Russell Epstein is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. He is affiliated with the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Goddard Labs. His research focuses on neural mechanisms underlying visual scene perception, spatial navigation, and memory. Epstein holds a BA in Physics from the University of Chicago and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from Harvard University. Epstein’s research interests include high-level vision, spatial cognition, and the neural basis of environmental representations. His lab uses functional MRI and cognitive neuroscience techniques to study how scenes, objects, landmarks, and spaces are encoded in brain systems such as the parahippocampal place area and retrosplenial cortex. Recent work explores cognitive maps, grid-like neural representations, and the role of multisensory cues in navigation. His articles emphasize spatial navigation strategies, hierarchical cognitive maps, and the interplay between perception and memory. Notable contributions include investigations into hippocampal spatial metrics, olfactory navigation, and the neural underpinnings of environmental learning. Epstein teaches courses on cognitive neuroscience, including PSYC 149 and PSYC 600. He advises two graduate students in Psychology and has no listed scientific awards. His work is supported by grants (unspecified) and conducted within collaborative teams at the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience. Epstein’s research extends to labs focused on spatial cognition and neuroimaging, advancing understanding of how humans mentally map environments through visual and sensory integration.
Alexandra Horowitz is a Senior Research Fellow and Adjunct Associate Professor at Barnard College. She has been teaching since 2004, specializing in dog cognition and olfactory research. Her academic roles span the Departments of English and Psychology, reflecting her interdisciplinary focus on animal behavior and human-animal interactions. Education: M.S. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from UC San Diego; B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. Research interests include naturalistic observations of dog social play, testing anthropomorphic assumptions, and characterizing canine olfactory abilities. She has authored influential books like Inside of a Dog and Being a Dog , exploring how dogs perceive the world. Her work frequently appears in top journals and media outlets, including the New York Times and TED-Ed. Recent articles highlight studies on dog navigation, play behavior, and olfactory perception. She has been recognized as among the Top 2% of Cited Authors globally. Her presentations and lectures span academic conferences, museums, and public forums, emphasizing science communication.
Professor Peter Banks is a prominent academic in Conservation Biology at The University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on developing humane solutions to invasive species impacts, particularly through understanding predator-prey dynamics and behavioral interventions. He has held roles including Treasurer of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW and editorial board memberships at journals like Oecologia. Education: PhD (2004, University of Sydney), BSc (1991, University of Sydney). His career includes positions at UNSW and University of Turku (Finland). Research interests span animal behavior, ecology, and conservation strategies. Research Themes: Animal behavior and ecophysiology, ecology and evolution, wildlife conservation. Collaborations include projects with Finland’s University of Turku on predator-prey deception and New Zealand’s Landcare Research on pest management. Recent publications emphasize olfactory misinformation tactics, urban tick ecology, and predator learning mechanisms. His work bridges behavioral ecology with applied conservation, exploring innovative methods to mitigate wildlife conflicts.
Marc V Fuccillo is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, where he leads a research laboratory focused on understanding the neural circuit mechanisms underlying behavioral control. His work bridges molecular, synaptic, and behavioral approaches to investigate how striatal circuits regulate mouse behavior from simple motor patterns to complex goal-directed actions. Fuccillo holds dual appointments in the Neuroscience and Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Groups at Penn and maintains an active laboratory investigating the synaptic and circuit basis of neuropsychiatric disorders. Education: B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Music Performance (Violin) from Brown University (1998) Ph.D. in Developmental Genetics from New York University School of Medicine (2007) M.D. from New York University School of Medicine (2008) Fuccillo's research centers on the synaptic and circuit mechanisms of behavioral control, with particular emphasis on striatal circuits. His laboratory employs a range of technologies including mouse genetics, in vitro electrophysiology, in vivo imaging, and quantitative behavioral analysis to explore how neural circuits of the striatum regulate behavior and how disruptions in these circuits contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders. His work has particularly focused on autism-associated abnormalities in behavioral control, examining how synaptic adhesion molecules like neuroligins and neurexins shape circuit function and behavior, with significant findings regarding D1 dopamine receptor positive medium spiny neurons in the nucleus accumbens. Analysis of Fuccillo's recent publications reveals a strong focus on striatal circuit function across multiple dimensions. His work spans molecular neuroscience (examining synaptic adhesion molecules), cellular physiology (studying specific neuron types in striatal circuits), systems neuroscience (mapping circuit connectivity), and behavioral neuroscience (quantifying motor learning and decision-making). A unifying theme is how disruptions in specific molecular pathways lead to circuit-level abnormalities that manifest as behavioral phenotypes relevant to neuropsychiatric disorders, with particular attention to autism, OCD, and schizophrenia models. Scientific Recognition: Publications in high-impact journals including Nature Neuroscience, Current Biology, Cell Reports, and Neuron Research supported by multiple NIH grants including NIMH F32, NIMH K01, and HHMI Gilliam Fellowship awards for lab members Fuccillo actively mentors a diverse group of trainees including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. His laboratory has produced numerous successful alumni who have gone on to faculty positions, medical residencies, and graduate programs at prestigious institutions. His mentoring approach emphasizes technical skill development across multiple neuroscience disciplines while fostering independent scientific thinking. Current research in his lab is supported by NIH funding focused on understanding the molecular architecture of striatal circuits and their role in behavioral control, with three major research directions exploring molecular logic of striatal circuits, circuit mechanisms of behavioral control, and striatal dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disease models. The Fuccillo Laboratory operates within the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania, with access to state-of-the-art facilities for molecular, electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral neuroscience research. The lab maintains active collaborations with other neuroscience research groups at Penn and beyond, creating a rich intellectual environment for studying the neural basis of behavior. Current research directions include investigating whether there is a molecular logic to striatal circuit composition, how striatal circuits shape behavioral control, and what mouse models of autism, schizophrenia, and OCD can reveal about striatal circuit dysfunction in disease pathophysiology.
Max Planck Institute for Biological IntelligenceGermany
Maude Baldwin is the Director of the Evolution of Sensory and Physiological Systems department at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence. Her research focuses on the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying sensory receptor evolution in vertebrates, particularly in birds. Education : Ph.D. from Harvard University (Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, 2007-2014); B.A. from New York University (Gallatin School of Individualized Study, 2005). Research Interests include: Evolution of taste receptors, such as the repurposing of savory receptors for sweet detection in hummingbirds. Convergent evolution in sensory systems across vertebrates. Integrative approaches combining molecular methods, cell culture, and behavioral studies. Impact of dietary shifts on ecological and physiological adaptations. Publication Trends reveal a focus on comparative genomics , protein evolution , and sensory system adaptation , with specific attention to bird taste receptors , gene loss , and echolocation genetics . Labs & Teams : Baldwin leads a multidisciplinary team at the Max Planck Institute, recruiting researchers in comparative genomics , organoid technology , and vertebrate natural history . The group investigates sensory-diet coevolution and physiological trade-offs.
Andreas Eklund is an Assistant Professor in the Marketing Department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL). He holds a Ph.D. in Marketing from Linnaeus University (Sweden), specializing in consumer psychology, and a Master’s degree from Lund University (Sweden). His research focuses on sensory marketing, branding, and service-dominant logic, exploring how sensory cues influence consumer behavior and brand experiences. He has taught courses on branding, consumer behavior, and marketing strategy at universities in Sweden, Norway, and the U.S. Education: Ph.D. in Marketing (Consumer Psychology), Linnaeus University, Sweden M.Sc. in Marketing, Lund University, Sweden Research Interests: Sensory marketing and its intersection with branding Multi-sensory consumer experiences in automotive and retail environments Experiential marketing and value proposition design Congruency theories in brand-consumer relationships Teaching: Recent courses include MKT351 (Principles of Marketing), MKT362 (Consumer Behavior), and MBA755 (Advanced Marketing) Focuses on experiential learning and real-world marketing applications Professional Background: Prior career as a chef informs his sensory marketing research Experience in Scandinavian universities before joining UWL Personal Interests: Outdoor activities (disc golf, ice skating) Swedish salt licorice enthusiast Manchester United football fan
Jason Ritt is an Associate Professor of Brain Science (Research) and Scientific Director of Quantitative Neuroscience at the Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Institute for Brain Science, Brown University. He holds affiliations with the Data Science Institute and collaborates across disciplines on quantitative research methods. Education : B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Boston University (1997–2003). Research : Focuses on neural processing during active sensing and neuroengineering for neurostimulation. Combines electrophysiology, optogenetics, and theoretical approaches in rodent models. Develops closed-loop systems for studying sensory neural prosthetics and brain-machine interfaces. Key areas include synaptic diversity, neurocontrol algorithms, and sensory restoration. Teaching : Instructs NEUR 2100 NeuroPracticum, integrating hands-on neuroscience research training.
Professor John Pickett serves as Chair of the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University, where he holds the position of Professor of Biological Chemistry. His research program has established him as a leading figure in chemical ecology with significant contributions to understanding chemically mediated interactions between organisms. Professor Pickett's research focuses on chemical ecology involving chemically mediated interactions between various organisms, particularly pests attacking plants and animals. His work encompasses the chemical characterisation of pheromones and other semiochemicals across plants and animals, including insect pests and beneficial organisms. He investigates stress-related chemical signalling by plants and vertebrates (including humans and farm animals), elucidates biosynthetic pathways to pheromones and other semiochemicals, and explores how these compounds can be exploited in pest management through ecological approaches and genetic modification. Analysis of Professor Pickett's recent publications reveals a sustained and impactful research trajectory spanning chemical ecology, agricultural science, and sustainable development. His work demonstrates remarkable continuity in investigating semiochemicals and pheromones while expanding into interdisciplinary areas including AI applications for sustainable futures and the economic impacts of agricultural innovations. A consistent theme throughout his career is the practical application of chemical ecology principles to develop sustainable pest management solutions, particularly through the development and refinement of push-pull farming systems that have transformed agricultural practices in Africa.
Dr. Frances Chen is a Professor and Area Coordinator in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Musqueam People. She holds a PhD from Stanford University (2009). Her research integrates health psychology, social psychology, and neuroendocrinology to explore how social experiences influence mental and physical health. Key areas include the physiological impacts of loneliness, social support, and hormonal changes during puberty on adolescent development. Education: PhD, Psychology, Stanford University, 2009 Research Focus: Dr. Chen investigates how social interactions 'get under the skin' through studies on loneliness, stress, conflict negotiation, and hormonal mechanisms. Her work emphasizes interventions to enhance social connection and reduce health disparities. Recent Article Trends: Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, including genetic influences on depression, effects of near-infrared lighting on cognition, and longitudinal studies on adolescent hormonal contraceptive use. Her work bridges basic science and applied health outcomes. Awards & Grants: Michael Smith Health Research BC C2 Award (2022) Killam Faculty Research Fellowship (2019) Teaching & Learning Enhancement Fund Grant (2025) SSHRC Prosociality Project Funding (2023) Lab & Mentorship: Director of the Social Health Lab, she mentors graduate and undergraduate students, prioritizing equity and inclusion. Recent lab achievements include studies on teen health development and interventions to improve student success in psychology programs. Lab Initiatives: UBC Teen Health and Development Study (longitudinal hormonal/mental health tracking) NIR lighting health impact research (collaborative interdisciplinary project) Prosociality 'in the Wild' SSHRC project
Kevin M. Franks is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology at Duke University, where he investigates how the olfactory system forms neural representations of sensory environments. His work focuses on functional neural circuits in the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex, using techniques like in vivo recordings, optogenetics, and behavioral assays. His research explores Neural circuit dynamics and plasticity Odor coding mechanisms Role of recurrent circuitry Integration of sensory modalities Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding cortical odor representations, developmental neural connectivity, and cross-modal interactions. Awards include the 2024 Don Tucker Finalist recognition. He teaches advanced neuroscience courses at Duke, including Neurobiology research and concepts in neuronal systems.
Jonny Kohl is a Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute , where he established the State-dependent Neural Processing Laboratory in 2019. His work bridges neural circuits and internal physiological states (e.g., hunger, pregnancy) to decode instinctive behaviors like parenting and aggression in mice. PhD: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge (2013) Postdoc: Harvard University (2014–2019) with support from EMBO, HFSP, and Wellcome Trust fellowships Research Interests : Kohl investigates how hormonal and metabolic states dynamically rewire neural circuits to drive adaptive behaviors. His lab combines circuit neuroscience , molecular biology , and behavioral profiling to study: State-dependent neural processing in parental behavior Chemosensory dominance hierarchies in mice Plasticity mechanisms in aggression circuits Development of ultrafast tissue labeling and cryoanesthesia tools Scientific Trends : His recent publications highlight hormone-mediated synaptic remodeling (2023), cost-effective lab tools (2023), and brain-wide activity mapping (2016). Collaborative work spans computational biology , metabolism , and imaging disciplines. Honors: NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2019), ERC Starting Grant (2019), Wellcome Trust Discovery Award (2025) Grants: BBSRC Research Grant (2025), BBSRC Pioneer Grant (2023) His lab mentors PhD and MSc students and has developed open-source neuroscience tools (e.g., cryoanesthesia device, 2023). Kohl's research has been featured in Nature , Science , and Cell .
Rhonda Hadi is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. She is also a Fellow of Green Templeton College and an Associate Editor at the Journal of Consumer Psychology , serving on editorial review boards for Journal of Consumer Research , Journal of Marketing Research , and Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science . Her research focuses on emerging technologies reshaping consumer experiences, including augmented reality, AI, and wearable/mobile computing. She explores crossmodal perception, cultural influences on consumer behavior, and sensory-driven decision-making. Rhonda teaches the Core Marketing course for the MBA programme and contributes to Executive MBA, Diploma in AI for Business, and executive education courses. Her engagements span industry collaborations with Fortune 500 firms, startups, and non-profits, emphasizing practical applications of her research. She is a key member of the Oxford Future of Marketing Initiative , fostering academic-industry partnerships for thought leadership. Her research interests prominently feature technology-augmented consumer behavior , particularly in multisensory interactions (e.g., haptics, temperature, scent) and how cultural contexts modulate these responses. She has pioneered studies on anthropomorphic products, chatbot ethics, and the psychological impact of digital tools like AR and the Metaverse. Rhonda received the John Elliot Teaching Award and regularly engages with media outlets like the BBC to disseminate her findings. She has delivered over 50 invited talks globally, addressing North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. In advising and grants, she mentors students across MBA and executive programmes and secures funding via Oxford’s initiatives. Her work intersects with the Major Programme Management and Private Equity Institute , though direct grant references are not explicitly detailed. She actively participates in interdisciplinary teams at Oxford Saïd, such as the Oxford Future of Finance and Technology Initiative and the Social Thermoregulation Project , integrating insights from psychology, technology, and business strategy.
Robert Likamwa is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University, affiliated with the School of Arts, Media and Engineering and the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering. His research focuses on the intersection of mobile computing, augmented reality, and sensor design through Meteor Studio. Ph.D., Rice University M.S., Rice University B.S., Rice University His work spans three core research arcs: (i) advanced visual capture systems, (ii) hybrid virtual-physical immersion through sensory augmentation, and (iii) data-driven frameworks for AR/VR storytelling. He explores mobile operating systems, low-power architectures, computational imaging, and holographic computing. Recent publications analyze multi-resolution visual sensing, geospatial cross-virtuality collaboration, planetary data visualization, spatial audio optimization, and multi-sensory virtual environments. His 2013 paper on energy-proportional image sensors received the Best Paper Award at ACM MobiSys. Best Paper Award, ACM MobiSys 2013 LiKamWa advises graduate students through research and thesis courses and leads grants related to mobile vision systems, haptic interfaces, and energy-efficient sensor design. He directs Meteor Studio, a research group focused on immersive technology innovation.
Amanda Giang serves as Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Applied Science, Department of Mechanical Engineering, holding a Canada Research Chair in Environmental Modelling for Policy. She maintains a joint appointment with the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES). Her educational background includes a B.A.Sc. from the University of Toronto, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from MIT, with postdoctoral training at MIT and Harvard. Dr. Giang's research employs interdisciplinary approaches to develop modeling tools for environmental policy analysis, focusing on pollution assessment, environmental injustice, and the intersection of air quality, decarbonization, and equity. Her work emphasizes action-oriented partnerships with community organizations and government health/environment agencies. Current projects address freight transport decarbonization equity, cumulative impact assessment methodologies for overburdened communities, and holistic environmental impact evaluation in technology design. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise across environmental modeling, policy analysis, and justice frameworks, with significant contributions to understanding spatial inequities in environmental risk distribution and developing community-engaged research methodologies. UBC Killam Research Prize, 2023 Dr. Giang actively collaborates with community groups and government authorities through her LEAP (Learning, Environmental Assessment, and Policy) research group. Her work integrates technical modeling with real-world policy applications, particularly in urban environmental planning contexts where equity considerations are paramount. She has developed innovative frameworks for cumulative impact assessment and environmental justice analysis that directly inform regulatory decision-making processes. Her research laboratory focuses on developing open-source modeling tools for environmental policy analysis while maintaining strong community partnerships that ensure research addresses pressing local environmental justice concerns.
Mischa Billing is a Senior Lecturer at Örebro University specializing in Culinary Arts and Meal Science. She is actively involved in research on sensory experiences, wine studies, and food pairing. Her work spans across multiple disciplines including haptics, olfaction, and culinary traditions. Her research interests focus on the intersection of sensory perception and culinary practices. Billing explores how sound affects taste perception, develops haptic attribute models for food design, and investigates improved sensory experiences for the elderly. Her work in sommelier training and critical attribute techniques bridges traditional culinary knowledge with scientific approaches to sensory evaluation. Analysis of her publications reveals a strong focus on practical applications of sensory science in culinary contexts. Her work spans from theoretical explorations of wine tasting as embodied knowledge to practical guides for food and beverage pairing. The recurring themes include sensory integration, cultural contexts of food consumption, and innovative methods for enhancing meal experiences. Gastronomic Academy's Silver Medal Wine Profile of the Year Nose of the Year Honorary Truffle of the Year Billing has served as general secretary of the International Sommelier Association (ASI) and is a member of the Wine Academy in Sweden. She has extensive experience in evaluating diverse products including Swedish tap water and apple juice. Her media presence includes serving as a jury member on TV4's Sweden's Master Chef and delivering radio talks for Sveriges Radio. She leads several research initiatives including the Sense Lab, which focuses on future sensory experiences, and participates in research groups examining meals from social and cultural perspectives. Her projects like 'Rewine The World' demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches to reducing food waste through innovative culinary methods.
