Marie Matérne is an Associate Professor of Social Work and licensed health and medical care counselor at Örebro University. She holds a PhD in Disability Research (2018) focusing on return-to-work after acquired brain injury. Her primary affiliation is with the School of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences, Department of Behavioural, Social and Legal Sciences. She leads the Social Work and Care in a Life Course Perspective (SAOL) research group. Marie’s research focuses on disability studies, stroke rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, and psychosocial interventions. Key projects include developing rehabilitation programs for women with TBI, studying post-stroke quality of life, and evaluating the role of healthcare counselors. She collaborates internationally with researchers in Australia, the UK, Ireland, and Finland. Her teaching focuses on the Health and Medical Care Counselor Program, where she coordinates thesis and scientific theory courses. She has supervised four doctoral students, including Anette Granberg (defended 2014) and Alexandra Björck (ongoing). Recent publications (2023–2025) emphasize organizational readiness for disability interventions, stroke comorbidity impacts, and remote sign language interpreting. Her work bridges clinical practice and social policy, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to disability care. Marie serves on the editorial board of the National Competence Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and chairs the Stroke Team Council. She completed a 2024 research exchange at Sydney’s Ingham Institute.
Dr. Adrian Aguilera is an Associate Professor at UC Berkeley's School of Social Welfare and a Professor at UCSF's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He directs the Digital Health Equity and Access Lab (dHEAL) and previously led the Latinx Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health, focusing on technology-based interventions for marginalized populations. NIH-funded researcher in digital health equity Expert in machine learning applications for mental health Developed HealthySMS platform for text-based interventions Co-PI of DIAMANTE project for diabetes/depression Licensed clinical psychologist at San Francisco General Hospital Awarded NHLBI PRIDE fellowship and Robert Wood Johnson grant His research bridges digital health, implementation science, and health disparities through projects like MoodText and StayWell at Home. He combines user-centered design with AI to create culturally responsive interventions for Latinx communities, emphasizing accessibility and telehealth expansion during pandemic contexts. Scientific Contributions: Over 25 peer-reviewed publications Pioneered SMS-based CBT delivery Advocated for digital inclusion in mental healthcare Integrated machine learning into behavioral interventions Developed frameworks for health equity in mHealth Authored book chapters on culturally informed practices Current projects focus on adaptive learning algorithms for diabetes/depression comorbidity, stress reduction apps for people of color, and telehealth policy analysis. His work addresses socioeconomic barriers through automated systems while maintaining clinical rigor in public sector settings.
Maria Deldén serves as Associate Senior Lecturer and Program Manager for the Subject Teacher Program at Mid Sweden University's Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. Holding a Doctor of Philosophy from Umeå University, she integrates extensive high school teaching experience in history, Swedish, and Spanish with academic research since 2014. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (2017), Umeå University: Dissertation 'Perspectives on historical film literacy: a didactic study of high school students' historical and emotional meaning-making in the encounter with film' Licentiate of Philosophy (2014), Umeå University: Thesis 'History as Fiction: High School Students' Experience of Feature Films in History Teaching' Her research centers on practical history didactics, non-formal learning in international contexts, and motivation dynamics in education. Current projects examine sustainability perspectives in history teaching and Colombian non-formal learning models through Surcolombiana University collaboration. She analyzes student meaning-making through historical films, metaphors, and empathy frameworks while developing teacher-student interaction strategies to enhance motivation. Recent publications (2023-2024) reveal thematic convergence around narrative analysis in conflict zones (Jerusalem studies), metaphorical frameworks in non-formal learning, and empathy development in historical education. International collaborations dominate her output, particularly with Colombian institutions exploring resocialization and peace education, demonstrating consistent integration of global perspectives into Swedish teacher training contexts. Active in supervising teacher education programs and developing educational science courses focused on didactics and leadership, Deldén contributes to VFU (practical teaching) supervision and curriculum development. Her work bridges theoretical research with classroom implementation through ongoing partnerships with Colombian universities and Swedish teacher training programs. She participates in research teams examining non-formal learning through idea-based organizations, particularly via the Surcolombiana University collaboration. This international network investigates how community-based educational models can transform formal teacher education, with emphasis on conflict resolution and sustainable development frameworks.
Lisa Charmer serves as a Lecturer in Allied Health and Midwifery within Southern Cross University's Faculty of Health, where she coordinates the Bachelor of Midwifery (BMid) Program. With 20 years of clinical experience across tertiary, rural, and remote settings as a registered midwife/nurse, she has held roles including Clinical Midwifery Educator and management positions. She actively contributes to national midwifery through the Australian College of Midwives (ACM) editorial committee for 'Australian Midwifery News'. Her educational credentials include a Diploma in Nursing (University of Salford), Graduate Diploma in Midwifery (University of Technology Sydney), and Master of Midwifery Studies (University of Newcastle), establishing her clinical and academic foundation. Research focuses intensely on women's health, obstetrics, and midwifery with specialization in birth trauma, maternity care decision-making, and practitioner mental well-being . Current HDR work investigates trauma impacts on care provision, while her scholarship bridges rural service delivery, psychosocial birth aspects, and evidence-based policy advocacy. She champions women's access to informed maternity choices through clinical guideline reforms. Publication analysis (2021-2024) reveals dominant themes in primary birth trauma among Australian midwives, examining severity factors, phenomenological experiences, and correlational impacts. Pandemic service adaptations and scoping reviews of provider trauma experiences demonstrate her commitment to translating research into resilient maternity systems. No scientific awards are documented in available sources. As HDR supervisor under Professor Julie Jomeen and Doctor Elaine Jefford, she cultivates future midwifery leaders while driving community engagement through policy implementation and ACM contributions. Her advocacy centers on empowering women's maternity decisions through evidence-based practice transformation.
Christian M. Connell, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine with a focus on trauma and adversity impacting child and adolescent populations. His research examines contextual risk factors and protective processes within child welfare and behavioral health systems. Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology, University of South Carolina Predoctoral/Postdoctoral Fellow, The Consultation Center at Yale Dr. Connell's work emphasizes: Community-based interventions for traumatized children Family-focused approaches to child maltreatment recovery Advanced quantitative analysis of behavioral outcomes His research portfolio includes grants from: National Institute of Mental Health Administration for Children and Families Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Key research trends across publications: Systematic evaluation of child welfare practices Multivariate analysis of trauma outcomes Development of screening methodologies for adversity Interdisciplinary approaches combining psychology and policy Scientific recognition includes: NICHD Clinical Research Loan Repayment Program Senior Fellow at Connecticut Child Health Institute Faculty Fellow at Yale's Zigler Center Dr. Connell leads research initiatives at the Child Development & Epidemiological Research Lab and collaborates with Yale faculty on trauma-informed systems redesign.
Zirui Song, MD, PhD, serves as Associate Professor of Health Care Policy and Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Faculty Director of Research for the Center for Primary Care. He practices as a general internist at Massachusetts General Hospital, providing primary care and inpatient medicine services while leading health policy initiatives across Harvard-affiliated institutions. His educational foundation includes: B.A. in Public Health Studies (Honors) from Johns Hopkins University M.D. from Harvard Medical School (magna cum laude) Ph.D. in Health Policy (Economics track) from Harvard University National Bureau of Economic Research Fellowship in Aging and Health Economics Dr. Song's research centers on optimizing healthcare value through rigorous analysis of payment systems, service pricing, insurance financing, and care quality. His work examines how employer strategies, peer influences, and population-level interventions impact spending and health outcomes, employing advanced econometric methods to address critical policy questions. Recent projects investigate private equity's effects on healthcare organizations, firearm injury consequences, and Medicare payment reforms. Analysis of his publication record reveals dominant themes in private equity impacts on healthcare delivery (hospitals, hospices, physician practices), Medicare Advantage payment dynamics , and innovative payment models for maternity and dental care. His work consistently bridges health economics theory with practical policy applications, often utilizing natural experiments and large-scale administrative data. His distinguished recognition includes: AcademyHealth Article-of-the-Year award NIHCM Foundation Health Care Research Award Society of General Internal Medicine Outstanding Junior Investigator Award Morton N. Swartz, M.D. Humanism in Medicine Award Multiple Harvard University Certificates of Distinction in Teaching As an educator, Dr. Song directs the MGH Internal Medicine Residency Health Policy concentration and co-directs Harvard's foundational Health Policy course for medical/dental students. He mentors PhD candidates and medical trainees while serving as JAMA Health Forum Associate Editor and Health Services Research editorial board member. His policy experience includes U.S. Department of Health and Human Services work on Medicare payment policy and Massachusetts Health Policy Commission fellowship.
Frida Svanberg serves as a University lecturer at the National Center for Women's Peace (NCK), Uppsala University, currently on institutional leave from August 16, 2024, to August 31, 2025. Her work is institutionally anchored at Uppsala Academic Hospital, where NCK operates as a specialized research hub addressing gender-based violence and women's health within clinical settings. Her research spans critical intersections of medicine and social justice, with primary focus areas including: Women's Health Peace Studies Violence Prevention Public Health Gender-Based Violence Medical Ethics These interests align with NCK's mandate to develop evidence-based interventions for survivors of gender violence through hospital-clinic partnerships. NCK functions as Uppsala University's dedicated center for translational research on women's safety, collaborating with regional healthcare services to implement trauma-informed care protocols. Dr. Svanberg's hospital-based role emphasizes bridging clinical practice with policy development in gender violence response systems.
Professor Nareen Young is the Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), holding a dual appointment as Industry Professor in Indigenous Policy at the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research. Her work focuses on workplace diversity, Indigenous policy reform, and employment equity. She leads the Indigenous People and Work Research and Practice Hub, a pioneering initiative addressing systemic barriers faced by Indigenous Australians in the workforce. Education & Professional Background: Nareen’s career spans over three decades in trade union leadership, diversity advocacy, and policy development. She previously directed the Diversity Council Australia (2007–2014) and the NSW Working Women’s Centre (1998–2005), transforming these into influential bodies for workplace equity. Her academic roles include Director at PwC Indigenous Consulting (2014–2018). Research Interests: Professor Young’s research emphasizes Indigenous leadership, cultural capability in workplaces, and policy-driven solutions to close employment gaps. She employs innovative methodologies such as yarning circles to center Indigenous voices in labor studies. Her work intersects law, public health, and community development to advance social justice. Grants & Collaborations: Recent projects include studies on driver licensing programs’ impact on Indigenous employment (National Indigenous Australians Agency), improving Indigenous student success in UTS (UTS Social Impact Grant), and cultural capability guides for public services. She collaborates with organizations like Airservices Australia and Microsoft on inclusive workforce initiatives. Awards & Recognition: Recipient of the AFR 100 Women of Influence (2012), nominated for the Australian Human Rights Medal, and recognized as one of Australia’s most influential female voices in public discourse on diversity. She contributes to media and policy debates on Indigenous rights and workplace equity. Leadership & Governance: Nareen sits on boards of Souths Cares, BlakDance, Diversity Arts Australia, and the Indigenous Advisory Group of National Australia Bank. She advises the National Indigenous Australians Agency’s Academic Reference Group and chairs the Gari Yala Truth-Telling Project.
Associate Professor Dominiek Coates is a trauma therapy expert and translational researcher. Her work bridges clinical practice and health systems to improve care for vulnerable populations experiencing violence and mental health challenges. Key research areas: Trauma recovery interventions Integrated mental-physical healthcare Maternity care decision-making Embedded researcher models Workforce capacity building She has led 25 research studies and developed curricula for health science programs.
Paul Salkovskis is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Oxford and holds multiple leadership roles, including Director of the Oxford Centre for Psychological Health, the Oxford Institute of Clinical Psychology Training and Research, and the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre. He is also the Course Director for the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych) and Clinical Director of the Oxford Health Specialist Psychological Interventions Clinic. His career spans over four decades, with previous roles at King’s College London and the University of Bath. Education: Qualified as a clinical psychologist in 1979 at the Institute of Psychiatry and Maudsley Hospital. He has extensive NHS experience, including leading national OCD services and establishing a NHS National Specialist Clinic upon his return to Oxford in 2010. Research Interests: Focuses on anxiety disorders (OCD, panic, agoraphobia, health anxiety), transdiagnostic factors (cognitive appraisals and safety-seeking behaviors), and health psychology (medically unexplained symptoms, long-term conditions, health decision-making). His work emphasizes evidence-based treatments and CBT dissemination. Publications: Over 200 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on CBT adaptations, OCD treatment efficacy, hoarding disorder, and mental health stigma. Recent work explores telehealth interventions and CBT mechanisms of change. Scientific Awards: MB Shapiro Prize (2017), Aaron T. Beck Award, Monte Shapiro Award, Honorary Fellowship of BABCP, and Fellow of the British Psychological Society. Advising & Grants: Leads CBT training programs globally and advises on NHS clinical services. His work integrates clinical practice with research, emphasizing translational science and public involvement. Labs/Teams: Involved with the Oxford Anxiety and Trauma (OxCADAT) research group and directs multiple training institutes. Editor-in-Chief of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy and chairs BABCP.
Assoc. Prof. Seda Topgül is an academic at the Department of Social Service, Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, Akdeniz University. She holds a PhD from Eskişehir Anadolu University (2014) and has extensive experience in social policy, disadvantaged groups, gender studies, and labor law. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University (2015–2020), holding roles such as Head of the Department of Labor Economics and administrative leadership positions. Her research emphasizes migration, climate refugees, animal-assisted interventions, and workplace social services. Education: BA and MA from Eskişehir Anadolu University (Labor Economics), PhD in 2014. She conducted research at the University of Ljubljana (2010–2011). Key roles included coordinating migration initiatives with the UNHCR and contributing to social integration projects with the Tokat Chamber of Commerce. Research Interests: Social Policy, Gender Studies, Work Psychology, and Disadvantaged Groups. Recent work focuses on climate refugees, animal-assisted therapies, and workplace-life balance. She has authored books like *Poverty and Social Services* (2022) and *Work-Life Balance Applications* (2022). Publications span over 98 articles, with notable contributions to feminist social work perspectives, climate refugee policies, and veterinary social work. She actively participates in organizations like OWSD and contributes to policy discussions on social equity and migration. Grants/Projects: Engaged in migration monitoring, social cooperative projects, and climate change impact studies. Advised three theses, focusing on social services and policy analysis. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on climate adaptation and refugee integration programs.
Pamela Meredith serves as Professor and Discipline Lead of Occupational Therapy within the School of Health at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Queensland, Australia. She maintains an honorary appointment as Associate Professor at The University of Queensland (UQ). With over 120 publications and an h-index of 28 (Scopus), Meredith demonstrates significant scholarly impact in occupational therapy research. Her leadership extends to directing the ConnectPlayLearn research partnership and contributing to multiple funded research initiatives focused on trauma-informed care and sensory approaches. BOccThy (1982–1986), University of Queensland BSc (Psychology) (1992–1995), University of Southern Queensland (Deans Commendation) BA (Hons) Psychology (1997–1998), University of Queensland PhD (2002–2006), University of Queensland (Deans Commendation) Meredith's research program investigates how childhood experiences shape lifelong physical and mental health outcomes, with particular emphasis on attachment theory and sensory processing patterns. Her work spans four interconnected domains: parenting and child trauma, persistent/chronic pain, mental illness with substance use, and palliative care with grief/loss. This research informs clinical reasoning and therapeutic processes across prevention, early intervention, and evidence-based practice. Her innovative Sense of Safety theoretical framework provides a trauma-informed approach to whole person care that bridges multiple disciplines. Analysis of Meredith's recent publications reveals a strengthening focus on implementation science and co-design methodologies to translate sensory and attachment-informed approaches into clinical practice. Her work increasingly addresses cultural safety, particularly through yarning methodologies with First Nations communities, while maintaining core investigations into sensory processing across lifespan contexts from infancy through dementia care. The interdisciplinary nature of her research is evident in collaborations spanning occupational therapy, psychology, nursing, and allied health fields. 2024 - UniSC School of Health Research Excellence Award 2021 - Fellow of Occupational Therapy Australia Research Academy (FOTARA) 2019 - CQUniversity Commendation for Research Higher Degree Supervision Multiple University of Queensland teaching and supervision awards (2009-2017) 2006 - UQ Dean's Commendation for Outstanding PhD Thesis Meredith has supervised 55 honours students, 19 PhD candidates, and 1 MPhil student to completion while currently advising 12 HDR students. Her research program attracts significant competitive funding including a Dementia Australia Research Foundation Grant ($50,000), Mamré Association Inc. funding ($77,000), and Physiotherapy Research Foundation Seeding Grant ($10,000). Current projects include 'Reaching Pawtential' (canine-assisted therapy for dementia), 'The road less travelled' (dementia-friendly travel), and 'Diagnosis of young children with FASD', demonstrating both clinical relevance and methodological diversity across implementation trials, co-design studies, and systematic reviews. Meredith leads the ConnectPlayLearn research concentration in partnership with Mamré, developing evidence-based training for therapists and parents. Her work with the International Occupational Therapy Attachment and Trauma Network fosters global collaboration on trauma-informed practice. Through the Occupational Therapy Australia Research Academy fellowship, she contributes to national research capacity building while maintaining active clinical connections that ensure her research remains grounded in real-world practice challenges across mental health, pain management, and developmental contexts.
Dr. John Doering-White is an Assistant Professor jointly appointed in Anthropology and Social Work at the University of South Carolina. His ethnographic research examines humanitarian responses to forced migration, with field work focused on Central American migration through Mexico. Current projects analyze climate-related displacement and systems of care for unaccompanied minors. Research employs participatory methods including documentary film production ('Border South') to explore aid worker experiences and migrant resilience. His work has received funding from Wenner-Gren Foundation, Gerda Henkel Stiftung, and Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Service. Teaching includes courses on international social work, Latin American cultures, and ethics. He co-directs the Migration Scholars Working Group and serves on the executive team for Scholars Across Anthropology and Social Work.
Etienne Pracht is an Associate Professor of Health Policy & Management in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the University of South Florida’s College of Public Health. He also holds a courtesy appointment as Associate Professor of Economics in the College of Business. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Economics (with a minor in Computer Science) from Louisiana State University and a B.A. in Economics from New College of the University of South Florida. His research focuses on health care economics and applied econometrics, with a particular emphasis on trauma systems, Medicaid policy, and health system performance. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as Health Economics, Public Health Data Analysis, and Perspectives on Health Insurance. He has served as Faculty Director of Educational Technology and Assessment for the College of Public Health since 2007. His work has been recognized with awards including the 2006 Dean’s Certificate of Appreciation and the 2001-2002 Outstanding Teacher Award from the Public Health Student Association. Pracht has led numerous grants and contracts, including evaluations of Florida’s trauma system and studies on avoidable hospitalizations. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications, with key contributions in trauma outcomes, Medicaid reforms, and health policy. His research often bridges quantitative methods with real-world policy implications, addressing issues like trauma center efficacy, insurance disparities, and public health interventions. Award highlights include a 2009 certificate from Suriname’s Ministry of Health for training in empirical health care research and a 2002 Special Performance Bonus. He actively participates in academic governance, serving on committees such as the College of Public Health’s Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Committee.
Dr. Joseph Keenan is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University's School of Psychology. His research explores health psychology, behavior change, and implementation science, with a focus on digital health platforms for chronic conditions, palliative care, and health inequality. He has led projects like 'The Embers Project' – a digital health education platform for children – which was shortlisted for Nursing Times and RSPH awards. Research interests center on qualitative methodologies (e.g., Longitudinal Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis) and behavioral theories including Self-Determination Theory and COM-B. As Doctoral College Lead, he oversees PhD admissions, training, and community development. Awards include nominations for Teacher/Supervisor of the Year and recognition for equitable clinical trial recruitment initiatives. He holds external examiner roles at the University of Derby and serves on advisory boards for Childhood Tumour Trust and RareMinds. Current doctoral students include Chelsea Murphy, Caitriona Plunkett, and Elizabeth McCoy among others. His work emphasizes ethical frameworks and practical applications in digital health innovation.
