigates the interplay between skeletal muscle anatomy, physiology, and neurodegenerative diseases like Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Her work integrates ultrasound imaging and electromyography to develop innovative tools for measuring muscle health and disease progression. PhD from University of London (Structure & Motion Laboratory, Royal Veterinary College, 2007) Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Applied Physiology, Georgia Institute of Technology Current Professor of Neuromuscular Biomechanics at Manchester Metropolitan University Her research focuses on: Diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases Mechanisms of motor unit recruitment and variability in neuro-motor control Biomedical imaging techniques for skeletal muscle Applications of signal processing and computer vision in neuromuscular studies Recent publications highlight her work on: Evaluating digital monitoring tools for MND progression Age-related muscle changes and mobility limitations Ultrasound-based fasciculation detection Muscle architecture during dynamic movements Scientific awards include the Sir Henry Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship . Her projects, funded by the MRC MND Accelerator and The MND Association , aim to improve early MND diagnosis and personalized care through remote monitoring and advanced imaging. She collaborates with institutions like Kings College London , University College London , and healthcare providers in Salford and Sheffield. Teaching emphasizes skeletal muscle function and peripheral nervous system behaviors in courses such as BSc Human Physiology and MSc Human Physiology . She supervises undergraduate and postgraduate students and is involved in public engagement via projects like Star Cells , a neurophysiology-inspired dance collaboration with The Physiological Society .

Hillel ChielView profile

Professor

• Neural Networks
• Electrophysiology
• Biomechanics
• +7 more

Hillel Chiel is a Professor at Case Western Reserve University with joint appointments in the Department of Biology (College of Arts and Sciences), Department of Neurosciences (School of Medicine), Department of Biomedical Engineering (Case School of Engineering), and the Neural Engineering Center. His office is located in DeGrace Hall Room 304. Dr. Chiel leads a research laboratory focused on understanding how the brain and body generate adaptive behavior through neurophysiology, computational modeling, biomechanics, and robotics. Key research areas include: Neural control of feeding in Aplysia californica using MRI and 3D modeling Biologically-inspired robotic systems mimicking animal mechanics Wireless neural recording/stimulation techniques Infrared neural inhibition and thermal modulation of neural activity Neuromechanics of multifunctional behaviors His recent publications (2019-2021) demonstrate strong interdisciplinary focus on: computational neuroscience, infrared neural modulation techniques, biomechanics of invertebrate feeding systems, biomimetic robotics, and neuroprosthetic applications. Research consistently integrates experimental neurobiology with engineering principles.

Andrea MünsterbergView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Embryonic Development
• Cell Fate Specification
• +14 more

Andrea Münsterberg is Professor of Developmental Biology in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA). She leads a research group focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of embryonic development, particularly using chick embryos as a model system. Her work intersects with stem cell science and regenerative medicine, and she is a member of the Cells and Tissues research theme. She has held key administrative roles including Director of Research (2014–2017) and Theme Leader for Cells and Tissues (2010–2013). PhD, National Institute for Medical Research, MRC, Mill Hill, London (1992) German Diploma in Biology, University of Heidelberg (1988) Her research focuses on how cell fate decisions are regulated during vertebrate embryogenesis, especially in somite-derived tissues (muscle, bone, cartilage) and heart development. She investigates signaling pathways, cytoskeletal dynamics, microRNA function, and gene regulatory networks using molecular, genetic, and imaging techniques. Her group employs single-cell genomics and chromatin accessibility profiling to map developmental trajectories. The recent publications and active projects reveal a strong emphasis on transcriptional regulation, chromatin landscape analysis, cardiac progenitor biology, and somite patterning. Her work increasingly leverages cutting-edge technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to understand developmental processes at high resolution. Collaborations with researchers such as G. Wheeler and S. Moxon highlight an interdisciplinary approach. Her scientific awards include prestigious fellowships from the Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO), Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), and the Wellcome Trust, all awarded competitively early in her career. She has supervised PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, welcoming applications from candidates seeking funding via fellowships (e.g., EU Marie Curie) or named postdoc positions on grants. She has secured significant research funding from the British Heart Foundation and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for multiple projects investigating cardiac development, somite maturation, and gene regulation. She leads a dynamic, international research group that benefits from shared facilities such as the Henry Wellcome Bioimaging Lab and Taqman qPCR systems. The group collaborates closely with the Wheeler lab through joint lab meetings and co-led projects, and actively participates in the Cell and Developmental Biology seminar series and international conferences.

Ivo LieberamView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Stem Cell Biology
• Neuroscience
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Ivo Lieberam is a Senior Lecturer in Developmental Neurobiology at King's College London, part of the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. His research focuses on harnessing stem cell technology to understand neural circuits controlling motor behavior and their dysfunction in diseases like ALS. He leads projects modeling neuromuscular circuits using stem cell-derived tissues and developing regenerative therapies for neurodegenerative disorders. Education: Doctor rerum naturalium (2000) from the University of Cologne, specializing in cell type-specific gene expression in dendritic cells. Research Interests: Genetic programs of respiratory motor neurons, stem cell-derived neural circuits, and translational approaches to treat ALS and spinal cord injuries. His work bridges developmental biology and clinical applications, aiming to restore motor function through cell replacement therapies. Key Projects: Collaborations include developing biobased elastomer nanofiber scaffolds for muscle regeneration and optogenetic neuromuscular models. Funded initiatives include MRC grants for ALS research and UKRI funding for diabetes-related studies. Labs/Teams: The Lieberam Lab collaborates with experts in optogenetics (Prof. Juan Burrone) and material science (Prof. Wenhui Song). Current PhD students include Caoimhe Goldrick and Hannah Casbolt.

Bettina PollokView profile

Professor

• Motor Control
• Neurophysiology
• Movement Disorders
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Bettina Pollok is a Professor and Group Leader at the Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology at Heinrich-Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany. Her research focuses on characterizing functional motor control networks using advanced neuroimaging and neurostimulation techniques, with applications in both healthy populations and movement disorder patients. Her research investigates functional networks underlying motor control in healthy subjects and patients with movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Key methodologies include magnetoencephalography (MEG) for millisecond-precision network analysis, and neurostimulation techniques (tDCS, tACS, TMS) to modulate neural activity. Current research examines motor network changes during aging and the potential of physical training to delay age-related motor decline. Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on: motor network dynamics, neurostimulation mechanisms, sensorimotor integration, and age-related neuroplasticity. Research spans both basic motor physiology and clinical applications for movement disorders. Prof. Pollok has supervised over 30 students and researchers in her group, including: Current members: Ann-Kathrin Dohmann and Sophie Ebelt Alumni include 32 researchers, including Carina Depperschmidt, Vanessa Krause, and Sarah Meissner Her laboratory (AG Pollok) specializes in central motor network characterization using MEG and transcranial stimulation techniques, with ongoing investigations into neuromodulation interventions for neurodegenerative conditions.

Lisa MangiameleView profile

Associate Professor

• Integrative Neurobiology
• Animal Communication
• Sensory Systems
• +3 more

Lisa Mangiamele is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Smith College. Her research focuses on integrative neurobiology, particularly mechanisms of animal communication and hormonal modulation of behavior in frogs and fish. She employs behavioral, physiological, molecular, and neuroanatomical techniques to study sensory signal integration and its evolutionary implications. Education: Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; B.A., Colgate University Her work explores how hormones like androgens influence multimodal communication and neuromotor adaptations. Recent studies examine foot-flagging frogs and goldfish reproductive behaviors using comparative neurobiology, endocrinology, and transcriptomics. Key article trends include hormonal mechanisms in communication evolution (2024), genome resources for behavior studies (2023), and membrane receptor effects on signaling (2018-2012). Subfields span neuroendocrine signaling, sensory integration, and evolutionary adaptations. Scientific recognitions include PNAS cover article (2016) Inside JEB feature (2010) Multiple invited reviews (2018) Lisa actively mentors students (marked with * in publications) and leads a research laboratory investigating the intersection of hormones, brain function, and species-specific communication behaviors.