Find Academic Supervisors

Helco van KeekenView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Rehabilitation Engineering
• Prosthetics
• Exercise Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Helco van Keeken is a Programme Leader for the Master's programmes in Sport Sciences and Human Movement Sciences, and a Leading Academic Teacher at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) within the Faculty of Medical Sciences. He holds an affiliation with the Department of Human Movement Sciences. With a background in physical therapy and a PhD in medical sciences, his work focuses on prosthetic limb gait analysis, neuromechanical concepts, and the implementation of Exercise = Medicine in clinical care. Education: He graduated with a Physical Therapy degree from the Hogeschool van Amsterdam in 1997 and completed his PhD at the University of Groningen, focusing on postural control in amputees. His research has been published in biomedical engineering and physics journals, emphasizing mathematical modeling of prosthetic gait in transfemoral amputees. Research Interests: Van Keeken’s expertise spans rehabilitation engineering, prosthetics, and clinical exercise interventions. His recent work evaluates physical activity levels in healthcare settings and the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic exercises post-knee arthroplasty. He actively contributes to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, as seen in projects like the Physicians Implement Exercise = Medicine consortium. Professional Contributions: He has organized events such as the ‘Publieksfestival Iedereen in beweging!’ and the Eindsymposium PIE=M, emphasizing public engagement. His accolades include first prizes for the ‘challAble’ project and third place in the 2013 Proefschriftprijs. Labs/Teams: His research leverages facilities like the CAREN lab for advanced movement analysis. He collaborates with clinicians and engineers to bridge theoretical models and clinical practice.

Zudin PuthuchearyView profile

Professor

• Intensive Care Medicine
• Critical Care Rehabilitation
• Muscle Wasting
• +3 more

Professor Zudin Puthucheary is a Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at Queen Mary University of London's Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, part of the Critical Care and Perioperative Medicine Group. His research focuses on acquired functional disability in critical illness survivors, specifically targeting muscle wasting through metabolic, nutritional, and exercise interventions. He graduated from Nottingham University in 1997 and completed critical care training in London after stints in Sydney and Bristol. He holds leadership roles including nationally elected Council member of the Intensive Care Society (UK) and trustee of the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death. He pioneered the UK National Post-Intensive Care Rehabilitation Collaborative (2023) and has received awards from major societies including European Society of Intensive Care Medicine and the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society's Global Rising Star recognition. His work emphasizes rehabilitation strategies, biomarker development (e.g., PICUPS tool), and interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions like University of Melbourne and Kings College London. Key research themes include post-ICU functional recovery, catabolism mechanisms, and nutritional optimization in critical care. Professional activities include advisory roles with pharmaceutical companies (GlaxoSmithKline, Fresenius Kabi) and leadership in international trials like the EFFORT Protein study. His recent publications address protein dosing efficacy, metabolic profiling, and long-term outcomes in critical illness survivors.

• Sociology of Health
• Mental Health
• Healthcare Systems and Practices
• +6 more

Dr. Emma-Louise Seal is a Research Fellow at RMIT University's School of Global, Urban and Social Studies and co-lead of the Social Equity Research Centre's Community Wellbeing theme. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on health and social inequalities through lenses of sociology, critical theory, and participatory methodologies. She has collaborated with marginalized groups on issues like gender, disability, mental health, and ethnicity, emphasizing tangible community outcomes. Key areas include mental/physical health lived experiences, inclusion in sport, violence prevention, and policy advocacy. Her research has been funded by institutions such as the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation and Respect Victoria. Notable projects include evaluations of sport-based interventions, gender equity initiatives, and campaigns addressing women's participation in sports. She co-leads efforts to integrate participatory research practices for social change, particularly addressing systemic inequalities. Recent publications highlight gender harassment in Australian sports, mental health narratives around borderline personality disorder, and post-pandemic sport club recovery. Her work intersects UN SDGs 3 (Health), 5 (Gender Equality), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities), with growing attention to climate action (SDG 13) through community engagement frameworks. Dr. Seal is actively involved in supervising masters and PhD research, media engagements, and collaborative industry projects. She advocates for evidence-based policies to enhance equity in sport and healthcare systems, leveraging participatory approaches to drive actionable outcomes.

Allyn BoveView profile

Assistant Professor

• Health disparities in rehabilitation outcomes
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Telehealth and digital interventions
• +3 more

Allyn Bove, PhD, PT, DPT, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). She holds academic and clinical expertise in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, health disparities, and telehealth interventions. Her work focuses on improving equitable access to physical therapy services, particularly among underserved populations and rural communities. Education: BS Biology and BS Health Sciences (Duquesne University), DPT (Columbia University), PhD in Rehabilitation Science (University of Pittsburgh). She is funded by an NIH K23 award studying sociodemographic disparities in post-joint replacement outcomes. Her research integrates qualitative methods with large-scale healthcare data analysis. Research emphasizes racial/gender disparities in musculoskeletal care, cost-effectiveness of physical therapy, and telehealth innovations. Notable projects include the RAPTOR study (rural telehealth for osteoarthritis) and CORRT program collaborations exploring post-arthroplasty rehabilitation patterns. She co-founded pro bono physical therapy services at the Birmingham Free Clinic. Publications span 2013–2025, addressing topics like postoperative rehabilitation disparities, spinal stenosis treatment experiences, and movement pattern training efficacy. Collaborations include UPMC, UNC, and interdisciplinary Pitt teams.

James IrrgangView profile

Professor

• Physical Therapy
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• +7 more

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 PivaView profile

Professor

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Rehabilitation Science
• Physical Therapy
• +5 more

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.

Louise BurkeView profile

Professor

• sports nutrition
• exercise metabolism
• supplements
• +7 more

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.

• Cardiovascular Rehabilitation
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Physical Therapy
• +6 more

Sabine Gempel is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Cardiovascular & Pulmonary PT Residency Director at the University of Miami, School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy. She is also a practicing Physical Therapist at the University of Miami Hospital, integrating clinical expertise with academic leadership. Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of Miami (2010–2013) Her research centers on cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, particularly in patients with heart failure and those recovering from cardiac valve replacement. Her work explores functional performance, inspiratory muscle strength, and outcomes of structured rehabilitation programs. She is actively involved in clinical education and improving access to care through pro-bono services. The two recent publications highlight her focus on evidence-based physical therapy interventions in cardiovascular and pulmonary populations, particularly examining rehabilitation efficacy in heart failure subtypes and post-surgical recovery. These studies reflect a strong clinical research orientation with implications for patient management and therapy protocols. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Poster of the Year (Acute Care Section, APTA, 2021) Outstanding PT Clinical Instructor of the Year (Florida Consortium, 2020) Impact Award (University of Miami Hospital, 2019) Sabine Gempel serves on the Physical Therapy Admissions Committee and is the Director of Pro-Bono Services in the Department of Community Service (DOCS) at the School of Medicine, demonstrating commitment to education, mentorship, and healthcare equity. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), its Cardiovascular & Pulmonary Section, and the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy. She is affiliated with the cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy residency program, contributing to advanced clinical training and professional development of future specialists.

• Skeletal Muscle Physiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Muscle Fatigue
• +12 more

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.

• Clinical Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Metabolic Health
• +12 more

Maria Perissiou is a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences and the Centre for Integrated Health and Wellbeing. She holds a PhD from the University of the Sunshine Coast and has been actively contributing to research in clinical physiology since 2019. Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology, Sport and Health Sciences, University of Portsmouth (2024–present) Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Portsmouth (2019–2024) Associate, Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare, University of Portsmouth (2019–present) Research Assistant, School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast (2019–present) PhD, School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast (2014–2018) Her research centers on the intersection of exercise, metabolism, and cardiovascular health, with a focus on populations with chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. She investigates how interventions like heat therapy (hot water immersion), hypoxia, nutritional supplements (e.g., collagen, ketone esters), and exercise impact physiological markers including arterial stiffness, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The recent trend in her publications shows a strong emphasis on human intervention studies, particularly randomized controlled trials and crossover designs, often targeting metabolic and vascular outcomes in clinical populations. Her work spans journals in physiology, nutrition, vascular medicine, and endocrinology, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to improving health through non-pharmacological strategies. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, her active peer review contributions for journals such as European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery and BMC Cardiovascular Disorders highlight her role in scholarly evaluation. Maria Perissiou has collaborated extensively on research grants and studies involving exercise physiology, metabolic health, and vascular function. Though specific grant details are not listed, her co-authorship on numerous funded clinical trials suggests active involvement in grant-supported research. She mentors junior researchers and students through collaborative projects, though no formal advisees are listed. She is involved with the Centre for Integrated Health and Wellbeing at the University of Portsmouth, which likely serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research on lifestyle and physiological interventions for chronic disease management.

Michael DanduranView profile

Clinical Professor

• Pediatrics
• Congenital Heart Disease
• Exercise Rehabilitation
• +5 more

Michael Danduran, PhD, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Marquette University, with over 25 years of clinical expertise in pediatric cardiopulmonary exercise testing at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. He serves as Senior Exercise Physiologist at the Herma Heart Center and directs student internship programs there. His research focuses on congenital heart disease rehabilitation, particularly in Fontan patients, and long-term effects of infections like COVID-19 on exercise capacity. Education: PhD (pending 2024): Clinical and Translational Rehabilitation Health Science, Marquette University M.S. (1995): Exercise Physiology, Minnesota State University B.S. (1993): Sports Medicine, Colorado State University Research Interests: Dr. Danduran investigates pediatric exercise physiology, cardiopulmonary exercise testing in congenital heart disease, and post-infectious exercise rehabilitation (e.g., post-COVID-19). He pioneered Fontan-specific exercise protocols and evaluates home-based cardiac rehab programs for children. His work integrates clinical practice with translational research, using technologies like near-infrared spectroscopy to assess hemodynamic responses. Recent Research Trends: His publications (2021–2025) emphasize post-COVID-19 exercise physiology, pediatric cardiac rehab efficacy, and Fontan circulation pathophysiology. He explores how chronic diseases and infections impair exercise capacity, with a focus on developing evidence-based rehabilitation strategies. Grants & Advising: While specific grants aren't listed, his work at the Herma Heart Center and Marquette suggests involvement in clinical trials and institutional initiatives. He advises student internships but no named advisees are publicly documented. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the Herma Heart Center's pediatric cardiology team and Marquette's Exercise Physiology lab, focusing on translational research linking clinical testing to patient outcomes.

Michael KielyView profile

Assistant Clinical Professor

• Sports Biomechanics
• Sports Performance Optimization
• Return-to-Sport Rehabilitation
• +3 more

Michael Kiely is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Exercise Science department at Marquette University. He specializes in sports orthopedic biomechanics and individualized exercise programming for athletes recovering from injury. His work integrates biomechanical data to optimize return-to-sport protocols and strength training regimens across professional, collegiate, and high school athlete populations. Education: M.S., Clinical and Translational Rehabilitation Science (Biomechanics & Kinesiology), Marquette University, 2016 B.S., Exercise Physiology, Marquette University, 2015 Research Focus: Development of best practices for translating biomechanical data into actionable exercise programs. Specialization in injury prevention, post-rehabilitation performance enhancement, and athlete-specific training protocols. Professional Experience: Co-developed a state-of-the-art sports science lab at Training HAUS and Twin Cities Orthopedics (Eagan, MN), focusing on biomechanical testing for injured athletes. Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCCa). Labs/Teams: Co-founder of the sports science lab at Twin Cities Orthopedics, emphasizing data-driven athlete recovery strategies.

• Clinical Psychology
• Psychology of Ageing
• Mental Health
• +8 more

Christina Bryant is an Associate Professor at the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences , Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne. She holds an honorary position and is actively engaged in research related to clinical psychology and the psychology of ageing. University: University of Melbourne School: Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Academic Rank: Associate Professor Status: Honorary Her research focuses on mental health across the lifespan, particularly in older adults. Key areas include depression, anxiety, self-compassion, caregiver support, and end-of-life issues. She employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, often in interdisciplinary settings involving audiology, geriatrics, and public health. Christina Bryant's recent publications (2024–2025) reveal a strong trend in developing and evaluating psychological interventions for ageing populations. These include co-designed services for older carers, hearing wellbeing programs, exercise therapy for anxiety, and support systems for bereaved parents. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as JAMA Network Open and Dementia , reflecting its clinical and societal relevance. She has received multiple research grants from domestic sources, including projects on mild traumatic brain injury recovery and mental health support after pregnancy loss. These grants underscore her leadership in translating psychological research into practical interventions. Australian Association of Gerontology International Psychogeriatric Association Australian Psychological Society Christina Bryant has supervised numerous research projects and collaborated widely across disciplines. Her work with informal caregivers and older adults highlights a commitment to improving real-world health outcomes. She has contributed to policy-relevant discussions through media outlets like Pursuit , addressing topics such as anxiety in older adults and end-of-life care preferences. She is involved in several active and recently completed research initiatives, including a multicentre trial supporting caregivers of older patients discharged from hospital, demonstrating sustained research productivity and leadership.

• Physical Education
• Motor Activities
• Sports Psychology
• +3 more

Dr. Antonella Muscella is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA) at the University of Salento, Italy. Her academic career spans multiple disciplines including Physical Education, Human Physiology, and Educational Neuroscience, with a focus on motor activity adaptation and psychosomatic responses to exercise. Current affiliation: Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento Academic rank: Associate Professor (M-EDF/01 - Methods and Teaching of Motor Activities) Contact: antonella.muscella@unisalento.it Her research explores the intersection of physical education , emotional intelligence , and physiological adaptation , particularly in vulnerable populations like overweight children and athletes. Recent publications examine: Psychological factors in sports performance Adapted physical education programs Oxidative stress in combat sports Motor-cognitive skill development Pandemic-related performance changes Memory and motor coordination in children She contributes to Frontiers in Psychology , Children (Basel) , and International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health as a researcher and editor. Her work combines pedagogical innovation with physiological analysis across multiple domains.

Martin HalleView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• +3 more

Prof. Martin Halle is a **Professor and Medical Director** of the Chair of Preventive and Rehabilitative Sports Medicine at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). He holds expertise in sports cardiology, focusing on exercise interventions for cardiovascular and cancer disease prevention. His roles include leadership in the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and editorial positions in cardiology journals. **Education & Training**: Studied human medicine at universities of Kiel, Freiburg, Florida (USA), and King's College (London). Specialized in internal medicine, cardiology, and sports medicine at Freiburg and Göttingen. Habilitation completed in 1999. Since 2003, he leads the TUM Chair. **Research Interests**: Large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on exercise in cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and tumors. Key areas include heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), childhood obesity prevention, and extreme exercise effects (e.g., marathon cardiac strain). **Recent Article Trends**: Focus on exercise training efficacy in HFpEF, diet-lifestyle interactions in cancer patients, and post-COVID cardiac rehabilitation. Studies emphasize biomarkers, molecular mechanisms, and clinical outcomes. Leadership**: EAPC President (2020-2022), ESC Research Committee Chair Grants & Studies**: Principal investigator of multinational RCTs (e.g., OptimEx-Clin, JuvenTUM 3), involving 5,000+ participants. Labs/Teams**: Leads a multidisciplinary team including physicians, researchers, and sports scientists focused on translational cardiology and exercise science.