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Damith HERATHView profile

Professor

• Robotics
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Art and Robotics
• +4 more

Damith HERATH is a Professor of Robotics and Art at the University of Canberra, leading the Collaborative Robotics Lab and the Robots, Art, People and Performance Lab. His work bridges robotics with artistic and healthcare applications, emphasizing human-centric design. He founded Australia's first collaborative robotics startup in 2011, recognized as an innovative tech company in 2014. His research focuses on human-robot interaction (HRI), rehabilitation robotics, and cybersecurity in robotics systems. Education details are not explicitly provided in the text, but his career spans over two decades with significant industry collaborations. He has led teams in the Amazon Robotics Challenge and edited the seminal book Robots and Art: Exploring an Unlikely Symbiosis , showcasing interdisciplinary contributions. Research interests include: collaborative robotics, HRI in clinical settings, robotic art installations, and secure robotics frameworks. His recent work explores social presence in HRI, memory-driven AI systems, and rehabilitation robotics impacts. He has contributed to over 58 publications, with a focus on both theoretical advancements and practical applications. Notable projects include Assistive Technologies for Young People Safety on Two-Wheelers (2025-2027), Next-Gen Robotics (Germii) , and Robotic Art and HRI initiatives. His labs emphasize transdisciplinary collaboration, integrating art, robotics, and healthcare to address societal challenges. He actively supervises PhD students in areas like collaborative robotics and HRI.

Ethan L. MillerView profile

Professor

• Storage systems
• Security
• Archival storage
• +5 more

Ethan L. Miller is a Professor Emeritus at the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC), affiliated with the Computer Science and Engineering Department within the Baskin School of Engineering. He previously held the Veritas Presidential Chair in Storage Systems and served as Director Emeritus of the NSF I/UCRC Center for Research in Storage Systems. His research focuses on storage systems, security, archival storage, and distributed systems. Miller received his Sc.B. from Brown University and his M.S. and Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. He has extensive industry collaboration, notably with Pure Storage, contributing over 190 patents. Key roles include co-founding the Storage Systems Research Center (SSRC) at UCSC in 2001 and directing the NSF I/UCRC Center from 2012-2019. He retired in July 2023 but continues research collaborations. Awards include IEEE Fellow (2015), ACM Distinguished Scientist (2013), and the William Gaston Prize for Academic Excellence (1987). Research highlights include work on the Ceph distributed file system, secure archival systems (POTSHARDS), and Twizzler—a data-centric OS for non-volatile memory. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications span storage architecture, security, and performance optimization. Miller also advises on intellectual property cases as an expert witness. Funding includes NSF grants (e.g., $1.2M for secure long-term storage) and industrial partnerships with companies like EMC, IBM, and Western Digital. His work emphasizes practical solutions for exascale storage challenges and data longevity.

Stephen TuffsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Host-pathogen interactions
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Inflammation
• +3 more

Dr. Stephen Tuffs is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Victoria (UVic), Faculty of Science. His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, particularly Staphylococcus aureus and its inflammatory mechanisms. He leads the Tuffs Lab, which employs bacteriological, immunological, and biochemical techniques to study bacterial toxins like superantigens and their impact on host immunity. Dr. Tuffs holds an MSci (Hons) from the University of Glasgow and a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. His work has led to publications in high-impact journals, including Nature Reviews Immunology and Infection and Immunity . Research Interests: His lab investigates how pathogens exploit inflammation to enhance survival. Key areas include superantigen-induced T cell activation, bacterial persistence in surgical infections, and the interplay between Staphylococcus aureus and vaginal microbiota. Recent studies highlight the role of glucose regulation in toxin production and the influence of bacterial metabolites on pathogenesis. Lab Activities & Grants: The Tuffs Lab secured NSERC Discovery Grant funding in 2024 and collaborates with groups like the Goncheva Lab. Dr. Tuffs also engaged in policy advocacy via Science Meets Parliament BC in 2024. Current projects involve 3D bioprinting for wound models and studying Streptococcus pyogenes niche adaptation. Lab members include students Silken Tschofen, Theresa Kelly, and Margaret, with recent awards such as the Canadian Society of Microbiologists Undergraduate Award. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to combat bacterial infections and improve clinical outcomes.

Chaitanya GokhaleView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Biology
• Evolutionary Dynamics
• Game Theory
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Chaitanya Gokhale is a Professor of Theoretical Biology at the Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology (CCTB) at the University of Würzburg, Germany. His research spans eco-evolutionary processes from subcellular systems to societies, focusing on interactions and hierarchies of organization. He leads a translational program rooted in theoretical biology, aligning with the Max Planck principle of "Insight preceding application." Education: PhD in Natural Sciences (2011, Christian Albrechts University), Master's in Bioinformatics (2008, Sikkim Manipal University), Bachelor's in Zoology/Biotechnology (2005, Fergusson College). Prior Roles: Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology (2016–2023), Postdoctoral Researcher at Massey University (2014–2016) and Max Planck Institute (2011–2014). Research Interests include evolutionary dynamics, game theory, population genetics, and eco-evolutionary applications in agriculture and medicine. His work bridges mathematical models with biological complexity, emphasizing cooperation, resistance evolution, and translational frameworks. Recent Articles (2025–2023): Focus on gene drives, fungal resistance, circadian rhythms, and cooperation in complex environments. These studies highlight interdisciplinary approaches integrating mathematical biology, computational ecology, and synthetic systems. Group Members: Dharanish Rajendra (PhD Student), Luis Alejandro Villanueva Hernandez (Postdoc), Carla Schuh (Student Assistant). Advising and Collaborations span eco-evolutionary dynamics and theoretical biology, with grants from institutions like the Max Planck Society and New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study. His lab explores how evolutionary principles can inform sustainable practices and microbial interactions.

Natalie PenningtonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Interpersonal Communication
• Communication Technology
• Social Connection
• +2 more

Natalie Pennington is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Colorado State University's College of Liberal Arts. Her research focuses on interpersonal communication and communication technology, with specific interests in social connection needs, friendship dynamics, and media psychology. She teaches courses in interpersonal communication, nonverbal communication, professional communication, research methods, and persuasion. Dr. Pennington holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas, an M.A. in Communication Studies from Kansas State University, and a B.S. in Communication Studies from Missouri State University. She is part of an international team developing public health guidelines for social connection. Her research examines how social and emotional factors influence responses to political content on social media, the impact of wearable health trackers on social interaction, and friendship maintenance during crises. Recent publications analyze pandemic-era communication patterns, esports fan engagement, and technology-mediated relationship dynamics. Pennington's work consistently explores how digital communication platforms affect well-being, social energy expenditure, and political engagement, employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies across diverse populations.

Ana Tur-PratsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Political Economy
• Culture and Institutions
• Gender Studies
• +4 more

Ana Tur-Prats is an Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of California, Merced, affiliated with the Department of Economics and the School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Arts. She also serves as a Research Fellow at the IZA Institute of Labor Economics. Her research focuses on Political Economy, Culture and Institutions, Gender, and Economic History, with notable work on cultural norms sustaining violence against women, social capital formation, and long-term conflict impacts. Education: Tur-Prats holds dual BAs in Law and Economics from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Spain), and a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Research Interests Analysis of cultural norms and institutional frameworks shaping gender dynamics and political representation Historical and contemporary effects of conflict on trust, voting behavior, and economic outcomes Intersection of economic policies with health systems and social welfare Her publications appear in journals like the Review of Economics and Statistics and Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization . Recent work explores the legacy of historical family structures on gender equality and the socio-economic consequences of war. Professional Background Postdoctoral Fellow at Universitat Pompeu Fabra before joining UC Merced Active contributor to interdisciplinary research on labor economics and social policy Her research portfolio demonstrates a strong focus on applying economic frameworks to understand persistent societal challenges in governance, gender equity, and post-conflict recovery.

• Political Economy
• Culture and Institutions
• Gender Economics
• +1 more

Ana Tur-Prats is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of California, Merced and a Research Fellow at IZA Institute of Labor Economics. She holds a BA in Law and BA in Economics from Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Spain), and a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. Her research focuses on political economy, culture and institutions, gender economics, and economic history. Her work examines cultural norms sustaining violence against women, the formation of social capital, and long-term effects of conflict. Key research areas include juror perceptions of police violence, racial bias in legal systems, and historical family structures' impact on modern political representation. Publications analyze unemployment's relationship with intimate partner violence and the socio-economic legacies of the Spanish Civil War. Dr. Tur-Prats' publications demonstrate extensive analysis of conflict-related gender violence, economic recovery in post-war societies, and historical determinants of gender inequality. Her methodological approach combines econometric analysis with historical context to examine institutional persistence and cultural change.

Tasha R. WyattView profile

Associate Professor

• Professional Identity Formation
• Minoritized Physicians
• Decolonial Research Methods
• +4 more

Dr. Tasha Wyatt is an Associate Professor and Associate Director at the Center for Health Professions Education at Uniformed Services University. She holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from the University of Hawai’i-Manoa, an MA in Educational Administration from New Mexico State University, and a BA in Ecology from Seattle University. Her research examines the intersection of race, ethnicity, and culture within educational systems, focusing on professional identity formation among racially minoritized physicians, strategies for professional resistance in medicine, and decolonial methodologies. She maintains affiliations with the University of the Witwatersrand and University of Hawai’i-Manoa. Dr. Wyatt's publications demonstrate consistent focus on equity in medical education, with recent work exploring resistance strategies among trainees, narrative examinations of racial trauma, and systemic approaches to mitigating bias in assessment. Her research employs qualitative and critical methodologies to address structural barriers in healthcare education. She has received media recognition for her work on pregnancy narratives in medical education and implicit bias in assessment. Dr. Wyatt mentors graduate students and leads research initiatives that bridge academic scholarship with healthcare equity praxis.

Keng DengView profile

Professor

• Partial Differential Equations
• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Biology

Keng Deng is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (since 1990), where he has held progressive appointments from Assistant Professor (1990–1995), Associate Professor (1995–2001), to Full Professor (2001–present). He previously served as Graduate Coordinator (2005–2010) and Department Head (2013–2017). Education: B.S. from Wuhan University of Technology (1981), M.S. from Huazhong University of Science & Technology (1984), and Ph.D. from Iowa State University (1990). Research Focus: Deng specializes in nonlinear partial differential equations, applied mathematics, and mathematical biology. His work integrates theoretical analysis of blow-up phenomena, global solvability, and stability in reaction-diffusion systems with applications to population dynamics, epidemic modeling, and structured biological systems. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2015–2024) demonstrate a strong focus on epidemic models (SIS/SIR frameworks), structured population dynamics with nonlocal interactions, and analysis of memory-driven boundary conditions in diffusion equations. Methodologies emphasize asymptotic analysis, stability thresholds, and hybrid modeling approaches. Awards & Honors: Boeing Fellowship (1989) Ray P. Authement College of Sciences Outstanding Professor Award (2011) University of Louisiana at Lafayette Distinguished Professor Award (2013) Advising & Funding: Mentored 12 Ph.D. students (1998–2015) in mathematical biology and PDEs. Secured $336,864+ in grants including NSF support for projects on hyperbolic population models ($86,864, PI) and structured amphibian dynamics ($250,000, Co-PI).

LillAnne JacksonView profile

Academic

• Memory Consistency for Multiprocessor Architectures
• Computational Geometry
• Teaching Concurrency
• +1 more

LillAnne Jackson is an Associate Teaching Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Victoria. She holds a PhD from the University of Calgary and has dual roles in academic leadership and teaching innovation within the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. Dr. Jackson’s research focuses on memory consistency for multiprocessor architectures, computational geometry, and pedagogical strategies for teaching concurrency in computer science. Her educational work emphasizes improving retention in STEM fields through innovative teaching methods and curriculum design. She has contributed to accreditation-driven curricular reforms and explored the efficacy of video-based instruction in technical education. Her technical research addresses challenges in parallel computing systems, including memory coherence models for architectures like Itanium and Sparc. Earlier work includes computational geometry projects such as polygon reconstruction algorithms and visibility analysis. Her articles span both technical computer science topics and educational methodologies, reflecting her dual expertise in technical systems and academic innovation. In her administrative role as Associate Dean, she oversees undergraduate academic policies and program development. She collaborates with faculty to enhance student experiences through curriculum modernization and pedagogical research. Dr. Jackson’s work bridges theoretical computer science with practical educational strategies to strengthen undergraduate education and technical workforce development.

Gemma MoncunillView profile

Researcher

• Malaria Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Gemma Moncunill is a Researcher and Ramon y Cajal fellow at ISGlobal, specializing in malaria immunology and vaccinology. She earned a Biology degree from Universitat de Barcelona (2004) and a PhD in Immunology from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (2009). Her career includes postdoctoral roles at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center (2013–2014) and the University of British Columbia (2015–2017), focusing on immune responses to malaria and HIV. Since 2017, she has led malaria vaccine research at ISGlobal, co-directing the Biomarkers and Immune Response Core Facility. Her work integrates systems immunology to study vaccine efficacy, maternal-neonatal immunity, and long-COVID pathogenesis. Research interests include malaria vaccine development, immune correlates of protection, and biomarker identification in co-infections. She has contributed to over 20 research projects, including Phase 3 trials of the RTS,S malaria vaccine and longitudinal studies of SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Her recent work explores genetic determinants of long-COVID and cross-reactive antibody responses in endemic settings. Publications highlight Lancet Infectious Diseases and Science Translational Medicine studies on vaccine-induced immunity and malaria biomarkers. Awards include the prestigious Ramon y Cajal Fellowship. She collaborates internationally, particularly in Mozambique and sub-Saharan Africa, addressing vaccine efficacy in high-burden populations.

William R. Jacobs Jr.View profile

Professor

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis genetics
• Mycobacteriophages
• Bacterial persistence mechanisms
• +5 more

William R. Jacobs Jr. holds dual professorships in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and the Department of Genetics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he also holds the Leo and Julia Forchheimer Chair in Microbiology & Immunology. His research focuses on understanding Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis, developing novel vaccines using recombinant herpes vectors, and identifying mechanisms of bacterial persistence. Key projects include creating comprehensive deletion mutant libraries of M. tuberculosis, studying antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and advancing luciferase reporter phage diagnostics. Research areas emphasize: 1) Virulence factor identification through genetic screens, 2) Mechanisms enabling bacterial survival under host/antibiotic assault, 3) Vaccine development targeting influenza, TB, dengue, and EEEV, and 4) Rapid diagnostic technologies. His lab's work spans molecular genetics, immunology, and translational medicine with a focus on global health challenges. Publications (2017-2019) highlight breakthroughs in T-cell mediated immunity, metabolic pathways of persistence, and novel drug combinations. Current efforts prioritize translating basic science discoveries into clinical solutions for TB and viral infections.

Leonard ZonView profile

Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Hematopoiesis
• Cancer Research
• +2 more

Dr. Leonard Zon serves as the Grousbeck Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Stem Cell Research Program at Boston Children's Hospital. His laboratory pioneered the zebrafish model system for studying hematopoiesis, cancer biology, and stem cell regulation. His research focuses on developmental hematopoiesis, blood stem cell formation, and genetic screens for oncogenic pathways. The Zon Lab has made significant contributions to genome sequencing efforts and identified key regulators of blood development including the cdx4-hox pathway. Current investigations include chemical screens to expand blood stem cells and suppress cancer mutations. Dr. Zon's recent publications demonstrate continued innovation in stem cell engineering and cancer immunotherapy, particularly in developing enhanced CAR-T cell therapies through epigenetic modulation. His work frequently employs zebrafish models to study fundamental biological processes with translational applications.

Harris GoldsteinView profile

Professor

• HIV Immunology
• CAR-T Cell Therapy
• Viral Pathogenesis
• +1 more

Dr. Harris Goldstein is Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he serves as Senior Associate Dean for Scientific Affairs and holds the Charles Michael Chair in Autoimmune Diseases. He directs the Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY Center for AIDS Research, coordinating HIV investigations across multiple institutions. Research Focus: Goldstein's NIH-funded program develops immunotherapies for HIV cure, including CAR-T cells targeting latent reservoirs and synthetic T-cell activation strategies. His lab employs molecular, cellular, and biochemical approaches to enhance immune control of HIV, with parallel investigations on neurocognitive impacts of HIV and substance use. Current projects focus on duoCAR-T cells, TCR-targeted biologics, and combinatorial approaches for sustained ART-free remission. Publication Trends: Goldstein's 2019-2025 publications demonstrate evolving focus on engineered immunotherapies, particularly CAR-T platforms for HIV eradication. Recent work emphasizes preclinical validation of duoCAR-T cells, SynTac immunobiologics, and humanized mouse models for cure strategies. Secondary themes include reservoir characterization, prevention monitoring, and neuropathogenesis. Leadership: As director of the NIH-funded Einstein-Rockefeller-CUNY CFAR, Goldstein oversees collaborative HIV research involving over 150 investigators across three institutions, focused on prevention, treatment optimization, and cure strategies.

Taylor OdleView profile

Assistant Professor

• Economics of Education
• Education Policy
• Higher Education Policy
• +5 more

Taylor Odle is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with affiliations in Data Science, the Institute for Research on Poverty, the Institute for Diversity Science, and the Interdisciplinary Training Program in Education Sciences. His research focuses on the economics of education and policy, particularly college access, financial aid, admissions practices, and advising strategies. He employs causal inference and data science techniques, often collaborating with national partners through research-practice partnerships. Odle holds a PhD in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania, an A.M. in Statistics/Data Science from Wharton, and an M.Ed. from Vanderbilt University. His work has been funded by organizations like the NSF, Lumina Foundation, and Arnold Ventures, and has been featured in major media outlets including The New York Times and The Washington Post. He serves on editorial boards for journals like the Journal of Higher Education and received the 2023 Raymond Vernon Memorial Award from APPAM. Key research areas include evaluating policies to improve college transitions, such as direct admissions systems and promise programs, as well as studying racial and socioeconomic inequities in educational outcomes. His grants total over $2.7M since 2020, focusing on topics like Parent PLUS loans, college affordability, and institutional expenditures.