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Nathalia CostaView profile

Research Fellow

• Low Back Pain Research
• Qualitative Health Research
• Pain Management
• +5 more

Dr. Nathalia Costa is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland's cLinical TRials cApability (ULTRA), located within the Centre for Clinical Research in Herston, and affiliated with the Centre for Innovation in Pain and Health Research (CIPHeR). She holds appointments in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. Her research focuses on theoretically grounded qualitative and mixed methods approaches to understanding low back pain, pain management, and healthcare systems. Costa is particularly known for her groundbreaking work on low back pain flares, which established the first rigorous definition of pain flares through stakeholder engagement with over 70 experts and consumers. Her methodological expertise spans systematic reviews, qualitative methodologies (interviews, ethnography, Delphi studies), embedding qualitative research in clinical trials, and systems-thinking frameworks. Costa's recent publications demonstrate a growing focus on culturally responsive care, healthcare access for migrant populations, and the intersection of legal services with mental health. Her work bridges micro-level patient experiences with macro-level healthcare systems, aiming to make pain care more nuanced, equitable, and evidence-based. She has published over 55 papers spanning musculoskeletal conditions, pain research, health policy, and qualitative methodologies. Her scientific achievements include the 2021 ISSLS Prize for Lumbar Spine Research, recognition from the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine. Her research has influenced international pain frameworks, including adoption by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in their online Fact Sheet (July 2023). Costa actively supervises multiple PhD students, serves as Associate Editor for Qualitative Health Research and the Journal of Humanities in Rehabilitation, and has taught across disciplines including research methods, musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and health policy. She has secured over AUD$7.5M in research funding, currently leading the FORENSIC trial investigating lumbar fusion surgery effectiveness for persistent severe low back pain.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Axonal Transport
• Motor Neurone Disease
• +3 more

Dr Andrew Grierson is a Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience at the School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, based at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN). His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases with translational applications. His educational background includes: PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Sheffield (1991-1994) BSc in Genetics from the University of Sheffield (1988-1991) Dr Grierson's work centers on axonal transport regulation in motor neurone disease (MND) and hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) , utilizing zebrafish and mouse models to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Current projects include HDAC6 inhibition studies for CMT2A and HSP, C9ORF72 protein function analysis in ALS, and spastin gene replacement therapy development. His laboratory emphasizes preclinical translation with strong industry and charity partnerships. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2013-2022) reveals consistent focus on ALS/MND pathophysiology, with increasing emphasis on C9ORF72-related mechanisms , mitochondrial dysfunction , and therapeutic target validation . The work bridges basic molecular neuroscience and clinical applications, predominantly using in vivo models and translational biomarkers . Dr Grierson supervises multiple PhD students and collaborates with Pamela Shaw and Bob Johnston at Sheffield. His research group includes technicians Katie Adamson and Gary Shaw, operating within SITraN's specialized facilities for neurodegenerative disease research.

• Integrated Care Governance
• Health Care Management
• Strategic Innovation
• +5 more

Prof. dr. Mirella M.N. Minkman serves as the Vilans Chair in Innovation of Organization and Governance of Integrated Care at Tilburg University's TIAS School for Business and Society. Concurrently, she is CEO of Vilans (National Knowledge Organization for care and support), bridging science, practice, policy, and education through national innovation programs. Her leadership extends to Chair of the National Governance Innovation Advisory Committee (BoZ), Chair of the NVTZ Scientific Advisory Board, Supervisory Board roles at RIBW Brabant and Rivierenland Hospital, and membership in the VGN Committee of Experts. Minkman's research pioneers person-oriented integrated care governance within multi-organizational networks, focusing on leadership, accountability systems, and strategic innovation. She examines how governance modes enable collaborative care models while addressing implementation barriers in healthcare transformation. Her work emphasizes change management frameworks for large-scale system integration, with particular attention to supervision mechanisms and value-based accountability structures across care continua. Analysis of her 15 recent publications (2021-2023) reveals consistent exploration of integrated care governance across Dutch and international contexts. Key thematic clusters include leadership in nursing home care, decision-making dilemmas in service networks, and emerging AI applications in long-term care. Methodologically, her work spans systematic reviews, policy analyses, and implementation studies, predominantly published in the International Journal of Integrated Care and specialized healthcare management outlets. Through Vilans, Minkman directs national knowledge platforms and large-scale implementation programs that connect academic research with practical healthcare innovation. Her international engagement includes board membership with the International Foundation for Integrated Care, editorial roles for the International Journal for Integrated Care, advisory positions with WHO's Integrating the Health and Care Workforce group, and participation in the UK Center for Evidence IMPACT's Critical Friends Group.

Jim McKinleyView profile

Professor

• Applied Linguistics
• Language Education
• Higher Education Studies
• +3 more

Jim McKinley is a Professor of Applied Linguistics at University College London (UCL), specifically within the IOE - Culture, Communication & Media. His career spans 25+ years across the UK, Japan, Australia, Uganda, and the US, focusing on the interplay between globalization, language education, and higher education. Education : PhD from Victoria University of Wellington, MA and BA (Hons) from the University of Sydney and Susquehanna University, respectively. His research bridges applied linguistics and higher education studies, emphasizing English Medium Instruction (EMI), teacher training, and the teaching-research nexus. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), British Academy, British Council, and John Fell Fund, he explores linguistic challenges in EMI and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL). Recent publications address EMI policy in Ethiopia/Poland/Japan, academic literacy in EMI, and systematic review methodologies. He is Editor-in-Chief of System and co-Editor of Cambridge Elements: Language Teaching . Scientific Awards : Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2020-present), Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Oxford (2021-2023). Leadership Roles : Former Director of Studies for PhD in Education at UCL, Head of Programme, and leadership in academic organizations.

Chad M. LauxView profile

Associate Professor

• Lean Sustainability
• Six Sigma Systems
• Operations Excellence
• +4 more

Chad M. Laux is an Associate Professor at Purdue University's Department of Computer and Information Technology within the Purdue Polytechnic Institute. He serves as the Graduate Education Chair for Computer & Information Technology and Co-Lead of Purdue University's Circular Economy Systems initiative at the Purdue University Institute for a Sustainable Future. Dr. Laux is also President-Elect of IISE SEMS (Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers - Service Enterprise Management Society). Dr. Laux earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Industrial Technology from Purdue University in 1995 and 1999 respectively, followed by a PhD in Industrial and Agriculture Technology from Iowa State University in 2007, where he received the Silvius-Wolansky Fellowship for Outstanding Dissertation. As an internationally recognized expert in Lean Sustainability and Six Sigma Systems, Dr. Laux's research integrates Lean principles with sustainability practices to address environmental challenges through circular economy models. His work spans Operations Excellence, Industry 4.0, and Quality 5.0 applications across manufacturing, healthcare, and higher education sectors. His publications demonstrate how organizations can achieve both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility through systematic process improvements. Dr. Laux's scholarly contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards including the American Society for Quality's Crosby Medal, the Walter E. Masing Book Prize, and multiple International Book Awards. His recent book "Lean Sustainability: A Pathway to a Circular Economy" (2023) received the International Book of the Year Award from the International Lean Six Sigma Institute. With over 200 published works and experience chairing or serving on more than 100 graduate student committees, Dr. Laux maintains active roles as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Lean Six Sigma and Education Chair for the American Society for Quality. His professional affiliations include the American Society for Quality (ASQ), American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), and the Institute for Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). As a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt with industry experience from General Electric and Caterpillar Inc., Dr. Laux bridges academic research with practical industry applications, focusing on sustainable business practices that enhance both performance and environmental outcomes.

• Epidemiology
• Nephrology
• Psychiatry
• +3 more

Nanbo Zhu is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Karolinska Institutet, jointly affiliated with the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (primary appointment until 2026) and the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (appointment until 2025). He conducts research within the Maria Eriksdotter research group (focused on clinical geriatrics) and Zheng Chang's psychiatric and pharmaco-epidemiology group. His research specializes in the intersection of mental health and chronic diseases , with emphasis on: Epidemiological patterns of mental illness in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients Pharmacoepidemiology of psychiatric medications (antidepressants, ADHD drugs, benzodiazepines) Drug safety profiles in vulnerable populations including elderly and renal impairment patients Advanced methodologies like target trial emulation using registry data Zhu's publications demonstrate consistent focus on neuropsychiatric comorbidities in somatic conditions, pharmacotherapy outcomes, and population health in Chinese cohorts. His work frequently utilizes large-scale registries and emphasizes clinical implications of mental health management in chronic disease populations.

• Technology Enhanced Learning
• Activity Theory
• Educational Change
• +5 more

Brett Bligh is a Senior Lecturer at Lancaster University's Department of Educational Research and Director of the Doctoral Programme in E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning. His work focuses on technology-driven institutional change in post-compulsory education through Activity Theory and interventionist methodologies like the Change Laboratory. Current roles: Director of Teaching for Department of Educational Research Leadership in International Society for Cultural-historical Activity Research (ISCAR) Co-editorships: Studies in Technology Enhanced Learning, Bureau de Change Laboratory Research interests center on: Digital transformation in higher education Activity theory applications Change Laboratory interventions Technology-enhanced learning frameworks His recent publications analyze: Open Educational Practices (2025) Virtual sustainability initiatives (2025) Pandemic-era educational pivoting (2022) Networked learning frameworks (2023) He supervises numerous PhD students (20+) working on: AI integration in teaching Blended learning communities Logistics education reform Medical professional identity

Danielle WillkensView profile

Associate Professor

• Architectural History
• Heritage Documentation
• Digital Preservation
• +5 more

Danielle Willkens is an Associate Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology's School of Architecture , where she combines design, research, and education to engage diverse audiences with architectural history. Her work spans design/build projects , heritage documentation , and transatlantic architectural studies , with a focus on digital preservation and sustainable tourism . Education: Ph.D. in Architectural History & Theory, University College London (2015) Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation, SCAD (2011) M.Arch, University of Virginia (2008) M.Phil in History of Art & Architecture, University of Cambridge (2006) BS in Architecture + Architectural History, University of Virginia (2004) Her research interests integrate terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) , UAV photogrammetry , and heritage BIM to document sites like the Edmund Pettus Bridge and Rosenwald Schools . Recent projects include digital reconstructions of Civil Rights Movement landmarks and transatlantic architectural networks between Thomas Jefferson and Sir John Soane. Scientific awards highlight her contributions: 2015 SAH H. Allen Brooks Travelling Fellow 2017-2018 AIAS/ACSA New Faculty Teaching Award 2021 AIAS Educator Honor Award American Philosophical Society Franklin Research Grant She leads funded interdisciplinary projects such as the $50,000 NPS grant for the Edmund Pettus Bridge and $750,000 NPS Rosenwald School rehabilitation , collaborating with Auburn University and the National Center for Preservation Training.

• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Sex and Gender Differences in Cardiovascular Disease
• Comparative Effectiveness Research
• +5 more

Louise Pilote, MD, MPH, PhD is Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine, Division of Internal Medicine , McGill University , and Senior Scientist in the Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) , Montréal, Canada. Education: Louise Pilote holds the combined degrees of MD, MPH, and PhD, reflecting advanced clinical, public-health and research training that underpins her translational work. Research Focus: Internationally recognized pioneer in sex- and gender-based cardiovascular epidemiology , developing novel gender indices to disentangle biological (sex) and sociocultural (gender) determinants of cardiovascular outcomes. Leads the multinational GOING-FWD consortium (Gender Outcomes International Group to Further Well-being Development), integrating sex/gender analytics across 30 cohorts totaling 30 million patients with chronic diseases. Authority on comparative effectiveness and pharmacoepidemiology leveraging administrative “Big Data”, clinical registries, and advanced biostatistical/machine-learning methodologies. Current clinical-translational projects include imaging-based diagnosis of coronary microvascular dysfunction , a condition disproportionately affecting women. Scientific Impact & Awards: While formal awards are not enumerated in the supplied text, Dr Pilote’s sustained leadership as senior author on major Canadian and international cardiovascular guidelines, her role in founding the GOING-FWD network, and her extensive publication record (398 PubMed-indexed articles, 1988-2025) collectively constitute significant peer recognition. Students & Mentoring: Specific trainee names are not provided in the text; however, as Professor at McGill and Senior Scientist at RI-MUHC she supervises graduate students, clinical research fellows, and post-doctoral researchers in cardiovascular epidemiology, data science, and gender medicine. Laboratories & Teams: Dr Pilote heads the cardiovascular epidemiology research group within the Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) at RI-MUHC, coordinating a multi-disciplinary team of biostatisticians, data scientists, clinician-scientists, and trainees.

• Surgical Education
• Medical Education
• Psychometrics
• +5 more

Ting Sun, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Surgical Education within the Department of Surgery and an Educational Researcher in the Office of Surgical Education at the University of Utah School of Medicine . Her expertise lies in quantitative methodology applied to medical and surgical education, with a focus on psychometrics, assessment validity, and learning outcomes. Education: Ph.D. in Educational Research, Measurement, and Evaluation – University of North Carolina at Charlotte Postdoctoral Training – Northwestern University M.A. – Xi'an International Studies University B.A. – Xi'an International Studies University Research Interests: Dr. Sun's work centers on the intersection of educational measurement and surgical training . She explores how psychometric tools can be used to validate assessments in medical education, particularly in evaluating surgical competence and trainee autonomy. Her research also delves into online learning environments , self-efficacy in medical learners , and the application of machine learning in educational assessment. Scientific Contributions: Her recent publications reflect a consistent focus on competency-based medical education , particularly through the lens of ACGME Milestones , Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) , and assessment reliability and validity . She has conducted extensive meta-analyses and systematic reviews to synthesize evidence on educational interventions in surgery and online learning. Her work also addresses gender disparities in surgical training feedback and the impact of multimedia-based education on learning outcomes. Grants and Advising: While no specific grant details are provided, her extensive publication record suggests active involvement in funded research. Her role in surgical education implies potential mentorship of medical students, residents, and fellows, although specific student names are not listed in the provided content. Labs and Teams: Dr. Sun collaborates closely with the Office of Surgical Education at the University of Utah, likely contributing to curriculum development, assessment design, and educational research initiatives within the Department of Surgery .

Jennifer S. GewandterView profile

Associate Professor

• Chronic Pain
• Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
• Pain Clinical Trials
• +4 more

Jennifer S. Gewandter is an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry , with joint appointments in the Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Dentistry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery . Her research focuses on chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), patient-reported outcomes, and clinical trial methodologies. Education: PhD in Biochemistry (2011) and MPH in Public Health (2014) from the University of Rochester; MS in Biochemistry (2008); BS in Biochemistry (2004) from SUNY Geneseo. Dr. Gewandter leads studies on CIPN treatment, pain biomarkers, and neuromodulation techniques, publishing extensively in journals like Pain and The Journal of Pain . Her work emphasizes improving clinical trial design, assay sensitivity, and patient-centered pain management. She has received awards such as the Early Career Women Faculty Leadership Development Workshop (2018) , Distributed Research Network Demonstration Project Award (2017) , and Marvel-dare F. Nutting Award (2012) , alongside predoctoral grants and fellowships. Her recent articles analyze buprenorphine initiation predictors, social disparities in pain treatment, and innovative approaches to CIPN prevention via exercise and neuromodulation. She advocates for rigorous statistical methods and patient engagement in clinical research.

Wolfgang GreinerView profile

Professor

• Health Economics
• Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
• Quality of Life Research
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Greiner, born in 1965, is the Chair of Health Economics and Health Management at Bielefeld University's Faculty of Health Sciences. He has held this position since April 2005 and leads Working Group 5 (Health Economics and Health Management). Current roles: Dean of Faculty, Chairman of Structure and Budget Commission, Habilitation Committee member. Affiliated with Bielefeld Center for Data Science (BiCDaS). His research focuses on health technology assessment , economic evaluation of health services , quality of life metrics , and disease management frameworks . Recent projects include AI-driven clinical decision support systems for sepsis, financial burden analysis for cancer patients, and smart home emergency call system effectiveness. Key awards include the Austrian Prize for Health Economics, Hannover University Science Prize, and Medvantis Research Prize. He serves as Managing Editor of the European Journal of Health Economics and sits on scientific advisory boards for health insurers. His 2025 articles address dengue burden, AI in critical care, and dyslipidemia epidemiology. Earlier works span meningococcal vaccines, HPV disease costs, and chronic disease management in Germany.

Xiaohui XuView profile

Professor

• Environmental Epidemiology
• Air Pollution
• Maternal and Child Health
• +5 more

Xiaohui Xu is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Texas A&M University, specializing in environmental epidemiology. Her research focuses on the health impacts of air pollution, maternal and child health, genetic susceptibility, and spatial epidemiology. She collaborates extensively with institutions in China and the United States on population health studies. Education: PhD in Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh (2007) MA in Environmental Health, Fudan University (2002) MD in Preventive Medicine, Zhejiang University (1999) Xu’s work explores how environmental exposures interact with genetic and pre-existing health conditions to affect outcomes in vulnerable populations. Her studies span respiratory health, cardiovascular effects of pollution, heavy metal toxicity in HIV patients, and adverse birth outcomes linked to air quality. She employs advanced exposure assessment techniques and spatial modeling. Recent publications highlight her focus on prenatal particulate matter exposure, gestational diabetes, ozone health effects, and pollution mitigation strategies. Collaborative trials include air purifier efficacy studies and community-based interventions for asthma management. Her research bridges environmental science, public health, and clinical epidemiology. Xu holds appointments in environmental health policy and contributes to understanding pollution’s role in chronic disease progression. Her work informs regulatory frameworks and health interventions in high-risk populations, including agricultural communities and urban asthma sufferers.

Debarun SarkarView profile

Research Fellow

• Digital Humanities
• AI Ethics
• Cultural Studies
• +7 more

Debarun Sarkar is a Research Fellow affiliated with the Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies at the University of Bergen. He works on the ALGOFOLK project, examining sociotechnical systems and material-semiotic configurations. His research spans digital culture, AI ethics, urban studies, and cultural studies, with a focus on India and the Global South. Research Interests: Debarun focuses on the intersections between algorithms and folklore, exploring how digital technologies shape labor, creativity, and social structures. He critically analyzes blockchain adoption in India, AI auditing frameworks, and the sociopolitical implications of smart/green city initiatives. His cultural studies work includes examining heavy metal subcultures and hip-hop’s role in capitalist realism. Projects: He was co-PI for Audit4SG (2023), funded by the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab, and contributed to a Learning Analytics in Higher Education project (2022-24). Current work involves the ALGOFOLK project (Research Council of Norway and Trond Mohn Foundation funding). Education: PhD in Sociology from the University of Mumbai, where he served as a UGC Junior/Senior Research Fellow. His doctoral work engaged with urban scale debates in New Town, West Bengal.

Mehreen FaisalView profile

Research Fellow

• Mental Health
• Oral Health
• Mental and Physical Multimorbidity
• +3 more

Mehreen Faisal is a Research Fellow in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York. She works as part of the Mental Health and Research Capacity Strengthening themes of the Centre for IMPACT, a NIHR Global Health Research Centre established to improve mental and physical health together. Mehreen is a dentist by background with research focusing on the intersection of mental health and oral health. Her primary research interests include: Mental health and oral health Mental and physical multimorbidity Intervention development Trial evaluation Implementation science Global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on mental health interventions in global contexts, particularly in South Asia and other low- and middle-income countries. She has published extensively on collaborative care models for mental disorders, integration of mental health services with physical health care (particularly tuberculosis services), and oral health interventions for vulnerable populations including those with severe mental illness. Her methodological expertise spans systematic reviews, meta-analyses, qualitative research, and clinical trials, with significant contributions to core outcome sets for multimorbidity research. Mehreen has been actively involved in the Centre for IMPACT, contributing to research that aims to improve both mental and physical health outcomes through integrated care approaches. Her work often addresses health system challenges in resource-limited settings, with a particular focus on Pakistan and South Asia, where she examines the economic impact of mental disorders and feasibility of integrated care models.