Martin M. Monti is a Professor of Psychology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), affiliated with the College of Letters and Science. His research focuses on disorders of consciousness, traumatic brain injury (TBI), neuroimaging, and cognitive neuroscience. He holds an MA and PhD in Psychology & Neuroscience from Princeton University (2006–2007) and a BA in Economics from Università Commerciale L. Bocconi (2002). Key research interests include understanding consciousness recovery mechanisms, neuroimaging techniques for TBI assessment, and neuromodulation therapies. Recent work explores subcortical correlates of sleep quality, AI-driven models of consciousness, and transcranial focused ultrasound applications. Monti has received prestigious awards, including the UCLA Life Science Faculty Award (2020, 2014) and the International Prize Giuseppe Sciacca for Medical Research (2018). He leads interdisciplinary projects through collaborations like the ENIGMA working group and the Curing Coma Campaign, advancing global neuroimaging standards and translational research.
Dr. Amy Damashek serves as Professor in the Department of Psychology at Western Michigan University, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses while mentoring Clinical Psychology doctoral students. She chairs the department's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and maintains an active research program focused on vulnerable populations. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Missouri-Columbia (2007) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (2009) Research Focus: Her work centers on preventing child maltreatment and unintentional injuries among at-risk youth, with specialized expertise in infant sleep-related deaths and health disparities . She develops culturally responsive parenting interventions for low-income and Spanish-speaking families, emphasizing community-based solutions through home visiting programs. Publication Trends: Recent work (2020-2023) demonstrates consistent focus on pandemic adaptation of family services, safe sleep practices in marginalized communities, and digital intervention strategies. Her mixed-methods approach bridges clinical psychology with public health, prioritizing implementation in real-world settings. Scientific Recognition: Fellow of the American Psychological Association Former President of APA Division 37 (Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice) Grants & Mentoring: Secured federal funding for child injury prevention in underserved communities. Mentors Clinical Psychology doctoral students with emphasis on culturally competent practice, accepting new graduate students for Fall 2025. Her federally funded work directly informs evidence-based home visiting protocols. Research Ecosystem: Collaborates extensively with community health workers, home visiting agencies, and pediatric care providers to implement and evaluate interventions addressing structural barriers in family support systems.
Professor Jeevan R. Sharma serves as Chair of South Asia and International Development and Co-director of the Centre of South Asian Studies at the University of Edinburgh's School of Social and Political Science. An elected General Secretary of the Britain Nepal Academic Council (BNAC), he brings extensive field research experience from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Malawi to his work in development and political anthropology. His current Wellcome Trust-funded transdisciplinary project examines health and well-being of South Asian migrant workers through collaboration with medical scientists and social anthropologists at Aga Khan University and Kathmandu Medical College. Sharma's research interests span labor migration, border-crossing, Maoist conflict, humanitarianism, human rights documentation, and health policy with particular focus on gender dynamics and social transformation. His fieldwork has investigated community health volunteers, maternal and child health, and international research collaboration in South Asia. He has previously worked at Feinstein International Centre at Tufts University (2009-2011) and Save the Children UK (2007-2009), bringing practical development experience to his academic work. His publication trends reveal consistent focus on migration, health policy, and political transformation in South Asia, with increasing attention to transnational health issues and pandemic impacts on vulnerable populations. Recent work examines Covid-19's effects on migrant workers, mental health policy in Nepal, and cross-cultural health measurement tools, demonstrating his commitment to bridging academic research with practical health interventions. Elected General Secretary of the Britain Nepal Academic Council (BNAC) Co-editor of HIMALAYA Journal (2019-2025), transitioning to Editor-at-large from January 2025 Associate Editor of 'South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies' Co-editor of Routledge Edinburgh South Asia Series Member of ESRC GAP panel C (2024-2025) Member of the commissioning panel for the ESRC Centres Competition 2018 Sharma has secured significant research funding including a Wellcome Trust grant for migrant worker health research, ESRC funding for projects examining low-income migrant workers' access to services in India, and NERC funding for flood resilience research in Nepal's Terai region. His collaborative approach is evident in projects involving multiple institutions across South Asia and the UK, with particular emphasis on transdisciplinary work that bridges social science and medical research. He has served as Principal Investigator on six completed projects and currently leads an active Wellcome Trust-funded initiative. As Co-director of the Centre for South Asian Studies in Edinburgh, Sharma contributes to one of the UK's leading institutions for South Asian research, fostering academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between scholars in the UK and South Asia. His work with the Britain Nepal Academic Council strengthens bilateral academic relations, while his editorial roles with HIMALAYA Journal and South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies position him at the forefront of scholarly discourse on the region.
Vonda Jump is an Associate Professor in the Social Work department at Utah State University's College of Arts & Sciences , based in the USU Brigham Region (Brigham City, Kaysville, Tremonton). Her work bridges social work and early childhood development, emphasizing practical interventions for family support. Vonda Jump’s research focuses on parent-child interaction , home visiting programs , and language development . She specializes in creating and validating tools like the PICCOLO (Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes) and HOVRS-A+ (Home Visit Rating Scales—Adapted and Extended to Excellence) to assess and improve parenting behaviors and home visit quality. Her studies often target low-income and migrant families, including Latino communities, to address disparities in child outcomes. Her recent work highlights trauma-informed instruction for student resilience and technology-based design for inclusive education, particularly with deaf/hard of hearing populations . She has contributed to understanding how maternal warmth, responsiveness, and structured activities like family bookmaking enhance child attachment, vocabulary, and self-regulation. Her research spans longitudinal analyses of parenting stress , temperament , and maternal language strategies in early childhood settings.
Dr. Angelique Jenney is an Associate Professor and the Wood’s Homes Research Chair in Children’s Mental Health at the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary. With over 25 years of experience in gender-based violence, child protection, and children’s mental health sectors, she specializes in trauma-informed approaches and simulation-based learning methodologies. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Social Work – University of Toronto (2011) Master of Social Work (MSW) – Wilfrid Laurier University (1998) Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology Co-op Program – University of Guelph (1995) Her research focuses on child mental health , gender-based violence , trauma across the lifespan , and simulation-based learning . She develops tools to enhance clinical competencies through experiential training, addressing gaps in child protection responses to violence and trauma. Dr. Jenney’s publications highlight innovative practices such as virtual simulations for interdisciplinary education, narrative shelter models for resilience, and trauma-informed interventions with perpetrators. Her work bridges academic research and frontline practice, emphasizing practical knowledge dissemination to parents and policymakers. Faculty Publication Award (2017–2022) Faculty of Social Work Early Career Researcher Award (2021) Teaching Experiential Learning Initiatives Teaching Award (2023) She collaborates with agencies like the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, contributing to policy development and training frameworks in child welfare.
Julia Gillard serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Cambridge and Principal Clinical Psychologist at the East of England Major Trauma Centre, an NHS specialist mental health service, within the Department of Psychiatry. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit at the University of Cambridge and an MSc in War and Psychiatry from the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, following completion of her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her research program investigates trauma, depression, and anxiety through interdisciplinary lenses including risk/resilience modeling, cross-cultural psychological frameworks, and specialized interventions for veterans and refugees. She actively develops digital mental health solutions and strategies to improve service accessibility across diverse populations. Professional recognitions include: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Topol Digital Fellow with NHS England Her prior leadership roles encompassed Associate Chief Clinical Information Officer at Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, with extensive clinical work across refugee, veteran, and childhood trauma specialist services. She maintains active NHS clinical responsibilities while advancing academic research and is unavailable for external consultancy engagements.
Professor Kurt Squire is a leading scholar in games research and development at the University of California Irvine, affiliated with the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from Indiana University (2004). His work focuses on leveraging computer games and augmented reality to enhance learning outcomes and social impact. Squire has pioneered platforms enabling students and teachers to co-create educational tools, fostering global grassroots communities through collaborative game design. Notable contributions include the Games + Learning + Society (GLS) center, which he co-founded with Constance Steinkuehler and has since relaunched at UCI. He currently explores AR applications, community-based AI design, and mitigating right-wing extremism in gaming ecosystems. Squire’s research has been funded by NSF, NIH, and major foundations, with over a dozen commercially launched games stemming from his projects. Education: Ph.D. in Education, Indiana University, 2004 Research Interests: Squire investigates how games and emerging technologies can address societal challenges through participatory design. His work spans educational equity, cognitive development via casual gaming, and ethical AI frameworks. He emphasizes translating academic innovations into market-ready solutions while aligning with institutional goals. Recent projects include wearable apps for youth self-regulation and trauma-informed GenAI design with marginalized communities. Notable Achievements: Recipient of the Inaugural Hasso Plattner Endowed Chair in Artificial Intelligence (2025) Co-founder of GLS, a globally influential research hub Authored Making Games for Impact (2021), a practitioner-focused guide Labs/Teams: Directs the Games + Learning + Society center at UCI, focusing on XR research, well-being technologies, and entrepreneurship in education. Collaborates with MIT on augmented reality initiatives.
Brett K. Jakubiak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Syracuse University, College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on relational well-being, affectionate behaviors, and social support dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University (2017) and has been recognized with the Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Teaching Award (2021). Jakubiak's work bridges theory and scalable interventions to enhance relationship quality and individual thriving across life stages. Research Interests: Impact of affectionate touch on relational satisfaction Role of social support in stress regulation Attachment theory applications in close relationships Psychological well-being through interpersonal interactions Recent Work Highlights: Explores human-AI relationship dynamics (2024), examines self-disclosure patterns tied to attachment avoidance (2024), and investigates touch's role in shared positive experiences (2023). His NSF-funded research examines affectionate touch in diabetic couples (2022–2027). Service Contributions: Serves on editorial boards for Journal of Social and Personal Relationships and Personality and Social Psychology Review . Active in department governance including tenure committees, diversity initiatives, and strategic planning.
John Finn serves as Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology at Christopher Newport University's College of Arts and Sciences. He holds joint appointments with the Honors Program, Center for Crime Equity and Justice Research and Policy, and Center for Sustainability in Education. PhD in Geography, Arizona State University MA in Geography, University of Missouri BA in International Studies, University of Missouri Finn's research examines the socioeconomic, environmental, and health consequences of persistent racial segregation in the United States, with particular focus on Hampton Roads, Virginia and Latin American contexts including Cuba and Brazil. His work integrates urban geography, environmental justice, and human-environment interaction through field research methods. His 2024 solo exhibition 'Living Apart: Geography of Segregation in the 21st Century' at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art demonstrates his innovative approach to translating academic research into public engagement. Finn's recent publications reveal strong thematic focus on urban renewal impacts, environmental justice mapping, and Latin American geographies, with increasing emphasis on climate gentrification and spatial epidemiology. 2024 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award (Virginia's highest faculty honor) 2021 Alumni Society Award for Teaching and Mentoring 2020 Faculty Excellence Award in Scholarship Class of 2013 Faculty Development Award (2019) Finn has secured over $200,000 in research funding and delivered more than 100 invited lectures across North America, Latin America, and Europe. His work bridges academic research and practical applications through partnerships with medical schools, planning associations, and environmental organizations. He maintains active research teams focused on mapping segregation patterns and analyzing environmental health disparities in coastal Virginia.
Allison McFall is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her work focuses on HIV epidemiology among key populations in India, particularly people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Primary Division: Infectious Disease Epidemiology Active Since: 2013 Her research emphasizes optimization of HIV prevention, care, and treatment systems. Key methodologies include: Respondent-driven sampling Monitoring and evaluation of service delivery Electronic database design for epidemiological research Recent publications analyze: Antiretroviral therapy outcomes in PWID and MSM HCV treatment adherence support HIV self-testing technologies Geospatial targeting for health services McFall's work spans 59 research outputs with active collaborations across India on viral hepatitis-HIV coinfections and integrated care models.
Pooja Khatija serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Organizational Behavior at the Weatherhead School of Management , Case Western Reserve University , where she is also a doctoral candidate. Blending scholarship and practice, she focuses her research on Asian American leadership, holistic and inclusive leadership, and implicit biases tied to gender, geography, and social class in recruitment and career advancement. Education Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Post Graduate degree in Management Doctoral candidate, Department of Organizational Behavior, Weatherhead School of Management Research Interests Dr. Khatija’s scholarly agenda is anchored in advancing equity within organizations. She investigates how Asian American leaders navigate and transform predominantly white institutions, and she develops integrative models of holistic leadership development that emphasize identity, well-being, and social justice. A second stream of inquiry examines implicit biases in hiring and promotion systems, with particular attention to gendered racism and intersectional invisibility experienced by women of color. Her work bridges theory and practice by translating findings into trauma-informed and healing-centered organizational interventions. She leverages coaching methodologies to cultivate inclusive climates and has co-authored critical reviews on reimagining leadership standards that historically center whiteness. Scientific Awards Graduate Dean’s Instructional Excellence Award (2022) Teaching, Coaching & Grants As an educator, Pooja has instructed graduate students in Applied Multivariate Data Analysis (MGMT573) and undergraduates in Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion (ORBH391) across 2020-2022. For over a decade she has coached Management and Engineering graduate students on career and placement strategies, and she is a certified executive coach through Weatherhead’s coaching program. While specific grant details are not enumerated, her sustained engagement in curriculum development and coaching initiatives reflects ongoing institutional investment in her inclusive-leadership agenda. Labs & Teams While no formal lab is named, Pooja collaborates closely with faculty and doctoral peers within the Department of Organizational Behavior and draws on Weatherhead’s broader ecosystem of leadership development and diversity research initiatives.
Claire Hart is an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University and joint Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy. She combines clinical practice experience with academic leadership, focusing on internationalization and innovative teaching in occupational therapy and guidance counseling. Her research emphasizes qualitative exploration of marginalized groups' occupational needs, refugee mental health, and the disproportionate impact of crises like CoVID-19. Education: PhD in Occupational Therapy, 2018 PGCE in Teacher Training (Further Education), 2000 MA in Counselling, 1999 DipCOT in Occupational Therapy, 1988 Research Interests: Refugee mental health, occupational science, qualitative methodologies, and the intersection of austerity and social exclusion. Active in international collaborations and policy advocacy. Grants & Supervision: Supervising Fayrouz Al Haj Moussa’s PhD on refugee mental health service co-production. Involved in research evaluating NHS home-working support and Marie Curie end-of-life programs. Professional Involvement: Member of Occupational Science Europe Board, European Occupational Science Research Committee, and reviewer for prominent journals like the Journal of Occupational Science.
Dr. Mohamed Khalifa is a Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney. He holds a PhD in Health Innovation from Macquarie University (2020) and an MSc in Health Informatics from the University of Edinburgh (2012). His expertise spans health informatics, AI-driven healthcare solutions, and strategic healthcare management. He has led multidisciplinary teams in developing evidence-based frameworks like GRASP for clinical predictive tools. Affiliations: Visiting Fellow, Macquarie University Director of Studies, College of Health Sciences (Education Centre of Australia) Former Digital Health Officer, Australian Digital Health Agency (2020–2021) His research focuses on AI applications in healthcare, clinical decision support systems, and health analytics. Over 20 years, he has published 60+ peer-reviewed papers and holds an innovation patent (2018). He has received awards including the IMIA Best Paper (2020) and ICIMTH Best Paper (2015). Dr. Khalifa’s work emphasizes improving healthcare efficiency through technology, including projects on predictive tools, emergency room performance, and diabetes management. He is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Digital Health and certified in healthcare information systems (CPHIMS).
Shoshana R. Shelton is a Professor at the RAND School of Public Policy and a Policy Researcher at the RAND Corporation. Her work centers on program evaluation, public health systems, emergency preparedness, and national health security, with significant contributions to pandemic response, violence prevention, and crisis decision-making. She has led major projects for federal agencies including the CDC, DHS, FEMA, and the U.S. Secret Service. Education: M.P.H., The Ohio State University B.A. in English, Denison University Her research focuses on strengthening public health infrastructure through performance measurement, logic modeling, and stakeholder engagement. She has developed tools such as tabletop exercises for continuity of operations in public health laboratories and led after-action reviews of the public health response to COVID-19. Her work emphasizes building resilience against biological threats, natural disasters, and targeted violence. Shelton's recent publications highlight trends in emergency alert systems, disaster resilience, criminal justice reform during pandemics, and equitable health security research investment. She advocates for evidence-based policies that balance bioterrorism preparedness with responses to natural disasters and climate-related emergencies. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. She has advised or collaborated with numerous federal and state agencies, contributing to national health security through rigorous evaluation and policy analysis. Her grants and projects reflect sustained funding from DHS, CDC, and other federal bodies focused on improving public safety and health system readiness. She has also led initiatives on behavioral threat assessment in schools and wearable technology for law enforcement wellness. Labs and Teams: Previously led a four-year project on mass attacks and targeted violence for the U.S. Secret Service. Collaborated with the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) on continuity of operations planning. Contributed to the Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative, fostering innovation across law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
Jacqueline Dyer serves as Associate Professor of Practice and DSW Director at Simmons University's School of Social Work, leveraging over 25 years of clinical social work experience across mental health counseling, community advocacy, and program leadership. She has held academic appointments at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Eastern Nazarene College, Wheelock College, and Salem State University while maintaining a community-based private practice. Her educational credentials include: PhD in Social Work from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work MSW from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work BA from Wellesley College Dr. Dyer's research critically examines clergy compassion fatigue , historical trauma in African descent communities , and intimate partner violence within faith contexts . Her work bridges theological perspectives with clinical social work practice, emphasizing culturally responsive interventions in religious settings. She actively presents on mental health-faith intersections for both academic and community audiences. Analysis of her 2010-2020 publications reveals consistent focus on trauma-informed approaches within religious communities, with increasing attention to racial reconciliation and systemic oppression. Her scholarship demonstrates sophisticated integration of theological frameworks with evidence-based social work practice, particularly regarding domestic violence prevention in church environments. As a clinical supervisor for secular and Christian agencies, Dr. Dyer has developed specialized expertise in faith-based trauma interventions. Her community engagement includes facilitating Christian domestic violence support groups and advancing social work education through the DSW program at Simmons University.
