Dr. Nashira Brown is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)'s School of Public Health. She concurrently serves as an Associate Scientist at UAB's O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on addressing cancer health disparities and modifiable risk factors, particularly through physical activity interventions. She earned her PhD, MS, and BS in Public Health and Kinesiology from UAB. Education: PhD in Public Health Education and Promotion, UAB (2022) MS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, UAB (2017) BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science, UAB (2015) Research Interests: Dr. Brown investigates two primary areas: identifying barriers/facilitators to physical activity in underserved populations (e.g., rural adults, cancer survivors) and designing interventions to reduce comorbidities in cancer survivors. Her work emphasizes culturally tailored approaches and multi-level strategies to address health disparities. Key Research Themes: Cancer survivorship and exercise preferences Food insecurity in diverse populations Physical activity interventions in rural settings Impact of the pandemic on health behaviors Grants & Teams: She leads projects like the DIAL study (Interactive Voice Response System for physical activity) and collaborates with community health workers in underserved areas. Her work integrates behavioral theory and technology-driven solutions. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with UAB's School of Public Health and O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, focusing on behavioral oncology and health disparities research.
Luke Del Vecchio is a Lecturer in Human Sciences at the Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University. He holds qualifications including a PhD (CQU), MExSc (ECU), and multiple graduate diplomas in exercise science and diabetes education. With 17+ years of experience, his expertise spans health, exercise science, and evidenced-based practice in diverse educational settings. His research focuses on combat sports physiology, strength and conditioning, and aging populations' participation in martial arts. Key areas include functional fitness in older adults, musculoskeletal profiling of combat athletes, and optimizing resistance training for masters athletes. Del Vecchio has received the prestigious Jalarde Award (2025) from Circolo Culturale Giulio Ricci. His work bridges practical training methodologies with academic rigor, addressing injury prevention and performance optimization in sports like Taekwondo, cycling, and boxing. He is affiliated with the Human Sciences department and actively contributes to Southern Cross University's research initiatives in health sciences. His publications emphasize evidence-based approaches to strength training, concurrent training modalities, and physiological adaptations in aging athletes.
Frank Siebler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at UiT The Arctic University of Norway , with research expertise in social and work psychology . His work explores implicit and explicit attitudes , intergroup relations , and prejudice reduction , often utilizing psychometric instruments like the Implicit Association Test . Key Research Areas: Implicit cognition, attitude change, intergroup bias, health psychology, social norms, and occupational safety. Teaching: Course leader for PSY-3005 Attitudes (Master’s program) and supervisor for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD theses. Publications: Recent work examines attitudes toward prostitution (2024), obesity bias in nursing (2018, 2019), rape myth acceptance (2009, 2010), and implicit-explicit attitude discrepancies across diverse contexts.
Mary Jo Larson serves as Senior Research Scientist II at the Institute for Behavioral Health, Brandeis University, specializing in health services research focused on mental health, substance abuse, and military healthcare systems. Her work examines access, quality, and cost of care for vulnerable populations including military service members, veterans, and those experiencing homelessness or incarceration. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. from Brandeis University and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Dr. Larson's research centers on mental health services delivery, substance abuse treatment systems, and integrated care models. She has particular expertise in military and veterans' health, studying post-deployment health outcomes, opioid prescribing patterns, and complementary health approaches. Her work frequently addresses disenfranchised populations through longitudinal studies and clinical trials, including a major investigation of military members returning from deployment and a pilot trial on academic detailing for opioid prescribers. Analysis of her recent publications reveals consistent focus on military health systems, opioid crisis interventions, and mental health policy. Key trends include examination of nonpharmacologic pain treatments, impacts of healthcare reform on mental health access, and innovative harm reduction strategies for substance use disorders, with strong emphasis on real-world clinical implementation. Her scientific contributions have been recognized through: Leadership Fellow, Bush Foundation (1983-1984) Predoctoral Trainee in Mental Health Economics, National Institute of Mental Health (1985-1987) Lucius N. Littauer Fellow, Harvard University (1985) Best in Theme abstract award, AcademyHealth (2010) Dr. Larson secures research funding for primary data collection and secondary analyses examining addiction care systems, integrated services for co-occurring disorders, and military health outcomes. She teaches global mental health policy and has directed feasibility studies of web-based training for mental health clinicians, demonstrating commitment to both research translation and workforce development. She currently leads a longitudinal study of military deployment impacts and designs clinical interventions like her academic detailing program for opioid prescribers, working closely with military healthcare systems and community organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Professor Stuart Cormack is a Deputy Director and Performance lead at the SPRINT Research Centre at Australian Catholic University (ACU), with over 25 years of expertise in high-performance sport as both a practitioner and researcher. His career spans roles at the Australian Institute of Sport and multiple Australian Football League (AFL) clubs. He holds a PhD from Edith Cowan University and has published extensively on athlete performance, training load monitoring, fatigue, and sports science applications. His research interests focus on optimizing athlete performance through advanced monitoring techniques, fatigue management, and sports technology integration. Key areas include wearable sensor validation, mental and physical fatigue assessment, and injury prevention in elite sports. He consults for national and international sports programs and supervises PhD candidates in topics such as triaxial accelerometry in stride analysis and mental fatigue impact on strength performance. Awarded the Australian Strength & Conditioning Association Life Membership and ACU's 2016 Postgraduate Teaching Excellence Award, Professor Cormack contributes to peer-reviewed journals including Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research and Science and Medicine in Football . His work bridges applied science and practical sport performance, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to training and recovery.
Dr. Tiare Feuchtner is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Konstanz since 2021. She previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Technical University of Vienna and Aarhus University, where she coordinated the MADE Fast project. PhD: Computer Science, Aarhus University (2018), thesis: 'Designing for Hand Ownership in Interaction with Virtual and Augmented Reality' Master's: Computer Science, Berlin Institute of Technology Bachelor's: Media Informatics, Technical University of Vienna Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction, emphasizing embodiment and novel user interfaces for immersive cross-reality (XR) technologies. She investigates embodied user interfaces that enable direct interaction through virtual bodies ('avatars') with transformations, augmentations, and 'superpowers' via multisensory feedback. Current projects include Interoceptive Signalling in Mixed Reality and Real-Time Optimization of XR User Interfaces. Her recent articles explore hybrid input devices, haptic props for 3D manipulation, physiological feedback in collaboration, and adaptive XR interfaces. She has received awards for her work, including the Microsoft Imagine Cup (2013). She actively contributes to academic service through conference organization (e.g., AlpCHI'26, QiVC'23), program committees (CHI, ISMAR), and workshops (Women* in Computing, Hybrid User Interfaces). Her teaching includes courses on human-computer interaction, Unity, and spatially-aware interactive spaces.
Susan Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Science, & Packaging at San José State University. She holds a Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise from Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on addressing food insecurity and sustainable food systems, particularly in underserved communities in the Bay Area. She employs mixed-methods approaches to explore food waste reduction, community nutrition programs, and policies promoting equity and sustainability. Education: Ph.D. in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech M.S. in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech B.S. in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech Research Interests: Sustainability and food systems transformation Community-driven nutrition initiatives Food waste reduction strategies Addressing disparities in food access Evaluation of food security programs Her recent work examines perceptions of food waste among adolescents, barriers to food assistance programs for unhoused populations, and the role of educational frameworks in advancing food security. Her publications highlight interdisciplinary solutions to systemic challenges in food equity and environmental stewardship. Dr. Chen collaborates with community organizations and policymakers to translate research into actionable strategies, emphasizing participatory approaches that center marginalized voices in decision-making processes.
Bridget Quinn, MD is an Attending Physician in the Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Department at Boston Children's Hospital, where she serves as Company Physician for the Boston Ballet and Lead Consulting Physician for Dean College Palladino School of Dance & Performing Arts. She holds an academic appointment as Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Harvard Medical School, contributing to medical education while maintaining an active clinical practice focused on performing artist athletes. Dr. Quinn completed her undergraduate education and medical degree at the University of Vermont, followed by Emergency Medicine residency at Emory University and Sports Medicine fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital. She is board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, providing a strong foundation for her specialized work with dancers and other performing artists. Her educational background reflects a progression from general medical training to highly specialized sports medicine expertise. Dr. Quinn's research and clinical practice centers on the unique medical needs of performing artists, particularly dancers. Her work addresses dance-specific injuries like hallux sesamoid injuries, the effects of intensive training on growing dancers, and the relationship between body composition and menstrual health in female dancers. She has developed specialized assessment protocols for dancers' strength, flexibility, and functional performance during intensive training periods. Her expertise bridges traditional sports medicine with the specific physiological and psychological demands of dance performance, recognizing that dancers face unique injury risks and recovery challenges. Analysis of Dr. Quinn's publication record reveals a clear evolution from early cancer research (2014-2015) to her current focus on dance and sports medicine. Her most impactful recent work examines quality of life metrics in pre-professional dancers, sport specialization effects, and dancer-specific injury patterns. She has conducted comparative studies on Crossfit-related injuries and published important findings on the relationship between BMI and menstrual patterns in dancers. Her research consistently addresses the holistic needs of performing artists, considering physical, psychological, and nutritional factors that influence performance and injury risk. While specific scientific awards are not documented in the available information, Dr. Quinn's professional recognition is evident through her leadership roles with prestigious organizations including the Boston Ballet and Dean College. Her expertise is sought after for providing medical coverage during major performances and tours, demonstrating the trust placed in her specialized knowledge by the performing arts community. Through her academic appointment at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Quinn mentors medical students, residents, and fellows interested in sports medicine and orthopedics. Her clinical work involves comprehensive care for young athletes and performing artists, with emphasis on injury prevention, safe return to performance, and long-term health maintenance. She collaborates with physical therapists, athletic trainers, nutritionists, and mental health professionals to address the multidimensional needs of her patients, recognizing that optimal performance requires attention to all aspects of health. Dr. Quinn is an integral part of Boston Children's Hospital's Performing Artist Athletes Program and The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention. These specialized programs provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care addressing the unique medical needs of dancers and other performing artists, including nutrition counseling, bone health monitoring, endocrine evaluation, psychological support, and rehabilitation tailored to performance demands. Her work in these programs has helped establish standards of care for performing artist athletes that are now recognized nationally.
Professor Ray Jones MBE is Professor of Health Informatics and Co-Director of the Centre for Health Technology at the University of Plymouth. With a PhD from Glasgow supervised by Tony Hedley, his 40-year career focuses on digital health innovations for vulnerable populations. His research empowers patients through technology access, combats digital inequality in rural/aging communities, and integrates sustainability into healthcare systems. Research interests span: Development of patient-accessible health records and telehealth systems Implementation of companion robots and voice AI in care settings Digital skills training for health professionals through nursing curriculum innovations Cross-generational co-design of XR technologies for health promotion Publication analysis reveals strong focus on extended reality applications (60% of recent works), voice AI systems (20%), and community co-design methods (20%), primarily targeting elderly wellbeing in restricted environments. Key application domains include dementia care, social isolation reduction, and cultural accessibility. Awards and honors: MBE for services to digital health (2021) Inclusion in Universities UK's 'Nation's Lifesavers' (2019) Supervised 28 PhD students across Glasgow and Plymouth. Secured £6M+ funding for EPIC project improving Cornish health innovation. Leads interdisciplinary teams at Centre for Health Technology developing solutions like Amazon Echo implementations in 150 care homes and Digital Health Champions student programs.
Dr. Thomas M. Link serves as Professor and Division Chief of Musculoskeletal Radiology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, with additional leadership roles as Director of the T32 Program, Clinical Director of the Musculoskeletal and Quantitative Imaging Research (MQIR) Group, and Co-Director of Clinical & Translational Musculoskeletal Imaging. His educational foundation includes an M.D. from Johannes Gutenberg University (1987), clinical training at Groote Schuur Hospital (University of Cape Town), multiple German radiology residencies, and a Ph.D. from University Hospital Muenster. Following a UCSF fellowship (1996) and Visiting Associate Professorship (1999-2001), he joined UCSF in 2003 after serving as Vice-Chair of Radiology at Technical University of Munich. Dr. Link's research centers on translational musculoskeletal imaging through three interconnected pillars: osteoporosis imaging (novel bone quality/density assessment), osteoarthritis and cartilage imaging (prevention of degeneration using high-field MRI), and interventional bone tumor techniques . His work leverages 3.0T/7.0T MRI and MR-guided focused ultrasound to bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, emphasizing quantitative biomarkers for disease progression. His extensive publication record (400+ peer-reviewed articles) reveals current trends in adipose tissue's role in joint degeneration, AI-driven image analysis (particularly GPT-4 for report extraction), and multicenter validation of imaging biomarkers using Osteoarthritis Initiative data, with recent work increasingly incorporating machine learning for diagnostic precision. Scientific recognition includes election to AIMBE College of Fellows (2019), multiple mentoring awards (UCSF Outstanding Faculty Mentoring Award 2019), the Lodwick Award (Harvard 2019), and Distinguished Investigator Award (Academy of Radiology Research 2016), reflecting sustained contributions across research, education, and clinical innovation. As T32 Program Director, he oversees NIH-funded training for imaging scientists while leading MQIR's interdisciplinary team in developing clinical applications. His mentorship excellence is evidenced by the Pathways to Discovery Long-Term Mentor Award (2018) and sustained involvement in collaborative projects like the Osteoarthritis Initiative, demonstrating exceptional grant management across multi-institutional consortia. The MQIR Group under his direction integrates basic scientists and clinicians to translate imaging innovations into clinical practice, with current focus on quantitative MRI biomarkers for early disease detection and MR-guided therapeutic interventions for musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. Jessica Harris is an Assistant Professor and Internship Coordinator in the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness at SUNY Oswego. She holds an Ed.D. in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College, an M.S. in Health Science from the University of Arkansas, and a B.S. in Health Education from the University of Maine at Farmington. Her research focuses on sexual wellness, HIV/AIDS education, and global health collaboration, with emphasis on culturally responsive health programs and international learning experiences. Dr. Harris teaches courses including Introduction to Health Promotion, Sexual Wellness, and Program Evaluation. She advises Eta Sigma Gamma's Epsilon Upsilon Chapter and chairs SUNY Oswego's COLT committee. Her work integrates innovative pedagogical approaches, such as collaborative online international learning (COIL), to enhance global competency and cultural awareness among students. She has developed and evaluated wellness programs like 'Discover Wellness,' focusing on institutional health promotion strategies. Her recent publications emphasize cross-border educational partnerships, cultural competency training, and HIV/AIDS prevention. Dr. Harris is certified as a Health Education Specialist (CHES®) and holds CRLA Level I certification in academic tutoring. She mentors students in independent research projects addressing public health challenges like sickle cell disease and food insecurity.
Brandy Strahan is a Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of West Florida. She holds a PhD in Nursing Science with a minor in Autism Spectrum Disorders from the University of Florida, an MSN in Nursing Education from Florida State University, and a BSN from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Her research focuses on improving health outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), particularly in obesity management and physical activity interventions. She has pioneered studies on active video gaming as a weight management tool for obese adolescents with ASD, demonstrating its efficacy in slowing weight gain. Professor Strahan also specializes in nursing education innovation, developing curricula that integrate technology such as iPads for electronic medical record training. Her work emphasizes preparing students for modern healthcare environments through immersive simulations. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented internationally on topics including food selectivity in ASD, nursing informatics competencies, and HPV vaccination system improvements. Her academic contributions span both clinical research and pedagogical development, with ongoing projects addressing healthcare workforce readiness and technology-driven learning strategies.
Steven Bray is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at McMaster University, where he directs the Exercise and Health Psychology Laboratory. His work bridges psychological theory and health behavior, focusing on self-regulation and self-efficacy in physical activity contexts. Ph.D. in Kinesiology, University of Waterloo (1998) M.A. in Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario (1992) B.A. in Physical and Health Education, University of Western Ontario (1990) Research interests center on psychological factors affecting health behavior adoption, particularly mental fatigue mechanisms , self-efficacy frameworks , and physical activity trajectories . His work spans populations from children to frail elderly, with recent emphasis on virtual rehabilitation programs and sedentary behavior mapping using wearable technology. Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal trends in mental fatigue-behavior interactions , dynamic physical literacy assessment , and technology-aided interventions for frail older adults . Key methodologies include ecological momentary assessment meta-analytic approaches longitudinal study designs Labs & Teams: Leads the Exercise and Health Psychology Laboratory , which develops interventions for diverse populations including postnatal women, cardiac rehabilitation patients, and youth athletes. Current projects involve virtual frailty rehabilitation systems and physical activity guidelines for children.
Dr. Kirsty Galpin holds the dual role of Research Associate and Research Manager at the Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG) within the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney. She also previously contributed to the Sydney Catalyst Flagship Program 'EnRICH,' focusing on lung cancer care quality improvement. Her career began as a registered nurse in the UK, followed by a PhD in Nursing from the University of Edinburgh, where she studied intensive care nurses' sedation decision-making practices. Education: PhD in Nursing (University of Edinburgh), professional nursing qualifications. Research Interests: Translational health services research with a focus on improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. Her work emphasizes psycho-oncology, supportive care, and evidence-based quality improvement interventions. She has contributed to projects addressing clinical variations in lung cancer treatment and developing tools like the modified Duke Activity Status Index (M-DASI) for preoperative risk assessment. Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles spanning lung cancer care quality metrics, surgical outcomes, intensive care sedation practices, and functional capacity assessment in non-cardiac surgery. Key work includes quality improvement programs in emergency abdominal surgery and perioperative care. Affiliations: PoCoG, Sydney Health Partners, Implementation Science Community of Practice, Cancer Trials Network. No current teaching or student supervision commitments. Grants & Projects: Leadership in multi-center psycho-oncology research, development of clinical quality indicators for lung cancer, and collaborations in global surgery research through initiatives like the METS study. Labs/Teams: Core member of PoCoG's research coordination unit and EnRICH program, contributing to large-scale supportive care research networks.
Dr Sevasti Zervou is a Stipendiary Lecturer in Cellular Biochemistry at St Peter’s College, University of Oxford, and Director of Studies for the MSc Precision Cancer Medicine program in the Department of Oncology. She holds a PhD in Molecular Medicine from the University of Warwick (2001) and has over 15 years of research experience in cardiovascular medicine, funded by the British Heart Foundation. Her academic roles include teaching undergraduate biochemistry, leading postgraduate modules in genetics for precision oncology, and mentoring junior researchers. Her research focuses on cellular metabolism, genetic regulation of heart function, and metabolic pathways in cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. She has pioneered studies on creatine kinase systems, myocardial energetics, and therapeutic targets for heart failure. Beyond academia, she contributes to science outreach through guest lectures for sixth-form students and mentorship programs. Education: BSc (Hons) in Molecular Medicine (Warwick), PhD (Warwick), FHEA (Fellow of the Higher Education Academy). Research expertise includes molecular cloning, transcriptomics, proteomics, and high-throughput drug screening. She coordinates the MSc Precision Cancer Medicine program, overseeing academic content and teaching delivery. Her work integrates clinical research with educational innovation, emphasizing translational applications of cellular biochemistry. Her research portfolio includes over 30 peer-reviewed publications on topics like cardiac energetics, creatine metabolism, and nanomaterials for cardiovascular therapy. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in Oxford and has contributed to understanding metabolic inflexibility in heart disease. Teaching responsibilities span undergraduate tutorials in biochemistry (cell structure, metabolism, data analysis) and postgraduate modules in genetic oncology. She actively participates in academic governance as a Member of Congregation at St Peter’s College.
