Find Academic Supervisors

Geoffrey MaksymView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Respiratory Physiology
• Asthma Pathology
• +5 more

Geoffrey Maksym, PhD, is a Professor at Dalhousie University's School of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science. His research focuses on respiratory disease mechanisms, medical device development, and cell biomechanics. Key areas include asthma pathophysiology, airway smooth muscle function, and lung mechanics modeling. He leads the Maksym Lab, collaborating with clinicians and industry partners on projects like oscillometry device innovation and hyperpolarized MRI techniques. Research emphasizes translating engineering tools into clinical applications, such as non-invasive lung function measurement systems and tissue engineering models. His work integrates computational modeling with experimental techniques to understand airway variability and heterogeneity, particularly in asthma and COPD. Recent projects include developing a modular oscillometry device and investigating e-cigarette impacts on lung function. Key collaborations: QEII Health Sciences Centre, Montreal medical device companies Supported by NSERC Idea-to-Innovation grants and Dalhousie's Technology Transfer Office Publications span 20+ years, with over 50 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Journal of Applied Physiology and Annals of Biomedical Engineering .

• Deep Learning Applications in Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Signal Processing
• Semantic Segmentation
• +2 more

Antonio Brunetti is an Assistant Professor (RTD-a) at Politecnico di Bari, focusing on deep learning applications in biomedical engineering. His research bridges artificial intelligence with medical imaging and neurological signal analysis, particularly for disease diagnosis and rehabilitation. Research Interests Deep learning for multimodal medical imaging (MRI, CT, EEG/fNIRS) Neurological disorder analysis (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) Radiomics and explainable AI in oncology Virtual reality interventions for cognitive decline Publication Trends Recent work emphasizes AI-driven segmentation of tumors, attention mechanisms in neurological classification, and fusion techniques for multimodal data. Applications span from pancreatic cancer radiomics to hyposmia assessment post-COVID-19.

Bryan HeitView profile

Associate Professor

• Macrophage Biology
• Efferocytosis
• Atherosclerosis
• +2 more

Bryan Heit is Associate Professor at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine, investigating macrophage function in health and disease. His laboratory focuses on efferocytosis mechanisms and failures in disease contexts. Research expertise includes phagocyte biology, efferocytosis regulation, antigen processing, and inflammatory disease mechanisms. Applications span atherosclerosis, pneumonia, and autoimmune conditions. Recent publications describe quantitative methods for efferocytosis measurement, SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion strategies, and synovial macrophage dysfunction in osteoarthritis. Emerging techniques include long-term live cell imaging and fluorescent biosensors. No specific awards listed in extracted text Supervises graduate students in microbiology and immunology programs. Research funded by Canadian institutes including studies on efferocytosis impairment in arthritis. Leads the Heit Lab (www.phagocytes.ca) developing advanced microscopy techniques to study macrophage behavior in real-time during infection and inflammation.

Lisa VanWielView profile

Lecturer

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
• Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy
• +3 more

Dr. Lisa VanWiel is an Instructor in the Department of Health Professions - PT at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, within the Health Science Center. Her research focuses on maternal pelvic floor dysfunction, postpartum mental health, and the intersection of physical activity with cardiovascular health. She holds a PhD in Human Physiology from The University of Iowa and a DPT from St. Ambrose University. Education : B.A. Human Physiology, The University of Iowa DPT, St. Ambrose University PhD Human Physiology, The University of Iowa Research Interests : Dr. VanWiel investigates how pelvic floor dysfunction impacts maternal health, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum. Her work examines links between urinary incontinence, cardiovascular disease risk, and physical activity levels in women. She also explores postpartum mental health through a systematic review of pelvic floor-related outcomes. Teaching & Career : She teaches courses on exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary systems, and fieldwork education. Previously, she worked as an adjunct professor in cardiopulmonary therapeutics and held clinical roles in pediatric and skilled nursing facilities, including ICU support during the pandemic. Labs/Teams : Collaborates with researchers at Hartford Hospital, The University of Iowa, and St. Ambrose University on maternal health studies.

Marco AtzoriView profile

Lecturer

• Neurophysiology
• Synaptic Transmission
• Neuroimmunology
• +3 more

Marco Atzori is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Santa Clara University, College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from S.I.S.S.A./I.S.A.S., Trieste, Italy, with postdoctoral research at the University of Tennessee and NIH. His research focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders, emphasizing monoaminergic and neuropeptide modulation of synaptic transmission, inflammation’s impact on brain excitability, and translational models of autism, schizophrenia, and anxiety disorders. Key techniques include brain slice electrophysiology, in-vivo neurophysiology, and behavioral assays in rodent models. Education: B.S. Physics (1989, University of Trieste), M.Sci. Biophysics (1993, S.I.S.S.A.), Ph.D. Biophysics (1995, S.I.S.S.A.), and postdoctoral training (1996–2000). His work spans over 30 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Neuroscience , Journal of Neuroscience Research , and Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience , exploring topics such as nicotinic receptor pharmacology, cytokine-neurotransmitter interactions, and vagal nerve stimulation’s therapeutic potential. Research interests include the interplay between stress, inflammation, and synaptic plasticity in psychiatric conditions, with a focus on developing novel treatments targeting GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. His studies employ both in vivo and in vitro models to investigate attentional circuits, epilepsy mechanisms, and the role of environmental enrichment on cortical excitability. Laboratory techniques include advanced neuroimaging (MRI/spectroscopy), immunohistochemistry, and stress protocols (e.g., social defeat models). Collaborations with institutions like NIH and UT Memphis have supported his exploration of monoamine modulation in cortical circuits and the neurobiology of auditory processing.

Meridith GriffinView profile

Associate Professor

• Aging
• Disability
• Gender
• +7 more

Dr. Meridith Griffin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health, Aging & Society at McMaster University , where she also serves as Associate Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging. Her research program, funded by an SSHRC Insight Grant titled "Physical Activity for Any-Body," employs qualitative methodologies to analyze the intersection of body positivity, age-related social dynamics, and inclusive physical culture. Education: BKin (Honours) from McMaster University, MA in Human Kinetics from University of British Columbia, PhD in Sport & Health Sciences from University of Exeter Griffin's work spans interdisciplinary domains including social gerontology, sociology of sport, leisure studies, and sociological social psychology. She utilizes participatory, ethnographic, narrative, visual, and arts-based methods to examine embodied experiences of physical activity across diverse populations. Recent publications highlight trends in digital health interventions for older adults, critical analysis of fitness industry inclusionism, and intersectional frameworks for understanding age, gender, and disability in physical culture. Her 15 most recent articles (2017-2025) focus on topics like "Digital Ageism in Machine Learning," "Mobility Determinants in Aging," and "Narratives of Loneliness Among Black Older Adults." Scientific Awards: SSHRC Insight Grant Principal Investigator Advising: Supervised research projects on synchronous online exercise programs and body mapping for inclusive leisure Grants: Multiple SSHRC-funded initiatives Griffin leads qualitative methods courses at McMaster and collaborates with the Gilbrea Centre on aging-related research. Her work addresses systemic barriers in physical activity participation through policy engagement and community-based interventions.

• Mitochondrial disease
• Muscle disorders
• Neurometabolic disorders
• +6 more

Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky is a Professor and Division Head of Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic Disorders in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences. He holds a Chair in Neuromuscular Disorders from McMaster Children's Hospital/Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation since 2010 and has been with McMaster University since accepting a faculty position in 1996. Dr. Tarnopolsky completed a PhD in Cell Biology and Metabolism in 2001, followed by five years of training in Internal Medicine, Neurology and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at McMaster University and the University of Rochester in New York. His primary research focuses on mitochondrial disease, muscle disorders (particularly muscular dystrophy), and other neurometabolic disorders. His laboratory publishes approximately 25 papers per year examining mitochondrial and muscle function in patients, aging, and animal models of pediatric and adult neuromuscular conditions. He leads clinical research on therapies for mitochondrial cytopathies, with additional work on Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Friedreich's ataxia, and Pompe disease. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on mitochondrial function across various disease states, with significant work on creatine supplementation, exercise physiology, and novel therapeutic approaches for neuromuscular disorders. His research spans basic science investigations through to clinical trials. Dr. Tarnopolsky maintains an active clinical practice in neuromuscular and neurometabolic disease while directing a productive research laboratory. His work has been featured in prominent publications including Time magazine, and he has led research on topics such as how regular cycling can improve mobility in patients with myotonic dystrophy.

Vinod MenonView profile

Professor

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• +3 more

Vinod Menon is the Rachel L. and Walter F. Nichols, MD, Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Professor (by courtesy) of Neurology & Neurological Sciences and Education at Stanford University. As director of the Stanford Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, he investigates human brain function and dysfunction using advanced imaging and computational methodologies. His research spans neurodevelopmental disorders, psychiatric conditions, and large-scale brain networks. BSc (Honors) in Physics, Indian Institute of Technology (1982) PhD in Computer Science & Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin (1990) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neurophysiology, University of California, Berkeley (1994) Menon's research focuses on large-scale brain networks (default mode, frontoparietal, salience networks) and their role in cognitive, affective, and social function. His lab explores neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, ADHD), learning disabilities , and computational models of brain circuits. He also investigates sex differences in brain organization and causal neural mechanisms in rodent models. Recent publications highlight multimodal approaches (neuroimaging, transcriptomics, deep learning) to study mathematical ability, mind wandering, and social cognition. His work on default mode network dynamics has had a paradigm-shifting impact across neuroscience and psychiatry. ISI Highly Cited Researcher in Neuroscience (2013-2018) ISI Highly Cited Researcher with Cross-Field Impact (2019, 2020) NIH MERIT Award (2018) Young Investigator Award, NARSAD (1998) Menon mentors students and researchers from diverse disciplines and leads interdisciplinary teams at Stanford. His clinical trials examine pharmacological interventions for depression and brain training for cognitive deficits.

• Molecular Genetics
• Developmental Biology
• Systems Biology
• +4 more

Dr. Michalis Barkoulas is a Reader in Molecular Genetics at the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences at Imperial College London. His research focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying phenotypic robustness and evolution using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. Key areas include epidermal cell fate patterning, pathogen recognition, and immune responses to oomycete infections. He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford (2003–2007), followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Oxford and École Normale Supérieure in Paris. He has led numerous high-impact research projects funded by prestigious institutions such as the BBSRC, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Society, Wellcome Trust, and ERC. His lab investigates how genetic and environmental perturbations affect developmental robustness and phenotypic variability in C. elegans . Recent work includes uncovering genes buffering phenotypic variance and characterizing immune defense mechanisms against oomycete pathogens. He has developed innovative tools like the NanoDam toolkit for tissue-specific transcription factor profiling. Dr. Barkoulas has supervised 10 PhD students, 8 postdoctoral researchers, and over 90 undergraduate/Master’s students. His affiliations include the Fungal Science Network, Microbiome Network, and Physics of Life research groups at Imperial College London.

Joanna-Maria PapageorgiouView profile

Researcher

• Tele-rehabilitation
• Heart Failure
• Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
• +4 more

Joanna-Maria Papageorgiou is a PhD Student and physician at Linköping University, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences (HMV), Division of Nursing Sciences and Reproductive Health (ORH). She works at the Department of Cardiology, University Hospital in Linköping, focusing on advanced heart failure and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Her research interests include: Tele-rehabilitation for heart failure and PAH patients Remote yoga interventions (Teleyoga) Risk assessment models in pulmonary hypertension Women's cardiovascular health Cardio-oncology She has contributed to studies on HeartMate 3™ therapy, cognition in heart failure, and digital health interventions. Current projects include LILAC-HF (non-invasive lung fluid monitoring) and Teleyoga. Education and clinical roles: Medical Doctor (2007) Swedish Cardiology Degree (2016) Senior Consultant in Cardiology (2021) Responsible for Cardio-Oncology (2016) and PAH (2022) at Linköping University Hospital Member of the SPAHR Steering Committee (2023) Lecturer on cardiology courses for physicians and nurses

Simone GillView profile

Associate Professor

• Motor Function
• Obesity and Health Outcomes
• Developmental Psychology
• +3 more

Simone Gill, PhD, OT, OTR, FAOTA, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy and the BU School of Medicine at Boston University. She serves as the Director of the Motor Development Laboratory, focusing on how body composition and environmental factors influence motor functioning across the lifespan. Her research integrates biomechanical and ecological approaches to study gait adaptation, particularly in populations affected by obesity and neurological conditions. Dr. Gill holds advanced degrees in Psychology and Occupational Therapy from Carnegie Mellon University, Tufts University, and New York University. Her research interests emphasize the interplay between obesity, motor control, and fall risk mitigation, with applications in pediatric and adult populations. She investigates innovative interventions using wearable technology and spatiotemporal gait analysis to enhance mobility and reduce health disparities. Dr. Gill also advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration in rehabilitation science, reflected in her leadership roles in organizations like the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). Notable awards include the AOTA Fellowship (2020), the AOTF Meritorious Service Award (2022), and the 2024 Leadership Commendation. Her academic contributions span teaching graduate courses in evidence-based practice, motor analysis, and doctoral project design, fostering clinical reasoning and professional development among occupational therapy students. Dr. Gill’s Motor Development Laboratory explores translational research to optimize health outcomes in early childhood and create interventions targeting obesity-related fall risks. Current projects include virtual assessments for neurodevelopmental disorders and fall prevention strategies for marginalized populations with HIV and substance use.

E.A. (Eddy) van der ZeeView profile

Professor

• Neurosciences
• Behavioural Sciences
• Biology
• +6 more

Prof. E.A. (Eddy) van der Zee is a Full Professor at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences. His primary role is as a Molecular Neurobiology researcher within the Van der Zee Lab. He holds additional leadership roles including Chair of IvD-UMCG, Education Director of the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, and President of WAVEX (an international society for whole-body vibration research). He is also a member of the College van Beroep voor de Examens. His research focuses on neurosciences, behavioral sciences, and biology, with specializations in neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive neuroscience, and the neurobiological impacts of whole-body vibration. He leads major projects such as BIRD-NL (focusing on dementia prevention), AL-III (combating Parkinson’s disease via LRKK2 modulation), and studies on microbiome effects in Phenylketonuria (PKU). Prof. van der Zee has been awarded the Dutch Zoology Prize (1996). His recent work integrates human and animal models to explore social health, cognitive decline, and neuroplasticity. He collaborates internationally and actively contributes to editorial roles in journals like Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience and Journal of Integrative Neuroscience . He mentors a diverse group of researchers and PhD candidates, advancing translational neuroscience and public health initiatives. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address complex neurological challenges.

Elin ÖstlindView profile

Lecturer

• Physiotherapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Osteoarthritis Management
• +3 more

Elin Östlind is a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Fellow at Lund University, affiliated with the Department of Human Movement: Health and Rehabilitation. She also works clinically as a physiotherapist and rehabilitation coordinator in primary care. Her research focuses on mobile health technologies, physical activity interventions for individuals with hip/knee osteoarthritis, and post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. She defended her PhD thesis in 2022, which explored the role of wearable activity trackers in osteoarthritis management. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Education: PhD in Physiotherapy (Lund University, 2022) Professional qualifications in Physiotherapy Research Interests: Combining clinical practice with technological innovations to improve mobility and quality of life for patients with musculoskeletal conditions. Current projects investigate activity tracking devices for pain management, post-COVID-19 dizziness rehabilitation, and sedentary behavior patterns in chronic disease populations. Research Output Trends: Recent studies analyze the impact of wearable technologies on joint function, explore long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on physical health, and assess biomarker correlations in osteoarthritis. Methodological approaches include randomized controlled trials, focus groups, and cross-sectional analyses. Grants: Active@Work Project (Swedish Research Council, 2017-2023): Investigated workplace physical activity interventions for osteoarthritis patients Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Lund University’s Human Movement research group and multidisciplinary teams addressing post-viral rehabilitation challenges.

Jane ShearerView profile

Professor

• Metabolic Physiology
• Gut-Brain Axis
• Neurological Disorders
• +4 more

Dr. Jane Shearer is a Professor in the Cumming School of Medicine (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) and the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. She also serves as a Child Health & Wellness Researcher at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute's Owerko Centre, and holds Full Membership in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, and Libin Cardiovascular Institute. Her research focuses on metabolic physiology, particularly the gut-brain axis, energy disturbances in diseases, and dietary therapies for neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy. Her work integrates metabolic, microbial, and clinical approaches to address chronic diseases. Key themes include investigating how gut microbiota modulate seizure activity, mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic diseases, and the impacts of dietary interventions (e.g., ketogenic diets) on neurological outcomes. She explores metabolic pathways related to maternal health, preterm birth prediction, and food insecurity interventions. Dr. Shearer’s recent publications emphasize dietary supplements, microbiota dynamics in hypertension and obesity, and the role of probiotics in mitigating cardiometabolic diseases. She collaborates across disciplines to translate metabolic insights into clinical practices targeting child health, brain disorders, and chronic disease prevention.

Michael MorenoView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomechanics
• Medical Device Design
• 3D Bioprinting
• +3 more

Michael Moreno is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University's College of Engineering, holding the J. Mike Walker '66 Faculty Fellowship. He serves as Assistant Dean of Innovation for Engineering Medicine and is affiliated with Biomedical Engineering. Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (Texas A&M, 2009), M.S. in Biomedical Engineering (Florida International University, 2003), M.S. in Science Education (Florida International University, 1997), B.S. in Physics (Florida International University, 1996). His biomechanics research spans medical device innovation, cardiovascular systems, orthopedic applications, and sports performance. Current projects include LVAD hemocompatibility, 3D bioprinting, and motion analysis in veterinary contexts. Moreno's publications reflect cross-disciplinary approaches to medical challenges, with recent emphasis on computational modeling in orthopedics, innovative surgical techniques, and performance optimization in athletics. Technical developments include novel bioreactor systems and constitutive bone models. Dean of Engineering Excellence Award (2016) TEES Young Faculty Fellow Award (2016) ASME Bioengineering Division Skalak Award (2012) He leads research on cardiac compression devices and advises projects in sports biomechanics. Laboratory work includes custom instrumentation for soft tissue characterization and in vitro physiological simulation.