Xiao-Bing Gao is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Comparative Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding how neural circuits in the lateral hypothalamus regulate energy balance, sleep/wake cycles, addiction, and obesity. He holds appointments in the Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism and collaborates with prominent researchers like Tamas Horvath and Hugh Taylor. Research Interests Neuronal plasticity in hypocretin/orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone systems Neurobiological mechanisms of addiction and reward-seeking behavior Interactions between metabolic state and sleep regulation Developmental effects of early environmental influences on hypothalamic circuitry Grants & Awards NIH/NIDA-funded study on hypocretin control of cocaine addiction NIH/NIDDK project investigating MCH-neuron interactions in feeding behavior Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (NIH) American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant Key Collaborations Tamas Horvath (Yale) Zhongwu Liu (Yale) Hugh Taylor (Yale) Marina Picciotto (Yale)
Anina Rich is a Professor at Macquarie University's School of Psychological Sciences and an ARC Future Fellow. She is affiliated with the Performance and Expertise Research Centre and the Perception in Action Research Centre. Her research focuses on sensory processing, particularly selective attention mechanisms and multisensory integration, including synaesthesia studies. She has received numerous awards, including being a finalist in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes (2001, 2002) and the Australian Postgraduate Award (2001-2004). Her work combines psychophysics, neuroimaging, and cognitive neuroscience to explore attention dynamics and synaesthesia. Research Interests: - Selective attention: Balancing voluntary and involuntary attention, applied in medical imaging contexts, sustained attention, and neural underpinnings. - Multisensory integration: Investigating synaesthesia (e.g., mirror-touch, grapheme-color), exploring how sensory modalities interact. - Neuroimaging techniques: Using fMRI and MEG to study brain regions involved in attention and perception. Awards: 2001-2004 Australian Postgraduate Award 2004 Cognitive Neuroscience Society Graduate Student Award 2005 Australian Psychological Society Excellent PhD Thesis Award Multiple media engagements on synaesthesia and perception Grants/Projects: Dealing with Distraction: Understanding Recovery After Interruption (2024-2028) Improving Inferences from Brain Imaging to Understand Selective Attention (ongoing) Magnetic Resonance-Compatible Audio-Visual Stimulus Delivery System (2014-) Labs/Teams: Active member of the Perception in Action Research Centre and collaborator in the Centre for Elite Performance Expertise and Training (CEPET).
Ritske Jong is a Professor in Experimental Psychology at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. His research utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) to explore cognitive mechanisms underlying attention, task-switching, and time perception. He investigates neural correlates of performance variability and decision-making under cognitive constraints. Research Focus: Jong's work spans attentional bias, temporal processing, and neurocognitive modeling. Key themes include EEG signatures of time perception, resit exam effects on learning investment, and implicit temporal regularities. His lab employs behavioral experiments and neuroimaging to dissect cognitive control mechanisms. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2017–2022) cluster in three domains: 1) EEG-informed temporal cognition studies, 2) attentional processing in learning environments, and 3) computational modeling of cognitive tasks. Cross-disciplinary collaborations extend to healthcare technology and educational psychology.
Dr. Tatjana Seizova-Cajic is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney, holding academic positions across the School of Psychology (2002–2006), Faculty of Health Sciences (2007–2019), and currently the Faculty of Medicine and Health (since 2020). Her research focuses on human perception, particularly touch, proprioception, and vision, employing psychophysical methods combined with neuroimaging. She has co-supervised PhD theses on tactile motion aftereffects and sensory localization, and a master's project on haptic communication systems for deafblind individuals. Education: BPsych (Belgrade), MSc in Perception Science (Belgrade), PhD in Psychology (UNSW, 2003). Postdoctoral work at UNSW (2007). Research interests include tactile motion perception, artificial numb spot phenomena, and the illusion of self-touch. Key themes are neurosciences/mental health and musculoskeletal health. Current projects explore spatial perception plasticity, sensory filling-in mechanisms, and neural correlates of self-touch illusions. Awards include the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), Honourable Mention at EuroHaptics 2014, and Outstanding Reviewer at WorldHaptics 2020. She teaches quantitative research methods (undergraduate/postgraduate) and honors modules. Grants include a $10,000 award for the course OLET5402 and a 2016 bridging grant for sensory filling-in studies. Labs and collaborations involve the Touch, Proprioception, and Vision Lab. Potential collaborations seek EEG/fMRI neuroimaging partnerships to study perceptual state transitions (e.g., self vs. other touch).
Prof. Anton Sirota is a Group Leader at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. His work focuses on understanding large-scale brain dynamics, neural oscillations, and the development of advanced neurotechnologies for high-resolution neural recording. He leads research on multi-shank neural probes, graphene-based sensors, and electrophysiological techniques to map neural activity across thalamocortical, cortico-hippocampal, and other brain networks. Key research areas include: Thalamocortical and cortico-hippocampal communication Gamma oscillations and neural circuit operations Respiratory modulation of memory consolidation Development of graphene-based neural interfaces High-density electrophysiological mapping His lab has pioneered tools like the SiNAPS probe and sensory island task (SIT) paradigm for studying neural dynamics in behaving animals. Current projects integrate neurotechnology with computational models to explore how oscillatory bursts coordinate sensory processing and memory formation. Notable collaborations include the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Munich, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to brain network analysis. Ongoing work addresses challenges in artifact reduction for biosensors and long-term neural recordings.
Jianjun Miao is a Professor recognized for his significant contributions to economic theory, evidenced by his 2025 election as Fellow of the Society for Advancement of Economic Theory. His academic work bridges theoretical economics with practical policy applications across multiple domains. His research spans economic theory, asset pricing, monetary and fiscal policy, rational inattention, and asset bubbles. Miao's work demonstrates particular expertise in modeling decision-making under uncertainty, financial market dynamics, and macroeconomic policy interactions. His research integrates advanced mathematical techniques with real-world economic phenomena, focusing on how information frictions and ambiguity affect market outcomes and policy effectiveness. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) asset bubbles and their macroeconomic implications, (2) rational inattention frameworks in discrete choice and asset pricing, and (3) fiscal-monetary policy coordination in constrained environments. His work consistently addresses methodological challenges in modeling uncertainty while providing policy-relevant insights for financial stability and economic growth. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Society for Advancement of Economic Theory (2025) Professor Miao maintains an active research program with substantial scholarly output. His work appears in leading economics journals and influences both academic discourse and policy discussions regarding financial stability, economic growth, and optimal policy design under uncertainty. He contributes significantly to academic knowledge through theoretical model development and empirical applications.
Becky Jackson is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of York since 2022. She holds a BSc and PhD in Psychology from the University of Manchester (2010, 2014). Previously, she held a British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship (2017–2021) and an EPSRC Doctoral Prize Fellowship (2014–2016). Her research focuses on neurocomputational approaches to semantic cognition, investigating semantic control, representation, and their interaction across the lifespan. She leads the NECSUS Lab, which combines computational modeling and neuroimaging techniques to understand brain architecture supporting complex cognition. Education: BSc Psychology (Manchester, 2010), PhD Psychology (Manchester, 2014) Research Interests Dr. Jackson’s work explores how the brain integrates conceptual knowledge and contextual control, using fMRI, MEG, and computational models. She investigates semantic networks, functional connectivity gradients, and the neural basis of semantic deficits in disorders. Her lab emphasizes translational research between computational theories and empirical neuroimaging findings. Publications Her recent work includes studies on semantic network dynamics, functional organization of temporal and frontal cortices, and the neural overlap between theory of mind and semantic cognition. Key contributions include methodological advancements in EEG/MEG functional connectivity analysis. Frith Prize (Experimental Psychology Society, 2014) British Academy Fellowship (2017–2021) EPSRC Doctoral Prize (2014–2016) Advising & Grants She supervises PhD students in semantic cognition and neuroimaging techniques. Her research is supported by interdisciplinary collaborations, including with the MRC Cognition & Brain Sciences Unit and institutions across Europe. She chairs the Board of Examiners (since 2023) and serves as an LGBTQ+ Champion at York. Labs & Teams NECSUS Lab (NEuroComputational Strategy to Understand Semantics) focuses on multi-disciplinary approaches to semantic control and representation, emphasizing lifespan development and computational-brain interface.
Dr. Fiona McNab is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of York. Her research focuses on cognitive neuroscience, particularly working memory, distraction, and healthy aging, utilizing neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and MEG. She previously held a Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship (2010-2017) and led projects like the Great Brain Experiment, exploring cognitive interventions across the lifespan. Her work investigates neural mechanisms underlying attention and memory, with a focus on dopamine systems and basal ganglia involvement. Key collaborations include Prof. Ana Vivas (CITY College, York) and Dr. Ted Zanto (UCSF). Education: BSc (Hons) in Psychology & Physics from Keele University (1997-2000), PhD in Psychology from the Open University/Aston University (2000-2004). Postdoctoral work at Exeter University (2004-2005), Karolinska Institute (2005-2010), and UCL (2010-2017). Current roles include Chair of YNiC Ethics Committee and Strand Leader for Perception and Cognition. Research interests include the neural basis of working memory capacity, age-related cognitive decline, and the impact of distraction. Her recent studies highlight cortical activity patterns during distraction and the role of video games in memory training. Grants include ESRC funding for cognitive intervention research. Teaching spans undergraduate Perception/Cognition modules and postgraduate supervision in Cognitive Neuroscience. She actively publishes in journals like *Cerebral Cortex*, *Scientific Reports*, and *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*.
Maxim Volgushev is a Professor at the University of Connecticut's Department of Psychological Sciences, where he leads a research lab focused on neurophysiology and cortical computation. His work investigates signal processing in visual cortical neurons, synaptic transmission dynamics, and plasticity mechanisms in the neocortex. His primary research explores neurophysiology of the visual system, action potential generation, cortical oscillations, and synaptic plasticity. Key investigations include heterosynaptic plasticity balancing, optogenetic modulation of neural responses, and the effects of neuroactive substances like ethanol on cortical circuits. Research integrates experimental and computational approaches across rodent and feline models. Recent publications (2017-2024) show strong emphasis on synaptic plasticity mechanisms, cortical response properties, and neuromodulation. Major themes include optogenetic manipulation of plasticity, ethanol's differential effects on excitatory/inhibitory transmission, gamma oscillation modulation for signal encoding, and computational modeling of neural dynamics. The work consistently bridges cellular neurophysiology with systems-level sensory processing. Volgushev mentors graduate students including PhD candidate Noah Raffone and Master's student Maxx Freed. His lab has received funding from NIH, German Research Foundation, UConn Research Foundation, and international collaborations. Active grants focus on neurophysiological mechanisms of cortical processing. He directs the Volgushev Lab at UConn, currently staffed by Research Associate Dr. Marina Chistyakova and students. Collaborations span institutions in Germany (Max Planck Institute), Canada (Laval University), Russia (RAS Moscow), and Hungary (University of Debrecen). The lab maintains active partnerships with neuroscientists studying cortical synchronization, computational modeling, and in vivo neural recordings.
Eliezer Fich is the Trustee Professor of Finance at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, where he holds a prominent position in the Finance department. He earned his PhD in Business Administration with honors from the NYU Stern School of Business and completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering. His research centers on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, securities laws, and firm value. He has published extensively in top-tier finance journals including the Journal of Financial Economics , Review of Financial Studies , and Management Science . His work frequently explores the interplay between executive behavior, board structures, and shareholder outcomes, with recent studies examining climate risk, innovation, and terrorism impacts on financial decisions. The latest 15 publications (2014–2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on governance mechanisms, institutional monitoring, insider trading, and the valuation effects of external shocks. Many papers analyze how managerial incentives, ownership structures, and regulatory environments shape corporate behavior and market responses. Scientific Awards: 2024 Review of Asset Pricing Studies Best Paper Award (Society of Financial Studies) 2021 IQ-KAP Research Prize 2020 (First Prize) (Private institute for quantitative capital market research at DekaBank, Frankfurt Germany) 2018 Best Paper Award (Southern Finance Association) 2012 Joseph Neubauer Research Scholar in Finance (Drexel University - LeBow College of Business) 2008-2011 Research Fellow (LeBow College of Business) 2008 Michael Jensen Best Paper Award (2nd Prize) for a Corporate Finance paper published in 2007 (Journal of Financial Economics) 2000 Harold W. MacDowell PhD. Graduation Award (New York University) Professor Fich has served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Corporate Finance since 2020, contributing significantly to academic discourse. While specific details about grants or advising are not listed, his extensive co-authorship network suggests active mentorship and collaboration. He has been cited in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal , The Financial Times , and The Economist , reflecting the real-world impact of his research. He maintains a personal website, Google Scholar profile, and SSRN page, ensuring broad dissemination of his scholarly work. There is no indication of part-time status, retirement, or former staff designation.
Dr. Henk-jan Boele is an Assistant Professor in the departments of Neurosciences and Psychiatry at Erasmus MC , where he conducts cutting-edge research on cerebellar function and motor learning. His work bridges experimental and computational neuroscience, with a focus on eyeblink conditioning and synaptic plasticity. Institution: Erasmus MC Departments: Neurosciences, Psychiatry Academic Rank: Assistant Professor His primary research interests lie in understanding the neural mechanisms underlying classical conditioning , cerebellar plasticity , and motor learning . Using both animal models and computational simulations, his studies explore how Purkinje cells and climbing fibers contribute to learning processes. His work also touches on behavioral neuroscience , neurodevelopment , and gut-brain interactions in pediatric populations. The recent publications (2024–2025) reflect a strong trend in integrating in vivo electrophysiology , behavioral experiments in mice , and large-scale neural modeling . Topics span from basic synaptic mechanisms to broader implications in neurocognitive functioning and public health . The consistent focus on cerebellar circuits highlights a cohesive and impactful research trajectory. Dr. Boele has contributed to several collaborative studies and has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in reputable journals such as Cerebellum , Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience , and PLoS Computational Biology . Although no specific awards are listed, his active publication record and supervision of academic work indicate recognition within the neuroscience community. He has supervised at least three academic projects, indicating a role in mentoring early-career researchers. His collaborations extend across institutions, particularly in multidisciplinary studies involving neuroimaging, computational modeling, and pediatric neuroscience. He is also involved in international research, including a cross-sectional study in Ecuador examining microbiota and neurocognitive development. Dr. Boele is part of a dynamic research network at Erasmus MC focused on cerebellar function and neurological disorders. His lab likely operates within a larger neuroscience consortium that includes experts in electrophysiology, behavior, and computational modeling. The integration of experimental and simulation-based approaches suggests a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.
Dr. Gwijde Maegherman is a Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, based in the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences. He holds a PhD from University College London (UCL) titled 'The cognitive and neural mechanisms involved in motor imagery of speech' (2020). His teaching focuses on Health Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Cognitive Neuroscience, emphasizing hands-on methodologies like EEG and fMRI. His research explores the intersection of language, thought, mental health, and education through the Language and Thought Investigative Laboratory. Key interests include inner speech's role in cognition, self-talk's impact on mental health, and voice identity's influence on learning. He investigates how AI-generated voices might alter learning dynamics and self-perception. Recent publications (2018–2022) center on speech motor control mechanisms, motor cortex activation during speech imagery, and TMS applications in speech physiology. His work bridges cognitive neuroscience with clinical applications in mental health and education. Grants and collaborations are not explicitly listed, but his lab actively engages students in experimental psychology projects. Future work likely expands into AI voice technology's sociocognitive impacts and neurobiological underpinnings of self-talk.
Dr. Amy Clair is a Lecturer and Deputy Director at the Australian Centre for Housing Research (ACHR) within the University of Adelaide's School of Social Sciences. Her research focuses on the intersection of housing policies, health outcomes, and energy poverty. She examines how housing conditions affect mental and physical health, particularly in vulnerable populations. Key themes include energy poverty's impact on mental health, housing insecurity's role in child well-being, and the broader implications of housing policy for social equity. Dr. Clair has contributed to influential studies such as exploring epigenetic aging linked to insecure renting and analyzing the consequences of UK housing allowance reductions. Her work utilizes longitudinal datasets like the UK Household Longitudinal Study and EU-SILC, combining quantitative analysis with policy critique. She advocates for evidence-based housing reforms to address health inequities, emphasizing biomarker data and qualitative insights from marginalized communities. Dr. Clair is actively involved in supervising postgraduate research and has published extensively in interdisciplinary journals, bridging public health, urban studies, and social policy. Recent articles highlight innovative approaches to measuring energy poverty's long-term mental health effects and the socio-economic dimensions of housing-related health disparities. Her research underscores the urgent need for systemic policy changes to mitigate the health harms of inadequate housing, particularly in post-pandemic recovery contexts.
Rodrigo Pizarro Ordoñez is an Associate Professor at Aalborg University's Department of Electronic Systems, affiliated with The Technical Faculty of IT and Design. His research focuses on acoustic engineering, hearing rehabilitation, and noise-induced hearing loss. He has led and participated in 14 projects, including initiatives like BEAR: Better Hearing Rehabilitation and studies on music exposure risks. Key research interests include temporary threshold shift, sound emission measurement, and recovery time analysis. His work bridges engineering and healthcare, addressing practical applications such as hearing aid optimization and corporate UX strategies in robotics. Ordoñez has co-authored over 80 publications since 2001, with recent contributions in journals like Audiology Research and Behavior & Information Technology. He has supervised 2 PhD students and contributed to interdisciplinary conferences like the Euroregio/BNAM Joint Acoustic Conference. Notable projects include assessing noise risks for musicians and developing methods to reduce hearing damage. His research emphasizes real-world applications, such as improving rehabilitation outcomes for hearing-impaired patients and enhancing corporate UX practices in technology firms.
Dr. Juliana Gerard is a Lecturer in Linguistics at Ulster University's School of Communication and Media, within the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. She specializes in language acquisition and processing, particularly focusing on syntax, bilingualism, and the role of working memory. Her work bridges linguistics with cognitive science, exploring how domain-general processes interact with language development. Education PhD in Linguistics, University of Maryland (2016) M.A. in Linguistics, UCLA (2011) B.A. in Linguistics, Spanish, and Cognitive Science, UCLA (2011) P.G. Certificate in Higher Education Practice, Ulster University (2018) Research Interests Her research investigates first and second language acquisition, particularly syntactic development in children and adults. Key themes include adjunct control, bilingualism, and AI applications in education. She leads initiatives like the Ulster Child Studies Consortium and collaborates on projects such as AI integration in academic settings. Grants & Awards 2024-2025 Research Impact Fund (£4,979) 2024 International Science Partnerships Fund (£40,122) 2016 NSF Doctoral Dissertation Research Grant ($16,781) Teaching & Outreach She teaches courses on language acquisition, research methods, and child language. She oversees MSc dissertations and leads outreach programs to engage families in child development research. Key Projects Ulster Centre on Multilingualism (UCoM) collaborations Workshop on AI Applications for Research Contexts
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