Find Academic Supervisors

Aaron Paul BlaisdellView profile

Professor

• Animal Cognition
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Causal Reasoning
• +7 more

Aaron Paul Blaisdell , PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) , where he serves as Chair of the Behavioral Neuroscience area. He directs the Comparative Cognition Lab and the Pigeon Art Project , and is affiliated with the UCLA Brain Research Institute , the UCLA Integrative Center for Learning & Memory , and the UCLA Evolutionary Medicine program . Education: BA in Anthropology (SUNY Stony Brook, 1991) MA in Anthropology (Kent State University, 1996) PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience (Binghamton University, 1999) NIH-funded Postdoctoral Training (Tufts University) Blaisdell's research bridges associative learning and cognitive processes in animals, focusing on: Causal reasoning and rationality in rats Learning and memory mechanisms across species Information processing under uncertainty Evolutionary basis for health and cognition Digital art creation in pigeons Neural substrates of decision-making His work integrates Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning to explore cognitive structures in non-human animals. 2020-2024 publications demonstrate expertise in: Comparative cognition across pigeons, rats, and humans Neurochemical basis of learning (dopamine studies) Evolutionary psychology applications Novel behavioral paradigms (touchscreen experiments) Computational modeling of animal cognition Neuroanatomical analysis (cingulate cortex, amygdala) Scientific Awards: No explicit awards mentioned in current text. Grants: NIH R01NS059076 (2008-2013) - Associative Mechanisms of Spatial Cognition NIH R03MH070633 (2005-2007) - Temporal Integration of Learned Behavior NIH R01MH066855 (2003-2007) - Spatial Cognition Mechanisms NIH F32MH012531 (1999) - Avian Concept Learning He co-founded the Ancestral Health Society and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Evolution and Health , connecting evolutionary principles to modern health practices.

• Neuroimaging
• Sensory Processing
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• +6 more

Dr. Shulamite Green is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. She holds the Friends of the Semel Institute Chair and is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in autism. Her work spans multiple institutions including UCLA's TIES for Families program and collaborations through the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC). Dr. Green's research focuses on sensory processing in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), utilizing neuroimaging (particularly fMRI), psychophysiological, and behavioral methods to investigate how sensory processing difficulties affect higher-level cognition such as attention, social functioning, and executive functioning. Her work spans from infancy through young adulthood, and she also studies other populations at risk for sensory processing difficulties, including children with anxiety disorders and those with early life trauma. Her research has identified neural mechanisms underlying sensory over-responsivity and how these relate to broader cognitive and social functioning. Her publication trend shows consistent high-impact research in autism neuroscience, with a focus on sensory processing mechanisms across development. Recent work emphasizes early biomarkers in infants, cross-species neural mechanisms, and the intersection of sensory processing with social cognition. Her research has increasingly incorporated multi-site collaborations and translational approaches to bridge basic science with clinical applications. Dr. Green has received significant NIH funding for her research, including multiple principal investigator roles on major grants investigating neural mechanisms of sensory reactivity in autism across development, mechanisms underlying sensory over-responsivity, and gene-brain-environment interactions in ASD. As a clinical psychologist, she works with UCLA's TIES for Families program for families adopting children from foster care, bringing her research expertise to clinical practice. She also collaborates with animal researchers to identify cross-species neural mechanisms of sensory over-responsivity, demonstrating the translational nature of her work.

Helen BranthwaiteView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Clinical Biomechanics
• Footwear Design and Function
• Geriatric Biomechanics
• +3 more

Dr. Helen Branthwaite is a Senior Lecturer at Staffordshire University, leading the postgraduate Clinical Biomechanics program. Her clinical work includes MSK podiatry in private practice. She holds a PhD (2015) from Staffordshire University, an MSc in Sports Injury (2001), and a BSc in Podiatric Medicine (1996). Her research focuses on footwear biomechanics, balance in aging populations, and musculoskeletal health. She advises national bodies like the Royal College of Podiatry and collaborates internationally with organizations like Mizuno and Cambrion. Her editorial roles span journals such as Journal of Foot and Ankle Research and Footwear Science . Education: PhD: 'The Impact of Footwear Choice on Foot Biomechanics' (2015) MSc Sports Injury (2001) BSc(Hons) Podiatric Medicine (1996) Her research interests include clinical biomechanics applications, footwear design effects on foot function, and interdisciplinary approaches to musculoskeletal dysfunction. Recent studies explore balance improvements via footwear innovations and interventions for aging populations. She has pioneered a clinical biomechanics alumni network and co-organized international conferences. Awards include Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Teaching focuses on postgraduate modules in critical appraisal, gait analysis, and sports biomechanics. Collaborations with industry partners drive therapeutic footwear design advancements. Grants include research on footwear sizing for women and product development with Mizuno. Labs/Teams: Clinical Biomechanics alumni network, international footwear research collaborations Grants: Mizuno (balance management in aging adults), Cambrion (women's footwear sizing)

Stephen PerryView profile

Professor

• Biomechanics
• Neuromechanics
• Gait Analysis
• +2 more

Stephen Perry is Professor of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Wilfrid Laurier University and Director of the Neuromechanics Laboratory. His research examines neurophysiological mechanisms of balance control, footwear biomechanics, and fall prevention strategies across the lifespan. Primary investigations focus on sensory contributions to postural control, orthotic interventions, perturbation responses, and spaceflight effects on sensorimotor function. His lab utilizes force platforms, EMG, pressure mapping, and motion analysis to quantify movement dynamics. Analysis of recent publications reveals three dominant themes: 1) Sensory augmentation strategies using textured insoles for balance improvement 2) Neuromechanical assessment of perturbation responses and gait termination mechanics 3) Clinical applications in Parkinson's and geriatric populations. The work consistently integrates biomechanical and neurophysiological approaches. Dr. Perry directs the Neuromechanics Lab, supervising graduate research on topics ranging from muscle activation patterns to rehabilitative device efficacy. His team collaborates with Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Canadian Space Agency, and international biomechanics centers. Current projects include textured insole development, arthritis management interventions, and spaceflight sensorimotor studies.

James P. HermanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Visual Perception
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• +4 more

James P. Herman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research focuses on visual perception, attention mechanisms, and how subcortical structures like the superior colliculus interact with cortical areas to process visual information. Prior to this role, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Eye Institute (NIH) and held academic positions at CCNY and Rockefeller University. Education includes a Ph.D. in Biology with a Neuroscience subprogram from the CUNY Graduate Center (2012) and a B.A. in Mathematics and Physics from UC Berkeley (2003). His lab investigates how the brain resolves ambiguous visual stimuli through attentional modulation, exploring topics like contextual relevance, perceptual decision-making, and reinforcement learning pathways. Recent work examines the role of the superior colliculus in attentional control and its connections to basal ganglia structures. Key findings include causal links between SC activity and perceptual decisions, as well as state-dependent learning mechanisms. Collaborative projects bridge neurobiology with computational models of artificial intelligence, particularly deep reinforcement learning systems. Publications emphasize neurophysiological studies in primates and mice, focusing on neuronal activity patterns during visual tasks. Research spans from basic saccadic adaptation mechanisms to high-level cognitive functions like contextual learning. The Herman Lab is part of the Neuroscience Institute’s training programs in Neural Computation and Systems Neuroscience.

Douglas J. WeberView profile

Professor

• Neural Engineering
• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
• Activity-Based Neuromotor Rehabilitation
• +6 more

Dr. Douglas J. Weber is the Akhtar and Bhutta Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Neuroscience Institute, and Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on neural engineering, including functional electrical stimulation (FES), neuromotor rehabilitation, and neural control of prosthetic devices. He holds 8 U.S. patents and has mentored over 100 students across undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels. Education: B.S., Biomedical Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering (1990-1994) M.S., Bioengineering, Arizona State University (1994-2000) Ph.D., Bioengineering, Arizona State University (1994-2001) Research Expertise: Dr. Weber employs advanced techniques such as 3D motion analysis, electromyography, and human MEG/ECoG to study neural interfaces and prosthetic control. His lab develops sensory and motor neural interfaces for prosthetic limbs and explores activity-based rehabilitation strategies. Awards: VA Performance Award (2010) BCI 2005 Abstract Competition (2nd Place, 2005) Grants & Labs: His work is supported by grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other institutions. He leads interdisciplinary projects involving animal models (rat, cat, non-human primates) and human clinical studies.

Mac HooksView profile

Assistant Professor

• Motor Cortex Circuitry
• Corticostriatal Projections
• Neural Basis of Movement
• +3 more

Dr. Mac Hooks is Assistant Professor of Neurobiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, investigating motor cortex circuitry and neural control of movement. His lab specializes in mapping neural circuits using optogenetics and laser-scanning microscopy. Research focuses on feedforward inhibition mechanisms, corticostriatal pathway organization, and experience-dependent plasticity in sensorimotor systems. Mouse models enable cell-type specific analysis of neural circuit function. Publications map sensorimotor convergence patterns and experience-dependent plasticity in visual systems. Research combines anatomical tracing with functional analysis to explain neural circuit computations. The lab develops advanced circuit mapping techniques to reconstruct synaptic connectivity and study circuit changes during motor skill acquisition.

Stephen KempView profile

Academic

• Biomaterials
• Neural Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Stephen Kemp, Ph.D., is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Surgery BME at the University of Michigan. His work focuses on advancing neuroprosthetics and regenerative medicine through innovative surgical techniques and biomaterials. Dr. Kemp’s research integrates neural engineering, tissue engineering, and biomedical engineering to address challenges in post-amputation pain management, prosthetic control, and peripheral nerve regeneration. Key research areas include the development of regenerative peripheral nerve interfaces (RPNIs) for pain mitigation and enhanced prosthetic control, as well as preclinical models for studying neuropathic pain and neuroma formation. He has pioneered approaches to optimize muscle grafts and nerve regeneration in both rodent models and clinical trials. His recent work explores biomimetic sensory feedback systems to improve the functionality of neuroprosthetics, emphasizing the integration of somatosensory signals. Dr. Kemp’s studies also investigate the long-term outcomes of RPNI surgery in pediatric and adult amputee populations, with a focus on reducing reliance on opioids and enhancing quality of life. Notable contributions include the design of composite RPNI (C-RPNI) systems for multi-modal sensory feedback and the use of novel animal models to evaluate radiation-induced neuropathy. His interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering, neuroscience, and clinical practice, aiming to translate laboratory discoveries into tangible patient benefits.

Hanna HaanView profile

Researcher

• Cognitive Functions
• Elite Athlete Psychology
• Sports Performance
• +3 more

Hanna Haan is a PhD student and research associate at the German Sport University Cologne, affiliated with the Department of Performance Psychology within the Psychological Institute . She is actively involved in the BISP-funded project in:prove , focusing on individualization in peak performance sports. Her research primarily explores cognitive functions and their relationship with the menstrual cycle in elite female athletes. Research Interests: Cognitive performance in extreme sports conditions Menstrual cycle effects on athletic decision-making Individualized athlete profiling for performance optimization Elite sports psychology and tactical expertise Collaborations & Projects: Leading researcher in the in:prove project (2021–2025), investigating multifactorial athlete development Key contributor to studies on strategic decision-making in team sports Active collaborator with departments including Performance Psychophysiology and Sensorimotor Expertise Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes meta-analytical approaches to sports strategy, cognitive performance metrics, and data-driven athlete profiling. Articles address both applied and theoretical aspects of elite sports psychology.

Joanne Jao KeehnView profile

Research Professor

• Autism
• Sensory Processing
• Multisensory Integration
• +3 more

Dr. Joanne Jao Keehn is a Research Professor of Psychology at San Diego State University (SDSU), affiliated with the College of Sciences and the Department of Psychology. She is part of the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology. Her research focuses on neural and behavioral mechanisms of sensory processing, multisensory integration, and sensorimotor development in children with and without autism, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques like fMRI and MEG. Her work explores links between sensory abnormalities, stress responsivity, and autism symptomatology. Dr. Keehn’s expertise spans autism, sensory processing, functional neuroimaging, and developmental neuroscience. She leads the BDIL Lab, conducting studies on sensory and multisensory integration in clinical populations. Her research emphasizes understanding atypical neural connectivity and its implications for behavioral symptoms in autism. She has contributed to collaborative efforts like the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) to enhance connectome studies in autism. Her academic contributions include over 25 peer-reviewed publications since 2009, with recent work focusing on functional connectivity patterns, sensory network interactions, and neuroimaging methodological advancements. Though specific awards are listed under placeholders, her work is recognized for advancing understanding of autism’s neurobiological underpinnings. She collaborates across institutions and mentors students in clinical and developmental psychology.

Ben SidawayView profile

Professor

• Motor Control
• Motor Learning
• Biomechanics
• +5 more

Ben Sidaway, PhD, is the Geneva Allen ’49 Professor in Health Sciences at Husson University’s College of Health and Pharmacy, School of Physical Therapy. He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Sports Science and Ecology from Liverpool University, an M.A. in Motor Behavior and Biomechanics from the University of North Carolina, and a Ph.D. in Motor Control/Learning from Penn State University. Prior to Husson, he was a Professor in Louisiana State University’s Kinesiology Department and director of their motor behavior lab. His research focuses on applying motor control and learning principles to clinical populations, particularly improving gait in older adults and Parkinson’s patients. He collaborates with mechanical engineers to develop wearable haptic feedback systems for gait rehabilitation. Notable grants include NIH funding for interlimb neural coupling in gait rehabilitation ($551,912) and Husson University funding for Parkinson’s gait analysis ($1,896). Key research areas include mediolateral stability in fall prevention, haptic feedback applications, and motor skill learning in aging populations. His peer-reviewed work spans over 100 publications, emphasizing biomechanical and neurological aspects of human movement. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Maine and University of Southern California underscore his interdisciplinary approach to motor behavior research. Dr. Sidaway’s teaching expertise includes Motor Control/Learning, Biomechanics, Anatomy, and Neuroscience. His lab work and grants highlight a commitment to translating research into clinical practice for improved mobility outcomes.

Natalia OleinikView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Immunotherapy Resistance
• Lipid Metabolism
• +3 more

Natalia V. Oleinik, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Her research focuses on lipid metabolism-driven cancer mechanisms, immunotherapy resistance, and mitochondrial stress responses. She investigates ceramide-mediated mitophagy pathways and their roles in tumor suppression, metastasis, and anti-tumor immunity. Key research areas include lipid signaling in cancer, metabolic reprogramming in aging immune cells, and pathogen interactions with tumor microenvironments. Her work integrates molecular biology, biochemistry, and nanotechnology to explore therapeutic targets in oncology and neurodegeneration. Notable contributions include studies on PD-L1 regulation via ceramide pathways, porphyromonas gingivalis-induced mitophagy resistance, and biomimetic nanomaterials for cardiosplenic axis modulation. She has published extensively on sphingolipid biology, mitochondrial ferroptosis, and TGF-β signaling interactions with lipid metabolism. Natalia's work bridges basic science and translational research, aiming to develop novel strategies against therapy-resistant cancers and age-related pathologies. Her lab is located in the College of Medicine at MUSC, with collaborations spanning cancer biology, immunology, and nanomedicine.

Konstantin BeinertView profile

Professor

• Physiotherapy
• Chronic Neck Pain
• Sensorimotor Function
• +7 more

Prof. Konstantin Beinert is a Professor of Physiotherapy at the German University of Health and Sport (DHGS) since 2021, leading the Physiotherapy Program and serving as Deputy Chairman of the Ethics Committee. He holds a doctorate from the University of Fribourg (2015), with a dissertation on sensorimotor interventions for chronic neck pain. His professional experience spans clinical work in rehabilitation centers across Germany and academic roles, including teaching at the University of Fribourg since 2014. His research focuses on sensorimotor disorders in chronic neck pain and nociplastic pain, with a particular interest in proprioception, muscle vibration therapy, and visual feedback mechanisms. He has published widely in international journals, including studies on the effects of vibration therapy and visuomotor tracking in pain management. He serves as a peer reviewer for multiple journals. Recent publications highlight innovative approaches such as placebo versus real vibration therapy, visuomotor tracking for cervical function, and the clinical application of stochastic resonance and whole-body vibration. His work bridges basic science and clinical practice, emphasizing evidence-based interventions. Prof. Beinert’s contributions extend to academic leadership, educational program development, and interdisciplinary collaboration in medical training and ethics. He actively engages in public engagement through YouTube, LinkedIn, and academic platforms like ResearchGate.

Dana MoseleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Sensory Ecology
• Animal Communication
• Urbanization Effects
• +4 more

Dana Moseley, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at James Madison University since 2018. Her research focuses on sensory ecology, animal communication, and the ecological impacts of urbanization and anthropogenic noise on avian species. She studies local songbirds like native sparrows and gray catbirds to understand how environmental changes influence communication systems and behavior. Her work bridges evolutionary biology, ecology, and conservation biology. Education: PhD in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst (2014) BS in Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2003) Research Interests: Dr. Moseley explores how communication signals function in intra- and interspecific interactions, particularly in the context of urbanization. Her research investigates how noise pollution alters song structure and vocal mimicry in birds. She combines field studies with neurobiological approaches to understand mechanisms of vocal learning and performance. Publications Overview: Her recent work highlights urban noise impacts on avian communication, acoustic adaptations in songbirds, and the neural basis of imitative learning. Themes include vocal performance metrics, environmental stressors on reproductive behavior, and applied solutions to human-wildlife conflicts. Awards: No specific honors or awards are listed in the provided materials. Advising & Grants: No student advisees or grant details are explicitly stated. Labs/Teams: Her research involves fieldwork with local songbird populations and collaboration with institutions on avian communication studies.

Chantelle CaputoView profile

Academic

• Applied Music Neuroscience
• Music-Based Interventions for Neurologic Recovery
• Sensorimotor Function Rehabilitation

Chantelle Caputo is an Instructor in the Faculty of Music at Wilfrid Laurier University. Her work focuses on applied music neuroscience and music-based interventions for stroke and neurologic recovery, with a particular emphasis on sensorimotor function rehabilitation. Research interests include translating music neuroscience principles into clinical applications for neurorehabilitation. While no specific awards or grants are detailed, her academic profile highlights ongoing projects in music's role in neurological recovery. Currently, no listed advisees, publications, or lab affiliations are provided in the source text.