Professor Jane Parker is a leading academic in food science at the University of Reading, serving as Founder and Director of the Flavour Centre. Her roles include PhD supervision, leadership in the Food Research Group, and organizing the BSF Flavour Course. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of St Andrews and a PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry from the University of Cambridge (C.Chem., MRSC). Her research focuses on the chemistry of flavour formation (e.g., Maillard reaction), food sustainability, and olfactory disorders post-COVID-19. She collaborates with industry via the Flavour Centre for contract research, training, and analytical services. Notable projects include understanding off-flavour development, controlling acrylamide in foods, and optimizing flavour in sustainable food systems. Her work bridges chemistry and sensory science, employing techniques like GC-MS-olfactometry and advanced analytical methods. Awards include the BSF Bill Littlejohn Medal (2018) and Horizon Europe funding (2024). She chairs the RSC Food Group and advises the Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research. Recent publications emphasize aroma compound identification (e.g., in cocoa, aged garlic), kinetic modelling of food reactions, and post-viral olfactory dysfunction. She has secured significant grants, including multiple GCRF awards, and maintains strong industry partnerships.
Shilpa Gaikwad is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a PT, PhD, and MPTh, with clinical expertise in neurologic physical therapy across diverse populations in the U.S. and India. Her roles include educator, scientist, and clinician, emphasizing evidence-based practice and community service. Gaikwad has 15 years of clinical experience and 11 years of teaching in neuroscience/neurologic physical therapy. Education: Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Sciences, Loma Linda University Master of Physiotherapy in Neurosciences/Neuromuscular PT, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences Research Interests: Vestibular rehabilitation Chronic motion sickness and balance dysfunction in older adults and neurologic patients Student engagement strategies in classroom teaching Professional Roles: Committee member, Online Education Committee of APTA’s Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT) Committee member, Balance and Fall Special Interest Group (BFSIG) Bimonthly Balance Brief of ANPT Founding member, International Society of Progression in Rehabilitation and Education (InSPIRE) Swadesh Inc. Publications: Focus on vestibular rehabilitation, motion sensitivity, and clinical trial methodologies, with recent work emphasizing qualitative studies and systematic reviews. Awards: First prize for presentation on gaze stability exercises in chronic motion sensitivity (2017) Certifications: Credentialed Clinical Instructor (Level 1), Vestibular Rehabilitation & Concussion Specialist, and Certified Fall Prevention Specialist (all from 2021).
James Irrgang is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). He specializes in orthopaedic physical therapy with a focus on knee injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, meniscus rehabilitation, and patient-reported outcomes. His work emphasizes clinical outcomes, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation protocols for musculoskeletal injuries. He has led initiatives in developing consensus guidelines for multiligament knee injuries and meniscus repair through interdisciplinary collaborations like the ESSKA-AOSSM-AASPT initiatives. Dr. Irrgang's research spans biomechanical analyses of ACL reconstruction grafts, post-surgical motion recovery, and the impact of surgical timing on shoulder function. Notable contributions include studies on rotator cuff repair outcomes, the diagnostic utility of clinical tests for rotator cuff tears, and the development of preoperative risk stratification tools for total shoulder arthroplasty. He has also addressed the pandemic's effects on surgical trends and rehabilitation accessibility. He holds academic leadership roles at the University of Pittsburgh, including managing the Doctor of Physical Therapy program with on-campus and hybrid options. His affiliations include the Department of Physical Therapy and the SHRS administrative leadership. While no specific awards are listed in the provided text, his extensive publications reflect recognition in clinical and rehabilitative medicine.
Sara Piva is a Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). She directs the Physical Therapy Clinical and Translational Research Center, leading multidisciplinary initiatives in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Her academic roles include teaching, mentoring, and overseeing clinical research programs. Education: B.Sc. in Physical Education, B.Sc. in Physical Therapy, M.Sc. in Musculoskeletal Physical Therapy, and a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Research focuses on musculoskeletal disorders, including mechanisms of pain-related functional limitations, exercise interventions, and clinical trial methodologies. Key areas include biomechanics of spinal and joint dysfunction, psychometric validation of clinical measures, and optimizing post-surgical rehabilitation protocols for knee replacements. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 20+ clinical trials funded by NIH, PCORI, and foundations highlight her contributions. Notable achievements include developing evidence-based guidelines for patellofemoral pain and advancing imaging techniques for evaluating paraspinal muscles. Awards: George J. Davies Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award (APTA), Rose Award for Research Excellence, and Catherine Worthingham Fellowship. Grants and mentoring: Mentors graduate students in rehabilitation science. Active in interprofessional initiatives like the Back Pain Consortium (BACPAC) and translational research programs. Labs/Teams: Leads the Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Group at the SHRS, collaborating with orthopaedic surgeons, biomechanical engineers, and data scientists.
Dr. Arimantas Lionikas is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen's School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. His research focuses on genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle variability, with particular emphasis on muscle mass, fiber composition, and metabolic regulation. He holds a PhD from the Lithuanian Sports University and has conducted postdoctoral work at institutions including the Karolinska Institute and Pennsylvania State University. His lab investigates genetic factors influencing muscle traits using mouse models, identifying key genes like STC2 and POU3F4. He has secured funding from NIH (e.g., R01 AR056280) and EU grants, and collaborates with global researchers in genetics and muscle biology. Education: PhD in Human Physiology, Lithuanian Sports University (1999) Masters in Human Physiology, Lithuanian Sports University (1994) Bachelor's in Physical Education, Lithuanian Sports University (1992) Research Interests: Genetic determinants of muscle mass, muscle fiber type distribution, metabolic adaptations in muscle, and aging-related muscle decline. Key areas include genome-wide association studies (GWAS), functional validation of candidate genes, and mechanistic studies of muscle growth regulators like stanniocalcin-2. Grants & Collaborations: NIH R03 AR052879: Dissection of Muscle Weight QTL via Congenic Strains ($145,000) NIH R01 AR056280: Genetic Variation of Muscle Mass ($1,326,999) EU Marie Curie Grant: Genetic Mechanisms of Muscle Fibre Variation (€87,500) Collaborators: David Blizard (Penn State), Abraham Palmer (UC San Diego), Claus Oxvig (Aarhus University) Labs/Teams: Leads the Lionikas Lab at the Institute of Medical Sciences, focusing on integrating genetic, physiological, and biochemical approaches to understand muscle biology.
Professor Louise Burke OAM is a Professorial Fellow in the Exercise and Nutrition Research Program at the Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University (ACU). She holds a Chair in Sports Nutrition and has been with ACU since 2014, transitioning to full-time in 2020. Her work bridges elite sports science and academic research, with a focus on optimizing athlete performance through nutrition. Education and Professional Background: Louise has over 40 years of experience in sports nutrition. She spent 30 years at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), serving as Head of Sports Nutrition and later Chief of Nutrition Strategy. She was the official dietitian for the Australian Olympic Teams from 1996 to 2012. Research Interests: Her expertise spans sports nutrition, exercise metabolism, supplements, low energy availability, and ketogenic diets . She investigates how dietary strategies like carbohydrate periodization, fat adaptation, and nutrient timing affect endurance performance, metabolic health, and recovery. Her work often involves elite athletes and addresses real-world challenges in high-performance sport. Recent Publications Trends: Her recent articles (2020–2023) focus on cutting-edge topics such as the impact of ketogenic diets on endurance performance, iron metabolism under low energy availability, disordered eating in elite sport, and the reproducibility of metabolic responses. These publications reflect her leadership in evidence-based sports nutrition and consensus guidelines for elite athletes. Scientific Awards: Medal of the Order of Australia (2009) Citation Award, American College of Sports Medicine (2009) Australia Bulletin Smart 100 Award (2007) Distinguished Scholar Award, Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutritionists, USA (2007) David R Lamb Excellence in Education Award, Gatorade Sports Science Institute (2007) Excellence in Mentoring, Sports Dietitians Australia (2017) Grants and Advising: Louise has led multiple funded research projects, including studies on ketone esters (Amazentis, $294K), potato-supported carbohydrate strategies (Alliance of Potato Research and Education, US$140K), and dietary periodization (ACU Program Grants totaling over $1M). She is an HDR Supervisor, though currently not formally accredited. She mentors early-career researchers and collaborates widely across international sports science networks. Labs and Teams: She leads research within the Exercise and Nutrition Research Program at ACU and collaborates with the Australian Institute of Sport, Sports Dietitians Australia, and the International Olympic Committee. She is a founding member of Sports Dietitians Australia and serves on the IOC Nutrition Working Group and as Director of the IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition.
Dr. Alison Huang is Professor of Medicine, Urology, and Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. She serves as Director of Research for General Internal Medicine at UCSF Health and Director of the UCSF Women's Health Clinical Research Center. Her work bridges clinical care and translational research, focusing on women’s health and aging. Harvard University – B.A. in History and Literature Cambridge University – MPhil, Trinity College Charles Fiske Scholar University of California, San Francisco – MD, Internal Medicine Residency, MAS in Clinical Research Methods San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Ambulatory Care Research Fellowship University of California – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, 2020 Dr. Huang’s research centers on genitourinary health in aging women, including urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, menopause symptoms, and pelvic pain. She investigates the impact of interpersonal trauma, sleep disruption, and cognitive decline on these conditions. Her work emphasizes patient-reported outcomes, behavioral interventions (such as yoga), and pharmacologic therapies. She develops and validates multidimensional tools to assess urogenital aging and quality of life across diverse populations. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on clinical trials of nonhormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms, behavioral interventions for pelvic conditions, and epidemiological studies on UTIs, nocturia, and social determinants of health. Her research spans internal medicine, geriatrics, gynecology, urology, and complementary therapies, often highlighting health disparities and the integration of mental and physical health in aging women. Notable scientific honors include: Elected Membership, American Society for Clinical Investigation (2025) Distinguished Professor of Geriatrics and Aging, Society of General Internal Medicine (2023) Paul B. Beeson Career Development Award (2011) T.F. Williams Award in Aging Research (2009) Dr. Huang is a dedicated mentor, leading NIH-funded training programs and mentoring students, fellows, and junior faculty in clinical research methods and career development. She has principal investigator roles on multiple NIH grants, including R01s and K awards, supporting research on pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, and resident investigator training. She also leads multidisciplinary teams and clinical trials focused on integrative and behavioral health interventions. She directs the UCSF Women's Health Clinical Research Center and leads studies such as the National Program to Overcome Pelvic Pain (POPPY) and trials on yoga, nitroglycerin for hot flashes, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for nocturia and insomnia. Her team includes clinical scientists, epidemiologists, and behavioral health specialists working across disciplines to improve women’s health outcomes.
Havovi Chichger is a Professor in Biomedical Science at Anglia Ruskin University, where she is also Deputy Head of School (Research, Innovation & Income Generation) in the School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering. Her research is conducted within the Medical Technology Research Centre and Vision and Eye Research Institute, and she is affiliated with the Cambridge Cardiovascular Interdisciplinary Research Centre. PhD in Physiology, University College London Postdoctoral Fellow, Brown University PGCert in Higher Education and Learning, Anglia Ruskin University BSc in Biochemistry, King’s College London Her research centers on the molecular mechanisms of endothelial and epithelial physiology, particularly in the context of diabetes and pulmonary diseases. Key areas include the physiological roles of bitter and sweet taste receptors (T1R3, T2Rs), endosomal trafficking (via Rab GTPases, p18), and signaling pathways (PKC, MAPK, SHP2) in regulating vascular and epithelial barrier function. She investigates how artificial sweeteners, gut microbiota, and environmental factors like e-cigarettes impact these systems. Her work bridges cell and molecular biology with translational applications in diabetic complications and acute lung injury. Her recent publications reveal a strong thematic focus on the dual role of artificial sweeteners—both as potential disruptors of gut and lung barriers and as unexpected protectors in microvascular complications. She also explores natural compounds like olive polyphenols for exercise recovery and lung cancer therapeutics. The research consistently employs in vitro models of endothelial and epithelial cells to dissect molecular pathways. American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship Teaching Excellence Certificate, Sheridan Centre, Brown University Fellow, Higher Education Academy Editor, Experimental Physiology Member, Editorial Board, Lung Cellular and Molecular Biology Member, Scientific Conference Committee, The Physiological Society Havovi Chichger actively supervises multiple PhD students, including Lewis Spurrier-Best (lung injury), Emily Capes (platelet zinc release), and Mary Bishop-Strutt (glioblastoma treatment). Her research is supported by substantial grants from the British Heart Foundation, Wellcome Trust, Diabetes UK, Cambridge Philosophical Society, and commercial partners, totaling over £500k. She leads the Biomedical Research Group and holds a UK/USA patent related to food supplementation. She is a member of numerous professional societies including The Physiological Society, American Heart Association, American Physiological Society, and American Thoracic Society, and serves as an ad-hoc reviewer for over 12 journals. Her lab focuses on understanding novel regulators of microvascular complications and developing therapeutic strategies for vascular dysfunction in metabolic and respiratory diseases.
Bjørn Olav Åsvold is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), affiliated with the HUNT Research Center. His work focuses on epidemiology, genetics, and public health, particularly in cardiovascular health, diabetes, and thyroid function studies. He leads research on Mendelian randomization, genetic associations with chronic diseases, and large-scale population cohorts like the HUNT Study. His publications emphasize causal inference in complex traits and clinical outcomes, including studies on atrial fibrillation, diabetes management, and sepsis risk. Åsvold’s interdisciplinary approach integrates genomics with clinical and epidemiological data to address global health challenges, such as hypertension control in low-resource settings and the impacts of sleep disorders on cardiovascular health. Research highlights include investigating genetic predispositions for urinary tract infections, the role of adiposity in mental health, and the mediating effects of hypertensive disorders in assisted reproduction. He collaborates on projects involving thousands of participants, leveraging large datasets to uncover actionable insights for prevention and treatment strategies. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as Science , Nature Genetics , and BMC Medicine . Key contributions include advancing methods in genetic epidemiology, validating diagnostic practices via population data, and addressing gaps in healthcare access through community-led interventions. Åsvold’s research underscores the importance of translational science, bridging basic genetic discoveries with real-world clinical applications.
Professor Jim Wild is a Professor of Magnetic Resonance Physics and Executive Director of the Insigneo Institute at the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health. He specializes in hyperpolarized gas MRI techniques for pulmonary research, particularly focusing on lung diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and interstitial lung disease. His work integrates advanced imaging modalities with clinical applications in pulmonary hypertension and long-term outcomes of respiratory conditions like Long-COVID. He holds a PhD in Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy from the University of Edinburgh and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Alberta. Research interests include developing MRI technologies for lung physiology, gas exchange modeling, and translational applications of hyperpolarized 3He and 129Xe gases. His studies often involve collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and clinical teams to evaluate novel therapies. Key contributions include establishing the UK's first clinical hyperpolarized gas MRI program, with applications in diagnosing and managing pulmonary vascular diseases. Recent work emphasizes Long-COVID lung abnormalities and AI-driven analysis of cardiac and pulmonary MRI data. His team's Insigneo Institute integrates imaging with in-silico models for personalized medicine. Over 200 peer-reviewed publications highlight his expertise in ventilation imaging, MRI physics, and clinical outcomes in pulmonary hypertension.
Professor Anne-Kristine Schanke holds a Professor II position at the Institute of Psychology, University of Oslo, with clinical affiliation at Sunnaas Rehabilitation Hospital. She earned her Cand. psychol. (1980) and PhD (2003) from the University of Oslo, specializing in neuropsychology and clinical rehabilitation. Her research focuses on neuropsychology, rehabilitation psychology, and health psychology, particularly in traumatic brain injury, post-polio syndrome, and fatigue management. She has led numerous national studies, including projects on symptom validity assessment and quality of life in rare diseases. Schanke has been honored with the Handicap Prize (2000), Honorary membership in the Norwegian Neuropsychological Association (2017), and the King’s Medal of Merit (2019). She has served on regional research and ethics committees and collaborates across institutions via initiatives like the CHARMS rehabilitation center. Her teaching includes clinical practice at Sunnaas Hospital through the PSYC6300 course. Education: PhD (2003) on coping with polio late effects; Cand. psychol. (1980), University of Oslo Employment: Head Psychologist at Sunnaas Hospital (1991–present); Associate Professor at the Institute of Psychology (2009–present) Research interests span neuropsychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation efficacy, and resilience in chronic illnesses. Over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters highlight her contributions to traumatic brain injury outcomes, fatigue trajectories, and clinical interventions for executive dysfunction. Collaborations include multi-center studies on traumatic brain injury and symptom validity testing.
Dr. Martin Ferguson-Pell is a Professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, specializing in biomedical engineering and clinical science. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (University of Strathclyde, 1977) and a BSc in Physics (University of Exeter, 1973). His academic leadership roles include serving as Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (2007–2014), Acting Provost and Vice President Academic (2012–2014), and Senior Advisor to the President (2015–present). He leads the Rehabilitation Robotics Lab, focusing on wheelchair biomechanics, virtual reality simulations, and non-invasive tissue injury detection using spectroscopy and ultrasound technologies. Current projects include AIHS-funded smart neuro-prosthetics research and a living lab network for senior care innovation with Telus Health Solutions. Key collaborations involve researchers like Dr. Vivian Mushahwar and Dr. Lili Liu. His work bridges engineering, clinical medicine, and health policy to improve outcomes for people with disabilities. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering (University of Strathclyde), BSc in Physics (University of Exeter). Research Interests - Wheelchair propulsion biomechanics and shoulder injury prevention. - Deep tissue injury detection via Raman spectroscopy and elastography. - Virtual reality environments for clinical rehabilitation. - Remote patient monitoring and telehealth in chronic disease management. - Interdisciplinary innovation in assistive technologies. Grants & Partnerships - AIHS Smart Neuro-prosthetics Team Grant (deep tissue injury detection). - Mitacs program for graduate student/postdoc support. - Telus Health Solutions collaboration on senior care living labs. - Federal funding for rehabilitation robotics infrastructure. Labs & Teams - Rehabilitation Robotics Lab (Edmonton Clinical Health Academy). - Alberta Living Lab Network for community care innovation. - Interdisciplinary teams in musculoskeletal rehabilitation and neuroprosthetics.
Scott Maitland is an Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Family Relations & Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on lifespan development, aging, and the application of advanced statistical methods to study developmental processes. He holds a PhD (1997) and Master's (1993) in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University, followed by postdoctoral studies at the University of Victoria. His research interests include adulthood and aging, personality, health and well-being, gambling behaviors, and longitudinal methodologies. He uses structural equation modeling, latent transition analysis, and growth curve modeling to analyze data from long-term studies like the Seattle Longitudinal Study, Victoria Longitudinal Study, and collaborations with the Betula Project in Sweden. Substantive areas include cognition, memory, personality stability, volunteering in late life, and gambling trajectories across the lifespan. Key collaborations include studies on self-excluded gamblers, risk behaviors in youth, and interventions targeting metabolic syndrome. His work bridges methodological innovation with substantive topics, emphasizing measurement equivalence and longitudinal trends. He currently accepts PhD students interested in lifespan developmental psychology. Notable collaborations involve international projects like the Kungsholmen Project and Betula Study, focusing on aging and cognitive health. His articles span public health, clinical psychology, and statistical methodology, reflecting a dual focus on theoretical development and applied interventions.
Robin Milhausen is a Professor in the Department of Family Relations & Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph, affiliated with the College of Social & Applied Human Sciences. Her research focuses on gender and sexuality, sexual health interventions, and relationship dynamics, with a particular emphasis on midlife adults, couples, and condom use behavior. She holds a PhD in Health Behavior from Indiana University (2004), a Master’s in Family Relations & Applied Nutrition from the University of Guelph (2000), and a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University (2020). Her work explores factors influencing sexual and relational satisfaction, including body image, communication, and pandemic impacts. She leads the Undergraduate Research Group in Sexuality (URGiS) and collaborates with the Kinsey Institute’s Condom Use Research Team. Milhausen emphasizes student mentorship, fostering a collaborative research environment that bridges academic and clinical insights through methods like qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis. Her recent projects analyze midlife sexual health datasets and investigate the role of mindfulness and self-compassion in marital relationships. She actively contributes to conferences like the Canadian Sex Research Forum and promotes student participation in professional presentations.
Christina Karatzaferi is a Full Professor at the University of Thessaly, affiliated with the School of Physical Education and Sport Sciences and the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences. She serves as Director of the MSc in Lifestyle Medicine program and leads the Experimental Physiology & Myology Lab (CREHP). Her research is deeply embedded in muscle physiology and clinical exercise interventions, particularly in chronic disease populations. PhD, Experimental Physiology & Myology Lab (CREHP), Department of PE & Sports Science, University of Thessaly Visiting PhD Researcher, Faculty of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (1998–1999) Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, Department of Physical Education, Sport and Leisure Studies, University of Edinburgh (1999–2001) Her research focuses on skeletal muscle physiology, with an emphasis on muscle fatigue, atrophy, redox status, and functional impairments in chronic kidney disease. She investigates how exercise and lifestyle interventions can mitigate muscle dysfunction and improve wellbeing. Her work spans from molecular mechanisms in single muscle fibers to clinical outcomes in hemodialysis patients. The recent publications reveal a strong trend in intradialytic exercise training, hybrid exercise protocols, cold dialysis, and muscle quality assessment using imaging. Her studies explore fatigue, autonomic function, insulin sensitivity, and emotional wellbeing, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to patient rehabilitation. Christina Karatzaferi serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Physiology , Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport , and Advances in Physiology Education , highlighting her academic leadership. Associate Editor, Frontiers in Physiology Associate Editor, Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport Associate Editor, AJP Advances in Physiology Education She has supervised numerous researchers and students, including Ilias Ntoumas, Stefania Grigoriou, and Christoforos Giannaki. Her lab, the Experimental Physiology & Myology Lab (CREHP), operates within the University of Thessaly and collaborates extensively with clinical and research teams in Greece and internationally.
