Harry Lahrmann is an Associate Professor and Research Group Leader at the Department of Construction, Urban and Environmental Engineering within Aalborg University's Faculty of Engineering and Science. He specializes in traffic safety research with a focus on cyclist-pedestrian interactions, vehicle inspection systems, and urban mobility solutions. Key Research Areas: Bicycle traffic, road safety analysis, traffic engineering, and data-driven transportation policy Recent Work Trends: Utilizes ambulance data and self-reporting mechanisms to identify hazardous road locations; investigates impact of vehicle inspection programs and cycling safety technologies Awards: 1994 - First prize in bicycle safety at intersections Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD students and secures funding from institutions like TrygFonden for projects such as "Better Data on Traffic Accidents." Labs & Teams: Leads the Traffic Research Group, collaborating with experts in infrastructure, hydraulic engineering, and environmental technology.
Malaika Brengman serves as a Senior Lecturer and postdoctoral researcher at the Free University of Brussels, specializing in consumer behavior within retail contexts. Her academic work bridges Communication Sciences, Business Studies, and Media Innovation through interdisciplinary research on digital retail environments. Her research focuses on consumer decision-making processes in physical and virtual retail spaces, with particular expertise in trust formation, digital signage effectiveness, and the psychological impact of emerging technologies. Key interests include: How virtual worlds influence retail appeal and consumer threat perception The relationship between store environment design and initial trust development Implicit measurement techniques for assessing service experiences Consumer responses to AI-driven personalization in retail settings Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on augmented reality applications, vaccine attitude segmentation, and social media addiction pathways, demonstrating methodological diversity across behavioral experiments and large-scale consumer surveys. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through multiple awards including the Best Conference Paper Award (2010), Best Extended Abstract Award (2020), and a Highly Commended Paper distinction (2016). These accolades highlight her impact in retail technology and consumer psychology research. Brengman actively supervises doctoral candidates and serves on PhD committees, with documented supervision of at least 153 academic works. She frequently engages with media as an expert on consumer finance topics, particularly regarding energy pricing impacts and savings behaviors during economic uncertainty. Her current projects include Brubotics (human-centered robotics) and SHALGO (algorithmic systems research). She maintains significant external engagement through advisory roles in consumer protection initiatives and regular media commentary on retail trends and consumer behavior patterns.
Lisa Velkoff is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology at Reed College , with additional experience as an Adjunct Professor at Lewis & Clark College. Her expertise lies in clinical psychology, focusing on eating disorders, suicidality, and non-suicidal self-harm. Education: B.A. in Psychology and English, Northwestern University (2013) M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Miami University (2017) Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Miami University (2021) Research Interests include identifying proximal risk factors for eating disorders and self-harm behaviors, with emphasis on interoceptive deficits, negative affect, and agitation. She also studies body image, weight bias, and develops digital health interventions like just-in-time adaptive systems. Publication Trends show consistent focus on eating disorders, suicidality, self-harm, and their interrelationships, employing methodologies from experimental psychology to ecological momentary assessment. Teaching Approach prioritizes inclusivity and critical thinking in courses such as Abnormal Psychology, Health Psychology, and Psychology of Stress and Resilience.
Enrique Valera is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), where he has been working since March 2021. He is also a Research Affiliate at Carle Hospital's Biomedical Research Center. Prior to his current position, he served as a Research Scientist at UIUC from July 2018 to March 2021 and was a Post-Doctoral researcher in the Bashir Lab starting in October 2016. Dr. Valera received his Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Barcelona, Spain in 2008. Following his doctoral studies, he joined the Applied Molecular Receptors group at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC, Barcelona, Spain) as a Post-Doctoral researcher with a Juan de la Cierva fellowship in 2009. In 2012, he joined the Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN, Barcelona, Spain), and in June 2014, he joined the Bayley Lab at the Department of Chemistry at UIUC as a Post-Doctoral researcher. Dr. Valera's research focuses on developing point-of-care diagnostic devices and microfluidic platforms for clinical applications. His work centers on biosensor technology that combines specific biological recognition elements with transducers for signal processing. He aims to create tools that enable personalized medical approaches and more precise diagnoses, particularly for identifying specific bacteria causing infections and monitoring immune responses to infections. His research spans electronic technology, micro and nano devices, silicon micromachining, microfluidics, and various biosensor applications including point-of-care detection, multiplexed detection, and biomarker and pathogen detection using optical and electrochemical transducers. Analysis of Dr. Valera's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing rapid, multiplexed diagnostic platforms for infectious diseases, particularly respiratory viruses and bloodstream pathogens. His work often integrates microfluidics with smartphone technology to create accessible point-of-care devices. Many of his recent papers address challenges in pathogen detection, sample preparation techniques (particularly blood drying methods), and biosensor development using novel materials like nano-corrugated graphene. His research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward creating practical diagnostic tools that can be deployed in resource-limited settings. Dr. Valera has published over 50 papers in prestigious international journals and holds 4 patents (2 in Spain and 2 in the USA). His work has been supported by funded projects in Europe, Spain, and the USA. As a researcher, Dr. Valera has participated in numerous international and national conferences and has collaborated extensively with other researchers in the development of diagnostic technologies. His work on the mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 transmission at a large public university demonstrates his engagement with real-world public health challenges. Dr. Valera works within the Bashir Research Group at UIUC, which is known for its work in bioengineering, micro- and nanotechnology, and diagnostic device development. His research integrates aspects of electronic engineering, chemistry, and biology to create innovative diagnostic solutions.
Dr. Gayathri Pandey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. She specializes in social neuroscience, focusing on the interplay between social relationships, brain function, and mental health across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on alcohol use disorders and resilience mechanisms. NIH-sponsored TRANSPORT fellowship recipient First PRODiG faculty in Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences K01 award from NIA/NIAAA Co-investigator on multiple R01 and U01 grants Her research integrates biopsychosocial approaches to examine familial risk factors, neurocognitive biomarkers, and social-environmental influences on mental health. She has received recognition for her work on parent-child bonding's protective role in neurocognitive health among high-risk offspring, featured in Psychology Today , Neuroscience News , and the Thriving Minds podcast. Dr. Pandey's interdisciplinary training spans clinical psychology, neuroscience & education, and social & personality psychology. She employs advanced neuroimaging techniques, polygenic risk scores, and machine learning to analyze developmental trajectories of resilience and risk in substance use disorders. Principal Investigator for K01-AA030610 (2024-2029): Interplay of parenting, genetics, and brain function in alcohol use disorder Co-Investigator for COGA (Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism) and other NIH-funded projects
Isabelle Drewelow is an Associate Professor of French and Applied Linguistics at the University of Alabama, Department of Modern Languages & Classics. Her research focuses on intercultural competence, affective dimensions of foreign language learning, and pedagogical strategies for fostering cognitive flexibility. PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2009) Maîtrise & Licence in Applied Foreign Languages, Université Michel de Montaigne-Bordeaux III Research Interests: Intercultural Competence Foreign Language Pedagogy Instructed Second Language Acquisition Affective Dimensions of Learning Experiential & Transformational Learning Her recent publications emphasize decentering pedagogies, technology-mediated learning, and blending translation with service learning to cultivate resilience and solidarity dispositions. She received the 2017 Alabama World Language Association’s Educator of Excellence Award. Scientific Awards: 2017 Alabama World Language Association’s Educator of Excellence Award She teaches advanced French language and culture courses, graduate qualitative research methods, and special topics in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Her work integrates critical pedagogy, digital tools, and social responsibility frameworks.
Dr. Cathy Risdon is Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. With over 30 years of experience in the Department of Family Medicine, she aims to reinvigorate a sustainable, inclusive learning and practice environment for current and future family medicine learners and providers. She previously served as the first holder of the David Braley-Nancy Gordon Endowed Chair in Family Medicine and as Associate Chair, Academic within the Department, as well as co-lead for the McMaster Family Health Team. Dr. Risdon completed her medical training at McMaster University (class of '92) and later earned a Doctorate of Management in Organizational Change from the University of Hertfordshire. Her doctoral research explored themes of excellence and improvisation within curriculum design and implementation. Dr. Risdon's research focuses on primary care innovation, interprofessional collaboration, and health system integration. She has co-created the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine's Professional Competency Curriculum, teaching professionalism, communication skills, advocacy, ethics and reflective practice. Her expertise includes curriculum development, facilitation, and improving team dynamics in healthcare settings. She has conducted training and consultations across North America for primary care and community-based agencies. Her recent work centers on the Health TAPESTRY program for older adults, polypharmacy management, and transgender healthcare. Fellow of the Academy of Communications in Healthcare (one of only three Canadians) First holder of the David Braley-Nancy Gordon Endowed Chair in Family Medicine Dr. Risdon's clinical practice has focused on serving vulnerable populations in inner-city settings. She has been instrumental in designing and delivering the successful Hamilton Health Team submission and is considered an expert in health system integration and primary care. She has co-developed the Health TAPESTRY program, which focuses on promoting person-focused primary healthcare for older adults through interprofessional teams.
Conjoint Associate Professor Tom Ford is an Interventional Cardiologist at the University of Newcastle's School of Medicine and Public Health. He serves as director of Central Heart on the Central Coast of NSW and holds appointments as the Australian National Young Ambassador to EAPCI (European Association for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention). He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh) and Fellow of Cardiac Society for Australia/New Zealand (FCSANZ). Dr. Ford completed his medical training at the University of Dundee, receiving the University Medal (Captain WA Low Prize 2007). He gained the MRCP at the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh before emigrating to Australia in 2010. He completed his FRACP during advanced cardiology training at Prince of Wales Hospital and St George Hospital in Sydney. His subspecialty training included a three-year fellowship at Glasgow's Golden Jubilee National Hospital, the UK's highest volume center for coronary stents, where he also completed his PhD which won the prestigious Bellahouston Medal. Dr. Ford's research focuses on coronary physiology, interventional cardiology, and microvascular angina, with particular expertise in angina and ischemic heart disease. His work bridges clinical practice and research, investigating coronary vasomotor disorders, complex percutaneous coronary interventions, and chronic total occlusions. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on functional coronary angiography, coronary microvascular dysfunction assessment techniques, and the development of targeted therapies for microvascular disease. Dr. Ford has received significant recognition for his work including the Bellahouston Medal for his PhD thesis, EuroPCR Best Abstract award, and the British Cardiac Society's 'Best of the Best' Clinical Abstract award in Interventional Cardiology. His research has been published in leading cardiology journals and he has been invited faculty at major cardiology scientific sessions including the American Heart Association, European Society of Cardiology, EuroPCR, and Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics. Dr. Ford actively participates in multicenter clinical trials and registries including the CorMicA trial, TARGET-FFR study, and the Australian-New Zealand Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (ANZ-SCAD) Registry. His clinical practice combines advanced interventional techniques with a focus on diagnosing and managing patients with complex coronary conditions, particularly those with angina but without obstructive coronary artery disease.
Dr. Jennifer Hirst is a Principal Research Associate and Fellow at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, where she serves as a Tutor in Natural Sciences (Biological). She is based at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research within the School of Clinical Medicine, focusing on cell biology and membrane trafficking research. Dr. Hirst earned her BSc Hons in Biochemistry from Imperial College London (as an Associate of the Royal College of Science), followed by a PhD in Cell Biology from University College London. She also completed a Diploma in Science Communication from Birkbeck College London, demonstrating her commitment to public engagement. Her research primarily investigates membrane trafficking mechanisms and their role in human diseases, particularly hereditary spastic paraplegia and lysosomal storage diseases. She has extensive expertise in endocytosis, cell culture, intracellular trafficking, live cell imaging, and molecular cell biology techniques. Her work examines how adaptor protein complexes (particularly AP-4 and AP-5) function in cellular trafficking pathways and how their dysfunction leads to neurodegenerative disorders. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on hereditary spastic paraplegia, with particular emphasis on AP-4 and AP-5 complex deficiencies. Her research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, including development of diagnostic assays and potential gene therapies. She frequently collaborates on multicenter studies examining genetic mutations and their phenotypic expressions across different populations. Dr. Hirst is actively involved in public science engagement, conducting school science visits, and maintains personal interests in traveling, karate, and badminton. Her technical expertise includes advanced cellular imaging techniques, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence, which support her investigations into protein trafficking pathways and neurological disease mechanisms.
Professor Sue Black is a Professor of Computer Science and Technology Evangelist at Durham University's Department of Computer Science. She is renowned for leading the successful social media campaign to save Bletchley Park, a pivotal site in computing history, and for founding BCSWomen, the UK's first online network for women in tech. Holding an OBE for services to technology, she advises the UK government and sits on Comic Relief's board. Her research focuses on software engineering, AI ethics, digital inclusion, and equity in tech. She has pioneered tech training programs for underrepresented groups through initiatives like TechUP. A public speaker and author, her book Saving Bletchley Park chronicles her campaign's impact. She balances academic rigor with grassroots activism, advocating for inclusive technology ecosystems globally. Education: BSc(Hons) Computing Studies (London South Bank University, 1993), PhD in Software Engineering (2001). Single mother of three by 25, she pursued education while overcoming significant personal challenges. Awards: OBE (2016), Forbes Top 50 Women in Tech, International Social Impact Award (2017). Grants & Impact: Leads digital skills programs reaching thousands in underserved communities. Advises on national digital strategies and chairs panels on AI ethics. Her work bridges academia, industry, and social justice.
Dr. Justin Silverman is an Assistant Professor of Information Science & Technology, Statistics, and Medicine at Pennsylvania State University, with affiliations in the Department of Statistics and the Institute for Computational and Data Science. He holds an MD from Duke University School of Medicine (2020), a PhD in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics from Duke (2019), and a BS in Physics and Biophysics from Johns Hopkins University (2011). His research integrates Bayesian statistics, machine learning, and genomics to address impactful biomedical questions. Key focuses include microbiome analysis, gene expression studies, and scale-reliant inference methodologies. His work emphasizes methodological rigor and clinical relevance, with applications in personalized medicine, agriculture, and epidemiology. The Silverman Lab develops cutting-edge tools like the fido and philr packages for compositional data analysis. Collaborations span academia and industry, addressing challenges in livestock health, viral surveillance, and precision medicine. He also leads Anarres Analytics LLC, translating statistical methods into practical solutions for clients. His advising includes PhD and MS students working on topics like scalable Bayesian models, microbial co-occurrence networks, and topological data analysis in oncology. Notable projects include studies on ancient microbiomes, dairy cow treatments, and pandemic modeling. Labs and teams: Silverman Lab (PSU), Anarres Analytics. Current positions: PI, startup founder, and collaborator in multi-institutional projects.
Ying Chen serves as Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering within Tufts University's School of Engineering. Her laboratory develops advanced 3D in vitro tissue models of human intestine using silk scaffolds and intestinal organoids to mimic native structure and function. Ph.D. in Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine (2013) M.S. in Environmental Toxicology, Xiamen University (2007) B.S. in Environmental Science, Fujian Normal University (2004) Her research focuses on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine , specifically creating human intestinal models that maintain mucus layers and oxygen gradients. These models enable studies of inflammatory bowel disease, drug delivery mechanisms, nanotoxicity effects, and microbial infections. Her work bridges biomaterials science , organoid technology , and translational medicine , with recent publications emphasizing silk-based protective coatings and cultivated meat applications. Analysis of her publication record (2022-2026) reveals strong emphasis on silk protein biomaterials for cellular protection and tissue modeling, with growing applications in sustainable food technology. Key thematic areas include intestinal disease modeling (32% of recent work), silk-based cell encapsulation (28%), and novel imaging techniques for engineered tissues (15%). Dr. Chen actively secures competitive research funding, including a National Science Foundation grant for 'Dynamic protein-based biomaterial designs for bionic coatings' (2021-2024) and industry collaboration with Sofregen Medical Inc. Her teaching portfolio consistently features 'Tissue Engineering Research Lab' courses since 2019, training students in advanced biomaterial techniques. Her laboratory maintains two key patents: 'Innervated artificial intestine compositions' (2017) and 'Microphysiologic methods and compositions' (2014), demonstrating translational impact beyond academic publications.
Dr. Benjamin Ruisch serves as a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Kent's School of Psychology, specializing in political attitudes and intergroup prejudice. His research examines ideological divides through the lens of social and political psychology, with emphasis on conspiracy theories and pandemic-related social dynamics. His academic journey includes: PhD from Cornell University Social Psychology Area Postdoctoral Fellowship at Ohio State University Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship at Leiden University Research Interests: Dr. Ruisch investigates the psychological foundations of political ideology, focusing on: Physiological correlates of political orientation (e.g., interoceptive sensitivity) Conspiracy theory formation and psychological consequences Ideological asymmetries in prejudice and moral judgment Social dynamics during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic Publication Trends: His 2022-2025 work reveals evolving focus from pandemic responses to fundamental ideological processes. Key themes include the relationship between bodily awareness and political liberalism, slippery-slope reasoning in moral judgments, and longitudinal impacts of conspiracy beliefs. Publications consistently bridge political science with psychological mechanisms. Scientific Awards: Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Grants and Funding: Dr. Ruisch has secured support from major international bodies: European Commission U.S. National Science Foundation Society for Personality and Social Psychology American Psychology-Law Society United States-Indonesia Society Cornell University institutes (Institute for Social Sciences, Einaudi Center, Center for Study of Inequality) Labs and Teams: His collaborative network spans Cornell, Ohio State, Leiden, and Kent universities, operating through interdisciplinary teams focused on experimental social psychology. Current work involves pandemic-related attitude tracking and cross-national ideology studies without dedicated lab branding.
Sarah F. Muldoon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. Her research focuses on network neuroscience and complex systems, integrating tools from mathematics, physics, and computational biology. Education: PhD in Physics, University of Michigan (2009) Her research explores network organization in brain function, particularly in health and pathological conditions like epilepsy. Key areas include: Development of novel network statistics (e.g., small-world propensity, multilayer analysis) Computational modeling of brain dynamics and state transitions Experimental data analysis across neuronal networks, ECoG, and fMRI Software tools for seizure detection and community structure quantification She leads a multidisciplinary group affiliated with the Computational and Data-Enabled Sciences (CDES) Program and Neuroscience Program at UB. Her work bridges theoretical and applied network science, with recent publications examining brain states, pandemic modeling, and personalized network diagnostics.
Dr. Rahamatullah Shaikh is an Assistant Professor in Industrial Pharmaceutics at the Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science within the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford. With extensive international research experience in academia and industry, his expertise spans drug formulation, continuous manufacturing, and particle engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Limerick and an MPhil from Queen's University Belfast, where he developed patented buccal patch technology. His research focuses on: Continuous manufacturing processes via Quality by Design (QbD) Next-generation drug delivery systems for oral, mucosal, transdermal, and ophthalmic applications Novel biomaterials for regenerative medicine His publication portfolio demonstrates strong trends in pharmaceutical cocrystallization, continuous processing, and advanced drug delivery systems, particularly for ophthalmology and personalized medicine. Dr. Shaikh teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate programs and serves as Health and Safety Lead at the CPES. He has supervised 16 student research projects and actively engages in science outreach through initiatives like spectroscopy workshops.
